Experience · Bakersfield

CALM & Park Fun for Families

Spend the afternoon immersing your family in California's natural habitats at the CALM museum. Afterwards, enjoy a casual and kid-friendly meal, then let the little ones burn off some energy at a nearby playground.

A 3.5-hour Bakersfield afternoon plan for families — California Living Museum (CALM), Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen, Jefferson Park.

Duration
3h 30m
Cost
$40–$80
Stops
3 stops
Walking
Light walking · Total 8.3-mile driving route
Best time
12:00 – 5:00 PM
Ideal for
Families · Kids
Start Plan
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CALM & Park Fun for Families

The plan

The plan

  1. 1California Living Museum (CALM)(1 hr 30 min)→
  2. 2Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen(1 hr)→
  3. 3Jefferson Park(1 hr)

Why this plan works

The stops span roughly 8.3 miles across Bakersfield, so plan on driving — the order below keeps that driving in one direction. California Living Museum (CALM) is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Jefferson Park — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families and families with kids who want a planned Bakersfield outing without improvising between stops.

The story

Overview

Spend the afternoon immersing your family in California's natural habitats at the CALM museum. Afterwards, enjoy a casual and kid-friendly meal, then let the little ones burn off some energy at a nearby playground.

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

  1. California Living Museum (CALM)1
    1h 30m
    California Living Museum (CALM)

    Family

    Museum exploring California's diverse flora & fauna, with a reptile house & botanical gardens.

    What to do — Explore the animal exhibits, walk through the botanical gardens, and look for the reptile house. Perfect for curious kids.

    Scout Side Quest

    Pick the animal with the most dramatically unimpressed facial expression today. Everyone cast your vote.

    7.2 mi · 19 min drive

    Then Drive south to Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen for a casual meal.

  2. Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen2
    1 hr
    Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen

    Food & Drink

    Open since 1910, this Italian grocery & restaurant/deli offers classic lunches in old-school digs.

    What to do — Enjoy classic Italian-American dishes and a family-friendly atmosphere at this historic Bakersfield eatery.

    Scout Side Quest

    Spot the oldest-looking photo or artifact on the walls and make up a dramatic five-second backstory for it.

    1.1 mi · 5 min drive

    Then Take a short drive to Jefferson Park for some outdoor playtime.

  3. Jefferson Park
    3
    Optional 1 hr
    Jefferson Park

    Outdoors

    Young & old alike can play at this park with a sandlot, spray area, sports courts & horseshoe pits.

    What to do — Find the play equipment and splash pad for a final burst of energy, or simply relax under a tree.

Scout Stories

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The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Bakersfield itinerary for families?
Yes. It's built for families and families with kids and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at California Living Museum (CALM).
How long does this outing take?
Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Bakersfield itinerary cost?
Roughly $40–$80 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?
Not entirely. The stops cover about 8.3 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
Do I need reservations?
No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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