Took the kids here today and it was 100% worth the 1.5 hour drive from LA. MOXI is super hands-on…read moreand perfect for kids to just explore and play without getting bored. Every exhibit actually keeps them engaged not just looking, but doing. The interactive tables (like the spinning drum and dice games) were a hit. My kids didn't want to leave and kept going back to the same stations. It's also really clean, organized, and easy to navigate even with little ones. Pricing was reasonable for what you get abbout $25 for adults, $20 for kids, and under 2 is free, which is nice. Staff was friendly and everything felt well-maintained. You can tell they designed this place with kids in mind but adults still have fun too. Definitely a solid family day trip spot from LA. Would come back again

I literally planned a trip to Santa Barbara just because my toddler wanted to go back to the Moxi…read more We have a kids museum in our city but she kept saying no the one with the parachutes. I figured out it was the Moxi. I guess it make quite the impression on her last year. The museum had some new exhibits this time around. They added a fun ball launcher that I also enjoyed as well. The water exhibit could use some love. Some of the hydraulic levers was either not working or you had to really work at it. My toddler was not strong enough to use them. One thing I like is that we were able to leave and come back after lunch. We got to make the most if our trip. I'm sure we'll ge back next year.

Had such a fun time at the aquarium! The staff were super nice and welcoming from the moment we…read morewalked in. Everyone was helpful, answering questions and explaining things without making it feel rushed. You can tell they actually enjoy what they do. It's also really affordable, which makes it such a good activity whether you're with friends, family, or on a date. For the price, you honestly get a lot out of it. The best part was definitely the touch tanks. We got to touch sharks, starfish, and sea anemones, which was such a cool experience. Feeling the smooth skin of the sharks and the slightly sticky texture of the anemones was actually so interesting. The staff guide you on how to gently interact with them, so it feels safe for both you and the animals. The whole place has a chill, coastal vibe that makes it really enjoyable to walk through. It's not overwhelmingly big, so you can take your time at each exhibit and actually read about the sea life. There's such a variety of colorful fish and marine animals, and it's fun seeing everything up close. Overall, such a wholesome and interactive experience. Cheap, hands-on, and run by genuinely kind people. Definitely worth visiting if you're in the area.

Very underwhelming and much smaller than expected. My 5-year-old got bored quickly and we were in…read moreand out in about 20 minutes. On the positive side, the staff was friendly and the blue whale replica hanging from the ceiling is pretty cool. We happened to go on a free day, which was great, because in my opinion it wouldn't have been worth paying $17 per adult. Tips for parking: 90 minutes free and $4 per hour thereafter. You can also find parking on the street, but it's a bit tough (typically 90 minutes). Overall, 3 stars. Not terrible, but not something I'd recommend unless it's a free day and you're already in the area.

We've been meaning to plan a horseback riding excursion for the past five years during our…read moreThanksgiving weekends at Cachuma Lake Campground. This year, we finally made it happen--and it was everything we hoped for and more. After searching Yelp for nearby stables, this ranch stood out with the best reviews by far, (now I see why), so our hopes were high. I'm so glad we decided to trust the reviews and drive the extra 15-20 minutes to this place. I was tempted by the value of the half-day ride, but since it had been several years since either of us had been on horseback, we decided to go conservative and chose the 1.5-hour trail ride instead. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Jack, who checked us in and handled the paperwork. He was funny, friendly, and efficient--such a great start to the experience. I grew up riding English, with all the rules drilled into me from childhood, so being told (for only the second time in my life!) that I didn't have to wear a helmet felt almost rebellious. Yes, I know safety matters, and yes, my daughter was smart enough to wear one--but I have to admit, it felt wonderfully freeing. Russell was fantastic as well. Our horses were fully tacked and waiting, ready for us to hop on. As someone accustomed to doing much of the prep work myself, it felt strange--and a bit indulgent--to have mounting steps and a completely ready-to-go horse. My old riding instructors would be ashamed and shaking their heads at me. Though I felt a little "spoonfed," I know this is a huge perk for beginners or anyone unfamiliar with horses. Personally, I would've enjoyed grooming or prepping my horse, but that's not the norm for organized trail rides like this. After the ride, Russell was right there to help us dismount, cracking jokes and keeping us laughing the whole time. I had to laugh when he said, "You're just like me--good looking and short on legs!" Our trail guide, Elrich (Elrick?6, was excellent. Our group was small--just my daughter and me, plus one other couple. My daughter and I are both experienced English riders, while the other couple had never ridden before. Elrich struck the perfect balance, giving the beginners enough guidance without making the ride dull for the rest of us. While I always love a bit more trotting and cantering, I know that's not typical for these types of outings, and honestly, I had an absolute blast just being on a horse again. I've missed it so much. My daughter and I are already planning to return next year for the 2.5-hour ride. The trail itself? Absolutely breathtaking. I've been riding since childhood--now over 60--and have been on countless trail rides. This is, truly the most beautiful trail I've ever experienced. Waterfalls, streams, a few ocean views and stunning mountain scenery... it was spectacular from start to finish. If you're choosing between this ranch and nearby stables, I highly recommend trying this one first. You won't be disappointed, It's a wonderful experience, a gorgeous trail, and a fantastic way to spend the day.

