So you’ve gotten to that point where your children no longer want to hang around with you, grumble at your every suggestion or repeatedly roll their eyes. Well we can help you with a trip to Palmdale that will keep them entertained all weekend and, hopefully, earn you back some street-cred. Palmdale is a city but it cherishes a small-town feel with the sense of family and community at its core.
1. Go crazy at DryTown Water Park
Yes we know that the name of this park doesn’t really make sense but the kids love it! Set in 6 acres (2.4 hectares) of crazy water fun, they can run amok amongst the other screaming kids as they tackle Rattlers Revenge, race down Dusty’s Mineshaft, get lost in the Wild Catter and much more. If you enjoy water parks by all means join in but otherwise you might be interested in relaxing in the Big Rock lazy river around the park.
DryTown Water Park
Address: 3850 East Avenue Street, Palmdale, California, 93550
Price: 22 USD
Website: DryTown Water Park
2. Get physical at the Mulligan Family Fun Centre
There are so many family friendly activities at the Mulligan Family Fun centre that you’ll probably have to decide what it is that you want to do in a day - otherwise you might end up spending five days there without realizing. One of our favourite activities has to be the ‘Blaster Boats’, think bumper cars on water, it’s great fun to tackle your children! If you want something a little bit less, err aggressive, be sure to check out the mini golf course, high rope challenge, rock wall or even the arcade. Prices vary depending on the activity, you can check online before arriving.
Mulligan Family Fun Centre
Address: 525 West Avenue P-4, Palmdale, CA 93551
Website: Mulligan Family Fun Centre
3. Bring out your inner spy at Blackbird Airpark
The airpark was opened in 1991 to preserve the ‘blackbird family’ of military aircraft from the Cold War years. These incredible airplanes were the forefathers to many new ideas used in war such as heat camouflage and designs that minimized radar cross section as the first step into stealth tactics. This airpark hosts the only display of a Lockheed SR-71A , of which there were only ever 32 built in the entire world. Not far from the Lockheed you’ll see its predecessor, the A-12, alongside the once ultra-secret D-21 unmanned drone, which had the ability to self-destruct at low altitude. Finally, if that doesn’t impress the kids maybe the last ever remaining U-2 “D” model in the world will? Admission is free and the museum is only open from Friday through to Sunday.
Blackbird Airpark
Address: 2503 E Ave P, Palmdale, CA 93550
Website: Blackbird Airpark
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4. Horseriding at Rainbow Ridge Ranch
Be sure to reserve your place if your children are interested in horse riding. You can take them on a horse trail, with a supervisor, over the high mountain with lots of interesting scenery and animals to spot. If your children are under the age of seven then the ranch may ask you to choose the pony ride section which is a safer and more controllable option. Either way, it is a fantastic experience for a few hours, and they’ll be so excited.
Rainbow Ridge Ranch
Address: 1701 Crystal Rd, Palmdale, CA 93550
Website: Rainbow Ridge Ranch
5. Wear them out at Rockin' Jump Trampoline Park
Need to tire them out a bit? Well then your energetic children might enjoy the trampoline park. Don’t be fooled though this isn’t just any old trampoline park, this awesome site has different zones, with something to suit everyone from Slam Dunk zone where you can jump from launch pads to take your basketball team to victory, the Dodgeball Arena, Open Jump Zone and even the Stunt Bag Arena where they can throw themselves around as many times as they want! The prices vary depending on the day and zones that you want to sign up for so definitely look online to pre-book.
Rockin' Jump Trampoline Park
Address: 1301 W Rancho Vista Blvd, Unit B, Palmdale, CA 93551
Website: Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park
6. Take a cooking class with your children
This is one of our favourite options on this whole list. You can hire a cookery teacher online, go to their house and they will teach you and your children how to do a particular recipe, or even adapt one of your own recipes. We love the idea that you could spend time with your children thinking about what you want to cook although we wonder how many children will just say cake though. Once you’ve decided your recipe simply follow the website link below, find a teacher that you’re happy with and send them a message. Easy!
Cooking Classes
Website: Cooking Classes
7. Brunswick Zone Vista Lane
We’ve all been bowling and after the first game you’re only just about to get the hang of it, that’s why we thank the people at Brunswick Zone Vista Lane who offer unlimited and extended bowling on various nights throughout the week. It means that you can play a few games with your children and really let them get into the the swing of it. They’ll come away having had a good time, remember that every strike needs a celebratory dance and no sulking if they beat you. Prices and nights vary depending on the season so we recommend checking online to see what day has unlimited bowling.
Brunswick Zone Vista Lane
Address: 38241 30th St E, Palmdale, CA 93550
Website: Brunswick Zone Vista Lane
8. Wright's Slot Cars and Raceway
Editor’s Note: Establishment permanently closed
This great little slot car racing venue was once in Palmdale but has now moved locations, it is a 30 minute drive to the new address but we felt like it still deserves to be on the list because it is so unique. Slot car racing is a fairly important deal to the hardcore fans so on a Wednesday night they have a family session which is always very popular. This may not seem like an activity that will gain you street cred but believe us once your children start racing it soon becomes as very funny evening!
Wright's Slot Cars and Raceway
Address: 27219 Camp Plenty Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91351
Price: 20 USD
Website: Wright’s Slot Cars and Raceway
Palmdale might be quiet
Palmdale might be a fairly quiet place to be but there are plenty of activities to do as a family. So be sure to check out the options on this list and let us know how you get on!
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