Summer Family Fun 2023
From one of Northern California's most popular waterparks to scenic bike trails, a drive-in movie theatre, and kid-friendly restaurants, Concord is the place for good times, all summer long!
Photo Courtesy of Hurricane Harbor
SIX FLAGS HURRICANE HARBOR
For a wet & wild adventure, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor has it all with super-charged rides like Big Kahuna, Honolulu Half-Pipe and the Cliffhanger. Kids of all ages can go at their own pace in Splashwater Island, a colossal, multi-level, water-play area. Or just float your cares away on the super chill Kaanapali Kooler Lazy River while soaking up some California sunshine.
OLD TIME FUN AT THE DRIVE-IN
For timeless family entertainment, the West Wind Solano Drive-In is one of the few remaining drive-ins in Northern California. Open 365 days a year, it combines a nostalgic movie-going experience with the latest digital technology for crystal clear picture and sound. Grab a bite from the concession stand while the kids take a break between double features at the playground and arcades.
PIXIELAND
A Concord institution since 1955, Pixieland Amusement Park is big fun for the little guys. From the antique carousel, spinning teacups and the frog hopper, to the dragon roller coaster and Pixieland Express Train, younger kiddos and even toddlers all have a blast on cool rides made just for them.
ROCK CITY
The pinnacle of outdoor recreation in the Concord area is Mount Diablo State Park, a 3,848-foot peak that provides endless entertainment for kids and nature enthusiasts alike. Kids might want to make the trip just for Rock City, though, a curious geological spot where nature trails, sandstone caves, and boulders are just made for a day of exploration and fun.
HIKING & BIKING TRAILS
If your family’s idea of fun involves getting back to nature, Concord has you covered. Lime Ridge Open Space is a Concord gem that will satisfy the most avid hikers and curious little ones. Spanning 1,226 acres with 25 miles of trails, Lime Ridge offers a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle.
Spanning a total of 32 miles, the Iron Horse Regional Trail is a popular biking and jogging path that travels a north-south route from Concord to Pleasanton and offers a safe, fun way to explore shops, restaurants, and parks in the seven towns it connects.
Visit the Concord Visitor Center for free hiking and biking brochures!
PARKS
Concord boasts a bounty of local parks. Check out Hillcrest Community Park’s 26 acres, including athletic fields, a model airplane flying area, and picnic spots. Meadow Homes Spray Park is a splashy-fun playpark with attractions like the Dolphin Aqua Slide, Pirate Prow and Schooner Splash, plus picnic areas and sports fields to make it a full day for family and friends.
All of Concord’s community parks offer a variety of amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, trails and more. Check out the complete list, including popular spots like Dave Brubeck Park, Newhall Community Park and Concord Skate Park at the City of Concord’s Parks & Recreation Department.
SHOP & PLAY
The Veranda is a stylish, newer outdoor shopping center that features trendy eateries, a state-of-the-art IMAX theatre, children’s play area, and a full lineup of retail stores and entertainment including Barnes & Noble, T.J. Maxx, Cost Plus World Market, Dave & Busters and Red Door Escape Room.
Sunvalley Shopping Center is a family-oriented indoor shopping, dining and entertainment destination with more 160 stores including the Disney Store, H&M, Uniqlo, Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, Round 1 Bowling & Amusement, and many more.
KID-FRIENDLY EATS
The Old Spaghetti Factory in the historic Todos Santos Plaza has been a family favorite for as long as their doors have been open. If pizza is more their speed, head over to Skipolini's, a Concord favorite, located just around the corner. After dinner, enjoy a family stroll around the plaza with ice cream from Cream, Milano Gelato, or Baskin Robbins.
For hamburgers, Fuddruckers in The Willows shopping center is always a hit with the fam, as it’s easy to customize burgers with just the right toppings for every taste in the group. And for a true Concord experience, the Taco Trail offers plenty of reasonably priced kid favorites and 39 authentic taquerias and restaurants to choose from.
Enjoy some arcade and pizza fun at Dave & Busters located in The Veranda. With hundreds of games to play, everyone leaves feeling like a champion. They offer arcade games, tabletop, air hockey, ping pong, billiards and more!
Of course, Chuck E. Cheese is the ultimate kid-friendly eatery. In addition to pizza and other casual fare, Chuck E. Cheese offers video and kiddie arcade games, an hourly show starring the mouse mascot himself, and high-energy birthday parties.
CONCORD VISITOR CENTER
Are you visiting Concord or welcoming visitors here? Be sure to stop by the Concord Visitor Center in located at 2151 Salvio Street, Suite T, in Todos Santos Plaza. We are ready to help with free advice, maps, guides, brochures, Concord merchandise and more. Go to Visit Concord for more information on these events and more.