Planning your vacation around family activities can seem daunting. Especially if there are different age groups and interests involved. At the Ocean Palms, we want you to experience our resort as well as our quaint town and enjoy it to its fullest with your family! Here is our Top 5 list of family things to do in Carlsbad. We’ve made a point to include some free activities to fit any family budget. Still want more suggestions on family things to do in Carlsbad or can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to contact us and let us know what would make your vacation to Carlsbad and the Ocean Palms unforgettable, and we will gladly provide you with suggestions on things to do on your trip!

Top 5 Family Things to do in Carlsbad

1.  Beach

Miles from Ocean Palms: Steps away!

Time of Year: Year Round

Ages: All Ages

Cost: Free!

Carlsbad is known for its small beach town feel with a sprinkle of charm. Our clean and relaxing beaches are covered in soft white sand and with a 7.5 mile stretch, there’s room for your family to have the perfect beach day. The Ocean Palms is conveniently located just steps away, provides complimentary beach towels, boogie boards, surf boards, beach chairs, and umbrellas (subject to availability of course). Whether you want  a bit of exercise with an afternoon stroll with your family, or some exciting water adventures with your kiddos, or simply a picturesque landscape to relax, nothing beats the free beach! Oh, did we mention Ocean Palms is only steps away with a new beach access right in front of the hotel? Yup! We’ve got you covered! If you forget your sunscreen, water floaties, or beach toys, don’t worry; our handy onsite convenience store has everything you need to make your beach experience perfect!

2.  Cruise the Village

Miles from Ocean Palms: Steps away (we’re located in the Village)

Time of Year: Year Round

Ages: All Ages

Cost: Free

Sometimes it’s best to not have any plans and just cruise! The Carlsbad Village is great for that AND Ocean Palms is located in the heart of the Village! So put on some comfy shoes (or rent beach cruisers nearby) and go for an easy walk (or ride) through the village. There’s a little bit of everything for anyone in your family to enjoy. There’s quaint shops, fun restaurants, a winery, chocolate shop, ice cream, art galleries, spas, and parks. Whether you want to stop by Park 101 for some food, drinks, and visit the kid play area; or Pizza Port for pizza and arcade games; or better yet, the Farmer’s Market is every Wednesday starting at 3pm!

3.  Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

Miles from Ocean Palms: < 10 miles

Time of Year: Year Round, Closed Mondays

Ages: 3+ years for the grounds, 8+ years for the tour

Cost: Free!

Looking for something a little different and off the beaten path? Once a home to actor Leo Carrillo, this historical park was once a working ranch and now has restored ranch structures that tribute Old California culture and agriculture. Start off with a 15 minute intro film on the history of the ranch and then explore the winding dirt pathways throughout the property. This is great for the whole family to learn, explore, see the old hacienda, adobe house, barn, carriage house, and even enjoy the numerous peacocks, lizards, squirrels and other wildlife. To get the most out of your visit, and an hour tour.

4.  Legoland (+ SEA LIFE Aquarium & Water Park)

Miles from Ocean Palms: < 5 miles

Time of Year: Year Round

Ages: All Ages, but optimal for 2-11 years

Cost: Starts at $89/ person

You can’t visit Carlsbad with your family without making a trip to nearby Legoland! Fun fact: there are over thirty-five MILLION legos used to create the models used in and around the amusement. This amusement park is great for all ages with over sixty family rides, shows, and interactive attractions. There’s rides for your tiny tykes and roller coasters for your older kids. There’s various sections of Legoland that provide different themes and attractions to make it fun and interesting for your whole family! Definitely check out their website for tips on your visit there and for height limits on rides before going. Plus, Legoland even has park hopper tickets available to make your Legoland trip even more interesting with the Sea Life Aquarium and Water Park! What better way to cool off during the warm weather than more water fun! Ocean Palms is located less than a 5 mile drive from Legoland, while still remaining centrally located in the Village and the beach!

5.  K1 Speed

Miles from Ocean Palms: 6.1 miles

Time of Year: Year Round

Ages: Jr. racers 48-58”; adult racers at least 4’ 10”

Cost: $20 per race + $7 one-time license registration fee

Take your kids on a fun ride…or better yet, they get to drive themselves! This 60,000 square foot indoor kart track is a fun activity for the whole family. Head socks and helmets are provided to make your kart racing safe and enjoyable. So if the weather isn’t being favorable (which is rare in Carlsbad), this is a fun indoor activity is a great way to still get out and have a fun time with your family!