Kern County Summer Activities
The days are getting longer, the heat is turning up, and all the kids are getting out of school. It’s summer time in Kern County! Here is a list of family-friendly activities in and around Kern County that will help you beat that summer heat.
Spray Parks
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm, your family can enjoy one of 10 spray parks throughout Bakersfield until September 1st.
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Beale Park, 500 Oleander Drive
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Greystone Park, 5709 Mountain Vista Drive
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Jastro Park, 2900 Truxtun Ave.
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Jefferson Park, 801 Bernard St.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1000 S. Owens St.
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Mesa Marin Sports Complex, 10315 Hwy. 178
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Planz Park, 1601 Planz Road
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Saunders Park, 3300 Palm St.
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Siemon Park, 3300 Redlands Dr.
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Wayside Park, 1200 Ming Ave.
Public Pools
Bakersfield City has four public pools that cost $1 to $4 per person and that will be open through the beginning of August. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pool, Jefferson Park Pool, McMurtrey Aquatic Center, and Silver Creek Pool. Find each pools hours, rules, and more at https://www.bakersfieldcity.us/318/Recreational-Swim
Movies in the Park
Bakersfield Recreation and Parks is offering free movies in parks around town through October. Be sure to check out bakersfieldparks.us for more information.
Kern County Museum & Lori Brock Discovery Center
Escape the heat under the shade of the oak trees as you check out the old pioneer town at the Kern County Museum and duck into the Lori Brock Discovery Center. There your little ones can use their imaginations to act out the lives of our community helpers and explore the other activities.
Summer Camp
We know summer camps fill up fast and ideal schedules can be hard to come by, but there is a spot for your little ones somewhere in the variety of camps offered throughout the county.
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Stars Bakersfield Music Theatre Youth Workshops
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Bakersfield Museum of Art Summer Art Camps
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County Day Camps
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North of the River Recreation Camps
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American Kids Ninja Zone and Epic Camp
Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science
Fun, interactive, and educational, this museum offers unique ways to connect with the history of the area that will keep the entire family engaged. Check out their event calendar and general information at https://www.buenavistamuseum.org
Whitewater Rafting in Kernville
There are a few amazing companies offering great experiences on Class I to Class V rapids on the Kern River. Whether you want to relax and enjoy the ride or you’re after a thrilling adventure, we always recommend hiring a guide or joining a tour to stay safe on the Kern River. There are safe, responsible ways to enjoy the Kern, but make sure you always wear a life vest and go with someone who knows what they are doing.
Library visits
There are libraries all over Kern County offering events like toddler story time, bingo, adult arts and crafts events, free lunch giveaways, and so much more. Enjoy the air conditioning while your child enjoys the playroom, a free event, educational computer games, and so much more. Don’t forget about this amazing community resource! Learn more at https://kerncountylibrary.org/
Concerts at the Marketplace
Every Thursday from 7-9pm through June 26th, you can catch free live music at The Marketplace at 9000 Ming Ave. Bring a chair, a dancing partner, and the entire family! Learn more at https://www.visitbakersfield.com/events/concerts-at-the-marketplace-2025/
Studio Paint Party at Corks & Strokes Studio (All Ages)
Beat the heat and test your creative skills with friends at family at an all-ages paint party! Learn more at https://tickets.corksandstrokes.com/events/corksstrokes/
Beale Band Concerts
Enjoy free live music at Beale Park (500 Oleander Ave) June 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th starting at 8 pm. Pre-concert entertainment is scheduled for the first 2 concerts starting at 7:15 pm.
Make This Summer One to Remember
At Motor City Buick GMC, we’re proud to be part of a community that offers so much to do, see, and explore. Whether you're heading to the splash pad, summer camp, or a concert under the stars, make sure you're driving a vehicle that’s ready for the journey.
Browse our full inventory of GMC SUVs and trucks and let us help you gear up for a summer full of family fun.