Kids and their families love Anaheim. It is home to Disneyland and the 2002 World Series Champs, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. But Anaheim has so much more to offer to kids than just the amusement parks.
There's something about the city of Anaheim, California that brings out the kid in all of us. Maybe it's because Anaheim is the oldest city in Orange County. Maybe it's the history of the orange groves that have been disappearing. Whether you're a visitor to sunny Southern California, or lifelong resident, Anaheim has plenty of entertainment to keep young minds and active hearts busy.
No child's heart is content without making the destined trip to Disneyland, Walt Disney's "˜Happiest Place on Earth.' The world renowned amusement park is home to "˜It's a Small World', "˜Pirates of the Caribbean', "˜Space Mountain', "˜The Haunted Mansion', and the Enchanted Castle. Children can meet and hug Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Minnie Mouse, Chip and Dale, and many other famous Disney characters. There are parades, the Star Wars tribute in Star Tours, and an old-fashioned Main Street for children to experience. Disneyland is the quintessential place of magic and wonder to the young and old.
Right across from Disneyland is the latest addition to its theme park ventures, California Adventure. California Adventure is geared for older children with its array of thrill rides, and it plays up the Golden State experience with its model of the Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, "˜It's A Bug's Land', Paradise Pier, and the Twilight Zone of Terror. There is also a nightly Electrical Parade that is sure to bring a smile to children.
Disney not only hosts its theme parks in Anaheim, but it houses a giant entertainment and shopping complex known as Downtown Disney. Anchored at one end by California Adventure and Disneyland and at the other by the Disneyland Hotel, Downtown Disney has an assortment of merchants that will please any child's mindset. The ESPNZone will satisfy young and old alike. The mega-restaurant has giant screen televisions all over the place, including the restrooms, as well as a restaurant and bar on the lower floor, and a games and arcade section on the upper floor. Live sports broadcasts are also conducted from this facility. Right next door to the ESPNZone is the Rainforest Café, which provides a tropical dining experience for families with its enactments of life in the rainforests. Children will indulge their creative talents and delight in the LEGO Imagination Center and Build-A-Bear Workshop. Downtown Disney provides a brief respite from the long lines and crowds at the amusement parks. Family friendly restaurants are available at the Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian Hotel.
If you're not willing to brave the crowds at Disneyland but would still like the kids to have the amusement park experience, try Adventure City just down the street and west of Disneyland. Adventure City is for children ages 11 and under, and the 2-acre park has a cozy and homier feel. Enclosed within the storybook themes are mini roller-coasters, a Thomas the Tank Engine play area, a small train that tours the park, and a bus that goes "˜round and round'. A visit to Adventure City normally takes half a day. Kids can spend the other half in Hobby City, a collector's paradise of 17 shops located right next door to Adventure City. In Hobby City, the kids can explore the train shop, search for rare coins, and visit the toy and doll museum,
For young sports enthusiasts, Anaheim is home to two famous sports teams: the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the Mighty Ducks. Edison field is home to the Angels, and has been remodeled into a family-friendly venue with batting cages and a small playground. Located across the street from Edison Field is the Arrowhead Pond. The Pond is owned by the Disney Company and is home to Orange County's professional hockey team, the Mighty Ducks, after the movie of the same name.
Ready for peace and quiet, or communion with the outdoors? Kids visiting Anaheim can take visit the aviary at the Magnolia Bird Farm. Kids can also stop at the Oak Canyon Nature Center. A 58-acre farm located in Anaheim Hills, the Oak Canyon Nature Center sponsors family programs ranging from a free Discover Nature Saturday program which includes guided nature hikes in the park, educational programs about the habitat and animals in the area, as well as a free summer nature program. Kids can hike the canyon and expend energy in within the trails dotted by coastal sage scrub. An assortment of parks and playgrounds surround the different neighborhoods. Yorba Regional Park is located at the base of the Anaheim Hills and has recreational facilities. Families can camp at Featherly Regional Park Canyon RV for a mini vacation.
For a historical education about Anaheim, bring a child to the Anaheim Museum. View exhibits about the original history, the citrus and farming history of Orange County's oldest city. Photographs depicting the 140-year history of the city, an antique baby scale, old orange crates, art, and a samurai warrior suit are a few of the exhibits available in this museum. Downstairs is a children's interactive play area.
Because it is the home to Disneyland, Anaheim will always be a city that is kid-friendly and fun to visit. Kids usually leave Anaheim with sweet memories and a magic that lasts into adulthood.
