Kidalina Family Adventures on Catalina Island

Catalina Island—also known as Kidalina—welcomes families with kids of every age thanks to mild weather, a secure-feeling setting, and an easy-to-reach location. Use this guide to find kid-friendly Catalina Island activities, including bison tours, submarines, glass-bottom boats, zip lining, and more, with age details included where provided.

1. Look for Bison

Catalina Island has bison roaming its interior. These remarkable animals arrived on the island during the 1920s for a film project and remained afterward. Today, they move freely across lands owned and maintained by the Catalina Island Conservancy. Join an eco-tour for a chance to see bison along with other Catalina Island wildlife. Children must be at least 5 years old to ride in a hummer or open air jeep tour. All ages can join interior tours that use a bus.

2. Spend Beach Time Together

Avalon offers three public beaches: South Beach, Middle Beach, and Step Beach, all located along Crescent Avenue. They sit close to Avalon’s hotels, shops, restaurants, restrooms, and recreation options. One of the last private beaches in California, Descanso Beach is located just beyond the Catalina Casino and offers a restaurant, cabanas and lounge chairs for rent seasonally. All ages are welcome.

3. Try the Zipline

Catalina Island offers a dramatic zipline experience with sweeping island views. It’s the only zipline in Los Angeles and Orange County, and it starts 500 feet above Descanso Canyon. Riders travel across five ziplines covering over three quarters of a mile and reaching speeds up to 35 mph. Participants must be at least 10 years of age and weigh at least 80 lbs.

4. Catalina Aerial Adventure

At Descanso Canyon, next to the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour, families can take on a ropes course in the trees. Five self-guided, self-paced courses include rope ladders, log bridges, balance beams, zip lines, and additional elements. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced layouts make the experience accessible for a range of abilities and comfort levels. Participants must be at least 7 years of age and at least 55 inches tall.

5. Catalina Climbing Wall

Also at Descanso Canyon, beside the Zip Line and Aerial Adventure, this 32 foot climbing attraction includes eight routes to the top, ranging from beginner to advanced. All ages may participate, with a minimum weight of 40lbs.

6. Glass-Bottom Boat Tours

A glass-bottom boat tour lets kids watch native marine life from above the waterline. Families can see fish and other ocean life living in the kelp forests around Catalina Island. All ages are welcome.

7. Ride in a Submarine

Catalina Island is home to two memorable semi-submersible submarines, the Nautilus and the Seawolf. Guides share details about Catalina Island ecology and history, making the ride a strong addition to a family island itinerary. All ages are welcome.

8. Go Snorkeling

Catalina Island specializes in some of the best snorkeling this side of the border. Families can rent equipment or bring their own and head for Casino Point Dive Park or Lovers Cove. Catalina Kids Snorkeling Adventures offers private guided snorkel tours for kids age 5-12, exploring Lovers Cove with a local teacher as guide.

9. Parasailing

Families looking for water-based adventure can choose parasailing or tubing. Kids 5 and older can enjoy coastline views from above the water or fast-paced fun on a tube. Children must be 5 and older to participate.

10. Go Fishing

Catalina Island fishing is some of the best in southern California! In California, no permit is required when fishing from a pier. Families can pick up a drop line from Joe's Rent a Boat and start casting. Another option is Learn to Fish Hook Line & Sinker with Bob, a dock fishing experience that blends fun and learning for all ages. All ages are welcome.

11. Flying Fish Tour

The evening Flying Fish Tour from the Catalina Island Company is a favorite for kids. It runs seasonally during late May to early September, when flying fish are most active. All ages are welcome.

12. Coastal Wildlife Tour

This 2 hour outing with Catalina Divers Supply explores miles of Catalina shoreline, sapphire water, and kelp forest. Along with whales and dolphins, guests may search for seals, bald eagles, and seabirds in their natural habitat. Ages 5 and up.

13. Play Miniature Golf

Catalina Island Miniature Golf Course is an award winning mini golf course and is open every day of the year, weather permitting. It works well for golfers of all ages. All ages are welcome.

14. Rent a Kayak, Paddleboard, Pedal Boat, or Motorboat

Kayak, paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals are a memorable way to experience the clear waters of Avalon Harbor. For a more independent family outing, a motorboat offers a self-guided way to see the island from the water.

