Planning a family vacation to Anaheim, California? With its endless sunshine and exciting attractions, it's no wonder this Southern California city is a top vacation choice for families.
Anaheim is a dream destination for kids of all ages, offering everything from thrilling theme parks to interactive museums. From the moment you arrive, there's an endless array of activities to entertain the whole family.
Ready to start planning your adventure? Read on to discover the best fun things to do in Anaheim with your kids.
1. Disneyland California
- Price: $$$
- Location: Anaheim
- Age Range: All ages
Nothing compares to the magic of Disneyland when it comes to the best things to do in Anaheim. As the original home of Mickey Mouse, Disneyland California first opened its magical gates in 1955. Determining the best time to visit Disneyland depends on your preferences, but the park offers something special year-round.
Disneyland is great for all ages; with fun dining options and cocktail drinks for the adults to It’s A Small World for babies and toddlers. Try out the thrill-seeking Matterhorn bobsleds or Space Mountain for the adventurous older kids, or bask in the cool darkness on a hot summer day in the Haunted Mansion. Disneyland California can truly be a magical place for adults and children alike, but it’s a long, tiring few days at the park. Be sure to bring sunscreen, stay hydrated and stop frequently for an iconic Dole whip.
Depending on your budget, Disneyland can break the bank or be fairly affordable. Plus, your AAA membership gets you discounted Disneyland Park tickets, so take advantage of that through your AAA travel agent. Keep in mind, you do need reservations at Disney parks, which is a new update in recent years.
2. Knott’s Berry Farm
- Price: $$
- Location: Buena Park
- Age Range: All ages
A 57-acre theme park in Buena Park, Knott’s Berry Farm averages 4 million visitors a year, a staggering number for a theme park you might never have heard of. Soak City is its heart-pounding water park open from May to September with a 750,000-gallon wave pool and a ⅓ mile lazy river.
Other must-see attractions include the Ghostrider wooden coaster or the Xcelerator high-speed launch coaster or dive into a 96-degree drop on the thrilling Hangtime, which are excellent options for older kids and adults. Younger kids might enjoy the log flume ride or the Linus Launcher, a small drop tower ride. Upgrade your trip with VIP packages, fast lane passes, dining experiences and more for memories for the whole family. Tickets for the amusement park and water park can also be bundled.
3. Adventure City
- Price: $$
- Location: Stanton
- Age Range: 2-12
Best suited for younger kids, Adventure City is a smaller theme park in the area designed to accommodate little adventurers. Known for its kiddie rides and short wait times, it’s a popular option if you’re not ready to dive head-first into the often-overwhelming world of Disney. Rewind Racers is one of its newest roller coasters for older kids and younger kids can cruise on the carousel or the Crank 'n' Roll, a mini bike ride. For toddlers, there are multiple rides for their fun level, including the Giggle Wheel, which is a small Ferris wheel and the Adventure City Express, a train ride through the park. Especially for families with young kids likely to get overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of large theme parks, Adventure City is a perfect way to spend a day.
4. The Aquarium of the Pacific
- Price: $$
- Location: Long Beach
- Age Range: All ages
If you’re over the theme parks and thrill rides, nothing is more fun for young kids than an aquarium. The Aquarium of the Pacific dives deep (no pun intended) into the creatures and ecosystems of the largest ocean in the world, the Pacific Ocean. Slightly outside of Anaheim in Long Beach, enjoy a day strolling through the 100+ exhibits and 19 major habitats. Some of our favorites are the Shark Lagoon, home to multiple species of sharks and rays in an expansive 10,000-square-foot outdoor exhibit. A cuter option is the Sea Otter Habitat where you can view rescued sea otter pups and watch these fun, cuddly animals get fed. Admission is free for children under the age of 3 and tickets start at $45 for an adult and $30 for kids.
5. Discovery Cube Orange County
- Price: $$
- Location: Orange County
- Age Range: 2-10
Perfect for toddlers and young kids, Discovery Cube is an interactive science museum with so much to see, play, touch and do. Hands-on exhibits allow kids to immerse themselves in learning experiences while still having tons of fun. The Physics Lab: The Raceway creates an engineering challenge to build the best race car and the Space Gallery: Mission Control is always a popular option for blasting off a team into “space.” A child-sized rainforest is ideal to let your toddler run around, exploring the different flowers and plants of the rainforest.
