Orange County is a lovely fusion of sunny California culture and outdoor pursuits.

There is a reason why locations like Anaheim in Orange County attract tourists from all over the world.

And it’s not only you and your spouse who is involved.

In the end, the kids have a blast as well.

Look no beyond the magic word, Disneyland, for family-friendly activities in Orange County.

Of course, there’s more to the location, and we shall outline everything else that can be done there.

1. Mission San Juan Capistrano

Why You Must Leave

The only monastery in Orange County, it is a historical site.

Family gatherings are frequent in this area, with Christmas the most well-liked one.

Additionally, it is the Los Rios Historic District’s oldest neighborhood.

It’s one of those sites to visit whether or not it’s fun.

Steps to Take

It’s a fantastic location to study religion and spirituality.

Visitors of many faiths experience tremendous spirituality and calm here.

You can view several religious items and art installations.

It’s also a fantastic location to study California’s history and culture.

For

Every age.

2. Huntington Beach

Why You Must Leave

One of the best 10 beaches in southern California, according to rankings.

Moreover, it boasts a well-known pier.

The majority of the time, the sky is partially sunny, and the surf is in fair condition.

One of the top dog beaches in the area has also been mentioned.

Steps to Take

Here is a tip. It is known as Surf City.

You can take classes if you’re just starting.

Kayaking is another option, and you can even rent a Duffy sailboat.

You can also try paddleboarding or booking one of the luxury yacht cruises.

Come together at night and share tales over a bonfire.

For

Every age.

3. Butterfly Pavilion

Why You Must Leave

This can be found in the Los Angeles, California, branch of the Museum of Natural History.

It’s a terrific opportunity to have a thorough conversation with museum curators about what makes butterflies unique.

It is an annual show that typically runs from the middle of March until the end of September.

One of the nicest sights you will ever see, in my opinion.

Steps to Take

Here, you can observe how butterflies ingest honey using their mouths.

Caterpillars can be seen munching on the leaves as well.

Numerous butterflies of roughly 30 different species, including several native to California, can be found here.

For

every age.

4. LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Why You Must Leave

There are many family-friendly attractions in this wonderful holiday destination.

Every member of the family can enjoy a particular activity, whether it’s Christmas or Easter.

Steps to Take

You get to enjoy the Big Bunny’s Spring Fling if you arrive early enough for Easter or anytime between March and April.

Additionally, there will be some captivating live acts and photo opportunities.

Children can participate in arts and crafts, and a baby gorilla named Angela might even make a surprise appearance.

For

every age.

5. Ride a Duffy Boat Around Newport Beach Harbor

Why You’ve Got to Go

There’s nothing better than soaking in the California coastline.

And if you get to do it in a Duffy boat, your kids will have an experience they will never forget.

They are big enough for the whole family to get a ride on.

What to Do

Electric boats have been around since 1970 and tons of visitors come here every year.

You can spend quality time with your family far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

You get to cruise silently, just you and the kids.

And yes, the speed is just a bonus.

For

All ages.

6. Ocean Institute

Why You Must Leave

Baby Beach seems to be a fantastic location for kids.

But it’s also the idyllic sandy beach you’ve been anticipating ever since you started making travel plans.

The surrounding area has lush green grass and quiet water.

You can relax on the shore while the youngsters swim, or the other way around.

Steps to Take

Come here just for a summer program or book a boat for a vacation.

You can take one of the tours to see whales and other marine animals.

A pirate ship is located right next door. Both entertainment and education are provided.

For

every age.

7. Irvine Park Railroad

Why You Must Leave

This is the location to visit in Orange County whether you choose to bring a lunch or give space for your child to ride a pony.

An outdoor park called Irvine Park Railroad is ideal for a day of family fun.

Steps to Take

You can either ride a pony or rent a horse.

Additionally, you can look at the horseshoe rental area.

If you prefer something else, visit the volleyball rental area.

Travel the rail or go hiking. A birthday party can also be organized here.

For

every age.

8. Downtown Laguna Beach

Why You Must Leave

In Orange County, California, there is a tiny coastal area like this.

There is indeed much to do here, from art museums to coves just on beaches.

