Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Anaheim with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Anaheim on the map
📍 Where Anaheim is
Anaheim sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: John Wayne / Orange County (~11 mi / 18 km). It's roughly 24 mi (39 km) from Downtown LA and 89 mi (143 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in Anaheim
Disneyland Resort
The big one. Pricey, magical, and exhausting in the best way — best saved for a special day with an early start and good shoes.
~$104+/person/day
Adventure City
A tiny theme park built for ages 2–8: gentle coasters, a petting farm, and a play maze — all the magic, none of the overwhelm.
~$25/personFamily attractions near Anaheim
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Anaheim.
Knott's Berry Farm
Coasters for the brave, Camp Snoopy for the small, and boysenberry everything. Cheaper and less crowded than its neighbor.
~$50–$99/person
Stanton Park
This 5.5-acre neighborhood park on Cedar St pairs a kids' playground with an outdoor fitness court so the whole family can move together — a simple, no-cost stop for a morning play session or an after-dinner stroll.
Free
Old Towne Orange Plaza
A walkable historic circle of antique shops, candy stores, and old-fashioned soda fountains — a charming, free afternoon wander.
Free to stroll
Stanton Central Park
This 12-acre flagship park is a whole day out: playgrounds, a skate park, tennis and basketball courts and sports fields. The summer splash pad (noon–5pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day) is the big draw, so bring towels and a lunch. Arrive earlier on hot weekends when the water play area fills fast.
Free
Harry M. Dotson Park
A fully-enclosed neighborhood park, which means little ones can run free without a parent's constant worry about a wandering escape. Two sets of play equipment, a shaded picnic shelter and a seasonal splash pad make it a low-key alternative to busier Central Park — a favorite for birthday parties.
Free
Hollenbeck Park
A 10-acre green space with playgrounds, an outdoor exercise course and a walking path that loops the grounds — roomy enough to spread a blanket and let kids burn energy while parents get a lap in. A quiet, free pick for an easy afternoon close to home.
FreeFarmers markets in Anaheim
Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers' Market
On the Center Street Promenade with produce, food trucks, and live music; shifts to evenings in summer.
Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Certified Farmers' Market
Convenient weekday market with fresh produce and prepared foods.
Local restaurants in Anaheim
Sabrosada Fresh Mexican Food
Family-owned since 1995 serving fresh Mexican classics in a casual setting.
Taqueria De Anda
Beloved OC taco shop (SoCal-only) known for cheap, authentic street tacos.
Georgia's Restaurant
SoCal-born soul-food spot at the Packing House with Creole-inspired plates.
Out of the Park Pizza
Baseball-themed local pizza, wings, and salad — an easy casual family stop.
Hans' Homemade Ice Cream
Old-time parlor since 1972 making every flavor in-house, a nostalgic OC family destination.
Local shops in Anaheim
SEED People's Market
Packing House boutique blending home goods and artisanal products from local makers.
Eco Now
Sustainability-focused shop and artisan community selling eco-friendly, zero-waste goods.
The Untold Story Bookstore & Cafe
Independent bookstore and cafe built as a community hub, opened 2024.
RARE
Curated boutique-style thrift on Center Street Promenade with clothing, purses, and records.
Okayama Kobo
Bakery-maker that chose Anaheim for its first shop outside Japan, using Hokkaido flour.
Seasonal & outdoors near Anaheim
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Anaheim.
More Orange County family guides
Anaheim family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Anaheim with kids?
Family favorites in and around Anaheim include Disneyland Resort and Adventure City. Our guide lists 2 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Where can families eat in Anaheim?
Local, family-friendly spots in Anaheim include Stadium Pepz Pizza, VIP Tacos, Sabrosada Fresh Mexican Food and Taqueria De Anda, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Anaheim guide cover?
Our Anaheim family guide includes 2 things to do, 7 local eats, 5 local shops and 2 farmers markets — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Anaheim
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Anaheim on one map — then book on your favorite site.