When in sunny California, try these hot-spots!
Located in the heart of Orange County, the Anaheim area has so many family attractions, you could stay for weeks and still not get to them all. Check out our original list of things to do in Anaheim with kids.
Quick View: Top 20 Family Activities To Do in Anaheim with Kids
- Great Wolf Lodge
- Disneyland
- Anaheim Packing District
- The Children’s Museum at La Habra
- The Santa Ana River Trail
- The Beaches of Orange County
- The Anaheim Garden Walk
- Anaheim Farmers Market
- The Honda Center
- Yorba Regional Park
- Knott’s Berry Farm
- Orange County Zoo
- Oak Canyon Nature Center
- Camelot Golfland
- Angel Stadium
- Fullerton Arboretum
- Anaheim Adventure City
- Pavion Park Playground
- Disneyland California
- Pirates Dinner Adventure
1. Great Wolf Lodge
Our very own Great Wolf Lodge and indoor water park ticks both the lodging and entertainment boxes, and it’s a great solution for families who don’t want to spend their vacation driving around.
From an arcade for the kids and an XD theater — to a fitness center and Wine Down Service, (food and wine pairings delivered to the comfort of your suite), there’s something for everyone.
2. Disneyland
Did you know that Anaheim used to be a pretty low-key place? Really, the only thing this California city had to offer was a bunch of orange groves. Of course, that all changed in 1955 when Walt Disney decided to open his now-infamous Disneyland Park.
Since the grand opening, Anaheim’s population has exploded to over 20 times its original size, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations within the United States.
Every year, the city receives millions of people coming to enjoy all things Disney.
3. Anaheim Packing District
Head over to this corner of the city to experience the most diverse selection of quality eats in town. Inside a restored Packing House is a carefully curated food hall featuring the works of over 50 culinary artisans.
There’s even a few different bars sprinkled around the venue. Enjoy your meal in one of the outdoor picnic gardens, or dig in family style at the communal dining porch.
4. The Children’s Museum at La Habra
Just about 10 miles outside Anaheim, this crowd favorite encourages hands-on exhibits and interactive learning, best for kids under 10.
The whole family can uncover fossils, touch real, stuffed wild animals, ride a carousel, and more.
With dinosaur sculptures in the garden and a big wooden train to climb on, the grounds are great for a picnic, or just running around and having fun.
5. The Santa Ana River Trail
This 30-mile stretch of scenery is sure to help tucker the kids out.
The Santa Ana River Trail stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Orange-River state country line. You can bike, hike, run or walk along its path.
Unfortunately, the water isn’t recommended for swimming. If you are looking for places to take a dip, check out the suggestion below.
6. The Beaches of Orange County
Weather permitting, (and it usually does), when in Anaheim, families should not bypass the beach. After all, most great family vacations include the beach!
Orange County boasts well over a dozen beautiful beaches, each with its own unique personality, whether your family is the surfing type, or the sunning and swimming sort.
7. The Anaheim Garden Walk
In the mood for a little shopping? The Anaheim Garden Walk is a great place to explore shops, restaurants, murals, and art installations.
It’s also home to a series of other activities you can do with the kids. That list includes an escape room, bowling alley, VR game station, and more.
It’s also home to the infamous House of Blues, so if you’re in the market for some live music, you’re in the right place!
8. Anaheim Farmers Market
Every Thursday from the hours of 11-4, families can stroll this free and expansive outdoor Farmer’s Market.
Visit the website for the full list of organic food vendors, including gift and craft booths, as well as the music lineup.
9. The Honda Center
Welcome to the home of the Anaheim Ducks, one of California’s three only professional hockey teams. Stop by, and take in a game. Even if the Ducks aren’t your team, there’s still reason to visit.
The Honda Center also functions as a concert venue. If you’re in the mood for some live music, you’ll be in the right place!
10. Yorba Regional Park
About 10 miles away from Anaheim’s center, Yorba Regional Park is a scenic change of pace from the busy streets of SoCal.
It has playgrounds, a picnic area, and a bike trail (rentals are available). Parking is $3 on weekdays, and $5 on weekends.
