13 Best Things to Do in Anaheim With Toddlers & Little Kids Besides Disneyland (By a Local Toddler Mom)

I grew up in Anaheim—yep, home of Disneyland—and now I’m raising two toddlers (a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old) right here in Orange County. These days, we live across the street from my mom—because let’s be honest, when you’ve got little ones, being near grandma (or “Bà” in our house) is everything.

But seeing OC through toddler-mom eyes? Totally different story.

Now, my version of a perfect outing involves three things: a place where my kids can run wild, somewhere I won’t spend a fortune, and ideally, a chance to actually sit and enjoy a coffee. If you’ve ever tried to eat while your toddler sprints toward a fountain—you get it.

Anaheim is famous for Disneyland, and it’s magical. But now that I’m a mom, I’ve come to appreciate how much more there is to do here.

Whether you’re local or visiting, here’s my go-to list of toddler-approved activities (indoor play, outdoor play, and eat-and-play outings) in and around Anaheim—all reviewed by a local OC toddler mom (no pricey Disneyland ticket required!).

Best Things to Do in Anaheim with Toddlers and Little Kids Besides Disneyland

These are the places I actually take my own toddlers—all in or near Anaheim (nothing more than a 30-minute drive). Some are basically in our backyard, others are just a quick drive away—but they’re all my go-tos when I need to get the kids out of the house before we all lose it.

1. Cottage Industries Play Area + Food

📍 Address: 12891 Trask Ave, Garden Grove, CA
⏰ Hours: Wed 11am–4pm, Thur–Sun 11am–8pm
💲 Cost: Free play area, food available for purchase (or bring your own)
🌐 Website: thecottageindustries.com

This hidden gem in Garden Grove feels more like a backyard wonderland than a playground. My kids never get bored here because there’s so much variety packed into one space.

What my kids love:

• Sandbox + rolling hills
• Teepees, playhouse, and a boat to climb into
• Giant Connect 4 + “merry-go-cycle” (group bicycle in circle)
• Musical instruments + Lego wall

Why I recommend it:
Shaded spots for parents and kids and plenty of different spaces (music, sandbox, hills, merry-go-cycle, lego wall) to keep little ones busy. Plus, the giant chair makes for the cutest photo op.

Nearby eats:
Smoke Queen BBQ (Wed–Sun) and Junbi matcha (daily) are right in the plaza. Pro tip: Smoke Queen has cold water on hand—bring a reusable bottle.

Parent tip: There’s a changing table in the women’s bathroom, but not the men’s (if my husband isn’t bluffing).

2. Center Greens Park (Outdoor Playground)

📍 Address: 305 E Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805
⏰ Hours: sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🌐 Website: anaheim.net/Facilities/Facility/Details/Center-Greens-450

This is one of the most unique parks we’ve played at in Anaheim. There’s a standard playground with slides, sensory panels, and swings, but the real standout is the Fitcore Extreme Obstacle Course. It’s technically marked for ages 13 and up, but my 4-year-old was obsessed with it.

What my kids love:

• Jumping across the beams and side walls like mini ninjas
• Using the ropes and bars like a hopscotch challenge
• Swapping between the playground and obstacle course

Why I recommend it:
It’s spacious, super clean, and fully covered in rubber surfacing for safety. There’s also a huge grassy field, a skate park, shaded fitness zone, and picnic tables nearby. Restrooms are just a short walk away inside the Downtown Youth Center.

Parent tip: There’s no shade on the actual playground or seating areas, so bring hats and water. Mornings or early evenings are your best bet if you want to avoid the heat.

Nearby Eats: Plenty of food options at Anaheim Packing House and Downtown Anaheim

Nearby Coffee: Thank You Coffee (walkable from the park. I love the Welcome Latte and Boring Latte!)

👉 Want more photos and tips? Check out my full Center Greens playground review.

3. Orange County Zoo

📍 Address: 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869 (inside Irvine Regional Park)
⏰ Hours: 10 AM–3:30 PM weekdays, 10 AM–4:30 PM weekends
💲 Cost: $2 per person (ages 3+), free for kids 2 and under; Parking at Irvine Regional Park is $3-$7
🌐 Website: ocparks.com/oc-zoo

This little zoo is such a hidden gem for toddler parents. It’s calm, compact, and just the right size for curious kids who love animals but can’t handle a giant zoo. We spent about an hour here and saw everything—no meltdowns, no strollers stuck in crowds, just a low-key, fun morning.

