Looking for fun things to do in Orange County, California?
Southern California is know for its world-class beaches, but the beach is just one of the amazing things you can do in Orange County with kids! From theme parks to museums to outdoor adventures, the OC is the place to be for families in the summer and all year long
While Disneyland may be the area’s biggest draw, Orange County is packed with family-friendly attractions. It is located between San Diego and Los Angeles and boasts 42 miles of scenic coastline. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, adding extra days onto your Disneyland vacation, or looking for local family fun, Orange County is a great destination on its own. From toddlers who love hands-on play to teens seeking thrills, there’s truly something for everyone.
Here are some of the best things to do in Orange County with kids.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Orange County
1. Spend a Day at the Beach
Orange County’s coastline is filled with sandy beaches, piers, tide pools, bike paths, and waterfront dining. Spending a day at the beach is one of the best things you can do with kids in Orange County.
Popular family-friendly beaches include Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar, Dana Point, and San Clemente.
Huntington Beach – also known as Surf City USA – remains one of our family favorites thanks to its wide sandy shoreline, iconic pier, paved boardwalk, and lively downtown area filled with restaurants and shops. We’ve been coming here for years! Younger kids especially love playing in the gentle surf and watching surfers ride the waves.
Younger kids will love the tide pools and marine wildlife at Crystal Cove State Park and Dana Point Marine Life Refuge. Winter months and low tides are ideal times to visit the tide pools.
Nothing says Southern California like a day at the beach, so get out there and explore them all!
Why Families Love It: Orange County beaches offer classic Southern California fun with plenty of space for kids to run, splash, bike, and explore.
2. Visit the Balboa Fun Zone
The Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach is a nostalgic waterfront amusement area that still feels like old-school California beach fun. Families can ride the iconic Ferris wheel, play arcade games, rent bikes, enjoy harbor cruises, or grab frozen bananas and ice cream along the waterfront.
Kids also love watching the Balboa Island Ferry shuttle cars and passengers across the harbor – and riding it is inexpensive and fun.
The Balboa Fun Zone is also where you can embark on a harbor cruise, fishing trip, or take off for a day trip to nearby Catalina Island. We took this Newport Beach Sunset Cruise and it was absolutely spectacular (and pretty inexpensive, too)!
Why Families Love It: The relaxed waterfront atmosphere, simple rides, arcade games, and harbor views make it fun for both kids and adults.
- 600 E. Bay Avenue, Newport Beach
- balboafunzone.com
3. Shop and Play at Irvine Spectrum Center
Shopping may not sound exciting for kids, but Irvine Spectrum Center turns it into a family outing. This outdoor entertainment complex features shopping, restaurants, fountains, movie theaters, escape rooms, and family attractions like the Giant Wheel and carousel.
The Giant Wheel offers incredible views of Orange County, especially at sunset, while the open-air layout gives kids room to move around between stops.
Nearby, families will also find Dave & Buster’s, Hello Kitty Cafe, and plenty of dessert shops.
Why Families Love It: It combines shopping, dining, rides, and entertainment all in one easy-to-walk destination.
- 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine
- irvinespectrumcenter.com
4. Spend the Day at Knott’s Berry Farm
Often overshadowed by Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park is one of the best theme parks in Southern California for families. The park offers a great mix of thrill rides, family attractions, live entertainment, and classic charm.
Located in Buena Park, Knott’s Berry Farm originally started as a small berry farm and restaurant. Over the years it has grown into a full-scale amusement park packed with roller coasters, live entertainment, family rides, and kid-friendly attractions.
Our favorite ride at Knott’s Berry Farm is still the classic Calico Mine Ride. The ride, opened in 1960, carries you aboard ore cars through the dimly lit tunnels of a working gold mine. The winding journey will take you past underground
One of the things I love most about Knott’s Berry Farm is that it offers something for every age group. Younger children will love Camp Snoopy, a Peanuts-themed area filled with kiddie rides and play spaces, while older kids and teens can tackle thrill rides like GhostRider and Silver Bullet. Don’t skip Ghost Town, which remains one of the park’s most unique themed areas with old-west buildings, shops, and live entertainment.
