Family Fun in Santa Clarita
Over the last two decades, Santa Clarita has enjoyed phenomenal growth, due in part to its reputation as a great place to raise a family. Naturally, there's quite a lot for families to enjoy, too:
Santa Clarita Parks
The City of Santa Clarita operates 20 public parks. All feature play areas for children, and several also offer swimming and other amenities like basketball courts and swimming pools. More Info
The city also operates a 40,000 square foot state-of-the-art Skate Park:
George A. Caravalho Santa Clarita Sports Complex
20880 Centre Pointe Parkway
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
(661) 250-3747
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Parks and Visitors' Centers
The Placerita Canyon Nature Center
19152 Placerita Canyon Road
Newhall, CA 91321
(661) 259-7721
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The mission of this county facility is to educate the public about the natural environment. There are hiking trails, a nursery devoted to native plants, and even a compost education center. The six-member staff (and 70+ volunteers) also hold weekly family nature walks each Saturday at 11:00 AM, and an animal presentation at 1:00 PM. Best of all, these programs are free.
William S. Hart Ranch and Museum
24151 Newhall Ave.
Newhall, CA 91321
More InfoHart was one of the silent era's biggest stars and made his home right up here in the Santa Clarita Valley. The website promises that his mansion (which houses much of Hart's collection of Western art) will reopen for tours soon (it has been closed to the public for several months while being renovated). Even without that attraction, there are plenty of things for a family to see, including a nature trail and animal area, where your kids can commune with horses, ducks, chickens, cows and even American bison (descendants of a gift Walt Disney made 50 years ago).
Attractions
Scooter's Jungle
28230 Constellation Ave
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 877-4400
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Indoor playgrounds have been around for a while, but few have the size and scope of Scooter's, which boasts three different age-appropriate "Jungle Areas" filled with inflatable slides, zip-lines, climbing structures , obstacle courses and bounce houses.
The place was truly uh, hopping with birthday partiers on the Sunday when I visited, but the public can join in the fun during the week for open play time. Every Wedneday and Thursday from 10:30 – 12:00 is Toddler Play at a discounted rate of $7 per child (you can save a little more by purchasing a 10-visit "Express Card" for $60). There are other open play events during the month; check the website for details.
Mountasia Family Fun Center
21516 Golden Triangle Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
(661) 253-4386
More InfoKids eventually outgrow the inflatables at Scooter's and start looking for activities that are a little more extreme. Mountasia fills that need with everything a tween could desire: Go-Karts, Lazer Tag, a Climbing Wall, Batting Cage, Bumper Boats, Video Arcade and Miniature Golf. Admission prices depend on the activity. There are also "unlimited play" options – call the center for details. And should anyone get hungry, you can treat the whole gang to outrageous sundaes at Farrell's. Just make sure you bring some Excedrin.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
26101 Magic Mountain Parkway
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 255-4100
More InfoIn much of the Southland, Santa Clarita is synonymous with this 40-year-old amusement park best-known for its thrilling roller coasters.
But Magic Mountain also has 25 rides suitable for younger kids, including Thomas Town and Bugs Bunny World. And their annual pass is something of a bargain: Right now, they're selling their 2011 pass for $59.99 (the same price as a one-time adult admission). These are good for the remainder of 2010 and all of next year, too. Also, if you purchase four, you get access to Hurricane Harbor's summer season, too.
