61 Fun Things to Do in Newport Beach With Kids: An Ultimate Guide!
Newport Beach feels like a summer-vacation postcard that stays open all year. You get a harbor full of boats, a Ferris wheel spinning by the bay, a tiny car ferry that kids never tire of and tide pools full of anemones and hermit crabs. If you're hunting for things to do in Newport Beach with kids, you have plenty to choose from. The hard part is picking where to start.
We verified every stop in this guide against official sources: 61 numbered places across the peninsula, Balboa Island, Corona del Mar, Newport Coast and the Back Bay, plus easy add-ons in Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach. You'll find current prices where they're published, parking tricks, free favorites, a seasonal events calendar and a parent tip for every entry.
Kids Activities Near Me (Newport Beach Edition): At a Glance
Where it is: Newport Beach is a coastal city in Orange County (ZIP codes 92660, 92661, 92662, 92663 and 92625). It includes the Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island, Lido Isle, Corona del Mar, Newport Coast and the Upper Newport Bay ("Back Bay").
Getting there from LA: It takes about an hour from central Los Angeles without traffic, and often longer on summer weekends. Take I-405 South, then CA-55 South (which becomes Newport Boulevard onto the peninsula), or CA-73 to Jamboree Road for the Back Bay and Fashion Island.
Best for: Beach days, tide pooling, boat rides, whale watching, easy nature walks, classic treats like frozen bananas and Balboa Bars, and winter holiday events on the harbor.
Getting there & parking: City lots near the piers and beaches charge by the hour. In 2026 the Balboa Pier lot costs $3.10 an hour from October through April and $4.50 an hour from May through September. The Corona del Mar State Beach lot runs up to $9.40 an hour in peak season, with a $35.40 daily max. Arrive before 10 a.m. on summer weekends.
Best time to go: September and October bring warm water and thinner crowds. Gray whales pass by from December through April, and the harbor lights up for the Christmas Boat Parade in December.
Free favorites: The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and the Muth Interpretive Center, Marina Park's ship-themed playground, the Little Corona tide pools, Inspiration Point, the Civic Center Park sculptures, library storytimes and the Fashion Island koi pond.
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Beaches, Piers & Tide Pools: Things to Do in Newport Beach With Kids by the Ocean
Newport's coastline runs from the surf breaks of the peninsula to the rocky coves of Corona del Mar and Crystal Cove. Here's where to spread out your towels.
Main Street at East Ocean Front
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Cost: Free (paid city lot)
Best for: All ages
Balboa Pier is the laid-back anchor of the peninsula's east end. Kids can walk out over the waves, watch surfers and fishermen, and look for dolphins cruising just past the break. The wide beach on either side is ideal for sandcastles, boogie boarding and a long afternoon of wave-dodging.
A diner sits at the end of the pier (see #44), and the Balboa Fun Zone and the ferry are a short walk across the peninsula on the bay side. That makes this a natural home base for a full day.
Parent tip: The Balboa Pier lot has 614 spaces and costs $3.10 an hour from October through April, rising to $4.50 an hour from May through September. Park once and walk everywhere on this end of the peninsula.
East Ocean Front next to Balboa Pier
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Cost: Free
Best for: Toddlers to tweens
Right beside Balboa Pier, Peninsula Park gives sandy kids a grassy break. It's a handy spot to shake out the towels, let little ones run and have a picnic while still hearing the waves. Families gather here for summer events on the lawn.
In December the park becomes a front-row seat for holiday fun. During the 2026 Christmas Boat Parade, Peninsula Park hosts nightly drone shows at 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Parent tip: Use this park as your "reset" spot between beach time and the Fun Zone. It's easier than hauling everyone back to the car.
McFadden Place at West Ocean Front
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Cost: Free (paid parking nearby)
Best for: All ages
Newport Pier is the busier, livelier sibling of Balboa Pier, surrounded by beach cottages, surf shops and snack stands. Walk to the end to watch fishermen and scan for sea lions. On opening night of the Christmas Boat Parade, the opening fireworks show happens here.
The surrounding beach is wide and popular with bodyboarders. The historic dory boats on the sand at the base of the pier give kids a real working harbor to look at (more on those in the next entry).
Parent tip: The West Oceanfront lot by the pier is small, with 211 spaces at $4.50 an hour. Come early on weekends or try the side streets off Balboa Boulevard.
2111 West Oceanfront
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Cost: Free to browse
Hours: Wed–Fri 6 a.m. until sold out (fish); Sat 5:30 a.m.–noon (crab and seafood); Sun 5:30 a.m. until sold out
Best for: Early risers, ages 4+
Here's a slice of old Newport you can't get anywhere else. Fishermen have worked off this beach for well over a century, and the open-air Dory Fleet Market sells the morning catch straight from the boats. Kids get to see crabs, rockfish and whatever else came in that day, up close.
Crab is often gone by 8 a.m. The market is a wonderful early-morning adventure, especially on weekends, when it opens at 5:30. The fishermen will clean and fillet your fish if you ask.
Parent tip: Parking meters around the pier are free until 8 a.m. The line on the left is for crab and the line on the right is for fish. Serious regulars start lining up well before opening.
West Ocean Front (access at Newport Pier or Balboa Pier)
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Cost: Free
Best for: Bikes, scooters and strollers
A paved path runs along the sand on the Balboa Peninsula and links Newport Pier to Balboa Pier. It's flat, breezy and packed with people-watching: surfers carrying boards, beach cruisers, volleyball games and toddlers chasing seagulls.
Families with young riders like how easy it is to turn around whenever little legs get tired. There's always another snack stop or bathroom a few blocks ahead.
Parent tip: Weekday mornings are calm. Weekend afternoons in summer get crowded, so skip the training-wheel lesson then. Bring helmets for everyone.
