Introduction
Our family trip to Bakersfield started almost by chance. We were looking for a destination that wasn’t too far, had a mix of outdoor space, kid‑friendly activities, and the possibility of a relaxed pace—and Bakersfield delivered more than we expected. From open parks and nature trails to engaging museums and indoor fun when the valley heat kicked in, we found plenty that kept both the kids and adults happy. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through 12 of the best things to do with your family in Bakersfield, CA—each one tried, enjoyed, and recommended for a well‑rounded outing.
12 Things To Do With Family In Bakersfield, CA (2026)
1. Visit the Kern County Museum
The Kern County Museum offers a fascinating peek into local history with over 50 historic buildings, oil‑industry exhibits, and a kids’ discovery center.
Why we loved it: The kids were intrigued by the old‑time train station and schoolhouse, while I appreciated the outdoorsy setting and variety of exhibits. It offered a slower‑paced, educational morning.
Tip: Plan for about 2 hours here, and bring comfortable shoes since there’s a bit of walking between buildings.
See Also: 12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Lubbock, TX
2. Spend a few hours at the California Living Museum (CALM Zoo)
According to family‑friendly guides, CALM Zoo is “a beloved Bakersfield zoo and botanical garden combo perfect for families” thanks to its up‑close animal encounters and scenic setting.
Why we loved it: The zoo was a manageable size for our little ones—not overwhelming—and offered both animal sights and shaded paths for a comfortable visit.
Tip: If it’s hot, go early or later in the day. Bring water bottles and maybe focus on a few key exhibits to keep energy up.
3. Bike or walk the Kern River Parkway Trail
Stretching through Bakersfield, the Kern River Parkway Trail offers scenic, flat paths for family walks or bike rides.
Why we loved it: We rented bikes, rode part of the trail by the river, stopped for a picnic, and the kids had space to run and explore.
Tip: Choose a segment appropriate to your kids’ age and stamina. Early morning or evening helps avoid the worst of the heat.
4. Explore the outdoors at Hart Memorial Park (part of Kern River County Park)
Hart Park, within Kern River County Park, is a large green space featuring lakes, picnic areas and lawn fields.
Why we loved it: We took blankets, watched the ducks, let the kids run around the open lawn and even rented a small paddle boat. It was a great half‑day option.
Tip: Bring snacks and pick a shaded spot for relaxation. It’s also ideal for a nature break between busier activities.
5. Indoor Fun at an Activity Center (e.g., Arcade/Indoor Adventure)
On the days when the weather got too warm or we just needed a break inside, we found great indoor family spots—like go‑karts, arcades, and play zones. One article lists these as top picks for kids.
Why we loved it: It gave us a chance to recharge, let the kids burn off energy without sun exposure, and kept everyone engaged.
Tip: Check for deals or day‑pass options, and plan this for midday when outdoor heat peaks.
6. Pick your own fun at Murray Family Farms
One family‑friendly suggestion: “Pick your own fruits and vegetables, enjoy a hayride and maze” at Murray Family Farms—great for combining fun and farm work.
Why we loved it: The kids loved the hayride and running through the maze, and we enjoyed the fresh‑air farm feel. It made for a memorable afternoon.
Tip: Check seasonal activities (pumpkin patch, corn maze) and go earlier if possible to beat crowds and heat.
7. Relax and paddle at Lake Ming
For a different type of outdoor adventure, Lake Ming offers boating, fishing and camping—an ideal setting for families wanting water time.
Why we loved it: We rented a small boat, floated leisurely, shared snacks lakeside and the kids loved spotting birds and fish.
Tip: Bring swimsuits or towels, water shoes, and considering rentals ahead of time. Late afternoon can be especially pleasant.
8. Visit the Bakersfield Museum of Art & other indoor cultural stops
For a more relaxing, creative afternoon, indoor museums like the Bakersfield Museum of Art and Buena Vista Museum of Natural History offer educational and engaging experiences for the family.
Why we loved it: After an active morning, this stop allowed for calm reflection and creative inspiration—parents and kids both found something to enjoy.
Tip: Check for family‑friendly programs/tours and consider combining this with a nearby café for lunch.
9. Take a nature walk at Wind Wolves Preserve (just outside Bakersfield)
If you’re willing to drive just a little, Wind Wolves Preserve provides a rich nature experience with trails, wildflowers and family‑friendly picnic areas.
Why we loved it: It felt like a nature escape—kids could explore trails, we saw wildflowers and enjoyed a slower pace away from city hustle.
Tip: Plan half a day, bring snacks, water and comfortable shoes. Ideal for spring when flowers are in bloom.
10. Visit an aquatic center to cool down (e.g., McMurtrey Aquatic Center)
On those warmer Bakersfield days, a swim or splash at the McMurtrey Aquatic Center provided much‑needed relief and family fun.
Why we loved it: Kids went down the slides, we lounged poolside, and it gave balance to outdoor, sun‑heavy activities.
Tip: Check the opening hours and whether life jackets or swim diapers are required.
11. Adventure and imagination at themed parks (e.g., Camelot Park)
Camelot Park is one of many themed parks in Bakersfield that offer imaginative playgrounds, sand zones, climbing areas and more.
Why we loved it: The “castle‑playground” had the kids engaged, we got some rest while kids played in a safe environment, and the snack shack nearby was a plus.
Tip: Great for younger kids or as a shorter stop on a packed day. Bring hats and water, as some playgrounds are shaded but outdoor.
12. Evening out & dinner in Bakersfield
After full days of activity, one of our nights was spent strolling downtown Bakersfield, grabbing a relaxed family‑friendly dinner, and letting the kids pick a dessert spot.
Why we loved it: It gave that sense of “we’re on vacation” without being overwhelming. The mix of local restaurants and low‑key evening stroll hit the sweet spot.
Tip: Consider restaurants with kid menus or space for strollers. Evening timing helps—cooler air and fewer people.
Final Thoughts
Our family’s trip to Bakersfield turned out to be much more than just a stopover—it was a place where we discovered new favorites, relaxed, laughed, and felt connected. The city surprised us with its blend of nature, indoor fun, history and simple, family‑friendly spaces.
A few practical takeaways:
- Balance active and relaxed: We paired nature‑heavy mornings with indoor/restful afternoons, which kept energy levels steady.
- Check for sun/heat: Bakersfield and surrounding areas can get warm. Early starts, swims, shade and hydration all helped.
- Plan with flexibility: We had backup indoor options in case of heat or tired kids—this made the trip smoother.
- Mix ages & interests: The variety meant that younger kids had play parks or zoos, older kids enjoyed trails or bikes, and adults appreciated nature or culture.
- Downtime matters: Some of our favorite memories were simple: a picnic in Hart Park, a lazy boat ride at Lake Ming, ice‑cream after museum visit.
- Enjoy the local flavor: Bakersfield has its own unique charm—farm visits, local museums, outdoor trails that felt different from major tourist cities.
If I had to pick one moment from our trip that stands out: It’s the late afternoon at Lake Ming—kids splashing while we watched from the shore, golden light on the water, and a sense of “we’re together, we’re here” that felt quietly perfect.
So if you’re planning a family visit to Bakersfield—pack your sunblock, your sense of adventure, some comfy shoes, and maybe a picnic blanket for the grass—and get ready for a trip where every member of your family will find something they love.
Happy exploring in Bakersfield—and here’s to making memories!