Choose by the kind of day

Things to do with kids

Compare five places across SLO County by setting, visit shape, and the details that can make or break a family outing.

This guide helps choose the place. For plans tied to a date, browse the family event calendar.

five different outings

What fits your day?

Hours, prices, programs, and ticket availability can change. Each guide links directly to the place’s current visitor information.

Compare interests, setting and location
Place	Main interest	Setting and visit	Location
Central Coast Aquarium	Marine life	Indoor marine exhibits. Compact exhibit rooms.	Avila Beach
SLO Botanical Garden	Plants and nature	Outdoor garden paths. Self-paced garden exploration.	El Chorro Regional Park
Central Coast Zoo	Animals and conservation	Outdoor animal habitats. Outdoor habitat viewing.	Atascadero Lake Park
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum	Hands-on play	Mostly indoor hands-on exhibits. Open-ended exhibits and play spaces.	Downtown San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum	Trains and local history	Indoor exhibits and outdoor rail equipment. Exhibits, model railroad and outdoor equipment.	SLO Railroad District

Avila Beach

Choose this for a compact indoor stop focused on the marine life of the Central Coast.

El Chorro Regional Park

Choose this for an outdoor, self-paced garden visit or a family nature program listed on the current calendar.

Atascadero Lake Park

Choose this for an outdoor animal-focused visit, then check the seasonal operating calendar before driving to Atascadero.

Downtown San Luis Obispo

Choose this for a mostly indoor, hands-on outing built around open-ended play, especially when the official 2–10 age range fits your group.

SLO Railroad District

Choose this for a rail-focused visit that mixes indoor history and interactive exhibits with outdoor equipment. Check opening days before you travel.