101 Things to do in Orange County with Kids [From a Local]

Looking for some fun things to do with kids in Orange County? Here are 101 of the best places to take kids in the OC. From the best beaches, parks and museums, to hidden gems and theme parks...they're all listed! And I know what I am talking about...because I've lived in Orange County my entire life!

Fun Places to Take Kids in Orange County, CA

For daily updates of events happening in Orange County – such as library events, park events, free events and more, follow our social pages:

To make things easier on you parents and caretakers, I created a list of the best Kid-friendly Things to do in Orange County. Many of these activities are FREE or low cost, but some are pricey. Plan out your favorites and go have some fun!!! The list is below set up in categories...

Best Orange County Parks

When you are looking for things to do in Orange County and don't want to spend a lot of money, then parks are a great choice. These are my Top Orange County Parks to play at:

1. Fun Orange County Parks Website - This is the #1 resource for finding great parks all over Orange County. Michelle's fantastic website has the scoop on almost every park in OC – including which amenities and useful tips to navigate each OC park!
2. List of all the 2024 Orange County Summer Concerts in the Park - Click link to find dates & cities. (Currently updated for summer 2022) Many are FREE.
3. List of 2024 Orange County Summer Movies in the Park - Click link to find dates, times & cities. (Currently updated for summer 2022) Many are FREE.
4. Orange County Great Park - Irvine's biggest park with lots of walking/biking trails and fun playgrounds for kids. Take a ride on the Big Orange Balloon and ride the carousel for a nominal fee. You will also find a community/educational garden that also hosts family-friendly events with a farmers market on Sundays. (Check their website for times & dates)
5. Atlantis Play Park - (Garden Grove) This gem hosts charming concrete animals, slides, and a giant concrete sea serpent - making this park a favorite of OC locals. During summer, you can visit the splash pad! Admission is $2 (no bills over $10 accepted, closed on Mondays)
6. Adventure Playground - (Irvine) A one-of-a-kind park for kids to use there imaginations in interactive play. Concrete slides, water & mud play, giant LEGO bricks, sand, games, forts. Wear clothes that can get dirty, and bring an extra set. Great park to bring out-of-town guests.
7. Adventure Playground - (Huntington Beach) AKA the "Mud Park." Kids can raft in giant mud pond, mudslides, fort building and water fun. A kids dream park, and my children's favorite summer activity each summer. Open mid June - August.
8. Marina Park - (Newport Beach) AKA the "Lighthouse Park". Fun nautical themed park equipment with a large lighthouse slide. It'cs located on the Newport Bay, a great wave-free area for kids to enjoy the ocean.
9. Irvine Park Railroad & Wheel Fun Rentals - (Orange) This kid-friendly train is located within Irvine Regional Park. Ride the train, play carnival games, paddleboat and bike rentals.
10. Blue Bird Park - (Laguna Beach)This unique park has a vintage style rocket ship play structure, concrete slides, park obstacles and tunnels to explore. A large turtle decorated with mosaic glass marbles is a local favorite.
11. Heritage Park Play Island - (Cerritos) Has a play island with Historic buildings reminiscent of those during Paul Revere's Ride with play equipment inside! It is a must see park. Make a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon of park play.

Orange County Libraries, Story Times and Reading Programs

12. Orange County Storytimes - Including libraries, bookstores, and more.
13. Orange County Public Library Events
14. Storytime at Goods & Goats Market - Located in San Juan Capistrano, kids can enjoy a craft and storytime on Friday mornings.

Family-Friendly Museums in Orange County

15. Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana - Orange County's biggest children's museum. 2 huge floors of science exhibits and hands-on activities including an outdoor science area with a larger than life dinosaur.
16. Pretend City in Irvine - A kid-sized city with kid-sized products, vehicles and obstacles. Lots of fun for babies, toddlers and children, (I suggest 9 years old and under.)
17. La Habra Children's Museum - 10,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits about the arts, sciences, other cultures and everyday life. Through the power of play, children are able to increase their sensory/motor interaction, art, science, creativity and analytical skills. 
18. Bowers Museum in Santa Ana - Families are welcome at the Bowers Museum and can take advantage of free admission for children under 12 years. The Bowers Family Scavenger Hunt offers a fun, interactive way for children to explore the galleries while learning. Pick up a copy at the admissions desk and collect a prize once completed!

