Orange County, California is a popular destination for families with young children, offering a wide range of child-friendly activities and a beautiful, mild climate. While there are many pros to visiting Orange County with young children, including access to numerous theme parks and family-friendly beaches, there are also a few cons to consider, such as the high cost of living and the heavy tourist crowds in certain areas. Below, we have compiled a list of the top 15 child-friendly activities, 5 unique child-friendly restaurants, 3 family-friendly accommodation options, an outdoor activity and an indoor activity for rainy days, as well as general information about the city to help you plan your trip to Orange County with young children.
Top 15 Child-Friendly Activities:
- Disneyland: Located in nearby Anaheim, Disneyland is a must-visit for families with young children. With a variety of rides, shows, and attractions, there’s something for everyone at this iconic theme park.
- Knott’s Berry Farm: This theme park in Buena Park offers a variety of rides, shows, and attractions for families with young children, including a water park and a number of kid-friendly rides.
- Legoland California: This theme park in Carlsbad is geared towards younger children, with a variety of rides, shows, and attractions based on the popular Lego toys.
- Adventure City: This small theme park in Anaheim is perfect for younger children, offering a variety of rides, shows, and attractions in a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Irvine Park Railroad: This train ride in Irvine is a hit with kids, offering a scenic tour of the park’s grounds and a number of activities, including a petting zoo and a playground.
- The Irvine Spectrum Center: This shopping center in Irvine has a number of child-friendly attractions, including an ice skating rink, a carousel, and a ferris wheel.
- The Discovery Cube: This science museum in Santa Ana has a number of interactive exhibits and activities for kids, including a planetarium, a water exhibit, and a dinosaur exhibit.
- The Children’s Museum at La Habra: This museum in La Habra is designed specifically for young children, offering a variety of hands-on exhibits and activities that help kids learn through play.
- Huntington Beach: This popular beach in Orange County is a great destination for families with young children, offering a wide range of activities, including swimming, surfing, and sandcastle building.
- The Orange County Zoo: This small zoo in Irvine is home to a variety of animals, including monkeys, bears, and exotic birds. Kids can watch animal demonstrations and take part in educational programs.
- The Orange County Museum of Art: While this may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of child-friendly activities, the Orange County Museum of Art has a number of interactive exhibits and activities that are perfect for kids.
- Balboa Island: This small island in Newport Beach is a great destination for families with young children, offering a variety of activities, including boat rentals, a playground, and a number of small shops and restaurants.
- The Pacific Marine Mammal Center: This marine animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Laguna Beach is a great destination for families with young children, offering a number of educational programs and the chance to see a variety of marine animals up close.
- The Orange County Great Park: This park in Irvine offers a variety of activities for families, including a playground, a carousel, and a number of sports fields.
- The Orange County Fair: An annual event in Costa Mesa, California that offers a variety of fun and exciting activities for families, including carnival rides, games, live music, food vendors, and more.
5 Unique Child-Friendly Restaurants:
- The Scratch Room: This fast casual restaurant in Costa Mesa is a hit with families with young children, offering a variety of delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups in a casual, kid-friendly atmosphere. Reviewers love the delicious food and the fun atmosphere.
- The Gypsy Den: This sit-down restaurant in Santa Ana is known for its delicious, organic food and its relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere. Reviewers rave about the delicious food and the cozy ambiance.
- The Wild Chive: This fast casual restaurant in Laguna Beach is a great option for families with young children, offering a variety of healthy, organic dishes in a casual, kid-friendly atmosphere. Reviewers love the delicious food and the fun atmosphere.
- The Crema Cafe: This sit-down cafe in Costa Mesa is known for its delicious, locally-sourced food and its relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere. Reviewers rave about the delicious food and the cozy ambiance.
- The Golden Bear: This sit-down restaurant in Huntington Beach is a hit with families with young children, offering a variety of delicious dishes in a casual, kid-friendly atmosphere. Reviewers love the delicious food and the friendly staff.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: The Montage Laguna Beach: Located in Laguna Beach, this luxurious hotel offers a variety of amenities for families, including a children’s pool, a kid’s club, and in-room babysitting services. Reviewers love the high-end amenities and the stunning ocean views.
- Family-Friendly: The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach: This hotel in Huntington Beach is located just a short walk from the beach and offers a variety of amenities for families, including a children’s pool, a kid’s club, and in-room babysitting services. Reviewers rave about the convenient location and the friendly staff.
- Budget/Value: The Days Inn by Wyndham Anaheim Maingate: Located in Anaheim, this budget-friendly hotel offers a variety of amenities for families, including a children’s pool, a kid’s club, and in-room kitchenettes. Reviewers appreciate the affordable rates and the convenient location.
Top Outdoor Activity:
Newport Beach: This popular beach in Orange County is a great destination for families with young children, offering a wide range of activities, including swimming, surfing, and sandcastle building. Kids will love playing in the sand and splashing in the water, and adults will appreciate the beautiful ocean views and the laid-back atmosphere.
Top Indoor Activity for Rainy Days:
Boomers! Irvine: This indoor amusement park in Irvine is a great option for families with young children on rainy days, offering a variety of rides, games, and attractions in a climate-controlled environment. Reviewers love the fun atmosphere and the wide range of activities.
General Information:
Orange County has a mild climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s. The best months to visit depend on your preferences, as the county experiences warm temperatures and sunny skies throughout the year. Some popular neighborhoods for families to visit include Anaheim, Huntington Beach, and Laguna Beach. To get around the county with young children, you may want to consider renting a car or using ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. Public transportation is also available, including the metro and bus system.
Overall, Orange County is a great destination for families with young children, offering a wide variety of child-friendly activities, restaurants, accommodation options, and outdoor and indoor activities for rainy days. With its beautiful beaches and endless opportunities for exploration and discovery, Orange County is a great place for families to create lasting memories and have a fun and enjoyable vacation. From theme parks and museums to beaches and playgrounds, Orange County has something for every member of the family to enjoy. So pack your bags and get ready to explore all that this beautiful county has to offer.
