Santa Catalina Island works best for families who plan around three things: the ferry schedule, the child’s age, and the cost of booked activities. Avalon itself is compact and easy to explore on foot. The expensive part is getting there and adding tours.
This guide focuses on Avalon, the easiest base for a first family visit. Prices and hours were checked on August, 2026 and are planning figures rather than guaranteed quotes.
Catalina with Kids at a Glance
| Question | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| Best age | Any age for the harbor and beach; roughly 5+ for a wider choice of tours; 7–10+ for major adventure activities |
| Ideal trip length | One day for Avalon plus one paid activity; one night for two major activities without rushing |
| Ferry time | About 1 hour from Long Beach, 1 hour 15 minutes from San Pedro, 1 hour 30 minutes from Dana Point, or 75 minutes from Newport Beach |
| Basic family ferry cost | About $267–$276 round trip for two adults and a child, before parking |
| Best low-cost activities | Public beaches, waterfront walk, Green Pleasure Pier, playgrounds, Casino exterior |
| Best rainy/cool-weather activity | Undersea Expedition or Catalina Casino admission |
| Biggest planning mistake | Booking tours back-to-back without allowing for meals, walking, check-in, or a tired child |
Quick Answer: Is Catalina Island Good for Kids?
Yes, particularly for children who like boats, beaches, fish, wildlife, and active outdoor experiences. Avalon is small enough to combine one booked attraction with the beach, miniature golf, or a waterfront walk. It is less suitable for children who strongly dislike boat travel or for families expecting a theme park: the crossing takes 60–90 minutes, the Pacific can be cool, and many headline activities begin at ages 5, 7, or 10 and also impose height or weight limits.
What Can Children Do at Different Ages?
The child’s age determines whether Catalina feels like a simple beach day or a full adventure trip.
| Age | Realistic choices |
|---|---|
| Babies and toddlers | Ferry ride, Avalon harbor, public beaches, playground, waterfront walk, Undersea Expedition; check stroller storage rules before sailing |
| Ages 3–4 | Add the Glass Bottom Boat and miniature golf; keep the schedule short and leave time for a nap |
| Ages 5–6 | Add selected kayak and open-air interior tours; confirm swimming and supervision rules |
| Ages 7–9 | Add Aerial Adventure if the child is at least 55 inches tall; guided snorkeling begins at age 8 with some operators |
| Ages 10+ | More snorkeling choices and the zipline, provided the child also meets the published height and weight limits |
Do not use age alone when booking. The Aerial Adventure currently requires age 7+, height 55 inches+, and weight 50–270 pounds. The Zip Line Eco Tour requires age 10+, height 55 inches+, and weight 80–240 pounds. Operators measure participants and may refuse participation without a refund if the requirements are not met.
How to Get to Catalina Island with Kids
Ferry Routes, Fares, and Parking
Most families arrive in Avalon by passenger ferry. Choose the port based on the complete door-to-door trip, not only the crossing time.
| Port | Operator | Crossing to Avalon | Published round-trip family example* | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Beach | Catalina Express | About 1 hour | $276 | $26.95 per 24 hours |
| San Pedro | Catalina Express | About 1 hour 15 minutes | Check the selected sailing | $23 per day |
| Dana Point | Catalina Express | About 1 hour 30 minutes | Check the selected sailing | $24 per day, plus prepaid-parking service fee |
| Newport Beach | Catalina Flyer | About 75 minutes | $267 | Usually $15–$30 per 24 hours |
*Family example: two adults and a child. Catalina Express’s Long Beach example uses two adult fares at $99 and a child fare of $78.50. Catalina Flyer’s example uses two adult fares at $94 and a child fare of $79. Age bands differ by operator. Infants are not necessarily free: Catalina Express currently charges $10 round trip for children under two.
Arrival rule: plan to reach the terminal at least one hour before departure. Catalina Express asks passengers to be ready and checked in 30 minutes before sailing and may release a seat 15 minutes before departure. Catalina Flyer begins check-in about one hour before departure and typically boards 30 minutes before sailing.
With a stroller: Catalina Express allows one fold-up stroller per infant or child at no charge, but the child must be removed before boarding and the stroller must be stored. Keep medicine, snacks, diapers, and one change of clothes in a separate small bag that stays with you.
For motion sickness: sit where the child can look toward the horizon, avoid reading or close-up screens, and eat a light meal before sailing. Ask a pediatric clinician or pharmacist before giving a child motion-sickness medication.
By Private Plane
Private pilots can use Catalina Airport, or Airport in the Sky, about ten miles from Avalon. The airport sits 1,602 feet above the ocean and has a 3,000-foot paved runway. It is not served by scheduled commercial airlines, and landing there does not place the family near the beach. Arrange ground transportation before departure and review current airport procedures, runway conditions, fees, and weather.