Discount Movie Theaters in Orange County

19. Summer Outdoor Movies in Orange County
20. Drive-In Movies Near Orange County - Full list of every drive-in theater near the OC

Amusement Parks in Orange County

Amusement Parks at probably among the most fun things to do with kids in Orange County. they offer a full day of fun and entertains. Most come with a high price tag, but they are a must once in a while.

21. Knott's Berry Farm - California's oldest theme park!
22. Disneyland - Tickets by reservation only.
23. Legoland California in Carlsbad - Great for LEGO lovers! Best for kids 12 and younger.
24. Adventure City in Anaheim - Carnival rides, rock climbing wall, arcade, petting zoo, children's theater and food. Great for younger kids.
25. Universal Studios Hollywood

Indoor Trampoline Parks in Orange County

Giant trampolines from wall to wall. Activities include dodgeball, basketball and foam pits. (Don't forget your socks!)

26. Sky Zone Trampoline House - (Anaheim Hills)
27. Big Air Trampoline House - (Buena Park)
28. Get Air Surf City Trampoline Park - (Huntington Beach)
29. Big Air Trampoline House - (Laguna Hills)
30. Sky Zone Trampoline House - (Mission Viejo)
31. Rockin' Jump - (Santa Ana) Indoor trampolines and rock climbing.
32. Sky Zone Trampoline House - (Westminster)

Indoor Playgrounds in Orange County

These Orange County indoor play spaces have fun things like ball pits, bounce houses, slides and climbing structures. They're great for toddlers and younger kids. (Don't forget your socks!)

33. Billy Beez - (Anaheim)
34. Seascape Kids Fun - (Anaheim Hills)
35. We Play Loud - (Huntington Beach)
36. We Play Loud - (Lake Forest)
37. Jump'n Jammin - (Mission Viejo)
38. Candeeland - (Santa Ana)
39. BubblePOP! - (Mission Viejo)

Orange County Zoos

40. Zoomars in San Juan Capistrano - Small family owned zoo located in the historic Los Rios Village. Visit Guinea Pig Gully, feed the animals, play in the corn pool, playground, pony rides, train rides and gem mining. Open everyday, times vary.
41. Centennial Farm at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa - This is the farm to the OC Fair animals. Here you can visit the animals and stroll through their gigantic garden. Admission is FREE. Open to the public except during the OC Fair.
42. Santa Ana Zoo - Orange County's first zoo. You can see a variety of animals...mostly monkeys, Primates, Camels, Tierra de las Pampas, Anteaters, cow, pony, new miniature donkeys. You can also check out the Exploration Maze, visit the Colors of the Amazon Aviary, the Conservation Education Theatre. Treetop Toys Gift Shop, Bean Sprouts Café, and the Zoofari Express Train!
43. OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park in Orange - (Orange) Located inside Irvine Regional Park. The OC Zoo's focus is on animals and plants native to the southwestern United States. Many animals were injured, orphaned, confiscated, or not releasable into the wild. Animals on include black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, foxes, ocelot, beavers, great horned owl, porcupine, coyote, turkey vulture and more. The zoo also features a barnyard with domestic goats and sheep.

Orange County Farms for Kids to Visit

44. Tanaka Farms - (Irvine) Tanaka Farm provides customers with things to do all year round! They offer a variety of U-Pick Activities including pick-your-own wagon rides with the opportunity to pick your own food while learning about the farm’s history, and the crops grown there.
45. The Ecology Center - (San Juan Capistrano)  Kids classes, strawberry picking, nature center.

Orange County Animal Activities

46. Prehistoric Pets - The Reptile Zoo - (Fountain Valley) The Reptile Zoo houses over 100 exotic species of reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids from around the world. My kids love this place. You can feed meal worms to turtles and also hold snakes and lizards. Meet "Twinkie" the largest albino boa in captivity.
47. Playtime with Goats at Goods and Goats Market - (San Juan Capistrano) Fun for kids! You can pet and cuddle the goats. Play with antique Tonka Trucks in our sand box. Watch the hens and roosters. Don't forget that Tuff and Indie the pups are ready for fun as well. Purchase a painting or craft kit and get your art on.

