Lake Arrowhead is a favorite destination for skiers and sledders, but it’s pretty fantastic in the summer, too. Oh, and it's gorgeous when the leaves start to turn in the fall. Basically, Lake Arrowhead is a fantastic (easy) mountain getaway year-round. Just a few hours from LA (depending on traffic, but that's true of everywhere!), this mountain town is a perfect escape from city life. Ski or swim, shop or hike, explore, see animals, and play all day—read on to discover why you should bring the family to Lake Arrowhead this weekend. And come back next season, too.

Just when you thought California’s redwoods couldn’t be any more captivating, the new Redwood Sky Walk at Sequoia Park Zoo opened this June, just in time for a summer family road trip up the coast. The Redwood Sky Walk is a series of bridges high in the sky that connect platforms in the trees, lifting visitors up for spectacular views and an up-close connection with the canopy. Read on for a peek at this new experience in the trees of Eureka.

Find more California family vacation ideas kids love in our California Family Travel Guide. We've also rounded up the coolest (affordable!) California vacation rentals for families, so you know where to stay as you explore.