Introduction
Last summer, my family and I decided to escape our everyday routine and head down to Anaheim for a long weekend. We had big hopes for some classic fun (yes, the theme park was on the list) but also wanted plenty of relaxed moments where the kids could roam free and we could just soak it in. What we found: Anaheim offers so much more than just the headline attractions. We discovered laid-back parks, cool indoor spaces, food halls, and plenty of memories. Here are 12 family‑friendly things to do in Anaheim—everything we tried, loved, and would recommend for your next trip.
12 Things To Do With Family In Anaheim, CA (2026)
1. Visit Disneyland Park
Of course, the iconic Disneyland Park was on the list. It felt special seeing the kids’ faces light up meeting Mickey, exploring Fantasyland rides and watching the fireworks. What makes it family‑friendly: rides and experiences for littler ones, character meet‑and‑greets, and an atmosphere of joy.
Tip: Arrive at rope‑drop (opening time) to get ahead of crowds, download the Disneyland app ahead of time for wait times and mobile ordering.
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2. Explore Disney California Adventure Park
Right next door to Disneyland, this park offers a different kind of energy—more thrill rides, Pixar‑themed zones, and fun for slightly older kids and adults too. We jumped between rides at Pixar Pier, visited the Avengers Campus and enjoyed dinner while the evening show lit up the sky.
Tip: For families with mixed ages, this park gives older kids more to do while still offering options for younger ones.
3. Walk Around Downtown Disney® District
After a full day of rides, we treated ourselves to a more relaxed evening at the Downtown Disney® District. Outdoor dining, live music, shops and a fun, easy vibe made it a perfect post‑theme‑park stop. The kids loved picking a souvenir and we all enjoyed the open‑air setting.
Tip: This area is great for early dinners or a slower “wind down” night.
4. Visit the Historic Anaheim Packing House Food Hall
We found a gem in the Anaheim Packing House: a beautifully restored 1919 citrus‑packing building turned into a gourmet food hall. It was a fun change of pace—let the kids pick their own meal, we sampled different cuisines, and we all relaxed in one place.
Tip: This is a good “break day” activity when you want something low‑stress but still fun and central.
5. Play Mini-Golf & Arcade at Camelot Golfland
On one of our lighter days, we visited Camelot Golfland and had a blast. According to local family‑travel guides, it’s a great value outing with mini‑golf, arcade games, bumper cars/boats and more. The kids competed in our mini‑golf tournament while we snacked and watched.
Tip: Arrive in the afternoon when the weather is warm but not peak; combine with early dinner.
6. Explore Nature at Oak Canyon Nature Center
Sometimes a slower outing is exactly what a family needs. We drove up to Oak Canyon Nature Center—58 acres of canyon trails, oak woods and educational exhibits. The kids spotted lizards, we had snacks by a stream, and it felt calm and peaceful.
Tip: Great for a half‑day and a good contrast to theme‑park or indoor energy. Bring water and wear walking‑friendly shoes.
7. Visit the Science‑Focused Discovery Cube Orange County (nearby)
On a hotter afternoon we sought comfort indoors at the Discovery Cube in nearby Santa Ana. It’s a top pick for families, with hands‑on STEM exhibits, rotating fun features and great interaction. We spent two hours exploring different zones and the kids were engaged the whole time.
Tip: This is a fantastic backup plan for weather or fatigue; check exhibit schedule ahead.
8. Attend a Game or Event at Angel Stadium of Anaheim
One evening we headed to Angel Stadium for a baseball game (or sometimes just the event) and it was a total win. The vibe is fun and family‑friendly; seeing the game lights and crowd energy made it feel like something special for all ages.
Tip: Check for family section tickets, consider a fire‑works night, and arrive early to soak in the pre‑game.
9. Relax at Yorba Regional Park (short drive)
We wanted one fully relaxed day, so we drove to Yorba Regional Park: a green, shade‑filled space with lakes, picnic tables, playgrounds and rental boats. The kids paddled and we enjoyed a slow brunch‑picnic.
Tip: Pack a picnic blanket, maybe bring bikes or scooters, and dedicate half a day to slow family time.
10. Explore Local Shopping & Play at Anaheim GardenWalk
We also squeezed in an outing to Anaheim GardenWalk: open‑air shops, restaurants, and casual entertainment for families. It was perfect for a late afternoon stroll, snack stop and little shopping.
Tip: Use this as a transition day between busier park days—a lighter evening with flexibility.
11. Visit a Local Ice Rink at Anaheim Ice
On one day when the heat kicked up, we changed gears and went skating at Anaheim Ice. Indoor, cool and fun—especially for kids who might need a change of pace.
Tip: Good for a midday break; check lesson or public skate times ahead.
12. Find Hidden Greenery at Founders Park (Anaheim)
This might be the most relaxed of our stops: Founders Park has historic homes, orange grove, and open lawns—perfect for a slower morning. We brought coffee, let the kids chase ducks, and walked through the old houses imagining another era.
Tip: Ideal for a restful morning before a busier afternoon.
Final Thoughts
Our Anaheim getaway turned out to be one of the most balanced family trips we’ve taken—equal parts adrenaline, discovery, relaxation, and together time. What surprised me most was how many options there were beyond the big theme‑park days—that nature hikes, picnic parks, indoor science stops and casual foodie outings made the trip rich and varied.
Some key takeaways for your family trip:
- Mix big “wow” days (like Disneyland) with slower, quieter ones (like Founders Park or Yorba Regional) to keep everyone from burning out.
- Have backup indoor options for heat or rain—places like Discovery Cube or Anaheim Ice saved us one afternoon.
- Plan for downtime—an evening stroll in Downtown Disney or GardenWalk felt like an event but was light on logistics.
- Pack smart: hats, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, water bottles, and maybe a stroller if you have younger kids.
- Book ahead for major attractions, check crowd calendars (for theme parks), and balance your budget.
If I were to pick one memory that defines the trip, it’s us sitting on a low wall in the Anaheim Packing House after lunch, kids munching gelato, parent‑vandals tagging plans for the next stop, and sunshine streaming in through the historic windows. That moment—the simple, content, together‑time moment—is exactly why family travel is worth it.
So if you’re planning a vacation and considering Anaheim—go for it. Pack your sense of fun, curiosity, and a little flexibility—and you’ll leave with stories, laughter, maybe a few souvenir hats, and a feeling that yes—you really got away for a while.
Happy travels and family fun in Anaheim!