East Ocean Boulevard near Channel Road, tip of the Balboa Peninsula
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 5+ as spectators
The Wedge is famous for giant, thumping shorebreak waves that bounce off the harbor jetty. On big south-swell days, experienced bodysurfers ride waves that look like moving walls, and a crowd gathers on the sand to watch. It's pure ocean drama.
Treat it as a show, not a swim spot. Stay well back from the water with kids. Even on calm-looking days the shorebreak here is powerful.
Parent tip: For actual splashing, head a few minutes up the peninsula to calmer stretches, or cross the harbor mouth to Corona del Mar State Beach (#7).
Ocean Boulevard at Iris Avenue (beach access road)
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Cost: Free entry; paid city lot
Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
Best for: All ages
Sheltered by the harbor jetty and framed by cliffs, "Big Corona" is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Orange County. The half-mile of sand comes with restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic areas and generally gentler water than the open peninsula beaches. Kids love watching sailboats and yachts glide out of the harbor right beside them.
At the western end, a small rocky cove below the cliffs is fun to explore at low tide. The City of Newport Beach runs the beach, even though it carries the "state beach" name.
Parent tip: Your California State Parks annual pass is not accepted here. Parking runs up to $9.40 an hour in peak season, with a $35.40 daily max. On busy days the lot fills by late morning, so arrive before 10 a.m.
Ocean Boulevard at Poppy Avenue
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 3+ at low tide
Little Corona is a small, rocky cove with some of the best tide pooling in Newport Beach. At low tide the reef opens up, and kids can spot sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea stars and tiny fish darting between the rocks. The dramatic arch rock offshore makes it feel like a secret beach.
It's a steep walk down a ramp from Ocean Boulevard, so pack light. The tide pools here are protected, so look with your eyes and gentle fingertips, and leave every shell and critter in place.
Parent tip: Check a tide chart and aim for a tide of about 1 foot or lower. Wear water shoes with grip, because the rocks are slick. Street parking in the neighborhood fills fast, so be patient and read the signs.
Ocean Boulevard at Orange Avenue
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages; stroller-friendly viewpoint
For the price of a short stroll, Inspiration Point gives you one of the most photographed views in Orange County. You'll see Corona del Mar State Beach below, the harbor jetty and, on clear days, Catalina on the horizon. It's a perfect five-minute stop to show kids the "big picture" of where they've been playing.
A path leads down toward the beach, and benches along Ocean Boulevard make it easy to linger. Grandparents love it too.
Parent tip: Come at golden hour for family photos. Then walk a few blocks along Ocean Boulevard to peek down at Little Corona (#8).
8471 North Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: $15 daily max parking ($20 on peak weekends/holidays)
Hours: 6 a.m.–sunset
Best for: All ages
Crystal Cove is 3.2 miles of undeveloped beach tucked below the Newport Coast bluffs. There are no high-rises and no boardwalk, just coves, reefs and tide pools. The official address says Laguna Beach, but most of the park sits along Newport Coast and feels like the wild edge of Newport Beach. Kids can spend hours poking through the rocks at low tide.
The park has several lots, and each suits a different day. Pelican Point and Reef Point sit closest to the sand. Los Trancos serves the Historic District, and Moro Canyon leads to the hiking trails.
Parent tip: With a California library card you can check out a free California State Library Parks Pass, and it works here. Beach wheelchairs are available near the lots. Parking is pay-on-entry, so have a card or phone ready.
Los Trancos parking lot, North Coast Highway at Los Trancos
Newport Coast, CA 92657
Cost: Park day-use parking
Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
Best for: All ages
Picture a row of weathered 1930s and '40s beach cottages lined up on the sand, looking much as they did generations ago. The Crystal Cove Historic District preserves 46 of these vintage cottages, and wandering among them feels like stepping into an old family photo album. Kids like guessing which cottage they'd "live" in.
This is also where you'll find the Beachcomber (#49), a park store and one of the prettiest small beaches in Orange County. At the time of our update, State Parks says overnight cottage and camping reservations are not currently available.
Parent tip: Park at Los Trancos, which has 444 spaces, and walk through the tunnel under PCH to reach the district. The walk is part of the adventure for little ones.
Moro Canyon parking lot, Crystal Cove State Park
Newport Coast, CA 92657
Cost: Park day-use parking
Best for: Ages 5+ hikers
Crystal Cove's 2,400-acre backcountry is a surprise to families who only know the beach. From the Moro Canyon lot, trails head inland through a shady canyon bottom and up onto ridges with sweeping ocean views. Pick a short out-and-back and turn around whenever the snack supply runs low.
Watch for lizards, hawks and rabbits, and point out native sage and coastal plants along the way. Pair the hike with a beach cool-down afterward.
Parent tip: There's little shade once you climb, so hike in the morning, bring more water than you think you need, and wear sunscreen and hats. For more easy trail ideas, see our easy kid-friendly hikes guide.
1131 Back Bay Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Paid day parking ($15–$30 by length of stay in 2026)
Best for: Babies to age 10
If ocean waves make you nervous, Newport Dunes is your answer. The resort's swimming lagoon sits on the calm Back Bay, so the water is flat and shallow near shore, which is perfect for toddlers. Kids head straight to the Pirate Playground, with its ship structures and slides, and older kids can rent kayaks or paddleboards.
In summer the Dunes adds an inflatable aquatic park with more than 30 inflatables and Movies on the Beach on Friday and Saturday nights. There's also a beachfront restaurant for burgers and hot dogs.
Parent tip: The first 30 minutes of parking are free. After that, it's $15 up to 2 hours, $20 for 2–4 hours, $25 for 4–8 hours and $30 all day, with a flat $35 on holiday weekends. Lifeguards are on duty daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m. in summer and on weekends 10 a.m.–5 p.m. in winter.
