40 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Anaheim & Orange County: Where to Stay and Where to Eat!
Planning an Anaheim and Orange County trip with kids? Spend a day or two at Disneyland Resort, ride the roller coasters at Knott's Berry Farm, float above Irvine in the Great Park Balloon and explore the tide pools at Crystal Cove and Laguna Beach. Book a hotel near Disneyland for park days, or base yourself at the beach in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach or Dana Point.
We rounded up 40 things to do in Anaheim and Orange County with kids, 10 family-friendly hotels, and 10 places to eat that kids actually love, with hours, prices and a parent tip for every pick. You'll also find Disneyland planning basics, the 2026 holiday dates (hello, Knott's Merry Farm and two lighted boat parades) and a sample weekend itinerary.
Key Takeaways
Best home base: The Disneyland Resort area for park days you can walk to; Huntington Beach, Newport Beach or Dana Point for beach time and a slower pace.
Best free fun: The Great Park carousel, Shipley Nature Center, Bolsa Chica, the Huntington Beach Pier, Laguna Beach tide pools, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Christmas Market OC and both holiday boat parades.
Book ahead: Disneyland theme park tickets and hotels, Medieval Times, whale watching tours and harbor cruises for the boat parades.
2026 holiday dates: Holidays at the Disneyland Resort start Nov. 13; Christmas Market OC opens Nov. 15; Knott's Merry Farm starts Nov. 20; the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade runs Dec. 16 to 20.
Heads up: Knott's Soak City is a summer-only water park, and the Marine One helicopter is not on display at the Nixon Library right now.
Easy getaway: Anaheim is only about 26 miles from Downtown LA, so OC works for a long weekend, a two-to-four-night trip or even a day trip.
Planning a Trip to Anaheim and Orange County With Kids From LA
Getting to Anaheim and Orange County From LA
Anaheim is about 26 miles southeast of Downtown LA on the I-5, roughly 35 to 45 minutes without traffic. Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are about 35 to 40 miles away, and Laguna Beach and Dana Point are about 50 to 60 miles, or an hour or more depending on traffic.
Rush hour on the I-5 and the I-405 can easily double those times, so leave early or travel midday. Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains also stop in Anaheim, Irvine, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente.
Getting Around Orange County With Kids
You'll want a car to explore beyond the Disneyland Resort, since OC stretches about 40 miles from Buena Park to San Clemente. In the resort area, many hotels are within walking distance of the parks, and the Anaheim Resort Transportation shuttle connects hotels to Disneyland for a fee (check the website).
At the beach, plan for paid parking near the piers and harbors, especially on summer weekends.
Disneyland Resort Basics for Families
Disneyland Resort has two theme parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, plus the free Downtown Disney District. Tickets are date-based, and a Park Hopper option lets you visit both parks on the same day.
Disney sells paid Lightning Lane options for shorter waits on popular rides, and Magic Key annual passes for Southern California fans who visit often. Options and prices change often, so check the Disneyland website before you buy, and download the Disneyland app for wait times and mobile food orders. Our tips for shorter lines at Disneyland can help you plan.
When to Visit and How Long to Stay
OC is a year-round destination. Summer is best for beaches and Knott's Soak City, while fall and winter bring smaller crowds at the beach, holiday fun at the theme parks and gray whale season in Dana Point.
Plan on two to four nights. Spend one or two days at Disneyland, a day at Knott's Berry Farm, and save at least one day for the beach towns.
Things to Do in Anaheim, Buena Park and North OC With Kids
Anaheim and Buena Park are home to Southern California's most famous theme parks, plus dinner shows, a food hall and a small amusement park made for little kids.
Address: 1580 South Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
Cost: Free to walk (check the website for parking)
Ages: All ages
This outdoor promenade between the theme parks and the Disney hotels has shops, restaurants, live music and a lively evening scene, and you don't need a park ticket to visit.
Parent Tip: It's a great first-night stroll if you arrive the evening before your park day. Read our Downtown Disney family guide for where to eat and how to park.
Address: 1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
Cost: Date-based tickets (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
Walt Disney's original park has Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Little kids love the classic dark rides, while older kids head for Space Mountain and the Matterhorn.
Parent Tip: Arrive before opening to ride a few favorites with short waits, and plan a midday break at your hotel with younger kids.
