Huntington Beach holds a special place in my heart.
It’s where my husband, Bryan, and I went on our first date (Bella Terra, if you’re curious). We got married here, lived in our first apartment together just a block from Bella Terra, and even welcomed our first baby, Serena, while living in this sunny little beach town.
And yes — our son Huntington? He’s named after this place.
Now, coming back as a mom of two toddlers, I see Huntington Beach through a whole new lens — one filled with pirate ship playgrounds, nature scavenger hunts, and the best ball pit in Orange County. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a weekend, there’s so much to do here with toddlers and little kids — without the chaos or crowds of other beach cities.
If you’re wondering what to do in Huntington Beach with toddlers (besides just chasing them up and down the pier), I’ve got you covered.
Visiting OC with Kids? Here’s What Helps Most.
Traveling with kids isn’t always easy, but these tools help a ton.
Best things to do in Huntington Beach with kids (even toddlers)
🏆 My Top 5 Kid-Friendly Spots in Huntington Beach
These are the places we keep coming back to with our own toddlers—they’re always a hit.
- 🏖️ Huntington Beach All-Inclusive Playground: Pirate ship play structure right on the sand with ocean views and soft rubber surfacing.
- 🌳 Huntington Central Park West Playground: Huge, spread-out play zones with swings, zipline, and a lakefront café next door.
- 🎉 Fun For All Indoor Playground: My favorite indoor playground in all of OC—clean, safe, and packed with slides, ball pits, and toddler zones.
- 🛍️ Pacific City: Outdoor shopping and ocean views with stroller-friendly paths and kid-friendly restaurants.
- 🍝 Bella Terra: Outdoor dining, kid-approved restaurants, a grassy play area, and sometimes free kids’ events.
Huntington Beach All‑Inclusive Playground at the Beach
📍 Address: 913 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
⏰ Hours: Daily 5:00am-10:00pm
💲 Cost: Free to enter; paid street parking available from 6:00 am to Midnight (~$3.50/hour)
🌐 Website: huntingtonbeachca.gov
A pirate ship–themed playground right on the sand? Yes, please.
This oceanfront playground is designed to be inclusive for all kids and sits right at the edge of the beach. The soft rubber flooring makes it safer for toddlers, and the play structures feel more like a beachside adventure zone than a basic park.
What my kids love:
- Boat-themed climbing structures and slides
- Built-in scavenger hunt features
- Tons of space to run, pretend, and burn off energy
Why I recommend it to other parents:
- Bathrooms are close by
- It’s about a 10-minute walk to Main Street and 14 minutes to Pacific City — or a short drive if you don’t want to walk back
- Gorgeous views and space to relax while the kids play
Parent Tip:
Dress in layers. Bring sunhats and sunscreen for midday play, but have sweaters ready for the ocean breeze. Street parking fills fast on weekends, so go early if you can.
Nearby eats:
Head to Duke’s or Sandy’s Beach Shack at the base of the pier for easy meals, or drive a couple minutes to Pacific City for more family-friendly dining options.
Huntington Beach Pier + Main Street (Downtown Huntington Beach)
📍 Address: 325 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
🌐 Website: huntingtonbeachca.gov
The pier is the heart of Huntington Beach—and it’s surprisingly toddler-friendly when you time it right.
Start with a stroller walk out to the end of the pier for beautiful ocean views and maybe even some dolphin sightings. On your way back, stop by The Kite Connection for a kid-friendly souvenir or to fly a kite on the sand.
From the base of the pier, you’ll walk straight onto Main Street, a pedestrian-friendly stretch lined with shops, surf vibes, and easy eats. You can explore it on your own or follow this self-guided walking tour of historic Downtown Huntington Beach.
What my kids love:
- Watching the kites and the waves from the pier
- Strolling through shops with a snack in hand
- Ice cream stops and people-watching from the sidewalk
Why I recommend it to other parents:
- Plenty of casual dining (with kids’ menus) right near the sand
- Easy stroller access and lots to see without having to walk far
- Fun photo ops, especially around sunset
Parent Tip:
Mornings and weekdays are calmer if your kids get overwhelmed easily. Pack a toddler carrier or stroller if you think your toddler will get tired mid-walk.
