If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland or staying nearby in Anaheim, you might come across Anaheim GardenWalk in your Google searches and wonder: Is it worth visiting with kids?
As a local mom raising 2 young kids only 10 minutes away from Anaheim GardenWalk, here’s my honest answer: It depends on what you’re looking for.
GardenWalk isn’t as busy or buzzing as places like Downtown Disney or Irvine Spectrum. In fact, it’s usually pretty quiet—even on weekends. But that’s not always a bad thing.
It’s clean. It’s spacious. Parking is easy. And there are actually a good number of family-friendly things to do here—especially if your kids need a place to run around, bowl, bounce, or burn off post-Disney energy.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you can do at Anaheim GardenWalk with kids—from the giant indoor playground and arcade bowling to low-key gift shops and hands-on toy car building. I’ll also share my real mom tips on what’s actually worth your time, where to eat with kids, and how parking works (yes, it has EV chargers too).
Is Anaheim GardenWalk Worth It With Kids?
Anaheim GardenWalk isn’t a must-see attraction like Disneyland. It’s the opposite. It’s usually quiet. Sometimes weirdly quiet.
But here’s the thing: that low-key vibe sometimes works really well when you’re traveling with little kids—especially if you’re just looking for:
- An easy place to park
- A few kid-friendly things to do indoors
- A spot to grab dinner without long waits
- Space to stroll without weaving through crowds
As a local mom, we come here mostly for Billy Beez, CPK, or to park and walk to Downtown Disney. It’s not exciting, but it’s convenient. And some days, that’s exactly what we need.
If you’re looking for something with more lively energy, music, and people-watching, I usually take guests to Downtown Disney or the Anaheim Packing House. And if you’re willing to drive a little farther, I love Irvine Spectrum and Long Beach Exchange (LBX)—both have a ton of space for kids to run wild and still feel lively for the adults.
🏆 Top Things to Do With Kids at Anaheim GardenWalk
- Billy Beez Indoor Playground: Giant padded play zone
- NeoFuns Arcade: Claw machines + arcade games
- Ridemakerz: Build-your-own RC cars
- Bowlero Anaheim: Bowling + arcade fun
- Mission Escape Games: Escape rooms
- AMC Theatres: Cozy, A/C movie break
- Meeples Family Board Game Cafe: Board games, puzzles, play tents
- Yiya Formosa: Taiwanese mini village + toys
- Mystical Gifts and Souvenirs: Stuffies + souvenirs
- Flightdeck Simulation Center: Fighter jet + race simulators
What Is Anaheim GardenWalk?
📍 Address: 321 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802
💲 Cost: Free to enter, paid parking
🕘 Hours: 9am–1am daily (hours vary by store/restaurant)
🌐 Website: anaheimgardenwalk.com
Anaheim GardenWalk is an open-air shopping and entertainment center just a few blocks from Disneyland. It’s a mix of restaurants, kid-friendly attractions, photo ops, and event spaces—all laid out across a spacious, stroller-friendly outdoor plaza.
It’s not a theme park or a full shopping mall. But it is a super convenient place to eat, explore, and let the kids burn off some energy, both indoors and outdoors, especially when you’re trying to avoid the Disney madness for a bit.
Things to Do at Anaheim GardenWalk With Kids
Billy Beez Indoor Playground
🧒 Best for: Ages 1–10
💲 Cost: $19.95 per child (ages 1–17), $6.95 per extra adult, $3.19 for Billy Beez grip socks (required per child)
🕘 Hours: Mon–Thu 10:30am–7:30pm, Fri 10:30am–9pm, Sat 10am–9pm, Sun 10am–8pm
🌐 Website: billybeezus.com/location/anaheim-gardenwalk/
This is a huge indoor playground with tunnels, slides, trampolines, and padded areas where kids can go wild. It’s all indoors, gated, and air-conditioned—perfect for burning energy without chasing your toddler through a crowd.
This is one of the closest indoor playground to us, and it’s honestly one of my favorite low-effort, high-reward spots when my kids need to run wild. I went on a Wednesday around 4:30pm and there were literally three kids total—my daughter, her classmate, and one other.
No waiting for slides, no chaos. Us moms actually got to sit and chat while the kids played in peace (which never happens at busier places like PlayPie).
That said, I do wish wish there were a few more types of activities beyond just slides and tunnels. My daughter spent most of her time in the toddler soft play area and the Honeycomb Village pretend play space (which is cute, but doesn’t have a ton of toys in it).