15. Rent a Bike or Golf Cart

Families can explore Avalon on their own schedule with a bike or golf cart rental. Brown's Bikes offers child-seat attachments for children under 40 pounds and 12 months or older. A tag-a-long attachment can turn a Beach Cruiser into a parent-and-child tandem, which works well for kids aged four to six. Smaller children’s 20- and 24-inch rental bikes are available for kids ready to ride on their own. Bikes may be rented by the hour or for the day.

Golf cart rental companies provide car seats for young children. Golf carts are available by the hour, with a maximum rental of 2 hours. All ages are welcome.

16. Take a Hike

Catalina Island hiking offers some of the most scenic hikes in southern California. For an easy family option, consider walking through the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden. All ages are welcome.

17. Try an Escape Room

Families can test their teamwork and see whether they can beat the clock in Avalon’s escape room attraction. The activity is designed as an all-ages option. All ages are welcome.

18. Explore Catalina Island's History

Families can travel back in time and discover what life and visits to Catalina Island were like in earlier years. The Catalina Island Museum for Art & History features interactive exhibits for all ages. Kids under 15 are free at the Catalina Island Museum for Art & History with a paid adult, every day. All ages are welcome. The Catalina Museum also offers Art To Go Catalina every Thursday; visitors can stop by and pick up a craft kit at the front of the Museum by 5 pm on Thursdays.

19. Visit the Arcade

Three Palms Arcade in the Metropole Marketplace includes the Fun Zone. Families can enjoy island-style mini bowling, arcade games, skee-ball, air hockey, and more. All ages are welcome.

20. Playgrounds

For the youngest Catalina Island visitors, a playground stop can be an important part of the day. Avalon has three playgrounds, and Two Harbors has one.

Knabe Park is a pirate ship themed playground along Pebbly Beach Rd on the route into town from the ferry dock. Machine Gun Park/City Park sits just past the Catalina Conservancy Trailhead, tucked into the corner near the former amphitheater site, with a webbed climbing structure, interactive musical toys, and picnic tables. Avalon's Kid Park/Peoples Park is located on Avalon Canyon Rd across from the Fire Station and includes climbing structures, slides, picnic tables, and work out equipment. All ages are welcome.

21. Avalon Library

Avalon Public Library belongs to the LA County Library System. Families can browse children’s books, kids can read quietly, and adults can charge phones or get online. The giant chess set near the Library entrance is worth a look. Closed Sunday & Monday.

22. Visit Two Harbors via the Cyclone Boat

Two Harbors is Catalina Island's west end. The village of Two Harbors includes scenic beaches, cabana rentals, restaurants, a general store, a small playground, and plenty of room to explore. The Cyclone boat operates seasonally during summer months, traveling between Two Harbors and Avalon with several daily departures from the Green Pleasure Pier. The trip takes 40 minutes along Catalina's coastline. All ages are welcome.

23. Catalina Falconry Experience

At Descanso Canyon, guests can learn the basics of being a falconer. The experience introduces falconry history and techniques while offering time with falcons, hawks, and owls. Participants may hold raptors, cast them from a glove, and call them back. Minimum age is 7. Children must be accompanied by a paid adult.

24. Toys and More

Families looking for a Catalina trip keepsake can find toys, plushies, and clothing at the Catalina Conservancy's Trailhead store, Catalina Island Museum for Art & History, and Airport in the Sky. If sand toys were left behind, new sets are available at Vons or Leo's Catalina Drugstore.

25. Sweet Treats

A family vacation calls for something sweet. Lloyd's of Avalon offers confections, caramel apples, salt water taffy, and ice cream. Scoops serves gelato, homemade ice cream, and chocolate covered bananas. Sailor's Delight Ice Cream Shop offers Super Premium ice cream, Italian Ice, sugar fee options, and sherbet. Catalina's newest shop, Catalina Cones, is open on Pebbly Beach Rd. Coney Island West serves milk shakes, floats, and soft serve ice cream along with burgers and hot dogs. Eric's on the Pier offers ice cream on the go, funnel cakes, and frozen bananas.

