We'll be at Point Reyes National Seashore for 4 days this summer with young kids (2 and 6). We'll take them to the beach, the visitor's center to look around and for the Jr. Ranger program, and of course to play at the (cold, I realize) beach, but what other ideas should we consider?

They like hiking, but we can only go short (3-4 miles total) hikes, with the 2 year old in a carrier and the 6 year old walking. I'd like to do some fun, different activities, like fly a kite at the beach if it's windy, or bring watercolors to a great vista so they can paint (ideas on where exactly to go?), or go tide-pooling. Other thoughts for fun activities?

We don't want to drive any more than we already will to see different parts of the park, so we don't plan on visiting other parts of Marin during the 4 days.

Other ideas for fun nature or other activities?

Going to McClure's Beach at the northern end of Point Reyes you are likely to see elk.

I think that there are tide pools near Bolinas.

There is a herd of Roosevelt elk that were on the north end of Point Reyes when we were there. There are nice hiking trails there too.

We saw grey whales going north when we were there one April, but I don't know when they head south. Lots of sea birds there too, go out to the lighthouse too.

For playing in the water, Drake's Beach is a good location, or Tomales Bay State Park.