Address: 1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
Cost: Date-based tickets (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
Disneyland's second park is home to Cars Land, Pixar Pier, Avengers Campus and the nighttime World of Color show on Paradise Bay. Its rides lean a little more toward bigger kids, though there's plenty for little ones, too.
Parent Tip: Our Disneyland 2027 entertainment preview covers the World of Color and fireworks updates coming next year.
Address: 440 South Anaheim Boulevard
Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free to visit
Ages: All ages
This restored 1919 citrus packing house is now a two-story food hall with dozens of stalls, from dumplings and ramen to pizza, waffles and ice cream.
Parent Tip: It's a great dinner stop when everyone wants something different. Grab a table on the lawn outside on warm nights.
Address: 2695 East Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92806
Season: Hockey season runs fall through spring (check the website for schedules)
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
Catch an Anaheim Ducks hockey game for fast action, loud crowds and plenty of fun between periods.
Parent Tip: Bring a sweatshirt, since it gets chilly near the ice, and check the schedule for family ticket deals.
Address: 1238 South Beach Boulevard
Anaheim, CA 92804
Season: Daily in summer and on weekends the rest of the year (check the website)
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 12
This small, budget-friendly amusement park is built for younger kids, with gentle coasters, kiddie rides and a train, and lines are usually short.
Parent Tip: It's a smart warm-up for toddlers and preschoolers who aren't ready for a full Disneyland day.
Address: 1900 Associated Road
Fullerton, CA 92831
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Ages: All ages
This 26-acre garden on the Cal State Fullerton campus has winding paths, a pond with turtles and ducks, and plants from around the world.
Parent Tip: It's a peaceful break between theme park days. Check the website for hours and parking before you go.
Address: 8039 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: All ages
This classic theme park has an Old West Ghost Town, big coasters like GhostRider and Silver Bullet, and Camp Snoopy, a whole area of rides for little kids with the Peanuts gang.
Parent Tip: Save room for boysenberry treats, and head to Camp Snoopy early before it gets busy.
Address: 8039 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
Season: Summer only; 2027 season dates TBA (check the website)
Ages: All ages
Knott's water park sits right next to the theme park, with water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and splash areas for little ones.
Parent Tip: Rent a cabana or arrive at opening to grab shady lounge chairs on hot summer days.
Address: 7662 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 4 and up
Knights on horseback joust, sword fight and compete for the crowd while you eat a feast with your hands in a castle arena.
Parent Tip: Cheer loudly for your section's knight, and book ahead for weekend shows.
Address: 7600 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
This dinner show has pirates, acrobats and aerial stunts on a full-size pirate ship in an indoor lagoon, plus lots of audience participation.
Parent Tip: Kids can dress up as pirates, and sitting closer to the ship means more splashes and high-fives.
Things to Do in Santa Ana, Irvine and Inland OC With Kids
Inland Orange County has excellent museums for kids, two zoos, a farm with seasonal fun and one of the most unusual parks in Southern California.
Address: 2500 North Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 12
This hands-on science center has exhibits about the ocean, space, water and the environment, plus a giant cube you can see from the freeway.
Parent Tip: Look for the toddler-friendly play areas, and check the website for special exhibits and events.
13. Bowers Museum
Address: 2002 North Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: Free general admission for kids under 12 with a paying adult (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
This beautiful Spanish-style museum has art and artifacts from around the world, with traveling exhibitions that often appeal to curious kids.
Parent Tip: The former Kidseum space is now used only for school and education programs, so focus on the main galleries and the courtyard.
14. Santa Ana Zoo
Address: 1801 East Chestnut Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; rides on Fridays and weekends (check the website)
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 1 to 10
This small, easy zoo is famous for its monkeys, and it also has a farm area, a carousel and a train ride that's perfect for little kids.
Parent Tip: You can see the whole zoo in a couple of hours, so it's a great pick for toddlers and preschoolers.
Address: 8000 Great Park Boulevard
Irvine, CA 92618
Hours: Balloon and carousel Thursday to Sunday (check the website for hours)
Cost: Balloon rides are $10 for adults and free for kids; the carousel is free; parking is free
Ages: All ages
Built on a former Marine air base, this huge park has a tethered orange balloon that rises about 400 feet for views across Orange County, plus a free carousel, a palm court and big lawns.