Knott’s Berry Farm is also famous for its seasonal events, including Knott’s Scary Farm (one of the largest Halloween events in the country). They also have Knott’s Boysenberry Festival in the spring and the very festive Knott’s Merry Farm during the holiday season in Orange County.
Why Families Love It: Knott’s Berry Farm offers a great balance of thrill rides, attractions for younger kids, and family entertainment. The park is often more affordable and easier to navigate than larger theme parks.
- 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
- knotts.com
5. Cool Off at Knott’s Soak City
Located next door to Knott’s Berry Farm, Knott’s Soak City is a popular summer destination featuring water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, kids’ splash areas, and family raft rides.
Younger children can safely enjoy Gremmie Lagoon and the Beach House water playground, while thrill seekers tackle the park’s larger slides and drop attractions.
If visiting during summer, consider adding a separate Soak City day to your Orange County itinerary.
Why Families Love It: It’s an easy, affordable way for families to cool off during Southern California’s warm summer weather.
- 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
- knotts.com
6. Spend a Day at Disneyland Resort
Of all the things to do in Orange County with kids, you can’t deny that the Disneyland Resort remains its core attraction. Disneyland truly is an iconic park.
The magic of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, with their classic rides and family-friendly attractions, promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. The parks offer a perfect blend of nostalgia and thrill rides, making it ideal for all ages.
Though the Disneyland Resort has received much ire for its price hikes over the last several years, it remains one of the busiest theme parks in Southern California – proving that the quality of the park is worth the price. We have been going to Disneyland for so long, the cost of my first annual pass (before it was called a Magic Key) was less than what a one-day ticket is today!
Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure continue to evolve with new attractions, seasonal festivals, and entertainment throughout the year. Check out our Disneyland Resort Planning Guide for all the details on what you can expect.
Just outside the parks you’ll find Downtown Disney, with lots of great places for a snack or meal, plus shops like World of Disney if you want to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You can even walk over to the Disneyland Hotel for a Dole Whip at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar or a bite at Tangaroa Terrace. It’s a great way to experience this iconic resort without having to book a room!
Why Families Love It: The immersive rides, beloved characters, and magical atmosphere appeal to every generation.
- 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim
- disneyland.com
7. Go Whale Watching or Boating
Orange County’s coastal cities are perfect for boating adventures. Dana Point and Newport Beach both offer whale watching cruises, harbor tours, sailing excursions, paddleboard rentals, fishing trips, and kayak adventures.
If you want to get out on the water, consider taking a whale watching cruise. Whale watching off the coast of Orange County is exceptional, and you will likely see gray whales in the winter, as well as dolphins! Gray whale migration reaches its peak from November through April and giant blue whales and finback whales from May through mid-October.
Even if you don’t want to head out on the water, your family can still have a nice time strolling around the harbor, grabbing seafood, and watching boats come and go.
Why Families Love It: Being out on the water is exciting for kids and gives families a chance to experience Southern California’s coastal beauty up close.
8. Visit the Santa Ana Zoo
The Santa Ana Zoo is way smaller than the San Diego Zoo, but that’s part of what makes it so manageable for families with younger kids. The zoo features monkeys, giant anteaters, birds, farm animals, a botanical garden, and plenty of interactive attractions.
Kids can ride the Zoofari Express train, Conservation Carousel, or 50 Monkeys Ferris Wheel, and there are playgrounds and shaded picnic areas throughout the park.
► Travel Insight
Although the Santa Ana Zoo is open seven days a week, rides only run Friday through Sunday.
Why Families Love It: The smaller size makes it less overwhelming and easy to explore in just a few hours.
- 1801 E. Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana
- santaanazoo.org
9. Discover Hands-On Fun at Discovery Cube Orange County
Discovery Cube Orange County in Santa Ana continues to be one of the best family museums in Southern California. The giant cube-shaped building is packed with interactive STEM exhibits covering dinosaurs, space, engineering, marine science, physics, and environmental science.
