Thinking about visiting the Old Mission Santa Barbara with kids?
In the ’90s, when I was a kid on a family trip to Santa Barbara, we visited the Old Mission. It’s actually one of the few things I remember from that vacation. Since it left an impression on me back then, I thought it would be cool to take my own family there. Also, it is consistently rated as one of the top tourist and historical spots in Santa Barbara. If you really want to do Santa Barbara right, you probably want to visit the Old Mission.
Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Old Mission Santa Barbara stands as a timeless testament to California’s rich history. Visiting this iconic mission with kids promises a delightful blend of educational exploration with the family.
Is Old Mission Santa Barbara For Kids?
I will say, this place doesn’t come across as an exciting place to bring small kids at first. They aren’t going to be excited about going as if it were the zoo or an amusement park. However, my 7 year old son is becoming fascinated by history and this place exudes the past. My younger ones (ages 3 and 5), on the other hand were fascinated by the different plants and flowers we don’t typically see in Colorado.
The history of The Old Mission Santa Barbara can be rather confusing for kids. There are parts of it that I don’t really follow and are pretty complex concepts. If you are a historical or religious studies enthusiast than this is definitely for you. Otherwise, you may take it or leave it. Just enjoy the Old Mission for its beautiful architecture and scenery and learn a little bit about its history.
Because it is essentially an old church, it is respectful to remind the kids to keep quiet and not to play around while inside the grounds and especially in the church, cemetery, and mausoleum.
If this sounds too stressful to you, or maybe your kids are in the toddler stage you may want to sit this one out. However, you can always view the Old Mission and the front grounds from the outside if you don’t want to go all in on the tour with the kids.
We visited some spots perfect for kids on our trip. Check out 2 Amazing Santa Barbara Playgrounds.
What Is The Old Mission Santa Barbara?
The Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786 by the Franciscan order, holds a significant place in California’s history. It is one of the 21 missions established along the California coast by Spanish missionaries. The mission played a crucial role in the Spanish colonization of the region and the spread of Christianity.
The architecture of the Old Mission reflects the Spanish Colonial Revival style and showcases a combination of European and indigenous influences. The site includes a beautiful chapel, courtyards, gardens, and various exhibits depicting the mission era.
Initially established as a self-sustaining community, the Old Mission Santa Barbara served as a center for agriculture, education, and religious activities. It played a pivotal role in the cultural and economic development of the local indigenous communities.
Today, the mission serves as a historical landmark, museum, and active parish church. Visitors can explore the rich history, art, and architecture of the mission, gaining insights into California’s past and the impact of Spanish colonization on the region. The Old Mission Santa Barbara continues to be a place of cultural significance, attracting visitors from around the world.
TOur The Old Mission Santa Barbara With Kids
Self-Guided Tours
Begin your visit with a self-guided walking tour that takes you through the mission’s fascinating architecture, religious artifacts, and lush gardens. The audio guides engage young minds with captivating stories of the past, making history come alive. These are essentially digital recordings pulled from the Old Mission website that you can access on your smart phone. They are very informative and professionally created. They give you a map with numbers and when you reach a number on the tour you can play that audio and it will be about the particular section you are in. Listen here if you want a sample of what the audio recordings are like: Old Mission Tour Recordings
My wife Jamie and my oldest son were interested in the recordings. They are pretty in depth and we didn’t listen completely through most of them, however, they give you a good sense of the historical context of what you are looking at. It was worth at least playing the first minute or two of each recording once we reached a new area.
What You’ll See
The self-guided walking tour will take you through many of the famous spots of the Old Mission including the Sacred Garden, Church, Cemetery, and Mausoleum.
At the beginning of the tour next to the Sacred Garden is a small room that is designed for kids with a small exhibit about Channel Islands National Park. There are some exhibits about animals that live on the islands as well as the first inhabitants of the island. The kids loved coloring and making imprints from the various tiles. This isn’t an extensive kids area but at least it was something to break up the tour for the kids. I will note, I can’t find much about this area online so I don’t know if this is a permanent exhibit or not.
The tour ends with a small museum and, of course, a gift shop.
Architecture
Kids will love the mission’s beautiful design with its Spanish style. The chapel, courtyards, and fountains have cool details that both kids and adults will enjoy. Encourage your children to look at the different parts of the buildings and get curious about the artistry of these old structures. Our kids imagined it being a castle.
Gardens and Landscaping
The mission’s gardens are a calm and pretty place with lots of colorful flowers and green plants. Families can take a nice walk, check out interesting plants from the past, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings that connect nature and history. Think of this like a botanical garden.
Hours
Masses, weddings, and funerals all impact the hours of the Old Mission Santa Barbara. Be sure to check if it is open before your visit.
Pricing
- Adults (18-64): $15.00
- Youth (5-17): $10.00
- Seniors (65+): $13.00
- Active Military (with ID): $13.00
- Children (4 & under): FREE
Parking is also Free.
You do not need to reserve tickets unless you have 10 or more people in your group.
For more information about Old Mission Santa Barbara, check their website here.
Location: 2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Conclusion: Old Mission Santa Barbara With Kids
Old Mission Santa Barbara with kids offers a unique blend of history, culture, and family-friendly activities. A visit to this iconic landmark promises educational enrichment and probably something very different than what you are used to. If you want an alternative to a children’s museum or a zoo and want something with a little bit more significance, the Old Mission Santa Barbara might be a good option for you.
Ultimately, if your children are a little bit older to appreciate the history, can behave themselves in the quiet areas, and you yourself are interested in history and religion this could be a great visit for you. Or, if you are someone that has to truly experience everything in a particular town, especially one of the most famous spots like the Old Mission, then you’ll probably need to do this to check it off of your list.
What about other must-see destinations in Santa Barbara with kids? See our visit to Stearns Wharf here.