By Helicopter
The official tourism authority currently lists an approximately 15-minute helicopter trip to Catalina from $199, with Avalon arrivals at the Pebbly Beach heliport. This is much faster than the ferry but normally a premium choice. Families should confirm current departure locations, child policies, baggage allowances, and pricing directly with the operator before booking.
What Does a Catalina Day Trip Cost?
Here is a realistic planning example for two adults and a child ages 3–11, using Long Beach and one day of parking:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Catalina Express round-trip ferry | $276.00 |
| Long Beach parking, one 24-hour period | $26.95 |
| Glass Bottom Boat for three/four | $129.00 |
| Miniature golf for three/four | $56.00 |
| Total before food | $487.95 |
Add a casual waterfront meal. At Bluewater Avalon, for example, two adult cheeseburgers at $22 each aand one kid’s menu for $14 equals $58 before tax and tip. Two adult fish-and-chips orders plus a kid’s meal equal $70 before tax and tip.
A family can reduce the total by skipping one paid attraction. Ferry, parking, and the Glass Bottom Boat alone come to about $500 before food. Public beaches, the waterfront, Green Pleasure Pier, playgrounds, and the exterior of the Catalina Casino can fill the rest of the day without another ticket.
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Hotels and Actual Price Examples
For a first visit, stay near Crescent Avenue. A central room costs more than some hillside lodging, but it makes nap breaks, forgotten beach gear, and evening meals much easier.
Hotel rates are dynamic. The figures below are dated starting-price examples, not promises for every weekend, holiday, or room configuration. Always enter the exact number and ages of guests before comparing totals.
Glenmore Plaza Hotel: Best Historic, Central Option
Glenmore Plaza Hotel is steps from the waterfront on Sumner Avenue. For families, look at the Queen Queen rooms or suites with a sleeper sofa rather than assuming every standard room sleeps four. Continental breakfast and Wi-Fi are included; some suites have a mini-refrigerator and microwave.
- Published starting room rate start at: $220/night (including taxes and fees for two adults).
- Check-in: 3 p.m.
- Check-out: 11 a.m.
- Current promotion checked: book two standard-price nights in eligible premium rooms or suites and receive a third night free on selected Sunday–Thursday stays from August 17 to October 29; blackout dates and phone-booking rules apply.
As the building is historic and has four floors, also check to see if there is an elevator or step-free access to your chosen room.
Hotel Atwater: Best All-Around Choice
Hotel Atwater is about one block from the beach and across from the tour plaza. The Atwater Double has two queen beds and sleeps up to four.
- Published starting room rate start at: $260/night.
- Additional guest charge beyond double occupancy: $35 per person per night, plus tax.
- Hotel tax: 12%.
- Check-in: 4 p.m.
- Check-out: 11 a.m.
- Useful family details: elevator, accessible rooms, and luggage service between the ferry terminal and hotel.
Pavilion Hotel: Best for Immediate Beach Access
Pavilion Hotel is advertised as 14 steps from the beach. Its rooms with two queen beds suit a family of four, and a ground-floor room avoids carrying beach gear upstairs.
- Published starting rate for a Superior Double start at: $269/night.
- Additional guest charge beyond double occupancy: $35 per person per night, plus tax.
- Hotel tax: 12%.
- Check-in: 4 p.m.
- Check-out: 11 a.m.
The cheaper category is the better value if the main goal is location rather than a premium room.
Hotel Mac Rae: Best for a Beachfront Address and Included Breakfast
Hotel Mac Rae is at 409 Crescent Avenue, directly on Avalon’s main waterfront stretch. For a family of three/four, the relevant categories are the Courtyard Queen, with two queen beds, and the Courtyard Double Double, with two double beds; both are listed for up to four guests. A light breakfast, Wi-Fi, beach towels, and luggage storage are included.
- Published starting rate for a Superior Double start at: $289/night.
- Check-in: 4 p.m.
- Check-out: 11 a.m.
- Direct-booking offer: the hotel advertises savings of about 20% when booking on its website.
- Longer-stay offer checked: 25% off stays of two nights or more through the end of 2026 under the America 250 promotion; availability, blackout dates, and rate conditions may apply.
There are two important limitations for families. All guestrooms are on the second floor and accessible only by stairs; the hotel has no elevator. The hotel also does not provide cribs or rollaway beds. Rooms have heating but no air conditioning, so families visiting during warmer weather should consider whether that will be comfortable for their children.
El Encanto Catalina: Attractive, but Not Yet a Bookable Hotel Recommendation
El Encanto Catalina is a restored waterfront property with only two planned Villa Suites. Each is designed with a king bed and a queen sleeper sofa, and one suite is accessible.
