Family events in Santa Barbara, CA

Settle in for a short, ocean themed storytime inside the Dive In exhibit, where Sea Center staff and volunteers share engaging tales of the sea. The program welcomes all ages and is especially enjoyable for children 10 and under. The session lasts about 15 minutes. Participation is included with regular Sea Center admission, and members attend at no additional cost. All areas of the Sea Center are ADA accessible.

Come watch the August 2026 Long Form Pony Show, an in-person improv showcase where long-form indie teams take the stage, show off their stride, and compete to be named the audience favorite. It’s a friendly laugh-off for both green teams and seasoned performers, with only one team taking home Best in Show. Children 12 and under are free.

At the Palmer Observatory at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, the observatory opens the building and its roof for stargazing through a 20-inch telescope. Museum Astronomy Programs staff and members of the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit guide views of the Moon’s craters, nebulae, distant galaxies, and more. This recurring monthly event is free and welcoming to all, with no tickets or registration needed. Plans depend on the weather, so cloudy or rainy conditions may lead to cancellation. Start times vary throughout the year, with winter offering earlier evenings that work well for kids, and the later part of the night is typically calmer for those who stay.

Experience ocean-themed storytelling as Sea Center staff and volunteers share tales of the sea in the middle of the Dive In exhibit. This 15-minute storytime welcomes all ages and is especially engaging for children 10 and under. Participation is included with Sea Center admission, and members are free. All Sea Center spaces are ADA accessible.

Peak2Pacific Summer Camps present a nature-focused day program that blends outdoor adventure with environmental learning. This session is part of a multi-week series and offers a mix of experiences across ocean, creek, and mountain settings. Campers explore marine science and get active on the water with kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, surfing, boogie boarding, and sailing. On land, the program features hiking, bouldering and climbing, creek exploration and swimming, creative nature arts, team challenges, and sports. Children ages 3 to 12 attend as campers, while teens participate as Leaders in Training at ages 13 to 14 and as Counselors in Training at ages 15 to 18 to support the program. The camp emphasizes problem solving, leadership, collaboration, confidence, coordination, and a growing sense of responsibility to self, community, and the environment through challenge-by-choice activities. Early care and after care are available around the core camp day.

Enjoy a summer filled with free meals and activities at Central Library. Children and teens can receive a complimentary, nutritious lunch through the USDA Summer Food Service Program, distributed in order of arrival with no paperwork or enrollment required. After lunch, participants can register for Summer Reading and take part in hands-on activities and games facilitated by library staff. Lunch at the Library is a project of the California State Library, supported with funding from the State of California.

Set out on a guided safari through the Prehistoric Forest, where an expert brings dinosaurs to life for curious explorers. Discover where these creatures once roamed, what fueled them, and how scientists piece together their stories using clues from the past. To kick things off, gather beneath the big Oak Tree at the center of the Museum map so you do not miss a moment. This experience is recommended for ages 5 to 9, but participants of all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Access is included with Museum admission and is free for Members, with no extra RSVP or registration needed.

The Library on the Go will set up at Leadbetter Beach with books for all ages. Stop by to browse, pick up a library card, return items, or just say hello. Please note that participants may be photographed for promotional or educational purposes, and outdoor activities may be canceled for inclement weather.

Practice observational drawing in a relaxed, drop-in session focused on butterflies and moths. With guidance from education staff, participants will study antique scientific images in the exhibit The Collectors: A Life in Lepidoptera and turn close observation into sketches while learning how artists support scientific research. The program is recommended for ages eight and up. Basic supplies are provided, and personal drawing boards are welcome, pencils only. Participation is included with Museum admission, free for Members, and no additional RSVP or registration is required.