We get asked this all the time: “What do we do with our kids in Mammoth?” And honestly? It depends on your kid.
Some kids are living their best lives dancing with rad Mom and Dad outside après, while others are throwing axes at birthday parties (is that even legal?). Some kids love a good sufferfest on an all-day hike, while others would rather throw rocks in a lake for hours (respect).
So for this middle-ground guide, we’re skipping the toddler meltdown death marches and questionable axe-throwing parties to focus on fun, parent-approved ways to enjoy Mammoth with kids.
1. Ride the Panorama Gondola
📍 Mammoth Mountain
Even if your kiddo isn’t quite ready to hit the pow, they’ll love the scenic ride up Mammoth Mountain on the Panorama Gondola. At the top? Breathtaking views, a chance to throw some snow (even in summer!), and a visit to the Eleven53 Interpretive Center, where kids can learn about the Sierra’s geology and wildlife.
🔥 Pro tip: Bring snacks—because everything is better with snacks at 11,053 feet.
2. Go Fishing or Paddleboarding at Twin Lakes
📍 Twin Lakes / Tamarack Lodge
Fishing and kids’ patience don’t always mix, but at Twin Lakes, the scenery alone keeps it fun. Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from Tamarack Lodge, or set up on the shore and let the kids try their luck reeling in a trout. Stop by Mammoth Lakes Basin afterward for an easy picnic with views.
3. Visit the Mammoth Adventure Center & Woolly’s Tube Park
📍 Mammoth Mountain Base Lodge
In winter, Woolly’s Tube Park is the place for high-speed snow tubing and sledding fun. No hiking required—just ride the magic carpet up and fly back down.
In summer, the Adventure Center transforms into an outdoor amusement park, complete with a kids’ ropes course, climbing wall, and zip line. If you kid has energy to burn, this is the spot.
4. Hike to McLeod Lake
📍 Horseshoe Lake Trailhead
🥾 1.8 miles round trip, minimal elevation gain
If you want to introduce your kids to hiking without the meltdowns, McLeod Lake is the perfect trail—short, sweet, and rewarded with a stunning alpine lake. The water is clear and shallow enough for wading, making it a great summer stop.
5. Explore Mammoth’s Wildlife at Hot Creek Geological Site
📍 Hot Creek
A little bit of science + adventure = a great kid-friendly outing. Hot Creek is a geothermal wonderland, where steaming vents and bubbling hot pools make it look like a scene from another planet. While swimming is off-limits, it’s still a fun and fascinating place to explore. Bring binoculars—deer, eagles, and even the occasional bear sighting are possible.
6. Cruise the Mammoth Bike Park (or Rent a Family E-Bike)
📍 Mammoth Mountain
For little shredders, Mammoth’s Bike Park has beginner-friendly trails and rentals for kids. If downhill biking is too intense, rent an e-bike and cruise the scenic Lakes Basin Path—a car-free, easy ride with plenty of stops for snacks and photos.
7. Check Out the Mammoth Museum & Hayden Cabin
📍 Mammoth Creek Park
Step back in time and learn about Mammoth’s Wild West roots at this charming log cabin museum. They host kid-friendly events, historical exhibits, and storytelling that make history feel way more fun than it did in school. Check their schedule for gold-panning and hands-on history experiences.
8. Take a Dip at Whitmore Pool
📍 Whitmore Recreation Area (10 minutes south of town)
When summer hits, Whitmore Pool is Mammoth’s best-kept secret. It’s outdoor, heated, and has a shallow section for little swimmers. Plus, no crowds = no stress. Pro tip: There’s a massive grass field next door, perfect for post-swim picnics and letting the kids run wild.
9. Catch a Movie at Minaret Cinemas
📍 Minaret Village Shopping Center
Sometimes, you just need an easy win. Whether it’s a rainy day, a smoky day, or a too-much-sun meltdown, Minaret Cinemas is a solid backup plan for a chill night with popcorn and a good flick.
10. Hire a Guide: Climbing, Backpacking, Pack Stations & More
Make your kid rad, and teach them to climb, young. Honestly, if you want to level up you and your kid’s outdoor skills (or let someone else do the teaching for a day), hiring a guide is the move. Whether it’s learning to cast a line in the Lakes Basin, tackling a kid-friendly rock climb, or exploring off-the-beaten-path trails, a local guide can make the experience fun, safe, and way less stressful for you. Check out Ground Up Kids Climbing Camp who specialize in exactly this.
Pro Tip: Ditch the kids and go pamper yourself for the day.
Final Thoughts: Mammoth is a Playground for All Ages – Let’s Keep it That Way
Mammoth isn’t just for hardcore adventurers—it’s an epic place for kids to explore, run wild, and make lifelong mountain memories. Whether they’re sledding, hiking, biking, fishing, or just throwing rocks in a lake for hours, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family.
But let’s teach them young—respect for the outdoors starts early. Lead by example and show them how to stay on trails, pack out trash, respect wildlife, and leave places better than they found them. Mammoth’s magic only lasts if we take care of it.
More on Mammoth 👇🏼
Where to Stay in Mammoth
Mammoth Mountain Biking
Where to Eat in Mammoth