Parent Tip: Adults must sign an online waiver the same day, and kids under 13 ride with an adult. Go on a clear day for the best views.
Address: 29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 1 to 8
This kid-sized pretend town has a grocery store, a fire station, a farm, a doctor's office and a beach, so little ones can play grown-up all morning.
Parent Tip: It's closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan around it, and bring socks for the toddler areas.
Address: 670 Spectrum Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
Cost: SunWheel rides about $10 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
This outdoor shopping center has the Spectrum SunWheel, a 132-foot Ferris wheel, plus a carousel, restaurants and splashy fountains.
Parent Tip: Ride the SunWheel at sunset, and note that kids under 63 inches tall or under 12 must ride with an adult.
Address: 3333 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Cost: Free to visit
Ages: All ages
One of the biggest shopping centers in California has a classic carousel, plenty of family restaurants and a festive holiday season with a giant tree.
Parent Tip: Pair a carousel ride with dumplings at Din Tai Fung for an easy rainy-day outing.
19. Tanaka Farms
Address: 5380 3/4 University Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
Cost: Check the website for seasonal events and prices
Ages: All ages
This family farm offers wagon tours and seasonal fun, including strawberry picking in spring, a pumpkin patch in fall and Hikari, a holiday light festival.
Parent Tip: Hikari runs from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27, 2026, on select nights, so book tickets ahead for a festive evening.
Address: 1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Vehicle fee for the park and a small zoo admission (check the website)
Ages: All ages
California's oldest county park has shady picnic areas, paddle boats, a train ride and the OC Zoo, a small zoo of native animals like black bears, mountain lions and bald eagles.
Parent Tip: Bring a picnic and plan a half day, since there's a lot to do in one spot.
Address: 8548 East Canyon View Avenue
Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Parking fee (check the website)
Ages: Best for ages 4 and up
This open park has trails around a reservoir and through a canyon, with birds, wildflowers in spring and hillside views.
Parent Tip: Start with a short loop near the reservoir for little hikers, and go early before it gets hot.
Address: 18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: About $29 adults and $19 kids 5 to 11; free for kids under 5 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Best for ages 7 and up
Kids can tour the farmhouse where President Nixon was born, pose behind the desk in a replica Oval Office and try interactive exhibits about tough presidential decisions.
Parent Tip: The Marine One helicopter is away for restoration and isn't scheduled to return until 2028, so set expectations before you go.
Things to Do in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach With Kids
Surf City and Newport Beach offer piers, wetlands, a classic boardwalk fun zone and a harbor that's perfect for exploring by boat.
Address: 3842 Warner Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This coastal wetland has flat trails and a long footbridge where kids can spot pelicans, herons and egrets, plus a small interpretive center.
Parent Tip: Bring binoculars, and walk the loop in the morning, when birds are most active.
Where: Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, downtown Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free to walk (paid parking nearby)
Ages: All ages
One of the longest piers on the West Coast is the place to watch surfers, look for dolphins and stroll Main Street for ice cream and surf shops.
Parent Tip: Walk the pier around sunset, and bring a sweatshirt, since it gets windy over the water.
Address: 7111 Talbert Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
The city's biggest park has lakes, playgrounds and trails, and the striking Central Library inside it has a big children's area and an indoor fountain.
Parent Tip: Pack a picnic for the park, then cool off with story time or a reading break at the library.
Address: 17851 Goldenwest Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: Free (a small donation is suggested)
Ages: All ages
This 18-acre nature preserve inside Huntington Central Park has shady trails, a pond and a small visitor center where kids can learn about local plants and animals.
Parent Tip: It's only open mornings on select days, so plan your visit around its hours.
Address: 601 16th Street
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Cost: Free (check the website for hours)
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 10
This nature center has short trails through California plant communities, a butterfly house in season and a nature play area for little kids.
Parent Tip: Check the website for family programs and butterfly house hours before you go.
Address: 600 East Bay Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Hours: Fun Zone rides from 11 a.m. daily (check the website)
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: All ages
This classic waterfront fun zone has a Ferris wheel with harbor views, an arcade and harbor cruises. Just steps away, the tiny Balboa Island Ferry carries cars, bikes and people across the bay to Balboa Island.
Parent Tip: Ride the ferry over to Balboa Island for a frozen banana, then walk back across the bridge or take the ferry again.
