It can be hard to get 4th graders interested in things, especially outdoor-related ones since so many spend so much time glued to devices. California is fortunate to have a huge state parks system with incredible variety, and the parks offer free access for children, junior ranger programs, interpretive activities, and more.
If you have a 4th grader or you’re a teacher of them, here are some California state parks they can enjoy:
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Running for 32 miles, the Avenue of the Giants provides plenty of chances to get out and see coastal redwoods, the tallest trees in the world. There’s even a hollowed-out fallen one almost large enough for a car to fit in. At the Eel River, you can find spots to skip stones, always a favorite.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
The 129 footfalls are the main attraction here in the Shasta-Cascades part of the state, and there are lots of rocks kids can scramble on to get closer. Lake Britton is also a favorite for swimming, picnicking, and boating (watercraft rentals are available).
Marshall Gold Discovery State Park
The Gold Rush that began in 1848 comes to life here. More than 20 historic buildings and exhibits help tell the tale. Your 4th grader(s) will probably love getting to pan for gold in the river here, hoping they’ll strike it rich.
Old Sacramento State Historic Park
This park’s mission is to help people learn what life in 19th-century California was like. A prime attraction for kids is the California State Railroad Museum, which has 21 restored locomotives and train care. The best part might be the fun 45-minute train ride along the Sacramento River.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Waves carved away natural bridges from what was once a cliff that extended out into the sea. At low tide, children will enjoy finding starfish and other aquatic life in tidal pools. Every winter, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate to this scenic beach on the edge of Santa Cruz.
Ano Nuevo State Park Coast Reserve
Located at Pescadero, this park protects a scenic beach that has something especially exciting about it. It’s home to one of the state’s largest colonies of sea lions.
Point Lobos State Reserve
Carmel is the location for this park, one of the state’s most beautiful. The awesome cliffs, sea lions, tidal pools, and grazing deer hold great appeal for kids.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
The highlight of this state park in the Big Sur region is McWay Falls, an 80’ waterfall that drops over a cliff and lands on the beach just a few yards away from the Pacific. There’s much more, though, including camping, whale watching, and hiking to the base of the waterfall, which most people only see from CA 1.
Fort Tejon State Historic Park
Dogs are welcome at this Lebec-area park, and you can picnic under 400-year-old oak trees. Saturday is the best time to go because there are Civil War reenactments. The fort was a U.S. Army outpost manned from 1854 through 1864, with its main purpose being to stop cattle rustlers and protect settlers.
Samuel P Taylor State Park
Located in Lagunitas, not far from San Francisco, this park has a lot of appeal for school-age kids. Hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and camping keep things interesting and fun.
California State Mining and Mineral Museum
Here’s another park property devoted to the state’s rich mining history, this one located in Mariposa. Most 4th graders will love getting to see the state’s official mineral collection, which includes beautiful specimens from around the world.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
Spring is the time to visit this location near Lancaster. That’s when the place becomes a tapestry of native California wildflowers, including the California poppy, which is the state flower. The poppies paint entire hillsides in a stunning orange color.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
This place in L.A. is perfect for the age. It has playgrounds, waterfalls, a stream to play in, hiking trails, and a lot more. One of my favorites is the fishing lake.
Leo Carrillo State Park
Beautiful Malibu is home to this incredible oceanside state park. Kids get to explore tide pools, reefs, and coastal caves. At night, there are campfire programs to enjoy.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Tide pools, guided birding tours, wetlands, flower gardens, and the beach will keep 4th graders occupied. However, what they may love most of all is going to the famous Malibu Pier and visiting Surfrider Beach, a premier surfing spot where they can watch experts ply their craft.
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