Rock Climbing in Orange County

48. Rock City Climbing - (Anaheim) Indoor rock climbing for all ages.
49. Sender City at Sender One - (Santa Ana) This is seriously one of our favorite places…loved by kids and adults! and fun interactive rock climbing experience with a giant slide and staff that is amazing.
50. Rockreation - (Costa Mesa) Indoor rock climbing for all ages.

Ropes Courses in Orange County

51. OC Ropes Course - (Yorba Linda) One of the largest courses west of Colorado. Offers a series of supervised individual and group challenges that promote adventure, success and improved problem solving. It consists of 2 zip lines extending up to 277 feet each in length, and over 32 different challenges reaching a height of over 60 feet!

Indoor Bounce House Places in Orange County

These Orange County Bouce House places offer inflatable bounce houses, gigantic slides, and obstacles great for kids of all ages. Check websites for open play times and special family fun pizza nights. Enjoy indoor air-conditioning on hot summer days. (Don't forget your socks!)

52. Pump it Up - (Lake Forest)
53. Bounce U - (Orange)
54. Scooter's Jungle - (Placentia)

Orange County Fairs & Festivals

These Orange County Fairs and festivals are great for family fun:

55. OC Fair - (Costa Mesa) July 19th - August 18, 2024
56. Sawdust Art Festival - (Laguna Beach) June 28 - September 1, 2024

Fun Centers & Arcades in Orange County

Looking for a fun arcade or game center? These are the best arcades and fun centers in Orange County. They make great places to take teens and tweens.

57. Camelot Golfland - (Anaheim) Arcade, laser tag, game center, go carts, golfing and more.
58. Nickel Nickel - (Huntington Beach) Yay for quarter arcades! Large collection of pinball machines.
59. Dave & Busters - (Irvine)
60. Dave & Busters - (Orange)
61. Thrill It Fun Center - (Orange)
62. Round 1 Entertainment - (Santa Ana)
63. Off the Wall Social - (Huntington Beach)

Water Parks in Orange County

Here is a list of water parks located in Orange County:

64. Soak City - (Buena Park) Orange County's largest amusement water park located adjacent to Knott's Berry Farm.
65. Wild Rivers - (Irvine)
66. Bucaneer Cover at Boomers! - (Fountain Valley)
67. Raging Waters - (Diamond Bar)
68. Splash! - (La Mirada)

Splash Pads in Orange County

Most of these splash pads are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission is free unless noted below. Children who aren't potty trained should wear a swim diaper. I would recommend these for children under the age of 10 years.

69. Larwin Spray Pool - (Buena Park) Free
70. Lemon Park Spray Pool - (Fullerton) Free
71. Atlantis Play Center Splash Pad - (Garden Grove) Admission to park is $2.
72. Heritage Park Splash Pad - (Irvine) Free
73. Irvine Spectrum Center fountains - (Irvine) Pop-up fountains in the shopping center near the carousel. Free
74. Terramor Aquatic Park - (Ladera Ranch) Must be with a resident to enter.
75. Crown Valley Park Spray Pad - (Laguna Niguel) Free
76. Pioneer Park and Splash - (Tustin) Free
77. Central Park Splash Pad - (Rancho Santa Margarita)
78. Stanton Central Park Splash Pad - (Stanton) Free
79. Harry M. Dotson Park Wet Saloon - (Stanton) Free
80. District of Tustin fountains - (Tustin) Pop-up fountains in the shopping center.
81. Frontier Park - (Tustin) Free
82. Singler Park Splash Pad - (Westminster) Free

Public Pools in Orange County

83. Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center - (Aliso Viejo) Public Pool, Splash pad and lap pools. Admission is $4-7 for non-members.
84. The Plunge at Brea - (Brea)
85. San Clemente Aquatics Center and Vista Hermosa Sports Park - (San Clemente)

