Santa Barbara in 2 Days for Families - Hands-on fun at MOXI and the Sea Center
A relaxed, kid-focused 2-day plan for families visiting Santa Barbara in late spring. Short transfers, stroller-friendly stops, interactive museums and safe beach play; built-in nap/snack breaks and allergy-aware dining suggestions.
Highlights
- Hands-on fun at MOXI and the Sea Center
- Gentle beach time at East Beach with stroller-friendly paths
- Wildlife and play at Santa Barbara Zoo
- Picnic in Alice Keck Park and a kid-friendly Mission visit
Itinerary
Day 1
Waterfront day: start on Stearns Wharf with hands-on sea exhibits, carousel and playground time, beach play and a relaxed zoo visit. Built to minimize transfers and allow naps/snacks.
Explore the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf (hands-on tidepool exhibits)
Start the day at the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf — interactive tidepool touch tanks and local marine displays that are perfect for younger children (recommended ages 2–10). The wharf is a simple, flat walk from nearby parking and offers fresh-air views.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive right at opening to avoid crowds and to let toddlers touch tidepool tanks with minimal waiting; the Sea Center has low-touch exhibits good for ages 2–8.
- Stroller note: Stearns Wharf is stroller-friendly but watch the wood slats and small gaps; use the outer boardwalk away from the edge and park the stroller at the Sea Center entrance during hands-on exhibits.
- Family facilities: restrooms/changing stations are on or near the wharf; bring a light jacket—morning breeze can be cool even in May.
Ride the Santa Barbara Carousel & play at Chase Palm Park
Short walk from the wharf to Chase Palm Park: the classic carousel (coin-operated) and a large playground give younger kids a chance to run and reset energy levels.
Tips from local experts:
- Carousel is a great 1–2 ride reward for children ~2–8 years — bring a few quarters and have an adult ride with toddlers.
- Stroller hack: there is paved access and nearby benches where you can park a stroller while kids play; shade structures are limited—bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Facilities: public restrooms are nearby; the park is quieter midweek—if visiting on a weekend, arrive before 11:00 to avoid busier late-morning crowds.
Family lunch at Brophy Bros. (harbor-side, kid-friendly)
Casual seafood and kids-friendly menu at the Santa Barbara harbor with views of the boats. High chairs and flexible menu options are usually available.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table away from the railing edge if you're with toddlers; high chairs and kid portions are available on request.
- Allergy/flexibility: Brophy's staff are used to family requests—ask about milder preparations (grilled fish, plain sides) and they can usually accommodate simple allergies.
- Parking: harbor lots are nearby but can fill midday—allow 10–15 minutes for short walks from the lot; request servers bring drinks/child snacks first if kids are hungry.
East Beach — play, sand, and quiet nap time on the lawn
A wide, gentle beach with a long paved path for strollers, lifeguards in season, and a grassy area for naps and picnics. Great mid-day beach time for sand play and short naps for little ones.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick a spot near the paved promenade for easy stroller access and quick trips to restrooms; rent an umbrella if shade is needed during midday sun.
- Bring a pop-up sun shelter for toddlers' naps; the grassy lawn near the promenade is ideal for a calm rest while older kids dig and play.
- Lifeguards are on duty in spring/summer near main beach entrances—keep younger children in sight and consider swim vests for near-shore paddling.
Santa Barbara Zoo — animal viewing and kid play areas
A compact, well-laid-out zoo that’s easy to navigate with strollers and perfect for preschool and elementary-aged children. The small size keeps walking distances reasonable.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages 2–10: paths are stroller-friendly and exhibits are close together so you can see a lot without long walks; bring a lightweight stroller for naps between exhibits.
- Check feeding/demo times at the entrance — timed activities are short and great for kids; restroom and changing facilities are available within the zoo.
- Parking: the zoo has a lot but it fills—aim to arrive mid-afternoon after beach time; plan a 10–15 minute buffer for ticketing and restroom breaks.
Early family dinner at Los Agaves (casual, allergy-aware Mexican food)
Popular, casual Mexican spot with a menu kids like (tacos, quesadillas) and staff used to family requests and allergy considerations. Early dinner helps avoid the evening rush.
Tips from local experts:
- Go early (6:00 PM) to secure a family table and minimize wait times for restless children; high chairs available on request.
- Los Agaves is flexible—ask for milder spice levels and simple sides for picky eaters and many gluten-free/vegetarian options.