Balboa Island, the Fun Zone & Peninsula Classics
This is the Newport of family memories: a car ferry, a Ferris wheel and a street lined with frozen-banana stands.
Marine Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92662
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages, strollers welcome
Balboa Island is a small, walkable island in Newport Harbor packed with colorful cottages, tiny gardens and boats bobbing at the docks. A bayfront walkway circles the island, so families can make a loop at their own pace and turn back whenever they like. Marine Avenue, the island's main street, is lined with boutiques, cafés and the famous frozen-treat shops.
Kids enjoy counting boats and spotting the playful house names. On a sunny afternoon, it's one of the most relaxing walks in Orange County.
Parent tip: Parking on the island is tight. Consider parking on the peninsula and arriving by ferry (#15) instead. It's more fun, and you skip circling for a spot.
410 South Bay Front
Balboa Island, CA 92662
Cost: Small per-crossing fare (see the official fares page)
Hours: Daily 6:30 a.m.–midnight
Best for: All ages
Since 1919, this little three-car ferry has shuttled cars, bikes and people about 800 feet across Newport Harbor between Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula. The trip takes just a few minutes, but ask any kid and it's the highlight of the day. You can ride as a pedestrian, bring a bike or roll right on in the family car.
The peninsula landing drops you steps from the Balboa Fun Zone, so the ferry makes a natural loop: frozen bananas on the island, then the Ferris wheel on the other side.
Parent tip: The ferry runs 365 days a year. Check the official fares page before you go and bring a card or small bills. Summer weekend afternoons bring the longest car lines, but walk-on riders usually board quickly.
600 East Bay Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Cost: Pay per ride; check the official site
Hours: Ferris wheel Mon–Thu noon–5 p.m., Fri–Sun 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Best for: Ages 2–12
The Balboa Fun Zone has entertained families on the bayfront for about 80 years. The star is the Ferris wheel, with views of the harbor and Balboa Island from the top. Little ones can also ride the small boardwalk rides (Ocean Motion, Happy Swing and Coconut Climb) on Friday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and there's an arcade for rainy moments.
The Fun Zone's owners are restoring the landmark, and a larger revitalization of the area has been announced, so expect changes over the next few years. The Fun Zone's current website doesn't list the carousel, so don't promise it to the kids.
Parent tip: Hours can change without notice, and the Fun Zone is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check the website the morning you go, especially on weekdays, when the small boardwalk rides don't run.
210 B Marine Avenue
Balboa Island, CA 92662
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Best for: Ages 6+
How did a sandbar become one of California's most famous little islands? The Newport Beach Museum, long known as the Balboa Island Museum, tells the story with old photos, local artifacts and tales of the early ferries, cottages and summer crowds. It's a small, bite-sized stop, which makes it perfect for curious elementary-age kids.
Afterward, walk the bayfront and see if the kids can spot any of the places from the old photographs.
Parent tip: Pair it with a frozen banana from right down the street (#42 or #43). The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on a few major holidays.
1600 West Balboa Boulevard
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Cost: Free (paid parking)
Best for: Ages 1–12
Marina Park is a 10.5-acre bayfront park that opened in 2015. It has a nautical-themed playground that kids beeline for, plus a small, calm bay beach, open lawns, basketball courts and a fitness circuit. A lighthouse-style tower gives the park its signature look, and the on-site Lighthouse Bayside Café (#50) keeps snack-time easy.
The city's community center and sailing center are also here, with classes for kids (see #23). In December, Marina Park is the largest public viewing area for the Christmas Boat Parade.
Parent tip: The lot has 177 spaces with pay stations and the ParkMobile app. While the Balboa Branch Library is being replaced, you can drop off books and pick up holds here.
Boat Rides, Whale Watching & Water Sports in Newport Beach
Newport Harbor is home to thousands of boats, so plan to get out on the water at least once.
600 East Bay Avenue (Balboa Fun Zone)
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Cost: From $299 for 2 hours (2026)
Best for: Families and groups of up to 10–12
Cruising the harbor in a Duffy is a Newport rite of passage. These quiet electric boats move slowly and have enclosed windows and bluetooth speakers, so you can pack a picnic, put on a playlist and putter past mansions, sea lions and the Balboa Island docks. Kids can sit up front and help "navigate."
In 2026 rentals cost $299 for 2 hours, $429 for 3 hours and $549 for 4 hours, and each boat holds 10 to 12 passengers. That makes it very reasonable when you split it with another family.
Parent tip: The renter and driver must be 21 or older. Book ahead for weekends. Bring your own food, and ask for the kids' activity books at check-in.
309 Palm Street, Suite A
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Cost: Adults $41–$45; ages 3–12 $33–$37; ages 0–2 $8
Best for: Ages 4+
Newport's waters see whales all year. Gray whales migrate past from December through April, and blue and fin whales often appear from May through November. Newport Landing runs whale-watching trips year-round from the Balboa Fun Zone area, and dolphins frequently race the boat, which delights kids.
Departures leave at 9 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m., with an extra 6 p.m. trip from late May to mid-August. Weekday fares are $41 for adults and $33 for kids 3–12. Weekend and holiday fares are $45 and $37.
Parent tip: Morning trips usually mean calmer seas. Bring layers, snacks and motion-sickness remedies if your kids need them. Reservations are held until 30 minutes before departure.
400 Main Street
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Cost: Check official site for current fares
Best for: Ages 4+
Davey's Locker has run whale-watching cruises out of Balboa for more than 30 years, and it's a solid second option when you want a different departure time. Trips head out past the harbor jetties in search of whales, dolphins and sea lions. The crew shares what everyone is seeing, which helps kids know where to look.
