We are going to Bakersfield (well, really Tehachapi) for Christmas. I have read all the postings on Bakersfield and they are not at all flattering..however, this is where we will be. Can anyone suggest thing to do in this area? We have 3 kids; 4 years, 2 years and one years.

We do not want to do Disney as we have decided it is just too much, too expensive, etc.

Thanks.

Pack a picnic, bundle up and take the kids to one of the picnic areas in the nearby big park - they can play until they drop.
www.co.kern.ca.us/parks/picnic-areas.asp

And if anything should ever happen in Bakersfield, you will read about it here:
www.bakersfield.com/

Not sure how exciting it will be - their CD of the week, as posted right now, is The Greatest Songs of the 80's by Barry Manilow. If that's any indication... Bring your nintendo along, you may have to provide the entertainment.

Ahh...Bakersfield. I can smell the armpit from here.

There is a rather nice Kern County Musuem in Bakersfield. Depending on weather there are a couple of nice parks, Lake Ming, off Highway 178 and one at the intersection of Oak and 24th (I think).
If you are a train fan, the "famed" Techachapi Loop is off Highway 58 between Techachapi and Bakersfield.
There is also a nice walking, jogging bicycle trail that runs along the Kern River. I think you access it from the Truxton Ave. Extension.
Bakersfield is also home to minor league professional hockey and basetball teams, they play downtown in the RoboBank Arena.
Of course, if there is snow you are close to the mountains in Techachapi for playing in the white stuff. Ski areas near LA.
Finally, if you don't mind about a 4 hour drive, visit Death Valley via Mojave, Ridgecrest and Trona. Also, a historic semi-ghost town in Randsberg near Ridgecrest.
Enjoy Christmas!

Go to one of the Basque restaurants and have some great food!!