The Discovery Cube OC promises a day of all things science with lots of hands-on fun. It is a great place to spend the day because there are so many fun attractions within the park for families to enjoy. So true! I have always wanted to visit Orange county! The resorts firepits are fun places to roast marshmallows in the evenings. Orange County has not onebut two small zoos where you can see everything from wild cats to parrots, monkeys to anteaters. This water park is a "Wipeout" style obstacle course that kids can climb, bounce, and jump on all summer long. Sea lions and dolphins can be seen frolicking because the water here is nearly translucent. If you would rather stick to flatter ground and even get some assistance with your pedaling, perhaps an E-bike by the beach is more your speed. 5. There are often docents out with tide pool identification charts to loan visitors. Take a leisurely ride around Irvine Park while searching for wildlife, then wander the grounds (or check our calendar) to see if there is a seasonal festival (there usually is!). It's Disney magic, without the entrance prices. The Aquarium also has an outdoor boat-themed play area togive kiddos space to play. Just imagine how much easier it will be to convince the kids to let you spend a couple hours shopping if you can can throw in some treats from the Hello Kitty Cafe and a ride on the Ferris wheel! Beer Tasting. So it's all good. We like the 2-mile No Dogs Trail/Moro Canyon loop. There is also a Dave and Busters which is always popular with kids of all ages. Then head to Downtown Disney! There is also a sheep and goat pen, pony rides, a small playground, mining, a mini train, as well as mini excavators and tractors to ride. Balboa Fun Zone 3. Visiting during the holidays? Disney might be the first thing that comes to mind, but there is so much more. Of course not! Theres so much to do! You'll find famous surf beaches, luxury beachfront resorts and delicious restaurants. Orange County is a paradise for kids. Long before Orange County became the massive sea of humanity that it is today, it was nothing more than farms and ranches. Wild Rivers: There's nothing like a brand new water park: No decades-old mystery grime; no throngs of regulars crowding the grounds; no years of sunny skies weathering those rainbow bright tubes. Irvine, CAOnline: wildrivers.com, Related: 12 Unplugged Family Vacations to Take This Year. Lima beans, citrus, and sugar beets were the main crops, and agriculture was the driver of its rural economy. 33 Things To Do with Los Angeles Babies Before They Turn 1 Best Outdoor Dining in Los Angeles at Family-Friendly Restaurants Best Botanical Gardens for Los Angeles Kids, Plus Cool Hidden Oases Camping near Los Angeles: 17 Great Campgrounds for Tent Camping with Kids 3 Days in Los Angeles with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom Take a Hike 11. This attraction in Orange County is a favorite of families with young children. Categories Southern California, California, United States Destinations, 10 FUN Things to do in Carlsbad, CA with Kids, Things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica for Families. Kids earn play money by performing each task. Web Visit website. Instead of motorized floats and marching bands, you'll see yachts, boats, and even tiny dinghies all glammed up in holiday lights, sailing past delighted onlookers. Ride the Orange County Great Park Balloon. After you visit the center, head towards the water and walk a portion of the 11-mile Back Bay Loop trail. Character breakfasts and fine dining options are available; put the kids in kids club and enjoy a meal at Napa Rose- you wont regret it! Good to Know: Set your navigation to Kathy Mays Lakeside Cafe (6622 Lakeside Dr., Huntington Beach); its is the closest place to park near the playground. Irvine has its own Adventure Playground as well. Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the top them, Spent the weekend at the lovely and serene 29 Palm, Joshua trees in Joshua Tree. Ride the iconic Ferris Wheelin operation since 1936and enjoy arcade games, bike rentals and even a nautical museum. Docent-led tide pool expeditions make for wonderfully educational family outings. Photo courtesy of the Sawdust Art & Craft Festival. Insider's Tip: Bring water shoes or flip flopsthe ground gets hot and there's lots of walking. The Pageant of the Masters is held in an outdoor amphitheater and has a professional orchestra and live narration to go along with the intricate sets. The San Clemente Beach Trail is a great dog-friendly walk along several beaches in San Clemente. Visit 4 of the area's unique wineries and experience tasting at each. It is specifically designed for newer climbers and is colorful, just challenging enough, and so much fun! Watch knights joust and fight it out on their mighty steeds during the two-hour show at Medieval Times. There are 100 animals tobefriend at this family-owned petting zoo. Learn more about the Channel Islands with these tips for visiting Ventura, California. 