Where: Rental docks around Newport Harbor
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Cost: Hourly rentals (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
Rent a small electric boat or Duffy-style boat and cruise past harbor homes, sailboats and sea lions resting on the buoys.
Parent Tip: Pack snacks and drinks, and check the rental company's age and life jacket rules before you go. See our 61 fun things to do in Newport Beach with kids for more ideas.
Address: 8471 North Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Day-use parking fee (check the website)
Ages: All ages
This state park has more than 3 miles of beach, tide pools, hiking trails and the Crystal Cove Historic District, a row of colorful 1930s beach cottages.
Parent Tip: Check the tide chart and visit the tide pools at low tide. Look but don't take anything home.
Things to Do in Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano With Kids
South Orange County has rocky coves full of tide pools, a marine mammal hospital, a hands-on ocean center and one of California's most famous missions.
Where: Heisler Park, 400 Cliff Drive, and Treasure Island Park, off South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free (metered parking)
Ages: All ages
Laguna's protected coves are full of sea anemones, crabs, snails and sea stars at low tide. Heisler Park also has a grassy clifftop walk with ocean views.
Parent Tip: Wear water shoes with good grip, and remember that all of Laguna's beaches are marine protected areas, so leave every shell and creature in place.
Where: Laguna Canyon Road, next to the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Ages: All ages
At this marine mammal hospital, kids can watch rescued sea lions and seals recovering in their pools and learn how volunteers care for them.
Parent Tip: Look for the red barn, and visit around feeding times to see the patients most active.
33. Ocean Institute
Where: Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point, CA 92629
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., plus select holidays (check the website)
Cost: About $16 adults and $12 kids 19 months to 13 years (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Best for ages 3 to 12
This ocean education center has touch tanks with sharks, rays and tide pool animals, plus tours of a replica 1700s tall ship, the Spirit of Dana Point.
Parent Tip: It's only open to the public on weekends, so plan a Saturday or Sunday visit, and add a squid dissection for curious older kids.
Where: Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point, CA 92629
Season: Gray whales pass by in winter and spring; dolphins year-round (check the website)
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 4 and up
Dana Point calls itself the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World, and boats head out year-round to look for dolphins, gray whales and blue whales.
Parent Tip: Morning trips usually have calmer water, and kids prone to seasickness do better sitting outside near the middle of the boat.
Address: 26801 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
Founded in 1776, this mission has beautiful gardens, the ruins of the Great Stone Church and exhibits about mission life, and it's famous for the swallows that return every spring.
Parent Tip: Take the train to the San Juan Capistrano station, which is just steps from the mission, for a fun car-free outing.
Holiday Fun in Anaheim and Orange County (2026)
Orange County goes big for the holidays, with theme parks dressed in lights, a German-style Christmas market and two of the most famous lighted boat parades in California.
Dates: Nov. 13, 2026, to Jan. 6, 2027
Address: 1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
Cost: Included with theme park admission (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
Both parks celebrate with holiday decorations, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, holiday fireworks, World of Color – Season of Light and festive treats.
Parent Tip: Our ultimate guide to Holidays at Disneyland covers shows, treats and crowd tips.
Dates: Nov. 15, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027 (closed Nov. 26, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1)
Address: Old World Village, 7561 Center Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Cost: Free admission and free parking
Ages: All ages
Old World Village turns into a German-style holiday market with an indoor market, outdoor booths, Santa visits and festive food and drinks.
Parent Tip: Santa visits are free on select afternoons. See our Christmas Market OC guide for the full schedule.
Dates: Nov. 20, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027 (check the park calendar)
Address: 8039 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
Cost: Included with park admission (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
Knott's celebrates with holiday lights, a Snoopy ice show, the Home for the Holidays musical revue and a nightly holiday lighting moment across the park.
Parent Tip: Food, drinks and some holiday experiences cost extra, so set a treat budget before you go.
Dates: Dec. 11, 12 and 13, 2026 (check the website for times)
Where: Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point, CA 92629
Cost: Free to watch from the harbor
Ages: All ages
Decorated boats glide through the harbor for the 51st parade, with this year's tropical "Harboritaville" theme.
Parent Tip: Arrive early for a spot along the harbor, or book a boat or a viewing party ahead for a closer look.
Dates: Dec. 16 to 20, 2026, starting around 6:30 p.m.
