{"id":37697,"date":"2024-05-15T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-15T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mommy-diary.com\/?p=37697"},"modified":"2024-05-21T23:24:59","modified_gmt":"2024-05-22T06:24:59","slug":"family-things-to-do-in-orange-county","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mommy-diary.com\/family-things-to-do-in-orange-county\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Family Things To Do in Orange County"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Whether you\u2019re a local or visiting from the other side of the world, Orange County, California is a premiere destination for families with kids of all ages. Known as \u201cThe OC,\u201d Orange County, California is situated right below Los Angeles. It\u2019s comprised of Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, San Juan Capistrano, Buena Park, and Santa Ana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orange County boasts miles and miles of gorgeous sandy beaches, world-renowned theme parks, expansive libraries, and so much more. No matter the season, Orange County offers a diverse range of experiences for families looking to have a great time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today I\u2019m sharing a round-up of activities that families can do together in Orange County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15 Fun Family Things To Do in Orange County<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Outdoor Things To Do In Orange County<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Spend A Day At The Beach<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You can\u2019t talk about Orange County without mentioning the amazing beaches. One of the best in the area is Newport Beach. Not only is it gorgeous, it offers a bunch of fun family activities like bike rentals, surfing, and more. If you can, stay long enough to catch the sunset. It\u2019s truly breathtaking in Newport Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I highly recommend the state parks as well. Crystal Cove State Park is a great option if you prefer a more laid-back beach experience. You can stay the night in a beach cottage, and during the day explore a tide pool or soak up the sun on the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a family full of thrill seekers, head to Huntington Beach. The Huntington Beach Pier is one of the best surf spots, even for first-timers who want to learn how to ride the waves. There are a ton of reasonably-priced board rentals and lessons right there on the beach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, be sure to check out the Adventure Playground in Huntington Beach\u2019s Central Park West. It has a ropes course, zip line, and other features that kids 5 and up will love. For the little ones, the toddler playground by the lake includes a small climbing structure with a slide, swings, and a seesaw. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you head to the beach, check out my post on beach safety for kids<\/a>, as well as this write-up on summer beach bag essentials<\/a> to ensure you come prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mission San Juan Capistrano<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Mission San Juan Capistrano is a fantastic fun and educational family-friendly destination in Orange County. Family members of all ages can explore the Mission grounds (kick it up a notch with this free printable scavenger hunt<\/a>), learn about California history, do crafts, and participate in various Mission Clubhouse activities like life-size basket weaving, Roman arch building with mini blocks, and more. The Mission Clubhouse is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It used to be that every year, elementary students in California would do a mission project where they built dioramas of one of the 21 Spanish missions in the state, including Mission San Juan Capistrano. Fewer schools still participate in the mission project, but I\u2019ll never forget my experience. You can read more about my experience and how it felt to return with my daughter for her mission project in this post<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get Directions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newport Dunes <\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to fun on and near <\/em>the water, it doesn\u2019t get much better than Newport Dunes in Orange County. The resort offers a ton of activities to the public including water sports rentals, beach volleyball, bike and walking trails, outdoor movies and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your kids are at least 5 years old, you should definitely check out the Summer Inflatable Aquatic Park. Among the floating inflatables, you\u2019ll find obstacle courses, climbing walls, and diving platforms. This epic inflatable water park opens on Friday, May 24. Here are some important things to know before you go:<\/p>\n\n\n\n