The dock is steps from Balboa Pier and the Fun Zone, so you can easily add a beach break or a snack stop.
Parent tip: Davey's often posts online specials, so check its website before booking. Enter any vouchers on the last page of checkout.
1 Whitecliffs Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Single kayak $20/hr; double $30/hr; SUP $25/hr
Best for: Kayakers 7+, SUP 14+
Paddling the quiet Upper Newport Bay is one of the most peaceful family adventures in Orange County. The Newport Aquatic Center rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards right on the Back Bay, where the water is calm and herons, egrets and pelicans often glide past. A double kayak lets a parent do the steering while a younger child paddles.
Rentals are first-come, first-served. Kids must be at least 7 to kayak and 14 to paddleboard, and minors need an adult on the water with them.
Parent tip: Bring your driver's license, because everyone signs a waiver. Life jackets are required. Read our kayaking safety tips for kids before your first trip.
1600 West Balboa Boulevard
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Cost: Varies by class
Best for: School-age kids and teens
Want your kids to learn to sail in one of California's classic sailing towns? The City of Newport Beach runs sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding programs out of the Marina Park Sailing Center, right on the protected waters of Newport Harbor. Programs are designed to build water confidence step by step.
Classes fill up quickly in summer and during school breaks, so sign up early.
Parent tip: Call the Sailing Center at 949-270-8160 or check the city's recreation catalog for age groups and dates.
1131 Back Bay Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Rental fees vary; paid parking
Best for: Families with young paddlers
Newport Dunes' calm lagoon makes a gentle "training pool" for first-time paddlers. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and practice in water that's protected from waves, then venture out toward the Back Bay once everyone feels steady. If you'd rather sit back, the Dunes also rents 21-foot Duffy boats.
Pair a morning paddle with lunch on the sand and an afternoon at the Pirate Playground (#13).
Parent tip: Morning winds are usually lighter, which makes paddling easier for kids. Ask staff about current rental rates and age requirements when you arrive.
Nature, Parks & Playgrounds in Newport Beach
Beyond the beach, Newport has wetlands, gardens and some genuinely great playgrounds, and many of them are free.
2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
Hours: Daily 7 a.m.–sunset
Best for: All ages
The Back Bay is one of the largest coastal wetlands in Southern California, and it sits right in the middle of Newport Beach. Trails and bike paths skirt the water, where kids can spot herons, egrets, pelicans and, in winter, thousands of migrating ducks and shorebirds. It's a free nature field trip with ocean breezes.
OC Parks runs regular public programs and nature workshops here, so check the calendar for guided walks.
Parent tip: Bring binoculars and a simple bird checklist. Kids love checking off sightings. Start at the Muth Interpretive Center (#26) for free parking and restrooms.
2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free admission and parking
Hours: Tue–Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Best for: Ages 3–12
Built into the bluff overlooking the Back Bay, the Muth Interpretive Center is a free, 10,000-square-foot nature center with hands-on exhibits about the estuary and its wildlife. Kids can watch the short film "Newport, Our Bay" in the Watson Theater, and when classes aren't in session they can see live reptiles and amphibians in the classrooms.
The panoramic windows look straight out over the wetlands, which helps kids connect what they just learned to the real thing.
Parent tip: The center is closed on Mondays. Use the free upper lot, and note that the restrooms are open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Back Bay Drive (start near Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive)
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
Best for: Confident young riders, ages 6+
Back Bay Drive hugs the edge of the Upper Newport Bay, and a section of it is shared by walkers, joggers and cyclists with limited car traffic. Families ride it for water views, bird sightings and a steady, mostly flat route. Longer loops continue around the whole bay if your crew has the legs for it.
This is a great ride to pair with a morning at Newport Dunes, since you can start and finish right there.
Parent tip: Some stretches have fast cyclists, so keep little riders to the right and bring helmets. Go early to beat the midday heat and the weekend bike traffic.
600 Shellmaker Road
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free (RSVP required)
When: Select Sundays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., through December 2026
Best for: Ages 4+
On Shellmaker Island in the Back Bay, the Back Bay Science Center is usually reserved for school groups. A few times a year it opens to the public for free Community Days. Families take self-guided tours of the teaching lab and the aquatic lab, walk the Shellmaker trail and visit the native plant nursery. Staff and volunteers are on hand to answer questions.
The center is run with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Newport Bay Conservancy, so the science is the real deal.
Parent tip: RSVP on the event page, because space is limited. Parking and bike racks are free, but leave pets at home because of nearby endangered birds.
1601 East 16th Street
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Cost: No public admission fee listed; check the official site
Hours: Public hours Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Best for: Ages 2–10
The Environmental Nature Center packs a lot of California into a small space. Shady trails wind through native plant communities, a pollinator garden buzzes with bees and butterflies, and birds flit through the trees. It's the kind of place where young kids can explore without getting lost.
The ENC is also a hub for nature camps, scout programs and birthday parties, so it's worth bookmarking for school breaks.
Parent tip: The public can visit on weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are only 21 parking spaces, so arrive early or carpool, and leave pets at home.
Lower trail access near Poppy Avenue and Ocean Boulevard
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Cost: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk; no dogs allowed
Best for: Ages 6+ hikers
Buck Gully is a wooded canyon that runs down from the Newport Coast hills toward Little Corona beach. It's surprisingly green and shady for the coast, and the trail feels like a mini adventure, with footbridges, sycamores and the sound of birds in the canopy. It's a nice change of scenery from the sand.
The main Buck Gully Trail runs about 2.55 miles, with the shorter 0.68-mile Bobcat Trail branching off it. The city restored the canyon's habitat and even placed four footbridges by helicopter, and the Irvine Ranch Conservancy leads docent hikes here.
