Summer is the perfect time for fun family activities in Orange County. Aside from the major theme parks like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, Orange County offers an endless variety of great places to go to and events taking place that the entire family can enjoy!
Fun Family Activities in Orange County
1. Boomers Amusement Park
Photo Source: Boomers
A more classic kind of amusement park, Boomers in Irvine, has go-carts, arcade games, mini golf, laser tag and so much more. Adults can find their inner kid again and kids, well, they can be kids! The cost for attractions is relatively affordable, or you can purchase a season pass for under $70.
2. Pretend City
Photo Source: Pretend City
This children’s museum is truly unique. Pretend City in Irvine is exactly what it sounds like, a play city with 17 interactive exhibits where children can learn about real life experiences. This lively museum is the perfect place to throw birthday parties and tickets are only $12.50 making it way cheaper than most activities.
3. Kayaking
Photo Source: Newport Aquatic Center
Rally up the family, grab a one-seater or a two-seater kayak and get out on the crisp blue ocean as the perfect way to enjoy summer. Sunset Kayaks and the Newport Aquatic Center in Newport Beach are a few great spots to rent kayaks for only $15. Both locations are safely located near the harbor so there’s no need to worry about crashing waves or getting lost.
4. The Farm + Food Lab
Photo Source: City of Irvine
Located in Irvine, The Farm + Food Lab is an interactive outdoor classroom that can be a greater experience for individuals of any age. Learn how to grow and care for a garden, take a class on canning or pickling, and/or purchase fresh organic produce from their Sunday Farmers Market.
5. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Photo Source: HikingGuy
Nothing beats enjoying the great outdoors and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is the spot to get away for the day. Hike, bike, or go camping in this beautiful canyon full of diverse scenery. This is a great way for the family to spend time together out in nature.
6. Fullerton Arboretum
Photo Source: Fullerton Arboretum
For more outdoor fun family activities in Orange County, bring the family to Fullerton and visit the arboretum. With over 4,000 varieties of plant life, the arboretum is a great place to combine fun and education. Take a tour or participate in one of their special events.
7. Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Photo Source: RMA Photography Inc. via Newport Beach Magazine
If you need a break from outdoor adventures and are in the mood for art and music, Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Center for the Arts is the perfect place. The center has multiple performing arts venues that put on Broadway shows, ballets, and kids theater. Go enjoy a show or even take a class!
8. Science Center
Photo Source: OC Register
Kids and adults of all ages can enjoy spending a day at a science museum such as the Discovery Cube in Santa Ana. Check out the variety of exhibits like the Extreme Dinosaurs exhibit or enjoy a 3D learning experience at Discover Cube’s 3D theater. This awesome museum is $17.95 for adults and only $12.95 for children.
9. Spray Pools
Photo Source: Adam Townsend via OC Register
Keep the kids cool by taking them to the park and letting them run through spray pools! Lemon Park and Adlena Park in Fullerton are both popular places with spray pools.
10. Go to the Beach
Photo Source: Visit Newport Beach
It’s free, it’s beautiful, and Orange County is packed with great beaches for the family to enjoy. Go to Laguna for a more tranquil atmosphere, or Newport for a more kid-friendly, exciting atmosphere.
11. Amusement Parks
Photo Source: Disneyland
Orange County is famous for Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland. The extra cash spent on tickets is definitely worth a day of fun rides, attractions, and family-friendly shows.
With so many possibilities for fun summer family activities in Orange County, there’s no excuse to stay home! These are great opportunities to have fun with the entire family and create some cherished memories.
