Top 9 Things To Do in Anaheim with Kids

A family vacation to Anaheim, California might be the dream, but exactly how do you plan to keep kids entertained for multiple days? Luckily, there is so much to do in Anaheim and the surrounding areas and the entire city is full of attractions built specifically for kids. From interactive science museums where kids don’t even know they’re learning to the ever-famous Disneyland California, kids of all ages will find something to enjoy in Anaheim.

1. Disneyland California

• Price: $$$
• Location: Anaheim
• Age Range: All ages

Nothing deserves the number 1 spot like Disneyland. As the original home of Mickey Mouse, Disneyland California first opened its magical gates in 1955. Disneyland is great for all ages; with fun dining options and cocktail drinks for the adults to It’s A Small World for babies and toddlers.

Try out the thrill-seeking Matterhorn bobsleds or Space Mountain for the adventurous older kids, or bask in the cool darkness on a hot summer day in the Haunted Mansion. Disneyland California can truly be a magical place for adults and children alike, but it’s a long, tiring few days at the park. Be sure to bring sunscreen, stay hydrated and stop frequently for an iconic Dole whip.

Depending on your budget, Disneyland can break the bank or be fairly affordable. Plus, your AAA membership gets you discounted Disneyland Park tickets, so take advantage of that through your AAA travel agent. Keep in mind, you do need reservations at Disney parks, which is a new update in recent years.

\

2. Knott’s Berry Farm

• Price: $$
• Location: Buena Park
• Age Range: All ages

A 57-acre theme park in Buena Park, Knott’s Berry Farm averages 4 million visitors a year, a staggering number for a theme park you might never have heard of. Soak City is its heart-pounding water park open from May to September with a 750,000-gallon wave pool and a ⅓ mile lazy river.

Other must-see attractions include the Ghostrider wooden coaster or the Xcelerator high-speed launch coaster or dive into a 96-degree drop on the thrilling Hangtime, which are excellent options for older kids and adults. Younger kids might enjoy the log flume ride or the Linus Launcher, a small drop tower ride. Upgrade your trip with VIP packages, fast lane passes, dining experiences and more for memories for the whole family. Tickets for the amusement park and water park can also be bundled.

3. Adventure City

• Price: $$
• Location: Stanton
• Age Range: 2-12

Best suited for younger kids, Adventure City is a smaller theme park in the area designed to accommodate little adventurers. Known for its kiddie rides and short wait times, it’s a popular option if you’re not ready to dive head-first into the often-overwhelming world of Disney. Rewind Racers is one of its newest roller coasters for older kids and younger kids can cruise on the carousel or the Crank 'n' Roll, a mini bike ride. For toddlers, there are multiple rides for their fun level, including the Giggle Wheel, which is a small Ferris wheel and the Adventure City Express, a train ride through the park. Especially for families with young kids likely to get overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of large theme parks, Adventure City is a perfect way to spend a day.

4. The Aquarium of the Pacific

• Price: $$
• Location: Long Beach
• Age Range: All ages

If you’re over the theme parks and thrill rides, nothing is more fun for young kids than an aquarium. The Aquarium of the Pacific dives deep (no pun intended) into the creatures and ecosystems of the largest ocean in the world, the Pacific Ocean. Slightly outside of Anaheim in Long Beach, enjoy a day strolling through the 100+ exhibits and 19 major habitats. Some of our favorites are the Shark Lagoon, home to multiple species of sharks and rays in an expansive 10,000-square-foot outdoor exhibit. A cuter option is the Sea Otter Habitat where you can view rescued sea otter pups and watch these fun, cuddly animals get fed. Admission is free for children under the age of 3 and tickets start at $45 for an adult and $30 for kids.

5. Discovery Cube Orange County

• Price: $$
• Location: Orange County
• Age Range: 2-10

Perfect for toddlers and young kids, Discovery Cube is an interactive science museum with so much to see, play, touch and do. Hands-on exhibits allow kids to immerse themselves in learning experiences while still having tons of fun. The Physics Lab: The Raceway creates an engineering challenge to build the best race car and the Space Gallery: Mission Control is always a popular option for blasting off a team into “space.” A child-sized rainforest is ideal to let your toddler run around, exploring the different flowers and plants of the rainforest.

6. Pretend City Children's Museum

• Price: $$
• Location: Irvine
• Age Range: 2-8

Research shows pretend, imaginative play is one of the best developmental exercises for your child’s brain and as the Pretend City Children's Museum is just a short drive outside Anaheim, it’s worth the visit. Designed to engage kids at every level, 17 exhibits await your youngest kids to dive into real-world experiences guided by trained staff. They also learn the basics of fundamentals like reading, math and science while exploring their creativity and curiosity as well. Pretend City Children's Museum is closed on Mondays and closes a little earlier than other attractions at 4:30 PM every day, so plan on spending your morning here and taking a lunch break elsewhere from 12:30 - 1:30 while they close for cleaning.

7. Adventure Lagoon

• Price: $$
• Location: Anaheim
• Age Range: All ages

Great for kids, teenagers and adults, there’s something for everyone at Adventure Lagoon, a fun, popular water park in Anaheim. Known for being home to one of the most jaw-dropping water obstacle course challenges in the world, it’s ideal for the little ninjas in your family. Adults and babies can relax on the sandy beach in cabanas, or float in the Lazy Lagoon. Kids ages 5 years and older can play on the bumper boats and kayaks are available for those over 6 years old. Some activities are an additional fee by the hour, but standard park admission starts at $35 if you’re over 6 years old. Kids 0-2 get in free.

8. AMC Anaheim GardenWalk 6

• Price: $
• Location: Anaheim
• Age Range: All ages

If you need a slower-paced day where you’re not chasing little ones around in the hot sun, one of the easiest things to do with kids in Anaheim is a day at the movies. AMC Anaheim GardenWalk 6 is located near Disneyland and shows the latest and greatest adult and kids movies and it’s extra exciting because Hollywood is just a short drive north. Starlight Grove West Cinemas is another close-by option with delicious snacks and popcorn. Especially if you’re visiting Anaheim on a budget, movie tickets and prices are significantly cheaper than surrounding theme parks. Go ahead and splurge on the large popcorn!

9. Oak Canyon

• Price: $
• Location: Anaheim Hills
• Age Range: All ages

To completely unplug, head to Anaheim Hills to visit Oak Canyon Nature Center, a 58-acre nature park with trails, wildlife, picnic spots and an interactive center. Ideal for kids of all ages who need a break from the noise and scenery of theme parks, returning to stately oak trees and shaded streams is a nice reprieve. Over four miles of easy dirt hiking trails are available, which are perfect for bringing an all-terrain stroller. Oak Canyon Nature Center is truly one of Orange County’s best-kept secrets!

Anaheim offers no shortage of things to do for kids. Whether you need to lounge somewhere shaded with an infant or burn off the energy of older kids, multiple theme parks, water parks and play areas await. Plus, enjoy the multiple science and educational museums where your kids won’t even know they’re learning on top of having a blast.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Anaheim today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.