Outdoor Recreation...
Fishing
Winter Sports
Mountaineering
Water Sports
Birding
Hiking
Golfing
Bicycling
Gold Panning
Hunting
Guides & Adventures
Lodging in Siskiyou County
RV and Camping in Siskiyou County
Dining in Siskiyou County
Shopping & Galleries
A Virtual Tour
The Wild West!
Arts & Music
Nature & Ecotourism
Railroad Heritage
Town Festivals
Seniors Travel
Families & Kids!
Handicap Travel
Spiritual Visitors
Heritage Travel
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Attractions for Families and Kids in Siskiyou County
Siskiyou County events, attractions and activities for children and their families to enjoy together.
Take a family vacation in Siskiyou County in Northern California where you'll find an array of activities for the family to enjoy together! The listings below feature some of our area's favorite "kid activites", as well as a listing of parks and playgrounds throughout the county. Print this page and bring it with you when you visit! Your kids will thank you!
For seasonal family activities, see our Things to Do in Siskiyou County pages....for Springtime, Summertime, Autumn and Winter.
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Family biking!
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SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS
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We have clean, well appointed vacation rentals in the Mt. Shasta area. Mount Shasta views, wireless DSL, laundry, woodstoves and decks are just some of our amenities.
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Cedar Lodge Motel
4201 Dunsmuir Ave.
Dunsmuir CA 96025
530-235-4331
$49-105, 15 units
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Enjoy quiet accommodations among the oaks in north Dunsmuir. Easily accessible to the Upper Sacramento River for fishing, kayaking, and other fun, family activities. Fifteen units including 1 family unit and 3 kitchenettes rooms available, WI FI internet, HBO. |
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Casual Elegance, a Mt. Shasta, McCloud vacation home captures the
warmth and charm of Historic McCloud located on Mt. Shasta in the Shasta Cascade
region. |
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Bowling is a sport all people of all ages can experience in this 10 lane historic bowling center. Automatic scoring. Full Service Bar. Snack Bar. |
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Charming decor, friendly service, and immaculate housekeeping.
Complimentary continental breakfast and FREE high-speed Internet access. Suites with
fireplace and whirpool available. On-site pool, spa, and exercise room. Just off I-5.
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Majestic vistas. Unforgettable one hour sled rides. Experienced mushers. Beautiful, friendly, highly-trained canine athletes. Reservations recommended. Spontaneous rides - first-come first-serve. Dec. - March.
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Visit this "Biggest Little Museum" (2500 sg ft) and see history revealed! Native American, fur trapping, mining, pioneer and military artifacts! See the Carriage House collection of horse drawn vehicles and farm implements. Open Memorial Day thru Labor Day, Mon-Sat, and by appointment. |
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The Fun Factory
Snowmobile rentals at Deer Mtn. Snowmoble Park
Watercraft Rentals at Lake Shastina
530-926-7070
Ski, snowboard, mountaineering, outdoor
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The Fun Factory is your snowmobile rental source in Northern California...watercraft and ATV rentals upcoming! Winter or summer, we have your recreation covered!
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Historic riverfront lodge on 4 acres of lawns featuring cal king beds, satellite TV's, full kitchens, BBQ's, free WiFi internet, free morning coffee, Pets OK. $59 to $79 (also 2 bedroom luxury suite with living room, dining room & kitchen)
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The legendary Mount Shasta presides over this scenic alpine campground.
Clean air, pure water and cool nights create an idyllic camping experience. Tent and
RV sites, Cabins, too.
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Elegant relaxing atmosphere where "grownups can be children and children can be grown up." Specializing in afternoon tea, gifts, collectables, lots of fun memory making.
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Providing recreation programming and facilities for the Mt. Shasta community - Programs and services for all ages - Kids to Seniors. Home of the Siskiyou Ice Rink for winter ice and summer roller skating.
