by Megan Eileen McDonough 

Kids have boundless energy and sometimes it can feel like you'll never keep up with them. Luckily, Marin County has more than enough activities to quench their appetite and their curiosity. From hiking through Muir Woods and climbing to the top of the Point Bonita Lighthouse to visiting local cheesemakers, there's no end to the amount of fun a kid (or a kid at heart) can have in Marin. Here are five family-friendly excursions for every interest.

 

1. Learn a sport

Marin County is the perfect place to learn a new water sport. Whether windsurfing, kayaking, surfing or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), there's a sport for every member of the family. 101 Surf Sports is a great starting point, as it offers classes of all different levels and caters to both children and adults. There are even on-site paddle parties ideal for family reunions and kids’ birthday parties. The spacious picnic area makes it easy to pair a water sport class with an outdoor lunch. Note: children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult in the water.

 

2. Saddle up

Kids and animals often go hand in hand, so why not head to Five Brooks Ranch for an action-packed afternoon of horseback riding in the countryside? The full-service stable caters to the whole family, with more than 120 miles of trails that take riders through meadows, along sandy beaches and the Point Reyes National Seashore. Services range from private rides and pony rides to riding lessons and parties. Choose between one-, two- and three-hour trail rides or opt for an entire-day package. Don’t forget your camera! There are many photo ops along the way.

 

3. Walk Among Tall Redwood Trees

Summer has arrived in one of Marin's most majestic nature spots: Muir Woods. Described by conservationist John Muir as "the best tree-lovers monument that could be possibly found in all the forests of the world," this collection of old-growth coast redwood trees, the tallest living things in the world, attracts nearly a million domestic and international tourists each year. If you’re an early riser, be sure to get the kids up early to explore this natural wonder.  It’s possible to see Muir Woods much as it was thousands of years ago: quiet, misty, remarkably magical, and without the crowds. It is an unforgettable trip back in time.

 

4. Hit the beach

Marin County has some pretty spectacular beaches and even better views. Safety-wise, Tomales Bay State Park is a great option, as there are four surf-free beaches protected from winds. Beyond the beaches, there are forests, hills, meadows, marshes, and fields connected by trails. Wildlife sightings are quite common as well, especially raccoons, chipmunks, rabbits, deer, squirrels, and even skunks. In total, there are 2,000 acres divided on the west and east sides of the bay. When you're ready for lunch, just head to the Vista Point Group Picnic Area, where there are tables.

 

5. Call of the Sea

Call of the Sea is a variety of programs for people of all ages, including youth camps, seamanship training, educational bay sails, and overnight sail experiences. Founded in 1985 to provide Bay Area youth an opportunity to sail traditionally rigged vessels and to learn maritime history and the marine environment, while inspiring them to be stewards of the sea and earth. The mission is to provide inclusive and equitable access to on the water science- based educational programs that foster the connection to watersheds, ocean environments & nautical heritage.

Schooner Seaward has served over 50,000 students since 2004. Brigantine Matthew Turner is a wooden ship with an auxiliary hybrid-electric propulsion system recently built in Sausalito. Matthew Turner also serves as a floating classroom, extending our capacity to serve the Northern California community and beyond.

 

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.