- If you need a stroller-friendly restroom, request a table near the front entrance which is closer to accessible facilities.
Evening treat: McConnell's Ice Cream (small scoop for the kids)
Finish the day with local, family-loved ice cream on State Street—great as a short sweet stop before heading back to your lodging.
Tips from local experts:
- Portion tip: order a 'baby cup' or small scoop if kids are full from dinner—McConnell's offers some dairy-free and seasonal flavors for sensitive eaters.
- Short line hack: try slightly off-peak (around 7:15–7:30) to avoid the biggest after-dinner rush on weekends.
- Stroller note: the State Street location has a quick take-away counter—grab your cones and find a bench nearby to sit as a family.
Day 2
Interactive museums and gardens day: hands-on science at MOXI, a relaxed picnic and the Natural History Museum with a visit to the Mission. Pace includes snack and restroom breaks with short walks between spots.
MOXI — The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation (interactive exhibits)
A hands-on science and innovation museum with exhibits designed for kids and pre-teens. Ideal for exploratory, tactile play and indoor learning on a cooler spring morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages 4–12 for the majority of exhibits; toddlers can enjoy sensor-based activities but require close supervision around moving exhibits.
- Timed-entry or advance tickets are recommended on weekends; arrive 10 minutes early to get settled with strollers in their designated areas.
- Facilities: MOXI has family restrooms and a nursing room; bring socks for children as some hands-on stations ask you to remove shoes.
Pickup sandwiches & pastries at Jeannine's Bakery (quick grab-and-go)
Local bakery with family-friendly options to pick up sandwiches, soups and pastries for a relaxed park picnic. Good for picky eaters and allergy-friendly substitutions on request.
Tips from local experts:
- Order ahead by phone if arriving midday; they offer simple sandwiches that kids often prefer and can pack items to-go for easy park dining.
- Allergy note: Jeannine's can often accommodate dairy/egg substitutions on some items—ask staff when ordering.
- Quick transfer: this is a short drive/walk from MOXI; plan 10–15 minutes for pickup and restroom use before heading to the park.
Picnic and play at Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden
A shady, stroller-friendly garden with ponds and meandering paths. Benches and grassy spots make it ideal for a calm family picnic and a short rest or nap for younger children.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller-friendly: paved paths and gentle slopes make it easy to navigate with strollers; choose a bench near the pond for a peaceful eating spot.
- Facilities: restrooms and shaded benches available—use this time for a calm feeding or nap for younger children before the museum afternoon.
- Kids will enjoy watching ducks and the small bridge—bring a small ball or bubble blower for a quick quiet play session that won't disturb other visitors.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (fossils, live animals, and nature trails)
Interactive natural history exhibits including an entomology area, live animal displays and short nature trails — great for curious kids and families who enjoy hands-on learning.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages 3–12: the museum's discovery-focused exhibits are great for early elementary kids; push strollers are fine inside the galleries.
- Plan for 1.5–2 hours and check feeding/animal-demo times at entry to catch a live presentation; restrooms and family changing facilities are available inside.
- Parking: the museum lot sits near the campus; if you need a nap window, the adjacent shady picnic areas can be quiet between 1:00–2:00 PM.
Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara (gardens and gentle courtyard stroll)
Short visit to the historic Mission grounds and rose garden. The flat paths and sheltered courtyard are suitable for strollers and offer a calm cultural stop that isn’t too long for kids.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep this visit to ~45–60 minutes — you can enjoy the rose garden and courtyard without overtaxing young attention spans.
- Stroller note: the Mission grounds and gardens are largely paved and stroller-friendly; the church interior may have limited room so plan to rotate carrying if needed.
- Facilities: restrooms are available on site; pick quieter late afternoon times (after 3:00 PM) to avoid school group visits and noisy tours.
Early family dinner at Pizza Mizza (casual pizza with kids' options)
Finish the trip with simple, kid-friendly pizza and salads in a relaxed environment. Quick service, high chairs and easy options for picky eaters make this a convenient final meal.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a few small pizzas to share so kids can try different toppings; they are used to families and can make plain cheese or custom pies quickly.
- Seating: request a table near the entrance for quick exits if kids get tired; ask for high chairs or booster seats when you arrive.
- Dietary needs: pizza shops usually accommodate dairy-free cheese or plain crusts for allergies—call ahead if you need special accommodations.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Total Activities | 13 |
| Total Places | 13 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Restaurant, Outdoor, Meal, Culture |
