Irvine Regional Park: Fun Things To Do With Kids

If you’re in Orange County with young kids and looking for an easy day out, Irvine Regional Park is one of the best spots around.

We’ve been at least 5 times now, sometimes for the Pumpkin Patch, other times for a train ride or a class field trip to the zoo. Every time, my kids leave dusty, happy, and completely wiped out (aka bedtime gold). And I love that it doesn’t break the bank.

If you’re searching for kid-friendly activities at Irvine Regional Park, this guide covers it all: fun rides, seasonal events like the Pumpkin Patch and Santa’s Village, animal encounters at the OC Zoo, playgrounds to check out, and helpful tips on pricing, parking, and when to go.

What is Irvine Regional Park?

📍 Address: 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869
🕒 Hours: 6am–6pm (Fall/Winter), 6am–9pm (Spring/Summer)
💲 Cost: Free entry. Parking is $3 on weekdays, $5 on weekends, and $7 on holidays.
🌐 Website: irvineparkrailroad.com

Irvine Regional Park is massive, peaceful, and full of kid-friendly activities. It’s tucked into a canyon in Orange and has everything from pony rides to paddle boats to a charming little zoo.

We’ve visited for field trips, train rides, and seasonal events like the Pumpkin Patch, and each time it feels like a new adventure. There’s room for kids to run, climb, and explore without you feeling like you’re constantly chasing them. It’s the kind of place where you can let your toddler wobble ahead on a trail and not panic.

Things to Do in Irvine Regional Park With Kids

Train Ride at Irvine Park Railroad

🕒 Hours:
Spring–Summer: Weekdays 10–5, Weekends 10–6
Fall–Winter: Weekdays 10–4, Weekends 10–5 (except Sept 13–Oct 31: Weekdays 10–6, Weekends 8–6)
💲 Cost: $8 per person (babies under 12 months ride free)
🌐 Website: irvineparkrailroad.com/rides-attractions/train-rides

💰 Deals:

• 💵 $100 for a 15-ticket bundle (saves $20)
• 💵 Free train rides on Wednesdays if you wear Irvine Park Railroad gear
• 💵 Group discounts for 25+ people with reservation

This 10-minute train ride is always a hit. It’s a 1/3 scale train that loops through the park’s shady paths and grassy areas. You might spot peacocks and lakes along the way.

Toward the end, the train goes through a tunnel.

My daughter’s favorite part? The tunnel with the skeletons. During Halloween, it’s decorated with glow-in-the-dark skeletons and spooky (but not scary) fun. She also loved how the black lights made her name tag glow.

We’ve bought the 15-ticket bundle and used a few on games and bounce houses. The rest? Still in my wallet, waiting for the next visit. It never expires.

Pony Rides

🕒 Hours: Tues–Fri: 11am–4pm, Sat–Sun: 10am–4pm (Closed Mondays)
💲 Cost: $8 per rider (cash only)
🌐 Website: irvineparkrailroad.com/rides-attractions/pony-rides
📞 Phone: (949) 469-1607

• Best for kids 1+ who can sit up by themselves
• Handlers walk alongside
• Babies cannot ride (even with an adult)

A gentle, no-pressure way for little ones to experience their first pony ride.

Orange County Zoo

🕒 Hours: Weekdays 10am–3:30pm, Weekends 10am–4:30pm
💲 Cost: $2 per person (ages 2+)
🌐 Website: ocparks.com/oc-zoo

For $2, this little zoo is a gem.

You’ll see:

• Mountain lions
• Bears
• Jaguars
• Tortoises
• Snakes
• Farm animals
• Habitats have glass viewing windows, great for toddlers
• Signs at each exhibit and a cell phone tour available

We spent about 1.5 hours here, including time in the petting zoo. My daughter skipped brushing the goats (she’s not into touching animals), but her classmates loved it.

There’s a handwashing station with kid-height sinks nearby, which was super convenient.

When we went, a volunteer was holding a snake and the kids lined up to pet it. It was definitely a highlight.

Playgrounds

There are 6 playgrounds around the park, but they’re spaced out. Pick one near your main stop. They aren’t huge, but they’re enough to burn off some energy.