What my kid loves:

• Looking at the animals through glass viewing windows
• The petting zoo with goats and farm animals
• Spotting bears, mountain lions, eagles, and snakes up close

Why I recommend it:
It’s short, affordable, and still feels like a full zoo experience—without the all-day commitment. At just $2 per person, it’s an absolute steal. You can see everything in about an hour to an hour and a half, and the layout is super toddler-friendly. The animals are easy to spot, and with glass viewing windows at many enclosures, I didn’t have to keep lifting my kid to see. It’s the perfect outing when you want something low-key but still fun and memorable.

Tip: Bring snacks or lunch and picnic at the picnic tables nearby inside Irvine Regional Park. There’s also a small playground across from the zoo.

Nearby eats:
There’s a snack bar inside the park, but we usually bring our own lunch or grab something outside the park.

👉 Want more tips and photos? Check out my full review of the Orange County Zoo with toddlers.
👉 Making a day trip out of it? Here’s what else to do with kids at Irvine Regional Park.

4. Pretend City Children’s Museum

📍 Address: 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
⏰ Hours: Wednesday–Sunday 10am–4pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) (open Tuesdays during summer)
💲 Cost: $22 for any child or adult over 1 years old (Free for babies under 1)
🌐 Website: pretendcity.org

Pretend City is one of our all-time favorite places to spend a few hours indoors. It’s a miniature city built just for kids—designed to let little ones explore grown-up roles in a hands-on, totally imaginative way. We’ve been coming here since my oldest was a toddler, and it’s still a hit every time we go.

What my kids loved here:

• Filling tiny shopping carts at the mini Trader Joe’s
• Digging in the sand at the beach and splashing in the water toys at the marina area
• Doing the art projects and sensory bin activity in the art studio (these change every single day!)
• Playing doctor, firefighter, farmer—you name it!

Why I recommend it to other parents:

Parking is free and easy, the whole place is enclosed, and there are plenty of parent-friendly touches (nursing room, snack area, kid-sized toilets).

Parent Tip: Plan on 2–3 hours, and bring snacks. There’s a café space with tables and microwaves for breaks.

👉 In my full Pretend City Irvine Review, I share local insider tricks, what to pack, and photos of our favorite spots inside.

5. Huntington Beach All‑Inclusive Playground at the Beach

📍 Address: 913 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
⏰ Hours: Daily 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free to enter; paid street parking available 6:00 AM – Midnight at ~$3.50/hour
🌐 Website: huntingtonbeachca.gov

A pirate ship–themed, inclusive playground right on the sand—perfect for combining beach + playtime in one outing.

What my kids love:

• Boat-themed slides and climbing areas
• Scavenger hunt features built into the playground
• Plenty of space to run and pretend

Why I recommend it to other parents:
Unbeatable ocean views, inclusive design with rubber flooring, bathrooms close by, and easy access to Pacific City + Huntington Beach Pier for food.

Tip: Dress in layers—sunhat and sunblock for midday, sweater for the breeze. Street parking fills fast on weekends, so come early.

Nearby: Tons of dining options at Pacific City and along Huntington Beach Main Street.

6. El Dorado Nature Trail (Kid-Friendly Hike)

📍 Address: 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815
⏰ Hours: Trails open Tue–Sun 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
💲 Cost: Entry is free; Parking is $6 weekday, $7 Friday, $8 weekend, $9 holidays
🌐 Website: https://www.longbeach.gov/park/park-and-facilities/parks-centers-pier/el-dorado-nature-center/general-information/

This peaceful spot is perfect for an easy nature escape. The stroller-friendly trails are shaded, and there’s always something for kids to discover—turtles, dragonflies, even a snake in the nature center.

What my kids love:

• Spotting wildlife along the trails
• Crossing little bridges
• Checking out the nature center exhibits

Why I recommend it:
Easy trails with turn-back points, plenty of shade, and a calm setting that feels far from the city.

Tip: Go before 11 AM on weekends to avoid crowds, and pack water + snacks.

Nearby: El Dorado Regional Park (with a lake and playground) is right across the street, and LBX or 2nd & PCH are great nearby food stops.

