Orange County, a sprawling and affluent region nestled in the heart of Southern California, presents a captivating blend of suburban charm and world-class attractions. While perhaps best known as the home of the iconic Disneyland Resort, this vibrant area offers a treasure trove of experiences perfect for families seeking unforgettable adventures. From exhilarating theme park thrills to immersive educational encounters and sun-kissed coastal escapes, Orange County caters to every interest and age group. Prepare to embark on a journey through this diverse landscape, uncovering the very best activities to create lasting memories with your children.
Riding the Waves: Surfing Lessons in Huntington Beach
No visit to Orange County is complete without experiencing the allure of its stunning coastline. Huntington Beach, rightfully nicknamed "Surf City, USA," provides the ideal setting for introducing your children to the exhilarating sport of surfing. Numerous surf schools dot the shoreline, offering beginner-friendly lessons and surf camps designed to instill confidence and skill in aspiring wave riders.
Imagine your children, clad in wetsuits, paddling out into the gentle waves under the watchful eye of experienced instructors. Best Things to Do With Kids in Orange County includes Corky Carroll’s Surf School, Wavehuggers, HB Surf School, Banzai Surf School, and Surfriders Academy Surf School. These schools offer a variety of options, from personalized one-on-one sessions to engaging group lessons and convenient board rentals. For a unique twist, Little Surf Co. combines traditional surfing instruction with ocean and science educational programming, fostering a deeper understanding of the marine environment. The feeling of catching their first wave, the salty spray on their faces, and the sheer joy of gliding across the water will undoubtedly be a highlight of their Orange County adventure. Huntington City Beach, with its wide sandy expanse and consistent waves, provides the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable experience.
From Farm to Table: Picking Your Own Fruit at Tanaka Farms
Escape the urban landscape and immerse yourselves in the rustic charm of Tanaka Farms in Irvine. This family-owned farm offers a delightful array of activities that connect children with the wonders of agriculture and the joy of fresh, seasonal produce. Imagine strolling through fields bursting with vibrant colors, selecting ripe strawberries, juicy melons, or plump pumpkins straight from the vine.
Tanaka Farms offers more than just fruit picking. Children can visit with friendly barnyard animals, learn about the intricacies of farm life, and even participate in farm-to-table cooking classes, fostering an appreciation for healthy eating habits. Educational workshops, hayrides, and the opportunity to plant their own sunflowers to take home further enhance the experience. The crops available for picking change with the seasons, ensuring a unique and engaging visit throughout the year. Whether it’s the sweet taste of freshly picked strawberries in spring or the festive atmosphere of pumpkin picking in the fall, Tanaka Farms offers a memorable and educational experience for the whole family.
A Botanical Oasis: Wandering Through the Fullerton Arboretum
For a tranquil respite from the excitement of Orange County’s attractions, venture into the serene beauty of the Fullerton Arboretum. This sprawling botanical garden encompasses 26 acres of meticulously curated plant collections, offering a captivating journey through diverse ecosystems.
Explore the arboretum’s distinct biomes, from the towering coniferous forest to the lush rainforest, the delicate deciduous forest, and the arid desert landscape. Each biome provides a unique opportunity to learn about the specific environmental conditions that support these diverse plant communities. Wander through the potting shed, orchard lawn, pond lawn, heritage house, south lawn, and the enchanting Children’s Garden, each offering its own distinct charm and educational opportunities. The Fullerton Arboretum provides a peaceful and enriching experience, allowing children to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the plant kingdom.
The Magic of Disney: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
No trip to Orange County with kids is complete without experiencing the enchantment of the Disneyland Resort. This world-renowned destination encompasses two iconic theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, each offering a unique blend of thrilling rides, captivating shows, and beloved characters.
Disneyland Park, the original Disney theme park, transports visitors to a realm of classic fairytales and timeless adventures. From the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle to the thrilling Space Mountain and the whimsical "It’s a Small World," Disneyland Park offers something for every age and interest. Disney California Adventure Park celebrates the Golden State with attractions inspired by California’s history, culture, and landscapes. Explore Cars Land, a meticulously recreated version of Radiator Springs, or soar through the skies on Soarin’ Around the World. Both parks offer unique seasonal celebrations throughout the year, adding an extra layer of magic to the experience. Best Things to Do With Kids in Orange County is to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Disney.
