Santa Barbara Activities for Kids

This week it has been a great honor to be included as a contributor on one of my FAVORITE blogs, GeorgeandRuby.com. A  great Silver Lining this spring was meeting Marissa Kraxberger, an avid traveler, mom of two (adorable!) children who also happens to blog for Oscar de la Renta “about the whirlwind of fashion + social media and sippy cups + sesame street.”  Marissa had me at “Hello.”  She is absolutely fantabulous.

Anyhoo, we chatted about everything from – yep – fashion to kids to travel to fun (in Santa Barbara).  She asked if I would do a “Travel Tuesdays” post for her and I agreed – on one condition – that she promise to visit. So, for the record, this post is in exchange for a visit with Marissa and her family in Santa Barbara!

I thought that I’d take this opportunity to share with you, dear readers, some of the gagillion reasons why Santa Barbara is truly heaven on earth. The people, weather, beaches, mountains,  farmer’s markets (every day of the week!), sky, and parks are truly beyond belief. I’ve never visited a place more magical than Santa Barbara. The ultimate Silver Lining is that I get to LIVE here!  There is not a single day that I do not feel and express gratitude for this!

One of my favorite things to do is to welcome people – especially families! – to town and help them plan their itineraries. Below is pretty doggone near perfect weekend plan that will leave everyone with big smilies on their faces!  So, please, come visit!

Here is our list of favorites in town:

Attractions and museums: 

Santa Barbara Museum of Art: http://www.sbma.net/programs/kidsfamily.web

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History: http://www.sbnature.org/education/43.html

Santa Barbara Mission: http://www.santabarbaramission.org

Santa Barbara Zoo: http://www.sbzoo.org

Kid-friendly restaurants:

Trattoria Mollie: http://www.tmollie.com/tmollie/Welcome.html

Padaro Beach Grill: http://www.padarobeachgrill.com

East Beach Grill: http://www.santabarbara.com/dining/a_stones_throw/east_beach_grill/

Boathouse: http://www.sbfishhouse.com

The Habit Burger Grill: http://www.habitburger.com/santa-barbara/

Parks:

Community Parks: http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/Parks/parks_community_main.html#ChasePalm

Kid’s World: http://www.santabarbarafun.net/kid-s-world

Chase Palm Park and Carousel: http://www.conejovalleyguide.com/kids-activities-blog/chase-palm-park-and-carousel-in-santa-barbara.html

Shoreline Park: http://www.santabarbara.com/activities/parks/shoreline/

Ice cream shops

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams: http://www.mcconnells.com

Rori’s Artisanal Creamery: http://www.rorisartisanalcreamery.com

Scoop: http://www.santabarbara.com/dining/review_read.asp?pk_restaurant=1441

A couple of extra’s: 

Santa Barbara Farmers Market schedule: http://www.sbfarmersmarket.org

Santa Barbara Rock Gym: http://sbrockgym.com