Things To Do in San Luis Obispo (SLO)
Family-Friendly Events in SLO County
Upcoming 2023 Events
March 24 - 26, 2023 (Fri - Sun) - Mid-State Fair Spring Market at Paso Robles Event Center for 3 days. Free admission and parking. Outdoor marketing features local crafters and artisans selling handmade and unique items. Find jewelry, apparel, fashion accessories, home décor, health and beauty products, art, antiques, handmade eats, used items and more. Hours are Friday: Noon - 5PM, Saturday: 10AM - 5PM, Sunday: 10AM - 5PM. Address for Parking: 2198 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles, CA. Parking is in Lot C off Gregory Avenue and the Fair’s parking lots off Riverside Avenue
March 25, 2023 (Sat) - Donation Drive at Grover Beach Elementary from 9AM - 3PM. Event open to community. Donate your old clothing or household items and get a free raffle ticket. Enjoy a tasty BBQ lunch and hang out for some fun and games including a raffle for prizes! All the excitement will be on the blacktop by the playground. If you just want to donate and run, that's ok too - pull up along the school on Longbranch Ave and look for the drop-off signs or the big Goodwill donation truck.
Donation Drive Schedule of Events:BBQ Lunch: (11AM-2PM) We will be selling BBQ lunches. Hotdogs, chips and a drink for $5, or a hamburger, chips, and a drink for $10. All lunches come with a free raffle ticket!
Fun and Games: (11AM-2PM) Lots of different games & activities, some where you can even win prizes! Face Painting, Cake Walk, Bubbles, Music, Cornhole, Giant Connect Four, soccer games and much more.
Raffles and Prizes: (1:00PM) Raffle tickets are available by donations of $1 for 1, $5 for 6, $15 for 20, and $20 for 30 tickets. You can also get a free ticket with your goodwill donation or any lunch purchase. Must be present to win. All prizes donated by local businesses and individuals to help support the school. Find a list of items that you can donate and not donate in the flyer image posted here. Address: 365 10th St., Grover Beach, CA 93433 (The truck will be on the Longbranch side of the school.)
March 28 - April 11, 2023 (3 Tuesdays) - Parenting my 13 - 15 year old online class from 6PM to 7:30PM by Parent Connection of San LUIS OBISPO County. Register online.
March 30 - April 13, 2023 (3 Thursdays) - Parenting my 16 - 18 year old online class from 6PM - 7:30PM by Parent Connection of San Luis Obispo County. Register Online.
March 31, 2023 (Fri) - Creston City Limits Concert Series at 6PM. Free admittance. Outside venue and bring your own seating. Address: 6223 Webster Rd., in Creston, CA 93432
April 1, 2023 (Sat) - Easter Carnival at Nipomo Community Presbyterian Church from 11AM - 2PM. Activities include: Easter egg hunt, petting zoo, cake walk, bounce house, pizza trolley (for purchase), games and more! Egg hunt schedule: 11am: ages 2 & under, 11:40am: ages 3-4, 12:10pm: ages 5-7 and 12:40pm: ages 8-12. Address: 1235 N Thompson Ave., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
April 1, 2023 (Sat) - Kids Day 2023 and Egg Hunt at Nipomo Community Park from 11AM - 2PM. Free Easter egg hunt by age. Heavy rain cancels. Bring your own basket and leave pets at home. Inflatables, magic show, and more. Address: 904 W Tefft St, Nipomo, CA 93444
April 2, 2023 (Sun) - Spring Fling & Easter Egg Hunt by MAEVE SLO County North at Colony Park from 3:30PM - 5PM. Looking to connect with other families? Come out and join us at for the second annual MAEVE SLO County North Spring Fling! Entry cost is $5 per family and it includes Easter egg hunt, games, diaper dash and photos with the Easter bunny. Event is requesting RSVP to ensure they have enough eggs. Address: 5599 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA 93422