32. There is also special programming for toddlers and preschoolers. Your dino-lover will want to check out all these excellent odes to the Jurassic period. Botanists and babies alike can bask in the beauty of this arboretum with gardens, tree groves, and wildflowers. During whale season, it shouldn't take long to spot one of these giant sea creatures off the Dana Point coast. You should plan to spend an entire morning or afternoon exploring the make-believe town at Pretend City in Irvine. This 15-acre waterpark has two dozen waterslides, a lazy river, huge wave pool, and three-story water play structure. During this journey they pass through the waters off Orange County, making it a prime destination for whale watching. There are many beaches to choose from and most of them are completely free. This one is for kids who are ten years old and older. Let your kids spend a few hours playing grownup at Pretend City in Irvine. California Family Travel is a family travel blog dedicated to sharing the best destinations and experiences in California and beyond! Disneyland always seems to win out when we're talking theme parks, but smaller tots may enjoy their trip to this spot geared towards preschoolers. Tide pools are shallow rock pools found beside the ocean. And, when screen time calls, head to the arcade to cool off and game for a bit. Whether you are looking for play places, museums, theme parks and water parks, or something unique, LA's next-door neighbor is full of incredible spots to make timeless family memories. Pacific Marine Mammal Center The Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues, rehabilitates, releases marine mammals and inspires ocean stewardship through research, education and collaboration. Insider Tip: Pack a lunch and have a picnic (or buy from the restaurant) next to the playground then let your kids get out their wiggles so they can conk out and snooze the whole ride home. Designed in collaboration with Universal Live Entertainment and inspired by the popular American Ninja Warrior show, this park (located on the second floor of the MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana) lets participants of all ages test their skills on a variety of obstacles including rock walls, rolling logs, swinging bars, high tunnels and warped walls. 300+ things to do with kids in Orange County including free activities, story time, zoos, museums, family events. Book an afternoon tea at this charming spot in the Irvine Spectrum and enjoy a variety of baked goods, tea or coffee, and more, all themed around the beloved Sanrio character. Orange County is home to two professional sports teams with big followings- The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Anaheim Ducks. Swimming in the best hotel pools? Every winter gray whales embark on a great migration from the Northern Pacific down to their birthing grounds in the waters off Baja Mexico. According to her, its the best area in the entire state. I've made things easier on you parents and caretakers, and created a list of 101 Kid-friendly Things to do in Orange County (Actually, there's more than that on this list). Be sure to grab one of the islands famous frozen bananas, dipped in chocolate of course. 75 Things To Do with Orange County Kids Before They Grow Up Not only can an afternoon fly by at the beach, if you're not careful, but you may also lose an entire day. We also love visiting Balboa Island, especially around the holidays with all the decorations! You will need to book a reservation ahead of time. Walt Disney said the park would never be finished, and wanted it to constantly be evolving. Guided tours led by the Newport Bay Conservancy are available on weekends. The second is Prehistoric Pets in Fountain Valley. 1. We have seen sharks in the wetlands on more than one occasion! 30 Fun Things to do in Orange County with Kids - Trekaroo Family Travel h largest inflatable obstacle course in the country, the aqua park lets kids bounce on trampolines, conquer tall climbing towers, slide down air slides, crawl through tunnels, balance on floating ladders, and leap through the airall from atop a floating island parked a short swim from the shore. Take a peek at the best beaches in California for families. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve 4. Sign up for a class to learn more about how our food gets from the garden to our table. Now known as Christ Cathedral, this architectural feat is now a Catholic Church run by the OC Diocese. Ive always wanted to visit. And, when screen time calls, head to the arcade to cool off and game for a bit. Thank you for all of the wonderful Orange County suggestions, Linzey! 