Family Fun on the Central Coast of California

Lavender farm
Tour the lavender farm and then pick your own lavender at Hambly Farm Store. In addition to the lavender, there is a variety of farm animals for you to feed and visit with. Bring along a picnic and enjoy the beautiful view.

Jack Creek Farms and Pumpkin Patch
This farm has a large outdoor Kid Play Zone that will keep the under-seven crowd entertained for a few hours. They also have a You-Pick Farm and charming gift store. Visit in October when pumpkins take over — great photo opportunities!

Kiler Ridge Olive Oil
Fantastic olive processing tours are available in addition to tastings.

Ravine Water Park
This fantastic, locally owned and operated waterpark is a great way to spend a hot day. While not huge, it has seven different waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool and a great tadpole kids' zone with its own set of four slides! The biggest benefit to a small-town waterpark: small-town crowds are much easier to manage and lines move quickly. Level up by renting a cabana for food and drink service that comes to you!

Santa Margarita Adventures
This two-and-a-half-hour zip-line tour includes six incredible zip lines and countless breathtaking views. You will have the chance to zip-line through vineyards, forests and farmland. A great family bonding experience in the form of a great adventure. When you finish up, swing by Ancient Peaks Winery for a quick tasting!

Paso Robles Children’s Museum
Located in the original fire station in downtown Paso Robles, the Children’s Museum has two floors of fun — imaginative play, a pizza parlor, a large crafting area and a ball pit! Plus, there is an original fire truck outside and another one inside.

The Estrella Warbird Museum
This museum, located by the local Paso Robles airport, boasts an impressive collection of military aircraft, vehicles and memorabilia collected from the last 100 years. Visit on a Friday or Saturday and you can schedule a time to use the full sized F/A - 18 cockpit simulator, acquired from the nearby Lemoore Naval Air Station. Grab breakfast before or lunch after at Joe’s One-Niner Diner for great food, big portions and a view of the airport runway.

Ballons Over Paso
Head out at sunrise to see the beauty of Paso Robles from the sky. The groups are kept small — two to five guests at a time — making it perfect for a family to do together. The whole experience takes about three hours, with one hour in the air. Or if you would rather, you may have a similar experience in a helicopter with Paso Air Tours.

Vina Robles Amphitheater
This outdoor amphitheater picks up great acts that are working their way up California, so take a look at who will be in town when you are visiting. The theater includes a large grass lawn area where you can set up a picnic blanket to enjoy the show — the cheapest and best tickets in the house! Food and wine are available for purchase.

Zoo To You
Zoo to You is an animal conservancy that provides homes to displaced, abused, abandoned or permanently injured wild and exotic animals. It is their mission to protect these animals while educating others about the importance of conservation. Book a private, two-hour “animal encounter” for your kids and win the best parent award. Every tour is custom to the group, but have a chance to be up close with kangaroos, river otters, capybaras, lemurs, monkeys, eagles and more. Take it one step further and book a glamping tent for the night and sleep with the animals!

Day trip: Tour a farm and learn about cheesemaking
Located near the coast along San Simeon Creek, Stepladder Creamery is a small, family-owned farm and artisanal creamery. The tour is a delight, especially in the spring when there are baby lambs, cows and goats romping around the hillside.

Fish Gaucho
Modern Mexican food, big tables and great service. There is something for everyone, but, for the adults, be sure to try a mezcal or tequila cocktail! Lunch is offered on the weekends. From Monday through Friday, save by going for happy hour from 3 to 6 pm.

Odyssey World Cafe
It may not be the flashiest or newest place in town, but you cannot beat the quality of food for the price and your children will not annoy anyone. This menu covers the world, meaning everyone can find something to eat, and you can count of fresh ingredients and large portions.

Los Robles Cafe
The al pastor tacos are not to be missed. This is great for dine-in or take it to go — easy, delicious Mexican food. Pay in cash to save on the five percent on credit card fees (a tax on the non-locals). Beer is available, or bring a bottle of crisp rosé and pay only $1 a glass as corkage!

Ziggys
This delicious plant-based restaurant specializes in burgers, tacos and delicious flavor combinations. The KCK (korean fried cauliflower) and crunch wrap supreme are not to be missed.

Via Caravaggio
Wonderful pizzas, made in a wood-fire pizza oven brought over from Italy. The Caesar salad makes a great shared side, but the big winner with your family will be the Nutella and strawberry pizza for dessert! Indoor and outdoor seating available, with lots of room for kids to run around outside. Located inside the Paso Market Walk.