The practical issue is availability: the official site currently says “reservations available soon” and does not publish a nightly rate. Until booking opens and cancellation, occupancy, and resort-fee policies are visible, treat El Encanto as a future option rather than the basis of an overnight family plan.
One-Night Family Budget
Using the same family of three, two 24-hour parking periods, the Glass Bottom Boat, and Hotel Atwater:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ferry | $267.00 |
| Long Beach parking, two 24-hour periods | $53.90 |
| Glass Bottom Boat for three/four | $129.08 |
| Hotel Atwater family example | $360 |
| Total before meals | about $810 |
Getting Around Avalon
Central Avalon is walkable. Most first-time families do not need a golf cart simply to reach the waterfront, public beaches, miniature golf, or the Casino.
- COAST public transit: daily, approximately 7 a.m.–9 p.m., with fares starting around $2.
- Golf cart: one operator currently charges $65 for one hour as a walk-in or $135 for two hours plus a $20 online reservation fee. Drivers must be at least 25, carts stay within Avalon, and the operator allows no more than one child safety seat per cart. They open daily at 9:00 AM and closing times vary depending on the season.
- E-bike: one operator currently charges $60 for 2 hours, $75 for a half-day, and $90 for a full-day. Drivers must be at least 18 with valid I.D. (helmets and our famous map included). They open daily at 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
A golf cart is a sightseeing activity, not a money-saving form of transportation. For a family with two children who both require safety seats, confirm the operator’s rules before reserving.
Best Things to Do with Kids: Prices, Hours, and Restrictions
| Activity | Current price | Duration/hours | Main restriction or tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public beaches | Free | No ticketed attraction hours | Bring water shoes; some shorelines are pebbly and the Pacific is cool outside summer |
| Descanso Beach | $2 access; rentals and food extra | Restaurant daily 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; lounges generally weekdays 11 a.m.–5 p.m., weekends 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the club area |
| Glass Bottom Boat | Adult $33.97; child 3–11 $30.57 | 45 minutes | Age 3+; stairs; no restroom aboard |
| Undersea Expedition | Adult $56.66; child 2–11 $50.99 | 45 minutes | All ages; infants need a ticket; stairs and ramps |
| Miniature golf | Adult $15.60; child $12.48 | Daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; allow about 1 hour | Last tee time is one hour before closing |
| Diving Catalina snorkel rental | $14 for mask, snorkel, and fins; $32 with a wetsuit | 2-hour rental | Best for confident swimmers; confirm current pickup hours and conditions |
| Diving Catalina Traditional Snorkel Tour | About $59 per person, plus processing fee | Confirm the selected departure | Age 10+; equipment included; minimum of two participants |
| Guided Snorkel Eco Tour | $71.50 per person | 2 hours | Age 8+; confirm swimming ability and sea conditions |
| Journey to Frog Rock kayak | Adult 12+ $88.14; child 5–11 $66.09 | 2.5 hours | Age 5+ and must be able to swim; check in 30 minutes early |
| Bison Expedition | $110.19 per person | 2 hours | Age 5+; bumpy roads and heights; sightings are not guaranteed |
| Aerial Adventure | $69.95 per person | 90 minutes | Age 7+, 55 inches+, 50–270 pounds |
| Zip Line Eco Tour | $149.95 per person | 2 hours 15 minutes | Age 10+, 55 inches+, 80–240 pounds; closed-toe shoes; arrive 20 minutes early |
| Catalina Casino general admission | Adult $21.50; child 2–11 $19.29 | Generally daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m., except closures | Self-guided access; check event closures before walking over |
Prices shown include published online fees where the operator displayed them and may rise on weekends or holidays.
Glass Bottom Boat or Undersea Expedition?
Choose the Glass Bottom Boat when price matters and the child is at least three. A family of three pays about $98.51.
Choose the Undersea Expedition for a more immersive view through underwater windows or when traveling with a child under three. The same family with two ticketed children pays about $164.31. The difference is about $65.80.
Neither boat has the same experience as snorkeling, but both avoid cold water, wetsuits, and swimming requirements.
A Practical One-Day Itinerary
This schedule assumes an early ferry and a late-afternoon return. Always rebuild it around the actual sailing times.
- 8:00–10:00 a.m.: Arrive and orient yourselves. Walk from the ferry terminal along Crescent Avenue, use the restroom, and buy water or breakfast. Catalina Island Brew House opens daily at 7 a.m., useful after an early crossing.
- 10:00–11:00 a.m.: Book one marine activity. Choose the Glass Bottom Boat for value or the Undersea Expedition for the underwater-window experience. Check in at least 20–30 minutes early if the confirmation requires it.
- 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Lunch near the waterfront. Do not cross town for a restaurant reservation unless it is part of the plan.
