Playgrounds
13 parks with a playground, closest to downtown first.
- Veterans' Memorial Park0.5 mi from downtown
- Armstrong Park0.7 mi from downtown
- Atkinson Park1 mi from downtown
Family
Things to do in Santa Maria with kids
4 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.
Family-friendly ideas around Santa Maria, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.
Libraries
Story times, homework help and summer reading, free with a library card.
- Santa Maria Public Library421 S. Mcclelland St.
- Santa Maria Law Library312 E. Cook St.
Picnic spots
Day-use areas for a family picnic.
- Santa Margarita Lake27 mi north
- Cachuma Lake37 mi southeast
- Los Padres National Forest56 mi east
Wildlife and nature
Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.
- Point Sal14 mi west
- Santa Margarita Lake27 mi north
- Navajo Flats Campground30 mi north
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
8 Bucket list Things to Do in California's Santa Maria Valley!
A local activity Short shared by Discover California.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Visiting Central Coast of CA? Don’t miss Santa Maria Valley.
A local activity Short shared by Carrie Rad.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What is there to do in Santa Maria with kids?
Playgrounds (13), Libraries (2), Picnic spots (5), Wildlife and nature (21). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.
What can kids do in Santa Maria for free?
Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.
What can families do in Santa Maria when it rains or it’s hot?
Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.