Information About California for Kids
California provides young visitors with chances to experience natural wonders, wildlife, ocean scenery and amusements. The challenge lies in selecting from the numerous activities for kids and their parents. Select activities to fit your budget and to enjoy the time with the kids.
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Redwood Forests
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Kids can play and learn about nature by visiting the tallest trees in the world at the coastal redwood forests. The Junior Ranger program through the National Park Service includes an hour-long program hosted by a park ranger with information about the flora and fauna of the redwood forests. With their families, children can experience the old-growth forests through picnics, hiking and biking. Look for wildlife such as beavers, elk and sea lions. Fresh air, along with the scent of the trees and nearby ocean, create unforgettable memories of nature.
Pacific Coast Highway
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The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway Route 1 holds many attractions for kids. The dramatic cliffs and energetic ocean waves give kids images of wild nature. Take breaks at parks and picnic areas noted for hiking paths, wildlife viewing and vistas of the ocean. Kids can learn to identify the hearty flora and fauna of the region. Near Carmel, the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve holds hiking trails and views of sea lions, whales and seals. The informative brochures help kids learn about wildlife preservation and ocean safety precautions.
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Theme and Amusement Parks
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California offers theme and amusement parks for many ages and interests. As the original theme park, Disneyland continues a tradition of combining cartoon character Mickey Mouse with rides from Disney movies. Knotts Berry Farm gives kids a choice of themes, including Camp Snoopy and Wild Water Wilderness. Universal Studios brings kids into the world of movie-making. For kids who enjoy learning about marine animals, Sea World in San Diego and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Marine World provide chances to see dolphins, sharks, sea lions and penguins. For a boardwalk amusement park, kids like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, with modern rides and an antique carousel.
History
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Kids can experience California's history and unique contributions. Visits to old Spanish missions offer gardens and nature walks among the traditional mission architecture, or the more dramatic fortress San Gabriel Arcangel mission near Los Angeles. Kids interested in archeology can visit the Natural History Museum at Humboldt State University to see fossils and learn about butterflies and honeybees. For a look at old gold mining towns, travel on Highway 49 to see Sutter's Mill, where the 1849 gold rush started. Kids can pan for gemstones, crack geodes and visit a gold mine.
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