Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Orange County, CA
The OC's most popular places to take kids in 2026
Every summer, thousands of local parents, grandparents, and caregivers weigh in on their favorite local places to take kids. This page is where we showcase the 2026 winners for the OC! (Click here for the full list of nominees.)
Of course, there are literally hundreds of wonderful places to take your kids in our area, not just this year's winners! Get great ideas here on KidsOutAndAbout.com. After you check out the list, make sure to find great things to do on our packed daily calendar, sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter, and visit our Everything That's Free page for lots more ideas.
| Top 20 Ranking | Category Winners |
| 1. Pretend City Children's Museum 2. Irvine Park Railroad 3. "My local library" 4. Segerstrom Center for the Arts 5. Tanaka Farms 6. Crystal Cove State Park 7. Knott's Berry Farm 8. Santa Ana Zoo 9. Balboa Fun Zone 10. The Children's Museum at La Habra 11. We Play Loud Kids Indoor Playground 12. Adventure City 13. Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) 14. YMCA 15. Billy Beez Anaheim GardenWalk 16. Bowers Museum 17. GRAMMY Museum 18. Great Wolf Lodge Garden Grove 19. Pacific Marine Mammal Center 20. Seascape Kids Fun |
Arts Educator: Pretend City Children's Museum Sports Educator: Ultimate Ninjas Anaheim Hills STEM Educator: Pretend City Children's Museum Farm Attraction: Tanaka Farms Indoor Play Center: Pretend City Museum: Pretend City Nature Center: Pacific Marine Mammal Center Outdoor Fun: Irvine Ranch Open Space Performing Arts: Segerstrom Sports Team: Anaheim Ducks |
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Camp Invention
Ultimate Ninjas Anaheim Hills
The only gym in Orange County dedicated 100% to the sport of Ninja Warrior, just like the TV show! Classes, camps, parties, open gym, and competitions. Youth ages 6-16, adults, and a special Lil' Ninjas area just for pre-K ninjas 3-5 years old. The first class is free! Check our website for current schedule.
