25 Family Getaways to Get Moving

As soon as summer vacation hits, the kids are antsy and ready to fill their free days with fun. We've all heard the age-old complaint that they're soooo bored, so why not make a change this summer? Take the road less traveled, and try these Northern California destinations you may have missed-just pile the family in the car and create your own adventure.

1. Old Sacramento + Railroad Museum

Set in the time of the Gold Rush and the first appearance of the railroad, Old Sacramento celebrates this golden era of the Wild West. Wander into McGee's Old Time Photos (www.mcgeesoldtimephotos.com) to change into Western dress and take a historic saloon-style photo; take the kids to Old City Kites for any type of flyer imaginable (www.oldcitykites.com) or to the Candy Barrel for old-fashioned taffy and an endless assortment of barreled candy (www.thecandybarrel.com); or for the gentlemen, pick up a cigar for the road at Jon's Front Street Tobacconist (www.oldsactobacco.com). Down the street, bring your choo-choo enthusiasts to the California State Railroad Museum for historically-restored locomotives, train rides, and special exhibits. Staying overnight? Try the floating riverboat Delta King Hotel (www.deltaking.com).

2. Santa Rosa + Safari West

Ever dreamed about taking an African safari to see wild animals like giraffes, cheetahs, wildebeests, and zebras in their natural surroundings? Little did we know, right here in the Bay Area-Santa Rosa to be exact-is a wildlife preserve for over 700 exotic mammals and birds, and an African safari tent camp. Unlike a zoo, this 400-acre property, opened in 1989 and owned by Peter and Nancy Lang, is focused on keeping animals in their natural habitat. Visitors set out on a safari jeep to view wildlife, and should they choose to stay overnight, will enjoy on-site luxury tent cabins, "good food, good company," and even a morning hike with Nancy Lang if so inclined. Reservations are required for tours and tent stays.

3. Mt. Tamalpais + Muir Woods

For kids that like to create their own adventures, Mt. Tamalpais and Muir Woods are gold mines of nooks and crannies to explore. Muir Woods is known for its old growth redwood trees, the tallest living things in the world. Taller than the eye can see and thick enough around for a few people to hold hands around the trunk, families love hiking the six miles of trails through shade-laden mystical forests. Thirty-, sixty-, and ninety-minute loop trails make for appropriate hiking for any level. On nearby Mt. Tamalpais, the draw is the 2,571-foot peak with views in all directions, including the Farallon Islands, the San Francisco Bay, and Marin headlands.

4. Bay Area Discovery Museum + Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge

Right at the foot of the famous Golden Gate Bridge is one of the Bay Area's most enjoyable kids museums, the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Both indoors and out, the museum covers a 7-acre area, filled with hands-on art, science, and environmental exhibits. The Imagination Playground gives kids the chance to be their own architect; Bay Hall houses small-scale versions of Fisherman's Wharf and the Port of Oakland for kids to explore; and the Wave Workshop teaches all about the San Francisco Bay waters. When you're done at the museum, the East Sidewalk pedestrian walkway that spans the Golden Gate Bridge is open year-round for visitors to walk or bike across the bridge between Sausalito and San Francisco.

5. Gualala Park + Sea Ranch

For a simple, relaxing camping experience along the coast, head to Gualala Redwood Park. All campgrounds are nestled in among the redwoods just a short walk from the beach, pets are welcome here, and a recreation area with bocce ball courts, ping-pong tables, and more is ideal for the antsy older kids. Abalone diving is a Gualala highlight, and you'll see plenty of fellow campers cleaning and showing off their abalone finds. From Gualala, take a short drive down the coast to Sea Ranch to view beautiful cliffside sea views along the way, and check out the famous Sea Ranch Chapel, known for its curious spiral design (www.thesearanchchapel.org).

6. Santa Cruz + The Mystery Spot

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is always exciting, with twirling rides, world-famous roller coasters, carnival games, and beachy boardwalk shops to browse for flip flops and saltwater taffy. And of course, the sandy beach is hopping with families and locals soaking in the sun. Downtown Santa Cruz has its own charm to offer, as well. Take the kids to check out the O'Neill Surf Shop made famous by local wetsuit entrepreneur turned household name Jack O'Neill (www.oneill.com), and wander shops with handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, and glassware from local artisans. Our favorite eatery is the Crepe Place, with a huge, leafy green patio out back and savory and sweet crepes (www.thecrepeplace.com). For a unique experience, head to the Mystery Spot, where the laws of gravity, height, and perspective are all put into question in this one small corner of California (www.mysteryspot.com).