30 Free Things to Do in Orange County, CA (for 2023) Go to the Zoo 10. Trekaroo Tip:The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts whale watching tours. Read more. My kids have also taken lessons at the beach adjacent to San Clemente Pier, a great place to learn how to surf. Hours: Open now through Sept. 25 (hours vary; check online for details).Cost: Admission starts at $40 for kids under 48"; $65 for kids and adults 48" and taller. Dana Point is a hub for whale watching activity. The train station is located right across the street from the Mission in a charming neighborhood filled with restaurants and fun little tourist shops. Some of these shows are great for kids, and it's worth keeping an eye on the calendar and snagging tickets to a hit musical. Go Fishing with Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 18. 10000 Great Park Blvd. Even cooler? I havent been in Orange County yet. Kids of all ages will love the petting zoo, where they can feed sheep, chicken, goats, and pigs. It's less than $5per person to ride across the channel between Newport and Balboa. "We are bringing the hit television show to main street U.S.A.," American Ninja Warrior Adventure Parks CEO Adrian Griffin said in a press release. In addition to great art, jewelry, and assorted trinkets for sale, the festival also has lots of free classes available for everyone ages seven and up. There are two small roller coasters that big sisters and brothers will appreciate (with a height requirement of 39" and 36"), but all in all, we'd say the sweet spot for this place is ages 3 to 8. This park has great beaches and trails, so work up a sweat in the hills above the ocean before descending into Moro Canyon and then cooling off in the water. Little Corona Del Mar Beachis my favorite place to go tide pooling in all of Orange County. . Our family would love the whale watching cruise! If youre looking for events and activities, dont miss our local Orange County events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms. Pageant of the Masters is one of those experience that has to be seen to be truly believed. As your kids walk further down the beach and climb up and over the rocks, they will be delighted to find a sea cave or two. Two vendors within 100 feet of each other compete to be the "original" Balboa Bar on Balboa Island. Most kids dont have the patience for endless hours of strolling art galleries, but they will love the hands-on fun of the Sawdust Art Festival. Orange County Beaches (Editor's Choice) 2. It began as an actual farm where the Knott family sold their berries, pies, and jams at a roadside stand. Orange County's newest museum has an Art + Play class for preschoolers, and regular family craft and art activities. THE BEST 10 Kids Activities in Orange County, NY - Yelp 1. The trail begins at the North Beach Metrolink Station and ends at San Clemente State Beach and is 2.3 miles in length. This gorgeous luxury hotel sits on a bluff above Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. Wait until your kiddo reaches age 12 for this one, as teen classes start at that age and run until the kids are 18. Made with in California 2023 Trekaroo, Inc. 30 Fun Things to do in Orange County with Kids, 4. Ocean Institute 7. Theres so much to do at Irvine Regional Park, its hard to know where to start! Here are 101 of the best places total kids in the OC. Fun Things to Do in Orange County with Kids. I would definitely want to check out the tide pools. Enjoy a Meal and a Show at Medieval Times and Pirate Adventure, 9. Once you arrive in Orange County, you will quickly learn the term Duffy boat. Plus, it doesn't cost much to spend a fun and educational day here with children. Pedestrians, bikes and cars are all welcome. Many restaurants in the marina offer dock and dine service where you dock your Duffy boat and grab some eats to enjoy aboard or at the restaurant. Here are 31 of the best things to do in Orange County with kids: Table of Contents: Feel the Magic at Disneyland Visit Disney California Adventure Park Let Your Kids Play Pretend at Pretend City Children's Museum Play at Heritage Park Play Island Spend the Day at Huntington City Beach Learn About the Animals at the Santa Ana Zoo It is a great place to learn about where food comes from and discover how your family can grow food in small spaces. Splash Parks, Sprinklers, and Water Playgrounds in Orange County Parks This Laguna Beach tradition features "Pageant of the Masters,", showings where famous paintings are recreated with statuesque actors and actresses. Insider Tip: If you're lucky, you'll be treated to an appearance by the restaurant's resident balloon artist, who can basically twist balloons into anything you can imagine (we got Baby Yoda!). While you're at it, you might as well get a bit of shopping in too. Things to do in LA, Orange