Last updated on July 9th, 2026
Looking for the best things to do in Lake Havasu that are fun for kids, too?
If you’re looking for a sunny family getaway filled with outdoor adventures and plenty of time on the water, Lake Havasu City may be one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets.
Located along the Colorado River in western Arizona, Lake Havasu offers a surprisingly family-friendly mix of beaches, boat rides, hiking trails, and other activities. Kids can splash on the shore, explore desert landscapes, paddle across calm waters, and even walk across the famous London Bridge.
With easy access from California, Las Vegas, and much of Arizona, Lake Havasu makes an excellent weekend getaway or vacation destination for families. We recently spent a few days exploring; the drive only took about four hours from Southern California.
Here are the ten best things to do in Lake Havasu with kids.
Things to Do in Lake Havasu with Kids
From boating to hiking to trying great restaurants, here are the 1o best things to do in Lake Havasu with kids and teens.
1. Visit the Famous London Bridge
No family trip to Lake Havasu is complete without seeing the iconic London Bridge. In fact, as the centerpiece of town, it’s pretty impossible to miss!
Originally built in England in the early 1800s, the bridge was purchased by Lake Havasu founder Robert P. McCulloch and relocated to Arizona in the 1960s.
It’s amazing to think that an actual piece of London was brought to the desert, along with its nearly 200 years of history. In fact, when we were on a boat tour sailing under the bridge, it was cool to see bullet holes on the structure and learn that these scars were left by German machine-gun fire during the London Blitz of World War II.
The area surrounding the bridge offers walking paths, restaurants, shops, and plenty of places to stop for ice cream or take family photos.
2. Explore English Village
Located next to the London Bridge, the English Village is one of the most family-friendly areas in Lake Havasu. The waterfront district features shops, restaurants, walking paths, and beautiful views of the channel.
Kids enjoy watching boats travel beneath the bridge, feeding ducks along the water, and exploring the pedestrian-friendly pathways. This is also the spot where you can hop on a boat tour or rent equipment.
Families can browse souvenir shops, grab an ice cream, or simply enjoy the scenery. There’s a lovely fountain and even a red British phone booth that makes great photo ops.
The English Village also hosts seasonal events and offers easy access to several restaurants, making it a convenient stop during your visit.
3. Spend Time at the Beach
One of the best things about Lake Havasu is that you can enjoy a traditional beach day right in the middle of the desert. There are a number of public beaches around the lake offering sandy shorelines, swimming areas, picnic tables, and calm water ideal for families.
Lake Havasu’s warm weather makes beach days possible during much of the year.
Although the beaches are known to get rowdy during spring break and certain busy weekends, overall Lake Havasu is very kid-friendly. Many families choose to spend a full afternoon at the beach between sightseeing activities, making it one of the easiest and most affordable things to do in Lake Havasu with kids.
4. Take a Sunset Boat Tour
Getting out on the water is one of the highlights of visiting Lake Havasu. A family-friendly sunset cruise offers a relaxing way to experience the lake while enjoying beautiful desert scenery.
Boat tours travel along the Colorado River and provide opportunities to see local wildlife, learn about the history of the area, and enjoy incredible sunset views.
We stayed at London Bridge Resort on our recent visit, and there were several boat tours that departed right outside the hotel along the waterfront.
We took the Sunset Experience boat excursion with Sunset Charter & Tour Co. (the city’s #1 boat tour company). It was a relaxing, 3-hour, 24-mile narrated journey aboard Serenity Now, a custom built pontoon boat. The tour travels through Bridgewater Channel and into Thompson Bay, through coves, inlets, and canyons. In addition to the beautiful sunset and placid waters, we spotted lots of wildlife, including big horn sheep up on the hills.
Another cool thing about cruising the river is spotting all the lighthouses along the shore. Lake Havasu City features 28 fully functional, scaled-down replica lighthouses along its 400 miles of shoreline. All are actual functioning lighthouses used to help boaters navigate the water. They were built to the specifications of famous lighthouses dotting the shores of the East Coast, West Coast, and Great Lakes, and they are maintained by the Lake Havasu Lighthouse Club.
5. Go Paddleboarding
Lake Havasu’s calm waters make it an excellent place to introduce older children and teens to paddleboarding or kayaking.
Rental companies around the lake offer paddleboards, kayaks, pedal boats, and other family-friendly watercraft. Paddling along the shoreline allows families to experience the lake at a slower pace while enjoying beautiful views.
