Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Tustin with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Tustin on the map
📍 Where Tustin is
Tustin sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: John Wayne / Orange County (~5 mi / 9 km). It's roughly 32 mi (52 km) from Downtown LA and 81 mi (130 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 Tustin
Peppertree Park
A 6.5-acre city park in Old Town Tustin with a playground, large turf area, bocce court, baseball/softball diamond, picnic shelter and tables, and restrooms. Shelters can be reserved through Tustin Parks & Recreation at 714-573-3326.
Free (no fee listed by the city)
Columbus Tustin Park
A 13.9-acre city park with a playground, picnic shelter, BBQs, a large turf area, four lighted ball diamonds and four lighted tennis courts. The city's Columbus Tustin Recreation Center sits at the park's northwest corner.
Free (no fee listed by the city)Tustin Library (OC Public Libraries)
The OC Public Libraries branch at 345 E Main St lists storytimes and youth activities on its branch calendar, so check dates before you go. Call 714-544-7725 for details.
FreeVeterans Sports Park at Tustin Legacy
A city park of about 31.5 acres at 15445 Lansdowne with an active play area, a passive recreation zone, a veterans memorial, and sports courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball and more. The city page lists no fees or hours, so call before a visit.
See siteFarmers markets in Tustin
Old Town Tustin Certified Farmers' Market
40+ vendors with produce, honey, flowers, roasted corn, breads, and prepared foods in historic Old Town.
Downtown Tustin Saturday Farmers Market
Year-round Saturday market on El Camino Real with produce and family-friendly food.
Festivals & annual events in Tustin
What Tustin is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Tustin Halloween Howl & Trunk or Treat
Tustin Parks & Rec's Halloween evening with games, inflatables, a Trunk or Treat with the Tustin Police Department, a costume contest and a calm corner for little ones. The city page gives no venue, so the coordinates are approximate (city hall); confirm the location. Tip: the calm corner suits kids who get overwhelmed.
See site
Tustin Veterans Day Celebration & Car Show
The city calendar lists a Veterans Day celebration with a car show at Veterans Sports Park. Tip: arrive early for the best parking and fewer crowds around the cars.
Free (city event; confirm on listing)
Tustin Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, activities and a dance party at the Tustin Community Center at The Market Place, with 9am and 10am seatings. Pre-registration is required, and Tustin residents (92780/92782) get priority on Nov 16. The venue coordinates are approximate. Tip: the DJ is loud, but a quiet break area and noise-canceling headphones are provided.
Adults $30; kids 2–10 $20; under 2 free
Tustin Tiller Days
A carnival, parade, and live entertainment celebrating Tustin's agricultural heritage, the first weekend of October.
Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off
A 42-year-old one-day fair in Old Town Tustin built around what the International Chili Society calls the largest single-day chili cook-off in the country, plus craft vendors, music and a kids fun zone.
Local restaurants in Tustin
Roma d'Italia
OC's oldest family-owned Italian restaurant — the Corea family's recipes in Old Town Tustin since 1961.
The Poke Co.
Build-your-own poke bowls let picky kids pick exactly what they want — fresh, fast, and customizable.
American Grub
Chef-run family spot serving burgers, gyros, and sandwiches with a twist.
The Original Taco Factory
Home of original tacos al carbon, plus chilaquiles and Mexican breakfast.
El Buen Sabor
Family-owned spot with everything made in-house, Guerrero-style flavors.
Toast Kitchen & Bakery
Specialty coffee shop with house pastries, biscuit sandwiches, and toasts.
Cream Pan
Japanese-French bakery famous for its strawberry croissants.
Eat Fantastic
Family-run spot crafting from-scratch burgers and breakfast with fresh local ingredients.
Bagel Me!
Local favorite with 23 bagel flavors and tons of cream cheese options, a weekend-morning family staple.
India Kitchen
Neighborhood Indian spot serving classic curries, tandoori, and naan, popular for casual family dinners.
Local shops in Tustin
Arvida Book Co.
Woman-owned indie with new, vintage, and upcycled books plus local handmade gifts.
Morning Lavender
Feminine clothing boutique paired with an Instagram-famous cafe and tea house.
Sundance Thrift Shop
Thoughtfully curated vintage clothing, accessories, and home decor, boutique-style.
Mrs. B's Consignments
Family-owned antique and consignment store since 1999, from furniture to vintage jewelry.
Seasonal & outdoors near Tustin
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Tustin.
More Orange County family guides
Tustin family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Tustin with kids?
Family favorites in and around Tustin include Peppertree Park, Columbus Tustin Park, Tustin Library (OC Public Libraries) and Veterans Sports Park at Tustin Legacy. Our guide lists 4 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Tustin?
Yes — free family spots near Tustin include Peppertree Park, Columbus Tustin Park, Tustin Library (OC Public Libraries) and Veterans Sports Park at Tustin Legacy. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Tustin?
Local, family-friendly spots in Tustin include Roma d'Italia, The Poke Co., American Grub and The Original Taco Factory, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Tustin guide cover?
Our Tustin family guide includes 4 things to do, 11 local eats, 4 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 Tustin
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Tustin on one map — then book on your favorite site.