Route: Newport Harbor, starting from the east end of Lido Isle
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Cost: Free to watch from shore
Ages: All ages
The 118th parade fills Newport Harbor with lighted boats over five nights, and opening night on Wednesday, Dec. 16, includes fireworks off the Newport Pier.
Parent Tip: Bring warm layers and arrive early for a spot on the shore. See our Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade family guide for viewing spots and cruises.
Where to Stay in Anaheim and Orange County With Kids
Stay near Disneyland if your trip is all about the parks, or pick a beach resort in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach or Dana Point for a slower pace. Our big list of family-friendly hotels near Disneyland has even more options.
Every hotel name below links to live rates so you can compare prices for your dates.
Neighborhood: Disneyland Resort
Address: 1150 West Magic Way
Anaheim, CA 92802
Best for: Disney-themed rooms and a waterslide pool
Disney's original hotel has themed rooms, monorail-style waterslides at its pool and Goofy's Kitchen for character dining.
Parent Tip: It's a short walk through Downtown Disney to the parks, which makes midday breaks easy.
Neighborhood: Disneyland Resort
Address: 1600 South Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
Best for: Families who want to be closest to the parks
This Craftsman-style lodge has its own entrance into Disney California Adventure, cozy fireplaces and a redwood-themed pool area.
Parent Tip: Use the hotel's park entrance for a quick start in the morning.
Neighborhood: Disneyland Resort
Address: 1717 South Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
Best for: Pixar fans
This hotel is themed to Pixar movies, with colorful rooms, a rooftop pool deck and playful character art throughout.
Parent Tip: Kids love spotting the Pixar details, so make a scavenger hunt of it.
Neighborhood: Near the Disneyland Resort
Address: 12681 Harbor Boulevard
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Best for: An indoor water park
This family resort has a big indoor water park, family suites and activities like MagiQuest, about 2 miles from Disneyland.
Parent Tip: The lodge is in the middle of a big renovation, with lobby work scheduled through December 2026, so check the website for what's open.
Neighborhood: Disneyland Resort area
Address: 1380 South Harbor Boulevard
Anaheim, CA 92802
Best for: Families on a budget
This value hotel across from the Disneyland Resort has a pirate-themed water playground and pools.
Parent Tip: It's an easy walk to the parks, so you can skip the parking fees.
Neighborhood: Disneyland Resort area
Address: 900 South Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
Best for: A good value near the parks
This castle-style hotel has a pool, family rooms and a shuttle to the Disneyland Resort.
Parent Tip: Read our Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel review before you book.
Neighborhood: Huntington Beach
Address: 21080 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Best for: Ocean views across the street from the beach
This modern hotel sits across Pacific Coast Highway from the sand, with a pool, a spa and big ocean views.
Parent Tip: Walk to Main Street and the pier for dinner and ice cream.
Neighborhood: Huntington Beach
Address: 21500 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Best for: Families who want a resort with space
This large resort has pools, gardens and a pedestrian bridge to the beach.
Parent Tip: Rent bikes and ride the beach path toward the pier.
Neighborhood: Dana Point
Address: 25135 Park Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629
Best for: Families who want ocean views and a big lawn
This resort overlooks Dana Point Harbor, with two pools and a park next door.
Parent Tip: Walk down to the harbor for whale watching and the Ocean Institute.
Neighborhood: Newport Beach
Address: 1131 Back Bay Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Best for: Cottages, RV camping and calm water
This bayside resort has cottages, RV sites, a calm swimming lagoon and boat rentals.
Parent Tip: The calm water is perfect for little kids learning to paddle.
Where to Eat in Anaheim and Orange County With Kids
Orange County's food scene has something for everyone, from character breakfasts and fried chicken to fish tacos and beachside burgers.
Address: Disneyland Hotel, 1150 West Magic Way
Anaheim, CA 92802
What to order for kids: The buffet's mac and cheese and kid-friendly favorites
This character buffet at the Disneyland Hotel is hosted by Goofy and his friends.
Parent Tip: Book ahead, especially during the holidays.
Address: 7640 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
What to order for kids: Cheese rolls and potato balls
This beloved Cuban bakery has pastries, sandwiches and cakes at very fair prices.
Parent Tip: Lines move fast, but go early on weekends.
