Family Friendly Events in Mammoth Lakes that Won’t Break the Bank |

With a vast array of outdoor recreation and proximity to nature, Mammoth Lakes is an ideal destination for a family vacation, where you can connect with one another and make memories that will last a lifetime. There’s always something to do with the family when you visit our enchanting mountain town, from canoeing on pristine summer lakes with a vista of forests and towering peaks surrounding you, to skiing down the mountainside in a cascade of winter snow.

Throughout the year you’ll find much to do, as the fall and spring seasons offer just as much excitement. While planning your trip to Mammoth Lakes, you might find yourself searching for some family-friendly events and activities to add to your itinerary, beyond the outdoor adventures and typical activities—and we’re here to help with our list of family-friendly events in Mammoth Lakes that won’t break the bank!

Summer Festivities at The Village Plaza

The Village at Mammoth is a premier spot for events in Mammoth Lakes, and you’ll find they throw festive family-friendly parties throughout the year. It’s also where you can catch the Village Gondola up to the ski lifts, or scenic rides in the summer. You can also take it up to the top of the mountain for some winter hiking. Every summer weekend at The Village Plaza, you can find free acoustic music, food vendors, and drinks, from June to September, running from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Summer Movie Series at The Village Plaza

Thursdays and Sundays during the summer, you can find a free summer movie series, put on under the stars at the Village Plaza. You can check out a list of what’s playing online ahead of time if you’d like to make sure it’s appropriate for your kids, as some of the movies are PG-13, which this year included popular flicks like Disney’s Cruella, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Ghostbusters: Afterlife. There are also a variety of PG movies, which in the past included movies like Encanto, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Space Jam: A New Legacy. Relax with the family and get some quality time on your Mammoth Lakes vacation!

Mammoth Rocks

This event typically takes place near the end of summer in August, and features an array of talented tribute bands playing all your favorite classic rock tunes! The best part is that admission to the event is free, allowing you to focus on enjoying the music and saving your money for the tasty food items from local vendors. The event is family-friendly but also features local beer and a full bar for the adults. Past acts have included Neil Diamond tribute bands, Led Zeppelin tribute bands, The Beatles, Beach Boys, and more!

Gran Fondo Fall Century

This epic bike race spawns through the Mammoth Lakes area and usually is scheduled sometime in the first weeks of September. The race features routes for different skill levels of road bikers, with the beginners at 40 miles, the intermediate level at 70 miles, and the advanced at 102 miles! You can go watch the race and drink in the stunning mountain scenery, cheering the riders on, and then go explore the town and grab a bite to eat after!

Halloween Bash and Haunted Roller Rink

If you’re visiting during the fall, there’s more to do than hiking the trails and taking in the stunning fall foliage—there’s also this annual Halloween event that has fun for the entire family! If you’re not skating as an adult you can enter for free, but otherwise, the entrance has been around $5 in the past. The kids can play carnival games, participate in a costume contest, and rent skates to roll around the rink to classic Halloween tunes. A variety of concessions will be available for purchase.

Woolly’s Dance Party Parade

During the winter, you can find the mascot Woolly, the woolly mammoth, throwing a kid-friendly bash at The Village Plaza, along with his costumed mascot friends. The event takes place on Saturdays and includes festive music, balloons, and face painting for the kids. You can always check online ahead of time to make sure that the event will be held on a Saturday you’re visiting Mammoth Lakes.

Night of Lights

This winter event is hosted at the Canyon Lodge and usually takes place a few weeks before Christmas. You can ride the gondola for free up to the lodge, where you can then enjoy a variety of holiday treats and dinner. The night’s big show is the fireworks display, lighting up the sky with beautiful reflections of the snowy landscape. A torchlight parade finishes the evening, creating ideal holiday vibes for your escape to the mountains!