Parent tip: Leave the dog at home, since dogs aren't allowed in the reserve. Combine it with the Little Corona tide pools (#8) for a nature-packed morning, and check the city's Buck Gully page for trail conditions before you go, especially after rain.
2647 East Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Cost: Adults $12; ages 4–17 $5; ages 0–3 free (2026)
Hours: Daily 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Best for: Ages 2+
This compact botanical garden in the heart of Corona del Mar is full of color, fountains and cozy garden "rooms" that kids enjoy exploring. The succulent and cactus garden looks like another planet to young eyes. There's always a new bloom or bug to discover, and the paths are short enough for toddlers.
The Sherman also hosts family-friendly seasonal events, so check its calendar for kid-focused days.
Parent tip: Military families qualify for free admission through Blue Star Families, and SNAP/EBT cardholders plus four guests get in free with Museums for All. Regular on-site dining isn't currently offered, so snack before or after. During ongoing garden improvements, the entrance is on Dahlia Avenue, next to the free parking lots.
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
The park around Newport Beach City Hall is an outdoor art walk. The city rotates large contemporary sculptures through the landscape, so there's often something new and wonderfully strange to look at. Kids especially love the cluster of oversized white bunny sculptures that locals call "Bunnyhenge."
Rolling paths and ocean views make it a good stroller walk, and it's right next to the Central Library (#36).
Parent tip: The rotating exhibit features about 10 sculptures at a time, and the city's MyNB app offers a self-guided walking tour. Make it a scavenger hunt: have kids find their favorite sculpture and invent its "real" name before reading the sign. Then head next door to the library for storytime.
1990 Ford Road
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 2–12, sports families
Bonita Canyon Sports Park is a big neighborhood park with sports fields, courts and a playground. Families come for youth games on weekends and stay to let siblings play. It's a practical, uncrowded choice when you want a park day away from the beach traffic.
Wide lawns make it easy to kick a ball around or host a birthday picnic. The park sits inland near the 73, so it's also a convenient leg-stretch on the drive in from LA.
Parent tip: On weekends, youth league games can fill the lot. Weekday afternoons are calmer.
1300 Irvine Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 1–10
Mariners Park is a favorite neighborhood hangout in the Westcliff area, with a playground, green space and the Crean Mariners Branch Library next door. It's easy to fill a morning here: storytime inside, then running off the wiggles outside.
Having books and slides off the same parking lot is a lifesaver on busy weekdays. It's also a handy stop if you're coming from the 55 freeway and want to break up the drive before heading to the beach.
Parent tip: Time your visit with Toddler Storytime at the Mariners branch (#37), then stay for the playground.
Dover Drive at 16th Street
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Cost: Free
Best for: Walkers, ages 3+
Perched on a bluff above Newport Harbor, Castaways Park is a natural park with easy dirt paths through native plants and big views over the bay and the Back Bay. It's a peaceful spot for a short family walk or a kite on a breezy afternoon.
Kids like watching the boats come and go from above and picking out the islands they visited earlier in the day. It's a quiet, uncrowded alternative to the busier viewpoints along the coast.
Parent tip: There's little shade, so go in the morning or near sunset. Bring water and hats.
Libraries, Storytimes & Rainy-Day Ideas
Rainy days in Newport are rare, but these indoor spots are free and welcoming.
1000 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
Hours: Mon–Thu 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun noon–5 p.m.
Best for: Babies to tweens
The Central Library is a bright, modern library with a large children's area and regular programs. Preschool Storytime at Central runs 10:30 to 11 a.m. The library also hosts STEAM projects, sensory play, magic shows, animal visits and musical performances throughout the year.
Little ones can join the free 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge, and older kids can log reading through Beanstack.
Parent tip: Walk next door to Civic Center Park (#32) to see the bunny sculptures after storytime. Check the children's calendar for the current schedule.
1300 Irvine Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
Best for: Toddlers and early readers
The Crean Mariners Branch hosts Toddler Storytime (10:30–11 a.m.) and the BARK Read to a Dog program. Reluctant readers can practice aloud to a calm, friendly therapy dog, and kids who try it often want to come back.
It shares a campus with Mariners Park (#34), so the playground is right outside. That makes it easy to reward a good listening session with some climbing time.
Parent tip: BARK sessions are listed on the children's calendar, so check for the current day and time. The library keeps the same long hours as Central.
410 Marigold Avenue
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Cost: Free
Hours: Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; closed Sunday
Best for: All ages
This cozy neighborhood branch is an easy stop between Big Corona beach and the shops on Coast Highway. Grab a stack of picture books for the beach bag, or duck in for a quiet break when little ones need a rest from the sun.
The Balboa Branch is currently closed while it's being replaced, so this and Central are the closest libraries to the beaches.
Parent tip: The branch is closed on Sundays. If you're visiting from LA, see what your own library card already gets you in our guide to free perks with your public library card.
Shopping & Strolling With Kids in Newport Beach
401 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 1–8
Fashion Island is an open-air shopping center with ocean breezes and plenty of room to stroll. Kids head for the koi pond, a landmark since 1969. It holds 20,000 gallons of water and about 80 colorful koi, which glide right up to the edge. Toddlers can watch them for longer than you'd think.
The center is also home to an annual holiday Tree Lighting in the Neiman Marcus–Bloomingdale's Courtyard, a big seasonal draw for families.
Parent tip: Make the koi pond your meeting spot if you split up to shop. It's easy for kids to find.
3434 Via Lido
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Cost: Free to stroll
Best for: All ages
Lido Marina Village is a waterfront shopping district with boardwalks along the harbor, boutiques and cafés. Families come to stroll the docks, look at boats and grab a treat. Bear Flag Fish Co. (#46) is just around the corner, so it's an easy lunch-and-stroll combo.
