Planning a family vacation in Calaveras County, California? With caves to explore, lakes to swim and paddle, giant sequoias to discover, and mountain adventures around every corner, Calaveras offers plenty of ways to keep kids active, curious, and entertained.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer family vacation, these kid-friendly things to do in Calaveras County offer a mix of outdoor adventure, nature, history, and plenty of opportunities to make family memories.
Go Underground: Explore California’s Caves
One of the most memorable family activities in Calaveras County is going underground at one of the area’s spectacular limestone caves.
On a hot summer day, head to Cave City near Mountain Ranch and explore California Cavern State Historic Landmark. The cave stays a refreshing 57°F year-round, making it a welcome escape from the summer heat. The approximately one-hour walking tour is a great introduction to the world beneath Calaveras County and is accessible for many families. Expect some ducking and maneuvering along the way as the trail winds through the cavern. For families with older children or adventurous teens, California Cavern also offers longer wild-cave adventures, providing a more immersive experience with headlamps, coveralls, and plenty of crawling and climbing.
And California Cavern isn’t the only place to explore underground. Families can also visit Mercer Caverns in Murphys or Moaning Cavern Adventure Park near Vallecito. All three cave attractions offer above-ground gemstone mining, making it easy for kids to take home a special Calaveras souvenir.
Family tip: Caves are naturally cool, so bring a light jacket or sweatshirt, even during the summer.
Jump in the Water: Lakes, Creeks & Swimming Spots
When temperatures rise, there’s nothing better than finding a place to cool off. Calaveras County has plenty of family-friendly swimming, paddling, and water activities.
White Pines Lake
Just about a mile from Highway 4 in Arnold, White Pines Lake offers enough activities to fill an entire family day. The lake features a playground, small sandy beaches, and a disc golf course. Families can rent (from Sierra Nevada Adventure Company ak SNAC) or bring a kayak or paddleboard, while anglers can try their luck fishing for stocked trout. White Pines is also an excellent place for families who want to combine water activities with a little hiking. The lake sits next to an entrance to the Arnold Rim Trail, where an easy section of trail leads into a beautiful forest of fir and cedar trees. Families can choose a short walk or continue farther depending on everyone’s energy level. History-loving kids will also enjoy the nearby Sierra Nevada Logging Museum, where historic logging equipment provides a fascinating look at the region’s logging heritage.
New Melones Lake
New Melones Lake in Calaveras County, California, is a fantastic destination for families looking to enjoy the outdoors. With warm-weather opportunities for swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and picnicking, there are plenty of ways for kids and parents to stay active and explore. Families can spend the day playing along the shoreline, launch a kayak or paddleboard, try fishing, or explore nearby trails and scenic overlooks. Skip the hassle of hauling your own boat and rent a watercraft at New Melones Lake Marina instead. Choose from a variety of options, from spacious houseboats to thrilling jet skis, and spend the day enjoying everything New Melones Lake has to offer. The lake’s wide-open landscape and easy access to outdoor recreation make New Melones Lake a great family-friendly destination near Angels Camp, whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer Calaveras County vacation.
Lake Camanche
Lake Camanche is a fantastic family-friendly destination in the Sierra foothills, offering plenty of ways for kids to enjoy the outdoors. Families can spend the day swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, picnicking, or exploring the lake by boat. The South Shore even has a trout pond that is especially popular with young anglers, while both shores offer children’s playgrounds and family camping options.
For families who want to turn a day trip into an overnight adventure, Lake Camanche has tent camping, RV sites, cottages, and shoreline campsites, making it easy to create a classic California lake getaway. The lake also offers boat and kayak rentals, so families don’t need to bring their own equipment to enjoy time on the water.
Go Big: Giant Sequoias & Giant Rocks
For a quintessential Calaveras family adventure, head east of Arnold to Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
Walking beneath the towering giant sequoias is an experience kids are unlikely to forget. The park’s North Grove offers an accessible introduction to these remarkable trees, with interpretive signs along the trail that help families learn about the sequoias and the surrounding forest. For families looking for an easy nature walk, the North Grove is a great place to start. Families with older children and more experienced hikers can explore the South Grove Trail, a 3.5-mile loop that winds through a spectacular stand of giant sequoias, including some of the largest and oldest trees in the park. The trail offers a more immersive forest experience, with peaceful meadows, towering trees, and interpretive signs that bring the history and ecology of the sequoia grove to life.
Every season brings something different to the park.
Spring brings wildflowers, flowing streams, and blooming dogwoods.
Summer offers cool forest temperatures and excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring.
Fall bursts with colorful foliage against the backdrop of towering evergreen sequoias.
Winter transforms the park into a peaceful, snow-covered wonderland. Excellent time to snowshoe through the park with the family!
Good to know: Dogs are not permitted on the park’s hiking trails, so families traveling with pets should plan accordingly.
More Ways to Have Fun as a Family in Calaveras
Calaveras Parks
Calaveras County Park is a great place for families to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and let kids burn off some energy. With open spaces and opportunities for picnicking, playing, and exploring, it’s an easy addition to a family day in Calaveras County, California. Find a list here of parks and swimming pools throughout Calaveras.
Murphys Mini Golf
More family-fun in Murphys can be found at the Murphys Mini Golf at the intersection of Tom Bell Road and Highway 4. Challenge the family to a round of miniature golf, enjoy a little friendly competition, and take a break from exploring downtown. It’s an easygoing activity for kids of all ages and a great addition to a day of shopping, dining, and sightseeing in Murphys.
Angels Camp Museum
The Angels Camp Museum is a fun and educational stop for families exploring Calaveras County, California. Kids can step into the past and discover the region’s Gold Rush history through fascinating artifacts, historic vehicles, mining equipment, and exhibits that bring Calaveras history to life. Located in historic Angels Camp, the museum offers families a chance to learn, explore, and connect with the people and stories that shaped the California Gold Country.
Angels Camp Theater
The historic Angels Camp Theater is a fun stop for families looking for entertainment in the heart of Calaveras County. This charming local theater offers opportunities to enjoy movies, special events, and community performances in a classic small-town setting. Check the calendar during your visit to see what’s playing and make an evening at the theater part of your family getaway to Angels Camp and Calaveras County.
Make a Day of Ebbetts Pass & Bear Valley
For families ready to venture farther into the mountains, take Highway 4 and the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway toward Bear Valley.
Bear Valley is an outdoor playground in every season, with activities ranging from hiking and biking to paddling, fishing, climbing, and winter sports.
In summer, families can:
- Explore the area’s hiking trails
- Climb and scramble over the granite boulders around Bear Valley
- Ride bikes
- Play disc golf
- Explore Box Canyon and its beautiful aspen groves
- Rent paddleboards
- Enjoy a family game of lawn or field games
Winter family activities include:
- Skiing & snowboarding at Bear Valley Ski Resort
- Sledding & tubing in the Bear Valley Meadow – Check in with Bear Valley Adventure Company for sleds & tubes
- Sledding at Spicer Sno-Park – Bring your own sleds and make sure to get a day parking pass from the forest service.
For families with younger children, Bear Valley Mountain also offers seasonal programs and activities designed specifically for kids.
Lake Alpine
Have more than a day? Spend the night near Lake Alpine. The lake is a popular family destination for fishing, camping, paddling, and enjoying the mountain scenery. A paved path along portions of the shoreline makes it easy for families to explore on foot or by bike.
