It's a Family Fun

Start your day with a visit the Space Endeavour Center (Lompoc, 805.606.3595). This interactive education facility offers programs for the public about math, space science and technology. The Center features all purpose electronics and project lab, computer lab, hands-on project classroom, and a research telescope for public use. Take the Clark Avenue exit to the Highway 1/135 towards Vandenberg Air Force Base. Go approximately 5 miles and merge to the right onto S20 Highway 1, Vandenberg Air Force Base. Go 10 miles. Turn left onto S20, Highway 1 at the intersection of the Vandenberg Air Force Base main gate. Go 1/2 mile and turn left onto Mountain View Blvd. and NASA Resource Center road signs. Follow Mountain View Blvd., then turn right onto Carob Street. Maple High School is on the right. The Space Endeavour Center is located in Rooms 10-12. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call ahead to make reservations.

The Space and Missile Heritage Center (Lompoc, 805.606.3595) at Vandenberg Air Force Base is open to groups of 10 or more. See displays of artifacts and memorabilia which interpret the evolution of missile and spacelift activity. Call ahead to schedule these tours Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Take Highway 1/135 north back to Santa Maria.
 

Okay, you've had the kids in the car for quite a while, so why don't you let them out to play around in the fresh air? Waller County Park is located at Waller Lane and South Broadway (Highway 135). Look for the forest on the left! This scenic park features a duck pond (bring something for the ducks, please -- they're always hungry!), and two new playground areas. Walking trails and tall pine trees abound. Sno-cones and pony rides are available on the weekend.

Get back onto South Broadway and head south to Skyway Drive. Turn right and follow Skyway just past the Santa Maria Airport to Airpark Drive, where you'll find the Museum of Flight (3015 Airpark Drive, Santa Maria, 805.922.8758). Wander through this large museum of World War II and present day displays of aircraft and artifacts. The Rocketeer was filmed in this section of town in 1990!
 

Take Skyway Drive north to Betteravia Road. Turn right to get to South Broadway. Continue north on South Broadway and turn right on East Cook. If you take your first right onto South McClelland, you'll reach the Natural History Museum (412 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, 805.614.0806). Kids of all ages will enjoy this museum featuring rock and fossil exhibits from the area, native bird displays and a real bat room!

Head a couple of blocks west to the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum (321 Town Center West, Santa Maria, 805.928.8414). This hands-on museum offers a chance for children to learn while they play. Explore a wide range of interactive exhibits which include Toddler Territory, Fun House mirrors, a puppet theater, undersea tunnel and much more. Call for the schedule of special events including fun Make & Take Activities!

Hungry yet? How about dinner at Round Table Pizza (2508 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, 805.614.4466)
where you can enjoy the big screen TVs while eating your meal? Children will love the enclosed playland and don't forget your quarters for the video games in the arcade room! If you want to take a walk on the wild side at dinner, try Klondike Pizza (2059 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, 805.348.3667). You'll feel like you're dining in the wilds of Alaska! Enjoy the rustic atmosphere of a sawdust floor and free peanuts while you wait for your Road Kill Pizza or other Alaskan specialty pizza! Patrons are encouraged to throw their peanut shells on the floor and join the piano sing-a-longs.

A trip to Santa Maria wouldn't be complete without bringing the family to Boomer's (2250 N. Preisker, Santa Maria, 805.928.4942)! Enjoy challenging miniature golf, raceway go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages and the giant games pavilion.

Enjoy ending your day on a sweet note with a special treat at one of our local ice cream parlors! You'll find McConnell's (2530-C S. Broadway, Santa Maria, 805.739.1116) or Coldstone Creamery (4869 S. Bradley Rd., Santa Maria, 805.934.9545).