Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Blog

Fun Things To Do in Orange County With Kids

a person holding a frisbee in the water

Orange County, California is most known as home to theme parks and famous celebrities, but it is much more than that! Whether you’re visiting for a Southern California vacation or you just want to add some fun events to your list, you’ll definitely want to explore these spots in Orange County!

Dana Point Whale Watching

Take your little ones on a Southern California ocean adventure! Dana Point Harbor is the Whale and Dolphin capital of the world! When visiting Orange County in the summer come explore the deep blue sea, including whales, dolphins, birds, and more. A great attraction for families! Here are some great websites to book your whale watching experience:

Daveys Locker

Dana Wharf

Disneyland, Anaheim

Where else to take your little ones on vacation than the happiest place on earth! Visit one of Orange County’s most famous attractions where there are endless amounts of magical family-friendly fun! Walk around the park meeting Mickey and friends, eating delicious food, and enjoy the parade entertainment. It has a number of fun-filled rides featuring Splash Mountain and It’s A Small World…and don’t forget to visit the Magic Castle! Download the free Disneyland mobile app before you go to help track the lines and plan your trip! Learn more about safety protocols and reservation requirements, and buy admission now.

Discovery Science Center, Santa Ana

Want a trip your child won’t forget? Get ready to explore and discover new things at the Discovery Science Center! Over 100-hands on interactive activities for kids to run and play with. Your kids can be a scientist, a cook, and an engineer all in one day! Orange County’s biggest children museum where a kid can imagine and create ideas bigger than themself! Visit their website to find more family events coming up.

Zoomars Petting Zoo

Plan a visit at Zoomars! The one and only petting zoo in South Orange County at River Street Ranch, is family owned and operated since 1980. Ride on a pony or train, feed the guinea pigs, and go mining for gold! There are an endless amount of family-friendly fun ways to entertain the whole family!

Surfing in Huntington beach

Do your children want to try something fun and new? Visit Huntington Beach and Newport Beach in the summer for some kid-friendly beach waves! Where your kid can play in the waters of Orange County’s nicest beaches and have fun in the sun. Book the best experience possible surfing whether you’re a first-timer or a pro:

Surf Riders Academy

Banzai Surf School

Learn to Surf HB

Tide Pools in Laguna Beach

Besides the big cities and main attractions in Orange County, we are blessed with our beautiful beaches! Laguna Beach is a small city of Orange County in between Los Angeles and San Diego. Visitors can explore the coast and discover sea life within the seven miles of coves and beaches. The weather here is always perfect to pack some food and swimsuits and head over for a family beach day. There are some great tide pools here in OC, great for a free day of parents and their little ones to explore. In spots that are hidden, if you look carefully you will see amazing sea creatures and seashells! Here are some favorite beaches to visit for tide pools:

Main Beach – (Pacific Coast Highway & Laguna Canyon Road)

Treasure Island Beach – (Wesley & Pacific Coast High Way)

Shaw’s Cove Tide Pools – (Cliff Drive & Pacific Coast Highway)

Knott’s Soak City, Buena Park

It is heating up in sunny California which means it is time to head over to Orange County’s largest amusement water park! Knott’s Soak City Water Park is filled with waterslides, water pools, and fun in the sun. Don’t worry…Soak City is open all summer! There is something for every family to enjoy! Learn more about safety protocols and reservation requirements, and buy admission now.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Calling the families visitors visiting Anaheim, California, and are looking for amusement parks! Knott’s Berry Farm is known as a world-renowned theme park built from the humblest beginnings! Eat some delicious food, enjoy the music and entertainment, and if you’re lucky meet the park’s mascot Snoopy. If your family wants a little more thrill, hop on the rides and fastening your seat belts because this trip got a whole lot crazier! Download the free Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app before you go to help track the lines and plan your trip! Learn more about safety protocols and reservation requirements, and buy admission now.

Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach

Escape in a unique urban oasis and learn about hundreds of different plants through a hands-on nature experience. The great weather of Orange County means there are tons of family-friendly free outdoor activities! If your family loves to explore the different Visit the Environmental Nature Center for acres of nature trails, multiple different plants, and a kid-friendly center!

Balboa Fun Zone, Newport Beach

The Balboa Fun Zone is one of the most popular activities during the summer that families enjoy here in Newport Beach! Visitors can enjoy rides like the Ferris Wheel, play arcade games, and eat their favorite sweet treats all with an ocean view. While you’re visiting don’t forget to check out other fun enjoyable things to do such as the beach and renting bikes on the pier!