Family Fun in the San Bernardino Area
The San Bernardino area offers a wide variety of family-friendly attractions. These include mountain lakes and forest adventures as well as shopping districts, amusement parks, and outdoor recreation.
Arrowhead Springs Nature Preserve & Retreat makes an ideal home base for visiting each of these destinations. Our central location means you’re just a short drive from the area’s best activities. Plus, our property is perfect for family get-togethers. Reunions, multi-generational vacations, and large gatherings are all easily accommodated by our retreat.
Whether you're traveling with young children, teenagers, grandparents, or a large extended family, you’ll find there are plenty of things to do in San Bernardino to make everyone happy.
Lake Arrowhead Village
Lake Arrowhead Village combines shopping, dining, entertainment, and waterfront scenery into one walkable destination. Families can browse specialty shops, enjoy ice cream and snacks, take photos along the waterfront, or simply spend time enjoying the mountain atmosphere.
Children often have fun watching boats on the lake, exploring the village pathways, and participating in seasonal events and activities. Meanwhile, adults can relax on outdoor patios, enjoy a leisurely meal, browse local boutiques, or simply sit by the water while visiting with friends and family.
Located in Skyforest, Santa's Village offers a unique blend of amusement park attractions, outdoor activities, and seasonal entertainment. The park features rides, interactive experiences, playground areas, and live entertainment that keep children engaged throughout the day.
Fun for Kids
- Amusement rides designed for younger visitors
- Seasonal activities and holiday-themed attractions
- Adventure courses and outdoor play areas
- Character experiences and live entertainment
Time for Adults
While children enjoy the attractions, adults can take advantage of the park's mountain setting, browse gift shops, relax in seating areas, and enjoy refreshments throughout the property. The slower pace (compared to larger theme parks) often makes it easier for extended families to spend time together.
Santa's Village California
San Bernardino National Forest
The San Bernardino National Forest offers countless opportunities for families to experience Southern California's mountain landscapes. With picnic areas, scenic drives, hiking trails, and visitor centers, families can customize their day based on their interests and activity levels.
Many forest recreation areas include picnic tables, open spaces, and short nature trails where children can explore safely with supervision. Adults often appreciate the opportunity to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and spend time talking while surrounded by pine forests, mountain views, and fresh air.
Lake Gregory Regional Park is one of the area's most popular destinations for families, particularly during the warmer months. The lake features swimming areas, a seasonal waterpark, fishing opportunities, walking paths, and boat rentals.
Fun for Kids
- Inflatable waterpark attractions
- Swimming beaches
- Playground areas
- Paddleboard and kayak rentals
- Seasonal family activities
Time for Adults
Lake Gregory is particularly appealing because it provides numerous places for adults to relax while remaining close to the action. Parents and grandparents can watch children from the beach, enjoy shaded picnic areas, stroll along the lakeside path, or sit with a fishing rod while younger family members burn off energy in the water.
Lake Gregory Regional Park
Big Bear offers year-round recreation that appeals to every generation. During winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snow play areas, and scenic mountain views. Warmer months bring hiking, boating, mountain biking, ziplining, and lake activities.
One of Big Bear's greatest advantages for family groups is the variety of activities available within a relatively small area. Adventurous family members can tackle outdoor excursions while others enjoy lakeside dining, shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing at local parks.
Big Bear Lake
Stay at Arrowhead Springs Nature Preserve & Retreat
For families planning a reunion, holiday gathering, or multi-generational getaway, the San Bernardino area offers a balance of adventure and relaxation that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
With Arrowhead Springs Nature Preserve & Retreat serving as a comfortable home base, families can spend their days exploring mountain attractions and their evenings reconnecting with the people who matter most.
Book your reservation today!