Fresh mountain air, warm afternoon breezes and cool nights greet families that flock to Big Bear Lake for wonderful summer weather. Sometimes it’s difficult to find parks that keep your family active so the kids can burn off some energy in the fresh mountain area. We made your planning easy by providing you with the top Big Bear parks to visit on your trip.
Boulder Bay Park
This is an adventure park for the whole family to enjoy. Rent a kayak or a paddleboard and head out to Big Bear Lake to enjoy some watersports activities. Boulder Bay Park also boasts a dock where you can enjoy the lake and a pathway full of boulders that makes for great picture-taking opportunities. You can take some great family pictures with some amazing nature backgrounds at this park.
Parking tip for most Big Bear parks: Make sure you buy a $5 all-day parking pass at any gas station in Big Bear to visit most parks with ease.
Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge
Okay, so Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge is technically a small zoo. The kids though will have a blast here. The rehabilitation facility provides a safe haven home for injured and orphaned wild animals. Approximately 90 percent of all the animals are released back into the wild after rehabilitation. The list of animals at the zoo at any given time is plentiful and include badgers, bobcats, coyotes, bears and more. Make sure you check the calendar of events and tours before you go. Animal presentations are a must see and occur every operating day at noon.
Admission prices are $12 for adults, $9 for children ages 3-10 and children under 3 are free. The zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Labor Day Weekend.
Bark Park
Need a dog park to accommodate all members of your family? Big Bear Lake has you covered with Bark Park. This is the only park in Big Bear where dogs are allowed to roam free without a leash. There is both a small dog area and a large dog area, with plenty of parking for dog owners. Dog water spots and doggie bags are available at the park.
This dog park has direct access to Big Bear Lake and several benches. This Big Bear park is also a great spot to spend some time with the family and watch a sunset over the lake.
Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk & Wildlife Preserve
Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk & Wildlife is a great spot to let the kids and the dogs roam through open wide open spaces. It’s also a great place to go fishing with the kids when the water levels are high. Enjoy two long boardwalks that stretch out over wet spots of the marshland to go on adventure walks and take great pictures with the family. At the end of one of the long boardwalks, you will arrive on a small island with a rocky, sandy beach where the kids can play and skip stones over the lake.
Follow our guide to take the best pictures at many of these parks.
Alpine Pedal Path
On the north side of Big Bear Lake, Alpine Pedal Path is a great park for strolls and bike rides along the lake. Walk through the woods and cross a few bridges to be greeted by the lake. There is also picnic areas and a launch pad for boats. The trails work great for walkers, joggers, bicyclists and runners. Follow these eight tips for a summer picnic with your family.
Park tip for moms with newborns: This is one of the only parks in Big Bear with paved paths that are perfect for babies with strollers. Enjoy!
The Veterans Park
This park may be more for the adults than the kids but it’s a great history lesson for the kids to check out a park memorializing this country’s veterans. Veterans Park sits along the shores of Big Bear Lake and has a large bandstand that is used for ceremonies. This park has many benches for families to sit and relax while they take in the flags and plaques memorializing fallen soldiers.
Rotary Pine Knot Park
You can’t beat the views of Big Bear Lake from Rotary Pine Knot Park. There are several picnic tables and benches for sunset viewing and picnic lunches with the kiddos. There is also a playground with two slides that has a padded flooring area for the children. Dogs on a leash are also allowed in this park. Enjoy the ducks that are seen waddling in the area but avoid feeding them.
Parking tip: The park has limited parking spots but you can park at the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center just down the road and walk to the park in less than five minutes.
Boulder Bay Park
Boulder Bay Park is a must stop park destination with beautiful views of Big Bear Lake. The park has a decent-sized parking lot, a dock to walk out onto Big Bear Lake that also acts as a canoe or kayak launch. Enjoy the ducks and the covered pavilion for a picnic lunch with the kids. Enjoy walking paths and bathroom accommodations too.
The best part of this park, though, is the large grizzly bear statue that is holding a wooden sign welcoming visitors to Big Bear. No family vacation is truly complete without the complimentary picture under the cheesy landmark sign.
Meadow Park
Meadow Park is the classic playground park for the kids at Big Bear Lake. It contains a large playground and swing sets. This park also has a basketball hoop area, tennis courts and ball fields. There are also picnic tables and benches for the adults to view Big Bear Lake while the kids enjoy the playground. Enjoy some serenity while they burn off some energy!
Sylvan Park
Sylvan Park is in Redlands, Calif., just a short drive from Big Bear Lake. The park boasts newer playground equipment and shade structures to protect the kids from the sun. There is also a hiking trail that can also accommodate dogs.
The park also has picnic tables, public restrooms, barbecue pits and a large pavilion. There is also a horseshoe pit at the back of the park and a bridge that goes over a dry riverbed that the family will enjoy walking over.
Book Your Big Bear Parks Vacation Stay
Your park itinerary is set now to enjoy nature and Big Bear parks in all their summer glory. Schedule a Big Bear vacation at Big Bear Frontier. We have comfortable cabins and luxury hotel rooms ready for you to enjoy summer at Big Bear parks. Make your reservation today.
Big Bear Frontier Vacation Blog 