This Ranch is so beautiful the pictures don't do justice! I've been on many horse back rides all…read moreover the US and the guide from Montana that does the tours is phenomenal! He loves what he does, is very knowledgeable, pleasant to talk to and shared a lot of nice stories about the outdoors. He is definitely an asset to Circle Bar Stables. For anyone booking try to go on his tour!! The nice gentleman that answers the phones is very sweet, I had to call several times to change my tour and he was so helpful I can tell he has been with the Stables a long time and loves being there. When I arrived I was the only one and he told me to go walk around while I was waiting I guess he read my mind. I had to take off 2 stars because of the Gentleman from Texas that works there. He honestly seems like he hates his job, he asked me several times if I was on a horse before and I told him give me any horse I'll be fine. He chose AXE and while he was bringing him over to me AXE was being a little stubborn and didn't want to come not because he didn't go on the trail but he was uncomfortable with the Texan. What bothered me most was he said "AXE STOP BEING A JERK" which made me really upset and uncomfortable. I don't like it when people wok with animals and call them derogatory names.

Super fun for the kids! Spacious, colorful, and lots to do. Good for all ages :):):):):):)read more

Great, fun spot for kids! Definitely a great spot to get some energy out! My daughter and I have…read morecome here for several birthday parties now, and it's great we have a jump place in SB. They have an obstacle type jumper which is always a favorite, a large one that is more of a sport court, and two others with slides, climbing areas, ext. Love coming here for parties!

An excellent playground for smaller kids. The ship themed playground equipment is well designed and…read morefree of the high drop off points some playgrounds have. There are interesting ocean themed decor such as large concrete whales and fish to climb on. The park overall is well maintained with nice plants and a comfortable squishy floor under the playground equipment. Great for 2-5 year olds.

If you need a playground for some free fun, come to shipwreck! The playground is a good size with…read moretwo structures, one for the littles and then another for the bigger kids. Plenty of street parking, and right across from the beach. The bathrooms are clean!

Really great animal park. Some of the animals might need a bit more enrichment, some seemed to be…read morestressed out. Other than that great exhibits and space for them to roam. Really enjoyed every bit The train ride was also fun, kind of wish their was some secret exhibit if you went on the train but still fun nonetheless I bought a t-shirt Would recommend going at least once

It's a small, very family-friendly zoo that's not as sprawling as the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park,…read morebut its size and chill atmosphere make it a relaxing experience rather than one where you're rushing to see everything and are super exhausted at the end of the day. Parking lot wasn't large, but we easily found a spot near the front close to opening time on a Sunday morning. Tickets purchased online in advance are $37.95 each. Our group went at our own pace looking at animals and going through exhibits. We fed Theo the giraffe ($8 to give him four leaves of romaine lettuce), brushed some goats at the barnyard (free activity), took the 15min train ride around the park ($8 per person), ate lunch, backtracked a little to find things we missed, had multiple bathrooms breaks, and visited a gift shop - all in about four hours. We didn't have to wait in long lines for anything, and the park didn't get annoyingly crowded during our time there. My favorite animals from here were the snow leopard, red panda, giraffes, island fox, otters, and Australian birds like the kookaburra and frogmouth. I appreciated that there were plenty of seating areas and different vantage points for viewing. Some animals were hiding, napping, or camouflaged, so it was fun trying to find them. There were a few concerns, though. Since the park's acreage is on the smaller side compared to those of other zoos, we were concerned that the animals didn't have much space for themselves. Their enclosures seemed to be limited in area, and the ones with water could definitely be expanded and topped off with more water. A lot of the social animals didn't appear to have buddies, either, which seemed quite sad, but I'm guessing there are reasons of which I'm not aware.