7. Billy Beez (Indoor Playground)

📍 Address: 400 Disney Way, Anaheim, CA 92802 (inside Anaheim GardenWalk)
⏰ Hours: Mon–Thu 10:30 AM–7:30 PM, Fri 10:30 AM–9 PM, Sat 10 AM–9 PM, Sun 10 AM–8 PM
💲 Cost: $19.95 (ages 1–17), free for under 1 with paid child. One adult included per child. Additional adults $6.95. Socks required ($3.19)
🌐 Website: billybeezus.com/location/anaheim-gardenwalk

Billy Beez is a huge indoor playground with slides, tunnels, ball pits, and soft play areas inside Anaheim GardenWalk. It’s a solid pick when you need to let the kids run wild indoors, especially on a hot or rainy day.

What my kid loves most:

• Soft play area for toddlers (Mini Beez)
• Pretend play areas

Why I recommend it to other parents:
The space is clean, padded, and very spacious. On a Wednesday late afternoon (around 4:30–6 PM), there were only three kids total—my daughter, her classmate, and one other. The fact that it was nearly empty meant I didn’t have to shadow my kid constantly or break up arguments over turns. I actually got to sit and chat with the other mom while they played, which never happens at busier places like Playpie (Buena Park) or Candeeland (Santa Ana).

Parent tips:

• Socks are required (you’ll need to buy Billy Beez socks once, but you can reuse them on future visits)
• No outside food allowed, except for cake or cupcakes with birthday party bookings
• There are plenty of restaurants just outside in Anaheim GardenWalk
• Arrive at opening on weekends to avoid crowds (a tip from another mom friend who has been on the weekend)

Nearby eats:
Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, PF Chang’s, McCormick & Schmick’s, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

8. Mile Square Regional Park

📍 Address: 16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
⏰ Hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM (spring/summer), 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (fall/winter)
💲 Cost: Free to enter; parking costs vary by day (free street parking may be available)
🌐 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/parks-trails/mile-square-regional-park

This park is huge—it’s a full mile on each side (hence the name!) with wide open space, a lake, a playground, and so much more. It’s one of those rare places that works for both littles and big kids, whether you want to get active or just relax in nature

Fun fact: when I was training for my marathon, I used to run around this park since it’s a 4-mile perimeter.

What my kids love:

• Playground time
• Watching ducks + swans on the lake
• Crossing the bridges to the island

Why I recommend it:
Plenty of space so it never feels crowded, great for stroller walks or bikes, and sometimes hosts fun events or carnivals.

Tip: It’s a big park—wear comfy shoes if you plan to explore.

Nearby: For food after, we love Brodard (pork spring rolls!) and Vox Kitchen (garlic noodles + lomo saltado).

9. Downtown Disney (Disney Magic Without the Ticket)

📍 Address: 1580 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA
⏰ Hours: Vary by shop/restaurant (generally 10am–9pm weekdays, later on weekends)
💲 Cost: Free to enter; parking $10 with validation (3 hours if you spend $20+ at a shop, 5 hours if you dine at a sit-down restaurant)
🌐 Website: disneyland.disney.go.com/downtown-disney

Downtown Disney is a free shopping + dining district just outside Disneyland and California Adventure. It’s stroller-friendly, clean, and way less hectic than the parks—perfect for a quick dose of Disney magic without the ticket price.

Our favorite spots:

• LEGO Store: Free building + play areas
• World of Disney: Endless merch + spotting toy characters
• Grassy area near Parkside Café: Running, rolling, or dancing to live music
• Splitsville Luxury Lanes: Bowling, giant Connect 4, and space for kids to play
• Sweet treats: Churros + Salt & Straw ice cream (lots of flavors to sample)

Why I recommend it to other parents:
It’s free to enter (parking is $10 with validation), with plenty of bathrooms and stroller space. Between the lights, music, and Disney magic—whether in LEGO builds, art, or toys—it still feels special without park tickets. Total good vibes.

👉 In my full guide to Downtown Disney Anaheim With Kids, I share pictures of what to do with toddlers, my favorite family-friendly places to eat, exact details on parking and validation, and budget tips to save money.

10. Anaheim Packing House (Family-Friendly Food Hall)

📍 Address: 440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805
⏰ Hours: Sun–Thu 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Fri–Sat 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free to enter; food prices vary by vendor
🌐 Website: anaheimpackingdistrict.com

This vibrant food hall is one of my go-to spots for visitors—great food, live music (sometimes), and space for kids to play on the outdoor grass.

