How to Spend a Weekend in Big Bear (with toddler-friendly activities!)
I have had the travel bug lately and wanted to go on a little trip with my family, but didn’t want to travel too far right before Thanksgiving. It had been a few years since my husband and I have been to Big Bear, and we had yet to take our toddler, so we decided to do a weekend getaway to the mountains!
I was surprised at how little information there was on taking toddlers to Big Bear, especially during the fall. Lots of families travel to Big Bear during the summer for the lake and winter for the snow, but it is a beautiful destination in the fall as well.
I’ve included some activity ideas for you. Here’s your sign to plan that fall visit to Big Bear if you haven’t been!
Hiking
(An Adventure Pass is required for some trails. You can buy one HERE or at the Big Bear Visitor Center.)
This is a perfect trail for all seasons, but it was really beautiful in the fall. You are surrounded by trees with pinecones and acorns scattered around (be aware of sap!). Great views of the lake as well. It’s toddler-friendly, though I suggest bringing a carrier in case your toddler wants to be held. It is not stroller-friendly. There are some areas to be mindful, such as a few steep drops.
Well-maintained, not crowded, benches along the trail and bathrooms in the parking lot. It’s a loop trail too, which I prefer with my toddler.
There is a slight incline, and the elevation gain might be tough for some. AllTrails has this listed as 1.6 miles but it’s more like 1.75 miles. It took us around an hour to complete with stops.
This trail is flat if you have a tough time with the altitude change. Toddler-friendly, stroller-friendly (you might need to move over for others), lots of wildlife to be seen here. It is busier than other trails, but well-maintained and scenic.
Big Bear Discovery Center Nature Trail
Another kid-friendly option and it is a loop trail. Be sure to look online to see if they are open before going, as some reviewers have said that it is periodically closed.
Eating
Best Indian food on the mountain! We’ve been here a few times and always get it to-go. They also deliver (which is rare for Big Bear). We like the vegetable mo-mo, vegetable soup (my favorite), chicken tikka masala and garlic naan.
Quick service Hawaiian and poke. Great energy from the staff and the food tastes fresh!
Small breakfast joint with HUGE portions. The staff is friendly, and service is quick (a must with kids). My toddler loved all of the stickers on the walls and ceiling, which kept her busy while we waited for our breakfast. Go early before it gets busy!
Cute little authentic crepe shop owned by a French woman. The wait can be long, so heads up. They offer drive-thru and walk-up service.
If you don’t feel like eating out or want to pick up a few things to have a picnic after your hike (what we did!).
Other Activities
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain (must be 36” to ride, 36” to 48” have to ride with an adult)
Wander through the Village and look at the shops (dreamy during Christmastime)
Boulder Bay- Our AirBnb was walking distance to Boulder Bay. Boulder Bay is absolutely stunning during the fall and perfect for families.
Big Bear Discovery Center / Children’s Forest
Tubing and sledding in the winter
OHV off-roading if you have a 4x4- We’ve done Holcomb Valley OHV Road and a few others.
Be sure to tag @raising_little_explorers on Instagram if you visit any of these spots!