Playground Near Wheel Fun Rentals, Lake, and OC Zoo

• Tiny playground for toddlers (ages 2–5)
• Right by the snack bar, restrooms, and picnic tables
• Water fountain and trash cans nearby
• You can hear the train go by

Playground Near Irvine Park Railroad and Hay Maze

• Larger structure
• Convenient if you’re already by the train or Pumpkin Patch

Wheel Fun Rentals

🕒 Hours:
Spring/Summer: Weekdays 10am–4pm, Weekends 9am–7pm
Fall/Winter: Weekdays 10am–4pm, Weekends 10am–5pm
🌐 Website: irvineparkrailroad.com/rides-attractions/bike-rentals
💵 Deal: 50% off before noon on Monday–Friday (excludes weekends and holidays)

Wheel Fun Rentals is where you can rent paddle boats, surrey bikes, and more to cruise around the lake or pathways of Irvine Regional Park. It’s scenic and a fun way to explore the park together and get some exercise at the same time.

We haven’t tried this yet with our kids, but we’re eyeing it for a future visit.

Paddle Boat Rentals

💲 Cost: $22 per 30 minutes
🌐 Website: irvineparkrailroad.com/rides-attractions/paddle-boat-rentals

• Fits 2–3 riders per boat
• Great for calm lake views and a bit of leg-powered fun

Surrey Cart and Bike Rentals

💲 Cost: Varies by bike type
🌐 Website: irvineparkrailroad.com/rides-attractions/paddle-boat-rentals

Fleet includes:

• Single, double, and family surreys
• Tandem bikes, cruiser bikes, choppers, BMX
• Kids’ bikes, training wheels, and Tag-A-Longs

Even if your kids can’t pedal for long, many of the surreys have seats in the front where they can just ride along and enjoy the breeze.

Seasonal Activities

🕒 Hours: Usually 10am–6pm weekdays, 8am–6pm weekends during events
💲 Cost: Free entry, but most activities cost extra — $8 per ticket or $100 for a 15-ticket bundle (💵 saves $20)
🌐 Website: irvineparkrailroad.com/events

Irvine Regional Park hosts a few big seasonal events each year:

• 🎃 Pumpkin Patch (September–October)
• 🎅 Santa’s Village (December)
• 🐣 Easter Eggstravaganza (Spring)

Most activities at these events cost 1–2 tickets per person, so $8–$16 each.
This is where our money disappears — but it’s always worth it for the memories and photos (or at least that’s what I tell myself to feel better 😅).

My kids’ favorite parts:

• Bouncing in the bounce house
• Playing carnival games (and winning a huge alien!)
• Riding the train

🎟 Pro tip: If you’re planning to go in October or December, try to swing a weekday visit. It’s cheaper, less crowded, and way more enjoyable.

🎃 Pumpkin Patch

🕒 Hours: Weekdays 10am–6pm, Weekends 8am–6pm
📅 When: September – October
🌐 Website: irvineparkrailroad.com/events/pumpkin-patch
💲 Cost: $20 reservation required for October weekends (includes train ride); Free on weekdays and Sept weekends

A festive fall tradition with carnival games, pumpkins, train rides, and more for toddlers and kids.

🎃 Visiting in the fall?
Don’t miss my Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch review packed with real-mom advice, photo ops, and must-know tips before you go.

🎅 Santa’s Village

🕒 Hours: Weekdays 10am–6pm, Weekends 8am–6pm
📅 When: December
🌐 Website: irvineparkrailroad.com/events

Visit Santa, take festive train rides, enjoy holiday-themed crafts and games, and listen to books read by Mrs. Claus.

🎅 Planning a holiday visit?
Check out my full guide to Irvine Park Railroad Santa’s Village with photos, tips, and what to expect with toddlers.

🐣 Easter Eggstravaganza

🕒 Hours: Weekdays 10am–6pm, Weekends 8am–6pm
📅 When: Spring (dates vary)
🌐 Website: irvineparkrailroad.com/events

Celebrate spring with egg hunts, face painting, and fun outdoor games for little ones.

Hiking Trails + Tot Trails

🌐 Website: irvineparkrailroad.com/rides-attractions/hiking

Irvine Regional Park has several hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length.

1. Habitat Adventure Trail: 0.25 miles, Easy
2. Harding Nature Trail: 0.2 miles, Easy
3. Horseshoe Loop Trail: 3.2 miles, Moderate
4. Lizard Loop Trail: 0.1 miles, Easy
5. Lone PIne Ridge Trail: 0.2 miles, Moderate
6. Road Runner Loop Trail: 1.3 miles, Easy
7. Toyon Trail: 0.2 miles, Moderate
8. Santiago Creek Trail: 1.6 miles, Easy

I prefer the ones that are at least 1 mile long, easy or moderate level. When we do go hiking with the kiddos, we’ll definitely bring our toddler carrier in case little legs give out (and the whining kicks in).