April 6, 2023 (Thurs) - Bunny Trail at the Farmers' Market in Downtown San Luis Obispo between 6PM - 8PM. Free family-friendly event. Collect treats from downtown businesses and meet Downtown Bunny. Free treat bags and trail maps will be available at the check-in booth at the corner of Chorro & Higuera. Address for GPS: Chorro St & Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
April 8, 2023 (Sat) - Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt at Spyglass Park from 10AM - Noon. Egg hunt starts at 10:30AM and hot dogs and bbq start at 11AM. More details about Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt. Address: Spyglass Dr, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
April 8, 2023 (Sat) - Egg Hunt & Festival at Elm Street Park in Arroyo Grande. Free Bunny Hop Races & Egg Toss Competition. Free Easter egg hunt for all ages by age groups: 10AM for Ages: 2 and under, 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 10:35AM for Ages: 7 -9 & 10 - 13 and 11:15AM for Ages: 14 - 17 and Adults. Free BBQ Hot Hot Dogs while supplies last. Address: 1221 Ash St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
April 8, 2023 (Sat) - Children's Day in the Plaza in Downtown San Luis Obispo in Mission Plaza from 10AM - 3PM. Free entry event. The event aims to connect children and families with resources throughout SLO County while embracing creativity, diversity, and individuality. Address: 989 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
April 8, 2023 (Sat) - Egg-stravaganza at Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach from 10AM - 1PM. Free event. Bounce houses, games, crafts and more. Egg hunt times: 10:10AM for Ages 3 years old and under, 10:40AM Ages 4 - 6 years old, 11:10AM for Ages 7 - 9 years old and 11:40AM for Ages 10 - 12 years old. See pictures that I took of Dinosaur Caves Park. Address: 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
April 8, 2023 (Sat) - Spring Fling at Meadow Park in San Luis Obispo from 11AM - 1PM for ages 0 - 10 years old. Free. Hippity Hoppity! It’s a family fun event with activities for all, including an egg hunt for young children, live music, interactive booths and a vendor fair for all. Address: 2333 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
April 9, 2023 (Sun) - Happy Easter Day! See a list of Easter Brunches throughout San Luis Obispo County. Read about my staycations in San Luis Obispo County and romantic dates in SLO on our blog section.
♥Staycation Experiences Around San Luis Obispo County:
- Read about my staycation at the famous Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo.
- Read about my staycation at Granada Hotel & Bistro in Downtown San Luis Obispo.
- Read about my staycation at The Carlton in Atascadero.
- Read about my mineral springs spa soaks at Sycamore Mineral Springs & Spa and my romantic lunches there.
April 14, 2023 (Fri) - Creston City Limits Concert Series at 6PM. Free admittance. Outside venue and bring your own seating. Address: 6223 Webster Rd., in Creston, CA 93432
April 15, 2023 (Sat) - Naturefest at Dana Adobe & Cultural Center in Nipomo from 10AM - 4PM. Admission is $10 per adult, $3 for ages: 6 years old - 17 years old and free for ages: 5 years old and under. Music, adobe tours, nature exhibits, local food and artisan vendors, Pacific Wildlife Presentations and hands on activities. Address: 671 S. Oakglen Ave., Nipomo, CA 93444
April 25 - May 30, 2023 (Every Tuesday) - Parenting My 0 - 5 Year Old Child online class from 6PM - 7:30PM by Parent Connection of San Luis Obispo County. Register Online.