What to expect:
- Tube slides, ball pits, trampolines, and tunnels
- Pretend play area (Honeycomb Village) and toddler soft play zone
- Big, padded indoor space with gated entry
- Arcade machines onsite (not included with admission)
- Almost empty on weekdays = super relaxing for parents
💡 Tips:
- Try to go on weekday afternoons or weekends at opening time for the fewest crowds
- No outside food allowed, unless you’re doing a birthday party
- Bring your grip socks if you’ve been before. You can reuse them avoid paying the extra $4.
- It’s way calmer and less crowded than PlayPie (Buena Park) or Little World Kids Playground (Garden Grove)
NeoFuns Arcade
🧒 Best for: Ages 3+ (little ones need adult help still)
💲 Cost: $1 per token (most claw machines are 1 token per play)
🕘 Hours: Daily 11am–8pm
NeoFuns Arcade is mostly just a room full of claw machines—and I’ll be honest, they are brutal. My kids love it, but I never win anything. That said, it’s a fun, low-cost (or high-cost, depending on how long you play) stop if your little ones are obsessed with trying to grab their own stuffed animal.
We’ve popped in to let our toddlers ride the little coin-operated cars, which are perfect for a 5-minute distraction. There’s no staff around most of the time, so don’t expect help repositioning prizes or refilling machines. Still, if you’ve got a few bucks and want to let your kids try their luck, it’s a cute quick activity.
What to expect:
- Dozens of claw machines (with plush toys, keychains, etc.)
- Coin-operated kiddie ride-on cars
- No staff on site most of the time
- Machines take $1 tokens—buy 10 for $10 at the token machine
- Mostly self-serve and a little old-school
💡 Tips:
- Don’t expect to win anything—seriously, the claws are weak.
- Set a budget ahead of time so you don’t overspend.
- Bring wipes if your kids are using the coin cars.
- Skip this one if your kids get frustrated easily.
- The Monterey Park Neofuns Arcade location gets better reviews (compared to this Anaheim location) if you’re ever in that area.
Ridemakerz
🧒 Best for: Ages 4+
💲 Cost: $25–$65 per car (more with accessories or upgrades)
🕘 Hours: Mon–Thu & Sun 10am–9pm, Fri–Sat 10am–10pm
🌐 Website: https://www.ridemakerz.com/
If your kids love cars, tools, or anything hands-on, Ridemakerz is basically the “Build-A-Bear” of remote control cars. Kids get to pick a car body, customize the wheels, lights, sounds, decals, and build their own fully personalized ride (with some help from you or a staff member if needed).
We haven’t built one yet—my kids are still in the “ram everything into the wall” phase—but it looks like such a fun activity for ages 4+ who want to get creative and leave with a cool toy they built themselves.
What to expect:
- Design-your-own RC cars with tons of add-ons
- Choose everything from wheels to lights to decals
- Football-sized finished cars (1:18 scale)
- Staff can help kids with building
- Walk-ins welcome, but may be busy on weekends
💡 Tips:
- Budget for extras—accessories add up quickly.
- Kids don’t need to make it remote-controlled, but it’s more fun if they do.
- Great gift or birthday outing idea.
- Ask staff to demo how everything works before you decide on add-ons.
Bowlero Anaheim
🧒 Best for: Ages 5+ (younger with bumpers or help)
💲 Cost: Around $24.62 per person for 2 hours of bowling with shoes
🕘 Hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–12am, Fri 4pm–1am, Sat 12pm–1am, Sun 12pm–11pm
🌐 Website: bowlero.com/location/bowlero-anaheim
If your kids are old enough to handle a bowling ball or just love arcades, Bowlero Anaheim is a fun spot to spend an hour or two. It’s inside GardenWalk, has a full-size bowling alley, a decent arcade, and a casual lounge-y vibe that still feels family-friendly.
What to expect:
- Bowling lanes with optional bumpers
- Arcade games (plus occasional unlimited play deals)
- Lounge area and sports bar with food and drinks
- A little noisy and busy on weekend nights
- Multiple weekly deals and promos
💰 Deals to know about:
- Buy 2 games, get the 3rd 50% off
- Unlimited arcade play (Sun–Thur):
- $25 for 1 hour
- $32 for 2 hours
- Unlimited bowling at night:
- “After Party” Fridays at 9pm – $26.99/person
- “Night Strike” Sun–Wed nights – $20.99/person (includes shoes)
💡 Tips:
- Bring socks if you’re renting bowling shoes.
- It can get loud and chaotic in the evenings. Go earlier or bring headphones for kids with sound sensitivity.
- Check their website for deals. They run a lot of promos throughout the week.
