Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Buena Park with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Buena Park on the map
📍 Where Buena Park is
Buena Park sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Long Beach (~9 mi / 15 km). It's roughly 19 mi (31 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.
Things to do in Buena Park
Family attractions near Buena Park
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Buena Park.
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/person
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
Liberty Park
A big, well-kept park with two separate playgrounds split for ages 2–5 and 5–12, plus a water-play area that's a summer lifesaver. There are also tennis and sand volleyball courts, a jogging track and picnic shelters with barbecues. The playgrounds use rubber surfacing, so cleanup is easy after a play session.
Free
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
This acclaimed Center Court Drive venue books Broadway touring shows, dance, comedy and family-friendly concerts, and parking is always free. Check the season calendar for kid-appropriate titles, since programming ranges from jazz to full musicals. Seats near the front put younger kids right in the action for lively shows.
Varies
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
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.
FreeFarmers markets in Buena Park
Buena Park Certified Farmers' Market
Year-round Saturday market with produce, flowers, and hot food.
Local restaurants in Buena Park
Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant
An OC original since 1934 next to Knott's Berry Farm, serving family-style fried chicken in a roomy, kid-welcoming hall.
Athenian Burger
Family-owned burger-and-breakfast-burrito stand with a loyal local following.
SUP Noodle Bar
Chef-driven Vietnamese pho spot with signature braised beef-rib broth.
Pho House
Independent Vietnamese on Beach Blvd serving big bowls of pho to share.
Misoolkwan
Korean pub-style eatery with pancakes, fried chicken, and shareable plates.
Local shops in Buena Park
illo
Thoughtfully curated home-decor shop with kitchenware, candles, and lamps inside The Source.
Sora Gumi
Indie artist marketplace with fanmade and official anime and game merch plus local art.
Show King
Independent jewelry and accessories store with a K-pop album and photocard section.
Primrose
Small women's apparel boutique carrying designer-style jeans and tops.
Seasonal & outdoors near Buena Park
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Buena Park.
More Orange County family guides
Buena Park family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Buena Park with kids?
Family favorites in and around Buena Park include Knott's Berry Farm. Our guide lists 1 spot, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Where can families eat in Buena Park?
Local, family-friendly spots in Buena Park include Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant, Athenian Burger, SUP Noodle Bar and Pho House, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Buena Park guide cover?
Our Buena Park family guide includes 1 things to do, 5 local eats, 4 local shops and 1 farmers market — 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 Buena Park
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Buena Park on one map — then book on your favorite site.