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Cabins, riverfront homes, custom chalets - Beautiful, comfortable homes fully equipped down to the BBQ! Our professional staff will take care of your every need, be it romantic getaway, family get-together or quiet weekend.
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We provide recreational and small-scale gold mining opportunities to individuals and families who want to enjoy the great outdoors while searching for mothernature's golden treasures. Keep all the gold you find!
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Guided rafting amd kayaking trips on the playful rivers of far northern California and Oregon. Class II to V. Family and kids' trips. Yoga trips.
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Beautiful Scenic Trail Rides, Ponies, Horse Drawn Wagon or Carriage, Riding Lessons, Horses for Sale, All Ages Welcome. Open Year Round. |
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Our riverside cabins have a complete kitchen, living room, bathroom,
bedroom and outdoor deck overlooking the river.. Large organic garden and great
swimming hole!
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Shasta Ranch Lodge
1604 N. Shasta Ranch Road
Mount Shasta CA 96067
530-938-1572
$250.00 - $350.00
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A premier Mount Shasta Vacation Rental. Minutes to town, 3900 sq.ft. of "Rustic Luxury", massive stone fireplace, 4bd/4ba, and more...Your base camp while
experiencing Mt. Shasta. |
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This charming, 2- bedroom 2-bath chalet, in a quiet residential area just north of Mt. Shasta City, is furnished for comfort. Wonderful amenities such as a wood-burning stove, hi-speed internet access, mountain view. Pets welcome.
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We offer whitewater rafting adventures for all ages. We go big in the spring and specialize in family trips all summer long. |
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Breeding Egyptian Arabians horses. Visit Windamere Arabians. Learn the
history and romance of this breed. Experience their beauty, people loving nature.
Learn the tax advantages of ownership.
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Rustic Botique Hotel with newly remodeled rooms, suites and cabins. Group and corporate rates available. Seasonal specials and packages. Pet friendly. Lodge available for special events.
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A historic three-hour train ride through the Shasta Valley featuring our
1915 Baldwin Steam Locomotive. Regular schedule plus Special events!
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Silver Spoon is a relaxed but classy bistro located in the historic district of Yreka featuring fresh, distinctive international and California cuisine and gourmet pastries using local and organic products.
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The Siskiyou Golden Fair is a hometown, country fair showcasing
Siskiyou County and its residents. Other events: Sportsmen's Expo; Oktober Harvest
Festival; Holiday Craft Fair.
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- The Siskiyou Golden Fair is a fantastic event for families, with a special Kids' Day every year. This annual celebration takes place each year in the beginning of August at the beautiful County Fairgrounds in Yreka. It features a carnival of fun, youth 4-H auctions, arts and crafts activities, a discovery and science display, a CCPRA rodeo, live entertainment and a destruction derby. Kids love the Fair, and will beg you to return year after year! Updated information at www.sisqfair.com
- Family biking opportunities abound in Siskiyou County. Cycling enthusiasts have their pick of riding through pastoral Shasta and Scott Valleys, following wild and scenic rivers, riding through forests or just rolling through any of the counties small towns. If you take a ride through Scott Valley, be sure to stop for an old fashioned soda at the Scott Valley Drug and Fountain in Etna. Bicycle rental shops can be found in Mt. Shasta and Yreka. More bicycle information on our Cycling page.
- Take the kids Bowling! for an unforgettable good time! The historic Cedar Lanes at 137 Main Street in the center of Weed is an ideal location, whether it's a hot summer afternoon or a stormy winter day. A snack bar offers treats as the family discovers bowling. You can even request "gutter padding" to increase the success level for youngsters. It'll be one of the highlights of your visit - we promise!
- Introduce your kids to fishing! Stop by a Ranger Station as you drive in and ask about fishing regulations for kids and at our area lakes, or check the California Dept of Fish and Game website. In most cases, kids under age 16 need NO LICENSE and can have hours of fun fishing with a small investment in inexpensive fishing gear from our local sporting goods merchants. (Remember, mom and dad, you'll need a license if you fish with your kids...but a Short Term license is less than $20, and well worth the enjoyment your family will experience!)
