Planning a summer vacation is relatively easy unless you’re bringing along your entire family. And with you, your spouse, and the children all looking for different amenities and activities, it might be a bit hard to find your next destination that caters to everyone’s whims.
Find the best family-friendly spots in Bakersfield for your next summer getaway with our curated list of top destinations.
Hart Park Lake
Did you know that one of the oldest parks in Kern County is Hart Park? Kern River Park has existed since 1929, but Kern County Supervisor John O. Hart was honored by renaming it in 1947.
Nowadays, Hart Park is part of the bigger 1,012-acre Kern River County Park and offers a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, boating, and swimming. During the winter and early spring, the lake managers stock rainbow trout and catfish in the lake. In the summer months, anglers can catch largemouth bass, carp, crappie, and bluegill among the various freshwater species that inhabit the lake.
Location: The Hart Memorial Park is located 1-mile northeast of Bakersfield on Alfred Harrell Highway. (Bakersfield, CA 93308)
Contact: (661) 872-3179
Operating hours: 5 am – 10 pm
Lake Ming
Lake Ming is a part of Kern River County Park, just like Hart Memorial. The area boasts numerous campsites and offers hiking and horseback riding paths. In 1959, Kern County Supervisor Floyd Ming received the honor of having a 104-acre body of water named after him, calling it Floyd Ming Lake. The Greenhorn Mountains are visible on the horizon to the east, and there are some hills where you can hike to reach a hilltop picnic area.
The lake park has boat ramps, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a playground, restrooms, drinking fountains, and parking. Two lovely shorelines are also available. Recreational activities at Lake Ming include water skiing, boating, and fishing, but only from the shore, not from a boat. Using swimming or any type of inflatable or floatable device, including waders and inner tubes, is prohibited.
(Note: Lake Ming is closed to the public a few times a year and reserved for special events. Contact the Kern Administration Office to learn more about the schedules and activities.)
Location: 13375 Lake Ming Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93306. It lies around 10 miles northeast of Bakersfield on Alfred Harrell Highway.
Contact: (661) 868-7000
McMurtrey Aquatic Center
The McMurtrey Aquatic Center is a must-visit for those who love swimming and water activities. It offers a wide range of facilities, including lap swim sessions, aquatic fitness, water polo, scuba, and swim practice.
The center boasts an 8,551-square-foot recreational pool with double water slides, a plunge pool, a water volleyball area, interactive wet play equipment, and diving boards. It also has a heated Olympic-sized pool with nine 25-yard lanes, nine 50-meter lanes, and 1- and 3-meter diving boards. Visitors can enjoy the “zero-entry” design of the recreational pool, which makes it accessible and safe for young children, seniors, and individuals with mobility issues.
With locker rooms, showers, picnic areas, and a snack bar, the McMurtrey Aquatic Center is the perfect place to spend a fun-filled day with family and friends.
Location: 1325 Q St, #100 Bakersfield, CA 93301
Contact: 661-852-7440 / 661-852-7430
Schedule: Public recreational swimming is open between June and August.
Recreational fees: $4 per person or $13 for a group of four people
Kern River County Park
This recreational park covers over 1,000 acres and offers a variety of campgrounds and picnic areas for families to enjoy. The 40 picnic areas are perfect for small gatherings and birthday parties, with many offering playgrounds, picnic tables, and shade trees. For those seeking a more formal setting, some picnic areas offer deep pit barbecues, raised bandstands with electric outlets, and food preparation areas, making it a popular wedding venue and team-building site.
Anglers and boaters will love the multiple lakes at the Kern River County Park, including Lake Isabella, Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area, and Lake Woollomes. This recreational park offers a range of amenities and activities, such as fishing and boating, a dog park, building rentals, three 18-hole golf courses, as well as soccer and baseball fields. With so many options available, it’s an ideal location to spend quality time with family and friends.
Location: 13375 Lake Ming Rd Bakersfield, CA 93306 (Around 10 miles from Bakersfield.)
Contact: 661-872-3179
Operating hours: Sunrise to sunset
Final word
Bakersfield is a summer vacation paradise for families. With its vast range of recreational activities and family-friendly destinations, you’re sure to find something for everyone. Furthermore, whether you’re looking for a rejuvenating dip in the McMurtrey Aquatic Center, a peaceful boat ride at Hart Park Lake, a fun family picnic at Kern River County Park, or an exciting camping trip at Lake Ming, Bakersfield has an abundance of options to choose from. There’s something for everyone!
This summer, pack your bags and get ready for a vacation that caters to all your family’s whims and creates wonderful, lasting memories. Remember, the best memories are often the ones we make with our loved ones. Happy summer travels in Bakersfield!
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