Containing four cities and over three million people, Orange County is the sixth most-populous county in the United States and appropriately filled with a ton of things to do with kids. You can take your family to learn about the history of Orange County and California at Mission San Juan Capistrano or catch an Angels baseball game at Angel Stadium. Keep reading to see all of the best things to do with kids in Orange County:
Best Things To Do With Kids in Orange CountyView All
There’s plenty of family fun to be had throughout Orange County. Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventures are two of the country’s most popular theme parks, and for good reason too. Take a look at the list below for more things to do with kids in Orange County:
Disneyland: filled with themed rides and attractions to bring the kid out in everyone
Disney California Adventures: eight different “neighborhoods” bringing all of the best kids movies to life
Knott's Berry Farm: a world-renowned theme park with attractions and entertainment for all ages
Crystal Cove State Park: one of Orange County’s largest remaining examples of open space and natural seashore
Angel Stadium: catch a Los Angeles Angels game at this modern stadium
Orange County has a wide variety of activities that both parents and kids are sure to enjoy. At Balboa Island kids can play on the beach and then parents can end the day with a delicious meal and beverage. Check out more family-friendly things to do in Orange County below:
Adventure City: a family theme park where the price of admission includes unlimited rides and attractions
Santa Ana Zoo: this charming Zoo features over 80 species of animals, including the smallest monkeys in the world
Legoland: where awesome awaits for families looking for a great day out, or the ultimate vacation experience
Balboa Island: come here for beach-focused activities, delicious dining and shops
Knott’s Soak City: Orange County's largest water park boasts a total of 22 speed, tube and body slides plus much more
There are a ton of monuments, historic places, and things to see strewn throughout Orange County. The Huntington Beach Pier is one of the nation’s most iconic piers complete with a diner over the water and amazing views of the ocean and coast. You’ll find more sightseeing and free things to do with kids in Orange County below:
Huntington Beach Pier: an iconic pier with amazing views of the beach and ocean
Sleeping Beauty Castle: this fairy tale castle is sure to make your little girl giggle with excitement
Corona Del Mar State Beach: a half mile of protected beach perfect for swimming and surfing
Pixar Pal-A-Round: the 160 foot tall observation wheel at Disney’s California Adventures
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: 1,300 acre ecological preserve with over 200 avian species spread around the coastal wetlands
There are fun, kid-friendly activities to be found throughout Orange County. Kids will love the over 100 exotic species of reptiles at The Reptile Zoo as well as the tons of fun activities offered at Thrill It Fun Center. Find more fun things to do with kids in Orange County below:
The Candy Man: famous for their great tasting candies and snacks
Thrill It Fun Center: this place has everything from rock climbing to laser tag
Salt Creek Beach: take a dip in the ocean and then have a picnic on the large grassy area
We Play Loud: a large indoor playground designed specifically to keep your children happy for hours
The Reptile Zoo: houses over 100 exotic species of reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids from around the world
You and your group will have plenty of family-friendly things to do in Orange County. You can let the little ones loose on the three story play area at Seascape Kids Fun or cool off at the Atlantis Play Center Splash Pad. Find more of the best family-friendly group activities below:
Sky Zone Trampoline Park: high-flying fun across a sea of connected trampolines
Sender One Climbing: an interactive climbing center great for kids and adults of all ages
Froggs Bounce House: a 9,000 square foot play area with a variety of inflatables
Seascape Kids Fun: a large three-story play area offering almost endless fun
Atlantis Play Center Splash Pad: kids will have a blast playing on the concrete animals or sliding down the sea serpent slide
Orange County has a wide selection of fun and educational activities for kids. The Pacific Marine Mammal Center teaches children how to help marine life and kids can learn about the history of California and Orange County at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Look below for the best educational activities for kids in Orange County:
Pacific Marine Mammal Center: rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals and inspires ocean stewardship
Discovery Cube Orange County: inspire and educate young minds through engaging science-based programs and exhibits
Heritage Hill Historical Park: includes, four fully restored historic buildings that span the early history of the Saddleback Valley and El Toro area
Pretend City Children's Museum: designed for children to learn how the real world works
Mission San Juan Capistrano: founded over 200 years ago, this mission is the birthplace of Orange County
Keep the creativity flowing in your children with a creative or performing arts class in Orange County. Kids can learn the basics of ceramics at Muddy’s Studio or you can spend the day horseback riding in the country with Country Trails and Riding School. Keep reading for more creative and performing arts classes available in Orange County:
Creative Kids Playhouse Children's Theatre of Orange County: dedicated to providing fun theatre opportunities for children
Brushstrokes: offers an atmosphere that is beautiful, inspiring, relaxing, and hospitable where visitors can express their creativity
Muddy's Studio: here your kids will learn the basics of ceramics
Country Trails & Riding School: take your kids here for a day of horseback riding
OC Dance Studio: teaches kids the basics of many different dance types
There’s lots of fun to be had indoors if you need a break from the sun during your time in Orange County. You and your kids can choose between everything from bowling to laser tag and more. Check out the following list for the best things for kids to do indoors in Orange County:
Boomers!: this amusement center offers laser tag, an arcade, and more
GlowZone: a variety of glow-in-the-dark attractions and arcade games that are fun for all ages
John’s Incredible Pizza: regarded as some of the best pizza in the area
Nickel Nickel: an arcade where every game only costs a nickel to play
Fountain Bowl: see which one of your kids is the best at knocking down pins