Chase Palm Park and Carousel in Santa Barbara

Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara is a huge park that sandwiches East Cabrillo Boulevard.  On the ocean side of Cabrillo the park consists of a palm-lined, narrow strip of park adjacent to East Beach with an oceanfront bikepath and walkway from Stearns Wharf to East Beach.  This side of the park is host to Sunday/Holiday arts and crafts shows.  The 14,600 square foot Skater's Point skate park is also located on this side of the park.

Call 805.564.5418 for more information or visit www.santabarbaraca.gov/Parks/parks_community_main.html#ChasePalm.

On the other side of Cabrillo is a huge 10 acre parcel that features fountains, creeks, a lagoon, carousel, snack bar and a Shipwreck Playground modeled after an ocean schooner from the turn of the century.

The antique carousel is a beautiful, elegant throwback to another era.  The carousel is well maintained, plays fun music and is only $2 (as of 11/09) for a pretty darn long ride!  See pictures and video below.  The combination of Shipwreck Playground and the carousel makes this a can't miss Santa Barbara destination for they young set!  Not to mention...the park is walking distance to Stearns Wharf, the beach, bike rentals, State Street, etc.

Alameda Park in Santa Barbara

Ranking high up on the list of parks with COOL play areas around town is Alameda Park, located at the corner of Garden Street and E. Micheltorena Street in Santa Barbara. Alameda Park has an 8,000 sq ft mostly wooden play structure that was built by local residents. This is the most unique play structure of ANY park I'm aware of in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties (though the newer play structure at Gates Canyon Park in Calabasas gives it a run for its money).

Your kids will fall in love with the nooks, crannies, steps, bridges and places to hide in this play structure. There are also swings and things to climb on. The park itself is 2 blocks long and one of the oldest parks in Santa Barbara. It is next door to the beautiful Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden. Plenty of grass, spectacular, large shade trees and much more make this a perfect picnic lunch stop when you're in town.

More information at www.santabarbaraca.gov/Parks/parks_community_main.html.

All American Twirlers in Camarillo

All American Twirlers provides your child the opportunity to learn how to twirl and perform in parades, exhibitions and other performances, including special events. Class locations in Camarillo and Santa Barbara. Free trial class! Visit www.aatwirlers.com or call 805.403.2356 for more information.

Santa Barbara Zoo

Click here for information.