If you’ve got a toddler and need somewhere they can run wild without destroying your house, let me introduce you to one of our go-to spots: The Great Park in Irvine.
We’ve been coming here since before we had kids—back when we’d take our nieces (ages 4 and 6 at the time) for a fun afternoon.
Now that we’ve got our own two little chaos machines (ages 2 and 4), this place is still one of our top picks for a weekend outing that doesn’t cost a fortune.
Here’s what we love most: it’s huge, it’s mostly free, and there’s always something new to explore.
Some days, we just hit the playground and carousel. Other times, we bounce ourselves silly at The Layover inflatables and watch the giant orange balloon float above our heads (with both kids yelling “Balloon!” like it’s the first time every time).
And unlike some places where toddlers are tolerated at best, Irvine’s Great Park is actually designed with little kids in mind. So if you’re searching for things to do in Irvine with toddlers or just trying to survive a Saturday with your tiny humans, this guide has everything you need to know.
What is The Great Park in Irvine?
📍 Address: 8000 Great Park Boulevard, Irvine, CA 92618
⏰ Hours: Daily, 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
💰 Cost: Free
🌐 Website: cityofirvine.org/great-park
The Great Park is a massive outdoor space in Irvine, California, built on what used to be the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.
These days, it’s one of the most family-friendly spots in Orange County, with playgrounds, wide-open green spaces, sports fields, art, and even a tethered helium balloon you can ride.
But what really makes it special for families? It’s affordable, easy to navigate, and actually fun for toddlers and little kids.
We’ve come here more times than I can count—with nieces, toddlers, snacks, tantrums, and everything in between—and it always delivers.
Things To Do at The Great Park With Toddlers and Little Kids
Whether you’re looking to burn off energy, soak up some sunshine, or just survive the weekend with your sanity intact, Irvine Great Park is packed with toddler-friendly activities. Here’s what we always check out with our two kids in tow (and snacks in hand).
Kids Rock Playground
📍 Near the Visitor Center and Great Park Balloon
⏰ Open daily during park hours
💰 Cost: Free
🌐 cityofirvine.org/orange-county-great-park/current-great-park-features
This nature-themed playground is full of boulders, low slides, and rubber “streams” that are perfect for climbing, jumping, and full-on toddler chaos. Everything is made to mimic natural elements like tunnels, creeks, and wildlife habitats, complete with fun facts on little plaques.
My 2- and 4-year-olds can easily spend an hour here. It’s shaded in parts, has lots of open space for running, and it’s great for early walkers up to school-age kids.
Great Park Carousel
📍 Near the Balloon and Kids Rock Playground
⏰ Thurs to Fri: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Sat to Sun: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
💰 Cost: Free
🌐 cityofirvine.org/great-park/great-park-balloon-carousel
This is the only free carousel I’ve ever found, and yes, it works just like a regular one. You hop on, spin around, and try to keep your toddler from leaping off mid-ride.
- No lines when we’ve visited
- Simple, classic horses
- Toddlers don’t need a ticket or token
It’s always a hit with our kids. They spot it from across the lawn and run straight for it.
Great Park Balloon
📍 Near the Visitor Center
⏰ Thurs to Fri: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. | Sat to Sun: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m.
💰 Cost: $10 for adults, free for kids under 18
🌐 cityofirvine.org/great-park/great-park-balloon-carousel
This massive orange helium balloon is one of the most iconic sights at the park. Whether you ride it or not, walk over and snap a photo. It rises gently while tethered, offering an awesome aerial view without actually floating away.
- Tethered ride that goes straight up and down
- No age minimum, but kids under 13 need an adult
- Sign-ups are in person only and spots go fast
- Weather permitting
When we rode it with our nieces, the 6-year-old had a blast. The 4-year-old said she didn’t like it, but based on her big grin, I think she actually had a great time.
Tip: Sign-ups open exactly 30 minutes before each session, and you must register in person. Get there early on weekends if you want to ride.
The Layover (Inflatables and Kids’ Zone)
📍 Across from the Great Park Live stage
⏰ Sat to Sun, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💰 Free entry | $5 wristband for Kids’ Zone inflatables
🌐 cityofirvine.org/great-park/layover
This is your go-to weekend spot when your kids need to bounce their energy out.
- Giant inflatable slides, bounce houses, and climbing areas
- $5 wristband gives access to everything in the Kids’ Zone
- Food trucks, drinks (including wine and cocktails), and shaded seating
My kids beg to get on the bounce houses. It’s basically toddler paradise.