- 1:00–3:00 p.m.: Choose one flexible activity. Use a public beach, play miniature golf, walk to the Casino, or visit a playground. Keep this block unreserved if traveling with a toddler.
- Before the return ferry: start walking toward the terminal 45–60 minutes before departure. This is intentionally more generous than the minimum operator cutoffs and leaves time for restrooms, luggage, and a slow child.
- Best booking rule: reserve only one activity with a fixed start time. A second timed tour can turn a pleasant day into a series of check-ins.
A Practical Two-Day Itinerary
An overnight stay makes sense when the family wants both the coast and the island interior.
- Day 1: early ferry, hotel bag drop, marine tour, lunch, public beach or miniature golf, check-in after 3 or 4 p.m.
- Day 2: Bison Expedition, kayak tour, Aerial Adventure, or Zip Line Eco Tour—choose one based on the youngest participant. Eat lunch, collect luggage, and take a late ferry home.
Do not schedule the highest-priority activity immediately before the return ferry. Wind, water conditions, vehicle delays, or a late tour can erase the transfer buffer.
How to Save on a Two-Night Stay with Expedia
Families staying for two nights or longer can use Expedia to compare Hotel Atwater, Hotel Mac Rae, Glenmore Plaza Hotel, Pavilion Hotel, and other Avalon properties in one search. Make sure the destination says Catalina Island, California or Avalon, California: searches for “Santa Catalina” can incorrectly lead to properties in Panama or other destinations.
At the time of writing, Expedia’s deals page advertised last-minute weekend hotel deals with a minimum 20% discount on participating stays. A separate promotion supplied for this guide advertises 30% off select hotels and an additional 10% off with code WEEKEND10. However, I could not independently locate public Expedia terms for WEEKEND10, so do not treat the extra discount as guaranteed until the code is accepted and the lower price appears in the final checkout total.
If both discounts apply sequentially, 30% plus another 10% does not equal 40% off the original rate.
To find the lowest useful price rather than merely the lowest advertised nightly rate:
- Enter every adult and child before searching; room occupancy can change the eligible room and total.
- Compare at least two date combinations. A Sunday–Thursday stay may price lower than Friday and Saturday.
- Sign in before booking. Expedia states that One Key members can save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels, while selected app bookings may receive discounts of up to 20%.
- Filter for Fully refundable if ferry schedules, weather, or a child’s health could change the trip.
- Compare the total including taxes and fees, cancellation deadline, room capacity, and bed configuration—not only the crossed-out nightly rate.
- Test
WEEKEND10at checkout and save a screenshot of the final discounted total before paying. If the code is rejected or replaces a better Member Price, choose the lower verified total. - Compare the Expedia total with the hotel’s direct rate. Direct bookings may include breakfast, luggage service, or a hotel-specific promotion that is worth more than a small price difference.
Food, Restrooms, and Breaks
- Public beaches along Crescent Avenue are the easiest choice because restaurants, shops, and restrooms are nearby.
- Eat breakfast before the busiest late-morning arrivals if traveling on a weekend.
- Pack snacks for the ferry and waits, but check venue rules: Descanso Beach Club does not allow outside food or beverages.
- A family lunch at a waterfront sit-down restaurant can easily cost $70–$100 before tax and tip. Counter-service food or a picnic outside restricted venues is usually cheaper.
- Carry refillable water bottles. Summer sun and the walk to Descanso can tire young children faster than the map suggests.
What to Pack
- Ferry confirmations and activity waivers.
- Foldable stroller for a toddler.
- Light jacket for the crossing, even on a warm day.
- Sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles.
- Swimsuits, quick-dry clothing, and water shoes.
- Wetsuit for a child who gets cold easily outside the warmest months.
- One complete change of clothes in the day bag.
- Age-appropriate motion-sickness supplies recommended by a clinician or pharmacist.
- Closed-toe shoes for the zipline or ropes course.
- Portable battery: tickets, ferry confirmations, and directions are often stored on one phone.
Is an Overnight Stay Better?
Choose a day trip if the family wants Avalon, one paid activity, lunch, and beach time. It is the better value, but transportation alone is already about $382 from Long Beach for two adults, two children, and one day of parking.
Choose one night if the family wants two major activities, has a toddler who needs downtime, or does not want to organize the day around the last ferry. A realistic central-hotel trip for four starts around $810 before meals in the Atwater example and can exceed $1,000 once food is included.
For most families, Hotel Atwater is the strongest practical choice, Pavilion Hotel is best for immediate beach access, and Glenmore Plaza Hotel is worth comparing for its central location and family room categories. El Encanto Catalina should be photographed and mentioned, but not presented as currently bookable until its official site publishes reservations and prices.
All prices, operating hours, and restrictions were checked on August, 2026. Reconfirm them directly before travel; ferry schedules, parking rates, room prices, and tour rules can change.