Holiday décor makes it especially pretty in December. The docks also give you a close look at the boats that later glide through the Christmas Boat Parade.
Parent tip: Walk the waterfront boardwalk first. Kids enjoy the boats more than the boutiques, so save the shopping for last.
2301 San Joaquin Hills Road
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Cost: Free to browse
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Best for: All ages
Roger's Gardens is a garden center, but twice a year it turns into a fantasy world. Its 2026 Halloween Boutique, "Moonlight Masquerade," opened August 28 with a Venetian-inspired theme full of gilded masks and elaborate displays. Kids wander through it like a walk-through storybook, and the Christmas Boutique later in the year is just as dazzling.
The rest of the year, the fountains, flowers and outdoor garden rooms make a pleasant, free stroll.
Parent tip: Weekday mornings are the least crowded time to see the boutiques. Keep little hands close, because many displays are fragile and for sale.
Family Eats & Sweet Treats in Newport Beach
From frozen bananas to fish tacos, here's where kids and parents both eat happily.
310 Marine Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92662
Cost: $
Best for: All ages
Sugar 'n Spice, which calls itself the home of the original frozen banana, has been dipping frozen bananas and Balboa Bars on Balboa Island for generations. A Balboa Bar is a slab of vanilla ice cream on a stick, dipped in chocolate and rolled in toppings like sprinkles or nuts. Eating one on Marine Avenue is practically a Newport requirement.
It's a tiny walk-up shop, so expect a line on warm weekends. It's worth the wait.
Parent tip: Grab napkins, lots of them. Frozen treats and warm afternoons are a sticky combination.
318 Marine Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92662
Cost: $
Best for: All ages
Just a few doors down, Dad's is the other half of Balboa Island's friendly frozen-banana rivalry. It also serves donuts and bakery treats. Families love to taste-test both shops and pick a favorite, which is a debate that can last the whole ride home.
It's an easy stop on the way to or from the ferry. If the kids have already had a frozen treat, a donut makes a good bribe for the walk back to the car.
Parent tip: Split a frozen banana and a Balboa Bar between two kids so everyone gets to "judge" the contest.
1 Balboa Pier # 1
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Cost: $$
Hours: Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat–Sun 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Best for: All ages
Eating a burger and a milkshake at the very end of a pier feels special no matter how old you are. Ruby's Balboa Pier serves classic diner breakfasts, burgers, fries and shakes, with an indoor diner, a walk-up counter and an outdoor patio above the waves.
Several Ruby's locations have closed over the years, but this original pier-end spot is still open and busy.
Parent tip: Use the walk-up counter if the diner has a wait. Take your shakes to the pier railing to watch the surfers.
2200 Newport Boulevard
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Cost: $$
Best for: All ages
The Crab Cooker has served mesquite-broiled seafood in Newport since 1951. It's casual, unfussy and loved by generations of families. Kids can order from the children's menu while grownups dig into grilled fish, shrimp and chowder. There's a seafood market too, if you want to take something home.
It's close to the entrance of the peninsula, so it's an easy stop on the way in or out.
Parent tip: Arrive early for dinner on summer weekends, when lines get long. Check the website for current hours.
3421 Via Lido
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Cost: $$
Best for: Ages 3+
Bear Flag is a fish-market-meets-taco-shop where you order at the counter, grab a table and dig into fish tacos, poke and seafood plates. The fish cases up front turn it into a mini aquarium for kids. There's a second location at the Crystal Cove shopping center on Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Coast.
It's casual, noisy in a good way and very kid-tolerant.
Parent tip: Order a simple grilled-fish taco or chips for picky eaters. Pair the Lido location with a stroll through Lido Marina Village (#40).
203 Marine Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92662
Cost: $$
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Best for: All ages
Wilma's Patio is a family-run Balboa Island favorite serving homestyle breakfast, lunch and dinner, just steps from the bay. Pancakes, eggs and comfort-food plates make it an easy choice for kids and grandparents alike. Chef Tomas has been in the kitchen since the restaurant opened in 1991.
It's our pick for a relaxed breakfast before walking the island, with a friendly, neighborhood feel.
Parent tip: Go for an early breakfast, then walk off the pancakes on the bayfront loop (#14) before frozen-banana time.
7703 East Coast Highway
Newport Coast, CA 92657
Cost: $
Hours: Spring–summer daily 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
Best for: All ages
Perched on the bluff above Crystal Cove, this little roadside shake stand is a Newport Coast classic. It isn't the national Shake Shack chain. It's the local original, famous for date shakes, burgers and breakfast burritos, with sweeping ocean views from the patio.
A post-beach shake here is the kind of tradition kids remember. On clear afternoons you can watch surfers and dolphins from the benches while you sip.
Parent tip: Hours are seasonal, so check the website in fall and winter. Parking is limited along the highway, so pair it with a Crystal Cove park visit.
Crystal Cove Historic District (Los Trancos lot)
Newport Coast, CA 92657
Cost: $$–$$$
Best for: All ages
The Beachcomber sits right on the sand in the Crystal Cove Historic District, so kids can see the waves from the table. A breakfast here, then a morning of tide pooling, is one of the dreamiest family mornings in Orange County.
The setting is the star, so expect a wait at peak times. Weekday breakfasts are usually the easiest time to get a table with little ones.
Parent tip: Put your name in and let the kids explore the cottages and beach while you wait. Park at Los Trancos and walk through the tunnel.
1600 West Balboa Boulevard
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Cost: $
Best for: Playground families
The café inside Marina Park keeps park days simple. Grab coffee for you and a snack for them without leaving the playground, then sit by the bay while the kids climb. It's especially handy on long sailing-class days.
It's casual, convenient and right next to one of Newport's best playgrounds. Grab a treat to share, then walk out to the bay beach to watch the sailing students tack back and forth.
