Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Westminster with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Westminster on the map
📍 Where Westminster is
Westminster sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: John Wayne / Orange County (~9 mi / 15 km). It's roughly 25 mi (40 km) from Downtown LA and 87 mi (139 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 Westminster
Family attractions near Westminster
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Westminster.
Rodeo 39 Public Market
An open-air food hall and market just off the 22 where each family member can chase a different craving, from tacos to boba to ice cream, plus retail shops and frequent weekend events. Come hungry and let the kids graze their way across the vendors.
Free entry; food varies
Old World Village
A cobblestoned Bavarian-style village of shops and restaurants with free parking, and host of Orange County's biggest Oktoberfest since 1977.
Free to visit; free parking
Vans Off The Wall Skatepark
A free 35,000-square-foot outdoor skatepark with a street plaza, flow bowls and rails, attached to a Vans store. Helmet and pads are required, not suggested.
Free
Bella Terra
Open-air lifestyle centre with fountains, a bookshop, a cinema and a free kids club. Handy as a rain-adjacent option since much of the walking is covered.
Free to visit
Fun For All Indoor Playground
Two-storey indoor play centre with a mega slide, obstacle course, trampoline zone and a separate toddler area away from the bigger kids.
$25 per child, $5 per adult; grip socks $1
Garden Grove Chapman Library (OC Public Libraries)
The library at 9182 Chapman Ave has an AWE Station computer for ages 2–8 with educational games in English and Spanish, plus a board game collection and patio spaces. Its branch calendar lists the current children's programs.
FreeFestivals & annual events in Westminster
What Westminster is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Westminster Breakfast with Santa
The city's holiday breakfast with Santa. Registration opens in September, and the city page gives no price or time yet. Tip: register early since city Santa breakfasts typically fill.
See site (registration required)
Westminster Tree Lighting Ceremony
The city's annual holiday tree lighting at the Civic Center, with performances, photos with Santa, activities and food vendors. The city page does not list a start time. Tip: check the city page the week of for the start time, and bring a blanket.
Free
Westminster Tet Parade
Little Saigon's Lunar New Year parade down Bolsa Avenue, with lion dances, floats, marching bands, martial arts groups and veterans' organizations. One of the largest Vietnamese American events in the country.
Free to watch
Westminster Fall Festival
The city's 5th annual fall festival at the Westminster Civic Center — carnival rides, live entertainment and food over four days.
Westminster Halloween Spooktacular
Trunk or Treat, games, food and a movie night at the Westminster Civic Center. Tip: trick-or-treating starts at 4:30pm, so go early for the best candy and the shortest lines, then stay for the movie.
Local restaurants in Westminster
Thanh My
Westminster Vietnamese institution since 1979 with an encyclopedic menu.
Banh Mi & Che Cali
Decades-old family bakery for fresh, cheap banh mi and che desserts.
Quan Hy
Family-owned central-Vietnamese spot since 1997 with shareable small plates and noodle bowls great for groups.
Top Baguette
Owner-run banh mi shop where you can add a fried egg to any sandwich, a quick affordable family favorite.
Local shops in Westminster
Art Supply Warehouse
The largest single independent art store in Southern California, started by three friends in 1977.
Lua Dao Fabrics
Sister-run Vietnamese silk and ao dai tailoring shop on Bolsa with custom fitting.
Asian Garden Mall
First and largest Vietnamese-American mall, 200+ small minority-owned stalls.
Seasonal & outdoors near Westminster
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Westminster.
More Orange County family guides
Westminster family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Westminster with kids?
Family favorites in and around Westminster include Westminster Library (OC Public Libraries). Our guide lists 1 spot, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Westminster?
Yes — free family spots near Westminster include Westminster Library (OC Public Libraries). Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Westminster?
Local, family-friendly spots in Westminster include Pho 79, Pho Quang Trung, Thanh My and Banh Mi & Che Cali, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Westminster guide cover?
Our Westminster family guide includes 1 things to do, 7 local eats and 3 local shops — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Westminster
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Westminster on one map — then book on your favorite site.