April 28, 2023 (Fri) - Arbor Day Celebration at 16TH Street Park in Grover Beach from 3PM - 5PM. Celebrate the importance of trees in the community. Activities for ages 5 through 12 years old. Address: Address: 16th Street & Mentone Avenue, Grover Beach, CA 93433
April 28 - 30, 2023 (Fri - Sat) - Morro Bay Kite Festival in Morro Bay. Free event. From Friday, April 28th through Sunday, April 30th, Discover one of the most fun FREE events on the Central Coast at the Morro Bay Kite Festival! Hosted on the beach just north of Morro Rock find kites of every size and color soaring in the abundant wind. It's a family event for all ages and lifestyles.Free parking closest to the Kite Festival is available at the Rock parking lot, The parking lot north of the Coast Guard Station, and parking lot by the Maritime Museum. All other parking on the Embarcadero is free. See my pictures of Morro Bay. Address for GPS: 1275 Embarcadero Morro Bay, CA 93442
Through April 2023 - Field of Lights in Sensorio (famous art light installations) in Paso Robles is open for weekends. Weather permitting only as it's all outdoors. See my videos and photos that I took at Sensorio.
May 6, 2023 (Sat) - Tamale Festival in Atascadero from 11AM - 7PM. Nearly 30 tamale vendors for purchase, entertainment, pet costume contest, tamale eating contest, photo opportunities and fireworks. Address: Downtown Atascadero & Sunken Gardens.
May 12, 2023 (Fri) - Creston City Limits Concert Series at 6PM. Free admittance. Outside venue and bring your own seating. Address: 6223 Webster Rd., in Creston, CA 93432
May 12, 2023 (Fri) - Mother & Son Luau in Grover Beach from 6PM - 8PM. Enjoy drinks, dinner by Ribline, DJ and Photo Booth. Space is limited to 50 couples. Register with City of Grover Beach. The flyer says it is at Ramona Garden Park but their activecommunity.com link says it's at Grover Beach Community Center. You'll have to check with the City of Grover Beach to clarify exactly where the right location is. Flyer. $59 per couple and $25 for each additional son. Address: 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433
May 14, 2023 (Sun) - Happy Mother's Day!
(picture of my 2 sons playing a game at a Mother & Son Dance)
I've been to 3 different Mother & Son dances. Read my Pros and Cons Table on my thoughts on Mother & Son dances if you're on the fence about attending one: http://www.sanluisobispomom.com/blog/pros-and-cons-for-going-to-a-mother-and-son-dance
May 14, 2023 (Sun) - Mother's Day Tea Party at Heritage House in Arroyo Grande from 1:30PM - 4PM. $30 for a couple and $10 for an additional guest in your party. Wide selection of tea, lemonade, tea sandwiches, scones and desserts will be served. Register at City of Arroyo Grande's website. Address: 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
May 14, 2023 (Sun) - Mother's Day Concert at Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach. See pictures that I took at Dinosaur Caves Park. Address: 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
May 20, 2023 (Sat) - Active Duty Armed Forces Day at Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero from 10AM - 5PM. All Active Duty Armed Forces men, women, and their immediate families (spouses and children) receive free admission to the Zoo. Bring your valid military ID to enjoy a visit to the only Zoo on the Central Coast. Address: 9100 Morro Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422
June - August 2023 - Grover Beach Summer Concert Series at Ramona Park in Grover Beach on Sundays from 3PM - 6PM. Free music entertainment. Bring money to buy food. Address: 993 Ramona Park, Grover Beach, CA 93433
June 16, 2023 (Fri) - Creston City Limits Concert Series at 6PM. Free admittance. Outside venue and bring your own seating. Address: 6223 Webster Rd., in Creston, CA 93432
July 14, 2023 (Fri) - Creston City Limits Concert Series at 6PM. Free admittance. Outside venue and bring your own seating. Address: 6223 Webster Rd., in Creston, CA 93432
August 11, 2023 (Fri) - Creston City Limits Concert Series at 6PM. Free admittance. Outside venue and bring your own seating. Address: 6223 Webster Rd., in Creston, CA 93432
October 21 - 22, 2023 - 77th Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival. Free admission. Every year, Pismo Beach Clam Festival attracts generations of families and visitors. Address for GPS: 100 Pomeroy Ave., Pismo Beach, CA 93449