26. Mermaid Class

Catalina Island Mermaids offers a Discover Mermaid Class. After a safety briefing, students 6 years and older enter shallow water with an instructor to practice dolphin-kicks, turns, floating in a mermaid tail, and a few bubble tricks. Participants use a mask, snorkel, and mermaid tail (monofin), with small groups of four people per instructor. No previous experience is required, and the class lasts about an hour to 90 minutes. Minimum age is 6.

27. Take a Mermaid Undersea Tour

The Mermaid Undersea Tour from Madison Mermaid combines ocean exploration, marine education, and mermaid-themed fun on Catalina Island. Guests swim alongside a mermaid for a magical family adventure. Ages 4-18. The annual Mermaid Festival takes place each October.

28. SCUBA Diving

Families with older kids can go underwater at Casino Point Dive Park. Whether participants are trying SCUBA for the first time or working toward certification, Catalina offers options. Scuba by Design welcomes uncertified SCUBA children as young as 12, and SCUBA certified as young as 10.

29. Virtual SCUBA Diving

Akuario presents Immersed, Ocean Wonders, an immersive 30 minute virtual scuba dive through the world’s oceans. Guests can journey through Catalina’s kelp forests and encounter whale sharks, oceanic manta rays, bull sharks, bait balls, dolphins, sea-lions, and a rare dugong. Footage appears on the inside of a dome screen surrounding the audience, accompanied by music and guided narration. All ages are welcome.

30. Watch a Movie at the Avalon Theatre

The Avalon Theatre shows movies on Friday and Saturday nights year round. Film selections range from first run to classic, and from PG to R rated. Current features are posted online.

31. Horseback Riding

Catalina Horseback Adventures offers a 45 minute trail ride in the hills above Avalon, with scenic vistas and fresh mountain air. Trail rides are 45 minutes in length and suitable for ages 9 and up.

32. Catalina Archery Experience

The Catalina Outdoor Adventure Club hosts a guided archery outing in Avalon Canyon. It is designed for beginners, families, and frineds looking for a unique outdoor advenuture. Ages 6+; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Family Friendly Events

8 / 06 — Art Workshops with Fabi - Catalina Coastal Canvas

Catalina Museum for Art & History hosts Catalina Coastal Canvas, a textured acrylic painting workshop inspired by Catalina Island’s coastline and ocean views. Participants use acrylic paint and texture-building techniques to create movement, depth, and vibrant color.

8 / 06 — Summer Beach Bingo (each Tuesday & Thursday)

Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Thursday. Bring a beach chair and friends to the South Beach Lifeguard stand every Tuesday, Thursday from 6:00-7:00pm. Bingo cards are $1 each, with local prizes available to win.

8 / 06 — Summer Discovery Program: Block Printing

At Avalon Public Library, participants learn about block printing as both an ancient and modern art technique, then create stamps and print their own designs. For ages 5-17.

8 / 07 — Funky Fridays Dance Party for Kids

Mermaid Tours with Madison presents a recurring weekly on Friday dance party. Funky Friday includes mermaid magic, music, and a bubble machine, hosted by the City of Avalon at 7pm on Fridays during summer at the Wrigley Stage. The event is free for all to attend, with Madison Mermaid making special appearances.

8 / 08 — Art in the Park at Avalon Kid's Park

Recurring weekly on Saturday. Kids can bring out their creative side and learn S.T.E.M. through Arts & Crafts. All ages and abilities welcome.

8 / 08 — Smarty Pants Storytime

Avalon Public Library hosts this recurring weekly on Saturday program. Families enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while building school readiness skills. This program is part of Smart Start at the Library, LA County Library's collection of programs and services for early learners ages 0 - 5.

8 / 10 — Beach Days on South Beach

Recurring weekly on Monday. Activities include games, friendly competition, a kayak tour, and more.

8 / 10 — Meditation in the Garden: Summer Wellness Series

Recurring weekly on Monday at Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. Mary Bentdahl of Soul Fulfilling Yoga guides a 1-hour wellness experience that blends mindful walking, nature education, and a grounding, heart-opening walk through the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden.