- Great indoor option when it’s too hot or rainy to be outside.
Mission Escape Games
🧒 Best for: Ages 8+
💲 Cost: Varies by room and group size (see website for pricing)
🕘 Hours: Mon–Thu 11am–7:30pm, Fri 11am–11pm, Sat 10am–11pm, Sun 10am–10:30pm
🌐 Website: missionescapegames.com/anaheim/book-game/
If you have older kids who love puzzles, teamwork, and a little challenge, Mission Escape Games is a fun change of pace. You’re “locked” in a themed room with your group and have 60 minutes to solve your way out using clues, props, and a whole lot of brainpower.
It’s not designed for toddlers, but it can be a great fit for families with elementary-age kids and up—especially if you’re visiting with cousins, friends, or just want to do something totally different from Disney.
I haven’t done this one with my own kids yet, because let’s be real—a toddler in an escape room can’t be helpful—but I’ve done similar ones pre-kids and they’re a blast. If you’re traveling with older siblings, cousins, or doing a multigenerational trip, this could be a fun break from the theme park crowds. Rooms are private, so you won’t be stuck with strangers.
What to expect:
- 60-minute escape games with a variety of themes and difficulty levels
- Private rooms (your group only)
- Option to bring younger kids in with you, even if they’re not participating
- Themed puzzles, locks, and immersive props
💡 Tips:
- Reserve in advance. Walk-ins aren’t guaranteed.
- Check difficulty levels before booking. Some are better suited for tweens and teens.
- Younger kids can stay in the room with you, but they won’t really participate.
- This is a great non-Disney activity if your group wants something different.
- A fun option for birthday parties with older kids.
AMC Theatres
🧒 Best for: Ages 4+ (or younger if they’ll sit through a movie)
💲 Cost: $15.99 adults, $12.99 kids (under 2 free), $2.19 online ticket fee
🕘 Hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–9:30pm, Fri 3pm–7:30pm, Sat–Sun 12:30pm–10:30pm
🌐 Website: amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/los-angeles/amc-anaheim-gardenwalk-6
Sometimes, the best break during a trip—or even just a hot SoCal afternoon—is a cozy seat in front of a big screen. AMC Theatres inside GardenWalk is your typical modern theater with reserved seating and all the usual popcorn-and-candy options.
We haven’t done a movie here recently, but it’s nice knowing it’s an easy option when your kids need some downtime. The reserved seats and AC alone are worth it. Pro tip: skip the online booking fee and buy your tickets in person to save a couple bucks.
What to expect:
- Reserved seating in all theaters
- Standard concessions (popcorn, candy, sodas)
- Smaller 6-screen theater—less overwhelming
- $2.19 fee added to online ticket purchases
- Under 2 is free if they sit on your lap
💡 Tips:
- Buy tickets in person to avoid the online service fee.
- Bring a small blanket if your little one gets cold in AC.
- Go earlier in the day to avoid the evening teen crowd.
- Check showtimes ahead. They rotate often.
Meeples Family Board Game Cafe
🧒 Best for: Ages 3+
💲 Cost: Free to browse; hourly play time available for tent spaces
🕘 Hours: Mon–Thu & Sun 12pm–7pm, Fri–Sat 11am–9pm
🌐 Website: https://meeplesfamily.com/
Meeples is a cozy, creative little gem inside GardenWalk. It’s part toy store, part game shop, and part mini board game café—with private tents you can rent by the hour to play as a family. If your kids love puzzles, stacking games, or just touching all the things, they’ll enjoy this stop.
We haven’t reserved a play tent yet, but my kids love browsing the games and toys. It’s not huge, but it’s packed with unique stuff you won’t find at Target. A fun place to slow down and recharge indoors without spending a ton.
What to expect:
- Private game tents available by 1-hour reservation
- Over 1,000 board games and puzzles
- Wood and metal puzzles, toys, and snacks for sale
- Browsing is free and welcome
- Clean, quiet, and very family-friendly
💡 Tips:
- Call or reserve online a day in advance if you want to play in a tent.
- Great indoor option when your kids need a screen-free break.
- Ask the staff for game recs—they’re super helpful.
- Let younger kids play with puzzles while you browse.
Yiya Formosa
🧒 Best for: All ages
💲 Cost: Free to enter; Mahjong tent rental $50 for 3 hours
🕘 Hours: Wed–Thu 11am–7pm, Fri–Sat 11am–8pm, Sun 11am–6pm
🌐 Website: yiyaformosa.com
This might be one of the most unexpectedly cute and cultural spots at GardenWalk. Yiya Formosa is a mini Taiwanese “village” tucked into an indoor storefront with souvenir stalls, collectible toys, and arcade-style toddler games that totally surprised me with how quirky and fun they were.
