Big Bear with The Mommy Blogger Tribe

There are a few things that just work—peanut butter and chocolate, moms and coffee, kids and chaos, and... The Mommy Blogger Tribe and Big Bear.

This past month, we packed up our snow boots, backup snacks, and a slightly unreasonable number of beanies for our second annual Mommy & Me trip to Big Bear, and once again, it delivered. Hosted through the incredible team at Destination Big Bear, we got to spend the weekend in an enormous cabin that somehow managed to feel both massive and cozy—like if a luxury lodge had a baby with a Hallmark movie set.

About Big Bear: A California Mountain Gem

If you’re not familiar, Big Bear Lake is Southern California’s very own alpine escape—just a couple hours from Los Angeles and so worth the windy mountain drive (unless your kid gets carsick like mine—then maybe skip the snacks). Originally a gold rush town in the 1800s, Big Bear is now a year-round playground for families, skiers, hikers, and anyone who likes crisp air and cute cabins.

In the winter, it’s all about snow—skiing, tubing, snowball fights, and moms pretending they’re fine when their kids fling snow directly into their boots. In the summer, it’s hiking, fishing, and even boating. Basically, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure, with great views and cleaner air.

Our Destination Big Bear Cabin: Big, Beautiful, and Cozy

Cabin Tour HERE

This year’s cabin was everything. Giant windows, several fireplaces, multiple levels for the kids to run wild while we moms not only attempted adult conversation between snack refills, but succeeded. We had such a lovely time chatting away in our warm and cozy cabin while the kids played. Destination Big Bear always sets us up with a property that’s just right for our group.

Big Bear Snow Play: A Highlight for Everyone

Watch Video HERE

One of the absolute highlights of the trip—no question—was Big Bear Snow Play. We all bundled up (layers on layers on layers), grabbed our tubes, and headed straight for the hills. Moms and kids alike were out there flying down the runs, laughing until our faces hurt, and pretending we weren’t a little terrified on that first ride down.

And thank you, Big Bear Snow Play, for the magic carpet lift, aka the genius invention that lets you ride back up the hill like royalty instead of dragging a tube while gasping for breath and questioning your life choices. The tubing lanes were fast, fun, and surprisingly smooth.

It was one of those rare unicorn activities where everyone—toddlers, big kids, moms—had a blast. The kids were all-in from the first slide, and the moms? Well, let’s just say we rediscovered our inner daredevils. This wasn’t one of those “watch from the sidelines” moments. We were in it. Screaming, laughing, sliding, and loving every second.

Cozy Nights & Tribe Connection

When the snow boots came off and the cocoa was poured, we settled into what makes these trips truly special: connection. We’re moms, yes—but also women with stories, hustle, humor, and a need for real friendship that doesn’t come in the form of a PTA group chat.

Evenings were for talking until way too late, sharing meals we kind of threw together (but somehow nailed), and watching the kids bond like they’ve known each other forever. There’s something sacred about seeing your child play with the child of someone who just gets you. It’s that quiet kind of joy that doesn’t need to be flashy—it just is.

Exploring Downtown Big Bear

Of course, no trip to Big Bear is complete without wandering through its picture-perfect downtown. Let me just say—it’s so charming it could be the setting of a Hallmark movie (yes, another Hallmark reference). We spent an afternoon exploring the shops, and the kids were thrilled to pick out souvenirs, toys and even candy at the one of several candy shops, while we moms did very important candle research and debated whether this beanie counts as “essential.”

The streets are lined with family-owned boutiques, cozy cafés, and that kind of mountain-town energy that makes you want to wear flannel and drink something warm—even if it's just your fourth coffee of the day.

Fire Rock Burgers & Brews: A Must-Try

After a day of tubing, shopping, Fire Rock Burgers & Brews hits the spot every single time. It’s casual, comfortable, and downright delicious. The burgers are juicy, the fries disappear fast, and the kids' meals actually get eaten. Total win.

Also? Any place that lets tired, snow-covered families come in, sit down, and enjoy a real meal without side-eyes or eye rolls is automatically on my repeat list.

Watch video HERE

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This weekend wasn’t about picture-perfect moments—it was about real ones. About holding space for joy, for laughter, for connection. Watching our kids thrive and play together while we filled our own cups felt like a much-needed reset.

Already counting down to next year. Big Bear, save us a spot.