6. Pretend City Children's Museum
- Price: $$
- Location: Irvine
- Age Range: 2-8
Research shows pretend, imaginative play is one of the best developmental exercises for your child’s brain and as the Pretend City Children's Museum is just a short drive outside Anaheim, it’s worth the visit. Designed to engage kids at every level, 17 exhibits await your youngest kids to dive into real-world experiences guided by trained staff. They also learn the basics of fundamentals like reading, math and science while exploring their creativity and curiosity as well. Pretend City Children's Museum is closed on Mondays and closes a little earlier than other attractions at 4:30 PM every day, so plan on spending your morning here and taking a lunch break elsewhere from 12:30 - 1:30 while they close for cleaning.
7. Adventure Lagoon
- Price: $$
- Location: Anaheim
- Age Range: All ages
Great for kids, teenagers and adults, there’s something for everyone at Adventure Lagoon, a fun, popular water park in Anaheim. Known for being home to one of the most jaw-dropping water obstacle course challenges in the world, it’s ideal for the little ninjas in your family. Adults and babies can relax on the sandy beach in cabanas, or float in the Lazy Lagoon. Kids ages 5 years and older can play on the bumper boats and kayaks are available for those over 6 years old. Some activities are an additional fee by the hour, but standard park admission starts at $35 if you’re over 6 years old. Kids 0-2 get in free.
8. AMC Anaheim GardenWalk 6
- Price: $
- Location: Anaheim
- Age Range: All ages
If you need a slower-paced day where you’re not chasing little ones around in the hot sun, one of the easiest things to do with kids in Anaheim is a day at the movies. AMC Anaheim GardenWalk 6 is located near Disneyland and shows the latest and greatest adult and kids movies and it’s extra exciting because Hollywood is just a short drive north. Starlight Grove West Cinemas is another close-by option with delicious snacks and popcorn. Especially if you’re visiting Anaheim on a budget, movie tickets and prices are significantly cheaper than surrounding theme parks. Go ahead and splurge on the large popcorn!
9. Oak Canyon
- Price: $
- Location: Anaheim Hills
- Age Range: All ages
To completely unplug, head to Anaheim Hills to visit off-the-beaten-path Oak Canyon Nature Center, a 58-acre nature park with trails, wildlife, picnic spots and an interactive center. Ideal for kids of all ages who need a break from the noise and scenery of theme parks, returning to stately oak trees and shaded streams is a nice reprieve. Over four miles of easy dirt hiking trails are available, which are perfect for bringing an all-terrain stroller. Oak Canyon Nature Center is truly one of Orange County’s best-kept secrets!
Anaheim offers no shortage of things to do for kids. Whether you need to lounge somewhere shaded with an infant or burn off the energy of older kids, multiple theme parks, water parks and play areas await. Plus, enjoy the multiple science and educational museums where your kids won’t even know they’re learning on top of having a blast.
10. Downtown Disney District
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Suggested Alt Text: View of Downtown Disney District in Anaheim
- Price: $$
- Location: Anaheim
- Age Range: All ages
Downtown Disney District offers a delightful escape from the theme park hustle and bustle. This lively outdoor space features shopping, dining and entertainment options for the whole family. Kids will love exploring the themed shops and encountering beloved Disney characters.
Enjoy delicious treats, capture memorable moments with your family and immerse yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're starting or ending your Disney adventure, Downtown Disney District is a perfect place to relax and create lasting memories.
11. LEGOLAND California
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Suggested Alt Text: View of LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad
- Price: $$$
- Location: Carlsbad
- Age Range: All ages
LEGOLAND California is a vibrant world built entirely from LEGO bricks. This theme park offers endless fun for kids of all ages. Explore Miniland USA, a miniature city meticulously crafted from millions of LEGO bricks. Kids can enjoy a variety of LEGO-themed rides, from gentle experiences to thrilling coasters.
Beyond the rides, LEGOLAND includes interactive play areas, character meet-and-greets and creative building zones where kids can unleash their inner architects. With its hands-on activities and imaginative theming, LEGOLAND California provides a memorable day of fun and learning.