Parent tip: Bring a picnic blanket. The lawn by the water is a great spot to eat.
Related: 50 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in LA
Annual Events & Seasonal Fun in Newport Beach
When: October
Where: Venues around Newport Beach
Newport's big fall film festival brings screenings, filmmaker talks and special events to town each October. Most programming is aimed at grownups, but festival lineups sometimes include family-friendly features and shorts.
Parent tip: Check the festival schedule for ratings and family picks before buying tickets.
When: Halloween & Christmas time
Where: 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar, CA 92625
"Moonlight Masquerade" Halloween Boutique is open during October, and the holiday boutique usually follows in the fall. Both are elaborate, free-to-browse displays that kids love.
Parent tip: Pair it with a stop from our pumpkin patches and fall festivals guide.
When: Annually before the holidays
Where: 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Fashion Island lights its giant holiday tree in the Neiman Marcus–Bloomingdale's Courtyard each year, and weekends bring festive entertainment.
Parent tip: Arrive early for a good view of the tree and plan for extra parking time.
When: December
Where: Newport Harbor (best free viewing at Marina Park)
More than a century old, the parade sends decorated boats glowing through Newport Harbor for five nights. In 2026, opening night on Wednesday, December 16, starts with fireworks off Newport Pier at about 6:15 p.m. Drone shows run nightly at the Balboa Bay Club and Peninsula Park. The route starts and ends at the tip of Lido Isle.
Read our full Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade guide for viewing spots and tips.
Parent tip: Marina Park is the largest public viewing area. Bring blankets, and download the official parade map for estimated arrival times at each viewing spot.
When: December – January
Where: 309 Palm Street, Newport Beach, CA 92661
These 75-minute evening cruises tour the harbor's decorated homes and boats, departing at 5:30, 7 and 8:30 p.m. Holiday cruise fares are listed at $36 for adults, $32 for juniors and $10 for infants on select dates.
Parent tip: Tickets are non-refundable, so check the weather and dress in warm layers. For more festive ideas, see our Christmas and holiday events roundup.
When: December–April
Where: Departures from the Balboa Peninsula
Winter is prime time to see gray whales on their long migration along the coast. Whale-watching boats run year-round, but kids tend to remember these winter sightings most.
Parent tip: Book a morning trip during school winter break, when seas are often calmer.
Nearby: Easy Add-Ons Within 15 Minutes of Newport Beach
These spots in Costa Mesa, Irvine, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach pair easily with a Newport day. Hours and prices change, so check each official site before you go.
2500 North Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Cost: Check official site for current prices
Best for: Ages 2–12
About 15 minutes up the 55, Discovery Cube is a hands-on science center packed with exhibits kids can touch, build and test. Kids explore earth science, ecology and physics through interactive displays. It's our top rainy-day or too-hot-for-the-beach backup when you're in Newport.
The building's giant tilted cube is visible from the freeway, and kids spot it right away. Plan on two to three hours to see it all.
Parent tip: Weekday afternoons after school field trips leave are often quieter. Buy tickets online to save time.
3333 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Cost: Free to visit
Best for: All ages
South Coast Plaza is one of the largest shopping centers on the West Coast. For families, it's a climate-controlled place to walk, snack and window shop on a gloomy day. It has long been home to a carousel, and it goes all-out for the holidays.
It's about 10 minutes from the Newport Beach peninsula, which makes it a handy weather backup when June gloom settles over the coast.
Parent tip: Check the mall's website or concierge to confirm the carousel is running before you promise a ride.
3333 Avenue of the Arts
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Cost: Check official site
Best for: Ages 5+
OCMA moved to a striking new building in Costa Mesa's arts district in 2022. The museum showcases modern and contemporary art from California and beyond. Big, bold works tend to spark great questions from kids, and the building's outdoor terraces and steps are fun to explore.
Look for family days and hands-on art-making programs on its calendar. The Segerstrom Center (#54) is right next door.
Parent tip: Keep visits short and let kids pick three pieces they want to talk about. For more options, see our 45 museums to visit with kids.
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Cost: Varies by show
Best for: Ages 4+
Orange County's premier performing-arts center presents touring Broadway shows, ballet and concerts, along with family-friendly performances throughout the season. Around the holidays, a family trip to a ballet or musical here makes a memorable tradition.
The outdoor plaza is beautiful to walk through even when you're not seeing a show. It sits next to OCMA and across from South Coast Plaza, so it's easy to combine with dinner and a stroll.
Parent tip: Look for shows labeled for families or young audiences. Matinees are ideal for little ones.
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Cost: Check official site
Best for: Ages 1–8
Centennial Farm is a working educational farm on the OC Fair & Event Center grounds, where city kids can see farm animals and growing crops up close. It's a gentle, hands-on introduction to where food comes from.
Kids can compare the size of a cow to a goat and learn what each animal eats. The farm shares the fairgrounds with WinterFest OC, which takes over during the holidays.
Parent tip: Check the farm's public hours before you go, since the fairgrounds host many events. Read our WinterFest OC guide for holiday plans.
8000 Great Park Boulevard
Irvine, CA 92618
Cost: Check official site
Best for: Ages 3+ (height and age rules may apply)
The bright orange tethered balloon at the Orange County Great Park floats families high above the former El Toro air base for bird's-eye views of Orange County. The huge park around it has lawns, sports fields and playgrounds, so it's easy to fill an afternoon.
It's about 20 minutes from Newport Beach, a little farther than our other add-ons but worth the drive.
Parent tip: Balloon flights depend on wind, so check the city's Great Park page the day you go.
5380 3/4 University Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
Cost: Check official site
Best for: Ages 2–10
Tanaka Farms is a family-owned farm in Irvine known for its seasonal U-pick tours, wagon rides and fall pumpkin patch. Kids love pulling their own produce from the fields and eating strawberries straight off the plant in season.