Popular exhibits include Dino Quest, Artemis Adventures, Helicopter Tours Exhibit, and Discovery Market. Everything at Discovery Cube is hands-on lots of fun for kids. Seasonal exhibits also rotate throughout the year.
Why Families Love It: Kids can play, experiment, and learn at the same time, making it entertaining and educational.
- 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana
- discoverycube.org
10. Explore Pretend City Children’s Museum
Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine is one of the best indoor activities in Orange County for younger children. Designed as a miniature city, this interactive museum allows kids to role-play real-world activities in places like a grocery store, farm, doctor’s office, and marina.
The museum frequently hosts seasonal events, story times, and educational programs geared toward toddlers and elementary-age kids.
Why Families Love It: Kids can learn through imaginative play while parents enjoy a clean, safe, and engaging indoor environment.
- 29 Hubble, Irvine
- pretendcity.org
11. Go to Adventure City
If you’re traveling with younger children, Adventure City in Anaheim is one of Orange County’s best-kept secrets. This small, family-friendly amusement park offers a relaxed atmosphere with kid-sized rides, short wait times, and much lower prices than both Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, which are both nearby.
Popular attractions include the Freeway Coaster, Rewind Racers, Barnstormer Planes, a petting farm, carousel, train ride, and interactive play areas. Seasonal events like Boo-tastic Halloween and holiday celebrations make it fun throughout the year.
Because the park is compact, parents can easily navigate it without the stress of massive crowds or long walking distances.
Why Families Love It: It’s affordable, easy to manage with little kids, and packed with gentle rides perfect for younger children.
- 1238 S. Beach Blvd., Anaheim
- adventurecity.com
12. Experience Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Medieval Times in Buena Park remains one of the most entertaining dinner shows for families visiting Orange County. Guests cheer for knights competing in jousting tournaments while enjoying a multi-course meal eaten medieval-style – no utensils included.
Kids especially love the horses, sword fights, and crowd interaction. I found the food to be nothing special, but the experience overall is fun!
Why Families Love It: It combines dinner and live entertainment into one unforgettable family experience.
- 7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
- medievaltimes.com
13. Enjoy Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
Located near Medieval Times, Pirate’s Dinner Adventure offers a swashbuckling alternative featuring acrobatics, singing, sword fights, and audience participation aboard a giant pirate ship inside an indoor lagoon.
The show features an elaborate set, with the action is set aboard a fully-rigged, 18th-century Spanish galleon in a 250,000-gallon lagoon. There is plenty of fog, flame effects, flashing lights, and pyrotechnics to keep things exciting. Just be aware if you or your kids are sensitive!
Why Families Love It: Interactive action, comedy, and pirate-themed fun keep kids entertained from start to finish.
- 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
- piratesdinneradventure.com
14. Hike Orange County’s Scenic Trails
Orange County offers beautiful outdoor spaces ranging from coastal wetlands to canyon trails and mountain hikes. One of the best easy hikes for families is Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach, where flat walking paths wind through wetlands filled with birds and wildlife.
Crystal Cove State Park also offers family-friendly hiking trails with stunning ocean views, while more adventurous families may enjoy trails in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
Why Families Love It: Families can enjoy nature, fresh air, and incredible scenery without leaving Orange County.
15. Explore Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Southern California and a wonderful spot for families looking to slow down and enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery. Known for its coves, tide pools, art galleries, and walkable downtown, Laguna offers a different vibe than some of Orange County’s busier beach cities.
Families can spend the day exploring Heisler Park, visiting tide pools at Crescent Bay or Treasure Island Beach, or enjoying the calm waters at Main Beach. During the summer, the city also hosts popular events like the Sawdust Art Festival and Pageant of the Masters.
Laguna Beach is also home to several easy coastal hiking trails with breathtaking ocean views. You can read more about it in this guide to visiting Laguna Beach with Kids.
Why Families Love It: The combination of beaches, tide pools, parks, and artsy small-town charm makes Laguna Beach relaxing and fun for all ages.
16. Explore the Bowers Museum
There’s a reason the Bowers Museum has been voted The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana is known for world-class cultural exhibits, but families especially enjoy the Kidseum, which offers hands-on activities and creative learning opportunities for children.