6. Explore SARA Park
SARA Park offers more than 1,000 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities. Families can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, mountain views, and open desert landscapes.
It’s an excellent place for kids to burn off energy while experiencing the unique Sonoran desert environment.
We hiked the Crack in the Mountain Trail, one of the most unique hikes in Lake Havasu.
The trail passes through a narrow slot canyon before opening to beautiful lake views. Kids often enjoy squeezing through the rock formations and exploring the canyon environment. It was challenging and very fun
Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day.
Top Tip: Hike early in the morning to avoid the heat. Much of the trail is open and there is not a lot of shade.
7. Take an Off-Road Adventure
One of the most memorable experiences in Lake Havasu is exploring the desert by UTV. We did a guided tour with Wet Monkey Rentals and it was very fun! I definitely recommend a guided tour over renting a vehicle if you are not familiar with the roads.
Guided tours allow families with older children to experience rugged desert terrain, mountain views, and scenic overlooks. Riding through the desert provides a completely different perspective of the area beyond the lake itself.
Depending on age restrictions, some companies allow children to ride as passengers, making this an exciting activity for adventurous families.
8. Visit the Bunker Bar
One of the stops we made on our offroad tour was at The Bunker Bar. More than a bar, it is one of the most unique dining experiences near Lake Havasu. Kids are totally welcome and there are plenty of fun things for them to do, including have fun in the outdoor play area.
Set in the middle of the desert, The Bunker is a completely outdoor, solar-powered bar and grill with a laid-back, anything-goes atmosphere. It’s especially popular with the off-roading crowd, but anyone can make the trip out to enjoy the open-air setting, live music, and casual, social vibe.
The Bunker Bar’s menu is classic comfort food – think burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and shareable appetizers – paired with cold beers, cocktails, and even fun extras like ice cream. Food is served throughout the day, making it easy to stop by for lunch while exploring the surrounding desert.
9. Enjoy Water Sports on Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu truly lives up to its nickname, Arizona’s Playground.
While we rented paddleboards, there are lots of other opportunities for fun on the water.
Families can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, boating, fishing, and sightseeing cruises throughout the year. Older children and teens may enjoy jet ski rentals or tubing excursions, while younger kids often simply enjoy swimming and playing along the shoreline.
10. Grab Family-Friendly Meals
While Lake Havasu is best known for its boating, beaches, and the iconic London Bridge, it also offers a surprisingly diverse lineup of restaurants – from waterfront cafés and laid-back breweries to elevated dining experiences perfect for a night out.
Here are a few of our favorites that offer great food and a welcoming atmosphere if you are visiting Lake Havasu with kids.
Makai Café – Makai Café serves breakfast with waterfront views and offers pancakes, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and specialty coffee drinks. I tried the Banana Nut French Toast and it was delicious, though a little too sweet for my taste!
Mudshark Brewery – Mudshark Brewery features pizzas, sandwiches, and outdoor seating that appeals to families. One cool thing about this place is they have board games you can borrow and bring to your table.
The Chair – Located in the English Village on the water, the menu features a mix of island-inspired dishes like poké bowls and tacos, along with burgers, sandwiches, and shareable plates.
Roxy’s Beach Bar & Café – Roxy’s Beach Bar & Café offers smoothies, breakfast burritos, wraps, and sandwiches with great views of the London Bridge.
► For more terrific options, check out this guide to the best restaurants in Lake Havasu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Havasu good for families?
Yes. Lake Havasu offers beaches, boat tours, outdoor activities, hiking, water sports, and family-friendly resorts that make it a great destination for kids of all ages.
What is the best age for kids visiting Lake Havasu?
Families with children of almost any age can enjoy Lake Havasu. Younger children often enjoy the beaches and pools, while older kids and teens can participate in paddleboarding, hiking, boating, and off-road adventures.
How many days do you need in Lake Havasu?
A three or four-day trip gives families enough time to experience the lake, enjoy water activities, explore the desert, and relax at their resort.
When is the best time to visit Lake Havasu with kids?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather. Spring break season is particularly popular, while summer brings hotter temperatures but excellent opportunities for water activities.
Final Thoughts: Lake Havasu with Kids
Whether your family enjoys hiking, paddling, swimming, boating, or simply relaxing by the water, Lake Havasu delivers a memorable desert getaway filled with sunshine and adventure.
Save These Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Lake Havasu for Later!
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