Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Costa Mesa with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Costa Mesa on the map
📍 Where Costa Mesa is
Costa Mesa sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: John Wayne / Orange County (~2 mi / 3 km). It's roughly 33 mi (53 km) from Downtown LA and 79 mi (127 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 Costa Mesa
South Coast Plaza
Window-shop the famous luxury mall, ride one of its two carousels, and borrow a courtesy stroller for the long indoor walks. An easy air-conditioned outing on a hot or rainy day.
Free entry; carousel rides extra
Centennial Farm
A free, 3-acre working farm at the OC Fair & Event Center with pigs, goats, chickens, and crop rows, plus a pair of resident oxen and dairy cattle used for milking demonstrations. No reservations needed — it's a quick, easy animal fix for little ones any day of the year, not just during the fair.
Free
The Camp & The Lab
Two laid-back open-air courtyards of indie cafes, bookshops, and string-lit patios, born when The LAB — "Little American Business" — was built in 1993 from a recycled night-vision-goggle factory as a deliberate answer to sterile corporate malls. The adjoining CAMP, from the same owner, leans into an eco-conscious, active-lifestyle theme — an easy, free hangout with great snacks.
Free to wander
Talbert Nature Preserve
Just southwest of Fountain Valley, this nearly 200-acre nature preserve has almost 3 miles of flat, easy trails perfect for young hikers and stroller-pushing parents. With only about 100 feet of elevation it's a gentle intro to hiking, and it connects to the Santa Ana River Trail. Go early to spot birds before the day heats up.
Free
UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art
A modern art museum with 25,000 square feet of galleries focused on California art, plus free drop-in family art sessions. Admission is endowed free for at least a decade.
Free
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Orange County's main performing arts campus, with Broadway tours, dance and family shows. The free outdoor events on Argyros Plaza are the low-commitment way in.
Ticket prices vary by show; some plaza events are free
South Coast Repertory
A Tony-winning professional theatre with a three-play Theatre for Young Audiences series and year-round acting classes for children and teens.
Ticket prices vary by production
Orange Coast College Planetarium
A full-dome planetarium running 45-minute public star shows, and every ticket also gets you into the Dennis Kelly Aquarium next door. Campus parking is charged separately.
$12 adults, $10 under 12; aquarium only $5. Campus parking $5.35
Heroes Hall
A veterans museum on the old Santa Ana Army Air Base site at the fairgrounds, with a Medal of Honor courtyard and an A-4M Skyhawk outside. Free, and open year-round rather than only during the Fair.
FreeDonald Dungan Library
A modern branch library at Lions Park with a dedicated children's wing, an interactive play area and regular storytimes. Free, indoors, and next to a park for when the weather turns.
Free
Costa Mesa Historical Society Museum
A small local-history museum and archive covering Costa Mesa from its Santa Ana Army Air Base era onward. Two days a week only — check before making the trip.
Admission not published
Rockreation Sport Climbing Center
A 12,000-square-foot indoor climbing gym with bouldering, top-rope and lead walls, plus dedicated kids' climb sessions. Ring for a day-pass price — their rates page is down.
Day-pass price not published online
Mitsuwa Marketplace Costa Mesa
A Japanese grocery and indoor food court with ramen, sushi and bento counters and free parking. Entirely indoors, which makes it a genuine wet-afternoon option, and walkable from The CAMP and The LAB.
Free entry; free parkingCalifornia Scenario (Noguchi Garden)
Isamu Noguchi's 1.6-acre sculpture garden of six stylised California landscapes, tucked between office towers and free to walk into. It has no website of its own — it is privately maintained.
Free
Fairview Park
Costa Mesa's largest park at 208 acres, with seven miles of walking and biking trails and seasonal vernal pools that host fairy shrimp after winter rain.
Free
Goathill Junction Railroad
A volunteer-run miniature railway inside Fairview Park giving free 12–15 minute rides. Riders must be at least 31 inches and able to walk unaided. One weekend a month only.
Free (donations welcome)TeWinkle Park
A large city park with a fishing lake and waterfall, an amphitheatre, tennis courts and the inclusive Angels Playground.
FreeVolcom Brothers Skatepark
A free city skatepark open early to late. Helmets, pads and closed-toe shoes are required for everyone, and enforced.
FreeSOCO and The OC Mix
A design and food district whose Saturday farmers market runs a free crafts KidsZone alongside the produce stalls. Good for an hour rather than a day.
Free to visitFarmers markets in Costa Mesa
SOCO Farmers' Market
Foodie-favorite market at SOCO & The OC Mix with live music, local meats, fresh breads, and ready-to-eat food; CalFresh/EBT accepted.
