Top Summer Activities for Families in Orange County
Ready to create unforgettable family memories this summer in Orange County?
With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your next family adventure.
There are plenty of fun activities in Orange County that are perfect for families of all ages.
We’ve rounded up some of our top summer activities for families, from a fun coastal tour of California to amusement parks like Disneyland, LEGOLAND, and even classics like a drive-in movie. Let’s jump into the fun!
Orange County Coastal Tour
Forget the car seat shuffle and embrace the ultimate family coastal adventure! The Orange County Coastal Tour isn’t just fun – it’s stress-free, thanks to Best Coast Tours’ custom pickup service.
What is Custom Pick Up Service?
We’ll scoop you up from your hotel or rental, so you can skip the parking hassles and dive straight into exploring California’s iconic coastal sights. Our comfy, air-conditioned vans are perfect for families with older kids ready to soak up the sun, surf, and scenic beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway. Leave the driving (and the stress) to us!
What fun family activities can we do in Orange County this summer?
1. Discovery Cube Museum
Indoor activities are king in summer, and the Discovery Cube Museum in Orange County is a great educational experience for kids of all ages. Fun science activities engage young learners, while exciting and informative exhibits teach things like physics, momentum, and more. For the parents, this location is air-conditioned, family-friendly, and a perfect day trip for parents with young kids.
If you’re looking for extra learning this summer, the Discovery Cube Museum is a kid-centric location perfect for keeping those curious minds sharp over summer vacation. Make sure to reserve your tickets in advance, and plan if you want kids to participate in fun science activities at the museum.
2. Van Buren Drive-In Theater
Summer isn’t summer without a drive-in theater. A quick drive out of Orange County, you’ll find the Van Buren Drive-In Theater, a fantastic summer activity for the whole family. Not only can younger kids make as much noise as they want from the comfort of your vehicle, but there are plenty of hit movies on offer, allowing them to relive some of their favorite titles in a new way.
Check out the ever-rotating list of movies at this drive-in to find a film perfect for the whole family. Make sure to pick up some concessions on your way in (or bring your own, we won’t tell), and settle in for a movie experience unlike any other.
3. Adventure City
Summer is a time for amusement parks, and what better way to jump into a summer adventure than with Adventure City? From roller coasters and classic amusement park rides to younger kid activity areas perfect for parents with small children, Adventure City is a great weekend trip for families of all ages and sizes.
Experience classic rides, enjoy amusement park snacks, and make memories at this incredible location. Check the weather before you head out, as most of the park is outdoors, and buy tickets ahead to avoid the rush. You’re sure to have the adventure of a lifetime (or at least the summer) at Adventure City.
4. Knott’s Berry Farm
The original amusement park in Orange County, Knott’s Berry Farm, is known for its seasonal events, incredible rides, and more. While the name may be misleading, there’s more to do at this “berry farm” than pick fruit. From rollercoasters and other amusement park classics to live music events, there’s always something new at Knott’s.
The food is fantastic, the events are constantly engaging, and there are plenty of rides for everyone, from daredevils to toddlers, making this the perfect stop for families of all ages and sizes. Make sure to purchase tickets in advance and plan to participate in their seasonal events.
5. Disneyland
You can’t plan a summer vacation in Orange County without mentioning Disneyland. This classic amusement park is perfect for kids of all ages. Explore classic rides, take pictures with iconic characters, and enjoy a turkey leg the size of your head if you’re brave.
Amusement park veterans will tell you that the summer is the best time to go to Disneyland if you want to avoid long lines and crowds, so make sure to plan and try and pick a weekday to avoid crowds this summer. Make memories that will last a lifetime this summer by scheduling a Disneyland trip today.