Thrills and Spills: Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City
For a dose of adrenaline-pumping excitement and refreshing water park fun, head to Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City in Buena Park. Knott’s Berry Farm, "America’s First Theme Park," offers a delightful blend of Old West charm, "Peanuts" themed attractions, and thrilling rides for all ages.
Explore the Ghost Town, a meticulously recreated 1880s Western town, or embark on a Peanuts-themed adventure in Camp Snoopy. For thrill-seekers, Xcelerator, Silver Bullet, and GhostRider offer heart-stopping drops and twists. Adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm, Knott’s Soak City provides a refreshing escape from the California sun. Plunge down thrilling water slides, relax in the wave pool, or float along the lazy river. With a variety of attractions for all ages, Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City offer a full day of family fun.
Budget-Friendly Fun: Adventure City and Boomers! Irvine
If Disneyland’s price tag seems daunting, Orange County offers several smaller amusement parks that provide plenty of fun at a fraction of the cost. Adventure City in Anaheim offers 17 smaller-scale rides and shows that are perfect for younger children. Boomers! Irvine features miniature golf, go-karts, bumper boats, a rock wall, laser tag, batting cages, an arcade, and several smaller roller coasters, ensuring hours of entertainment for kids of all ages.
Sparking Curiosity: Discovery Science Center
Ignite your children’s passion for science at the Discovery Cube Orange County. This interactive science museum features over 100 exhibits designed to engage and educate children of all ages.
Explore the eco-challenge, where children can learn about environmental sustainability, or venture into the Dino Quest exhibit to uncover the mysteries of prehistoric life. The Discovery Cube offers a variety of hands-on activities that make learning fun and engaging.
Coastal Delights: Exploring Orange County’s Beaches
Orange County boasts a stunning coastline dotted with beautiful beaches, each offering its own unique charm and attractions. Huntington Beach, with its wide sandy expanse, convenient parking, and on-site amenities, is a popular choice for families. Balboa Beach in Newport Beach features a fun zone with kiddie rides, adding an extra layer of entertainment.
Cultural Immersion: Bowers Museum and Kidseum
Delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Americas at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. The museum’s exhibits on Native American culture, as well as artifacts from China and South America, can be fascinating for older children. The Kidseum, located just a block away, offers hands-on exhibits designed to introduce younger audiences to the world of art and culture.
A Pirate’s Life: Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
Embark on a swashbuckling adventure at the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure in Buena Park. This interactive dinner show features a thrilling performance set aboard an 18th-century Spanish galleon. Enjoy a delicious meal while cheering on your favorite pirate and participating in the action.
Pretend Play: Pretend City Children’s Museum
Let your children’s imaginations run wild at Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine. This interactive museum mimics a small town, complete with local businesses lining mini-streets. Children can play at the post office, library, supermarket, or even visit a miniature beach.
Game Day: Sporting Events
Catch a baseball game at Angel Stadium during the spring and summer months, or cheer on the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center during the fall and winter. Both venues offer a fun and exciting atmosphere for families.
A Knight to Remember: Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
Step back in time at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Buena Park. This popular dinner-and-a-show attraction features a jousting tournament, real weapons, beautiful horses, and a live flight of the royal falcon.
Animal Encounters: Santa Ana Zoo and Orange County Zoo
Visit the Santa Ana Zoo, known for its collection of South and Central American animals, or the Orange County Zoo, which showcases animals native to the southwestern United States.
Kayaking Adventures: Exploring the Coast
Explore Orange County’s tranquil waters on a kayaking adventure. Sunset Beach, Newport Harbor, and Newport Back Bay offer calm waters and stunning scenery.
The Arts: Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Attend a family-friendly performance at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. The Samueli Theater hosts a variety of programming specifically designed for children.
Automotive History: Marconi Automotive Museum
Car enthusiasts will love the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin, which features a collection of race cars and hot rods.
Flight Simulation: Flightdeck Air Combat Center
Experience the thrill of flight at the Flightdeck Air Combat Center in Anaheim. Kids ages 10 and up can pilot a fighter jet or a commercial aircraft in a realistic flight simulator.
Nature Walk: Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Explore the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a protected wetland that features a wildlife viewing bridge and over five miles of dirt trails.
Orange County offers a diverse array of activities for families seeking unforgettable experiences. From thrilling theme park rides to immersive educational encounters and sun-kissed coastal escapes, there’s something for every interest and age group. Best Things to Do With Kids in Orange County includes creating lasting memories with your children.
