Find the good stuff near you.

Mission Viejo · Parks & Hiking

A whimsical paved creek trail dotted with mosaics, gardens, and a koi pond — right next to the library's story-time programs.

Lake Forest · Indoor Play

Wall-to-wall inflatables for open-jump sessions — the go-to when little ones need to burn energy and it's too hot outside.

Mission Viejo · Arts & Culture

Paint-your-own pottery studio — calm, creative, air-conditioned, and you leave with a keepsake. Great for a rainy afternoon.

Lake Forest · Parks & Hiking

Shady creekside singletrack leads to Red Rock Canyon's mini badlands — a payoff hike that feels like a desert adventure for kids.

San Juan Capistrano · Parks & Hiking

OC's biggest wilderness park: oak-lined trails, a nature center, and campgrounds where kids can spot deer, hawks, and roadrunners.

Laguna Niguel · Parks & Hiking

A big lake stocked for fishing, pedal boats, shaded playgrounds, and wide lawns for kites and frisbee — a low-key all-day park.

Irvine · Shopping & Treats

An open-air center with a giant observation wheel, carousel, splash fountains, and a lawn — easy evening fun with dinner options.

Irvine · Indoor Play

The Ducks' practice facility opens its rinks for public skating — a cool, indoor energy-burner on a hot OC afternoon.

Irvine · Theme Parks & Rides

Dozens of slides, a wave pool, and a sprawling kids' lagoon — the big summer splash-day splurge, open in the warm months.

San Juan Capistrano · Arts & Culture

California's storybook mission with koi ponds, gardens, and the famous returning swallows — a calm, photogenic history lesson.

San Juan Capistrano · Animals & Nature

Brush goats, ride a pony, and dig for gems in California's oldest neighborhood — then grab a treat at the historic Los Rios cottages.

Irvine · Indoor Play

A miniature city where kids run the grocery store, fire truck, and farm. Built for ages 0–10 and a lifesaver on hot or rainy days.

Irvine · Parks & Hiking

Ride a tethered helium balloon 400 feet up for skyline views, then a spin on the carousel and a romp at the huge play areas.

Aliso Viejo · Parks & Hiking

Wide, stroller-friendly canyon trails with shaded creek crossings and big oak meadows — an easy intro to hiking for kids.

Irvine · Parks & Hiking

A gentle former cattle-camp canyon with wide dirt paths and shady oaks — an easy, scenic hike that older kids can handle.

Laguna Beach · Beaches & Coast

Manicured bluff gardens and a ramp down to a gentle cove with rich tide pools — accessible, beautiful, and free to enjoy.

Laguna Beach · Beaches & Coast

A flat, sandy cove with a creek mouth kids love to dam and splash in, plus fire rings and a playground steps from the water.

Dana Point · Beaches & Coast

A grassy bluff-top park rolls down to a wide surf beach with tide pools — great for kite-flying, boogie boards, and picnics.

Laguna Beach · Beaches & Coast

Clifftop gardens above protected coves with some of the most accessible tide pools in OC, plus a marine-life refuge.

Dana Point · Beaches & Coast

Gentle waves, a grassy picnic lawn, and tide pools make this the classic easy beach day for families with little ones.

Dana Point → Avalon · Day Trips

Hop the ferry for a car-free island of glass-bottom boats, snorkeling, and golf-cart tours — a memorable big-day adventure.

Irvine · Animals & Nature

A working farm with wagon rides, u-pick produce, a petting corral, and seasonal strawberry and watermelon tours kids adore.

San Clemente · Shopping & Treats

An ocean-view outdoor mall with a kids' play zone and a small train — combine bargain shopping with a sea breeze and room to roam.

Dana Point · Animals & Nature

Head out from the harbor to spot dolphins year-round and gray or blue whales in season — a genuine ocean adventure for all ages.