MARCH
March 7, 2025 (Fri) - Family Dance at Grover Beach Community Center from 5:30PM - 7:30PM.
Spend and evening in the jungle with hors d'oeuvres
crafts, music, and dancing. Dress for adventure and take home some memories in the photo booth. Event is limited to 100 guests. Open to children
ages 5 - 12 years old. The cost is $65 per couple (1 adult and 1 child); $35 for each additional guest. In the past, this was a Mother & Son Dance, but it looks like The City of Grover Beach changed it to Family Dance. Address: 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433
APRIL
April 5, 2025 (Sat) - Children's Day in the Plaza from 10AM - 3PM. Free entry event. Join San Luis Obispo Early Care & Education Planning Council for a day of activities, live music, performances, food, community resources, and more in celebration of the Month of the Child & Child Abuse Prevention Month! Address: 989 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
April 19, 2025 (Sat) - Egg-stravaganza at Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach from 10AM - 1PM. Free event with bounce houses, games, crafts and more
There are 4 different egg hunt events with the first one at 10:10AM for the little ones.
(I took this event at the egg hunt event at Dinosaur Caves Park.)
I went to this event last year. See my photo from instagram of the egg hunt. Address: 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
April 19, 2025 (Sat) - Egg Hunt & Festival at Elm Street Park in Arroyo Grande starting at 10AM. Free BBQ hot dogs.
There will be 3 different egg hunt races, broken down by age with the first one for ages 2 - 6 years old.
(I took
this picture at the egg hunt event at Elm Street Park.)
Address: 1221 Ash St.,
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
MAY
May 2 & 3, 2025 (Fri) - Tamale Festival Weekend in Downtown Atascadero. Free entry event. Bring money to buy tamales. Address: 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, CA 93422
May 9, 2025 (Fri) - Picnic in the Park from at 16th Park in Grover Beach from 4:30PM - 6:30PM. Blankets will be provided. There will be games, refreshments and fun.
(This is a photo of the playground that I took at the 16th Park in Grover Beach.) Address: S. 16th St. & Mentone Ave. Grover Beach, CA 93433
May 11, 2025 (Sun) - Happy Mother's Day!
May 11, 2025 (Sun) - A Mother's Day Tea at Heritage House Garden from 1:30PM - 4PM. Tea, lemonade, tea sandwiches, scones and desserts will be served. Enjoy engaging crafts and fun activities while supplies last. Cost is $50 for two; $20 for additional guest. You reserve a ticket from the City of Arroyo Grande's recreation reservation system. Address: 126 S. Mason St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
May 26, 2025 (Mon) - Memorial Day Ceremony at Faces of Freedom Memorial in Atascadero from 11AM - 12PM. eterans organizations will have informational materials available, and the Kiwanis will host a BBQ after the ceremony. Address: 9029 Morro Rd, Atascadero, CA 93422
Free Things To Do in SLO
Monarch Butterfly Grove
Bubblegum Alley
Bubble Gum Alley in Downtown San Luis Obispo is always free to explore! The walls are filled with bubble gum and you are welcome to add to the collection. Address: 733 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Avila-Pismo Beach Trolley
Elephant Seals in San Simeon
Playgrounds for Kids in SLO County
Sinsheimer Park in san Luis Obispo
Sinsheimer Park in San Luis Obispo is huge with a large playground area and a green hill where kids use cardboards to slide down. They have a lot of sitting areas and a large parking lot. Address: 900 Southwood Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Mitchell Park in San Luis Obispo
Located in downtown San Luis Obispo is Mitchell Park with a large playground, picnic tables and public restrooms. Parking is street parking. Address: 1400 Osos St, San Luis Obispo, CA 9340
Meadow Park in San Luis Obispo
Playground at SLO Botanical Garden in San Luis Obispo
During normal days, you'd have to pay to enter SLO Botanical Garden but every month, they host a free Family Day where everyone gets in for free. Once you enter the gates, next to the SLO Botanical Garden is a large playground with a parking area and benches. It's typically quiet when my kids and I come here. They have swings, slides, and it's very spacious. We would hang out at the Children's Garden at the SLO Botanical Garden first on Free Family Days and then end up at this playground. See my Instagram video reel of my SLO Botanical Garden adventure with my kids. Address: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Dinosaurs Caves Park in Pismo Beach
Chumash Park in Pismo Beach
Spyglass Park in Shell Beach
Avila Beach Park
16th Street Park in Grover Beach
