Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Orange with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Orange on the map
📍 Where Orange is
Orange sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: John Wayne / Orange County (~8 mi / 13 km). It's roughly 29 mi (47 km) from Downtown LA and 84 mi (135 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 Orange
Irvine Regional Park & OC Zoo
Pony rides, paddle boats, a tiny train, and giant oaks make this a reliable all-day outing, with the adjoining OC Zoo tucked inside for a still-modest $2 per person (ages 3 and up). Rather than exotic species, the zoo focuses on animals native to the Southwestern U.S. — black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, and kit foxes among them — many rescued or unable to survive in the wild, alongside a barnyard of goats and sheep for little ones.
Parking $3–$5; OC Zoo $2
Peters Canyon Regional Park
Loop a reservoir alive with waterfowl on mostly flat trails — a satisfying nature outing close to town with real wildlife to spot. The 55-acre Upper Peters Canyon Reservoir anchors a 340-acre park where black willows and sycamores line the water and mule deer, bobcats, and red-tailed hawks are regularly seen along the trails. The East Ridge View Trail climbs just enough to open up a panoramic view over the whole canyon before looping back down.
Parking $3–$5
Old Towne Orange Plaza
A walkable historic circle of antique shops, candy stores, and old-fashioned soda fountains, built around a traffic circle and park laid out in 1869 by attorneys mirroring William Penn's plan for Philadelphia. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1997, it's the largest such historic district in California, a charming, free afternoon wander.
Free to strollFarmers markets in Orange
Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market
Beloved Old Towne Orange market with local farms, artisans, kids' activities, and education programs; EBT accepted.
Festivals & annual events in Orange
What Orange is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Treats in the Streets (Old Towne Orange)
Orange Plaza Traditions closes the streets around the historic Plaza for a safe, walkable trick-or-treat night with local businesses and nonprofits handing out candy, plus Halloween games and activities. It is a Thursday-evening event, so it works after school. Tip: park in the structure near Lemon St and Chapman Ave (public lots can charge fees) and arrive by 4pm before the crowds peak around sunset.
Free admission
Field of Valor Veterans Tribute (Orange)
More than 1,200 full-size American flags, each with a personal tribute to a service member, fill Handy Park for six days of remembrance. Extra ceremonies include a Marine Corps Birthday Celebration with the Orange Police Department (Tue, Nov 10, 11am) and a Veterans Day Celebration (Wed, Nov 11, 11am). Tip: it is a quiet, reflective space that works well for school-age kids learning about Veterans Day; go on a weekday morning for the fewest crowds.
No admission listed (donations welcome)
Orange Christmas Market & Tree Lighting
The Old Towne Orange Plaza fills with local vendors, seasonal treats, live entertainment and holiday activities, then the City of Orange Christmas tree is lit in the Circle. Organizer Orange Plaza Traditions notes admission is free and that hours and entertainment will be posted closer to the date. Tip: accessible parking is on S. Grand St just south of Chapman Ave; otherwise use the parking structure at Lemon and Chapman and plan for a walk.
Free admission (food and some activities cost extra)
Easter Eggstravaganza at Irvine Park Railroad
The railroad's spring event has children meet the Easter Bunny and join activities including egg hunts for ages 2-12, train rides, moon bounces, wagon rides, cookie decorating, face painting and carnival games. It runs from March 6 to April 4, 2027 at 1 Irvine Park Road. Tip: Timed egg hunts can sell out, so book ahead and go on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.
Event entrance free; activity tickets $8 each or $100 for 15; park entry $3 weekday / $5 weekend / $7 holiday; Easter Bunny photo $20
Orange May Parade
A long-running community parade through Old Towne Orange around the historic Plaza, produced by the Orange Chamber of Commerce Foundation with proceeds going to local youth programs.
2026 parade was May 2, which has passed; no 2027 date published yet
Orange International Street Fair
A Labor Day weekend tradition in Old Towne Orange with international food booths, live music, and crafts.
Local restaurants in Orange
Da Bianca Trattoria
A warm family trattoria run by the founder's daughter since 1990, with house-made sauces and a welcome-the-neighbors feel.
The Filling Station Cafe
Breakfast in a 1913 gas station in Old Towne Orange, with a colorful umbrella-shaded patio that's great for kids and dogs.
Bruxie
Orange-born fried-chicken-and-waffle sandwiches in a quick, casual setting kids love.
Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen
Family-run Old Towne Orange staple serving regional Mexican in a historic building.
Watson's Soda Fountain & Cafe
Historic soda fountain and diner since 1899 with American breakfast and malts.
Felix Continental Cafe
Family-run Cuban and Spanish cafe anchoring the Orange Circle for decades.
Francoli Gourmet
Authentic Northern Italian cooking with fresh pastas in Old Towne Orange.
Chaiwale & Co.
Independent chai cafe in Old Towne Orange — fresh chai brewed from Assam-sourced tea, plus Indian fusion desserts and drinks.
Peter's Gourmade Burgers
Family-passion burger joint treating every customer like family.
DK's Donuts
Family-owned shop with a loyal following for chewy cake donuts and a standout maple-bacon donut.
Local shops in Orange
Tiddlywinks Toys & Games
Classic American and European toys, puzzles, and science kits curated to bring families together.
Book Carnival
Specialty mystery and suspense bookstore famous for author events and a Shakespeare reading group.
Country Roads Antiques & Garden
10,000 sq ft of Americana, mid-century, farmhouse, and garden antiques in Old Towne Orange.
Orange Circle Antique Mall
Two-floor mall with 100+ dealers covering every era, from retro furniture to vinyl.
Resident Vinyl
Low-key indie record store in Old Towne Orange, mostly new vinyl across every genre.
Antique Depot
Large multi-dealer antique mall packed with collectibles and Americana on the Glassell row.
Antique Station
Multi-dealer antique mall in the town's former Satellite Market grocery building.
Woody's Antiques
Specialist in Early American farmhouse, primitives, folk art, and garden antiques.
Tea Leaf Cottage
Cozy independent antique and vintage shop in the Orange Circle.
It's About Time Antiques
Antique dealer in the Old Towne antiquing district.
Elsewhere Vintage
Curated turn-of-the-century-to-'70s women's clothing, hats, jewelry, and purses.
Joyride Vintage
Vintage menswear haberdashery time capsule, sister shop to Elsewhere.
Treasures
Independent Old Towne antiques showroom.
The Bookman
Used, rare, and out-of-print bookstore founded 1990 with monthly poetry nights.
Seasonal & outdoors near Orange
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Orange.
More Orange County family guides
Orange family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Orange with kids?
Family favorites in and around Orange include Irvine Regional Park & OC Zoo, Peters Canyon Regional Park and Old Towne Orange Plaza. Our guide lists 3 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Orange?
Yes — free family spots near Orange include Old Towne Orange Plaza. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Orange?
Local, family-friendly spots in Orange include Da Bianca Trattoria, The Filling Station Cafe, Bruxie and Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Orange guide cover?
Our Orange family guide includes 3 things to do, 10 local eats, 14 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 Orange
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Orange on one map — then book on your favorite site.