12. Great Wolf Lodge
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Suggested Alt Text: View of Great Wolf Lodge in Anaheim
- Price: $$
- Location: Anaheim
- Age Range: All ages
Looking to hotel hop during your Anaheim stay? Great Wolf Lodge is a fantastic choice for families with kids of all ages. This indoor water park resort offers endless entertainment under one roof. With water slides, a lazy river and a dedicated kids' play area, there's something to delight everyone. Beyond the water park, the lodge offers arcade games and interactive adventures to entertain the whole family.
Imagine spending your days splashing around in a tropical paradise, regardless of the weather outside. Great Wolf Lodge is also a convenient home base for exploring other Anaheim activities.
13. Anaheim Packing District
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- Price: $$
- Location: Anaheim
- Age Range: All ages
The Anaheim Packing District is a vibrant hub of delicious food, entertainment and shopping, perfect for the whole family. This historic packing house has transformed into a bustling marketplace filled with food stalls offering everything from vibrant international cuisines to classic American favorites.
Beyond the diverse dining options, the Packing District offers a variety of activities in Anaheim to keep everyone entertained. Enjoy live music, browse through unique shops or simply relax and people-watch. With its charming atmosphere and family-friendly vibe, the Anaheim Packing District is a must-visit destination for a fun-filled day out.
14. Angel Stadium
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Suggested Alt Text: View of Angel Stadium in Anaheim
- Price: $$
- Location: Anaheim
- Age Range: All ages
Have some sports fans in your family? Even if you’re not going to a game, Angel Stadium offers a fun and budget-friendly experience for the whole family. Enjoy a stadium tour during the off-season or catch a concert. If you do attend a game, there are plenty of food options to satisfy everyone, and the active video boards and exciting atmosphere will keep your family entertained throughout the game.
15. Yorba Regional Park
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Suggested Alt Text: View of Yorba Regional Park in Anaheim
- Price: $
- Location: Anaheim
- Age Range: All ages
Escape the city and head to Yorba Regional Park for a day of outdoor fun and family exploration. This 140-acre park boasts numerous trails, perfect for biking, hiking or simply strolling. There are also playgrounds scattered throughout the park, offering plenty of opportunities for kids to burn off energy.
Pack a picnic and find a shady spot to relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature. With its spacious grounds and tranquil atmosphere, Yorba Regional Park makes for one of the best free things to do in Anaheim.
16. Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center
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Suggested Alt Text: View of Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim
- Price: $
- Location: Anaheim
- Age Range: All ages
Does your family need a break from the amusement rides and crave a dose of history and art? Visit the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim. This engaging museum offers a variety of exhibits that both adults and kids will enjoy. Discover the rich history of Anaheim and Orange County through interactive displays and fascinating artifacts.
Muzeo also showcases contemporary art and hosts rotating exhibits covering various topics, from science and technology to local culture. The museum frequently offers family-friendly workshops and events, making it a dynamic and educational experience for everyone.
17. Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center
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Suggested Alt Text: View of Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center in Anaheim
- Price: $$$
- Location: Anaheim
- Age Range: 11 and up
Have a family of adrenaline junkies? Look no further than Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center in Anaheim. This exciting attraction offers kids ages 11 and up, as well as adults, the chance to experience the thrill of flight without ever leaving the ground.
The center features state-of-the-art simulators that allow you to take control of fighter jets and commercial airliners. Whether your child is a budding aviator or simply loves a thrilling adventure, Flightdeck offers an unforgettable experience. With knowledgeable instructors and immersive simulations, you'll create lasting memories while learning about the world of aviation.
18. Huntington State Beach
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Suggested Alt Text: View of Huntington Beach
- Price: $
- Location: Huntington Beach
- Age Range: All ages
Just a short drive from Anaheim, Huntington Beach offers a refreshing change of pace from the bustling attractions and amusement parks. Known as “Surf City USA,” the area’s beach stretches 8.5 miles and is perfect for building sandcastles and splashing in the coastal waves.
For some action, enjoy a leisurely family bike ride along the paved beachfront pathway, or rent surfboards or boogie boards to catch some waves. Don’t forget to stop by the Huntington Beach Pier for beautiful views of the water to cap off your day trip.
Plan a Magical Trip to Anaheim With AAA Travel
Now that you know what to do in Anaheim, you’re ready to start planning your trip! Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to one of the top vacation spots in the US. Dream up the perfect Anaheim trip with our Trip Canvas research tool, and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.