Tot Trails (Once a Month)

🌐 Event Calendar: ocparks.com/events?location=2881
🌐 Register: letsgooutside.org/activities
💲 Cost: Free (just pay parking: $3 weekdays, $5 weekends)
🧒 Best for: Kids ages 2–6 (but all are welcome)

This monthly program starts near the nature center and includes a short, guided hike tailored for little ones. Water, closed-toe shoes, and comfy clothes are recommended. And yes — strollers are welcome.

I just found out about this and it sounds amazing. I’ll report back once we go!

Calendared Events

🌐 Event Calendar: ocparks.com/events?location=2881

In addition to the big seasonal events, OC Parks hosts smaller family-friendly activities throughout the year — nature walks, animal talks, crafts, and more. Many are free (just pay for parking), so it’s worth checking the calendar before you go.

What to Expect on Your Visit to Irvine Regional Park With Kids

Parking

💲 Cost:

• Weekdays: $3
• Weekends: $5
• Holidays & special events: $7

🅿️ Overflow Parking for Pumpkin Patch (Sept–Oct):
Saturdays and Sundays only at Santiago Canyon College
📍 8045 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA
💲 $5 per vehicle

🚫 Note: Overnight parking is not allowed.

OC Parks Annual Parking Pass

🌐 Website: ocparks.com/annualpass

If you visit often, the OC Parks Annual Parking Pass can be a good deal. It covers all Orange County Regional and Wilderness Parks, including Irvine Regional Park.

• Regular pass: $55
• Senior (60+)/Disabled: $35
• Pays for itself in about 11 weekends or 19 weekdays

Tip: If you decide to buy the pass, get it in person rather than online. Online orders take about 7–10 days to arrive by mail, and you can’t use it until it’s in your hands. The pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase, not from when you first use it.

Where to Eat in Irvine Regional Park With Kids

There are two snack bars inside the park, more like walk-up windows than full restaurants, and both serve a full range of kid-friendly classics:

• Burgers
• Hot dogs
• Chicken nuggets
• Grilled cheese
• Quesadillas
• Fries (regular, cheese, or chili cheese)
• Popcorn, chips, candy, trail mix, and ice cream

I’ve grabbed food here before and honestly, it’s just okay. If your kids are hangry, it’ll do the job. But if you have time to plan ahead, I recommend eating before or after your visit somewhere else nearby. The kettle corn is probably my favorite thing here.

Train Station Snack Bar

📍 Located: at the Irvine Park Railroad train station
🕒 Spring–Summer: weekdays 10am–5pm; weekends 10am–6pm
🕒 Fall–Winter: Weekdays 10am–4pm; Weekends 10am–5pm
🌐 Website: irvineparkrailroad.com/food/train-station-snack-bar

Lakeside Snack Bar

📍 Located: Near the lake, Orange County Zoo, and Wheel Fun Rentals
🕒 Spring–Summer: Weekdays 10am–4:30pm; Weekends 10am–7pm
🕒 Fall–Winter: Weekdays closed; Weekends 10am–4pm
🌐 Website: irvineparkrailroad.com/food/lakeside-snack-bar

Tips for Visiting Irvine Regional Park With Kids

• Sign up for their email list for coupons and discounts.
  I got these in my welcome email just seconds after signing up:
  • Buy-one-get-one free train ride
  • $5 off paddle boat rental
  • $10 off bike rental
  • $2 off snacks like an ICEE, ice cream, or soda
  • Buy-one-get-one free OC Zoo ticket
• October, December, and holidays are the busiest times, thanks to seasonal events like the Pumpkin Patch and Santa’s Village. Try to visit on a weekday or early in the morning if you’re going during these peak seasons.
• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the zoo, playgrounds, or trails.
• Pack snacks and water, especially if you don’t want to rely on the snack bars.
• Consider the OC Parks Annual Pass ($55) if you plan to come back often. It can save you money on parking if you visit other OC parks too.
• Buy the ticket bundle ($100 for 15 tickets) especially if multiple people are doing multiple activities. It’s more cost-effective (save $20) than buying tickets individually.
• Check the event calendar before your visit. You might catch a free craft, tour, or nature walk happening that day.

FAQ: Visiting Irvine Regional Park as a Family

Final Thoughts: Is Irvine Regional Park Kid-Friendly?

Absolutely. Irvine Regional Park is a go-to in Orange County for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and little kids. Between the train ride, the zoo, pony rides, and seasonal fun, there’s something to keep kids of all ages entertained.

It’s a mix of outdoor nature, gentle rides, animals, and open space, which makes it an easy win for a half-day or full-day outing — especially when you don’t want to spend a fortune.

Whether you’re going for the first time or the fifth, Irvine Regional Park is one of those spots that keeps delivering the fun.