10 Affordable Kids Activities in Big Bear Lake

FAMILY-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCES FOR ALL AGES

Big Bear Mountain Resort is renowned for its skiing and snowboarding in the winter, but it’s also an alpine oasis for outdoor adventurers near Los Angeles in the summer, featuring plenty of family-friendly options like mountain biking, hiking, and base area activities, with discounts available for kids and seniors.

Here are 10 affordable things to do with kids in Big Bear Lake this summer.

1. RIDE THE SCENIC SKY CHAIR

Enjoy panoramic views of the Big Bear Valley on a mile-long ascent through the San Bernardino National Forest on Snow Summit’s Scenic Sky Chair before arriving at the mountaintop (elevation 8,200 feet). This one-of-a-kind activity is perfect for outdoor adventurers of all ages.

Average Cost: Free for kids & seniors. Restrictions apply. Starts at $25 for adults.
Deals:
-Advance purchase, military & group discounts available
-Free lift tickets for kids (ages 12 & under) & seniors (80+)
-Lift + Lunch packages available
-Get a season pass for unlimited rides
-Free lift ticket on your birthday
-Free rides for bike park & winter season passholders

Learn more about deals & discounts.

2. MOUNTAINTOP PLAY AREA

An outdoor adventure area for kids (ages 5-12) at the top of Chair 1 behind Skyline Taphouse with natural features like logs, ropes, and other obstacles. Guests must hike or take a Scenic Sky Chair ride to the mountaintop to access the playground. 

Average Cost: Free

3. MOUNTAINTOP DINING

Experience Big Bear’s only mountaintop dining at Snow Summit’s Skyline Taphouse, located at the top of Chair 1 (elevation 8,200 feet), featuring outdoor BBQ, kids' favorites, and amazing vistas.

Average Cost: Menu items start at $7.50
Deals: Bundle a Scenic Sky Chair lift ticket with lunch at the Skyline Taphouse and save.

4. HIKING

Big Bear Mountain Resort is home to some of Southern California’s best hiking, from leisurely mountaintop laps with picturesque lake views to an extensive network of Forest Service trails that are easily accessible from the Snow Summit and Bear Mountain base areas. Check out the all-new Bobsled Trail for an enjoyable 2-mile top-to-bottom trek featuring breathtaking views of SoCal's tallest mountain, Mt. San Gorgonio (elevation 11,500 feet).

Average Cost: Free

5. BASECAMP ACTIVITIES

Big Bear Mountain Resort also offers several base area activities that are perfect for little explorers and thrill-seekers alike, including a 30-foot climbing wall, Euro Bungee trampoline, Quick Jump free fall, and zip line. All activities are located in the Snow Summit Basecamp area, next to the Adventure Academy on the west end of the base area.

Average Cost: Starts at $17.
Deals: Bundle all activities into a day pass to save. Group discounts are available.

6. GRIZZLY RIDGE TUBE PARK

Great for outdoor enthusiasts for all ages, summer tubing is fun for everyone. Skip the hiking and take a magic carpet to the top of the tube park, then slide down our synthetic tubing lanes as fast as you can in one of our high-speed tubes.

Average Cost: $17-$25 per ticket.
Deals: Summer tubing is also included in the Adventure Day Pass. Group discounts are available.

7. SUMMIT MINING CO.

Pint-sized prospectors will enjoy getting their hands dirty as they sift through sand and rocks at Summit Mining Co. in hopes of striking it rich. Grab a bag of mining rough with hidden gemstones, arrowheads, and other fun finds, then uncover the treasures by using a screen tray and water flume in the sluice box. Summit Mining Co. is located in the base area at Snow Summit.

Average Cost: $7-$12 per sandbag.
Deals: Purchase an Adventure Day Pass and add on one sandbag for only $7.

8. DAY CAMPS

Snow Summit’s Adventure Academy Summer Camps offer an immersive all-day (8AM-3PM) experience for kids ages 6-12 featuring a variety of outdoor adventures and activities – including hiking, mountain biking, arts and crafts, and more – available on select dates in the summer.

Average Cost: $99-$119 per day.

IMPORTANT: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, this year’s summer camps will be postponed until 2021.

9. MAKE TIME FOR NINE

Whether you’re a scratch golfer, new to the game, or somewhere in between Bear Mountain Golf Course offers a unique experience for players of all skill levels. Easily accessible from most points in Southern California, players can enjoy the benefits of playing at 7,000 feet with the sun-splashed San Bernardino Mountains as your backdrop on an idyllic 9-hole course featuring a full-service pro shop, driving range, and practice area.

Average Cost: Starts at $30.
Deals:
-Add lunch to your round & save
-Group & military discounts
-Free birthday round

Learn more about deals & discounts.

10. MOUNTAIN BIKING

Big Bear Mountain Resort is home to Southern California’s best lift-served, gravity fed bike park, with terrain for riders of all ages and ability levels. From adrenaline-pumping downhill trails featuring an ever-changing mix of jumps, berms, and features to an extensive network of cross-country trails accessible from the Snow Summit base area, there’s plenty to explore.

Average Cost: Free for kids & seniors. Starts at $36 for adults.
Deals:
-Advance purchase, military & group discounts available
-Free lift tickets for kids (ages 12 & under) & seniors (80+)
-Lift + Lunch packages available
-Get a season pass for unlimited rides
-Free lift ticket on your birthday
-Free rides for bike park & winter season passholders

Learn more about deals & discounts.



Big Bear Mountain Resort is typically open to the public for summer operations from May through October*.

NOTE: Weather can vary at higher altitudes, so be sure to check our mountain report before planning your next outdoor adventure.

*Operating dates subject to change based on weather conditions and other extenuating circumstances.

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