Family Fun
A curious ostrich at OstrichLand USA in Buellton
Must-try activities in and around town for kids of all ages
Santa Ynez’s Folded Hills Farmstead invites guests to feed their friendly animals (from goats and piglets to llamas) and grab some organic produce to take home. 2323 Old Coast Hwy, Gaviota, 805-694-8086, FOLDEDHILLS.COM.
OstrichLand USA is home to more than 100 ostriches and emus that roam the Solvang ranch. 610 E Hwy 246, Solvang, 805-686-9696, OSTRICHLANDUSA.COM.
For little equestrians, SB Party Ponies offers group and private horsemanship lessons at Modoc Riding Ring, as well as pony or miniature horse visits for parties. 805-335-0538, SBPARTYPONIES.COM.
Of course, there’s always the Santa Barbara Zoo—unique in its proximity to the ocean—with more than 500 animals housed across 30 acres. 500 Ninos Dr., Santa Barbara, 805-962-5339, SBZOO.ORG.
All net proceeds from The Elephant Project plushies benefit nonprofits that aid and protect the animal. THEELEPHANTPROJECT.COM.
Adventurers can rent an electric Moke car from Santa Barbara’s Wheel Fun Rentals or Solvang’s Moke Experience. 805-650-7770, WHEELFUNRENTALS.COM; 1510 Mission Dr., Solvang, 866-523-6653, MOKEXP.COM.
At Lighthouse Skate Shop, stock up on gear before hitting the half-pipe at Skater’s Point nearby. 16B Helena Ave., 805-770-3042, Santa Barbara, LIGHTHOUSESB.COM.
Head to A-Frame or Surf Happens in Carpinteria for private surf lessons or kids’ summer surf camp. 3785 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, 805-684-8803, AFRAMESURF.COM; 3825 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, 805-966-3613, SURFHAPPENS.COM.
Don’t miss the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s summer exhibit of surfboards, paintings, and historic photos. 113 Harbor Way, Ste. 190, Santa Barbara, 805-962-8404, SBMM.ORG.
Lil’ Toot provides narrated boat rides between the S.B. Harbor and Stearns Wharf, as well as private birthday parties. 237 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, 805-465-6676, CELEBRATIONSANTABARBARA.COM.
Hit up the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and its Sea Center for a close-up look at the wonders of the ocean. 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, 805-682-4711; 211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, 805-962-2526, SBNATURE.ORG.
Endless interactive exploration awaits at the MOXI science museum. 125 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-770-5000, MOXI.ORG.
When hunger strikes, hit up the Scoop Shop at Rosewood Miramar Beach for burgers and gelato. 1759 S. Jameson Ln., Montecito, 805-900-8388, ROSEWOODHOTELS.COM.
God’s Country Provisions’ donuts and small-batch lemonade from their Los Olivos Lemons stand always hit the spot. 252 E. Highway 246, Ste. C Buellton, 805-691-9222; 2902 San Marcos Ave. D, 805-691-9222, Los Olivos, GODSCOUNTRYPROVISIONS.COM.
And be sure to stop by the new Coco-Belle Cabana at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn to shop stylish summertime ensembles for the kids. 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-688-7788, @COCOBELLELOSOLIVOS.
Written by Anush J. Benliyan
Photographs by OstrichLand, Elephant Project, Folded Hills, and Moke cars, Sara Prince. SB Zoo, Sheri Horiszny. SB Party Ponies, Los Olivos Lemons, Lighthouse, and Coco-Belle, Sara Prince.