OC Fair & Event Center Farmers Market
Large market at the fairgrounds with free admission and parking, plenty of produce and prepared food, and room for kids to roam.
SOCO Farmers Market (Costa Mesa)
A foodie-favorite Saturday market with chef demos and artisan bites next to design shops.
Festivals & annual events in Costa Mesa
What Costa Mesa is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Yellow Bird Chase (Segerstrom Family Series)
A hilarious wordless comedy with masks, puppets and playful gibberish about a maintenance crew chasing a magical yellow bird, recommended for ages 4 and up. All Family Series performances include an hour of free hands-on pre-show activities. Tip: arrive an hour early for the free pre-show activities.
Ticketed (see Segerstrom)
Sugar Plum Arts & Crafts Festival (48th Year)
A holiday shopping festival with 185+ artisans, plus complimentary photos with Santa or Frosty the Snowman. Hours are Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm and Sun 11am-4pm. Tip: Sunday is the quietest day for photos with Santa, and the $15 parking fee is the main cost.
Free after 11:30am Fri and all weekend ($5 Fri 9-11am preview); parking $15
Milo the Magnificent (Segerstrom Family Series)
A wordless puppet comedy about an aspiring magician whose tricks do not always go as planned, recommended for ages 4 and up. Free hands-on pre-show activities run for an hour before each show. Tip: come early for the pre-show activities.
Ticketed (see Segerstrom)
The Nutcracker for Kids (Pacific Symphony Family Musical Mornings)
A narrated, kid-length Nutcracker with dancers from the ABT William J. Gillespie School and the Pacific Symphony, recommended for ages 5 and up. Lobby activities include games, coloring stations and photo ops. Tip: lobby activities open at 9am for the 10am show and 12:15pm for the 11:30am show, and every attendee needs a ticket regardless of age.
Tickets from $64.90
Tales of the Sun and Moon (Segerstrom Family Series)
A world-premiere show of celestial myths from Hawai'i and other cultures told through movement, music and story, recommended for ages 4 and up. Tip: pre-show activities are free and start an hour before curtain.
Ticketed (see Segerstrom)
Pacific Symphony Family Musical Mornings: Pixar in Concert
A live orchestral performance with projected visuals, featuring music by Randy Newman, Michael Giacchino and Thomas Newman from Pixar films, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Family Musical Mornings are 45-minute concerts designed for ages 5 and up, with pre-concert lobby crafts, games and instrument demos. Tip: Arrive 45 minutes early for the lobby activities, and note this is the Pacific Symphony show, separate from the Segerstrom Family Series 'Meet the Hatter' the same day.
Ticketed (prices not listed on the series page)
Meet the Hatter (Segerstrom Family Series)
A dance and multimedia journey into Wonderland by Joss Arnott Dance, recommended for ages 5 and up. Tip: arrive early for the free pre-show activities.
Ticketed (see Segerstrom)
The Pout-Pout Fish (Segerstrom Family Series)
A puppet-and-live-performer musical based on the bestselling picture book, recommended for ages 4 and up. Tip: great for younger kids who already know the book; come early for pre-show crafts.
Ticketed (see Segerstrom)
Peter and the Wolf (Segerstrom bonus option)
An original storybook ballet set to Prokofiev's score, performed by pre-professional students of the ABT Gillespie School and recommended for ages 5 and up. Tip: a good first ballet for young kids.
Ticketed (see Segerstrom)
Hoag OC Marathon Weekend (5K and Kids Run the OC)
The 2027 OC Marathon weekend runs May 1-2 through Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana, with a Saturday 5K run or walk and Sunday half and full marathons. The HOAG Kids Run the OC is a school-based 10-12 week program with its 2027 event on Saturday, May 1. Tip: Families can do the Saturday-evening 5K walk together; the Kids Run is organized through schools, so ask your school about registering.
Registration via RunSignUp; prices not listed on the event page (spectating is free)
GRIMMZ II: Once Upon A Rhyme (Segerstrom Family Series)
Hip-hop spins on classic fairy tales with high-energy beats, recommended for ages 5 and up. Tip: geared toward older kids, so it suits ages 6 to 12.
Ticketed (see Segerstrom)
Beckman Arts & Science Family Festival
A free festival on the Argyros Plaza with hands-on STEM and STEAM exhibits from local organizations, live performances, bubble vendors, balloon twisters and mini train rides. Food is sold at George's Cafe and from food trucks. Tip: past exhibitors include the Santa Ana Zoo and Crystal Cove Conservancy, and the 2027 line-up is still being announced.