Where to eat:
- Duke’s and Sandy’s Beach Shack are both right at the base of the pier—easy, breezy, and stroller-friendly
- Main Street also has pizza, tacos, and coffee shops if you want something quick
Huntington Central Park West Playground
📍 Address: 18381 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
💲 Cost: Free
🌐 Website: huntingtonbeachca.gov
This is one of the biggest and most spread-out playgrounds in Huntington Beach, nestled in the city’s largest park. There’s plenty of space for kids to run, climb, and explore—plus a lakeside café just steps away for snacks or lunch.
What my kids love:
- The zipline for older kids
- Rope climbers, swings, and seesaws
- Running from one play zone to the next (it’s big enough to feel like an adventure)
Why I recommend it to other parents:
- Wide-open space to explore without feeling overcrowded
- Multiple play structures with something for every age
- Surrounded by open grassy areas where you can spread out or picnic
Nearby:
Kathy May’s Lakeview Café is a restaurant in the same parking lot and has outdoor seating with a view of the lake.
Shipley Nature Center
📍 Address: 17851 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
⏰ Hours: Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm (First Friday of the month open until 5:00pm)
💲 Cost: Free (suggested donation)
🌐 Website: shipleynature.org
If your kids love nature but aren’t quite ready for long hikes, Shipley Nature Center is the perfect middle ground. The trails are short and stroller-friendly, and the center is divided into several native habitats, including oak woodlands, Torrey pines, meadows, and Blackbird Pond—a freshwater wetland surrounded by willows and sycamores.
What my kids love:
- The scavenger hunt list and sticker sheet they get at check-in
- Looking for tree stumps, butterflies, and acorns
- “Checking off” nature finds as we explore
Why I recommend it to other parents:
- It’s peaceful, shaded, and feels like a little nature escape
- The scavenger hunt kept my toddlers walking longer than usual
- Educational without being overwhelming
Nearby:
Central Park West Playground and Kathy May’s Lakeview Café are just a couple minutes’ drive away if you want to turn your visit into a longer outing.
Adventure Playground (Huntington Beach)
📍 Address: 7111 Talbert Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
⏰ Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Summer only: June–August)
💲 Cost: $4 per person (kids 2 and under are free; one adult (16+) free per child)
🌐 Website: huntingtonbeachca.gov
Adventure Playground is like a giant muddy camp for kids—on purpose. There are rafts to paddle, mudslides to slip down, and giant blocks for building forts. It’s messy, creative, and totally different from your average park.
Note: We haven’t made it here yet, but it’s high on our summer bucket list!
What makes it fun for kids:
- Rafting on a small pond
- Traversing a rope bridge
- Sliding down a muddy hill
- Fort-building with oversized blocks
Why parents like it:
- It’s unplugged, outdoor, and designed for free play
- Staff are present, and safety rules are in place
- It’s one of those rare places where kids can truly get messy without judgment
What to pack:
- A towel
- A full change of clothes for each person
- Plastic bags for muddy items
- Closed-toe shoes with hard soles (water shoes, crocs, and natives are allowed—no sandals)
Nearby:
Located within Central Park East, it’s just a few minutes’ drive from Shipley Nature Center and Central Park West Playground—but consider saving Adventure Playground for last since your kids will likely leave muddy and ready for a rinse.
Fun For All (Indoor Playground)
📍 Address: 7470 Edinger Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
⏰ Hours: Mon–Thurs 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Fri–Sun 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
💲 Cost: $25 per child (9 months+), infants 0–9 months free with paid child, adults $5
🌐 Website: instagram.com/funforall_oc
Fun For All is hands-down one of our favorite indoor spots in Orange County. It’s clean, bright, and packed with activities for toddlers and bigger kids. My kids were obsessed from the moment we walked in—and days later, my 4-year-old was still asking when we could go back.
What my kids love:
- Slides, multiple ball pits, and a trampoline
- Light-up game floor and climbing obstacle course
- Soft play zone just for toddlers
- Coin rides and claw machines
Why I recommend it to other parents:
- It’s the cleanest indoor playground I’ve ever seen
- Everyone wears socks (grip socks required for kids)
- You wear their clean indoor sandals into the bathrooms (small detail, but a thoughtful one)
Parent Tips:
- Bring grip socks for the kids (or you can buy them at check-in)
- No outside food allowed, but they sell snacks at the counter
- If you visit regularly, their punch pass or weekday membership can save you money
- Bring your own water and snacks to enjoy after — your kids will be tired and hungry!