Best Beaches for Kids in Orange County

86. The Best Tidepools in Orange County Free
87. Victoria Beach Castle - (Laguna Beach)
88. Corona Del Mar Tide Pools - (Corona Del Mar) Free
89. Marina Park - (Newport Beach) AKA the Lighthouse Park. Free
90. Balboa Ferry - (Newport Beach) In Balboa Beach art the Balboa Fun Zone
91. Pirate Coast Paddle - (Newport Beach Backbay) Paddleboarding rentals and classes
92. Newport Dunes Inflatable Water Playground - (Newport Beach)
93. Crystal Cove & Ruby's Shake Shack - (Newport Beach)
94. Newport Dunes Movies on the Beach - (Newport Beach)

Aquariums in Orange County

95. Ocean Institute - (Dana Point)
96. Pacific Marine Mammal Center - (Laguna Beach) Visit locally rescued Seals and Sea Lions. On the weekends and some weekdays, volunteers are onsite to give education and tell stories to the public. Free

Orange County Nature Centers

97. Niguel Botanical Gardens - (Laguna Niguel) Beautiful easy trails for walking, garden mazes and features. Great for the family.
98. Environmental Nature Center - (Newport Beach) A 3.5 acre facility with nature trails, a native plant reserve and a nature center with kid-friendly exhibits. It is open 7 days a week. Admission and parking are Free.
99. Oak Canyon Nature Center - (Anaheim Hills) Hike the nature trails, visit the nature center and have a picnic at the picnic tables. Day camps are held during the morning hours. Admission and parking are Free.
100. Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center - (Huntington Beach) Learn about marine life, birds and reptiles native to our wetlands.
101. Fullerton Arboredum - (Fullerton) Located near CSUF. Enjoy gardens with plants from different regions of the world. Yoga in the garden, nature walks, and family-friendly nature classes are scheduled every few weeks.
102. Peter Mary Muth Interpretive Center - (Newport Beach Back Bay) Hands-on exhibits about the Back Bay's wildlife nature. They have fantastic family events, so check out their calendar of events for the special dates. Open Tuesday - Sunday. Admission and parking are Free.
103. Shipley's Nature Center - (Huntington Beach) Great interpretive center with hands on exhibits for kids, plus garden area.

Miniature Golfing in Orange County

104. Boomers! - (Irvine) Miniature golf, go-carts, arcades, rides, and food. Irvine has laser tag. All activities have individual pricing.
105. Camelot Golfland - (Anaheim) Miniature golf, laser tag, arcade and food. All activities have individual pricing.

Dinner Theaters & Fun Dining in Orange County

These are all fun restaurants in Orange County that offer shows and entertainment. great restaurants to host birthday parties:

106. Benihana - (Anaheim, Tustin & Newport Beach) Highly skilled and well-trained, your personal chef will entertain you while cooking in traditional Japanese style on a hibachi table.
107. Medieval Times - (Buena Park) Medieval dinner and tournament with knights and horses at a fun dinner show. A full dinner is served and must be eaten with your fingers.
108. Pirates Dinner Adventures - (Buena Park) Dinner and show featuring pirates and stunts. A full dinner is served.
109. Chuck E. Cheeses - (multiple locations) Pizza and arcade.
110. John's Incredible Pizza - (Buena Park) Pizza, arcade, rides, bowling and laser tag.

Orange County Ice Skating Rinks

These are all the Ice Skating Rinks in Orange County that offer public ice skating:

111. Aliso Viejo Ice Palace - (Aliso Viejo)
112. Yorba Linda ICE - (Yorba Linda)
113. The Rinks - (Irvine)
114. The Rinks - Anaheim)
115. The Rinks - (Westminster)

Orange County Skate Centers

These are all the Roller Skating Rinks in Orange County that offer public roller skating:

116. Holiday Skate - (Orange)
117. Fountain Valley Skating Center - (Fountain Valley)

Orange County Bowling Centers

These are all the blowing alleys in Orange County that offer public bowling:

118. Fountain Bowl - (Fountain Valley)
119. Lucky Strike at the Outlets of Orange - (Orange)
120. Concourse Lanes - (Anaheim)
121. 300 Anaheim Lanes - (Anaheim)
122. Irvine Lanes - (Irvine)
123. Linbrook Lanes - (Anaheim)
124. Bowlero Lanes - (Tustin)

Orange County Laser Tag

These are all the places that have laser tag in Orange County:

125. Outdoor Laser Tag at Camelot Golfland - (Anaheim)
126. Laser Tag - Boomers! - (Irvine)
127. Laserland - (Mission Viejo)
128. Off the Wall Social – (Huntington Beach)