It's about 15 minutes from Newport Beach. In fall, the pumpkin patch and harvest activities make it one of the most popular family outings in Orange County, and the farm's produce stand is a tasty place to finish the visit.
Parent tip: Seasonal events sell out, so book ahead. See our pumpkin patches and fall festivals guide for more fall farm ideas.
8800 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
Cost: Check official site
Best for: Ages 2–16
When the beach isn't enough water, Wild Rivers delivers big slides for thrill-seekers, wave pools and shallow splash zones for little ones. It's a classic Orange County summer outing, and the chlorinated water is a welcome change for kids who don't love sand in their swimsuits.
The park is seasonal and usually closed by fall, so plan it for your next summer visit. It's about 15 minutes from Newport Beach via the 73 or the 405.
Parent tip: Look for season-pass and early-bird deals in spring, and bring water shoes for hot pavement.
Main Street at Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free (paid parking)
Best for: All ages
"Surf City USA" is just up the coast. Walk the long Huntington Beach Pier to watch surfers shred below, then explore Main Street's surf shops and snack stands. It's a completely different beach vibe from Newport, with a bigger, busier feel.
It's about 15 minutes from Newport Pier via Pacific Coast Highway, and the wide sandy beach on both sides of the pier has plenty of room to spread out.
Parent tip: Weekday mornings are calmest. Bring quarters or a parking app, because beach lots fill quickly in summer.
7111 Talbert Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Check official site
When: Typically open in summer
Best for: Ages 6–12
This wonderfully messy playground lets kids build forts, float rafts and get muddy on purpose. It's hands-on, creative play the way many parents remember it. For kids who are tired of plastic slides, it's a revelation.
The surrounding Huntington Central Park has shady trails and lakes for a calmer walk afterward. Grownups often enjoy watching this kind of free-range play as much as the kids enjoy doing it.
Parent tip: Pack a full change of clothes and old shoes, because everyone goes home muddy. Check the city's website for the summer season dates.
400 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free (metered parking)
Best for: All ages
Just past Crystal Cove, Laguna Beach's Heisler Park is a clifftop park with garden paths, ocean views and stairways down to rocky coves and tide pools. At low tide, kids can find anemones and crabs in the protected pools below.
It's about 15 minutes south of Corona del Mar on Pacific Coast Highway. The paved clifftop path is stroller-friendly, even if the stairs down to the coves are not.
Parent tip: Check the tide chart and go at low tide. Water shoes and a gentle "look, don't take" reminder go a long way here.
Parent Tips for Visiting Newport Beach With Kids
Beat the parking crunch: Arrive before 10 a.m. on summer weekends. City beach lots charge hourly, and the Corona del Mar lot can hit its $35.40 daily max in peak season.
Use the ferry as a free parking hack: Park once on the peninsula and ride the Balboa Island Ferry across instead of hunting for island parking.
Check the tides: Little Corona, Crystal Cove and Heisler Park are best at low tide. Aim for about 1 foot or lower.
Save with a library card: California library cardholders can borrow a free California State Library Parks Pass, which covers Crystal Cove day-use parking. Corona del Mar State Beach doesn't accept State Parks passes.
Calm water for little ones: Newport Dunes' lagoon and Marina Park's bay beach are gentler than the open ocean.
Respect the shorebreak: The Wedge and some peninsula beaches have powerful waves. Swim near lifeguard towers.
Plan around the holidays: The Christmas Boat Parade (December) draws big crowds, so arrive early and bring blankets.
Pack layers: Harbor breezes and boat trips can feel much cooler than inland LA.
Takeaway
Newport Beach packs an impressive amount of family fun into one coastal city: harbor boat rides, tide pools, a bayfront Ferris wheel, free nature centers and classic treats like Balboa Bars. With this list of things to do in Newport Beach with kids, you can plan a quick day trip from LA or a full weekend of beach time, wildlife and sweet treats.
Before you head out, check the official websites for hours and prices, and keep an eye on the tides. If you love coastal city guides, see our guides to Manhattan Beach with kids and Redondo Beach with kids next.
Whatever you choose, we hope your family comes home sandy, happy and already planning the next trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in Newport Beach with kids?
The best free things to do in Newport Beach with kids are the Little Corona tide pools, the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Muth Interpretive Center, Marina Park's ship-themed playground and the Civic Center Park bunny sculptures. Walking Balboa Island, visiting the Fashion Island koi pond and joining a library storytime are also free. Parking at the beaches and piers usually costs extra.
Is Newport Beach good for toddlers?
Yes, Newport Beach is very toddler-friendly, especially at Newport Dunes, where the calm lagoon and Pirate Playground are made for little ones. Marina Park, Corona del Mar State Beach and the Sherman Library & Gardens are also easy toddler outings with restrooms nearby.
How far is Newport Beach from Los Angeles?
Newport Beach is about an hour's drive from central Los Angeles without traffic, and often longer on summer weekends and weekday rush hours. Most families take I-405 South, then CA-55 South to the peninsula or CA-73 to the Back Bay and Fashion Island.
When is the best time to go whale watching in Newport Beach with kids?
The best time for whale watching in Newport Beach is December through April, when gray whales migrate along the coast. Blue and fin whales often appear from May through November. Newport Landing runs trips year-round, and 2026 fares are $41–$45 for adults and $33–$37 for kids 3–12.
Is the Balboa Fun Zone still open?
Yes, the Balboa Fun Zone is open, with its Ferris wheel running daily and small boardwalk rides open Friday through Sunday. The landmark is being restored and the area has a planned revitalization, and the carousel isn't currently listed on its website. Check the official site for current hours before you go.
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