I honestly felt like I stepped into a themed corner of the Taipei airport, and my kids were equally mesmerized. There’s even a tiny fortune hall where you can grab fortune sticks.
We wandered through the mini shops, played a few kiddie games, and browsed adorable, random toys. It’s a quick stop if you’re already at GardenWalk, but definitely one of those hidden gems that your kids will remember.
What to expect:
- A mini indoor cultural “village” with Taiwanese-themed decor
- Small booths with toys, souvenirs, collectibles, and cute trinkets
- Little arcade and toddler-sized games
- Fortune hall with fortune sticks (very fun and very random)
- Mahjong table rental on Wed–Fri ($50 per table for 3 hours)
Mystical Gifts and Souvenirs
🧒 Best for: All ages
💲 Cost: Free to browse; toys and souvenirs vary in price
🕘 Hours: Mon–Thu & Sun 12pm–7pm, Fri–Sat 11am–9pm
🌐 Website: instagram.com/mysticalgiftsandsouvenirs/?hl=en
This is one of those quirky little gift shops you stumble into and end up staying longer than you planned. They’ve got everything from Disney and Star Wars toys to Marvel and California-themed souvenirs—all for way cheaper than you’ll find inside Disneyland.
We like to stop here for a quick browse if we’re already at GardenWalk. My kids go straight for the stuffed animals, and I appreciate that it’s not crowded or overwhelming. You can usually find a few fun surprises for under $10.
What to expect:
- Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, and California-themed souvenirs
- Stuffed animals, small toys, and novelty items
- Budget-friendly compared to theme park shops
- Calm, uncrowded vibe
- Great stop for last-minute souvenirs or rewards
💡 Tips:
- Let your kids “window shop” here if you’re on a budget.
- Good place to grab small prizes or gifts before heading home.
- Follow them on Instagram for current inventory or sales.
Flightdeck Simulation Center
🧒 Best for: Ages 10+
💲 Cost: $39–$309 per person depending on simulator and package
🕘 Hours: Mon–Thu & Sun 12pm–7pm, Fri–Sat 12pm–9pm
🌐 Website: https://flightdeck1.com/
If you’ve got big kids or teens who are into planes, racing, or high-adrenaline video games, Flightdeck is one of the coolest, most unique experiences at Anaheim GardenWalk. You can choose between flying a fighter jet or racing a car—both in full-size simulators that are surprisingly realistic.
We haven’t tried it yet (my kids are still too young), but I’ve bookmarked it for the future. Friends have said the racing side is especially fun for older kids, and the flight side is super immersive. Definitely not your typical mall activity.
What to expect:
- Full-scale flight and racing simulators
- Hands-on training and instructions included
- Ages 10+ required for all simulator experiences
- Immersive cockpit setups with realistic graphics
- Packages vary in length and experience level
💡 Tips:
- Reserve your spot ahead of time online.
- Better suited for tweens, teens, and adults—no toddler options.
- Would make an awesome birthday gift or special surprise.
- Check their website or Groupon for deals.
Where to Eat at Anaheim GardenWalk with Kids
Best Restaurants
The biggest reason we come to Anaheim GardenWalk is the restaurants. We’ve got plenty of great local spots near us, but sometimes you just want something familiar, easy, and reliably good. We frequent California Pizza Kitchen and Cheesecake Factory the most. Yeah, I know—it’s not the trendiest pick—but it always hits and it’s super family-friendly.
Cheesecake Factory (American Food)
This is a go-to for us when we want somewhere easy with big portions and tons of menu options. The booths are comfy, the kids love the free bread, and service is usually fast enough that no one melts down mid-meal.
What to order:
- Pasta Da Vinci
- Miso Salmon
- Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
- Steak Diane
- Mini corn dogs and fries (my kids’ favorite)
California Pizza Kitchen – CPK (Pizza & Pasta)
If your kids love pizza and carbs, CPK is a solid pick. The flavors are bold, service is quick, and there’s enough variety to keep both grownups and toddlers happy.
