10 Best Things to Do with Kids in Orange County

Come on down to California’s original theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm. Here you’ll find thrill rides aplenty, like the Timber Mountain Log Ride and the legendary Ghostrider, the largest wooden rollercoaster on the West Coast. If your adventurers don’t meet the height restrictions for these rides, take them over to Camp Snoopy to meet beloved characters and find coasters more their size in a summer camp atmosphere.

Beyond the rides, there are attractions and shows, including live and interactive performances suitable for family audiences, plus food and snack options dotted throughout the park. If you need a moment to chill, go meet the horses at the livery or visit the Western Trails museum.

Possibly the first thing you thought of when you saw “kids” and “Orange County” in the same sentence was Disneyland Park: and it’s iconic for a reason. It has themed lands featuring classics your parents may have taken you to, like the Mark Twain Riverboat or Peter Pan’s Flight, so why not bring your own kids and create memories with the next generation?

In addition to the old favorites, Disneyland Park is also home to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Take your young smugglers and resistance fighters to enjoy immersive environments, rides, and even the infamous blue milk.

Head down to Disney California Adventure Park to catch classic Disney vibes with a Pixar twist. You’ll find the wild Incredicoaster, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, and a whole section of the park dedicated to the Cars franchise.

Do you have any Marvel fans in the house? One of the highlights of the park is the Avengers campus where you can join adventures like the Spider-Man themed Web Slingers, or help Rocket rescue the Guardians of the Galaxy from the Collector. Look out for character experiences with the likes of Black Panther and Captain America.

If rollercoasters aren’t your thing, bring your family over to Irvine Regional Park for some wholesome outdoorsy fun. There’s a ton of activities, from exploring the trails to riding a miniature train. Our top pick is taking a guided horseback ride through the beautiful landscapes: book ahead to avoid disappointment.

The park offers a range of rentals, including paddle boats and bikes, so you are more than welcome to come as you are and get into whatever looks good on the day. Well-stocked snack bars and picnic benches are available, but you’ll also find a limited number of BBQ spots for grill masters who prefer to cook their own recipes.

Bring your kids on over to Tanaka Farm to show them where food comes from. This family-owned working farm offers wagon rides, pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, and a store selling gorgeous fresh produce and locally made snacks, jellies, honeys, and baked goods. Kids aged 5 and under will enjoy Storytime at the Barnyard, too.

Events, and the produce available, change with the seasons so check ahead of your visit to see what’s on, from springtime strawberry picking to pumpkin patches and a corn maze in the fall. The farm is open all year round. Visit in winter and have a great time at the Hikari Festival of Lights.

There are many species of whales that come to the seas around Orange County, and the best way to see them is from the water: in a boat of course. Tours are available out of Dana Point and Newport Beach but check with Orange County Outdoors ahead of time to make sure you’re booking a reputable boat tour approved by the US Coast Guard.

Although whales can be spotted here all year round, there are certain times when there are more of them about, for example you’ll see more gray whales in January through April when they’re migrating. Keep your eyes open for minke whales and humpback whales as well, plus pods of dolphins.

Crystal Cove State Park represents a beautiful stretch of nature from the tide pools and coves at the ocean all the way up into the hills toward the mountains. Here you can explore 18 miles (30 km) of hiking trails through backcountry wilderness. Rent a cottage in the Historic District to take advantage of a full day in the park followed by oceanfront relaxation.

Download the map of designated trails from the Crystal Cove website so you can plan your day. If you’re a fitness family with big strong teens, the strenuous loop trail could be just the challenge you’re looking for. A gentler trek on the easy trail will still reward you with exceptional views over Moro Canyon.

You’ll find attractions that appeal to the whole family at the 247-year-old chapel, museum, and gardens of the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Take a VIP guided tour to get the full 90-minute story from a professional, or let your little ones lead the way on the “Follow the Swallow” sticker tour that highlights important historic objects.

If your kids learn better through doing, take them down to the Mission Clubhouse. Here, they can try their hand at Native American-style basket weaving and building Roman arches like those seen throughout the Mission. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir at the Mission Store where they offer everything from swallow-themed home decor to artisan rosaries.

Yes, this is an actual battleship USS Iowa that served in WWII, Korea, and the Cold War, converted to an exciting museum with 5 decks of exhibits. This museum is a great choice for little historians, military families, and folks interested in learning more about the positive contributions of the Navy to maritime peace and prosperity.

It’s a large ship, and while self-guided tours are available, we recommend booking ahead to secure a spot on a guided tour. There are multiple options, but note that some, such as the Gun Tour and Engineering Tour, are only suitable for kids over age 10 as they involve a couple of hours of climbing ladders and entering hatches.

Discovery Cube is the absolute opposite of a “look but don’t touch” museum. Kids can get hands-on digging for dinosaur bones, driving remote-controlled lunar rovers, and petting a real, live shark. Whatever type of science they’re into, you’re likely to find it here.

There is also a lot to discover here about how to take care of our shared home, planet Earth. Explore a range of interactive exhibits and games that demonstrate environmentally friendly concepts such as how composting works and develop a deeper appreciation for nature by understanding the science behind it.