This location has a variety that will leave everyone occupied for a while, whether it be gardens or tide pools.

Steps to Take

At Crystal Cove State Park, there is an aquatic park.

The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park’s pathways through the canyons are a sight to behold.

People of all ages will enjoy riding the Laguna Free Trolley.

Additionally, you can stroll the area and window shop.

For

every age.

9. Corona Del Mar Tide Pools

Why You Must Leave

For those times when we simply require some peace, this beach is remote.

Despite being smaller than Newport Beach, it has some of Orange County’s top tide pools.

Steps to Take

You are welcome to take a free tour.

The greatest time to visit is at low tide, so make sure to go then.

But this is a beautiful location regardless of whether you desire to go swimming or just have a picnic.

For those sweltering summer months, there is a bathroom and a shower.

For

every age.

10. Great Wolf Lodge

Why You Must Leave

One of the advantages is that Disneyland is only about 5 miles away.

Near several of southern California’s most well-known theme parks lie the resort and waterpark known as Great Wolf Lodge.

Steps to Take

On dry ground, you may anticipate enjoying waterpark activities and experiences.

There are four pools and roughly 14 slides in the waterpark.

All of them are kept at a delightfully cozy 84 degrees all year long.

Visit Build-A-Bear or MagiQuest with the kids if you prefer to stay inside.

And the cooks here produce some incredible meals.

For

every age.

11. Dana Point Whale Watching

Why You Must Leave

One is Dana Point. The capital of whale watching is referred to as such.

But in all seriousness, these excursions are offered every day of the year.

This area has a very diverse and rich marine life.

Steps to Take

You can take a coastal tour and spot some incredible, enormous blue whales.

Watch out for humpback whales that are playing and wild dolphin pods.

Grey whales, dolphins, and a few birds can all be seen.

You could even be able to attend the Whale Festival if you can arrange your vacation for March.

For

every age.

12. La Vida Laguna

Why You Must Leave

If you enjoy competitive water activities, come here.

Every type of water activity is available here, including guided tours, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.

However, Orange County, California, also offers a tonne of entertaining activities for youngsters.

Steps to Take

It is hailed as one of Orange County’s ideal family outings.

You may learn to surf and go on kayak tours every day.

Additionally, you can rent an e-bike and have a tour of the area.

There is a clothing section as well as an outdoor changing area.

For

10 years old and older

13. Discovery Cube OC

Why You’ve Got to Go

This is a great place for children who love STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).

There are a lot of family events that will keep everyone engaged.

And the learning for your kids is priceless.

What to Do

It should come as no surprise to you that there are over 100 hands-on science exhibits here.

There are also loads of events conducted here all through the year.

Apart from that, there’s a Boeing rocket lab, a Discovery theater, and a planetary research station that you can check out.

Fun for folks of all ages as promised.

For

All ages.

14. Zoomars Petting Zoo

Why You Must Leave

If your family is passionate about animals, you must engage in this activity.

You can interact closely and closely with farm animals here.

Many animals are waiting for your warm stroking hand, including rabbits, llamas, and horses.

Steps to Take

For kids aged 2 to 10, there is a kiddy train.

You may learn more about the town’s past on Carolyn Town.

While exploring the quaint western town, you can ride a pony to a saloon.

For those who enjoy finding hidden treasures, there is also gemstone mining.

For

2 years old and older

15. Pretend City Children’s Museum

Why You Must Leave

Children can use this area to investigate how the real world functions.

However, they can develop their interest in a secure environment and allow their imaginations to run wild.

Children can aspire to be global leaders among other things.

Steps to Take

The kids can have a dance party or go on a scavenger hunt after playing a song.

Another option is to assign them a straightforward cleaning assignment and promise them the opening of a portal to another planet if they complete it.

For

5 years old and up.

16. Adventure City in Anaheim

Why You Must Leave

Despite being a small theme park, this one in Anaheim has a lot of stuff going for it.

The rest is appropriate for all ages, however, there is a little amusement park for children.

However, this is the portion you’ll enjoy the most.

It’s a fantastic location to have fun as a family without breaking the bank.

Furthermore, parking is also free.

Steps to Take

There are many rides available here.

A petting zoo, a model railway, and food vendors are available.

