Things to Do in Santa Ana

Fountain Valley Skating celebrates roller-skating as both a family-friendly recreational activity and a sport. During fun-filled open sessions on the spacious rink, families spin around in rented skates to an upbeat soundtrack. Birthday boys and girls celebrate their special days with music, ice cream, and zooming around the rink with all of their friends. Little ones learn to safely move on their wheels during tiny-tot sessions, and adults mingle over coffee and skate to a delightfully old-timey soundtrack of organ music and auto-tuned Franklin Roosevelt speeches.

Fountain Valley Skating fosters creative expression and athletic prowess through its figure-skating classes. Led by title-holding champs, the classes cover how to jump, spin, and balance on roller skates. After burning up to 200 calories per hour on the rink, visitors can take a breather and relax with arcade games.

Trainer Bobby Howard brings more than 40 years of experience to Foxcroft Farm, including 14 he spent as a professional jockey competing in races such as the Kentucky Derby. He distributes this equine knowledge during private and group lessons, as well as hunter- and jumper-training programs.

Though Bobby and the other Foxcroft Farm instructors teach students of all ages, they specialize in teaching young riders. Unique opportunities for kids include seasonal camps, where they can learn everything from grooming to reasons why horses simply aren't a viable replacement for the family minivan.

Although it takes place at the Orange County Fair and Event Center, the Anatolian Cultures & Food Festival actually exists at the nexus of thousands of years of Anatolian history. That's the way it feels, at least. Upon arrival, guests begin this trek through time at the Gates of Civilizations, whose waypoints honor 14 historic and present-day nations ranging from the mighty Hittite Empire to the modern Turkish Republic. Towering, ornate arches and a staff of highly knowledgeable costumed actors guide them through this journey, sharing the traditional dress and customs of bygone regional residents including the Ottomans, Romans, Phrygians, and Byzantines.

Once inside, guests can extend their explorations within stunning recreations of nine different Anatolian cities, grabbing lifelike views of everything from the Topkapi Palace—once occupied by Ottoman sultans—or the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross, the ancient seat of the Armenian Orthodox patriarch. Along the way, they can stop for souvenirs at the bustling Grand Bazaar, where more than 100 vendor hawk traditional Near Eastern good. A traditional Turkish coffeehouse also occupies part of the festival grounds, tempting guests with cups of rich Turkish coffee that par well with the kebabs, stews, and baked goods prepared by the festival’s food vendors.

Upon stepping inside Hi-Tech Archery’s facility, you might think you’ve accidentally entered a king's hunting lodge. However, the sheer number of bows, mounted buck heads, and colorful bull’s-eyes tip visitors off that this is not just one man’s arsenal, but an entire shop of brand-name archery equipment. The store's staff stocks equipment for hunting, target shooting, and pro archery, offering advice on what works best when aiming at a house fly. In addition to equipment, they offer lessons that help clients learn how to properly handle their bow, as well as youth leagues to help kids build their discipline and find a fun, healthy hobby.

The aquatic experts at Fuze Sports send mariners of all stripes into the scenic waters of Sunset Harbor on electric boats, stand-up paddleboards, and surfboards. They rent out watercrafts for temporary jaunts, which allow beginners to experience the freedom of paddling while standing up and entire families to collectively swear off land while aboard a 21-foot electric boat. For those more committed to their water sport, Fuze Sports sells standup paddleboards and surfboards. The professionals also invite explorers to get a new perspective on bending and balance with Yoga on Water.