Orange County, California, also known as “The OC,” is a great place to live, work and play. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and outdoor activities that will bring fun to any family. With so much to choose from, it can be daunting trying to figure out how to have fun with little ones in Orange County.
But whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are plenty of fun things to do in the OC that will keep you entertained and create lasting memories.
Here are some of our top picks for fun with little ones in Orange County:
Best Family-Friendly Beaches
Orange County, California is home to many beautiful beaches that are great for families with small children. Some popular options include:
Doheny State Beach in Dana Point:
This beach is a great spot for families with small children. It has a playground, picnic areas, and a gentle surf which makes it a perfect spot for swimming and playing in the sand. But our family’s favorite part of this beach are the tide pools and the aquariums. Head to Heritage Park above the beach for a stunning view of the sunset.
Fun side note, Dana Point is where Mr. Bosch and I tied the knot many years ago and is a popular wedding venue for many Southern California brides.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a picturesque coastal town with several coves, beaches, parks, and picnic areas. Home to Aliso Beach Park in Laguna Beach on Pacific Coast Highway, this beach has a playground, fire pits, and tables for a great escape in one of the country’s most beautiful coastlines. The water is clean and clear, and the gentle waves provide endless entertainment for kids.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations for families traveling near and far to soak up the sun, sand, and surf. With more than ten miles of recreational harbor, Newport Beach is home to Balboa Pier with games and rides, Lido Marina Village featuring some of the county’s top-rated restaurants, and Crystal Cove State Park with its famous tide pools and back-bay hiking trails. Parking can be tricky so come prepared with an all-terrain wagon for the possible trek from your parking spot to the sand.
Check this post for more of the best beaches to fun with little ones in Orange County!
Amazing Amusement Parks
Adventure City
Adventure City, located at 1238 S Beach Blvd in Anaheim, features over 30 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, a carousel, and a train ride. The park also has a petting zoo and a variety of shows and performances. Adventure City is geared towards families with young children, and it is known for its affordable prices and friendly atmosphere.
The Disneyland Resort
Disneyland theme park and Disney California Adventure theme park are two of the most popular attractions in Orange County and a must-see for any family. Disneyland theme park is the original Disney theme park and offers classic attractions such as Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, while Disney California Adventure has newer attractions such as Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and Radiator Springs Racers.
If you’re looking for a way to get your Disney fix without the cost of admission, you can check out Downtown Disney or any of the property’s Disney-themed hotels along the Downtown Disney strip.
Remember that while these activities are free, parking and transportation to the Disneyland Resort are not included in the ticket price. Also, some of the activities may be seasonal or subject to change without notice, so it’s always a good idea to check the schedule and plan your day accordingly.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm, located in Buena Park, is one of the oldest and most popular theme parks in the United States. Knott’s Berry Farm features a wide variety of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly rides. The park is divided into several themed areas, including Ghost Town, Camp Snoopy, and the Boardwalk.
The park also features several live shows and entertainment, including a western-themed show in Ghost Town and a Snoopy-themed ice show in Camp Snoopy. Additionally, Knott’s Berry Farm has several dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants, and a variety of shopping options.
It is a popular destination for families and is known for its old-west theme, It also has a separate water park called Knott’s Soak City which is open in summer.
Playgrounds and Outdoor Exploration
Orange County, California is home to many popular playgrounds that are great for families with young children. Some popular options include:
Great Park
This playground is located in Irvine and features a large playground with a variety of equipment for children of all ages, including swings, slides, and climbing structures. The park also has a carousel, an interactive water play area, and a balloon ride that offers a panoramic view of the area.
Irvine Regional Park
Irvine Regional Park is nestled among a grove of heritage Oak and Sycamore trees on the east side of the City of Orange. The rolling foothills surrounding the park are filled with a variety of wildlife and features a popular petting zoo, railroad train, duck pond, and equestrian trails.
Yorba Regional Park
This playground is located in Anaheim and features a large playground with a variety of equipment for children of all ages, including swings, slides, and climbing structures. There are also picnic areas and a lake for fishing.
These are some popular options, but Orange County has many playgrounds that are great for children, it’s best to check the official website or call them for the most recent information on playground conditions, parking, and amenities.
Museums Made for Everyone
The OC is home to many family-friendly museums that are great places to have fun with little ones in Orange County. Some popular options include:
Discovery Cube Orange County
The Discovery Cube offers a variety of exhibits that cover a wide range of scientific topics, such as physics, biology, and technology. Some of the exhibits include the Space and Aviation exhibit, which allows visitors to experience what it’s like to be an astronaut, and the Eco-Challenge exhibit, which teaches visitors about environmental conservation and sustainability.
The museum also offers special events throughout the year, such as the annual Halloween Science Spooktacular and the Holiday Science Celebration, which offer additional activities and exhibits for visitors to enjoy.
Bowers Museum
Located in Santa Ana, the Bowers Museum features a variety of exhibits on art, culture, and history from around the world. The museum also offers hands-on activities and special programs for children.
Pretend City Children’s Museum
This museum is located in Irvine and features interactive exhibits that allow children to role-play in various adult roles and settings, such as a grocery store, a post office, and a fire station. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for children.
Orange County Museum of Art
After being located in Newport Beach for many decades, this museum debuted its new fabulous location at the Segerstrom complex in Santa Ana in October 2022. It features a variety of exhibitions including contemporary art, photography, and sculpture. They also have a number of interactive and educational programs for children and families. And the new location is a work of art in itself, and conveniently located to other local attractions and restaurants.
Flight Exploration Center
This museum is located in Santa Ana and features exhibits on the history of flight and aerospace technology. The museum also features a flight simulator for kids to try.
The Children’s Museum at La Habra
The Children’s Museum at La Habra is a popular museum for families with young children and features over 30 hands-on exhibits that encourage children to learn through play.
Some of the exhibits include a water play area, a fire station, a grocery store, and a construction zone. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year.
These are some popular options, but Orange County has many museums that are great for children, it’s best to check the official website or call them for the most recent information on museum hours, exhibits, and programs.
No matter what you enjoy doing with your family, there is surely something you can do to have fun with little ones in Orange County. What are some of your favorite family-friendly activities in OC?
