Orange County family guide

Things to Do in Brea with Kids

Brea blends old-town charm with a genuine arts streak, anchored by the Brea Mall and the walkable downtown along Brea Boulevard, where you'll find the public art sculptures kids love to hunt down. The Brea Plunge pool and the playgrounds at Carbon Canyon Regional Park, with its redwood grove, are warm-weather go-tos.

Curated by Simir Shah

Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.

Brea on the map

📍 Where Brea is

Brea sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Long Beach (~16 mi / 26 km). It's roughly 22 mi (35 km) from Downtown LA and 93 mi (150 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.

💡 Local tip: Carbon Canyon's redwood grove is an easy flat half-mile walk, ideal for little legs and stroller wheels.

Family attractions near Brea

The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Brea.

Museums & Learning · La Habra · 2.8 mi

The Children's Museum at La Habra

Housed in a 1923 Union Pacific train depot, this beloved museum lets kids climb aboard a real caboose and explore hands-on exhibits. The star is an authentic hand-carved Dentzel carousel, so save time (and check the height rules) for a ride. Weekday mornings are calmest for younger visitors.

$12/person ages 2+, $11 residents, $10 seniors/military

Parks & Hiking · La Habra · 2.8 mi

Portola Park

This central 10-acre park wraps around the Children's Museum, so you can pair a museum visit with free outdoor play. Kids love hunting for the dinosaur garden and the selfie wall, and there are picnic tables and ball fields for a full afternoon. Parking is shared with the museum and Depot Theatre.

Free

Arts & Culture · La Habra · 2.8 mi

La Habra Depot Theatre

This restored historic train depot next to the Children's Museum runs as a 132-seat theater with family-friendly shows, including princess storytimes and youth productions. A lovely low-key outing to pair with a park or museum day on the same block. Parking is free; check the schedule since hours depend on what's staged.

Varies

Parks & Hiking · La Habra · 3 mi

Westridge Golf Club

This public 18-hole course in the hills has sweeping San Gabriel Mountain views and welcomes families teaching kids the game — a good spot for a first round or a twilight nine when rates are lower. Call ahead to book, and ask about junior rates and lessons.

Varies

Parks & Hiking · La Habra · 3.5 mi

Powder Canyon Trailhead (Puente Hills)

Just up in La Habra Heights, this Puente Hills trailhead opens onto oak-and-walnut woodland with panoramic hilltop views. The Fullerton Road trailhead has parking, restrooms and drinking fountains for an easy out-and-back with kids. Go early in summer for shade and bring water — little cover on the ridgelines.

Free

Parks & Hiking · La Habra · 4.4 mi

La Bonita Park

At 22 acres this is La Habra's big neighborhood park, with a playground on soft surfacing, a rock climbing wall and both baby-bucket and belt swings, plus a skate park and basketball courts for a range of ages. Pack a picnic and use the ball-field lot on the Whittier Blvd side.

Free

Farmers markets in Brea

Thursday · 3pm–7pm

Brea Certified Farmers' Market

Year-round afternoon market on State College Blvd with produce and prepared foods.

See all SoCal farmers markets →

Festivals & annual events in Brea

What Brea is known for — the events locals plan the year around.

Sat, Jul 3, 2027

Brea's Country Fair

A morning-to-afternoon Independence Day fair at Brea City Hall Park — pancake breakfast, kiddie parade, dog parade, classic car show and live entertainment. One of the more genuinely small-town July 4 events in north OC.

Free admission; free swimming at the Plunge from noon

Annual — next date not yet announced

Brea Fest

A city-run evening at Brea's Civic & Cultural Center where local restaurants sell tasting tickets alongside live music, gallery exhibits and artist demos. There's a Kidsville area, but the late start suits older kids better than toddlers.

2026 event (Aug 7) has passed; Brea has not published 2027 dates

See all SoCal festivals →