- Visit a mountain lake for a day of hiking, fishing and swimming. Siskiyou County has scores of lake in mountain settings.
A lovely mountain lake especially suitable for families with kids is Kangaroo Lake high in the mountains between Scott Valley and Mount Shasta. This lake is one of the best kept secrets of Siskiyou County. It is one of the few high mountain lakes accessible by car with a short 5 minute walk to the lake. Facilities include a lovely campground, day-use parking, toilets, a fully paved trail which stops at two stone fishing piers at the lake, and a platform that overlooks the small "beach" area.
There's good fishing and family fun at Juanita Lake and two paved jetties for easy access. A 1.5 mile paved trail circles Juanita Lake, which is stocked with rainbow and brown trout and has a native population of bass and catfish. The Juanita Lake campground has 3 accessible campsites. Located six miles west of the Goosenest Ranger District Office on Highway 97 north of Weed, the lake and campground at the 5,100 foot elevation are open from May through October. For information click the link above, or phone the Goosenest Ranger District at 530-938-4391.
Everyone's favorite mountain lake is beautiful Castle Lake, an easy 11 miles by paved road above Lake Siskiyou in Mt. Shasta. The setting is gorgeous. Castle Lake is easily accessible with USFS camping areas, lots of hiking opportunties and great picnic sites. From W.A. Barr Road in Mt. Shasta, just past the Box Canyon Dam near Lake Siskiyou, follow signs to Castle Lake up a left turn and along 7 paved miles into the high country. This alpine lake is cool, even in the summer, so make sure to visit on a warm day, and have sweaters handy. Swimming is a summertime tradition at Castle Lake, and fishing is possible year round (yes, even ice fishing in the winter).
Other great mountain lakes with easy access for kids and families are foud countywide. For more information about alpine lakes throughout the area, stop by any of the Ranger Stations for maps, access information and friendly assistance.
- Go for a swim in Lake Siskiyou with its many points of access along North Shore or from W.A. Barr Road in the town of Mt. Shasta. Cross the lake in a patio boat rented from the Lake Siskiyou Camp-Resort. The Resort also has a beach with a volleyball court and horseshoe pits. Take the kids out on the lake in a kayak, canoe or pedal boat from the Resort. While you're out there, throw a line in the lake to see if you can hook a big one.
- Experience a Dogsled Adventure Treat kids and adults to a true Dogsled Adventure During the winter months with Pat Campbell, the owner / operator and musher at Dog Sled Express. Rides are given at Deer Mountain Snowmobile Park Trailhead. only 30 minutes off I-5, and 45 minutes from the city of Mount Shasta. Enjoy the trail sites and surroundings of majestic, legendary Mount Shasta aboard a dog sled powered by a beautiful and friendly team of highly trained canine athletes.
 Get the Coloring Book! A Coloring Tour of Siskiyou County,
from Living Gold Press in Klamath River, is an educational coloring book featuring scenes of our amazingly diverse northwestern California county. Follow Friskie the Steller's Jay on his travels! Try to find him in each picture! The two dozen coloring pages are supplemented by several pages detailing exact locations, history facts and nature notes for older children and adults. Included is a full page of important contact information. This book will really bring the area alive for your kids, and all for only $6.95. Order it ahead of time (get a copy for each of your yougsters) from www.livinggoldpress.com.
- Play at the Skating Rink During summer months, bring your roller skates or inline skates to the Siskiyou Ice Rink - www.msrec.org/icerink...the largest outdoor ice rink on the west coast in the winter, and a great roller skating rink in the summer months. Located in Mt. Shasta at Shastice Park, behind the High School, the rink offers extraordinary views of Mount Shasta, the Eddys and Black Butte. Admission is required during ice season - November thru February, and ice skate rentals are available. Roller skating is free, but bring your own skates! Call the Mt. Shasta Recreation department at 530-926-2494 for information.