County: Memorial Day weekend 2021 - Los There are two different petting zoos in Orange County which are sure to delight your animal-loving little ones. You might have to drag your kids out of there because they are having way too much fun (been there, done that). @visit_joshuatree #jo, Two of our favorite modes of transportation cross, Pink trumpet trees in bloom. Aquarium of the Pacific may not technically be in Orange County, but is in OCs next door neighbor, Long Beach, and definitely worth the trip. So many great suggestions! Play with Animals at Zoomars and Prehistoric Pets, 25. Plan out your day using this Irvine Regional Park guide. Orange County is a great place to explore these mini-ecosystems with kids. Hope you can plan a trip for someday soon! With all this going on, there must be You can save big bucks by buying your tickets in advance from Knotts.com instead of at the gate. For future reference, save this list of things to do in Orange County, CA. Activities include paddle boats, train rides, Orange County Zoo, hiking, and picnicking. And validated free parking is available at the Best Western next door), 1550 S. Harbor Blvd.Anaheim, CAOnline: calacamamas.com. Kids will especially enjoy the room dedicated to the moon landings, all of which took place under President Nixon's watch. So gather your friends and family and head to Doors Orange County for an unforgettable game of laser tag. Grab your ears and autograph book, and gear up for a magical day with the mouse (and some churros). This 1/3 scale train takes passengers on open air rides around the park. There are fishing trips daily and Dana Wharf has half price fishing trips on Tuesdays. While Disneyland may get all the spotlight, there's a whole other second theme park next door with a Cars Land, Pixar Pier, and Avengers Campus. Totally agree on the Balboa Island (and Balboa Bars!) Located just down the street from the Disneyland Resort, Great Wolf Lodge Southern California is truly a destination unto itself. By signing up to Tinybeans newsletters you agree to our Terms and Main Beachin Laguna Beach sits like a jewel at the end of Laguna Canyon, beckoning families to enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk and swim in the aqua waters. Celebrate Art at Pageant of the Masters and Sawdust Art Festival, 5. The kid-friendly science museum's L.A. and O.C. Im curious as to the best ages for kids at Knotts Berry Farm? Look no further. There is also plenty of sand for the kids to play on, and lots of food options within walking distance of your beach umbrella. My kids love water so theyd enjoy being at the beach or tide pooling. There are quite a few great places to learn how to surf in Orange County and lots of great programs for families. RELATED:Disneyland with Baby? Kids as young as eight can paddle alongside an adult in the Back Bays saltwater estuary, home to a wide variety of birds and endangered species. Adventure Playground. Here are our 20 favorite rides at the Disneyland Resort. It sits just below the famed Montage Laguna Beach. Girl in the Curl is a great female-led company that teaches kids to surf beginning as young as age five. Many popular Broadway tours stop at the Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. Take a look at the scariest rides at Disneyland and these tips for Disneyland with teens and tweens. The balloon is open to riders of all ages and offers 40-mile views in all directions on a clear day. Themassive collection of reptiles at Prehistoric Pets rivals reptile exhibits at local zoos. Large tide pools filled with anemones, urchins, crabs, and star fish line this small stretch of beach tucked away off a residential street in Corona Del Mar. Conquer your fear of heights or learn your strength whilescaling walls at this premier climbing facility. Farm + Food Lab is focuses on educating kids about health and food acquisition. Ride a Duffy Boat Around Newport Beach Harbor 6. The most well-known attraction at the park is the Great Park Balloon, a bright orange tethered helium balloon that soars 400 feet above Orange County. The slow time (I.e. This beloved theme park offers delectable food, some killer coasters, and a fantastic water park in the summer. Or a brand new waterpark? I'm Colleen Lanin, the founder of Travel Mamas. The property has contemporary rooms and expansive suites. "This is a great "free" outdoor activity for kids, and parents to enjoy." more. PMMC offers award-winning, year-round, experiential programs both onsite and online for kids, youth, college students, adults, and schools. Best Things to Do With Kids in Orange County - TripSavvy 662. Connect with nature at Irvine Regional Park. You won't have to spring $30 for mouse ears. These delicious vanilla ice cream bars are a hit no matter which eatery you side with. locations reopen to the public Friday. We don't need to say anymore. 