7. Cal Academy of Sciences + Exploratorium

The newest addition to San Francisco's host of impressive museums is the Cal Academy of Sciences. A see-it-all destination, the Academy is the only place on the planet with an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and 4-story rainforest all under one roof-which, in this case, happens to be a living roof with over 1 million native plants to create a habitat for local wildlife. At the Exploratorium nearby, the laws of science are tested, from astronomy to the human body to sound, all in the interest of giving visitors different perspectives to look at the world around them. Seeing what's inside a tooth, making a sundial, and exploring the 1906 San Francisco earthquake are all possibilities.

8. Lake Shasta Houseboats

The best thing about houseboating is that you can take any size group, any combination of ages, and still have a blast. The boats are as simple or as fancy as you choose, from waterslides and on-deck hot tubs to bedrooms for as many families as needed. Lake Shasta is huge, the third largest lake in California, so you can be far removed from anyone else on the lake and have your own private hideaway-or group a few houseboats together for a big family reunion along the lake's forested shores. Most houseboats have a full kitchen and barbecue on-board and rooftop sundecks, so all you have to worry about is waking up to the sunrise over Shasta waters and watching the kids spend their happiest days playing in the sun and floating on inner tubes (www.silverthornresort.com).

9. North Lake Tahoe + Tahoe City

If there's any family vacation we remember most from our childhood, it's spending time beside Lake Tahoe. One of the most beautiful locales in California, with the Sierra Nevada peaks as its backdrop, the lake draws a more relaxed crowd than the ocean. If you're staying on North Shore, a float down the easygoing Truckee River is in order-no whitewater here, just fun in the sun, with plenty of shore to take breaks along the way. Local raft companies offer parking and raft rental, as well as a bus ride back to your car when you reach the end of your float (www.truckeeriverrafting.com). In Tahoe City, mom-and-pop restaurants and shops full of local finds are fun to wander (www.visittahoecity.org); and there's a grassy park across the street with a playground and barbecues. Head the other way down the road to Incline Village, where the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival's outdoor amphitheater stages the Bard's finest (www.laketahoeshakespeare.com).

10. Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf + Cable Car ride

Okay, we know, Pier 39 is a little touristy, but it really never loses its fun. Wander the pier for shops filled with kitschy specialty items like crystals, items made for left-handers (a whole shop full!), shells, every kind of sock imaginable, clothes that change color in the sun, and more. When you finally tire of all the crazy wares to be seen and browsed, stop in for some classic San Francisco clam chowder at the Pier Market Seafood Restaurant and Market (www.piermarket.com). Voted best seafood in San Francisco, this is the nicest eatery along the pier to relax and enjoy after being on your feet all day. After lunch, be sure to head over to the water to see the seals that take up residence on the docks-believe us, you will be able to hear them if you get lost. To round out your classic San Fran day, ride one of two cable car lines that start near Fisherman's Wharf, be sure to check the website for pickup locations and schedules (www.sfcablecar.com).

11. Monterey Bay Aquarium
+ Cannery Row

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most impressive marine life centers in the world, most notably for its mission to promote sustainable seafood and ocean conservation. The aquarium sends visitors on a journey through different regions of the ocean, including shore birds, a 55,000 gallon sea otter tank, one of the world's largest jellyfish exhibits, and the 1 million gallon Open Sea tank, home to sharks and sea turtles, and set to reopen this July after renovations. Text messages throughout the day let visitors know when feedings are happening at each tank (we saw the giant octopus feeding on a recent visit!). Outside the aquarium, Cannery Row is home to fun specialty shops, as well as some touristy and not so touristy restaurants. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is right on the water and caters to families (www.bubbagump.com), while the Chart House one block away is perfect for parents to unwind after the kids have gone to bed-be sure to try the pan-seared scallops over saffron risotto, and the fresh oysters on the half-shell (www.chart-house.com).

12. Scandia Family Fun Center / Boomers

There's something to be said for some good old-fashioned summertime fun. These activity centers offer just that. Work your way through castles and obstacles on the miniature golf course, race g0-karts next to your kids on the scaled-down racetrack, soak your better half on the bumper boats, or just let the kids (and yourself) go crazy in the arcade, winning tickets and turning them in for silly prizes. Laser tag, batting cages, and rock climbing walls are also draws. These all-in-one fun centers are the perfect idea for a short day trip, where you can have the whole family home before bedtime, talking about the day's excitement around the dinner table.

