Day Trips From Mission Viejo With Kids
By Punita Patel
When you've got a whole day to fill, point the car at one of these. Each is an easy day trip the family can do and be home by bedtime.
13 places · distances from Mission Viejo (92692)
Catalina Island (Dana Point Express)
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.
Ferry ~$80 adult round trip
Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Corona · Day Trips
A historic day spa with mineral pools and the famous red-clay 'Club Mud,' geared to teens and grown-ups.
~$80–100 day pass
Resort Day at Pelican Hill
Newport Coast · Day Trips
For a true splurge: the famed circular coliseum pool, ocean-view dining, and gelato carts. A spendy but unforgettable treat day.
Pool/dining day passes vary
Hsi Lai Temple
Hacienda Heights · Day Trips
One of the largest Buddhist temples in the Western Hemisphere — ornate courtyards and a vegetarian cafeteria. Dress modestly.
Free (donations)
Fairplex / LA County Fair
Pomona · Day Trips
The big annual anchor — rides, livestock and fried everything each May. Go a weekday or opening week, and bring hats (little shade in the inland heat).
Fair tickets ~$20+; events vary
Santa Anita Park
Arcadia · Day Trips
A Family Fun Zone (jumpers, pony rides, face painting) runs on select race days with the San Gabriel Mountains as backdrop. Also hosts the 626 Night Market.
Admission varies; many free-parking days
Idyllwild
Idyllwild · Day Trips
A cozy mountain arts town with pine forests, easy nature trails, a nature center, and a famous mascot (Mayor Max the dog).
Free to visit; activities extra
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Burbank · Day Trips
Best for older kids and TV fans, not toddlers. Central Perk (Friends) and the DC/Superman stops are highlights — reserve ahead.
~$76+ adult, timed tickets
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake · Day Trips
Alpine lake getaway with boat rentals, fishing, swim beaches, hiking, and winter skiing, about 90 minutes up the mountain.
Varies; rentals/marina fees
Sherman Oaks Castle Park
Sherman Oaks · Day Trips
Three 18-hole mini-golf courses plus arcade and batting cages — a Valley institution. Teen-heavy on weekend evenings.
Mini golf $12 adult / $8 child
San Bernardino County Fair
Victorville · Day Trips
The county fair each spring — rides, livestock, concerts and fair food. The grounds also host swap meets and community events year-round.
Fair admission ~$10–12; free events year-round
Julian
Julian · Day Trips
Historic gold-rush mountain town famous for apple pie, fall apple picking, and a quaint Old West main street.
Free town; pie/activities extra
Antelope Valley Fair & Event Center
Lancaster · Day Trips
The big high-desert fair each fall — rides, livestock, concerts and fair food. Evenings beat the hot afternoons; check avfair.com for 2026 dates.
Admission varies
Get more guides like this
One weekly email with the best family things to do near you — free outings, weekend picks and local tips. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.