Family Fun 2-Day Itinerary
Bringing the whole crew along for the ride? Then let us do the planning with a locally curated itinerary, before you set off on a family fun adventure!
Best For: Families, Outdoor Wonders, Lake Days, Slow & Relaxed Vacations.
Time Frame: 2 Days
Season(s): Spring & Summer
For some reason, Big Bear works for kids a little bit in the warm months. There's less of a hustle and flow to things; that gives time to just be together. As a parent, that's kind of what traveling with family should always be about, right?
A 2-day itinerary is meant to be relaxed, not a drop everything to-do list. It's balance of getting out and seeing / doing things while letting everyone have some breathing room. A few fun adventures made whole with downtime activities and memories you’re going to look back on.
Where to Stay?
Where you stay with your little ones is going to mean so much more than you might initially realize. After a long day of running around, playing hard and soaking up the fresh air, you're going to need a place where you can hit reset and lounge for a bit.
Somewhere comfy and a little spacious so the family can sprawl out and kick back after spending all day outdoors. We've curated a few cozy options to check out if you want to ditch your family camping trip for some comfy cabin, home, or hotel living in Big Bear Lake.
Arkouda Cabins
Tucked into a serene tree-scape, Arkouda Cabins offer families a quiet sanctuary, merging modern amenities with a cozy cabin feel to make any family outing relaxing.
Big Bear Cool Cabins
Discover your ideal getaway with Big Bear Cool Cabins and their wide array of cabins that cater to families of all sizes, pet owners and diverse needs in the heart of the mountains.
Resort Town Rentals
Choose from lakeside homes to spacious family cabins with Resort Town Rentals; bound to make every family vacation to Big Bear, a welcoming and convenient experience.
Shore Acres Lodge
Shore Acres Lodge features stylish cabins right on the lake, offering quick access to Big Bear Lake's stunning views, boating activities and waterfront trails for the entire family.
Noon Lodge
Experience an innovative fusion of vintage camp charm and contemporary design at Noon Lodge, creating an eclectic and comfortable haven for the whole family in Big Bear Lake.
Sierra Blue Hotel &, Swim Club
Situated centrally in Big Bear Lake, Sierra Blue Hotel & Swim Club provides comfortable, renovated rooms and an indoor pool that is perfect for family fun and easy exploration.
Day 1 - Kickstart Your Morning
Mornings in Big Bear aren't to be rushed during spring and summer, start the day right by having an easy breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee to sip while enjoying the mountain air.
Once you've had your fill and are ready for an adventure, ease into the day by taking a fishing trip, ziplining through the forest, or tearing up the off-road trails with Big Bear Off-Road Experience to make it an unforgettable day on your next family adventure!
Other plans in case of weather
- Wake up and enjoy an irresistible early-morning breakfast at Grizzly Manor Cafe.
- Wander through the Village exploring its various different shops then grab some treats and relax.
Adventuring on a budget
- Pack some breakfast sandwiches for an early-day walk or bike along the scenic Alpine Pedal Path.
- Walk or rent bikes to go along the Alpine Pedal Path for some beautiful scenic views of the valley.
Options when bringing the little ones
- Start the morning with a scrumptious breakfast from your cabin as the little ones play in the sun outside.
- Let the kids explore at their own pace along the lakeside; discover nature and let curiosity take over.
Choices for your fluffy companion
- Start with a scenic walk around the Big Bear Lake Village path that's open to dogs.
- Head to Dank Donuts for a tasty treat and coffee while your dog hangs out with you on their patio!
Afternoon Activities
Things kick into high gear around lunchtime!
Drive down to Big Bear Lake and rent some kayaks or stand-up paddleboards from one of our many marinas or Getboards.
Take a stop by Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain an adrenaline-pumping afternoon on Southern California's first ever Mountain Mineshaft Coaster.
Rock on with Fire Rock Burgers &, Brews; a kid-friendly, rock-n-roll themed stop that is sure to please picky eaters.
Other plans in case of weather
- Get out of the sun and see how fast your family can work together to beat the clock at an Escape Room.
- Pop in and see a movie at Village Theaters for a refreshing midday escape.
Adventuring on a budget
- Take advantage of what nature has to offer by having a picnic lunch in Meadow Park.
- Escape the afternoon heat for a low-key, educational activity with a trip to Chirp Nature Center.
Options when bringing the little ones
- Watch the little ones burn off some of that energy as they run around freely on the shoreline or parks!
- Keep the activities on the shorter side to prevent burn out or opt for a relaxing scenic picnic by the lakeside.
Choices for your fluffy companion
- Let your best friend roam leash-free at one of Big Bear's dog parks.
