Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Fullerton with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Fullerton on the map
📍 Where Fullerton is
Fullerton sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Long Beach (~14 mi / 22 km). It's roughly 22 mi (36 km) from Downtown LA and 91 mi (147 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 Fullerton
Fullerton Museum Center
A downtown Fullerton museum with changing art and history exhibits, and docent-led exhibit tours that include hands-on art activities (the museum lists these for grades K–12 groups). Street parking on Pomona Ave has a 2-hour weekday limit; the Wilshire Ave garage is free except Thu–Sun 9pm–5am.
Adults $10; ages 5–17 $5; under 5 freeFullerton Arboretum
A plant museum on the northeast corner of the Cal State Fullerton campus (1900 Associated Rd) where families can wander gardens, look for wildlife and visit the Heritage House. There is no drinking water on site, so bring your own, and kids under 12 need supervision; picnics, bikes and wading in ponds are not allowed.
$5 suggested donation per person
Muckenthaler Cultural Center
A Fullerton arts center with a free Sculpture Garden, Sunset Garden and grounds that need no reservation, plus exhibitions, performances and seasonal events. It runs youth classes and camps including S.M.ART Sundays and parent-and-me art classes; call 714-738-6595 to confirm current hours and programs.
Gardens free; event ticket prices vary (plus $2 convenience fee)Fullerton Public Library (Main Library)
The city's main library at 353 W Commonwealth Ave offers storytimes and youth programming. Check the events calendar for dates, since some storytimes (like the current pirate special) are held at the Hunt Branch instead.
FreeFree days in Fullerton
Free or free-on-certain-days admission. Rules change and some are residents-only — confirm with the venue before you go.
Muckenthaler Cultural Center
Gardens & grounds always free (galleries ticketed)
A 1924 mansion on 8.5 hilltop acres with a free sculpture garden and grounds; indoor gallery shows may be ticketed. A relaxed free outdoor stop for families.
Farmers markets in Fullerton
Fullerton Certified Farmers' Market
Year-round morning market at Independence Park with produce, flowers, and prepared foods.
Fullerton Free Certified Farmers' Market
Friendly neighborhood Saturday market with seasonal produce and hot food, easy for families.
Festivals & annual events in Fullerton
What Fullerton is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
OktoBOOfest (Fullerton Night Market)
The Downtown Fullerton Night Market gets a spooky twist with vendors, food, a kids' corner, trick-or-treating, entertainment and contests at the Downtown Plaza (125 E Wilshire Ave). The city page does not list hours; the regular market runs 4:30–8:30pm. Tip: wear a costume, and park in the downtown structures.
Free
Noche de Muertos at Fullerton Museum Center
Fullerton Museum Center's Day of the Dead evening in downtown Fullerton (301 N Pomona Ave). The listing gives only the date, time and address, so check the museum for the altar and activity lineup. Tip: the same night, Santa Ana holds its much larger Noche de Altares, so pick one.
See site
Fullerton Museum Center Winter Market
The museum's annual holiday market in downtown Fullerton (301 N Pomona Ave). The listing has no vendor or admission details, so confirm on the museum site. Tip: the museum's calendar also shows a Fullerton tree lighting near this weekend (not yet confirmed by the city), so it may pair well with an evening downtown.
See site
Be You Pride Fest (Fullerton)
OC's largest Pride Month celebration — a community bike parade, vendors, art activities, and two stages, all-ages and free.
Free
Day of Music Fullerton
A free all-ages music day across roughly 60 Fullerton venues, from Museum Plaza and the Fox Theatre to Hillcrest Park. The downtown hub has a Kidz Korner and spray pool, so it works for families despite the sprawl.
Free
Pup-toberfest
A dog-themed fall party at the Hunt Branch Library with a dog race, pet vendors and community groups. Whether or not you have a pup, kids who love dogs will enjoy it. Tip: sign the dog up for the race in advance through the city page.
Local restaurants in Fullerton
Miss Donuts & Bagel
Local 24-hour donut-and-bagel shop with breakfast sandwiches.
Donut Star
Around-the-clock independent donut shop on Yorba Linda Blvd.
Kimmie's Coffee Cup
Family-owned since 2001 diner with hearty Southern-comfort breakfasts.
Taqueria de Anda
OC family-owned taqueria since the '90s serving finely-chopped carne asada street tacos 24 hours.
Golden Ox Burger
Old-school mom-and-pop burger stand and one of OC's best-loved classic griddle spots.
Heroes
Downtown Fullerton flagship pub-restaurant with a huge menu and loyal local crowd, fun for family dinners.
Local shops in Fullerton
Half Off Books
Cozy independent used bookstore in Downtown Fullerton with rare and out-of-print titles.
Aladdin Books
General used bookstore founded 1982 with a strong film and movie-book emphasis.
Stitch & Feather
Downtown Fullerton women's boutique with a laid-back, polished SoCal clothing mix.
The Potting Shed
Home-and-garden boutique with indoor plants, handmade planters, and garden decor.
The Brick Basement
Downtown Fullerton vintage mall (1998) with ~35 dealers of antiques and one-of-a-kind finds.
Mustard Market
Downtown Fullerton vintage and secondhand shop refurbishing furniture and stocking housewares.
White Rabbit Records
All-genre vinyl, tape, and CD shop with rare, new, and used records plus posters.
Allison's Goods
Downtown Fullerton maker of cruelty-free, hand-poured vegan soy candles in recycled glass.
Stray Cat Vintage & Costumes
Long-running vintage and costume clothing shop on Harbor Blvd.
Past Times Collectibles
Independent shop packed with sports memorabilia, cards, and nostalgic collectibles.
Seasonal & outdoors near Fullerton
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Fullerton.
More Orange County family guides
Fullerton family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Fullerton with kids?
Family favorites in and around Fullerton include Fullerton Museum Center, Fullerton Arboretum, Muckenthaler Cultural Center and Fullerton Public Library (Main Library). Our guide lists 4 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Fullerton?
Yes — free family spots near Fullerton include Muckenthaler Cultural Center and Fullerton Public Library (Main Library). Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Fullerton?
Local, family-friendly spots in Fullerton include Combo's Pizza, Miss Donuts & Bagel, Donut Star and Kimmie's Coffee Cup, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Fullerton guide cover?
Our Fullerton family guide includes 4 things to do, 7 local eats, 10 local shops and 2 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 Fullerton
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Fullerton on one map — then book on your favorite site.