Orange County Family Guide

Planning a family trip to Orange County, California? You’ve picked an amazing spot – between theme parks, gorgeous beaches, perfect weather, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and tons of family-friendly activities, this place is basically designed for vacations with kids.

As a local SoCal parent, I’ve spent years discovering the best spots with my 2-year-old and 4-year-old. From hidden gem parks to the best family beaches and toddler-friendly adventures – I’ve tested it all.

I’m sharing all my favorite local spots and insider tips to help you make the most of your Orange County family vacation – especially if you’re staying near Disneyland and want to explore beyond the parks.

“Best Of” City Guides

• Best Things To Do in Anaheim With Little Kids, Besides Disneyland
• Fun Things To Do in Irvine With Kids
• Best Things To Do in Huntington Beach With Kids

Theme Parks

• Knott’s Berry Farm with Toddlers and Little Kids

Indoor Play Areas

• Pretend City Childen’s Museum Irvine Review
• RGB Run With Kids (LED Light Game Floor)

Parks + Outdoor Play

Playgrounds + Play Areas

• Cottage Industries Play Area Review – Garden Grove, CA
• Orange County Playground Reviews

Parks

• Irvine Regional Park With Kids
• The Great Park Irvine With Toddlers and Kids
• Orange County Zoo With Toddlers
• Irvine Park Railroad With Kids

Train Rides

• Goathill Junction: Free Train Ride in Costa Mesa

Eat + Play (Food Halls)

• Downtown Disney Anaheim With Kids Guide
• Anaheim GardenWalk For Kids Guide
• Cottage Industries Play Area Review – Garden Grove, CA

Shows

• Medieval Times Review With a Baby & Toddler

Character Meet-And-Greet

• Morning Lavender Cafe Tea For Tots

Seasonal Activities

Fall

• Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

Winter

• Irvine Park Railroad Santa’s Village

Ready for Your Next Trip?

Orange County really is a family vacation goldmine, especially when you know where to go beyond the obvious tourist spots. With the right insider knowledge, you can create an amazing mix of must-see attractions and hidden local gems. These guides will help you make the most of your time here and create memories that’ll last way longer than any souvenir.