Southern California is one of the most desirable places to visit in the winter. With its mild temperatures, sunny days, and wide variety of activities to enjoy, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you are going to spend winter holiday with teenagers, you’ve come to the right place! From outdoor adventures to cultural attractions and more, we have compiled some of the best winter activities in Southern California for teenagers to enjoy.
For parents visiting Southern California with teenagers, there are endless possibilities for fun activities in the winter. Not to mention, you can also take part in cultural and educational events with your teens, such as visiting museums and attending music and theater performances. With so many options, Southern California has something for every teen to enjoy during the winter months.
1. Watch a Christmas Boat Parade
This is the only place you can see a Christmas parade on boats in Southern California! On December 10 and 17, dozens of boats participate in the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, which is decorated with holiday lights and ornaments.
Not only is it a fun event that the whole family can enjoy, but it also provides a unique and memorable experience for teenagers. For the greatest views, get a seat at either Seaport Village or the Coronado Ferry Landing.
2. Ice Skating Under Lights at ICE
Ice skating is the most interesting and distinctive way to take advantage of the winter season in Southern California with your teens. On Fifth Street and Arizona in Santa Monica, there is an 8,000 square foot ice rink where you can hang out with the cool kids. Literally known as ICE, this skating rink transports the coastal settlements on the westside to a winter wonderland.
As an LED light show flashes across the enormous screens dotted around the plaza, you’ll get to slide across the ice and pirouette around the sparkling Christmas tree. Taking your teenagers to the ice rink as a winter activity in Southern California is a wonderful chance to spend quality time together while having a lot of fun!
3. Skiing & Snowboarding at Big Bear Mountain
If you are looking for a fun way to bond with your teenagers, we recommend you to ski and snowboard at the Big Bear Mountain. Big Bear Mountain is conveniently located in Southern California, making it an easy winter weekend getaway for families.In addition, Big Bear Mountain has some of the best ski slopes and terrain parks in Southern California, so you teens can learn and improve their skiing and snowboarding skills.
Besides, you can also attend various festivals such as Big Bear Winter Festival and Polar Plunge, perfect for teens looking for a unique and exciting experience. This place also offers a variety of lodging and dining options, making it a perfect place for your teens and families to spend some quality time together
4. Bike Tour at Palm Springs
In Southern California, biking is one of the most well-liked pastimes and is a particularly pleasurable way to explore on a mild winter day. So, why don’t you take your teens for a bike tour? Take advantage of the several bike routes in and around Palm Springs that range in difficulty, length, and scenery. Enjoy the expansive desert horizon, the San Jacinto mountain range, and the mid-century houses that previously housed Hollywood legends.
In addition, the desert climate is dry and sunny, so you don’t have to worry about wet or icy conditions. Biking will surely be an excellent way for teenagers to get in some exercise and enjoy the outdoors while also having fun.
5. Enjoy Hot Springs at Tecopa Hot Springs
Taking your teenagers to enjoy hot springs at Tecopa Hot Springs in Southern California would be amazing. Besides, this is an ideal winter activity for the whole family. The hot springs offer a relaxing environment to enjoy together, and the mineral-rich water helps to soothe away any stresses and tensions.
Plus, the hot springs are surrounded by beautiful, natural scenery, so your teenagers can appreciate the beauty of nature while they soak. It’s also a fantastic way to spend quality time with your teenagers, as it encourages conversation and bonding.
6. Snow Play at Snow Valley Mountain Resort
Despite the absence of snow in Los Angeles winters, this place is fortunate to be adjacent to many mountain ranges that can produce snow. Bring the winter vibe to your teens by visiting Snow Valley Mountain Resort. Take advantage of winter’s bounty at this alpine wonderland. It includes activities such as snow tubing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding, snow biking, and more.
There is also a snow park, with a variety of slides, jumps, and terrain parks for teens to explore. Your teens can make a snowman, build a snow fort, or have a snowball fight! You can play with them or just relax since the resort also offers a variety of restaurants and bars, making it a great place to spend the day.
7. Sand Berm Sledding at Marina del Rey
When you can’t go into the mountains for winter activities, try sand berm sledding. Marina del Rey is one of the best sand berms you can try. This is a man-made sand hill that the city has erected to prevent erosion from winter storms and rough waves on the beaches. They are a favored hobby for those who live near the seaside and a well-liked location for sand sledding in Los Angeles!
When the weather is normally too chilly or windy to enjoy the beach, sand berms offer a fantastic alternative. Nothing compares to the feeling of wind in your face and sand blowing up behind you as you race down a sand berm on a sled. The thrill of starting from the top of the mountain and sledding down into the sand is an experience your teen won’t soon forget!