What my kids love:

• Running around on the artificial grass
• Sampling sweet treats from different vendors (PopBar and Mini Monster)

Why I recommend it to other parents:
Fun atmosphere, tons of food options for everyone, and always a good vibe.

Tip: Parking is tricky—valet fills fast and street parking can be a pain. Weekdays, mid-mornings, or late afternoons are your best bet.

11. Golden Road Brewing (Family-Friendly Brewery)

📍 Address: 2210 E Orangewood Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806
⏰ Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Friday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – Midnight
💲 Cost: Free to enter; food and drinks cost
🌐 Website: goldenroad.la/anaheim

Right across from Angel Stadium, this brewpub is one of our favorite hangouts. The outdoor patio has yard games and space for kids to run, while inside you’ll find 30+ taps and plenty of family-friendly food.

What my kids love:

• Kids’ menu (pepperoni pizza + popcorn chicken are favorites)
• Wide patio with cornhole + room to play
• Crayons + kids’ worksheet at the table

Why we love it:
Tasty food (spicy tuna bites + margherita pizza), spacious seating indoors and out, and Happy Hour deals Mon–Fri 6:30pm-close. My husband, Bryan, is always excited about $5.50 pints.

Tip: Go a little before Happy Hour (Mon-Fri 6:30pm-close). It’s easier to find parking and you’ll snag the best deals.

12. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Buena Park

📍 Address: 7662 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
⏰ Showtimes: Weekdays: typically 7:00 PM | Weekends: 2–3 shows (commonly 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:30 PM)
💲 Cost: Adults (11+): $75.95 | Children (3–10): $46.95 | Children under 3: Free if they sit on your lap and eat from your plate
🌐 Website: medievaltimes.com/buena-park

For something totally different, Medieval Times is a 2-hour live show with knights, horses, jousting, and sword fights—plus dinner included. Surprisingly toddler-friendly, my kids were glued to the action the whole time.

What my kids love:

• Waving flags + wearing crowns
• Horses racing + birds flying overhead
• Lights and clashing swords (even my 1-year-old was captivated)

Why I recommend it to other parents:
Kids under 3 are free if they sit on your lap and share your meal, and the portions are huge. It’s one of the few sit-down shows that kept my kids fully engaged.

Tip: Bring noise-canceling headphones for sound-sensitive toddlers, and arrive ~40 minutes early for castle photos.ten long on the weekends.

➡️ We took a 1-year-old, 2-year-old, and 3-year-old to Medieval Times. Here’s how it went.

13. Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park

📍 Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
⏰ Hours: Vary by season; usually 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (check calendar before you go)
💲 Cost: Single-day tickets start around $59 when purchased online in advance
🌐 Website: knotts.com

Knott’s is one of my favorite theme parks with toddlers—more affordable and manageable than Disneyland, but still full of magic. Most little-kid rides are in Camp Snoopy, so everything’s close together, and Peanuts characters make it extra special.

What my kids love:

• Toddler-sized rides in Camp Snoopy (some solo!)
• Meeting Snoopy + friends
• Face painting, carnival games, and the arcade
• Panning for gold + bringing home treasure
• Live shows for a fun break

Why I recommend it to other parents:
Smaller layout, lower cost, and tons of activities designed for little ones. It’s one of the easiest parks to enjoy with toddlers.

👉 Want all my insider strategies for doing Knott’s with toddlers? I cover the best toddler-friendly rides, where to eat, and even how to save money on tickets.

Where to Eat Near Anaheim With Kids

These are some of our family’s favorite places to eat around Anaheim—great for toddlers, quick bites, and casual sit-downs.

Panini Kabob Grill (Mediterranean Food)

📍 Get address, hours & reviews

A reliable pick when you want something flavorful, healthy, and filling. The portions are generous and kid-friendly.

What to order:

• Charbroiled Chicken Shish Kabob (comes with 2 sides)
• Fresh Atlantic Salmon Kabob
• Beef Koobideh Kabob

Phoholic 2 (Vietnamese Food)

📍 Get address, hours & reviews

This spot is inside Rodeo 39, a lively food hall with an arcade and space for kids to run and play. Bonus: Phoholic offers a free kid’s pho bowl for little ones under 5.

What to order:

• Phở Tái, Chín (steak + brisket)
• Phở Tái, Đuôi Bò (steak + oxtail)
• Free kid’s pho bowl (comes with noodles, broth, meatballs, and kid-safe scissors)

Sababa Falafel (Middle Eastern Food)

📍 Get address, hours & reviews

Fast and fresh pitas. You can’t go wrong with the falafels and fries.