The museum frequently hosts family festivals, art workshops, and rotating exhibits that appeal to both adults and kids.
Why Families Love It: It offers a quieter, educational break from Orange County’s bigger attractions while still being fun for children.
- 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana
- bowers.org
17. Visit Orange County Great Park
Orange County Great Park in Irvine has grown significantly in recent years and now includes playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, art installations, a carousel, and family events throughout the year.
The Great Park Balloon remains the star attraction, lifting visitors 400 feet above Irvine for panoramic views across Orange County on clear days.
Families can also visit the Farm + Food Lab, Palm Court Arts Complex, and seasonal events like holiday festivals and outdoor movies.
Why Families Love It: There’s plenty of open space for kids to run and play, plus affordable attractions and seasonal events.
- 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine
- cityofirvine.gov/great-park
18. Explore Adventure Playground
Another amazing park in Irvine is Adventure Playground!
Located at University Community Park in Irvine, Adventure Playground is one of the most unique family attractions in Orange County. Unlike a traditional playground, this outdoor play space encourages kids to get messy, creative, and adventurous through hands-on activities and imaginative play.
Kids can build forts with giant blocks, climb rope structures, race down concrete slides, dig in sand pits, splash in water play areas, and explore mud zones and sensory gardens. The playground was specifically designed to encourage open-ended, unstructured play – something that feels increasingly rare these days.
Adventure Playground is especially popular with elementary-age kids, though younger children can enjoy parts of it with supervision.
Top Tip: Bring a change of clothes! Kids frequently leave covered in dirt, sand, or water after fully embracing the playground experience. Many local families consider that part of the fun.
Why Families Love It: Kids are encouraged to climb, build, dig, splash, and explore freely, making it one of Orange County’s best spots for imaginative outdoor play.
- 1 Beech Tree Lane, Irvine
- cityofirvine.gov/adventure-playground
19. Catch an Angels or Ducks Game
Sports-loving families can catch an Angels baseball game at Angel Stadium or watch the Anaheim Ducks hit the ice at Honda Center. Both venues are conveniently located near Disneyland and offer family-friendly entertainment throughout the year.
Angel Stadium remains especially popular with families thanks to affordable ticket options, kid-friendly food, and fireworks nights during baseball season.
Why Families Love It: Live sports games create exciting family memories even for kids who aren’t huge sports fans.
- 2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim
- mlb.com/angels/ballpark
20. Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific
Okay, I am cheating a little with this last activity, as it is technically located just outside Orange County in Long Beach, which is part of L.A. County. But this is such a cool attraction i
Located just outside Orange County in nearby Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific makes an excellent family day trip. I used to take my son to this aquarium back when he was still in a stroller, and we have returned many times over the years! It is the perfect destination for kids who love marine life.
Families can explore exhibits featuring sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, penguins, and colorful tropical fish, along with hands-on touch pools where kids can gently interact with rays and other sea creatures. There are also educational programs throughout the day. Its location on the waterfront makes it easy combine a visit to the aquarium with other fun things to do in Long Beach with kids, like taking a harbor tour or visiting Shoreline Village.
Why Families Love It: Interactive exhibits and touch pools help kids connect with ocean life in a meaningful way. It’s educational without feeling stuffy, and perfect for all ages.
- 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
- aquariumofpacific.org
► Click here to book Skip the Line tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific
Map of Best Things to Do in Orange County
To help you visualize where these Orange County attractions are located, here is an interactive Google map!
Final Thoughts: Orange County with Kids
From sandy beaches and scenic hiking trails to theme parks, museums, dinner shows, and outdoor adventures, Orange County offers endless opportunities for family fun. Whether you’re visiting for a Disneyland vacation or planning a Southern California getaway focused entirely on the OC, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences for kids of all ages.
The best part about Orange County is the variety – families can spend one day riding roller coasters, the next exploring tide pools, and another watching whales off the coast. No matter your travel style or budget, Orange County makes it easy to create unforgettable family memories.
Save These Orange County Things to Do for Later!
Planning a trip to Orange County, California? Pin the image below for future reference.
Leave a Reply