Traveling with kids can be quite difficult, but it’s easy to find places to entertain them on the central coast.
1) Morro Bay Museum of Natural History
Open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Morro Bay Museum of Natural history has a wide variety of exhibits that detail the environment of the estuary and surrounding area. Historical and scientific content is provided in simple language and format, meaning that anyone of all ages can learn something new about the pristine landscape. Many of the exhibits are interactive, and some are even fun games and challenges for kids to experience part of the local ecological processes on their own! Additionally, there are a variety of craft tables, allowing kids to express their creative freedom and color their own marine habitats. Special events and exhibits are regularly held at the museum, along with a CCSPA gift shop selling locally crafted goods.
2) Elephant Seal Beach & Boardwalk, San Simeon
Open 24 hours; Volunteers present from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer questions
If there’s one thing I know about kids, it’s that they love animals that make funny noises. And that love doesn’t end in adulthood. Watching elephant seals go about their daily business (as in laying on the sand and sleeping in the sun) provides an exciting experience for a whole family. One could use their observation of the seals as a teaching moment about respecting local wildlife, or simply watch and smile at the engaging activities the seals partake in. Plus, there’s a multitude of volunteers from the Friends of the Elephant Seal that can answer essentially every possible question one could have about the creatures, and help kids learn more about the animals.
3) Prefumo Canyon
Driving and Hiking Available Year-Round; subject to closures
Prefumo Canyon’s scenic viewpoint gets everyone excited about nature. At any time of the day, the view of rolling hills that stretch to the coast is absolutely awe-inspiring. Kids are so excited to adventure and walk around on the hills, piquing their curiosity of nature. Driving up the canyon is simple, but there are also a number of hiking trails that range in difficulty, which can provide a fun weekend activity for families.
4) Monarch Grove
Open 24 hours year-round; best viewing time is October – February
Butterflies are wonderful, and we’re lucky to have seen the incredible conservation and restoration effort of our local Monarch Butterfly population. Through fall and winter, Monarch Grove is filled to the brim with literally hundreds of orange butterflies. The eucalyptus grove is just a few minutes south of the center of Pismo Beach, but the tall trees and natural setting makes one think they’ve been transported to a magical, far-away land. Kids can learn about the butterfly life cycle, and be inspired to become environmental stewards through learning about recent population struggles of the local butterflies. Monarch Grove provides a relaxing, natural environment for kids to discover their love for the gorgeous insects.
5) Elfin Forest
Open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week
Elfin Forest is nothing short of magical. Lying off South Bay Boulevard between Morro Bay and Los Osos, the 90-acre area has a wide variety of rare and unique plants, animals, and sights. There are a number of mostly flat trails, perfect for kids to run around and explore the fascinating environment, and benches for picnics. The twisting shape of the trees will absolutely ignite kids’ imagination, and encourage them to ponder the different kinds of trees in our local area. Plus, the location couldn’t be better – it’s super close to both Montaña de Oro and Morro Bay State Park.