16th Street Park is the largest park with a playground in Grover Beach. They only have one section as a playground, unlike other playgrounds that separate them for the little ones. It is meant to be in all-inclusive playground. I'd be wary about bringing little kids as my younger son has been buillied by older kids who were hanging around the area. One time, two older kids (maybe Middle School age) approached one of my sons and was encouraging him to try drugs if he wanted to "feel special". It was so sad that this happened. My son told me right away and I made sure I was right next to him. Those older boys were throwing around slurs and saying a lot of bad stuff that I know most parents do not want their little ones to hear. I'm not saying I would expect it to happen often but a couple of extremely bad experiences is enough to make me be a little hesitant to bring my little boys here. I have not encountered problems like this at any other park that I've visited. Address: 16th Street & Mentone Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433
Hero Park in Grover Beach
Hero Park is located in Grover Beach area and has a playground for the smaller kids. It's located in a quiet residential area. It is street parking only. It has a basketball court and tennis courts. Address: 1600 Farroll Rd, Grover Beach, CA 93433
Elm Street Park/City of Arroyo Grande Parks & Recreation Park
Also known as Elm Street Dog Park, this has both a playground and dog park. There is also a Park & Recreation building there that has preschools and special programs for kids. Throughout the year, the City of Arroyo Grande would host special events here for the public. Address: 1221 Ash St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Rancho Grande Playground and Park in Arroyo Grande
Rancho Grande Park is one of the bigger parks in San Luis Obispo County that is very kid-friendly. It's a bit isolated and in a hilly part of a residential area in Arroyo Grande. It has two separate playgrounds with a small section for the little ones. Many families host birthday parties here. Address: 500 James Way, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Lopez Lake Playground in Arroyo Grande
Located at the Lopez Lake Recreation Area that is run by San Luis Obispo County, this playground is convenient for those who are camping there or hanging out for the day. There is an entrance fee to enter this county park. During the summer, they open up their Mustang Waterpark, which is an additional fee. Read our review of Mustang Waterpark. If you drive an electric car, make sure you charge your vehicle ahead of time as you won't see much anything except for nature for a long bit before reaching this recreation area. Address: 6800 Lopez Drive Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Oceano Playground Park in oceano
Del Mar Park in Morro Bay
Tidelands Playground in Morro Bay
Tidelands Playground does not have the traditional playground with swings and slides but it has a ship structure for kids to climb! I love the phenomenal view here of the Morro Rock. It has a large parking lot, which makes it easy. I've chaperoned for a field trip in Morro Bay before and we'd stop here for lunch. It was ample room for three classes and it could fit a lot more, easily. Address: 301 EmbarcaderoMorro Bay, CA 93442
Atascadero Lake Park
Located in Atascadero and next to the Charles Paddock Zoo is a large green park with a playground and a nice lake. The playground makes it very convenient for the kids after the zoo. They don't sell food at the zoo so you can bring a picnic here at this park (right outside the zoo) and enjoy a little a break. Address for GPS: 9100 Morro Rd, Atascadero, CA 93422
Nipomo Regional Park in Nipomo
Located on the outer edge of San Luis Obispo County is Nipomo. Nipomo Regional Park is the largest park of the bunch as it's also a sport complex. Every year, local organizations host special events to the public here. I've been to an Easter egg hunt a few times with my kids and we'd always have a great time. Address: 904 W Tefft St, Nipomo, CA 93444
Lawrence "Larry" Moore Park in Paso Robles
Lawrence "Larry" Moore Park is located in a residential area that is near Wal Mart in Paso Robles. They have trails that you can walk on, a playground, basketball courts, and a soccer field. It doesn't have swings but it has a couple of small slides. There is street parking right by the park. Address: 155 Riverbank Ln, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Downtown City Park in Paso Robles
Every time that we are in the downtown area of Paso Robles, it's a mandatory visit to the playground the Downtown City Park. It has swings, slides, areas designated for little ones and also a seesaw that fits 4 kids. Close to a lot of restaurants, shops, wine tasting rooms and even a movie theater, this is very centralized playground. It is street parking and on very busy tourist seasons, it can be hard to find parking. Address: Spring St &, 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Popular Beaches to Explore in San Luis Obispo County
Avila Beach
Avila Valley Barn
San Luis (SLO) Lighthouse
To see more pictures of Central Coast Aquarium taken by SanLuisObispoMom.com, click here.
Avila Beach Pier
This pier is my favorite of all the piers at Avila Beach. See pictures that I've taken at Harford Pier/Port San Luis Pier. Address for GPS: 3950 Avila Beach Drive, Avila Beach, CA
Pismo Beach
The most famous SLO beach is Pismo Beach and attracts the majority of the tourists who come to this area. Come to the Pismo Beach Pier to take in some beautiful ocean views.
With clean beaches, a lot of shops and restaurants, many tourists, local families and surfers come to Pismo Beach for a nice day out. The boardwalk is also a nice stroll along the beach in Pismo Beach.
