Santa Clarita

1. Six Flags Magic Mountain

Those looking for an exciting day out with the family can head for Six Flags Magic Mountain and let the fun begin. There are so many things to do here starting with towering roller coasters that will certainly get your adrenalin pumping.

If you prefer something slightly calmer then you will find family friendly rides to suit all ages as well as dedicated kid’s rides for little ones to enjoy. Aside from the rides, there are shopping and dining options within the park, and you can also catch spectacular shows throughout the day where you can meet your favorite cartoon characters such as the cast of Looney Toons.

Address: Six Flags Magic Mountain, 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355

2. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

Make a splash at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a fun water park that the whole family will be able to enjoy due to the diverse rides and attractions there. You can take your pick from mellow cruises down the Lazy River or, if you are feeling daring, shoot down water slides or race your friends on slip and slide toboggans.

There are shallow pools for younger visitors, including a Kid Zone and lagoon, and when you have dried off you can dine at one of the parks many restaurants that feature Italian food, all American classics, and healthy treats.

Address: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355

3. Vasquez Rocks

If you are a fan of movies such as Star Trek IV or shows like Friends and New Girl, then you may recognize Vasquez Rocks as the location of many film and television shoots due to the glorious scenery that this area provides.

The rock formations are simply stunning and provide plenty of photo opportunities for visitors.

You can also climb the rocks, which do not have a steep incline, making it a fairly easy activity even for younger visitors. From May to October you can go on guided hikes with knowledgeable rangers, and there are also presentations to teach you all about the wildlife that inhabits the Vasquez Rocks. Vasquez Rocks is a fun place to visit from Los Angeles.

4. Gibbon Conservation Center

Come to the Gibbon Conservation Center to learn all about these cute little primates. The center was opened in 1976 and is dedicated to conservation, research, and gibbon breeding programs. Tours of the center are usually open to the public on weekends.

If you would prefer a private group tour then, not to worry, as these are available any day of the week for a fee. When you come for a tour, knowledgeable staff and volunteers will show you around the center and fill you in on all you need to know about these cuddly apes.

19100 Esquerra Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91390, 661-296-2737

5. Gilchrist Farm

The ideal destination for a fun family day out, Gilchrist Farm is open every weekend of the year.

Children will love getting acquainted with the friendly farm animals in the petting area and can also go for horseback or pony rides – lessons are available for newbies.

Other fun farm activities include wagon and train rides, archery and axe throwing. You can also learn how to milk a goat – be sure to get there by 10am.

Everyone can have a go at some gem mining and you can also learn about farm crafts like spinning. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food to enjoy in the designated picnic area.

Address: Gilchrist Farm, 30116 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91390, 661 645 2517

6. The Gentle Barn

Animal lovers should not miss a trip to The Gentle Barn, a large area of land that features a barn with over 170 rescued animals including cows, pigs, turkeys, and more. The philosophy of the barn is to rescue abused animals and allow visitors to interact with them in order to foster a nurturing environment that is beneficial to both animals and people.

You can sign up for a tour of the Upper Barnyard and cuddle and pet the animals as well as enjoy a presentation on how the barn was created and learn all about their mission statement and rescue programs.

Address: The Gentle Barn, 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, CA 91390, 661-252-2440

7. Placerita Canyon Nature Center

The Placerita Canyon Nature Center sits in a shady canyon filled with willow trees and oak groves. A stream runs the length of the canyon, and there are an abundance of walking and hiking trails for visitors to explore. The park also has its own waterfall as well as designated picnic areas, and dogs are welcome in Placerita Canyon Park as long as they are on a leash.

A nature center located in the park offers nature walks, special presentations, and information on self-guided tours. For locals who want to get involved, the center has a volunteer program where docents can lead groups of elementary school children on tours.

Address: 19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall, CA 91321, 661-259-7721

8. St. Francis Dam

For something of a rather unusual sightseeing experience, head to this California Historical Landmark to learn all about the St. Francis Dam, which was built in the 1920s and catastrophically burst in 1926, devastating several towns in its path.

Little remains of the dam now but visitors can visit several spots of interest in the dam’s history and follow a guided tour with a leading expert on the area who will explain how the dam was built and what led to its failure. There is a one-hour hike to the remains of the dam that also allows visitors to check out the local flora and fauna in the hills of the Santa Clarita region.

9. Mentryville Park

Historic Mentryville was once a thriving oil drilling town and the site of the first oil strike in the region in 1876. Several decades later, in the 1930’s, the oil had all but disappeared and so had the residents, most of whom broke down their homes and took them away with them.

Fortunately, several building were simply abandoned and left to rot; these were later restored and opened to the public as a California Historic Landmark. When you visit Mentryville Park today you can explore the historic 13-room Mentry mansion, a typical 1-room schoolhouse and an original barn. You can also tour Old Pico Number Four, the oldest oil well in California.

Address: Mentryville Park, 27201 Pico Canyon Rd, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381, 323 221 9944