8. Attend Winter Fest OC
When it comes to Southern California’s largest winter festival, we recommend you to take your teens to Winter Fest OC. The Orange County fairgrounds will be transformed into a winter wonderland with lots of holiday cheer during Winter Fest OC. You will be able to experience 26 days and nights of attractions, live entertainment, Christmas fare, and fun starting on November 25 through January 1!
Moreover, the event also features a variety of food options and shopping opportunities. Let your teens enjoy a festive atmosphere while having a fun and memorable experience. With its extravagant decorations, over a million lights, interactive walk-through experiences, and, of course, Santa, Winter Fest OC transports visitors into an enchanted Christmas wonderland.
9. Observe Los Angeles Skyline
After a decent wintery rain, Los Angeles sky would be incredibly clear and awesome. Therefore, take your teens to enjoy the Los Angeles skyline. You can seek up the best lookouts and observation decks in LA that provide panoramic views of the city. Get a bird’s-eye view of LA from historical, iconic sites that give vistas of the Hollywood sign, the Pacific Ocean, and even Catalina Island. Let your teens build appreciation for the many cultures that make up Los Angeles and its surrounding region.
Occasionally, you’ll discover that it’s more serene and less crowded to bundle up and survey your surroundings from a vantage point above it all. You will have a chance to spend quality time with your teens, allowing them to take in the sights and sounds of the city.
10. Try SoCal Delicacies
Winter in Southern California is a perfect time to go out and try signature delicacies. Whether you’re a local to SoCal or just a visitor, you should introduce your teens to devour an In N Out burger. Moreover, you can move to another restaurant to try Cobb Salad. This iconic Southern California salad was first made in Hollywood in the 1930s at the Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant. Besides, you can explore flavorful and authentic Mexican food in South California.
Going out to eat is a great opportunity to spend quality time together and talk about things that they may not otherwise have a chance to talk about. Eating out can be expensive, so it’s a great way to teach them how to budget and make decisions about where to spend their money.
11. Experience The Magical World at Universal Studios Hollywood
If your teens are fans of Harry Potter and his magical world, take them to Universal Studios Hollywood in winter. Let your teens spend Christmas and experience the magical world first hand in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Your teens can explore Hogsmeade Village, ride the Hogwarts Express, and enjoy the various attractions and rides.
The atmosphere of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is both magical and festive, making it a great winter activity for the whole family. Furthermore, the park offers special events and activities throughout the year that your teens can take part in.
12. Have Fun Rides at Disneyland
Disneyland is such a magical place at this time of year! Taking your teenagers to try fun rides in Disneyland is a great winter activity in Southern California because it provides a fun and exciting way to beat cabin fever. Your teens will love experiencing the thrills and excitement of the rides, from the classic roller coasters to the newer, high-tech attractions.
Plus, Disneyland is a great place to make memories and create wonderful family experiences. With its iconic characters and fun attractions, Disneyland is sure to provide your family with an unforgettable experience that your teens will never forget!
13. Try The Tallest Roller Coaster at Knott’s Berry Farm
Did you know that Knott’s Berry Farm has one of the longest and tallest wooden roller coasters in the world? If your teens are adrenaline lovers, take them to try this thrilling ride. Not only is the ride thrilling, but it is also a great way to bond with your teens. The experience will surely be one they will never forget!
Moreover, enjoy Knott’s Berry Farm’s delectable jams and jellies all year long. Tickets are $59.99 each to create these fun experiences. It will surely be a fun winter activity in Southern California with your teens and families.
14. Watch Live Theater at The La Mirada
Want to have fun indoor winter activities in Southern California with your teens? At some of Los Angeles’ top community and family theaters, you can find joy, excitement, and real feelings. The La Mirada Theatre offers a ton of fantastic, entertaining, and family-friendly productions based on your teens’ favorite books.
Live theater offers a unique and interactive experience that can help teens to better understand the story and the characters. Additionally, taking teens to watch live theater can help build their confidence in public speaking and performance, as well as help them to better understand the importance of teamwork. Don’t miss The Lightning Thief and Grace for President in February, and Twinkle Time in March, the bilingual “Lady Gaga for Kids.”
15. Take A Winter Hike at Ferndell
Is it mid-70s Fahrenheit outside and sunny? Get outside and try to visit our favorite hiking area in Los Angeles, Southern California with your teenagers. Ferndell park is full of trails to explore and the scenery is stunning, making a perfect destination for a winter hike. Plus, exploring the local wildlife and plant life is an educational experience for your teens.
After a hike at Ferndell, you can take the family for a trip to The Trails Cafe where they may enjoy a variety of pastries, pies, coffee, quiche, and sandwiches. You will have a quality time together while also getting to bond with nature in a peaceful setting.
