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
Knott's Berry Farm
Coasters for the brave, Camp Snoopy for the small, and boysenberry everything — a hybrid Walter Knott grafted onto his family's Buena Park berry farm in the 1930s. What began as a roadside berry stand grew into what's billed as America's first theme park, and it's still cheaper and less crowded than its neighbor down the road.
~$50–$99/person
Ralph B. Clark Regional Park
A 104-acre OC Parks park at 8800 Rosecrans Ave with a stocked fishing lake, playgrounds, trails and picnic shelters, and OC Parks lists model boats, nature programs and Jr. Ranger activities. Its Interpretive Center, known for a 9-million-year-old baleen whale skeleton, is closed until 2027, so plan on the playgrounds, pond and trails for now. The park also extends into Fullerton.
Parking $3 weekdays, $5 weekends (more on some holidays and event days)
Whitaker Park
A 3.2-acre city park at 8401 Montana Ave on the James A. Whitaker School grounds. It has several play structures, including a themed playhouse with farmers market and fire station elements, plus a butterfly garden, a quarter-mile walking trail, basketball and pickleball courts, and restrooms. On school days it opens only after 4pm.
FreeWilliam Peak Park
A 15.8-acre city park at 7225 El Dorado Dr with a children's play area, picnic areas with BBQs, a skate park, ball fields and the city's main swimming pool. The city page gives no pool schedule, so call before bringing swimsuits, since summer pool season may have ended.
Park entry fee not listed; pool and program fees vary (call 714-562-3500)
Buena Park Library District
The main library is being renovated, so it has been at 7300 La Palma Ave, Bldg 10, since June 15, 2026. The temporary site offers only scheduled programs, holds pickup and browsing, with no Wi-Fi or computer lab. Its site lists weekly storytimes (preschool Tue, baby/toddler Wed, bilingual Thu, family Sat), all drop-in, but the times shown vary between pages, so call 714-826-4100 to confirm.
FreeFarmers markets in Buena Park
Buena Park Certified Farmers' Market
Year-round Saturday market with produce, flowers, and hot food.
Festivals & annual events in Buena Park
What Buena Park is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Candy Caneland & Craft Faire
Buena Park's 55-year-old holiday craft fair at the Ehlers Event Center — over 100 artisan booths, nonprofit food and game booths, a snow slide, entertainment and Santa. A free shuttle runs from Peak Park Pool; on-site parking is limited.
Free
Buena Park Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom
An evening Juneteenth event at Boisseranc Park with live bands, speakers, dance performances, food and community booths, a kids' activity area and a free twilight swim. Only in its third year in 2026.
2026 event (3rd annual) has passed; the city has not published the 2027 listing
Silverado Days
Buena Park's 70th annual community festival at William Peak Park, run by the Noon Lions Club — carnival rides, food and craft booths, competitions. Free to get in.
Buena Park CultureFest
A city-run celebration of Buena Park's cultural communities at Boisseranc Park — stage performances, food vendors, community booths and family activities. A young event, running since about 2023.
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, Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, Whitaker Park and William Peak Park, and more. Our guide lists 5 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Buena Park?
Yes — free family spots near Buena Park include Whitaker Park, William Peak Park and Buena Park Library District. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
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 5 things to do, 5 local eats, 4 local shops and 1 farmers market — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
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.