5 Things To Do With Kids In Arcata

5 Things To Do With Kids In Arcata

Summertime on the northern California coast! Beachcombing, kickin’ it at the dunes, dipping toes in the ocean with all the whales, octopi, and other amazing creatures in the very same water! — or catching up on your reading, trying new food, luxuriating in hotel spas…California dreamin’. You might prefer to stand awed amongst the whisper-quiet primordial redwoods, as tall as the sky, scarcely daring to breathe or make a sound…

These are just the obvious awaiting you at Arcata.

A town famous for tall trees, big waves, and local characters is definitely full of adventures for the kiddos. To make sure everyone has fun, check out these five things to do with kids in Arcata.

1. Humboldt State University operates the Natural History Museum, where admission for a family of four is just $15 (two kids, two adults). Kids can take a virtual tour of the redwood forest, learn about evolution with skeletons, and discover varieties of crabs, butterflies, bugs and seashells that are native to the North Coast.
2. Come summer, snag tickets to cheer on Arcata’s favorite baseball team, the Humboldt Crabs. The stadium is located in the heart of downtown Arcata – watch out for fly balls if you’re parked nearby! Games are full of kid-friendly activities led by Crusty the Crab.
3. If your kids are still balls of energy, swing by the Arcata Community Forest and try to keep up! A jungle of rolling trails crisscrosses 790 acres of redwood trees, green ferns, and gurgling streams. Bikes and dogs are welcome. At the bottom of the forest, you will find Redwood Park, with a fully equipped playground, picnic area, and sunshiny grassy field. Come swing and slide among the tall trees.
4. If your teenagers aren’t into hiking, pop across town to the Arcata Skate Park where helmets and good vibes are required.
5. After a long day of shopping, hiking, and sightseeing, it’s time for… ICE CREAM! Among the bright case of colorful flavors at Arcata Scoop, kids can choose from classic Chocolate or get fancy with a scoop of Honey Vanilla Lavender on a waffle cone. The flavors are inspired by organic, seasonal ingredients and are best enjoyed while sitting in the shop’s carousel. Eat up, before it melts!

For more information about fun places to visit while in Arcata, check their website or stop by The Arcata Humboldt Welcome Center, 1635 Heindon Rd, (707) 822-3619. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; plus Sat 10am-3pm during summer.

…And while you’re in the vicinity, don’t forget to check out Sequoia Park Zoo in nearby Eureka.

Watch Animal Feedings, Learn about the Forest and Explore Animal Diversity: From flamingoes to Patagonian cavies and Crested screamers, Chacoan peccaries, White-handed gibbons and yaks – what the heck are all these? Come and see!

Summer Hours 10 am-5 pm, May 1-Sept 30.

Admission: Adults $10, Seniors (60+) & Military (w/ID) $7, Kids 3-12 $6, Babies 0-2 Free.  EBT card holders $2 (limit 5 tickets/household/visit – must show valid card with ID) 

ALL visitors receive half-price regular admission on the first Wednesday of the month (not valid on EBT tickets).

Check the website for available events & classes.

3414 “W” Street, Eureka. (707) 441-4263.