13. Tomales Bay Oysters

The name of the game here is oysters. Bring your picnic fare-salads, sides, drinks, dessert-and the oyster farms will provide the picnic tables, barbecues, and of course, the main delicacies: oysters, clams, and mussels. All oysters are fresh, straight from Tomales Bay, aside which you will be eating, and you'll shuck them yourself to be eaten raw or barbecued, and garnished however you choose. If this is your first oyster experience, the helpful staff is more than happy to show you how to shuck. Dogs are welcome at both eateries; they just ask that your furry friends are people-friendly and leashed at all times. Tomales Bay Oyster Company is first come first served so show up before noon to assure a spot, while Hog Island Oysters requests that you make picnic reservations up to three months in advance. Both farms also offer a restaurant-style option if you just want to stop in for fresh oysters and a cold drink, or want some take-home oysters for your cooler.

14. Rock City + Mt. Diablo State Park

Just a short drive from San Joaquin is Mt. Diablo, one of the most majestic mountains around with views of the entire Bay Area from its summit. The peak, at 3,849 feet, sometimes sees snowfall during the colder months, so locals will head up here for snow play. Come summertime, biking, hiking, and camping are all fun pastimes on the mountain. About halfway up Mt. Diablo is an outcropping of sandstone formations and small caves that are ideal for low-level scaling and climbing. Some are higher peaks with steps and guard rails, but most are just fun to climb all over, while the small caves are great hideaways for kids. Head up Diablo Road from Alamo, past the Athenian School, and after the ranger station, use the parking lot at the opening for Rock City.

15. Tilden Park + Lake Anza

Tilden Park is chock-full of activities to keep kids busy: take a ride through the trees aboard the kid-sized steam trains, go for a whirl on the old-fashioned carousel, or walk through the Botanic Garden and check out the native flowers and plants. If a hike is more up your alley, Tilden's Huckleberry Trail is a short and sweet 1.7-mile loop, and mostly shaded under the canopy of leafy trees, so it's perfect for staying cool on hot summer days (www.bahiker.com). The biggest summer draw at Tilden is manmade Lake Anza, with both sandy beach and grass for sunbathers. Nestled in a cove, there's plenty of sun but the area is conveniently shaded from the wind. Bring a picnic and spend the day, there's a small beach access fee to use the area.

16. Chabot Space and Science Center

If you or your kids have ever looked up at the night sky and wondered just what's out there or dreamed of being an astronaut, Chabot can answer these questions and more. Centered around the study of outer space and planet earth, the facility was originally founded as an observatory in the 1800s, and still serves that purpose today, in addition to its role as a hands-on science museum. Chabot's three massive telescopes, Nellie, Rachel, and Leah, are all on-site and open to viewers. The Space Center's full-scale planetarium uses its projector to create entire worlds around viewers, from outer space to under the sea. Take a look into the journey of an astronaut, take a simulated moon walk, and see real space suits, space craft, and astronaut food. Special events like sleepovers under the stars and moonlight hikes are also offered at Chabot.

17. House of Air / Sky High Sports

We have no idea how or where this concept started, but the newest playground around is the indoor trampoline park. In San Francisco, this trampoline haven was erected in a historic airplane hangar at Crissy Field. The bottom line is a whole room of trampolines is at your disposal to run and jump freely as you like-bounce against the walls, run between trampolines, the sky's the limit. (Get the joke?) Free jump, trampoline dodgeball and basketball, and even trampoline classes are all available at these play centers. Jumping is paid by the hour, a waiver is required, and you may want to make a reservation ahead of time to assure that there's room the day you are hoping to visit.

18. Roaring Camp Railroad

These are no kid-sized, toy steam trains. Used to haul redwood in the 1800s, these steam engines are some of the best preserved from the era. Travel through California's gigantic redwoods on the Redwood Forest Steam Train, crossing trestles and following the tracks up to the summit of Bear Mountain in this hour-long loop adventure landing you back at the Roaring Camp Railroad Depot. Conductors will narrate the history of the redwoods and the railroad throughout the journey for history buffs. Roaring Camp also offers a Santa Cruz Beach Train that takes riders three hours down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and back to the Roaring Camp depot at the end of the day.

19. Blue and Gold Fleet + Tiburon

The same ferry company that shuttles visitors to Alcatraz also makes trips out to Tiburon, and riding the ferry across the Bay is part of the adventure. Board the ferry at Pier 41 in San Francisco, and enjoy the half-hour ride with the wind at your back; on nice days you can see the bridges in both directions and sailboats all over the Bay. Bring your bike on-board to explore Tiburon's waterfront paths, the ferry has plenty of room down below in the main cabin. Once you arrive in Tiburon, Sam's Café is the spot to be, with their expansive patio overlooking the water (www.samscafe.com). Wander Tiburon's shops downtown, ride bikes, and stop for ice cream before you hop on the ferry back to the city.

