Planning a trip to Big Bear? Snow play is fun & skiing or snowboarding is great, but did you know that there is so much more Big Bear has to offer? We had been visiting Big Bear Lake for over 18 years when we finally bought The Castillo Landing Cabin. And with all the time we have been fortunate enough to spend up here, we have learned so many other things you can do in Big Bear, besides just playing in the snow!
Here are 11 of our favorite things to do in Big Bear outside of the normal Big Bear activities:
- Visit the Zoo!
Yes, Big Bear has a zoo! And it’s an amazing one at that! The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is actually an animal rehabilitation & homing sanctuary for hurt or endangered species. It’s an amazing opportunity to get up close with animals like bald eagles, snowy owls, black bears & even a grizzly bear! Open every day of the year from 10am-4pm. It’s 100% worth a visit! MORE INFO HERE
- Take a ride on a pirate ship around the lake.
Yes, an actual pirate ship! (Well, maybe a 1/3 replica of an actual pirate ship, but fun none-the-less!) Holloway’s Marina offers 90-minute Pirate Ship Tours around Big Bear Lake. With a full bar on board & treasure chest for the kids, it’s a great entertaining way to spend a bit of your day up on the mountain! MORE INFO HERE
- Rent a pontoon and go for a ride around the lake.
Another fun activity to do during the late spring, summer & early fall months, is to rent a pontoon & go for a ride! On top of Pirate Ship Tours, Holloway’s Marina also offers Pontoon boat rentals. So grab some drinks & snacks, or even pack a lunch & spend your day relaxing on the lake! MORE INFO HERE
- Take a helicopter ride!
What better way to view this gorgeous mountain than from the sky! Helicopter Big Bear is a family owned & operated business with FAA certified staff, offering scenic helicopter tours of all of Big Bear. With rides as long as 45 minutes (or as little as 7 minutes) it’s a must-try experience! MORE INFO HERE
- Take a scenic hike or nature walk with a mountain naturalist and participate in a fun nature craft.
If not from the sky, the next best way to view the mountain & learn all about the nature that surrounds Big Bear, is by taking a hike with a naturalist at the Big Bear Discovery Center! Hike this 1/2 mile trail loop which is available every Saturday & Sunday with fun nature kids crafts on Sundays too! MORE INFO HERE
- Participate in a thrilling escape room!
Have a thrilling good time with friends & family by participating in a mountain themed escape room experience. Follow the clues & work to solve the mystery to escape within the given time limit & have a blast while doing it! Escape rooms are a fun & awesomely entertaining way to exercise your brain & enjoy your time on the mountain! MORE INFO HERE
- Test your axe throwing skills.
Not up for the thrills? Wanna test your skills instead? Visit Yosemite Axe Throwing and aim for the bullseye while testing your axe throwing skills. With 13 available lanes, and 4 people allowed per lane, it make for a fun night out for everyone! MORE INFO HERE
- Ride some go-carts or have some fun on a high ropes course!
When the snow is gone & the tubing park is closed, the fun doesn’t have to end! Big Bear Snow Play offers year-round fun with it’s exciting go-cart track & adventure seeking ropes course with 30 obstacles up to 35 feet high! It’s fun for the whole family! MORE INFO HERE
- Ride the Alpine Slide, the Mineshaft Coaster or go miniature golfing!
Enjoy a fun-filled bobsled experience through the mountain or take in the scenery and ride the new mile long mountain coaster at the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain in Big Bear. And while you’re there, enjoy some miniature golfing too! It will not disappoint! MORE INFO HERE
- Go bowling!
Who doesn’t love a good game of bowling? At the big red Bowling Barn have some fun and challenge your friends to a good ole fashioned game of bowling. Enjoy drinks, snack bar food & visit the arcade while you’re there too for fun-filled time out! MORE INFO HERE
- Take a jeep tour and go off-roading!
Choose from 4 amazing off-road adventure trails, follow the guides & drive a jeep through this amazing mountain terrain. Take in all of the sights while you’re at it for an adventure you will never forget! MORE INFO HERE
No matter your reason for visiting Big Bear, whether the snow or just to take a time out in nature, make the most of your visit by experiencing ALL of what Big Bear has to offer! And don’t forget, if you need a place to stay, the Castillo Landing Cabin welcomes you!! Tap the button below for more info & bookings! Have a great time up on the mountain!