- Go caving in the miles of volcanic lava tubes at the Lava Beds National Monument - nps.gov/labe. The Monument has at least 20 caves open for exploring at any time. See cinder cones, shield volcanoes, spatter cones and other volcanic features while at the Monument. Stop by the visitor center for information, loaner lights and bump hats. Call ahead to find out about ranger led activities during the summer months. While you're in the Tulelake area show the kids historical points of interest at Captain Jack's Stronghold and Petroglyph Point. The Stronghold is the site where Modoc Indians held out against U.S. troops in the rugged volcanic country. Petroglyph Point has carvings made by early people when this cinder cone was surrounded by a lake.
- Take a family hike to the astounding spires of Castle Crags State Park, through a forested area or along a river. There are several spots for short hikes which can be part of a day filled with other activities. The Sims campground on the Sacramento River has a short interpretive hike where kids can learn about the area and then go fishing in the river. The Tree of Heaven Campground on the Klamath River, just north of Yreka, offers the same opportunities. This Klamath River campground is also a popular spot for rafting trips to begin. For more on hiking, see our hikes and walks page.
- Go river rafting on the Gentle Klamath where families can enjoy a day of floating down this peaceful stretch of river. The kids can swim around the boat as you float down stream, or request inflatable kayaks from any of the rafting companies that run the Klamath River. Be sure to take lots of sunscreen for a wonderful day in the sun. To contact rafting companies offering kids trips on the Gentle Klamath and other sections of the Klamath, see our rafting page. Photo courtesy River Dancers Whitewater Rafting.
- Take a ride on an old fashioned train. Shasta Sunset excursion trains - www.shastasunset.com run out of McCloud in the afternoons during the summer and on special occassions throughout the year. The McCloud Railroad has open air cars that allow visitors scenic views of the alpine forests and Mount Shasta. Taking a little over an hour, the
excursions operate weekends from Memorial Day through
Labor Day departing from the historic town of McCloud.
The trips feature either diesel locomotives or one of our
historic steam locomotives, 1925 Alco built No. 25 or
1914 Baldwin built No. 18.
The Yreka Western Railroad - www.yrekawesternrr.com offers a summer schedule of fun Wednesday through Sundays, with two trains to operate on Saturdays and Sundays. The Blue Goose excursion train travels over a railway that was first established in 1889, chugging, clanking and hissing over Butcher Hill in Yreka then down through the scenic Shasta Valley with majestic 14,162 foot, snowcapped Mt. Shasta dominating the vista, crossing the Shasta River and continuing to the old cattle town of Montague, California. The total distance traveled is approximately 7.5 miles one way and takes approximately 1 hour to arrive (depends upon how many cows are on the track). Passengers will disembark the train to have lunch either in a small park or one of the nearby restaurants.
- Visit the Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery where kids can look in on ponds of small fry fish. Call ahead to find out about special kids' days when the young ones can through a line in the pond. Then walk next door the the Sisson Museum to explore the history of the area, a new Girls Scouts display and Search and Rescue exhibits. For more information, contact the Sisson Museum at 530-926-5508 or stop by at 1 North Old Stage Road in Mt. Shasta.
- Take the kids to any of the small town festivals throughout the Mount Shasta Region. Kids will enjoy the activities at Mt. Shasta's Fourth of July Celebration or the trip back in time during McCloud's Civil War Days. Head over to Etna for the Etna Old Timers Rodeo in July for a fun taste of the Wild West or have a stompin' good time at the Bigfoot Jamboree in Happy Camp in late summer. Check area calendars of events to find more community events for both kids and adults to enjoy. Visitors are always welcomed with open arms!
Community Parks
- If you and the kids just need to take a break, stop at any of the city parks in the Mount Shasta Region for a place to play and relax outdoors. Parks offer various recreational opportunities, some which include swimming pools. During summer weekends many of these parks are home to little league and Babe Ruth baseball games.