Birthday celebrations might be held here as well.

For

5 years old and up.

17. Storymakery

Why You Must Leave

This is aimed at storytellers and dreamers.

Nothing compares to the impact of a well-told tale.

These are the factors that bring us a glimpse of the future and motivate us to take action that changes the course of history.

Like the place’s slogan says, you can make characters, stories, and memories here.

Steps to Take

This is the spot to develop any ideas your child may have.

Let their imaginations go wild and watch what happens.

At the conclusion, they receive a printed copy to take with them.

For

Every age.

18. Disneyland

Why You Must Leave

The core of every child’s childhood is this.

If you live in Orange County, there is no way you should even consider skipping it.

Disneyland is the top theme park in the world thanks to its rides, parks, and adventures.

Steps to Take

The Radiators Spring Racers will take you through locations from movies like Cars if you consider yourself a cinephile.

If you enjoy science fiction, visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

And if you enjoy Pixar, visit Pixar Pier to see any of those characters in action.

For

For all ages, some rides are restricted.

19. The Fun Zone at Balboa Village

Why You Must Leave

This gorgeous Balboa Village location is a great place for the entire family to enjoy themselves.

It is an amusement park with everything that kids would unquestionably exhaust themselves on.

Steps to Take

Let’s start with a Ferris wheel on the waterfront if you want to set a schedule for the entire day.

Then, head outside in the afternoon to check out a few of their gameplay.

Spend some time exploring the museum in the late afternoon or early evening when you’re feeling a little worn out.

There is also a lovely beach.

For

every age.

20. Farm + Food Lab

Why You Must Leave

This is an excellent spot to take your kids if you live in Irvine.

You can study with the naiveté of a child when you’re young.

The ideal opportunity to explain to them the origins of the meal on their plate is at that point.

And the participatory nature of this one makes it unique.

Steps to Take

The Pizza and Spaghetti Garden is a great place to go if you’ve been enjoying some Italian food.

You may learn a lot about this cheese fiesta in this outdoor, interactive classroom.

A butterfly garden and several art shows are also nearby.

For

every age.

21. Knott’s Berry Farm

Why You Must Leave

The 160 acres of farm-themed fun at Knott’s Berry Farm, one of California’s top theme parks, are, you have to agree, a touch more than entertaining.

There is a lot to do here, whether it be on the roller coasters or in interactive activities.

Steps to Take

There is always a tonne of stage performances going on here.

If you enjoy being in the water, there are several options, from high-flying slides to calm on the lazy river.

Check out Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang if not, though.

A bazaar and some delectable food are also there.

For

every age.

22. Fullerton Arboretum

Why You Must Leave

These are lovely gardens that remain that way throughout the year.

They love sustainable environmental activities and the blooms are a beautiful sight, so this is a learning chance.

You should also see the display on wildflowers.

Steps to Take

There are numerous plant collections to look through, and some of them are included in exhibits.

There’s a museum with a gallery and several schools as well.

About 350 people can be seated at once in the pavilion.

So perhaps have a seat and learn a little about botany.

For

5 years old and up.

23. Aliso Viejo Ice Palace

Why You Must Leave

This is a location you just cannot miss if ice skating is your thing.

Although California is known for its wonderful weather, if you want a little winter, this indoor facility is the place to go.

Steps to Take

Regardless of whether you enjoy skating or hockey.

It is possible to arrange anything, including birthday parties and broomball games.

There are food and beverage vending machines available 24/7.

Additionally, there is a store where you can get whatever equipment you require.

There is also clothing for hockey fans and figure skaters.

For

8 years old and up.

24. Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Why You Must Go

Stop right there and take a breath before learning a little bit more about the Pacific Ocean (of course, after you’ve had a dip).

Everyone has the chance to learn at the center about environmentalists’ activities and the state of the globe now if they hadn’t existed.

Steps to Take

However, life isn’t all work and no play.

Their mantra, “rescue, rehab, release,” provides you the chance to plan out your initial steps in conservation.

Additionally, you get to witness some incredible species of sea lions and seals.

You might look at the available summer camp programs and perhaps even persuade your child to become a child ambassador.

For

2 years old and older