SANTA BARBARA ZOO

One of Santa Barbara’s best kept secrets, the Santa Barbara Zoo, is home to 160 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. Consistently ranked as one of the best small zoos in the country, it is the perfect size for little tykes; a full tour can be completed in under three hours. The carousel and zoo train are favorites with the youngest crowd, though my kids really love watching the giraffe feeding. Bring a sack lunch to eat at the spacious picnic grounds and then bask in the sun and enjoy the ocean view while the kids expend their boundless energy in the playground.

$11.00 adults, $8.00 seniors and children 2-12. FREE for children under 2, $4.00 parking; open daily 10am-5pm, 500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara. 805-962-6310. www.santabarbarazoo.org.

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

With 11 exhibit halls and extensive grounds, Santa Barbara’s Museum of Natural History looks like it should be in a major metropolitan area. The museum showcases the animal and plant life and geology of the Pacific Coast and Channel Islands. For enthusiasts of Native American life, it also features exhibits of our prehistoric predecessors and houses the largest collection of Chumash Indian artifacts outside the Smithsonian. My kids enjoy wandering through the Caroline Hazard Mission Creek Nature Trail which is located right on the museum grounds, and the planetarium, where the live, multimedia shows let them “fly” through space to the other side of the galaxy.

2559 Puesta del Sol Road, Santa Barbara, 93105, 805-682-4711, $10 adults; $7 teens/seniors; $6 children 3-12; FREE children under 3. Free admission on the third Sunday of the month. 805-682-4711 ext. 400. www.sbnature.org.

STEARNS WHARF

Our trips to Santa Barbara are never complete without a visit to Stearns wharf, and from the looks of it, every other tourist agrees. Built in 1872, the former cargo depot and naval installation now houses an eclectic array of shops, restaurants and other attractions.

The Ty Warner Sea Center is a great place to start. From the life-size California gray whale model that greets you at the door to the shark touch pool, this hands-on scientific discovery museum will stimulate your children’s curiosity in the natural world – and yours as well. My future oceanographer enjoys playing scientist for the day, testing the quality of ocean water samples, studying animal behavior and examining microscopic marine life, while my American Idol loves “singing” with whales and seals and the marine life communication exhibit. Kids of all ages and interests will marvel in the live tidepools and the 1,500 gallon surge tank filled with sea stars, urchins, limpets and other marine life.

$7.00 general admission, $6 seniors and teens, $4 children 2-12, FREE for children under 2. Ty Warner Sea Center, 211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara. 805-962-2526. www.sbnature.org/seacenter.

After a busy morning of science and fun, you’re bound to work up a hearty appetite. For kid-friendly dining with a great ocean view, try one of the great restaurants on the wharf, like Longboards’s Grill (210 Stearns Wharf) located on the upper level of the Harbor Restaurant, or the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company (230 Stearns Wharf). And for dessert, walk on over to The Great Pacific Ice Cream Company (219-A Stearns Wharf) for a scoop or two of some of the best ice cream in town (try the strawberry, my personal favorite).

Stearns Wharf is located at Cabrillo Boulevard at State Street, Santa Barbara.

By the Sea, By the Beautiful Sea

I know what you’re thinking: who needs to go to the beach when you live in Orange County? In fact, Santa Barbara’s famous beaches are nothing short of spectacular and definitely not to be missed (you might even see a celebrity or two hanging around). Check out Leadbetter Beach (Shoreline Dr. at Loma Alta Dr.), where the waves are calm and families can lunch at the picnic area. Sun worshippers adore the grassy park-bordered East Beach with its full beach house, volleyball courts, bike and rollerblading paths and children’s playground. If you’re a kayaker, windsurfer or boaters, head over to West Beach for a day of water sports and relaxation.

HUNGRY YET?

When it comes to fine dining, Santa Barbara’s got it all, and you don’t have to limit yourself just because you’ve got the babes. The city has a variety of family-friendly eateries that serve up succulent food in a casual atmosphere. For some of the best fish in town, try Brophy Bros. (119 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara,(805-966-4418) and enjoy a great harbor view. Fresco! (pictured left) is another one of our favorites (you’ll see lots of locals too), serving up yummy California cuisine with an ever changing menu of original delights (the gorgonzola salad is amazing and the salads are HUGE – also, try the chocolate cake, it’s the best) (3987 State Street, 805-967-6037).

Other great spots include Pascucci (729 State St., 805-963-8123) for great Italian food and La Super Rica (622 North Milpas St., 805-963-4940) when you’re hunkering for Mexican.

FESS PARKER'S DOUBLETREE RESORT

They had us with the chocolate chip cookies at check in. When it comes to family-friendly resorts, Fess Parker’s is number one on our list. From its luxurious beachfront location to the serene mountain and garden views, this resort beckons guests to relax and rejuvenate. Pamper yourself with a full body treatment at the newly renovated Spa Del Mar or lounge at the garden pool while the kids are off at one of the children’s programs. Later, the whole family can play a game of shuffleboard or tee off at the putting green before a casual dinner at the Café Los Arcos (or take advantage of the babysitting service and indulge in a romantic dinner for two at Rodney’s Steakhouse).

Rooms from $230 and up. Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort Hotel, 633 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara. 805-564-4333. www. fpdtr.com.

SUMMER EVENTS IN SANTA BARBARA

July 30-August 3: Old Spanish Days Fiesta. For more than 80 years, this annual festival has brought to life the history, customs and traditions of the American Indian, Spanish, Mexican and early American settlers who formed the city’s rich cultural heritage. Highlights include Mexican and Spanish folk dancing, flamenco, and music shows, bull and bronco riding, an equestrian parade, carnival attractions and wonderful, authentic food. Events throughout the city.

July 12-13: French Festival. Celebrate Bastille Day at the largest French celebration with the western US. This très magnifique event features cancan and Moroccan belly dancers, Cajun groups, folk dancing, jazz, and cabaret music. Admission is free. Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar Avenue Santa Barbara.

For more information see www.santabarbara.com/events