There was even one time my daughter climbed to the top of a slide, froze, and had to be rescued by my husband. Classic.
Even if you don’t do the inflatables, it’s a fun place to hang out, grab a bite, and soak in the chaos in a good way.
Hangar 244 (Heritage and Aviation Exhibition)
📍 Near the Visitor Center
⏰ Thurs–Fri: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Sat–Sun: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
💰 Cost: Free
🌐 cityofirvine.org/heritage-and-aviation-exhibition
This restored World War II hangar now houses the Heritage and Aviation Exhibition, with a few planes and displays about Irvine’s history, from its farming beginnings to its time as a military base.
- One big indoor space with vintage aircraft
- Displays and photos tell the story of the old El Toro base
- Air-conditioned and stroller-friendly
It’s not a long stop, but it’s great if your kids love airplanes. My 2-year-old kept pointing and shouting “AIRPLANE!” the whole time. It’s shaded, calm, and totally free, which makes it a win in my book.
Walkable Historical Timeline
📍 Along the main walkway
⏰ Open during park hours
💰 Cost: Free
🌐 cityofirvine.org/great-park/walkable-timeline
This 2,600-foot path stretches through the park and highlights over 13,000 years of major world and local events. Even if history’s not your thing, it’s fun to walk along and read a few panels as you go.
- 162 historical moments etched into the path
- Covers world history and key milestones in Southern California and Irvine
- Divided into four sections by era
My toddlers use it like a giant game of hopscotch, but I always end up reading something new while we stroll. It’s an easy and educational walk, especially with a stroller.
Tip: If you’re a history buff (not me), then here’s a reading guide to pair with the walk called the Timeline Handbook.
Great Park Live
📍 North Lawn of the Great Park
⏰ Event times vary
💰 Some shows are free, others require tickets
🌐 greatparklive.com
Great Park Live is an outdoor concert and event lawn that hosts rotating performances throughout the year. It’s a temporary setup while they build the park’s future amphitheater, which is scheduled to open in 2027.
- Outdoor shows with lawn seating
- Check the event calendar for what’s playing
- Family-friendly concerts and seasonal programming
If your visit lines up with a live show, it’s a fun extra. We’ve caught live music here before while hanging out at The Layover, and it’s a great atmosphere for families.
Wild Rivers Waterpark (Bonus Nearby Activity)
📍 10000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618
⏰ Hours vary by season
💰 Cost: $79.99 | Under 48″: $54.99 | Age 2 and under: Free
🌐 wildrivers.com
While Wild Rivers is technically part of the larger Great Park property, it’s a separate, ticketed waterpark that’s best suited for older kids or families planning a full water day.
We haven’t been yet, so I can’t speak from personal experience.
But from what I’ve seen, it has:
- A lazy river, wave pool, and splash zone for toddlers
- Big slides and tube rides for older kids and adults
- Limited hours outside of summer, so check the calendar before you go
This isn’t the budget-friendly, run-around-the-park type of outing, but if you’re visiting in the summer and want to splurge on a water day, it might be worth adding to your plan.
Tips for Visiting The Great Park in Irvine With Kids
- What to pack with toddlers and little kids:
- water bottles
- snacks
- sunscreen
- hats
- wipes
- change of clothes (My kids love rolling around on the turf and always end up covered in green fuzz)
- Arrive early if you want to ride the balloon—sign-ups open exactly 30 minutes before each session and must be done in person
- Restrooms are near the Visitor Center, carousel, and sports complex
- Wear comfy shoes because you’ll be doing a lot of walking
- Bring a stroller or wagon since the park is huge and little legs get tired quickly
FAQ: Visiting Irvine’s Great Park With Toddlers
Final Thoughts: Is the Great Park in Irvine Kid-Friendly?
If you’ve got a toddler or little kid, Irvine’s Great Park is absolutely worth the trip. It’s spacious, stroller-friendly, and full of free or low-cost activities that don’t take a ton of effort to enjoy. We’ve been coming here for years, and there’s always something new to check out. Whether it’s riding the free carousel, bouncing through the inflatables, or just letting your kid run wild on the turf, it always delivers.
The wide-open layout, clean bathrooms, and free parking make it one of my favorite Irvine Great Park family activities. It’s not just toddler-friendly, it’s parent-friendly too. And honestly, that’s the real win.
