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For the young and young at heart

Santa Maria offers something for the entire family. This fun-filled playground in the foothills of the Sierra Madres and just minutes from pristine beaches will bring out the child in everyone. Most of the activities are low cost or free. For more information call the Santa Maria Valley Convention and Visitor & Convention Bureau at (800) 331-3779.

Parks

Waller Park
Shaded by towering pines surrounding a tranquil lake, this park is a children’s paradise with a playground, pony rides, barbecue and picnic areas, disk golf, a gazebo and plenty of room to roam and play. 300 Goodwin Road, Santa Maria. (805) 934-6211.

Preisker Park
Feed the ducks and geese in the peaceful surroundings of the city’s largest park. 2301 Preisker Lane, Santa Maria. (805) 925-0951 ext. 410.

Nojoqui Park
A great place for a family picnic and hike. A short 10 minute walk leads to a meandering stream which delivers a cascading 100-foot waterfall. 10 minutes from Solvang on Alisal Road. (805) 688-4217.

Playscapes

Boomer’s
Miniature golf, raceway go-karts, bumper boats, video games, and deluxe batting range for total family fun. 2250 Preisker Lane. Open daily. (805) 928-4942.

YMCA Skateboard Park
Located adjacent to the YMCA facility, this 15,000 square foot park contains numerous ramps including quarter pipes, half pipes, boxes, rails, jumps, hills and a vertical ramp. A special area for beginners is also available. 3400 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, (805) 937-8521.
 

Paul Nelson Aquatic Center
Enjoy year-round swimming for children of all ages. Special children’s wading pool with frog slide and mushroom shower. 516 McClelland Street. (805) 925-0951 ext. 352.

Rancho Bowl
Enjoy 20 bumper lanes for striking fun for the whole family! 128 East Donovan Road, Santa Maria. Call (805) 925-2405.


Santa Maria Speedway
Take to the track for stock car races each Saturday night in Nipomo. April through October. (805) 922-2233.

Central Coast Sports Arena
Kids of all ages will enjoy roller skating and roller hockey at the Central Coast Sports Arena. Public skating sessions and birthday parties are available on weekends and holidays. Call for skate session dates and times. 937 S. Thornburg, Gate 7, Santa Maria. (805) 739-0920.

Farmers Market
Fresh picked seasonal produce and colorful blossoms! Come out to the Central City Farmer’s Market Tuesdays at Oak Knoll South on the corner of Bradley Road and Clark Ave. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Wednesdays at the Town Center West at Broadway and Main St. from 12:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Info: (805) 343-2135.

YMCA
Enjoy swimming and recreation activities any time of the year. 3400 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. (805) 937-8521.

Missions

La Purisima Mission Historic State Park
Of the 21 Franciscan Missions in California, this is one of the three preserved within the State Park system. Indeed, all the major buildings have been rebuilt and furnished as they were at the mission's zenith in 1820. Located near Lompoc on Highway 246, 23 miles southwest of Santa Maria. There is an entry fee of $2.00 per private vehicle; buses are $20. Tour information: (805) 733-1303. Park information: (805) 733-3713.



Mission Santa Inez
Established in 1804 as the 19th California Mission, Santa Ines sits in splendor with handpainted murals by Indian artists as well as priceless works of European art and sculptures. Enjoy the beautiful garden or visit the resting place of Indians and early California settlers of Spanish, German, Irish, and Portuguese descent. Located 38 miles south of Santa Maria. Admission $3. Children 12 & under are free. (805) 688-4815.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Visit the Old Padre Quarter or see such artifacts such as Chumash Indian vessels, religious vestments and the original Mission Altar. Located 34 miles north of Santa Maria in San Luis Obispo. Admission is free. (805) 546-6850.

Museums

Santa Maria Museum of Flight
Wander through this large museum featuring World War II and present-day displays of aircraft and artifacts. The museum is open Friday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 kids 12-18; $1 kids 6-12. Group tours available, call to schedule. (805) 922-8758.

The Natural History Museum
Kids of all ages will enjoy this museum featuring rock and fossil exhibits from the area, native bird displays, a bat-room, and an interactive work station for further exploration, and a touch table featuring rocks, shells and other surprises to play with. See an extensive shell collection from the area too! Admission is free. 412 South McClelland, Santa Maria. Hours: Wednesday 12-3p.m.; Saturdays 11-4p.m. and by appointment. (805) 614-0806.

Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum
For a glimpse into the history of Santa Maria and the people who settled here, visit the Santa Maria Valley Historical Museum. The museum preserves the history and nostalgia of the city with pictures, artifacts, and valley memorabilia. Ask about the Historic Walking Tours. Admission is free. 616 South Broadway, Santa Maria. (805) 922-3130.

Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum
This hands-on museum offers a chance for children to learn while they play. Explore a wide range of interactive exhibits which include Toddler Territory, Fun House mirrors, a puppet theater, undersea tunnel and much more. Call for the schedule of special events including fun Make & Take Activities! General admission $4. Children 2 and under $1. This museum is located at 321 Town Center West, Santa Maria. The museum is open Tuesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (805) 928-8414.

Santa Maria Valley Railway Historical Museum, founded as a non-profit, educational museum, is dedicated to the preservation of the railroad heritage of California, the Central Coast, and the Santa Maria Valley. Admission is free. The Museum is located in the Santa Maria Town Center, corner of East Main Street and Broadway, on the upper level across from Robinsons May. (805) 937-5438.

 

Off the Beaten Track
a short drive – but worth the effort

Hearst Castle
The enchanting hilltop retreat of William Randolf Hearst is one of California’s top tourist attractions. Don’t miss the large format films playing daily at the new National Geographic Theater. Off Highway 1 in San Simeon. (800) 444-4445.



Chumash Indian Casino
Las Vegas style thrills including card room, video game lounge or high stakes bingo tables. 35 miles south on Highway 101 to Highway 246 east, Buellton. (800) 728-9997.

Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch
Quicksilver Ranch is located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, just 30 miles north of Santa Barbara. Tours are available by appointment only, for 20 people or more at $3.00 per person. 1555 Alamo Pintado Road, Santa Ynez. (800) 370-4002.
 

Ostrich Land
Home of hundreds of the biggest birds in the world. 610 E. Highway. 246 in Buellton. (805) 686-9696.