What to order:

• Chicken Pita Sandwich
• Makali Pita Sandwich
• Falafels
• Fries

bb.q Chicken Anaheim (Korean Fried Chicken)

📍 Get address, hours & reviews

One of our top picks for crispy, juicy wings. I usually hand-shred bone-in wings for my toddlers, but boneless works too!

What to order:

• Soy Garlic Wings
• Honey Garlic Wings
• Golden Original Wings

Kaju Tofu (Korean Food)

📍 Get address, hours & reviews

This is a cozy spot for warm, comforting hot tofu soups and classic Korean BBQ-style dishes. Highchairs are available.

What to order:

• Any of their tofu soups
• Fried Dumplings (6 pieces)
• Galbi (short ribs)
• Chicken or Spicy Pork Bulgogi
• Bulgogi Bibimbap

In-N-Out (Classic Fast Food)

📍 Get address, hours & reviews

A California staple, and a favorite for our family that always hits.

What to order:

• Double Double Animal Style
• Cheeseburger with grilled onions + chopped chilis (my order 😋)
• Cheeseburger with no veggies (my kids’ order)
• Classic fries

How to Get Around Anaheim With Kids

Around Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center, you can walk or hop on the shuttle. But the best food and family-friendly spots in Orange County? Totally spread out. With kids, driving is hands-down the easiest. Technically, there’s public transit, but no local families I know actually use it.

Here are the options for families:

🚗 Drive or Rent a Car (Most Flexible)

Best for: Families planning to explore all of Orange County, including beaches, LA, or attractions outside Anaheim.

• Most flexible way to get around
• Keep car seats in the car – no need to haul them around while you explore
• Parking:
  • Usually free in most of Orange County
  • Paid at most major attractions and hotels (e.g., Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney, Anaheim GardenWalk, Anaheim Convention Center)
• Brings freedom to travel on your own schedule

🚖 Rideshares (Uber & Lyft)

• Widely available throughout Anaheim and Orange County.
• Disneyland has designated pick-up/drop-off zones, making it smooth for quick trips or airport transfers.
• Con: You’ll need to bring your own car seats if traveling with young kids.

🚌 ART Shuttle (Anaheim Resort Transportation)

Best for: families staying in the Anaheim Resort area who plan to stay mostly nearby.

• Connects Disneyland, hotels, Anaheim Convention Center, Anahein GardenWalk, and more.
• Cost: $6 one-way adult, $12 day pass adult
  • Kids under 3 ride free
• Stroller-friendly:
  • Bring your stroller onboard without folding in most cases
  • Dedicated stroller space near doors
  • Drivers often assist with loading/unloading

🚶 Walking

Best for: Families staying in the Anaheim Resort Area and planning to stay nearby.

• Many hotels are within a 10–20 minute walk to Disneyland, Downtown Disney, Anaheim Gardenwalk, and the Anaheim Convention Center
• Stroller-friendly paths throughout the Anaheim Resort area
• Safe and convenient—no parking hassles
• Bonus: it’s free and you get exercise!

🚌 Public Transportation (OC Bus)

Best for: Families traveling on a tight budget and not bringing small kids.

• Cost: $2 one-way, $5 day pass
  • Reduced fares for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities
  • Free for children 5 and under when accompanied by a paying customer.
  • For OC locals: kids ages 6-18 can get a Youth Ride Free pass through most Orange County K-12 schools (but allow up to 14 days for it to be processed)
• Passes available in the OC Bus app
• Less convenient for families:
  • Long routes
  • Often require transfers
  • Strollers must be folded

FAQ: Visiting Anaheim With Toddlers and Little Kids (Besides Disneyland)

Final Thoughts: Exploring Anaheim with Toddlers and Little Kids

There’s so much more to Anaheim than just Disneyland—though it’s pretty great, too! Whether you’re a local looking to shake up your usual routine or a visitor planning a SoCal family trip, this area is packed with toddler-friendly gems.

From hands-on indoor play spaces to free local events, hidden playgrounds, and easy day trips, you don’t have to spend a fortune (or wait in long lines) to keep your little ones entertained.

I hope this guide helps you plan days that feel less stressful and more joyful—because when you’ve got little ones, even a couple of hours out of the house can feel like a win. Happy exploring! 💛