Kid-Friendly Summer Activities
Big Adventures for Little Explorers
Summer in Mammoth is pure magic for kids—from mountaintop discovery to lakeside splash zones, pedal-powered adventures and high-alpine thrills. Whether your family is here for a weekend escape or a week-long stay, there’s no shortage of outdoor fun made just for younger adventurers. Here are some of our favorite kid-approved ways to spend summer days in Mammoth Lakes.
Play All Day with the Adventure Pass
Let your littles burn off some energy and try something new with an Adventure Pass, good for all day play at Woolly’s Adventure Summit and select activities at Main Lodge. With activities like a thrilling mountain coaster, summer tubing, zip line, climbing wall, bungee trampoline, ropes course, and so much more, you're sure to find fun that fits for any age. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure setup, and with unlimited access all day long, your crew can keep the fun going from morning until dinnertime.
Pro tip: While the kids burn off energy, parents can unwind in our newly upgraded outdoor seating area featuring fresh turf, updated landscaping, and convenient food and beverage service. Grab a cold drink, kick back, and enjoy the mountain vibes while the kids run wild. It's a win-win.
Ride the Scenic Gondola & Meet a Mountain Lion (Kind Of)
Hop on the Scenic Gondola and climb to 11,053 feet at the summit of Mammoth Mountain. The ride itself is a thrill, but the real fun kicks in at the Interpretive Center, where kids can explore hands-on exhibits about local geology, wildlife, and natural history. Let them pet the thick fur of a black bear or mountain lion (taxidermy, of course)- all part of the Explore Mammoth experience included with your ticket. Don't forget to soak in the expansive views, grab a family photo at the famous Summit Sign and learn what it’s like to live in the wild Sierra.
Hike, Splash & Explore Around a Local Lake
Looking for a low-key adventure with big-time scenery? Pack a picnic and head out for a family-friendly hike around one of Mammoth’s beautiful alpine lakes.
- Horseshoe Lake offers wide-open trails and sandy shores, perfect for wading and splashing.
- Lake Mary has easy lakeside paths, scenic picnic spots, and even boat rentals if you're feeling extra adventurous.
- McLeod Lake is a short hike from Horseshoe and feels like a hidden gem in the pines. Easy enough for small legs to tackle without needing a ride from mom and dad.
- Convict Lake delivers crystal-clear water and a flat, family-friendly trail loop around the water's edge.
- Tamarack Bike & Paddle is your stop on the way up to rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and cruiser bikes.
Pro tip: Bring a towel and a change of clothes—chances are, someone’s ending up in the water!
Pedal Power On- or Off-Mountain
Ready to ride? Rent bikes at The Mountain Center in The Village and choose from a scenic ride around town, an uphill adventure to the Lakes Basin or an easy downhill cruise. The free Bike Park shuttle (with purchase of a Bike Park ticket) will take you and your bikes up to Main Lodge where you can play on a variety of downhill trails for all abilities including an easy one that takes you back to The Village when your day is done (Downtown).
Pro-Tip: Get a free kids' bike park ticket with a purchase of an Adventure Pass.
Venture Into Town for More Family Fun
Mammoth Lakes has some great community parks and playgrounds including The Volcom Brothers Skate Park where all ages can practice their skills in the smooth bowls and features (helmets and pads are required). Mammoth Creek Park has a kid-approved playground and Shady Rest offers tons of space to enjoy their playground, skate in the mini-park, take a walk through the forest, even play DiscGolf. If you're in need of some indoor fun, pay a visit to the Rock 'N' Bowl Bowling Alley - The Brasserie upstairs is a great spot for a Mom and Dad date night while the kids bowl downstairs.
Start Planning Your Summer Adventure
From mountaintop wildlife encounters to lake day picnics and everything in between, Mammoth Mountain is the ultimate summer playground for families. Book your trip with savings and get ready for a season of unforgettable memories.
