Discover 16 family-friendly activities, venues, and restaurants in Santa Ana.
4 Upcoming EventsThe highest-rated places we recommend first — start here.
🎨 MuseumHeritage Museum of Orange County brings history to life through interactive experiences that let kids step back in time to explore Orange County's agricultural past. Children can touch artifacts, explore historic buildings including a Victorian farmhouse and blacksmith shop, and participate in hands-on activities like butter churning, rope making, and seasonal crafts that make history tangible and exciting.
🌾 FarmThe Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market transforms Saturday mornings into a delightful sensory adventure for families, with colorful produce stands, live music, and friendly vendors happy to offer samples. Kids love exploring the vibrant market stalls, discovering fresh fruits and vegetables, and enjoying the lively community atmosphere while parents shop for farm-fresh goods and artisan products.
🎨 MuseumThe Bowers Museum in Santa Ana offers families an enriching cultural experience with world-class art and artifacts from around the globe. What sets it apart for families are the exceptional children's workshops, interactive educational programs, and family-friendly exhibits that make art accessible and exciting for young visitors. With its 4.7-star rating, parents consistently praise the museum's ability to engage kids while providing a sophisticated cultural outing.
🎨 MuseumStep back in time at this beautifully preserved 19th-century homestead where families can explore authentic Victorian-era rooms and learn about early California ranch life. The guided tours bring history to life through hands-on activities and engaging stories about the Workman and Temple families who lived here, making it an educational adventure that feels more like time travel than a typical museum visit.
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🎮 EntertainmentIndustry Hills Expo Center is a versatile event venue in City of Industry that hosts an exciting variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, from cultural festivals and holiday celebrations to concerts and interactive expos. With its spacious indoor and outdoor facilities, this multi-use center offers families the chance to experience everything from car shows and food festivals to seasonal events and community gatherings in a convenient Southern California location.
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🌿 NatureOak Canyon Park is a hidden gem nature preserve perfect for families who want to disconnect and explore the outdoors together. With well-maintained hiking trails winding through scenic canyon landscapes, kids can discover local plants, wildlife, and learn about Southern California ecosystems through hands-on educational programs. The free admission makes it an excellent budget-friendly option for families seeking outdoor adventure.
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🛝 PlaygroundBrea Sports Park is a top-notch community destination that delivers everything active families need for a fun-filled day outdoors. With its modern playground equipment, refreshing splash pad for hot California days, multiple sports courts, and shaded picnic areas, this free park offers excellent value and variety to keep kids of all ages entertained.
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⚽ SportsJerome Recreation Center is a welcoming community hub in Santa Ana that offers families an affordable way to keep kids active and engaged year-round. With youth sports programs, fitness classes, game rooms, and organized activities, this well-maintained facility provides a safe environment where children can burn energy while parents can join in fitness activities or relax knowing their kids are entertained.
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⚽ SportsDelhi Center in Santa Ana offers families an affordable escape from the Southern California heat with its public swimming pool and comprehensive aquatic programs. With swim lessons available and dedicated recreational swim times, it's a perfect spot for both learning and splashing around together on hot summer days.
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🎮 EntertainmentMainPlace Mall offers far more than just shopping,it's a one-stop family entertainment destination in Santa Ana. With a movie theater, arcade, dedicated play areas, and seasonal activities alongside plenty of dining options, parents can easily spend several hours keeping kids entertained rain or shine.
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🎢 Amusement ParkCamelot Golfland in Anaheim is a one-stop family entertainment destination that keeps kids of all ages busy for hours. With two themed mini golf courses, a massive arcade packed with games, batting cages for budding athletes, and a refreshing water play area perfect for cooling off on hot California days, this venue offers variety that prevents the dreaded 'I'm bored!' complaint.
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🛝 PlaygroundLa Puente City Park is a family favorite in the City of Industry area, offering something for every age group. This well-maintained community park features a modern playground, refreshing splash pad for hot days, basketball and tennis courts, and plenty of shaded picnic areas perfect for birthday parties or casual family outings.
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🌳 ParkCarl Thornton Park is a welcoming neighborhood gem in Santa Ana that hits all the right notes for families. With modern playground equipment that keeps kids entertained, shaded picnic areas perfect for snacking, and open grass spaces ideal for running around, it's an excellent spot for a casual afternoon out without the overwhelming crowds of larger parks.
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🌳 ParkCentennial Park is Santa Ana's premier family destination, offering 50+ acres of diverse activities that keep kids entertained for hours. With multiple playgrounds for different age groups, a fishing lake stocked with catfish and bass, sports fields, and expansive lawns perfect for kite-flying or picnics, this community park delivers serious bang for your buck (it's free!). The well-maintained walking trails and shaded picnic areas make it comfortable for parents while little ones burn energy.
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🌳 ParkSantiago Park is a sprawling Santa Ana gem that offers families everything needed for a full day of outdoor fun. With its combination of modern playground equipment, nature trails winding through scenic terrain, and plenty of open space for running and playing, it's an ideal spot for families looking to unplug and enjoy quality time together in a beautiful natural setting.
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4 upcoming family events in Santa Ana
Ready for OC's premier Halloween event for kids? Boo at the Zoo at Santa Ana Zoo on Saturday, October 17, 2026 transforms the zoo into a spooky but family-friendly adventure with trick-or-treating, festive lights and decorations, nocturnal animal presentations, a scavenger hunt, and rides. It's the perfect blend of holiday fun and wildlife education in Santa Ana, CA.
via Santa Ana Zoo
Looking for a hands-on way to bring science to life this fall? Chemistry Day at Santa Ana Zoo in Santa Ana, CA transforms the entire zoo into an interactive learning playground where curious kids explore educational booths packed with fascinating chemistry facts and experiments. Best of all, this FREE event is included with your zoo admission, making it the perfect Saturday outing for families who love combining fun and learning.
via Santa Ana Zoo
Showing 4 events in and around Santa Ana