October 28, 2023 - Pumpkins in the Park at Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach from 10AM - 1PM. Free event. Children ages 12 and under can participate in pumpkin decorating, games, crafts, bounce houses and more. Costume contest starts at 11:30AM. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Please leave pets at home. Address: 2701 Price St., Pismo Beach, CA 93449
November 4 - 5, 2023 - Paso Robles Art in the Park. 140 Artists from 4 different states. Free admission. Saturday hours: 10AM - 5PM and Sunday hours: 10AM - 4PM. Address: 1100 Spring St., Paso Robles, CA 93446
Free Things To Do in SLO
Monarch Butterfly Grove
Bubblegum Alley
Bubble Gum Alley in Downtown San Luis Obispo is always free to explore! The walls are filled with bubble gum and you are welcome to add to the collection. Address: 733 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401Avila-Pismo Beach Trolley
Elephant Seals in San Simeon
Playgrounds for Kids in SLO County
Mitchell Park
Located in downtown San Luis Obispo is Mitchell Park with a large playground, picnic tables and public restrooms. Address: 1400 Osos St, San Luis Obispo, CA 9340
Meadow Park
Dinosaurs Caves Park
Spyglass Park
Avila Beach Park
Chumash Park
Del Mar Park
Hero Park
Hero Park is located in Grover Beach/Arroyo Grande area and has a playground for the smaller kids. It's located in a quiet residential area. Address: 1600 Farroll Rd, Grover Beach, CA 93433
Atascadero Lake Park
Located in Atascadero and next to the Charles Paddock Zoo is a large green park with a playground and a nice lake. The playground makes it very convenient for the kids after the zoo. They don't sell food at the zoo so you can bring a picnic here at this park (right outside the zoo) and enjoy a little a break. Address for GPS: 9100 Morro Rd, Atascadero, CA 93422
City of Arroyo Grande Parks & Recreation Park
Also known as Elm Street Dog Park, it has both a playground and dog park. There is also a Park & Recreation building there that has preschools and special programs for kids. Address:1221 Ash St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Rancho Grande Playground and Park in Arroyo Grande
Rancho Grande Park is one of the bigger parks in San Luis Obispo county that is very kid-friendly. Address: 500 James Way, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Oceano Playground Park
Popular Beaches to Explore in San Luis Obispo County
Avila Beach
Avila Valley Barn
San Luis (SLO) Lighthouse
To see more pictures of Central Coast Aquarium taken by SanLuisObispoMom.com, click here.
Avila Beach PIER
Pismo Beach
The most famous SLO beach is Pismo Beach and attracts the majority of the tourists who come to this area. Come to the Pismo Beach Pier to take in some beautiful ocean views.With clean beaches, a lot of shops and restaurants, many tourists, local families and surfers come to Pismo Beach for a nice day out. The boardwalk is also a nice stroll along the beach in Pismo Beach.
Oceano Dunes, part of Pismo State Beach, is only 3 miles south of Pismo Beach

HotShots Billiards & Family Entertainment at Pismo Beach
Don't let the word Billiards throw you off from coming here with your kids! They have a lot of arcade games in the back with some centered on little ones! You can buy food or draft beer while the kids have some fun.

It's very close to the Pismo Beach Pier. You can park in the beach parking lot there and walk here. We came here with the little ones around 8pm and it is still family-friendly.

There is never an admission fee to enter the game area. Bring your quarters. Otherwise, bring cash to dispense some quarters here. Address: 250 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Grover Beach
Grover Beach and Sand Dunes Beach Entry
If you are planning on spending a long time at the beach here, walk to this entry point by parking down the intersection where there is public parking available, behind Fin's Restaurant. See more beach pictures of Grover Beach taken by SanLuisObispoMom.com
Grover Beach Playground on 16th Street
Cayucos
Morro Bay
Check out the weekly farmer's market here as well. Link to Morro Bay's SLO farmer's market info and other markets in SLO.