Baseball Stadiums in Orange County

These are the professional baseball stadiums in Orange County:

129. Anaheim Angels Baseball (Angels Stadium in Anaheim)

Old Fashioned Candy Stores in Orange County

Here is a list of all the old-fashioned candy shops in Orange County:

130. Balboa Candy Store at Balboa Fun Zone - (Newport Beach)
131. B. Candy Store - (Corona Del Mar & Huntington Beach)
132. Rocket Fizz - (Irvine) Located in the Irvine Spectrum Center
133. Wonderland Bakery - (Newport Beach)
134. The Candy Baron - (Laguna Beach)

Fun Historical Places in Orange County

Here is a lists of historical places in Orange County that are fun for families to visit:

135. Heritage Hill Historical Park - (Lake Forest) 4.1 acres includes four fully restored and furnished historic buildings from the Mexican Rancho era. Guided tours through the buildings are provided for the public Wednesday through Saturday. 
136. Heritage Museum of Orange County - (Santa Ana)
137. San Juan Capistrano Mission - (San Juan Capistrano)
138. Richard Nixon Library - (Yorba Linda)

Skateboard Parks in Orange County

Here is a list of public skateboard parks in Orange County:

138. Anaheim West Skate Park - (Anaheim) Free
139. Palm Lane Skate Park - (Anaheim) Free
140. Logan Wells Memorial Skate Park - (Anaheim Hills) Free
141. Brea Skate Park - (Brea) Sievers Drive. Free
142. Brea Skate Park - (Brea) El Dorado Drive. Free
143. Olinda Skate Park - (Brea) Sievers Drive. Free
144. Volcom Skate Park - (Costa Mesa) Free
145. Fullerton Skate Park - (Fullerton) Free
146. Garden Grove Skate Park - (Garden Grove) Free
147. Edison Skate Park - (Huntington Beach)
148. Harvard Skate Park - (Irvine) Free
149. Etnies Skate Park - (Lake Forest) Free
150. Beebe Skate Park - (Mission Viejo) Free
151. Stanton Skate Park - (Stanton) Free
152. Tustin Legacy Skate Park - (Tustin)
153. Liberty Skate Park - (Westminster)

Orange County Art Fun

Here is a list of places in Orange County that offer art, painting, ceramics and crafts to the public:

154. Play & Parties - (Orange) Drop-in Craft classes
155. Color Me Mine - (Brea) Paint your own pottery
156. Color Me Mine - (Costa Mesa) Paint your own pottery
157. Hidden Talents Ceramic Studio - (Huntington Beach) Paint your own pottery
158. Timree Paint Studio (Newport Beach)
159. Fired Up - (San Clemente) Paint your own pottery
160. The Ceramic Studio (San Juan Capistrano)
161. Color Me Mine - (Tustin) Paint your own pottery
162. Dragonfly Shops and Gardens - (Orange) Drop-in Fairy garden and craft classes

Orange County Shopping Center Fun

These are the best shopping centers in Orange County that offer not only great shopping and for, but entertainment, playgrounds and specialty stores.

163. Downtown Disney - (Anaheim) LEGO Store, Star Wars Port, World of Disney Store, fun restaurants.
164. Knott's California Market Place - (Buena Park) Berry Market, Candy shop, Build-a-Bear, Peanuts Headquarters, Chicken Dinner Restaurant
165. South Coast Plaza - (Costa Mesa) Carousel, LEGO Store, train and Ruby's.
166. Pacific City - (Huntington Beach)
167. Bella Terra - (Huntington Beach) This shopping center offers music on the Green and family/kids events regularly.
168. Irvine Spectrum - (Irvine) Carousel, Train Ride, Big Wheel Ride, Fountain splash pads, movie & IMAX theater, dining and shopping.
169. Old Towne Orange - (Orange) Unique restaurants, bakeries, vintage stores, records, toy store.
170. Fashion Island - (Newport Beach) Visit the Koi Pond, Pet store, toy store and fountains.

Don't forget to check out the Sandy Toes and Popsicles Facebook Page or Sandy Toes & Popsicle Instagram Page for daily updates of events happening in Orange County!

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