20. Hilmar Cheese Company + Ice Cream Making

There's nothing neater than seeing how something you use or eat everyday is created, from start to finish. At Hilmar, one of the world's largest cheese manufacturers (they use almost two million gallons of milk a day!), the Visitor Center walks kids through the process of making cheese: how to milk a cow, the smell of different grains that cows eat, interactive exhibits about cheese and whey, and more. After your tour, tastings of Hilmar cheeses are available, as well as a shop with all their cheese products for sale, and a deli café that features gourmet paninis and food with, of course, Hilmar cheeses. Throughout the summer, kids are invited to Hilmar Monday through Friday to learn how to make their own ice cream, and create their own homemade frozen dessert.

21. A's games + Giants games

Baseball never gets old, especially for kids sitting in the stands watching the larger-than-life game in front of their eyes. Add in some junk food, and quality time with mom or dad, and you've got it made. Oakland Athletics games are easy to get to, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) goes right to the stadium, and inexpensive even for great tickets-but while the A's boys have heart, there's no guarantee of a win. They call themselves "green collar baseball." You will, however, get the chance to meet A's mascot Stomper the elephant, and spend plenty of time basking in the sun if you happen to attend a daytime game. The San Francisco Giants have a whole other thing going on, riding on the sails of last year's World Series win. The Giants also have one of the nicest parks in Major League Baseball, with gourmet food and brand spanking new stands, chairs, pretty much everything. Either way, spend a Saturday at the ballpark, support your Bay Area teams, and the kids will have a good time spending time with dear old Dad.

22. Yosemite waterfalls + Horseback Riding

The backdrop of Yosemite's flat peaks, like Half Dome and El Capitan, is breathtaking to anyone, but kids are awed by the sheer size of everything in this natural landmark. Depending on the year's rainfall, you may still be able to seek out some of Yosemite's famous waterfalls in the summer; Yosemite Falls, the fifth highest in the world, and Bridalveil Falls are the most popular. For horseback riding, Yosemite's peaks provide a peaceful backdrop for a scenic trail ride. Yosemite Valley Stables offers a beginners two-hour ride and a more strenuous half-day ride through the State Park, but be sure to make reservations.

23. Marine Mammal Center / Lindsay Wildlife Museum

Different than an aquarium, Sausalito's Marine Mammal Center is a rescue facility for lost or injured marine animals, many which have been negatively affected by human interaction, like fishing nets or litter. The biologists learn as much as they can from the animals while in their care, and the ultimate goal is to turn them back out into the ocean-seals, sea lions, whales, sea otters, dolphins, and harbor porpoises have all been housed here. Visitors can explore on their own or take a tour. At the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek, the goal is the same, to nurture and care for animals, and take responsibility for the preservation of nature. Here, see owls, eagles, foxes, coyotes, toads and turtles, and other native animals.

24. Napa Chefs' Market + Hwy. 29

Napa is not just for wine tasting, although there's plenty of that, as well. Friday evenings during summer, downtown Napa hosts its weekly Chefs' Market-think Farmers Market, but with dishes from local chefs, and jams and breads from local artisans, instead of fruits and veggies from local farmers. The Market is part culinary adventure, part block party for the whole neighborhood to come out and enjoy the nice weather and live music. During the day, head down Highway 29 to the wineries, and enjoy the expansive lawn and picnic tables at V.Sattui Winery. Gather cheese, snacks, and sandwiches from the winery's impressive deli and market, or partake of barbecued meats, oysters, and pizzas being fired up on the lawn (www.vsattui.com). For a wine tasting experience that the kids can also enjoy, tour the Castello di Amorosa winery, located in an old castle with dungeons and dragons­-okay maybe not the latter, but the kids don't have to know that! (www.castellodiamorosa.com)

25. Cache Canyon Rafting + Camping

As whitewater goes, this is the most enjoyable and organized family-friendly whitewater rafting we've found. Family-owned, Cache Canyon River Trips will take care of everything you need to have a great day on the water. Class 2 and 3 rapids make for some exciting paddles along the way, but calm, scenic waters are just as frequent. An optional barbecue lunch stop on the shore is ideal-depending on the day, grilled chicken or hot dogs, macaroni or potato salad, watermelon, and lemonade, with veggie alternatives available also. Cache Canyon's well-maintained campgrounds are a five-minute drive down the road, with grassy campsites, bathrooms, and river access for playtime the days you aren't rafting. [SJM]