Location: Bakersfield
Top Things to do in Bakersfield
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Bakersfield That You Shouldn't Miss
Bakersfield is a city in and the county seat of Kern County, California, United States. It covers about 142 square miles (370 km) near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley and the Central Valley region. Bakersfield's population is approximately 365,000, making it the ninth-most populous city in California and the 52nd-most populous city in the nation. The Bakersfield–Delano Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Kern County, had a 2010 census population of 839,631, making it the 62nd largest metropolitan area in the United States. The more built-up urban area that includes Bakersfield and areas immediately around the city, such as East Bakersfield, Oildale and Rosedale, has a population of approximately 464,000. Bakersfield is a charter city.
Restaurants in Bakersfield
1. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By MistyD103 - Huntsville, United States
This small museum is located in an older building off of Chester Ave, but it is full of great exhibits! The first floor has models (some may be taxidermy) of animals from Africa and a few local critters too, a great shark exhibit with various shark jaws and fossils, fossils from now extinct critters that once roamed the area, and a few other neat fossils. The second floor has fabulous gem and mineral exhibits, dinosaurs and fossils, and an exhibit on Native Americans from the area. The basement level is a fun hands on area for children with biology exhibits ranging from invertibrates to human anatomy. The entire museum is a lot of neat stuff nicely arranged in a small unassuming space, and is well worth a couple of hours to visit.
2. Kern County Raceway Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 495armandos - Bakersfield, United States
Excellent venue for the Spears Southwest Tour. Great view of the track, no matter where to pick. RV Parking available to watch also available. Modern clean easy to get to, right off I-5, 20/30 minutes southwest of Bakersfield. Food and beverage choices excellent.
3. Kern County Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By 948phyllisw
My daughter and I had a great time seeing the historic homes/businesses and oil industry exhibition displayed at the Kern County Museum. I thought the way it was set up, where you view the exterior of structures while peaking inside through window viewing areas, was very clever. During the current pandemic times, it is a great place to visit, since all activities are outdoors.
4. California Area Living Museum (CALM)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Reviewed By jfandslsanchez2012 - Bakersfield, United States
The Christmas Lights At Calm are a Fabulous sight to see! Would be a Great Family Night Activity for all Ages!
5. California Fruit Depot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By MarilynB1313 - Gustavus, United States
We're staying at the RV Park just around the corner from California Fruit Depot, which is within easy walking distance. It is well worth the quick stop off Highway 58 (which connects Bakersfield to Barstow) if you happen to be passing by. The young woman at the register could not have been more personable and you can sample almost everything before purchasing. They specialize in oranges and dates that they grow but also offer other yummies. They have dried fruits and vegetables, stuffed olives, nuts, trail mixes, candy, specialty sauces and my new favorite-Atomic Frog Balls. They're spicy/dilly marinated brussel sprouts with jalapeños, garlic, "secret spices" and red pepper flakes--zippety doo da!!
6. Weedpatch Camp
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By PrincetonBelle - Oklahoma City, United States
Officially known as the Arvin Federal Government Camp, the migrant worker center was most notably featured in John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath. This camp was a government rescue center for distressed migrant workers fleeing the Oklahoma Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. Various scenes from the 1940 film adaptation of the novel were filmed at the camp. The camp still aids migrants today. Tours with a presentation are available by contacting Sharon Garrison at 661-431-9418. On the National Register of Historic Places. From Bakersfield: (20 minutes, 16 miles) Take Highway 99 south. Turn left to merge onto Bakersfield Tehachapi Hwy/CA-58 E. Take the Weedpatch Hwy/CA-184 exit toward Lamont. Turn right at CA-184 S/Weedpatch Hwy. Turn left at Sunset Blvd. Community center is on right. 8301 Sunset Blvd Lamont, CA 93241
7. Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By 361pam93312 - Bakersfield, United States
This theater/arena is centrally located in downtown Bakersfield. I visited the theater recently. First was The Nutcracker Ballet followed by the Willy Nelson and Family concert and finally The Kern County Schools Honors bands concert this week. The viewing is good from all the seats. The sound quality is excellent. The employees are very courteous and helpful if you need assistance. Parking is across the street in pay parking lot or behind the facility. Highly recommend this theater venue for any of the shows and concerts.
8. Murray Family Farms, The Big Red Barn
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 242 reviews
We're a family owned farm that grows the worlds tastiest fruit, but The Big Red Barn is special - really special! We opened these barn doors to give regular folk the opportunity to experience real farm life. Delicious farm fresh food inside, games and rides outside, and the kindest darn farmhands you'll ever meet. If you've ever visited, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting our family, and Bakersfield!
Reviewed By 841russellu
We went with family, kids and adults. Everyone had a blast! From the Petting Zoo to the hayride and pumpkin patch it was awesome!
9. Bakersfield Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 30 reviews
Accredited art museum with exhibits rotating three times per year; education programs for children, teens, and adults; lots of special events. Also holds many weddings and other events.
10. Peacocks at Hart Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By debbief952 - Blanchard, United States
We stopped by to see the birds just as the males were doing their mating dances. We were entertained for two hours as the peacocks did their dances. Their tails in full spread, and the females doing their little dance.