- Walk into town and enjoy an afternoon frozen yogurt (froyo!) with your pup at Beary Bliss
Evenings in Big Bear
Slowing down and mellowing out usually occurs in the evenings. Stroll through the Village and let your kids pick out some unique keepsakes at one of many, a winner for kids and adults.
For a simple, family-friendly dinner with familiar favorites, head to Jakobe’s.
Afterwards, if you still have a bit of daylight left, opt to take in the view on the shoreline for a breathtaking sunset; for something simple that just never gets old.
Other plans in case of weather
- Bundle up with warm blankets and grab some snacks for a cozy movie-night in your cabin.
- Keep things a little more low-key with board games and delicious takeout delivered to you.
Adventuring on a budget
- Visit the newly renovated Big Bear Bowling Barn to burn off any remaining day-time energy.
- Enjoy dinner-time without the pressure of cooking with many family-friendly restaurants around town.
Options when bringing the little ones
- Spend the evening immersed in film or set the Big Bear Eagle Cam for soothing sounds of the valley.
- Dim or turn off the lights for a cozy night of stories and/or spooky tales around a toasty fireplace.
Choices for your fluffy companion
- Enjoy dinner outdoors at pet-friendly restaurants such as Amangela's Sandwich & Bagel House!
- Take a relaxed stroll through the streets after the Village crowds have died down
Day Two - A Slower Morning Start
Skip the morning alarm if possible.
Make your own breakfast in the cabin or walk around the corner for something simple to kick off the morning. Today is a lazy start to the trip.
The lake is right there for your last visit or even just a leisurely walk around it if you've not seen enough!
Other plans in case of weather
- Enjoy an unhurried breakfast at one of Big Bear’s many local cafes.
- Take a detour to the Village and stop by a souvenir shop for something special to remember your trip.
Adventuring on a budget
- Opt to take another quick short stroll down by the lake and soak it all in.
- Pull over at one of Big Bear’s vista points to capture lasting family memories.
Options when bringing the little ones
- Give the kiddos the reigns and let them decide where they want to visit for one last activity.
- Flexibility is key, you will not want to burn out kids before the journey home.
Choices for your fluffy companion
- Have your adorable canine join you for a last scenic hike on one of the local trails.
- Grab a snack to go and a coffee for you to make your journey more enjoyable.
Afternoon Adventures
If you want to fit in one more adventure, this is a great moment to try something different.
Spend a relaxed afternoon at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. It’s not your usual zoo, which makes it especially fun for kids. The animals are part of a rehab program, so you might learn something new.
Plus the zoo is small, so it’s easy to walk through and keeps everyone interested without taking up your whole day.
After the zoo, keep lunch simple and fun. Village Sports Bar or Sandy’s Sports Bar are both great choices for families. The menus have something for everyone, and the relaxed atmosphere makes everyone feel comfortable.
You’ll usually find several TVs showing different games, plus a few arcade games to keep the kids busy while you wait for your food. It’s an easy stop that doesn’t take much planning.
Options when bringing the little ones
- The zoo is a good fit for younger kids, with lots to see along the way.
- Keep things easy and let the kids set the pace.
Choices for your fluffy companion
- You can take turns visiting the zoo while someone else takes your dog for a walk nearby.
- Head to a dog-friendly patio for lunch instead.
An Evening on the Lake
If you’re not quite ready to end your trip, this is a great way to wrap things up.
A lake tour is easy to enjoy and makes for a memorable experience. You can ride the Big Bear Queen, take a scenic trip from Pine Knot Marina, or try something playful like the Pirate Ship at Holloway’s Marina. It’s a fun way to see Big Bear from a new angle.
The pace is slow, the views are wide open, and it gives everyone a chance to relax after a busy few days.
After the lake, dinner is a chance to relax one last time. Rosa’s is a great choice if you want something tasty in a casual setting. If your group wants something different, Dynasty is a good spot for shareable dishes so everyone can find something they like.
Other plans in case of weather
- Head back to your cabin and wind down an early movie night.
- Grab a decadent dessert in the Village and keep things simple.
Adventuring on a budget
- Skip the boat tour and enjoy a peaceful sunset walk along the lake instead.
- Pick up takeout and have a relaxed dinner back at your cabin.
Options when bringing the little ones
- Boat tours are a simple choice because everyone can sit back and enjoy the ride.
- Bring a light jacket because it can get chilly on the water.
Choices for your fluffy companion
- Check the pet policies for boat tours before you go as some may allow your fluffy companion aboard.
- If needed, you can choose a lakeside walk instead to end your trip.
One Last Adventure Before Heading Home
Before leaving town, remember to appreciate one more memory to create. Even if it is one last short trip to the lake or taking time out of your busy day to take pictures of your surroundings, remember those simple moments the best!