Oceano Dunes, part of Pismo State Beach, is only 3 miles south of Pismo Beach. Read more about Oceano, California.
HotShots Billiards & Family Entertainment at Pismo Beach
Don't let the word Billiards throw you off from coming here with your kids! They have a lot of arcade games in the back with some centered on little ones! You can buy food or draft beer while the kids have some fun.
It's very close to the Pismo Beach Pier. You can park in the beach parking lot there and walk here. We came here with the little ones around 8pm and it is still family-friendly.
There is never an admission fee to enter the game area. Bring your quarters. Otherwise, bring cash to dispense some quarters here. Address: 250 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Grover Beach
Grover Beach and Sand Dunes Beach Entry
If you are planning on spending a long time at the beach here, walk to this entry point by parking down the intersection where there is public parking available, behind Fin's Restaurant. See more beach pictures of Grover Beach taken by SanLuisObispoMom.com
Cayucos
Above is a photo of the Cayucos Pier around Christmas time.
Paso Robles
Paso Robles Children's Museum
The Paso Robles Children's Museum is a two story museum located in the downtown area of Paso Robles. It may be a bit intimidating for the smaller toddlers but it's still a great place for the kids if you're nearby. See more pictures of our visits at Paso Robles Children's Museum in this blog post. It is much smaller than the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum only open a few days out of the week, depending on their staff coverage for the season. Address: 623 13th St,Paso Robles, California 9344
The Ravine Waterpark (only open during summer season)
They offer active-duty military discount with valid military ID. Address: 2301 Airport Rd., Paso Robles, California 93446
California Mid-State Fair
With carnival rides, hundreds of vendors and great eats, it's fun for the whole family. Address: 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles, CA 93446
Sensorio Field of Lights
Free Story Time
San Luis Obispo County Library Story Times
Barnes & Noble Bookstore Story Times
SLO Farmers Markets (ongoing weekly as weather permits)
San Luis Obispo Farmers Market in downtown
San Luis Obispo Farmers Market in Downtown is iconic to the Central Coast and takes place every Thursday from 6PM - 8:30PM from November - February and 6PM - 9PM from March - October on Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 between Nipomo and Osos. Seasonally, Chorro Street and Broad Street may also be in use.San Luis Obispo Market on madonna Road
The San Luis Obispo Market near Madonna Inn is at address: 325 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (World Market/Embassy Suites parking lot) in the middle of a large shopping center and take place on Saturday mornings from 8AM - 10:45AM.Morro Bay Farmers Market
Morro Bay Farmers Market is located at Spencer’s Fresh Markets parking lot at address: 2650 Main St., Morro Bay, CA 93442 takes place on Thursday afternoons takes place from 2PM - 4:30PM.Pismo Beach Farmers Market
Pismo Beach Farmers Market takes place right by the beach at Pismo Beach Pier at Pomeroy and Hinds Ave., Pismo Beach, CA 93440 every Wednesday from 4PM - 7PM between April - September only.Arroyo Grande Village Farmers Market
The Arroyo Grande Village Farmers Market takes place in old downtown Arroyo Grande at address: 193 Olohan Alley, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 takes place on Saturday Afternoons from noon - 2:30PM.Arroyo Grande Smart & Final Parking Lot Farmers Market
The Arroyo Grande Smart & Final Farmers Market is conveniently located at Smart & Final parking lot at address: 1464 East Grand Avenue, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 and takes place on Wednesday mornings from 8:30AM - 11AM.Nipomo Swap Meet & Flea Market
Nipomo Swap Meet & Flea Market is fun and takes place every Sunday from 6AM - 6PM, weather permitting. They also have train rides called Choo Choo Safari inside the vicinity! It's great for kids! You pay a car entry fee of $4 to enter the Swap Meet & Flea Market to park. They have fresh produce, awesome Mexican food options all around the area and good yard sale type finds. Address: 263 N Frontage Rd, Nipomo, CA 93444Museum Attractions
San Luis Obispo Children's Museum
Paso Robles Children's Museum
Charles Paddock Zoo
Hearst Castle
San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum
The Ravine Waterpark
Museum of Natural History - Morro Bay
Morro Bay's Morro Rock is one of the more famous landmarks of San Luis Obispo County. Read my blog entry about Morro Bay. Address of Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay: 20 State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442
Birthday Party Ideas
Pacific Flips Gymnastics Birthday Party
They set up 2 tables ahead of time per your reservation and you just bring your decoraton. For more pictures and details, read about our detailed experience in this Pacific Flips Birthday blog entry.
Central Coast Aquarium Birthday
To see more pictures of the aquarium, read our review blog entry of Central Coast Aquarium.