8 / 12 — Games Day at the Library

Avalon Public Library hosts this recurring weekly on Wednesday program. Teens can learn or play Monopoly, Candyland, Clue, UNO, chess, and D and D while socializing and relaxing with friendly competition. Ages 13 - 17.

8 / 12 — Kid’s Fishing Derby (Each Wednesday)

Recurring weekly on Wednesday. This free activity invites participants to bring a rod & reel or dropline, or purchase one on the Green Pleasure Pier, and join a fishing guide. Prizes are awarded weekly after the derby. Bait & gear are also available on the Pier. The event runs 7am-9am every Wednesday and is sponsored by Catalina Outdoor.

8 / 12 — Movies on the Beach

Recurring weekly on Wednesday. Movies on the Beach includes the following schedule: 6/17: Lilo and Stitch; 6/24: Hook; 7/1: Hamilton; 7/8: National Treasure; 7/15: Goat; 7/22: Minecraft; 7/29: Elemental; 8/5: Jumanji Next Level; 8/12: Cinderella (2021); 8/19: Space Jam. Movies begin Wednesdays at 8 pm, with special thanks to the Catalina Yacht Club & Lions Club.

8 / 13 — Summer Discovery Program Final Ice Cream Spectacular!

Avalon Public Library celebrates the end of the annual Summer Discovery Program with an afternoon of reading and a free ice cream treat. Participants pick up a game card, read a book, and enjoy ice cream. Ages 5 - 12.

8 / 14 — Survival Skills: Learn it. Live it. Be Adventure Ready

Catalina Island Conservancy - the Trailhead hosts SURVIVAL SKILLS: Learn It. Live It. Adventure Ready! The Catalina Island Outdoor Adventure Club, in partnership with the Catalina Island Conservancy, offers a FREE hands-on Survival Skills adventure for local youth ages 10–17. Friday, August 14, 2026.

8 / 15 — Bald Eagle Excursion in Catalina’s Wildlands

Catalina Island Conservancy - the Trailhead offers an excursion focused on conservation recovery strategies and the success story of the American bald eagle on Catalina Island. Conservancy naturalists are joined by special guest Erin Weiner, Eagle Project Lead for the Institute for Wildlife.

8 / 15 — Dungeons and Dragons Afternoon

Avalon Public Library invites participants to discover the role playing game enjoyed for decades. Guests create a character and send him on a quest. Experts and new learners welcome. Ages 5-17.

8 / 19 — Loteria at the Library!

Avalon Public Library introduces the traditional Mexican game of Loteria. The game is played bilingually, welcoming both Spanish and English speakers, with prizes such as books and/or snacks. Ages 5 - 12.

8 / 29 — Catalina Island Concert Series - Xceptional Tribute to ABBA

The Xceptional Music Company presents a free, family-friendly performance as part of the Catalina Island Concert Series, presented by Love Catalina and The Perfect Event. The event takes place Saturday, July 25 | 8:00–10:00 pm, with the Beer Garden opening at 7:00 pm, at Wrigley Stage on the Avalon waterfront.

9 / 05 — Jimmy Walker “Buffalo Chip” Toss

Two Harbors Activities & Adventures hosts the 38th Annual Buffalo Chip Toss. Participants test their throwing skills for the furthest toss, with prizes awarded for the longest throws. All chips are provided, and all ages welcome.

9 / 12 — Annual Catalina Channel Crossing US Outrigger Championships

Catalina Crossing US Outrigger Championships is a 2-day event with races between Catalina Island & Newport Beach. Saturday, September 12 includes an 8:00 AM race start in Newport Beach, an approximate 1:00 – 2:30 PM finish in Avalon, and 3:45 – 5:00 PM Wahine & Coed Awards.

9 / 18 — 67th Annual Catalina Festival of Art

Recurring daily. Join September 18-20 for one of the longest running and most acclaimed art festivals in California! The festival runs 10 am to 5 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with artists from across the country exhibiting and selling fine art along Avalon’s pedestrian-friendly, oceanfront Crescent Avenue.

Kidalina Family Friendly Itinerary

Plan a Catalina Island getaway with the 3 Days of Fun Kids Adventure Itinerary.

Family Friendly Dining

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