When Southern California temperatures soar, sometimes the best getaway is the one that’s just a short drive away.
Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear offers a refreshing change of pace with cooler weather, fresh mountain air, and plenty of outdoor adventures for the whole family. And if you’re looking to pack as much fun as possible into a single day, Alpine Slide Big Bear has something for every age.
đź’¦ Cool Off in the Mountains
One of Big Bear’s biggest summer perks is the temperature.
While many Southern California cities experience triple-digit heat, Big Bear is often 20 to 30 degrees cooler, making it an ideal destination for families looking to escape the summer sun.
At Alpine Slide Big Bear, that cooler mountain climate pairs perfectly with one of the park’s most popular attractions: the double water slide.
Kids can spend hours splashing through twisting flumes before landing in the heated splash pool, while parents relax nearby under shaded seating or spread out a picnic on the lawn.
🎢 More Than Just a Slide
Despite its name, Alpine Slide Big Bear is much more than a single attraction.
Visitors can race down California’s only authentic alpine slide, steering their own sled around banked turns and straightaways while controlling the speed themselves. It’s a unique experience that feels somewhere between a bobsled run and a mountain adventure.
For families with a competitive streak, there’s also miniature golf, go-karts, and an arcade that keeps the fun going long after the rides are over.
🦅 Take Flight
Looking for something a little more thrilling?
The Soaring Eagle gives riders a chance to experience Big Bear from above.
After being pulled backward up a 70-foot tower, riders launch forward on a zipline-style ride, soaring above the park while taking in sweeping views of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains.
With side-by-side seating, it’s an adventure parents and kids can enjoy together.
🚀 For the Thrill Seekers
If one ride isn’t enough, there’s another attraction that often steals the spotlight.
The Mineshaft Coaster stretches for more than a mile through twists, tunnels, bridges, and corkscrew turns. Unlike a traditional roller coaster, riders control their own speed, allowing them to choose between a leisurely scenic ride or a full-throttle mountain adventure.
It’s a favorite for older kids, teens, and anyone who loves a little adrenaline.
🍦 Don’t Forget the Ice Cream
Every great summer outing deserves a sweet ending.
After a day of climbing, sliding, racing, and splashing, families can stop by the snack bar for burgers, hot dogs, or a scoop of ice cream. With a dozen flavors to choose from, it’s the perfect way to cool off before heading home.
🎉 A Summer Bonus
Families planning a July visit can also take advantage of Alpine Slide’s special Slide Days promotion on July 23.
For one day only, guests can purchase a discounted pass that includes all-day access to the water slide, alpine slide rides, a Soaring Eagle flight, go-karts, miniature golf, and even a meal—making it one of the best values of the summer.
✨ Make It a Mountain Memory
Some of the best family vacations don’t require boarding a plane.
Sometimes they’re found just a couple of hours from home, where mountain breezes replace city heat and a simple day outdoors turns into a collection of unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re racing down the alpine slide, soaring above the trees, or simply enjoying an ice cream with a view of the mountains, Big Bear proves that summer fun doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be shared.