What to order:
- Chicken Tequila Fettuccine
- Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pizza
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Buttered pasta or mac & cheese from the kids’ menu
Other Sit-Down Restaurants Inside GardenWalk:
- Casa De Pancho Mexican Grill & Cantina: Lively Mexican spot with occasional live music and dancing, plus strong margaritas and solid tacos
- PF Chang’s: Upscale Chinese food, kid-welcoming
- Johnny Rockets: Classic diner with burgers, fries, and shakes
- McCormick & Schmick’s Grille: Steak and seafood, a little fancier
- Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch: Pancakes, Southern food, country-style breakfast
Snacks, Drinks & Treats
If your kids just need a snack or you want to treat them (or yourself), these spots are great for a quick stop:
- Cafe Bulba: We liked their house milk tea. Solid boba spot with a cute bear statue that my kids always love.
- Allmytea Cafe: Another good bubble tea option if Bulba is busy.
- La Michoacana 1st Ice Cream: Instagram-worthy popsicles and lots of fruity flavors. They sell ice cream and frozen yogurt.
- Paris Baguette: I love their mocha cake. Lots of pastries and light snacks if you’re not up for a full meal.
Parking at Anaheim GardenWalk
The good news? Parking here is easy. There’s a large 6-story garage, and you’ll almost always find a spot—even during busy evenings. That alone makes Gardenwalk worth considering when you’ve got little kids in tow.
Parking Price
- First hour: Free
- After that: $4/hour
- Max daily rate OR lost ticket: $30
- Parking Member Card: $18 flat rate (pay $72 upfront for 4 day parking passes)
💡 Parking Tips + validation
- Parking isn’t free—even with validation. But! You can get a few hours discounted if you play it right.
- Some venues inside GardenWalk offer 1–2 hours of free validation (like shops, restaurants, attractions), but not all do—always ask before assuming.
- The venue will either scan your parking ticket or hand you a paper validation slip. You’ll need both when you leave.
- Only one validation per ticket, so make it count!
- If you’re staying all day (like coming from a hotel, the Convention Center, or Disneyland), ask for the flat-rate “all-day” validation—but just know it switches your parking to a fixed price. Hourly savings no longer apply once that’s activated.
- Don’t lose your ticket! Seriously. If you do, you’ll be stuck paying $30 for the lost ticket rate. No way around it. I stash our parking ticket in my phone case or zippered pocket as soon as I get it, so it doesn’t vanish.
- Pay before exiting at kiosks on P1, P2, or P4. Cash accepted only at select machines.
- We sometimes park here and walk to Downtown Disney—about 10–15 minutes with a stroller.
- Free EV charging is available on each floor near the Northeast doors of the parking lot. We use this often when my husband goes to to the UFC gym here.
Discounted All-Day Parking
If you’re staying all day, there are special flat-rate options that can save you money:
- Hotel Guests: Ask your hotel concierge for a GardenWalk validation coupon. If they don’t offer one, text your parking ticket and the letter “H” to 949.532.8293 as soon as you park.
- Convention Center Visitors: Text your ticket and “CC” to the same number.
- Anaheim Attractions: Text your ticket and “AA” for a $25 flat rate.
🚗 Entrances
Two entrances: Katella Avenue and Disney Way
Tips for Visiting Anaheim GardenWalk with Kids
- If you have little kids under 4, bring a stroller or baby carrier. There’s a decent amount of walking between activities.
- The whole place is outdoors, but most activities are indoors and air-conditioned—perfect for hot or rainy days.
- Only one parking validation is allowed per ticket. If you’re planning multiple stops (like lunch and Billy Beez), consider driving out and back in to reset your ticket.
- Use the quieter vibes to your advantage. GardenWalk isn’t lively, but that can be a plus when you want a calmer space for toddlers.
- Most places don’t allow outside food.
- Weekend evenings (Fri–Sun), the restaurants near Katella (Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, PF Changs, Bubba Gump) tend to get crowded and require a wait. We’ve run into this many times. Try to go earlier for dinner like 5pm to avoid the dinner rush.
FAQ: Visiting Anaheim GardenWalk With Kids
Final Thoughts: Is Anaheim Gardenwalk Worth Visiting with Kids?
Anaheim Gardenwalk isn’t a must-see destination, and it’s definitely not trying to compete with Disneyland. But that’s kind of the point.
It’s quiet. It’s convenient. It’s easy to navigate with toddlers in tow. And when you’re in that stage of parenting where “low-key and easy” beats “busy and overstimulating,” GardenWalk surprisingly delivers.
We come here way more than you’d think—mostly for Cheesecake Factory, CPK, or to let the kids run wild at Billy Beez.
Is it exciting? No. Is it family-friendly and stress-free? Absolutely.
If you’re local or staying nearby and need a chill, indoor-friendly option that won’t overwhelm your kids (or your schedule), Anaheim GardenWalk is worth a stop.