11. Knott’s Berry Farm
If you haven’t yet filled your quota on theme parks, then go ahead and add Knott’s Berry Farm to the list. It’s located in Buena Park, which is just a short drive from downtown Anaheim.
The 57-acre attraction offers an amazing assortment of rides, roller coasters, and water slides.
If you happen to be in town during the holidays, check out Knott’s Merry Farm, where you’ll get a more festive view of the park.
12. Orange County Zoo
Just 15 miles from Anaheim, the OC Zoo is located in Irvine Regional Park. The Zoo features black bears, mountain lions, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, coyotes, turkey vultures, coati, and more.
There’s also a barnyard with goats, sheep, pot-bellied pigs, doves, and pheasants! Admission is only $2, but there is also a small parking fee.
13. Oak Canyon Nature Center
Find silence and serenity as you hike this 58-acre natural park nestled in the Anaheim Hills.
A quiet stream meanders through the park all year long, consisting of three adjoining canyons, where four miles of hiking trails traverse one of the few remaining areas of oak woodland and coastal sage scrub in the region.
14. Camelot Golfland
Play your way through one of their five 18-hole courses, or get into the games in the arcade that looks like a giant castle, at the largest miniature golf course facility in the country.
Attractions also include laser tag, race cars, and bumper cars.
15. Angel Stadium
Take a break from the Anaheim amusement parks and focus on sports, instead. Angeles Stadium, home to the Los Angeles Angels, is one of the most popular attractions in Southern California.
Think about taking in a game while you’re in town. Don’t worry about flying in during the offseason, there are still opportunities to visit the stadium.
Sign up for a guided tour to experience a behind-the-scenes view of the stadium. Check out the Angels Dugout, Clubhouse, broadcast booth, and more.
And hey, if that’s not your thing you can always stop by for some live music instead. That’s right, the stadium doubles as a concert venue as well.
16. Fullerton Arboretum
Yet another oasis amidst the urban jungle, the Fullerton Arboretum boasts 26 acres of beautiful gardens, plant and produce sales four days a week, weekly cooking, fitness, and botany classes, and more. Admission is free, though a $5 is suggested.
17. Anaheim Adventure City
Yes, Anaheim is home to a lot of theme parks. While they are all “kid-friendly” in theory, not all of them cater to very small kids.
Fortunately, this place does. Most rides don’t even have a minimum age requirement to ride. The ones that do cap it at around two years of age.
The kids are bound to have a blast. Spend a few hours exploring the park, or even the whole day! Infants 12 months or younger are admitted for free.
18. Pavion Park Playground
We know you didn’t travel all the way to Anaheim, California for a playground. But the one featured in Pavion Park is worth checking out.
The playground places a particular emphasis on universal access, which is perfect for parents of kids with special needs.
The recently renovated space includes a train house with slides and accessible ramps and interactive boards, a rocking boat big enough to fit a wheelchair, accessible sand differs, spinners and swings equipped with harnesses to provide extra support.
Seriously, this place is so impressive even the adults will love it!
19. Disneyland California
That’s right, there’s not one but two Disney-themed attractions in the city of Anaheim.
While this location is slightly smaller than its original counterpart, it offers lots of things to do for toddlers and older kids. There are roller coasters, food vendors, theme lands, arcade games live music events.
20. Pirates Dinner Adventure
You can’t go to dinner and a show, right? Take the kids to see this break-out hit. Dive into the story of Captain Sebastian the Black and his band of renegade pirates as you enjoy a three-course meal.
With 150 volunteers participating in the production, the show has been dubbed the “world’s most interactive dinner show.”
Looking for more things to do in Anaheim with kids? Take a tour of the Muzeo, check out The Marconi Automotive Museum, and the Hilbert Museum of California Art, which are all great, especially for older kids.
If you haven’t already booked a hotel, think about making Great Wolf Lodge home base. Head to our official site for more information on our Anaheim location and indoor water park. Check out our selection of themed rooms, too!
You’ll feel like your camping out in the Northwoods in no time.
