I guess it is a family resort where everyone goes to swim when the beach is too cold, and the boardwalk is too....Unless the Boardwalk and beach are in full operation, Santa Cruz is not what I call a small-child friendly place----sporty people, foodies, surfers, adults, fine, but when their isn't enough for kids, it should be be known it's not that interesting----most towns and cities offer public pools, and that's where families can be, much cheaper, if you are honest to your guests.