Nearby:
Bella Terra is just a 2-minute drive or 10-minute walk, with family-friendly restaurants, a coffee shop, and a grassy area perfect for post-meal energy release.
Pacific City
📍 Address: 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
⏰ Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00am-9:00pm, Sun 11:00am-6:00pm
💲 Cost: Free to enter; parking is 2 hours free with validation, otherwise $10+
🌐 Website: gopacificcity.com
Pacific City is an outdoor shopping and dining mall with some of the best ocean views in Huntington Beach. Located just across Pacific Coast Highway from the sand and only a block from the pier, it’s a great stop for families who want food, views, and space to walk around without the chaos of a traditional mall.
What my kids love:
- Watching the ocean from the upstairs deck
- Snacking at the food hall with plenty of casual options
- Running around the open-air spaces between shops
Why I recommend it to other parents:
- Kid-friendly menus at restaurants like Simzy’s
- A mix of sit-down dining and fast casual options to match your family’s mood
- Easy to pair with a beach day or walk down the pier
Parent Tip:
If you’re headed here after the beach, bring a towel, change of clothes for sandy kids, and a jacket—it can get windy or chilly, especially in the evenings.
Parking Tips:
- Parking is $10 for the first 2 hours, then $5 per 20 minutes after that (up to $50 daily max), but you can get 2 hours of free parking with validation
- Bring your parking ticket to get it validated
- Parking is free all day if you spend $250+
- Another option: Paid street parking on Pacific Coast Highway is ~$3.50/hour (6:00 AM–Midnight), and can be more cost-effective if you’re staying longer
Nearby:
Right next to Huntington Beach Pier, so you can easily pair the two into one outing.
Bella Terra
📍 Address: 7777 Edinger Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
⏰ Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00am–9:00pm, Sun 11:00am-6:00pm
💲 Cost: Free to enter; plenty of free parking available
🌐 Website: bellaterra-hb.com
Bella Terra is a family-friendly shopping and dining center with wide walkways, a relaxed vibe, and one of my kids’ favorite hangout spots: the grassy play area. We used to live just a block away, and it still feels like a second home every time we visit.
What my kids love:
- Running on the artificial grass patch
- Climbing and balancing on the wooden log feature
- Seasonal photo ops that change every few months
- Watching bubble machines or pop-up music performers during events
Why I recommend it to other parents:
- Restaurants have something for everyone — from ramen and tacos to Cheesecake Factory and CPK
- Space to let your kids move around between errands or meals
- Bonus: events hosted by Bella Terra Kids Club, especially during summer Mondays
Parent Tip:
- Check the Bella Terra Kids Club Eventbrite page for free family events
- Great option for a low-key outing when you need fresh air but don’t want to deal with sand or crowds
Nearby:
- Fun For All Indoor Playground is just a 2-minute drive or 10-minute walk
- You’re also close to Costco (for stocking up) and INC Coffee Roasters, which has amazing chai lattes
Lakeshore Learning (Crafts + Toy Exploration)
📍 Address: 18679 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA
🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri: 10am–8pm | Sat: 10am–7pm | Sun: 11am–5pm
🎨 Free Crafts: 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 11am–3pm
🌐 Website: lakeshorelearning.com/stores/events/
Lakeshore Learning is one of our favorite low-key spots near Huntington Beach for a quick and totally free outing with little kids. It’s technically a toy store, but it feels more like a mini play museum when you go during their free craft events. On the first and third Saturdays of each month, they host a hands-on, drop-in arts and crafts time that’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
What my kids love most:
- Wandering through and trying out toys at the little activity stations
- Playing with puzzles, magnets, pretend food sets, and more
- Story time when it’s offered
- Getting creative during the arts and crafts events
- And of course—it’s all free!
Why I recommend it to other parents:
- The toys and activities are super educational and Montessori-style, not flashy or noisy
- It’s a great spot to discover screen-free travel toys or gifts
- The atmosphere is calm, clean, and very toddler-friendly
Bonus: Even if you don’t go on a craft day, it’s still a fun place to browse and play for a bit. Just be prepared… it’s really hard to leave without buying something (guilty 🙋♀️).
