Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Seal Beach with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Seal Beach on the map
📍 Where Seal Beach is
Seal Beach sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Long Beach (~6 mi / 10 km). It's roughly 23 mi (37 km) from Downtown LA and 89 mi (144 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 Seal Beach
Seal Beach Pier and Main Street Beach
The wooden municipal pier and wide sandy beach sit at the foot of Main Street, with the Marine Safety headquarters at 888 Ocean Ave. The city runs a Junior Lifeguard program and lifeguard hours change by season, so swim near a tower.
Free to enter; paid parking nearby (see city)
Eisenhower Park
A 1.4-acre waterfront park at Ocean Ave and Main St with a tot lot, restrooms and ocean views, right beside the pier and beach. It's a good toddler stop or a place to watch the sunset before walking out on the pier.
FreeGum Grove Nature Park
A hillside eucalyptus grove at Crestview and Avalon Drive with a shaded main trail, single-track side trails and picnic tables. It overlooks the Los Cerritos Wetlands, and the city says it is especially popular with dog walkers.
Free (no fee listed by the city)Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge (guided tour)
This 965-acre salt marsh inside Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach is open to the public only on guided tours, with a shuttle from the main gate at 800 Seal Beach Blvd, docent-led bird and marsh stations, and an observation deck. Tours are U.S. citizens only, ages 18 and up need government photo ID, and late arrivals can't be accommodated.
Free; advance registration required
Mary Wilson Library (OC Public Libraries)
The OC Public Libraries branch at 707 Electric Ave has an AWE Station computer with educational games for ages 2–8 in English and Spanish, plus a Friends of the Library bookstore. The page lists no storytime schedule, so call (562) 431-3584 for children's programs.
FreeFarmers markets in Seal Beach
Seal Beach Village Certified Farmers' Market
Year-round village market with produce and prepared foods, walkable to Main Street and the pier.
Festivals & annual events in Seal Beach
What Seal Beach is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Seal Beach Christmas Tree Lighting
The Chamber of Commerce hosts a beach-style holiday kickoff at the base of the Seal Beach Pier with sledding for children, a kids craft area, carolers, gingerbread cookies, hot cocoa, a life-size snowman for photos and a visit from Santa. Tip: bring warm layers since the pier wind picks up at dusk, and pick up the $20 seal-in-sleigh ornament early because they sell out.
Free (limited-edition ornament $20)
Seal Beach Christmas Parade (48th Annual)
The Seal Beach Lions Foundation's parade travels along Main Street from the pier to PCH with this year's theme A Red, White, and Blue Christmas celebrating 250 years of Freedom. Tip: expect a large crowd, so claim a curb spot on Main Street early and bring blankets.
Free to watch
Seal Beach Lions Community Fish Fry
Seal Beach's longest-running community event — a two-day Lions Club fish fry at Eisenhower Park beside the pier, with fried fish plates, carnival rides and live bands. Proceeds go to local charities.
2026 edition (Jul 18-19) has passed; the Lions Club has not posted 2027 dates
Local restaurants in Seal Beach
The Hangout Restaurant
28-year Main St. breakfast spot with coloring books and high chairs ready.
Finbars Italian Kitchen
Family-owned NY-style Italian since 1996 with house pasta and focaccia.
Osteria Mare Blu
Cozy made-to-order neighborhood Italian on Main Street.
Walt's Wharf
Family-run Main Street seafood classic since 1970, a longtime spot for birthday and special-occasion family dinners.
Nick's Deli
Counter-serve neighborhood favorite famous for hearty breakfast burritos and staff who treat you like family.
Hennessey's Tavern
Casual Main Street SoCal-institution tavern with indoor/outdoor seating and an easy family-friendly menu.
Local shops in Seal Beach
Knock Knock Toys & Gifts
Tiny owner-run Old Town toy shop focused on creative, learning-based toys over big-box.
Up Up and Away
Old-school Main Street kite-and-novelty shop stocked with kites, flags, and beach toys.
Endless Summer
Main Street women's beachwear boutique with coastal apparel, accessories, and decor.
Main Street Mercantile
Curated Old Town shop of unique gifts, home decor, and artisanal goods.
Something Fine
Main Street gift-and-greeting-card shop with handcrafted gifts, decor, and jewelry.
Jennings & Allen
Artisan gift-and-home shop tucked into the Old Town Gardens.
Harbour Surfboards
Historic surfboard maker and shop selling boards, apparel, and accessories on Main Street.
Beachin
Main Street surf-and-beach shop with graphic tees, coastal gifts, and beach gear.
Seasonal & outdoors near Seal Beach
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Seal Beach.
More Orange County family guides
Seal Beach family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Seal Beach with kids?
Family favorites in and around Seal Beach include Seal Beach Pier and Main Street Beach, Eisenhower Park, Gum Grove Nature Park and Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge (guided tour), and more. Our guide lists 5 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Seal Beach?
Yes — free family spots near Seal Beach include Seal Beach Pier and Main Street Beach, Eisenhower Park, Gum Grove Nature Park and Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge (guided tour). Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Seal Beach?
Local, family-friendly spots in Seal Beach include The Hangout Restaurant, Finbars Italian Kitchen, Osteria Mare Blu and Walt's Wharf, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Seal Beach guide cover?
Our Seal Beach family guide includes 5 things to do, 6 local eats, 8 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 Seal Beach
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Seal Beach on one map — then book on your favorite site.