The Ultimate Guide to Kid-Friendly Santa Barbara
Welcome to Santa Barbara With Kids, your trusted guide for family-friendly fun and local adventures.
Whether you're a local parent or visiting with little ones, you'll find real recommendations for things to do in Santa Barbara with kids. That includes shaded parks, weekend events, swim lessons, toddler play spaces, and kid-friendly restaurants.
No more endless scrolling. This site brings together trusted tips and must-visit spots so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying. Discover Santa Barbara's top attractions, family classes, seasonal festivals, and everything in between, all curated with families in mind.
Things to Do with Kids in Santa Barbara
Planning your next family outing? From beach days and hands-on museums to local playgrounds and hidden gems, we've rounded up the best things to do in Santa Barbara with kids. These family-friendly spots make it easy to explore, play, and enjoy the coast with little ones in tow. Whether you're a local parent or visiting for the weekend, these are the places that belong on your list.
Local Resources for Parents
Looking for a great preschool, a trusted child therapist, or a mom group that actually meets? Our Parent Resources guide helps Santa Barbara families find the support they need. From parenting groups and wellness providers to fitness classes with childcare and nearby preschools, it’s all here. These are real recommendations from local families who’ve been there too.
Family-Friendly Events in Santa Barbara
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Our Kids Events calendar is updated weekly with storytimes, concerts, seasonal festivals, and local events for children of all ages. Skip the last-minute Googling and find out what’s happening in Santa Barbara and Montecito, all in one place.
SUBMIT YOUR LOCAL EVENT HERE
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
The Creative Lab: A Unique Art Space for Kids in Santa Barbara
If you're looking for kids' art classes in Santa Barbara that go beyond finger painting, The Creative Lab is a must-visit. This thoughtfully curated studio focuses on the creative process, offering hands-on art experiences that help children build confidence, express themselves, and explore new mediums like clay, photography, and mixed media. With small class sizes and a welcoming, community-centered vibe, it's a space where every child feels supported and inspired.
Founded by a local mom and lifelong maker, The Creative Lab offers after-school programs, seasonal art camps, and weekly classes for toddlers to teens. It's quickly becoming one of Santa Barbara’s top spots for families seeking meaningful, creativity-driven activities that support both artistic growth and emotional development.
Santa Barbara Scoop:
Blog Edition
-
Kids’ Classes and Sports in Santa Barbara
Make a splash this summer with the best swim classes in Santa Barbara — plus toddler dance, gymnastics, soccer, and music! We've rounded up top kids’ classes and sports programs to keep little ones active, learning, and having a blast all season long. Whether your child is diving into swimming for the first time or ready to explore a new passion, these local picks are fun, confidence-boosting, and parent-approved.
-
Family and Kids Photographers in Santa Barbara
Whether you're capturing a first birthday, family milestone, or just want beautiful everyday moments, we've got you covered. These Santa Barbara photographers come highly recommended by local families and know how to keep kids relaxed and smiling.
-
Preschools and Daycares in Santa Barbara
Looking for a preschool or daycare that fits your family? Start here. This guide features trusted early education and childcare programs in Santa Barbara, all recommended by real parents who’ve been through the search.
Catch our daily dose of fun!
