Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Newport Beach with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Newport Beach on the map
📍 Where Newport Beach is
Newport Beach sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: John Wayne / Orange County (~5 mi / 8 km). It's roughly 35 mi (57 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 Newport Beach
Environmental Nature Center
Native-habitat trails and a seasonal butterfly house tucked behind the city — a quiet, free nature fix close to the coast.
Free (donation); butterfly house seasonal
Balboa Fun Zone & Ferris Wheel
A pint-sized bayfront boardwalk with a historic Ferris wheel, arcade, and the original frozen-banana stand. Pure nostalgic fun.
Ferris wheel ~$5; arcade pay-per-play
Balboa Island Ferry & Frozen Bananas
Ride the tiny three-car ferry across the harbor, then stroll Marine Ave for frozen bananas and Balboa bars. A classic cheap thrill.
Ferry ~$1.50/person; treats extra
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
A wide back-bay estuary with flat trails and kayak launches — paddle past egrets and learn at the interactive nature center.
Free; kayak rentals extra
Corona del Mar State Beach
Soft sand framed by rocky jetties and tide pools, with fire rings for a sunset cookout. One of OC's prettiest family beaches.
Parking ~$15/day
Newport Pier & McFadden Square
Watch the dory fishing fleet, walk the pier, and rent bikes or surreys along the boardwalk — quintessential easygoing beach-town fun.
Free (paid parking)Farmers markets in Newport Beach
Newport Beach Certified Farmers' Market
At the base of the Newport Pier in McFadden Square — combine fresh produce with a beach-and-boardwalk morning.
Corona del Mar Certified Farmers Market
Relaxed, family-friendly neighborhood market with produce, flowers, and hot food.
Festivals & annual events in Newport Beach
What Newport Beach is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
A century-old holiday tradition where 100+ lavishly lit boats parade Newport Harbor — magical for kids and free from the waterfront.
Free to watch from shore
Local restaurants in Newport Beach
The Crab Cooker
A Newport institution since 1951 serving mesquite-grilled seafood on paper plates — casual, nautical, and easy with kids.
Sgt. Pepperoni's Pizza
Since-1976 scratch-dough pizzeria with an arcade — a classic family pizza night.
Mario's A Taste of Italy
Neighborhood Italian with pizza and pasta — a local family go-to.
Cappy's Cafe
Newport breakfast institution since 1982 with a kids menu and chocolate-chip pancakes.
Bear Flag Fish Co.
Counter-service sustainable fish market doing fresh tacos, poke, and sandwiches.
The Crab Cooker
Whimsical bright-red Newport seafood institution since 1951 serving skewers and chowder in a fun casual setting.
Wilma's Patio
Drewry-family-owned Marine Ave breakfast staple with fluffy omelets and pancakes, a must on a Balboa family day.
Free Range Cafe
Independently owned neighborhood cafe a block from the ferry, great for a relaxed family bite.
Shanghai Pine Garden
The only Chinese restaurant on Balboa Island, with affordable family-style lunch specials and classics like Mongolian beef.
Crystal Cove Shake Shack
Iconic 60-plus-year clifftop shack famous for date shakes and ocean views the kids will never forget.
Dad's Donut & Bakery
Original-home-of-the-frozen-banana institution serving chocolate-dipped Balboa Bars families have loved for decades.
Sugar 'n Spice
Classic Marine Ave stand also claiming the original frozen banana, a quintessential Balboa Island family treat.
Balboa Candy
Old-fashioned candy shop with one of the world's largest salt water taffy selections and tons of retro sweets.
C'est Si Bon
Longtime Newport French bakery loved for brioche, croissants, and European-style tarts and cakes.
Local shops in Newport Beach
Lido Village Books
Tiny beloved indie bookstore in Lido Marina Village with a curated selection for all ages.
Balboa Candy
Family-owned Balboa Island candy shop famous for saltwater taffy and in-house fudge.
Alchemy Works: Harbor House
Lifestyle and gallery boutique in an all-black 1940s house with heirloom jewelry and home accents.
Rye Goods
Local provisions and goods shop at Lido Marina Village.
Etc. Etc.
Seaside women's boutique, a Balboa Island staple for 30+ years.
Balboa Surf & Style
Surf-and-beach shop mixing brands with postcards, sand toys, surfboards, and skateboards.
hjom.
Home goods shop with furniture, lighting, candles, coffee-table books, and pillows.
Magnolia Charlie
Children's clothing boutique sourcing classic and chic European kids' styles.
The Persimmon Tree
Family beach-apparel store serving Balboa Island since 1965.
Seasonal & outdoors near Newport Beach
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Newport Beach.
More Orange County family guides
Newport Beach family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Newport Beach with kids?
Family favorites in and around Newport Beach include Environmental Nature Center, Balboa Fun Zone & Ferris Wheel, Balboa Island Ferry & Frozen Bananas and Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, and more. Our guide lists 6 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Newport Beach?
Yes — free family spots near Newport Beach include Environmental Nature Center, Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Newport Pier & McFadden Square. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in Newport Beach?
Local, family-friendly spots in Newport Beach include The Crab Cooker, Sgt. Pepperoni's Pizza, Mario's A Taste of Italy and Cappy's Cafe, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Newport Beach guide cover?
Our Newport Beach family guide includes 6 things to do, 14 local eats, 9 local shops and 2 farmers markets — 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 Newport Beach
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Newport Beach on one map — then book on your favorite site.