Shoreline Park in Santa Barbara is a 15-acre coastal bluff park known for its panoramic ocean views…read moreand family-friendly atmosphere. Perched above the Pacific, it offers a long, narrow stretch of green space with paved paths ideal for walking, jogging, and soaking in vistas that include the Santa Barbara Harbor, the Channel Islands, and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Shoreline Park is a gem for anyone seeking peaceful surroundings . The park offers stunning views…read moreof the ocean, with plenty of grassy areas perfect for picnics or lounging. I love coming here for walks and soaking up the panoramic views of the coastline. Benches are stationed throughout the park to enjoy the scenery. Unfortunately, some areas have been gated off for safety reasons due to the foundation of the hillside. If you want to venture down to the beach, just look for the wooden archway. The stairway will lead you down to the shoreline. Occasionally high tides won't allow you to venture down, so just be aware of that. The beach itself is rocky, and sometimes full of debris so bring comfy shoes! This spot is ideal for families, walkers, and even solo relaxation. I recommend bringing a small bag for special sea treasures that you may find during your visit. I always enjoy looking for sea shells, sea glass and heart shaped rocks. The rock formations here are always breathtaking during low tides so be sure to bring a camera or have your phone fully charged. Overall, Shoreline Park is my top favorite in town and a must-visit for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. It's also a dog friendly park, so bring your fur baby as well.

My daughter's best friend's mom, who volunteers here, invited us to visit the bird sanctuary…read more Although it appears smaller from the outside, the sanctuary offers a large, beautiful, and green space full with birds. Some of these birds are even talkative, making it a fun experience. Additionally, we noticed that some birds are for sale, along with items like food, cages, and toys. It's definitely a place worth visiting at least once.

What a gem! This is a combination bird sanctuary, bird boarding, and bird pet supplies store. It is…read morean unassuming looking house. You walk up the steps and you are greeted by two "resident" parrots on the porch. Ring the bell and you go into a magical place where people's' pet birds are (clearly lovingly) cared for. They are alongside a few "resident" birds. "Residents" is their term for the sanctuary birds deemed too fragile or damaged to be adopted. Go outside and you're greeted with a plethora of resident and sanctuary birds of various sizes and gorgeous colors. Their cages have little bios of where their species come from and their endangered status. You're inside a little garden space that wraps around the house. The birds mostly have charming personalities and, yes, some actually talk. These are gorgeous creature being lovingly cared for by the very capable, dedicated staff. The birds are kinda flirty which is a lot of fun. They clearly enjoy seeing visitors and it is heartwarming to see the sanctuary birds in various stages of healing. And there were a few very pretty and charming prospective adoptees who nearly made it back to my home, lol. In short, a mice place to spend an hour or so.

Saul Jr. is a wonderful instructor! He's very patient, kind and knowledgeable! I surprised my best…read morefriend from FL with this experience when she came to visit me for my birthday. You could say we're rather "classy" ladies as we both love to take art and craft classes. Hands down this was the best class and finished product either of us has ever made! Thank you Saul, Jr!!

This was an unforgettable experience! The team did such a wonderful job of teaching us and guiding…read moreour group through the process. It was awesome to actually be hands on and make our own pieces with them on the side guiding us. We had so much fun and would definitely do it again!

This is a perfect park for families. I like that all the features are close to one another so it is…read moreeasier to keep eyes on multiple kids. Accessible courts for pickle ball including a multi-tiered basketball hoop which I've never seen. The playground looks new and is adjacent to a skatepark that's for kids 12 and under (for skating and skateboard only but there are plenty of littles who ride their bikes). Lots of shade with tables. A walking and bike path. What a cool find! We did come early on a Sunday morning - 945am - because I read that parking can be difficult. There were 2 spots left in the lot and street parking, because it is shared with apartments, was non existent.

This a small very clean park with brand new equipment. They are still building the other parts of…read morethe park. Looks like there are multiple basketball options, ping pong table, skate park, tennis court, handball court, and splash pad area. Restroom nearby