Great things to do with kids in Orange County, California.
Orange County, California is a family-friendly environment with lots of fun activities for kids. Orange County offers an abundance of popular museums, zoos and aquariums and other entertainments, as well as the classic amusement parks. In addition, since the temperate climate makes it possible to enjoy the outdoors most of the year, there are many inexpensive outside activities that are ideal for family entertainment. Try some of the following options for a kid-friendly good time.
TALK WITH THE ANIMALS
Orange County Zoo:
The Orange County Zoo is a small facility, nestled in Irvine Park in the city of Orange. The zoo specializes in animals native to the Southwestern United States and harbors many animals that were hurt or injured and could not return to their natural habitats.
Orange County Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
(714)973-6847
Santa Ana Zoo:
The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park in Santa Ana is a small local zoo facility. It boasts many small animals including a large collection of lemurs. The barnyard area is perfect for toddlers who want to learn more about cows, pigs, goats and sheep. Ride the small train or let kids play on the playground equipment for a fun-filled day.
1801 East Chestnut Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 835-7484
Ocean Institute in Dana Point:
The Ocean Institute at the harbor in Dana Point is open to the public on weekends. The learning center allows children to see a variety of sea animals up close and even to watch sharks, rays, octopi and jellyfish be fed. This spot is ideal for whale watching and the institute offers special events around the year.
24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 496-2274
CLIMB, BOUNCE AND JUMP
Orange County offers a number of indoor active entertainment centers for kids. Ideal for parties, or just to let off steam on a rainy day, these centers are favorites and are reasonably priced.
Jump 'n Jammin
Need to burn some pint-sized energy? A visit to Jump 'n Jammin is the ticket. The facility has a number of climb and crawl tubes, slides, and bounce houses. Play with the magnetic track wall or let out your aggressions in the foam ball shooter arena. The secure wrist tag system keeps your child from leaving without you.
Jump 'n Jammin
at the Kaleidoscope Mall
27741 Crown Valley Pkwy.
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 582-5890
Scooter's Jungle
Been yearning to go down a giant inflatable slide? How about taking a ride on a zip line in a bounce house? Scooter's Jungle may be the answer to your dreams. Scooter's Jungle offers a toddler room with a smaller slide and ride-ons as well as a "big kid" room with additional equipment. Both rooms also offer air hockey and standard bounce houses. Scooter's has locations in both Aliso Viejo and Placentia.
25 Journey
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 349-9090
921 Via Rodeo
Placentia, CA 92870
(714) 223-5730
MUSEUMS FOR KIDS
Discovery Science Center
The Discovery Science Center, also known as "the cube," offers scientific discovery for children. While some exhibits are toddler friendly, most of the science will be enjoyed by children six and up. Regular exhibits include the rock-climbing wall, stream table, digital lab, virtual volleyball and an earthquake simulator. Other exhibits are seasonal.
2500 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-542-CUBE
Bowers Kidseum
The Bowers Museum - Kidseum specializes in cultural and artistic exhibits for children. Permanent exhibits include features on the First Californians, Pre-Columbian art from Mexico and a collection of California plein air paintings. Contact them for special seasonal exhibits and events, including art summer camp.
2002 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 567-3600
OUTDOOR FUN
Orange County is filled with beautiful beaches and parks. Get outdoors and soak up the sun and surf or hike the hills. Check the state park service website for additional ideas.
Crystal Cove:
Crystal Cove State Park is a great place to play, hike and observe natural marine life in the abundant tide pools. Camping is available, but access to it involves a strenuous inland hike.
Pacific Coast Highway
between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach
enter parking lots at Newport Coast Drive or Reef Point
Aliso and Wood Canyon Wilderness Park
The Aliso and Wood Canyon Wilderness Park offers a variety of hiking trails for every experience level. Whether you want to let the kids climb a slight slope or toss the toddlers in the hiking backpack and get really rugged, you will find the option you want in this park.
28373 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 831-2790