1. Enjoy Some Old Fashioned Fun on the Balboa Peninsula, 12. It's an electric boat, similar to a golf cart, which is perfect for the waters of Newport Bay. All ages can ride the Great Park Balloon but children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Fenced Parks 3. Gray whales use Dana Point, a cliff protruding out towards the sea, as a migration marker on their journey to Baja. Best Indoor Play Spaces for Entertaining Orange County Kids Because even Orange County gets rainy days. Disney California Adventure (or DCA as we locals call it) opened in 2001 and over the past 20 years has gone from the ugly stepsister of Disneyland to a park that rivals the original. Check! The zoo also has a train, playground, carousel, Ferris wheel, and farm, all of which are popular with kids 10 and under. Kids and adults alike can dine on crab, lobster, and fish. OC locals LOVE Disneyland and I have visited the parks more times than I can count. What a wonderful way to start a day relaxing on a Duffy boat tour of Newport Bay. There's a lot more to the OC, though. It is geared toward little kids ages seven and under. Kids will love every soaking minute of their time here, so slather on the sunblock and be prepared to make the day of it. There are a few rides, including the popular Ferris Wheel, as well as an arcade. There's no place better to catch a wave and hang ten than Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA. Many rooms include Wolf Dens or Kid Cabins which feature special little rooms for children complete with bunk beds and their own private flat-screen TVs. The Craftsman-style architecture instantly whisks you away from Orange County and drops you into a luxurious National Park lodge with high ceilings, wood beams, and a roaring warm fire filling the lobby. In addition to things to do, this guide is filled with great hotel suggestions for families, tips on where to eat, and even day trip ideas. Art Galleries in Laguna Beach 7. Great choice! The kids will love taking the auto ferry from the fun zone across the water. And at $20 an hour, it's an easy way to get your energy-filled kids thoroughly exhausted for the long ride home (Hello, car nap!). Goat Hill Junction Railroad. Tanaka Farms has fun things going on year round, including wagon farm tours and u-pick vegetables. Spread out over two acres on Beach Blvd. That's right, families can take to the skies in the basket of a huge orange-colored helium-propelled balloon at Irvine's Great Park. A stay at Disneys Grand Californian Hotel & Spais a splurge but it is also filled with Disney magic. California is home to a number of wonderful zoos, but one that frequently gets overlooked is the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park in Orange County. Top 10 Reasons Orange County Is the Best Place To Raise Kids If you do playdates at Disneyland, you're probably an OC kid. This rehabilitation center is all aboutcaring for the animals that share our ocean, and some of thecute critters living thereare ready to receive visitors. Beyond Disney-themed stores other highlights include the Lego Store, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, and popular restaurants like Ballast Point Brewing Company and Ralph Brennans Jazz Kitchen. Discovery Cube Orange County. Orange County | Mommy Poppins - Things To Do with Kids There are rock climbing gyms popping up all over the country but Sender City inside of Sender One Climbing in Santa Ana is something special. 101 Outdoor Places to Visit for Kids in Orange County Book your ferry to Catalina Island from Long Beach or San Pedro, best Disneyland rides for babies and toddlers, tips for Disneyland with teens and tweens, best places to go in California with kids, 18 Kid Friendly Things to Do in New Orleans, 27 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale with Kids (2023), 15 Best Places to Visit in California with Kids (in 2023), 21 ESSENTIAL Tips for Flying with a Baby or Toddler, 25 Best Hotels with Lazy Rivers (Per Travel Experts). There is a special Christmas train and festivals filled with fun during the Easter, Halloween, and holiday season. You can't visit Orange County without a trip to Dana Point. As a Booking.com affiliate Trekaroo is thrilled to offer our readers the lowest rates guaranteed. In keeping with mini golf kitsch, the hodgepodge of design details meanders between Medieval Times, Tiki and Jurassic Park decor, with stone castles and Medieval knights jumbled together with dinosaurs and Tiki mask faces. This classic summer festival features carnival rides, fair-style food, fireworks on Friday, and a drone show on Saturday. I launched this family travel blog in 2009 to make travel easier and more fun for all ages. Kids can even feed the koi, so long as they buy their food before the fish have reached their daily limit. Aspiring