What are the best things to do with kids in Anaheim, CA?

Some of the top-rated family activities in Anaheim, CA include Balboa Park, Chance Theater, Pixar Pier, Disneyland Resort, Disney California Adventure Park. We have 24 curated activities with ratings, age recommendations, and parent tips.

What are free things to do with kids in Anaheim, CA?

There are 5 free things to do with kids in Anaheim, CA, including Balboa Park, Yorba Regional Park, Oak Canyon Nature Center, Riverview Park, La Palma Park.

What are indoor activities for kids in Anaheim, CA?

Anaheim, CA offers a variety of indoor activities for kids including museums, indoor play areas, and entertainment centers. Browse our full guide for details.

Things To Do With Kids in Anaheim, CA

Discover 24 family-friendly activities, venues, and restaurants in Anaheim.

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🌳 Park

Photo: jadeed edavalath

Balboa Park

★4.8(78,064)Free

Balboa Park is a world-class cultural destination spanning 1,200 acres in San Diego, offering families an incredible variety of museums, gardens, playgrounds, and open spaces to explore. With 17 museums including kid favorites like the Fleet Science Center and San Diego Natural History Museum, plus the renowned San Diego Zoo, beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture, and plenty of green space for picnics and play, it's an all-day adventure that appeals to curious minds of all ages.

🕑 4-8 hours (half to full day)

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🎭 Theater

Photo: Chance Theater

Chance Theater

★4.8(262)$$

Chance Theater offers a magical theatrical experience in Anaheim where professional productions meet family-friendly entertainment. This intimate non-profit theater is known for its high-quality shows that captivate both children and adults, featuring creative performances that spark imagination and introduce young audiences to the magic of live theater in an accessible, engaging way.

🕑 Most performances run 90 minutes to 2.5 hours including intermission

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Pixar Pier tourist attraction in Anaheim, CA

🎢 Amusement Park

Photo: Joy

Pixar Pier

★4.8(216)$$$

Pixar Pier brings beloved animated characters to life at Disney California Adventure Park with whimsical rides, games, and attractions themed around Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Inside Out. This immersive land offers something for every family member, from gentle carnival rides for little ones to thrilling coasters for brave kids, all wrapped in the colorful, nostalgic charm of a Victorian-era seaside boardwalk reimagined through a Pixar lens.

🕑 3-5 hours to experience all major attractions, or a full day if exploring the entire Disney California Adventure Park

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🎢 Amusement Park

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Disneyland Resort

★4.7(134,717)$$$

Disneyland Resort is the ultimate family destination where Disney magic comes to life through classic attractions, immersive lands, and unforgettable character encounters. From thrilling rides like Space Mountain to gentle experiences perfect for toddlers in Fantasyland, this iconic park offers something special for every member of the family across two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure).

🕑 Full day to multiple days (most families spend 2-4 days to experience both parks without rushing)

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Disney California Adventure Park tourist attraction in Anaheim, CA

🎢 Amusement Park

Photo: Kris Davidson

Disney California Adventure Park

★4.7(76,957)$$$

Disney California Adventure Park offers families an incredible mix of thrilling attractions, beloved Pixar characters, and immersive themed lands that celebrate the Golden State. From the adrenaline-pumping Guardians of the Galaxy ride to the whimsical Cars Land and the colorful Pixar Pier, this park delivers magical experiences for every age group with shorter wait times than its Disneyland neighbor.

🕑 Full day (8-12 hours)

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🌳 Park

Photo: David Reidy

Yorba Regional Park

★4.7(4,074)Free

Yorba Regional Park is a sprawling 140-acre oasis perfect for families seeking outdoor adventure without the crowds of typical Southern California attractions. With playgrounds for multiple age groups, a scenic lake offering pedal boat rentals, miles of paved bike paths, and spacious picnic areas shaded by mature trees, it's an ideal spot for everything from active play to relaxed family gatherings.

🕑 3-5 hours

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🎢 Amusement Park

Photo: Irvine Park Railroad

Irvine Park Railroad

★4.7(3,756)$

Irvine Park Railroad offers a delightful old-fashioned experience with a charming miniature train that chugs through 160 acres of beautiful Orange County parkland. Beyond the beloved train rides, families can enjoy a hands-on petting zoo, spacious playgrounds, paddle boat rentals, and special seasonal events like the famous Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Train that make this a year-round destination.

🕑 3-4 hours

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🌿 Nature

Photo: Ruben Lu

Oak Canyon Nature Center

★4.7(1,348)Free

Oak Canyon Nature Center offers families a serene escape into 58 acres of pristine wilderness right in the heart of Anaheim. With four miles of hiking trails winding through oak woodlands and sycamore groves, plus a nature center featuring live animals and hands-on exhibits, kids can explore Southern California's native habitats while parents enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The park's educational programs and ranger-led activities make it perfect for curious young naturalists.

🕑 2-3 hours

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Main Event Montclair amusement center in Anaheim, CA

🎮 Entertainment

Photo: Harry Morris

Main Event Montclair

★4.7(516)$

Main Event Montclair is a one-stop entertainment destination where families can enjoy bowling, laser tag, an extensive video arcade, and delicious American food all under one roof. With its impressive 4.7-star rating and affordable pricing, this venue delivers hours of active fun that keeps kids engaged and parents happy, making it perfect for birthday parties, rainy day activities, or weekend family outings.

🕑 3-4 hours

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Disneyland Park tourist attraction in Anaheim, CA

🎢 Amusement Park

Photo: مختار الجلال

Disneyland Park

★4.6(126,253)$$$

The original Disneyland Park remains the ultimate family destination, where fairy tales come to life across eight themed lands filled with classic attractions, beloved Disney characters, and enchanting parades. From meeting Mickey Mouse on Main Street U.S.A. to exploring Sleeping Beauty Castle, this iconic park offers immersive experiences that create lifelong memories for families with children of all ages.

🕑 Full day (8-12 hours) or ideally 2-3 days to experience everything without rushing

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Knott's Berry Farm tourist attraction in Anaheim, CA

🎢 Amusement Park

Photo: mike klebacher

Knott's Berry Farm

★4.6(67,231)$$$

Knott's Berry Farm offers a perfect blend of Old West charm and thrilling rides that cater to the entire family. Unlike its larger neighbor Disneyland, this historic theme park provides a more relaxed atmosphere with shorter lines, making it ideal for families with kids of all ages who want classic amusement park fun without the overwhelming crowds.

🕑 Full day (6-8 hours)

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Anaheim Packing District food court in Anaheim, CA

🎮 Entertainment

Photo: Anaheim Packing District

Anaheim Packing District

★4.6(14,298)$$

The Anaheim Packing District transforms mealtime into an adventure with over 20 diverse food vendors under one massive industrial-chic roof, making it a stress-free dining destination where even the pickiest eaters will find something they love. Kids can explore arcade games and entertainment options between bites, while parents appreciate the relaxed atmosphere where wandering and noise are perfectly acceptable.

🕑 1.5-2 hours

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