Best Things to Do on Catalina Island for Families: From Avalon Beach to Island Interior Adventures
You don’t have to go all the way to Hawaii to enjoy an amazing island getaway with your family. Book a boat ride for your family, and travel 26 miles across the sea from the Southern California mainland to the island town of Avalon. Catalina is the perfect place for families with kids. It is that sweet spot where teens and even pre-teens can have a bit of freedom to roam the town–grab an ice cream cone, play arcade games, go fishing, get lunch, or buy some souvenirs. It’s also a great place to come together for days on the water and days at the beach. And while a lot of visitors only ever get to know the little town of Avalon, there is so much more to explore with your crew.
Catalina Tours offers a number of options for family fun, whether it’s by land or by sea–and sometimes–even by air. Read on to learn more about the best things to do on Catalina Island for families, from days on the beaches of Avalon to adventures exploring the interior of the island.
Go snorkeling as a family! Book a Catalina Tour to meet for a 2-hour snorkel at Casino Point. One of the most beautiful things around the island is the abundance of flora and fauna under the sea. There are gorgeous kelp forests, schooling fish, and all kinds of sights to see when you snorkel. Bat rays and giant sea bass are often spotted around Casino Point too. Kids ages 8 and up are welcome to do this snorkel excursion as long as they are comfortable swimming in deep water. Wetsuits come with your tour ticket, and you’ll be geared up for a delightful day snorkeling through underwater gardens.
See skies of blue and seas of green in a semi-submarine. If you don’t want to wear the wetsuit or get wet snorkeling, you can still experience the sights below the surface. Bring your family aboard the Nautilus, a semi-submersible craft that takes passengers on a journey to see garibaldi, calico bass, rockfish, and sometimes, even harbor seals! There’s even an opportunity to send fish food into the waters at Lovers Cove, and witness the ensuing fish feeding frenzy in this patch of the Pacific. This 45-minute trip is a great option for all ages. The voyage departs from the Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon.
Paddle out. If your crew is really wanting to be at the helm, take the Journey to Frog Rock. It’s a really wonderful way to see more of Catalina’s coastline. You’ll paddle double kayaks to a rocky point just down the way from Descanso Beach. Pants, jackets, and all the gear you need is provided for this trip.
Rock and roll on 8 wheels. Have you ever put on skates and rolled around a world famous ball room? With Catalina Tours, you can skate the Wrigley Ballroom in the iconic Catalina Casino. This skate session is super fun for kids and parents; you’ll make a memory, burn some energy, and enjoy the sweeping ocean views from the Casino’s very special promenade balcony when you take a skate break.
Go big. When we say big, we mean, as big as a 1000 to 2000 pound bison. On a Catalina Tours Bison Tour, you’ll ride through Middle Canyon and Cape Canyon, discovering the rugged terrain of the island’s interior looking for Catalina’s wildlife. The famous herd of American Bison on the island are not native; about 14 or 15 of their ancestors were brought over to Catalina in 1920 for a film, and today, some bison remain roaming the interior. You also will have the chance to see eagles and foxes on this tour. If you prefer, there’s an option to see the interior on a Private Eco Tour as well.
Have some fun (and games). Make a day of all the family fun around Catalina by turning some activities into competitions. Make plans to compete in the 18-hole mini course at Catalina Mini Golf Gardens. Or, time each other on the Catalina Aerial Adventure course that runs through the trees in Descanso Canyon.
Zip through a canyon. Do you have some true thrill seekers in your family? Take the Zipline Eco Tour. This adventure has you safely soaring from platform to platform over Descanso Canyon. At some of the highest points, you’ll have amazing ocean and island views.
Plan for some serious relaxation. The family that plays together deserves a day off. Don’t just settle for a regular beach day: set your family up with a cabana or some chaise lounge rentals for the day at Descanso Beach Club. You’ll be able to swim, tan, shop, and dine with a nice cabana or comfy lounges as your home base.
Grab a bite. While the regular Catalina Food Tour is for guests 21 and older, if your family is full of foodies, a private Catalina Food Tour can be designed with your crew in mind.
Bring your family to Catalina! And be sure to book a ton of fun with Catalina Tours before you arrive. We can even help to customize a Catalina Fun Package with the best activities for your family. Check out our website, or give us a call at 310-510-0211.