pilots and plane-loving toddlers will love exploring the unique war-era aircraft, military vehicles, and more at this museum in Santa Ana. American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park: Got little couch-climbers or doorway hangers who need an outlet that won't ruin your furniture? Hope you can make those California vacation dreams come true very soon! Santa Ana Zoo: We love the LA Zoo, but let's be honest: Sometimes we're just not up for pushing a stroller around those 133 hilly acres, even with the plethora of wildlife it promises to show us. You canbook your whale watching triphere. West of the Fun Zone, families will find a playground on the beach and a great stretch of sand near the Balboa Pier. Disneyland Disneyland Hotels in Anaheim Disney's Avengers Campus Disney's California Adventure Disneyland FAQ Downtown Disney Disney D23 Expo Honda Center Featherly Regional Park Things to do in Anaheim Star Wars Galaxy's Edge City of Brea Carbon Canyon Regional Park Things to do in Brea City of Buena Park Knotts Berry Farm If you happen to visit during October with teens who loves a good fright, you definitely wont want to miss Knotts Scary Farm which is filled with haunted houses and plenty of opportunities to get the daylight scared out of you! Located in Orange County, Huntington Beach celebrates all things surfing. Like Medieval Times, the prices of admission does include a four-course dinner, and there are special diet accommodations available. Learn Via Hands-on Science at Discovery Cube OC Science Center, 6. For a small cover charge, kids can gaze at 350 lb snakesand may get to feed some turtles. This spot is part reptile shop, part reptile zoo and absolutely filled with critters! This resort basically has Disney California Adventure Park right in its backyard- many of the rooms have views of the park- and there is a special entrance into the park for hotel guests. The course here is designed like a "Floor is Lava" game, where climbers have to get from one end of the playground to the other without touching the ground. This wide stretch of sand is a great place to build sandcastles, play in the water, enjoy a game of beach volleyball, ride bikes on the trail that borders the sand, stroll the pier, and watch surfers hang ten. 7 things to do in Orlando, Central Florida this weekend that you likely Book your stay at the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The gallery features rotating exhibitions (the art of Chuck Jones of Looney Tunes fame is scheduled for summer 2021). It opened back on July 17, 1955 and has been beloved by Orange County residents and visitors from all around the world ever since. You'll likely see playful dolphins frolicking in the wild, too. Disneyland is wonderful but its nice to take a break from the parks, too! (I bet you will!). Kids Eat Free In Orange County: Instagrammable Spots in Orange County: Art Walks in Orange County: Kaitlin is a former ballerina who now travels around the country in an 18-foot . Once Upon an Island is the perfect spot for a birthday surprise, where your little pirate or princess can transform into a mermaid or sea monster. Insider's Tip: Bring your own chairs to ensure a handy spot to sit on the sand. Yes! Theres something to please everyone in the family in the OC! Wetsuits and boards are provided because the SoCal waters can be a bit chilly depending on the currents. 24 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Orange County: The Best Family From classic original rides like Snow White and King Arthurs Carousel, to new and exciting adventures in Star Wars: Galaxys Edge where you can pilot the Millennium Falcon and join the Resistance, this park really does have something for everyone. Santa Ana Drags and Beyond - Summer Car Exhibit Opening! Ride the Balloon at the Orange County Great Park, 14. Decide with these picks of the best places to go in California with kids. Classes include art forms such as painting, printmaking, and mixed media. Calaca Mamas Cantina: If you're already in Orange County and want to top off your day with a bang, this new Mexican restaurant near Disneyland has one thing not many restaurants can beat (at least, if you ask your kids): Fireworks. There are several outfitters ready to get eager water lovers up on the boards. Kids especially love taking the trail to Dripping Cave, an old hideout for stagecoach robbers. Oh Em Gee! If youre visiting Orange County with kids in late winter or early spring, then be sure to check out the whale watching boat tours. Of course, there is also always character dining to keep the little ones excited. 1. This review will be two parts:." more 2. Make a Splash at the Newport Dunes Inflatable Water Park, 10. Halloween Events in Orange County | Enjoy OC 2023 Orange County Summer Concerts Huge list of concerts in the park listed by city and date.