Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Irvine with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
📍 Where Irvine is
Irvine sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: John Wayne / Orange County (~3 mi / 5 km). It's roughly 36 mi (58 km) from Downtown LA and 76 mi (123 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 Irvine
Great Park Balloon & Carousel
Ride a tethered helium balloon 400 feet up for skyline views, then a spin on the carousel and a romp at the huge play areas.
Balloon free; carousel $4
Pretend City Children's Museum
A miniature city where kids run the grocery store, fire truck, and farm. Built for ages 0–10 and a lifesaver on hot or rainy days.
~$18.50/person
K1 Speed Indoor Karting
Electric go-karts on an indoor track with junior karts for kids 48"+. A great rainy-day adrenaline hit for older kids and teens.
~$25 per race
Boomers! Irvine
Mini golf, go-karts, batting cages, and an arcade in one spot — the reliable birthday-party-energy outing for mixed ages.
Attraction passes ~$30
William R. Mason Regional Park
A lake with turtles and ducks, bike paths, and huge picnic lawns — the easy, central Irvine park for a relaxed afternoon outside.
Parking $3–$5
Bommer Canyon Trail
A gentle former cattle-camp canyon with wide dirt paths and shady oaks — an easy, scenic hike that older kids can handle.
Free
Tanaka Farms
A working farm with wagon rides, u-pick produce, a petting corral, and seasonal strawberry and watermelon tours kids adore.
Wagon tours ~$28; varies by season
Irvine Spectrum Center & Giant Wheel
An open-air center with a giant observation wheel, carousel, splash fountains, and a lawn — easy evening fun with dinner options.
Free entry; wheel/carousel ~$5
Wild Rivers Waterpark
Dozens of slides, a wave pool, and a sprawling kids' lagoon — the big summer splash-day splurge, open in the warm months.
~$50+/person (seasonal)Great Park Ice Public Skate
The Ducks' practice facility opens its rinks for public skating — a cool, indoor energy-burner on a hot OC afternoon.
~$15 admission + skate rentalFarmers markets in Irvine
Great Park / My OC Certified Farmers Market
Kid-friendly Sunday market (now at Stonegate Elementary) with fresh produce, hot prepared food, and a lively scene; CalFresh/EBT accepted.
Irvine Farmers' Market at Mariners Church
Long-running certified market with seasonal produce, flowers, and breakfast bites; easy parking makes it stroller-friendly.
Irvine Regional Park Certified Farmers Market
Set by a popular family park, so families pair produce shopping with the playground, train, and pony rides.
Irvine Farmers Market (Mariners)
One of OC's biggest Saturday markets — berries, pastries, and a kids' play area.
Local restaurants in Irvine
Saiga Vietnamese Eatery
A bright, friendly Vietnamese eatery known for pho and banh mi — a comfortable, welcoming room for families.
HiroNori Craft Ramen
Cozy ramen house with an open kitchen and rich tonkotsu kids slurp up.
Soup Shop
Chef-driven Vietnamese noodle house with pho, garlic noodles, and baos.
Mag's Donuts & Bakery
Family-operated donut and bagel shop with cronuts and breakfast sandwiches.
Meet Fresh Irvine
Taiwanese dessert shop with grass jelly, taro, shaved ice, and boba.
Knowlwood
OC burger institution since 1957 with charbroiled burgers, thick malts, and hearty all-day breakfast.
Thai Cafe
Local Irvine favorite with authentic tom yum, curries, and generous portions families love.
Saffron and Rose
Family-run Persian ice cream shop since 1974 famous for its saffron-pistachio-rosewater scoops.
Local shops in Irvine
The Game Chest
Small shop packed with board games and collectibles, a tabletop-gamer favorite.
Jini Mini
Magical kids boutique stocked with Jellycat plush, children's books, and toddler shoes.
Seasonal & outdoors near Irvine
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Irvine.
More Orange County family guides
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.