Free
Pacific Symphony Family Musical Mornings: The Little Prince Opera for Kids
A family opera based on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's novel, composed by Rachel Portman, exploring themes of friendship and imagination, at the Segerstrom Concert Hall. Concerts are 45 minutes and designed for ages 5 and up. Tip: Choose the 10am show to leave the afternoon free; the Beckman Arts & Science Family Festival is also in Costa Mesa this same day.
Ticketed (prices not listed on the series page)
Costa Mesa Lions Club Fish Fry & Carnival
A Lions Club carnival at Lions Park running since 1946, built around fried cod dinners, carnival rides and three days of live music. Proceeds fund CHOC, the Boys & Girls Clubs and other local charities.
2026 Fish Fry (Jun 26-28) has passed; the Lions Club has not published 2027 dates
OC Fair
The quintessential SoCal summer fair — rides, livestock, deep-fried everything, concerts, and contests, all close to home.
Costa Mesa Scarecrow Festival
The city festival on the Lions Park Event Lawn has trick-or-treat stations, a scarecrow contest, a kids costume parade, arm painting, photo opportunities and live entertainment. Tip: register a scarecrow entry ahead through the city's form, and note it overlaps the first afternoon of the St. Mary Armenian Food Festival.
St. Mary Armenian Food Festival (13th Annual)
A family cultural festival at St. Mary Armenian Church with shish kebab, lahmajoun, baklava, live music and folk dancing. Free street parking is available around the neighborhood. Tip: come Sunday at noon for smaller crowds and children under 12 get in free.
OC Japan Fair (19th Annual)
One of Southern California's largest Japanese culture festivals at the OC Fair & Event Center, with a cosplay show, tuna-cutting show, traditional instrument performances, kimono meet-and-greets, calligraphy and traditional games. Hours are Fri 4-10pm, Sat noon-10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. Tip: buy tickets before Oct 16 to save about $2 each, and go Sunday for the smallest crowds.
Local restaurants in Costa Mesa
Eat Chow
Locally-loved eclectic American spot with a 'Kids Chow' menu, dog-friendly patios, and crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Beach Pit BBQ
Casual, locally-owned Texas-style BBQ with a laid-back beach vibe — easy for groups and quick for takeout.
TK Burgers
A SoCal charbroiled-burger staple since 1986 — fast, cheap, beach-casual, and easy with hungry kids.
Palms N Patties
Small-batch smash burgers cooked in beef tallow at a beloved stand.
Que Vida Tacos
Made-from-scratch tacos and bowls with house tortillas at a family counter.
Avila's El Ranchito
Avila-family Mexican restaurant since the 1960s with sit-down combo plates and a relaxed kid-friendly vibe.
Shirley's Bagels
Family bagel shop hand-making boil-and-bake bagels with no preservatives since 1986.
Trenta Pizza & Cucina
Family Sicilian pizzeria-cucina with wood-fired pies and fresh pasta, a casual sit-down family pick.
Madee Thai Kitchen
Independent Thai kitchen praised as rivaling Bangkok's best, with curries and noodles to share.
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Beloved 17th St shop since 2013 making 'the world's freshest doughnuts' in rotating small-batch flavors.
Local shops in Costa Mesa
Creme Tangerine Records
Vinyl shop in an Airstream trailer with 6,000+ records, heavy on classic rock.
Red & Blue Vintage
Curated vintage clothing and home goods owned by Yoshi of Good Town Doughnuts.
The Inconvenience Store
Tiny quirky gift shop with sweatshirts, bike parts, and dried flowers.
2nd Street Costa Mesa
Second-hand clothing store with a deep curated rack of recycled fashion.
Factory Records
Eastside vinyl shop stocking thousands of LPs, 12-inch singles, 45s, and CDs.
Port of Sound Record Shoppe
Independent E 17th St record shop spanning rock, jazz, soul, punk, and global pressings.
Seasonal & outdoors near Costa Mesa
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Costa Mesa.
More Orange County family guides
Costa Mesa family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Costa Mesa with kids?
Family favorites in and around Costa Mesa include South Coast Plaza, Centennial Farm, The Camp & The Lab and Talbert Nature Preserve, and more. Our guide lists 19 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Costa Mesa?
Yes — free family spots near Costa Mesa include Centennial Farm, The Camp & The Lab, Talbert Nature Preserve and UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Costa Mesa?
Local, family-friendly spots in Costa Mesa include Eat Chow, Beach Pit BBQ, TK Burgers and Wedge Burger, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Costa Mesa guide cover?
Our Costa Mesa family guide includes 19 things to do, 12 local eats, 6 local shops and 3 farmers markets — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Costa Mesa
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Costa Mesa on one map — then book on your favorite site.