16. Ride The Rails at Claremont
Discover some of the lesser-known attractions in Southern California in winter, like the city of Claremont. It provides your teens with an interactive and educational experience by allowing them to ride a real steam locomotive. This ride takes them through the scenic Sierra Madre Mountains to the historic mining town of Claremont. Your teens will also have the opportunity to explore the mining town and visit interesting attractions, including the local museum and historic trains.
This adorable tiny town, which is off the metrolink line and about an hour from Los Angeles, is full of family-friendly attractions including shopping, museums, botanical gardens, and some of the best restaurants and dessert stores. It is also a great way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and exercise in a safe environment.
17. Whale Watching in Dana Point
For animal lovers, it will be one of the best winter activities in Southern California with teenagers. The ideal time to watch whales in Southern California is from January through April. The gray whale, which can weigh up to 40 tons and travels from Alaska to Baja in order to give birth to 2000-pound calves, is a sight to behold. So, you can take your teenagers to Dana Point for whale watching.
Not only will you have the chance to spot whales, but you can also spot dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life. It’s also a fun way to learn about the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it. The experience will be unforgettable and your teenagers will never forget it.
18. Watch Lavender Nights 123 FARM
A pleasant approach to spend winter time with your teenagers is to go to the lavender farm 123 FARM. You may take in Christmas Nights, which features one million lights. Besides, your teenagers can get into the festive spirit with horse-drawn carriage rides, s’mores pits, Santa, hot cocoa, cookies, and a maze.
The Southern California sight to behold that is genuinely exceptional. You can take part in festivals all year long, including ones celebrating sourdough bread, sheep shearing, and lavender nights with live music.In addition, it’s a perfect opportunity to bond with your teens and make lasting memories.
19. SoFi Stadium Tour
Suppose you want to have a boys day out with your teen boy in winter, a SoFi Stadium tour would be perfect. Southern California’s top destination for sports and entertainment is SoFi Stadium, which is located in the center of Los Angeles. The stadium, which serves as both the Chargers’ and the Rams’ home field, is a cutting-edge building with both indoor and outdoor fan experiences. Your teens will have the chance to learn more about the history of the stadium, such as how it was built and the teams that call it home.
Or, you can take your teenagers to other occasions in SoFi, such as conventions and concerts. It will be a fun and educational way to explore the local area and learn about the city of Los Angeles, which is always a great way to pass the time during the cold winter months.
20. Explore Danish Heritage at Solvang Julefest
Julefest, Solvang’s Danish-inspired month-long holiday extravaganza, is a wonderful winter event to introduce cultural experience to your teenagers. This event runs from November 27 to January 1. You and your teens can learn about Danish delicacies like Aebleskivers, a dough ball baked in hot oil and customarily dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with raspberry sauce.
Coziness permeates this small village all winter long, so be sure to visit the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art before continuing on to Ostrichland, USA, for some avian appreciation. By taking them to this event, you will give your teenagers a chance to learn about another culture and expand their horizons.
Conclusion
Southern California is an amazing destination for a winter getaway with teenagers. The warm weather, stunning natural landscape, and plethora of activities make it the perfect place to create lasting memories and have fun in the sun. Whether your teenagers are thrill seekers, nature lovers, or just looking to relax, they are sure to have an unforgettable experience while exploring the beauty and excitement of Southern California.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the warmest place in California in February?
The warmest place in California in February is usually in the southern part of the state, especially around the Los Angeles and Palm Springs area. Moreover, Palm Springs has the highest temperature at 73°F. This is because the southern part of the state tends to be closer to the ocean and receives more of the warm air from the Pacific Ocean. This region also typically experiences less rainfall and more sunshine in February than other parts of the state.
What is the coldest month of the year in California?
The coldest month of the year in California is usually December due to the fact that it is the furthest away from the summer season and the warmest time of year. December also has the least amount of daylight hours; this combined with the decrease in temperature can make for some very chilly days. Suppose you are looking for winter activities in Southern California with teenagers, you can read the article above.
What is the coldest city in California?
The coldest city in California is Boca, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Boca is a small town with an average winter temperature of 25°F, making it one of the coldest places in California. Bodie is the coldest place in California according to weather records, but the highest points of the White and Sierra Nevada mountains do experience colder temperatures. If you are looking for winter activities in Southern California with teenagers, you can check the article above.
What’s the coldest it gets in Southern California?
The coldest it gets in Southern California is typically in the low 30s Fahrenheit (0-2°C), especially in the mountain areas. In fact, 27 °F was the lowest temperature ever recorded in Los Angeles, California, and it occurred on January 4, 1949. This is because Southern California is located in a semi-arid climate zone, meaning it does not get as much precipitation as other regions. Cold air masses can move down from the mountains and cause cold temperatures during the winter months.
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