Yreka City Parks
- Newton Sports Park at Oregon and Knapp Streets: horseshoe pits, basketball courts, skate boarding, playground and restrooms.
- Ringe Park on Knapp Street: city pool, two little league ballparks, picnic and barbeque areas. Restrooms available only during pool hours.
- Discovery Park on Discovery Street: small playground, sand box, picnic area and restrooms.
- Miner Street Park on Miner Street: softball field, picnic and barbeque areas, summer concert series, tennis courts, two playgrounds, restrooms.
- Lewis Park on Lawrence Street: small neighborhood park, playground, picnic and barbeque areas. No restrooms.
- Hillside Park on Comstock Avenue: small neighborhood park, playground, picnic and barbeque areas. No restrooms.
- Upper Greenhorn Park on Greenhorn Road: playground, horseshoe pits, picnic and barbeque areas, volleyball courts, fishing, hiking, Old Mine Town, restrooms.
- Lower Greenhorn Park on Ranch Lane: soccer field, playground, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, picnic and barbeque areas, hiking, fishing, restrooms.
Mt. Shasta City Parks
- Mt. Shasta City Park on North Mt. Shasta Boulevard: 19 acre rustic and passive park, site of headwaters of the Sacramento River. Three group picnic areas, playground, nature trails, restrooms.
- Shastice Park on Rockefeller and Adams Drive: lighted softball field, tennis courts, picnic area, multi-purpose sports field, volleyball, playground, restooms. Home of Siskiyou Ice Rink.
Dunsmuir City Parks
- Dunsmuir City Park adjacent to Sacramento River off Dunsmuir Avenue: 12 acre park with Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens. Picnic areas, playground and restoom.
- Dunsmuir Historical Ball Park/Sports Field at entrance to City Park: covered grandstands, Babe Ruth field, restrooms.
- Dunsmuir Community Pool located off Dunsmuir Avenue: biggest outdoor pool in the county. Slide and separate area for wading. Call 530-926-2494 for hours of operation.
Weed City Parks
- Bel-Air Park adjacent to College of the Siskiyous: 7.1 acre park with playground, ball field, bocci ball, horseshoe pits, community swimming pool, restrooms.
- Lincoln Park at Lincoln Avenue and Highway 97: 7 acre park with basketball courts, picnic areas, playground, restrooms.
- Carrick Park off Highway 97 on Maple: 3 acres of passive scenic neighborhood park with basketball courts, playground, picnic area and restroom.
McCloud
- Hoo Hoo Park at Shasta and Columbero Avenue: playground, tot playground, gazebo, baseball field, restrooms.
Happy Camp
- Gail Zink Memorial Park next to the Happy Camp Elementary School offers a beautiful grassy area, tables and barbecues.
- Happy Camp Community Park offers a lovely setting for group outings. Situated at the river's edge, it includes ponds, shade trees, restrooms, a new park pavilion for dances and concerts, and grassy areas.
Down by the Riverside
- Spend some time by the riverside. Kids can fish, toss rocks in the water, and get their toes wet. The beautiful Upper Sacramento River in southern Siskiyou County has numerous access points along it's banks. See our Fishing page for Upper Sacramento River Access Points and stop by the Upper Sacramento River Exchange center in Dunsmuir for kid-friendly information about the river and its habitat. In northern Siskiyou County, the Kalamth River is one of the nation's most beautiful rivers. The waters are especially rich in nutrients, coming out of Klamath Lake in southern Oregon and the wetlands of the Klamath Basin. As a result, there is more wildlife along this river than any other in the area, and sightings of eagle, otter, and salmon are frequent. For more information on the Klamath River, see Discovering the Klamath River Corridor, a web site compiled from a USDA Forest Service booklet, with photos, information and links! Or stop by the Klamath National Forest Headquarters Ranger Station at 1312 Fairland Road in Yreka.
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