Looking for great activities for kids on your Calaveras summer vacation? Hot summer temperatures inspire us to find the coolest activities currently available, complete with recommended restaurants and lodging. Read on for our picks on where to take the kids for summer adventures.
Explore Underground
Here’s the full scope of what our three show caves in Calaveras offer:
California Cavern
Underground: 60-80 minute guided walk tour (ages 4 and up) | 4-hour Middle Earth Expedition (ages 16 and up) reservations required | 2-hour Mammoth Cave Expedition (ages 8 and up) reservations required | Limited time: Historic Lantern Tour (ages 8 and up) reservations recommended
Above ground: Gemstone mining flumes | Visitor Center with cave bear skeleton & Gift Shop | Volleyball court | Picnic tables
Eats: The Pickle Patch Deli is a local favorite for lunch, and a few doors down El Mezcal will take care of your Mexican food cravings.
Probably one of the absolute coolest adventures your kids will never forget, is the Mammoth Cave Expedition at California Cavern. Available for ages 8 and up, the trip takes you and your kids on a thrilling wild cave exploration with only cave helmet lights to light the way. Climb, crawl and squirm through this fascinating and deliciously cool environment (approximately 57°F) over 2 hours and you’ll be tapping into your inner kid too. One caveat… you must be the kind of parent who loves playing in the mud and not claustrophobic. Reservations are required. Call 866-762-2837. All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. Be sure to bring a change of clothes for after your muddy adventure.
Mercer Caverns
Underground: 45-minute guided walk tour (ages 4 and up)
Above ground: Gemstone mining flumes | Visitor Center & Gift Shop
Eats: Grounds serves up hearty a breakfast burrito or a plate of Belgian waffles or grab burgers, wood-fired pizza or some fish tacos at Firewood. For sweet treats, hit Nelson’s Candies or Joma Artisan Ice Cream.
Nearby: Splash and play in the creek at Murphys Community Park.
Lodging: Murphys Suites has lots of parking and is an easy walk from town, and its sister Murphys Inn Motel has a pool.
Moaning Cavern Adventure Park
Underground: 45-minute guided walk tour (ages 4 and up)
Above ground: 1500-ft twin zip lines – kids 70lbs plus can zip by themselves, those under 70lbs can zip tandem with a parent for a maximum combined weight of 280lbs | 32-foot climbing tower ages 2 and up | Cuddles the cockatoo | Visitors Center & Gift Shop | Picnic tables | Gemstone mining flumes
Eats: Murphys Pizza Co. welcomes families with two big screen TVs to catch the latest sporting event and a giant chalkboard wall to pass the time while waiting for a delicious pizza to arrive. Parents can enjoy a glass of local wine or beer on tap, and there are plenty of options for kids!
Explore Outside
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
For a jaw dropping stroll through a magical ancient forest, Big Trees should be on the top of the list. Located a few miles east of Arnold at about 5,000 feet, the park is home to two groves of giant sequoias that have been reaching skyward for at least 2000 years. At the entrance to the park’s North Grove you’ll find the new visitor center with excellent interpretive displays of the wildlife and history of the surrounding forest, short films and a well stocked gift shop. The park’s campgrounds are open through November, and while reservations book up early for summertime use, last minute cancellations just might be your diamond in the rough – and a another unique treat for the family. Check availability here.
Eats: When exiting the park, turn right, head east about four miles to The Lube Room Saloon. A laid-back, family- and pet-friendly place whereo the whole gang can hang out together! Great burgers, craft beer on tap, and lots of space for kids to run.
White Pines
This little gem just outside the town of Arnold is a perfect spot to take the kids on a hot day, with a shaded picnic area and extensive play structure, as well as a nice sunny beach and shallow wading area. Need to rent kayaks or paddleboards? Head over to SNAC and they’ll fix you up. Be sure to load up on picnic supplies at Big Trees Market in Arnold before heading out. Make it a day long outing with a hike or bike ride on the nearby Arnold Rim Trail and a visit to the fabulous Sierra Nevada Logging Museum, just a short walk from the lakeshore.
Eats: Head back to Highway 4 in Arnold to Giant Burger for, well, burgers, of course, and authentic milk shakes in pretty much any flavor you might want. Get a photo with Arnold’s mascot carved bear on the front patio!
Play at the Park
Calaveras parks are perfect for a family picnic and let the kids run and play. Check out Murphys Community Park in the center of downtown Murphys where you can pan for gold in the creek or play under the giant, shady oak trees. Newly renovated Utica Park in downtown Angels Camp has a playground, shaded picnic tables, an adult workout area, bbq pits, and plenty of space to run! Turner Park in San Andreas is another “gold mine” of family fun with not only the picnic tables and room to run, but also basketball courts, a small skate park, a bump bike track, and horseshoe pits. Perfect for a relaxing family outing!
Eats: In Moke Hill, get a hearty, friendly breakfast at the new Angie’s Place at the four-way stop, or lunch in downtown Moke Hill at the historic Hotel Leger.
Disc Golf & Mini Golf
Find disc golf courses in Murphys at Feeney Park, White Pines Park in Arnold, Rick’s Revenge course in Bear Valley, and Plug Ugly in San Andreas. Perfect for groups of friends, families and even couples, disc golf is a fun and affordable way to explore the area’s parks and natural spaces. If mini golf is more your style, head to Murphys at 265 Tom Bell Road for Murphys Mini-Golf, a 9-locally themed interactive good time complete with mystery spinner play challenges. The whole thing is self-serve at $8 per player, and proceeds all go back to community programs and charities.
Go to the Movies!
Angels Theater shows all the latest summer hits in comfy, air-conditioned theaters. Grab some popcorn and take in this summer’s blockbuster!
Eats: Lunch on the patio at The Pickled Porch with outrageously huge sandwiches and salads, then cross the street for handcrafted ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor. Yummmmeee!
Need lodging in Calaveras?
Looking for a great place to stay in Calaveras? Check our lodging listings for everything from a cozy hotel room to vacation homes that can fit the whole family!