Address: 8039 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
What to order for kids: Fried chicken with biscuits
This classic restaurant outside Knott's has served fried chicken dinners for decades, with boysenberry pie for dessert.
Parent Tip: It's outside the park gates, so you don't need a ticket to eat here.
Address: South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
What to order for kids: Pork dumplings and fried rice
This popular dumpling house is famous for its soup dumplings, noodles and fried rice.
Parent Tip: Join the waitlist online before you arrive.
Address: Irvine Spectrum Center, 71 Fortune Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
What to order for kids: Pasta or chicken tenders
This big, busy restaurant has a huge menu, so picky eaters always find something.
Parent Tip: Ride the SunWheel while you wait for a table.
Address: 3421 Via Lido
Newport Beach, CA 92663
What to order for kids: Fish tacos or a fish and chips basket
This casual seafood counter serves fresh fish tacos, poke and grilled fish.
Parent Tip: Order at the counter and grab a patio table.
Address: 2200 Newport Boulevard
Newport Beach, CA 92663
What to order for kids: Grilled fish skewers or shrimp
This Newport Beach classic serves simple grilled seafood on paper plates in a bright red building.
Parent Tip: Go early, since waits can be long.
Address: 317 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
What to order for kids: Mac and cheese or teriyaki chicken from the keiki menu
This Hawaiian-style restaurant sits right by the pier, with ocean views and a kids' menu.
Parent Tip: Ask for a window table to watch the surfers.
Where: North Coast Highway, about 3/4 mile north of downtown Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
What to order for kids: A burger or a hot dog
This tiny burger stand has been a Laguna Beach favorite for years.
Parent Tip: Grab burgers to go and eat at Heisler Park.
Address: 2313 South El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
What to order for kids: A cheese quesadilla or bean and cheese burrito
This walk-up taco stand is a San Clemente favorite near the beach.
Parent Tip: Grab tacos after a day at the beach.
A Sample Orange County Weekend Itinerary for Families
Here's how we'd spend a first long weekend in Anaheim and Orange County with kids, plus an extra day if you can swing it.
Day 1 (Disneyland Resort): A full day at Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure, with dinner at Downtown Disney.
Day 2 (Buena Park and Irvine): Knott's Berry Farm in the morning, dinner at Porto's or Mrs. Knott's, or swap in the Great Park Balloon and Pretend City for younger kids.
Day 3 (Beach towns): Huntington Beach Pier in the morning, the Balboa Fun Zone and ferry in the afternoon and dinner at The Crab Cooker.
With more time: Add Crystal Cove, the Laguna Beach tide pools, the Ocean Institute or a whale watching trip in Dana Point.
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Takeaway
Anaheim and Orange County with kids is one of the easiest family getaways from LA. Spend a day or two at Disneyland, add Knott's Berry Farm, and save time for the beaches, tide pools and harbors.
Book theme park tickets and hotels ahead, check tide charts for tide pooling and plan holiday visits early for the boat parades and Knott's Merry Farm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orange County good for kids?
Yes. Orange County is one of the best family destinations in California, with Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, the Great Park Balloon, Discovery Cube, Pretend City, two zoos and miles of beaches. Families also love the Balboa Fun Zone, the Laguna Beach tide pools and whale watching in Dana Point.
How many days do you need in Anaheim and Orange County with kids?
Plan on two to four nights. Spend one or two days at Disneyland Resort, one day at Knott's Berry Farm or the Great Park, and at least one day at the beach in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach or Laguna Beach. Since it's close to LA, a long weekend works well.
Where should families stay in Anaheim and Orange County?
Stay near the Disneyland Resort for park days, at the Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel or a nearby value hotel. For a beach stay, try Huntington Beach, Newport Beach or Dana Point. Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove is a fun pick for an indoor water park.
What is free to do in Orange County with kids?
Free favorites include Downtown Disney, the Great Park carousel, Shipley Nature Center, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, the Huntington Beach Pier, the Laguna Beach tide pools and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Christmas Market OC and the Newport Beach and Dana Point boat parades are free to enjoy during the holidays.
What are the best holiday events in Orange County in 2026?
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort start Nov. 13, Christmas Market OC opens Nov. 15 and Knott's Merry Farm begins Nov. 20. The Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights is Dec. 11 to 13, and the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade runs Dec. 16 to 20, 2026.
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