Where to Eat in Huntington Beach with Kids
Cheesecake Factory (American Food)
📍 Bella Terra — Get address, hours & reviews
This is a go-to for us when we want somewhere easy with big portions and tons of options. The booths are comfy, service is fast, and the kids love the free bread.
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)
📍 Bella Terra — Get address, hours & reviews
If your kids love pizza and carbs, CPK is a solid pick. The flavors are bold, service is fast, and we never leave hungry.
What to order:
- Chicken Tequila Fettuccine
- Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pizza
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
How to Get Around Huntington Beach With Kids
Huntington Beach has a laid-back, beachy vibe — but unless you’re staying downtown near the pier, it’s not super walkable for families. Most Orange County families drive, especially when hauling beach gear or strollers.
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
- Easy parking at most restaurants and parks
- Beach parking lots charge hourly or daily — go early on weekends to get a spot. Look for metered spots.
💡 Pro Tip: Use DiscoverCars to compare rental options with filter for family vehicles and car seats.
🚖 Rideshares (Uber & Lyft)
- Available throughout HB and into surrounding cities
- Con: You’ll need to bring your own car seats if riding with little kids
💡 Pro Tip: Download both Uber and Lyft—sometimes one is cheaper depending on surge pricing (busy times).
🚶 Walking
Best for: Families staying near the Pier, Pacific City, or Main Street.
- Easy to walk between the beach, shops, restaurants, and the playground
- Stroller-friendly sidewalks and beach paths
- Great for half-day outings once you’re parked nearby
💡 Tip: Park once and spend a few hours walking the area — it’s one of the rare walkable zones in OC.
🚌 Public Transportation (OC Bus)
Best for: Families on a tight budget without small kids.
- Cost: $2 one-way, $5 day pass
- Free for kids 5 and under
- Not ideal for families: long routes, transfers, and folded strollers required
💡 Tip: Download the OC Bus app for routes and passes.
Where to Stay in Huntington Beach With Kids
Budget Option: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Huntington Beach Orange County
📍 Walking distance to Bella Terra and Fun For All Indoor Playground
- ✅ Budget-friendly and clean, with plenty of space for families
- ✅ Free breakfast with kid-friendly options
- ✅ Outdoor pool
- ✅ Rooms include mini-fridge and microwave
- ✅ Easy access to freeway for day trips around Orange County
💲 Typical rates: $130–$180 per night
👉 Book your stay at SpringHill Suites on Booking.com | Expedia
Mid-Range Option: Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort
📍 Just steps from Huntington Beach Pier, Main Street, and the beach
- ✅ Stylish boutique hotel with a laid-back vibe
- ✅ Giant outdoor games like Jenga and chess in the courtyard
- ✅ On-site restaurant, and walking distance to coffee + dessert spots
- ✅ Easy walk to Pacific City, playgrounds, and beach
- ✅ Pet-friendly too, if you’re bringing the whole family
💲 Typical rates: $200–$350 per night
👉 Book your stay at Kimpton Shorebreak on Booking.com | Expedia
Luxury Option: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
📍 Beachfront location with pedestrian bridge access to the sand + Pacific City
- ✅ Children’s pool with waterslides, games room, and playground
- ✅ On-site dining, family programming, and summer kids’ activities
- ✅ Beach gear and bike rentals available
- ✅ Large pool area with cabanas
- ✅ Spa for parents, too (treat yourself!)
💲 Typical rates: $350–$600 per night
👉 Book your stay at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach on Booking.com | Expedia
FAQ: Visiting Huntington Beach with Toddlers and Little Kids
Is Huntington Beach good for families?
Yes! Huntington Beach is one of our favorite places to take the kids—it’s super family-friendly without feeling overly touristy.
We love how easy it is to find both outdoor and indoor play options, stroller-friendly spaces, and casual restaurants where no one stares if your toddler throws a fry.
Here are our top toddler-approved spots:
- 🏖️ All-Inclusive Beach Playground – Pirate ship play structure on the sand = instant win.
- 🌳 Huntington Central Park West – Zipline, swings, and a lakefront café next door.
- 🎉 Fun For All Indoor Playground – Clean, safe, and perfect for toddlers (and my sanity).