Morro Rock
You can't miss it and this volcanic plug attracts many tourists. There is a beachside right by the rock too and a trail that you can walk around alongside.
Always free. See more photos of Morro Rock. GPS Address: 1300 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA, 93442
Sea Otters
Morro Bay Trolley
Paso Robles
Paso Robles Children's Museum
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The Paso Robles Children's Museum is a two story museum located in the downtown area of Paso Robles. It may be a bit intimidating for the smaller toddlers but it's still a great place for the kids if you're nearby. See more pictures of our visits at Paso Robles Children's Museum in this blog post. It is much smaller than the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum only open a few days out of the week, depending on their staff coverage for the season. Address: 623 13th St,Paso Robles, California 9344
The Ravine Waterpark (only open during summer season)
They offer active-duty military discount with valid military ID. Address: 2301 Airport Rd., Paso Robles, California 93446
California Mid-State Fair
With carnival rides, hundreds of vendors and great eats, it's fun for the whole family. Address: 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles, CA 93446
Sensorio Field of Lights
Free Story Time
San Luis Obispo County Library Story Times
Barnes & Noble Bookstore Story Times
SLO Farmers Markets (ongoing weekly as weather permits)
San Luis Obispo Farmers Market in downtown
San Luis Obispo Farmers Market in Downtown is iconic to the Central Coast and takes place every Thursday from 6PM - 8:30PM from November - February and 6PM - 9PM from March - October on Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 between Nipomo and Osos. Seasonally, Chorro Street and Broad Street may also be in use.San Luis Obispo Market on madonna Road
The San Luis Obispo Market near Madonna Inn is at address: 325 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (World Market/Embassy Suites parking lot) in the middle of a large shopping center and take place on Saturday mornings from 8AM - 10:45AM.Morro Bay Farmers Market
Morro Bay Farmers Market is located at Spencer’s Fresh Markets parking lot at address: 2650 Main St., Morro Bay, CA 93442 takes place on Thursday afternoons takes place from 2PM - 4:30PM.Pismo Beach Farmers Market
Pismo Beach Farmers Market takes place right by the beach at Pismo Beach Pier at Pomeroy and Hinds Ave., Pismo Beach, CA 93440 every Wednesday from 4PM - 7PM between April - September only.Arroyo Grande Village Farmers Market
The Arroyo Grande Village Farmers Market takes place in old downtown Arroyo Grande at address: 193 Olohan Alley, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 takes place on Saturday Afternoons from noon - 2:30PM.Arroyo Grande Smart & Final Parking Lot Farmers Market
The Arroyo Grande Smart & Final Farmers Market is conveniently located at Smart & Final parking lot at address: 1464 East Grand Avenue, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 and takes place on Wednesday mornings from 8:30AM - 11AM.Nipomo Swap Meet & Flea Market
Nipomo Swap Meet & Flea Market is fun and takes place every Sunday from 6AM - 6PM, weather permitting. They also have train rides called Choo Choo Safari inside the vicinity! It's great for kids! You pay a car entry fee of $4 to enter the Swap Meet & Flea Market to park. They have fresh produce, awesome Mexican food options all around the area and good yard sale type finds. Address: 263 N Frontage Rd, Nipomo, CA 93444Attractions
San Luis Obispo Children's Museum
Paso Robles Children's Museum

Charles Paddock Zoo
Hearst Castle
San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum
The Ravine Waterpark
Museum of Natural History - Morro Bay
Morro Bay's Morro Rock is one of the more famous landmarks of San Luis Obispo County. Read my blog entry about Morro Bay. Address of Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay: 20 State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442
Birthday Party Ideas
Pacific Flips Gymnastics Birthday Party
They set up 2 tables ahead of time per your reservation and you just bring your decoraton. For more pictures and details, read about our detailed experience in this Pacific Flips Birthday blog entry.
Central Coast Aquarium Birthday
To see more pictures of the aquarium, read our review blog entry of Central Coast Aquarium.