- 🛍️ Pacific City – Ocean views, stroller paths, and Bear Flag tacos.
- 🍝 Bella Terra – Grassy play space + kid-friendly restaurants = a no-brainer dinner spot.
It’s easy, laid-back, and actually fun for everyone—including the parents.
What are some indoor things to do in Huntington Beach with toddlers?
Fun For All OC: Giant ball pits, slides, trampolines, and a soft play zone just for littles. My toddlers beg to go back.
Lakeshore Learning: Free drop-in crafts on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. Great for artsy kids (and it’s hard not to buy a toy or two while you’re there).
These are great for hot summer days, rainy weather, or just needing a break from the sun.
Is Huntington Beach kid-friendly at night?
Yes — there are a few low-key but fun options for evenings with little ones:
- Bella Terra: Lit-up turf play area, casual dining, and occasional evening events. Our go-to dinner spot when we want the kids to burn energy while we eat.
- Huntington Beach Pier: Walk the pier at sunset and fly a kite or watch the surfers.
- Pacific City: Ocean views + dinner + stroller-friendly paths = a peaceful way to end the day.
Where can you eat with toddlers near Huntington Beach Pier?
Toddler-tested and parent-approved spots near the pier include:
- Duke’s – Island vibes, ocean view, kids’ menu
- Sandy’s Beach Shack – Laid-back and steps from the sand
- Pacific City – Simzy’s, Ola Mexican Kitchen, and quick food court options for hangry moments
What’s the best beach playground in Huntington Beach?
Definitely the Huntington Beach All‑Inclusive Playground:
- Pirate ship theme right on the sand
- Scavenger hunt features and ramps for accessibility
- Close to bathrooms, food, and Main Street
Bonus: It’s stroller-friendly and has street parking nearby (come early on weekends!).
Are there any hidden gems in Huntington Beach for kids?
Here are a few spots you might not find on every travel list—but they’re definitely worth checking out:
- Shipley Nature Center – This peaceful nature center offers a free scavenger hunt for kids, butterfly spotting, and mellow walking paths through themed habitats. It’s low-key, shaded, and great for toddlers who love to explore.
- Fun For All Indoor Playground – My personal favorite indoor playground in Orange County! It’s clean, spacious, and full of slides, ball pits, and obstacle courses that work for toddlers and bigger kids alike.
- Adventure Playground (summer only) – Best for ages 3+, this seasonal playground is known for its mudslide, raft pond, and build-your-own-fort play zones. We haven’t tried it yet, but it’s high on our summer list.
What are some free things to do in Huntington Beach with kids?
Good news: You don’t have to spend a ton to have a great time in Huntington Beach with little ones. Some of our favorite spots are totally free (minus parking).
- Huntington Beach All-Inclusive Playground – Play right on the sand with ocean views and pirate ship vibes. It’s free to access—just budget for parking nearby.
- Huntington Central Park – This massive park has playgrounds, grassy fields, ducks to spot, and walking paths that are perfect for strollers and scooters.
- Shipley Nature Center – Free entry (with a suggested donation), and you’ll get a scavenger hunt sheet for the kids to explore different habitats.
- Bella Terra’s play lawn – Free space to run around and explore, plus seasonal photo ops and occasional free kids’ events (check their event page!).
- Window shopping at Pacific City – It’s stroller-friendly, right by the beach, and full of fun sights—even if you don’t buy a thing. You can get 2 hours of free parking with validation, and I’ve even had a restaurant validate for me without ordering.
Don’t forget: Pack snacks, water, a hat, sunscreen, and you’re set for a full morning or afternoon of toddler-friendly fun—without breaking the bank. Bring a jacket if you’re planning to be by the beach.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Huntington Beach With Kids
From one parent to another, you don’t have to over-plan it. Whether you’re chasing your kids through a pirate ship playground, grabbing pasta at Bella Terra, or watching the waves roll in from the pier, this beach town has a way of making memories feel a little extra special.
Pick a couple things that feel manageable, pack some snacks, and let the rest unfold.
And if you do something from this list, it would mean so much if you tagged me on Instagram @diaperstodestinations—not only does it make my day, but it also helps other families discover this post too.
And if you’ve got a favorite Huntington Beach spot I didn’t include? Leave a comment—I’d love to add it to our next visit.
