Things To Do, Orange County: Children’s Edition

Are you looking for things to do, Orange County visitors, with some young ones in tow? It so happens that the O.C. is one of the best places in the country for family attractions, so for some of our top picks for creating unforgettable childhood memories, read on.

The most obvious place to start this list is probably Disneyland, but we’re going to skip it, for the simple reason that admission has become extremely expensive. Instead, for those who want to go the theme park route, we recommend Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City. The price is much more affordable, and the youngsters are sure to enjoy the scary (but not too scary) Old West Ghost Town. The bigger rides like the Silver Bullet and Ghost Rider will be too much for the kiddies, but Camp Snoopy, with rides like Woodstock’s Airmail and the Huff and Puff, should be just the ticket.

Bowers Kidseum is next on our list, with exhibits that are meant to be hands-on. This is a more informative experience, designed to give kids an appreciation of culture and art, as the rotating exhibits teach about the different countries of the world. They also have free festivals in the courtyard some days, so visit their website to learn when the next one is taking place.

Irvine’s Pretend City is another awesome destination for the younger members of your party. It’s a small town that’s meant to be explored, with mini streets lined with different businesses. Ages 4-6, in particular, will have fun going to “the beach,” the post office, the supermarket, or the library. It’s suitable for birthday parties, and they often have special events happening, like readings from Dr. Seuss, and appearances by costumed characters.

Our last pick is the Pirates Dinner Adventure. If you have a young swashbuckler on your hands, then this nightly event in Buena Park might be for you. It’s a replica of an 18th-century pirate ship set up as a stage, and they serve dinner as the show goes on. It’s meant to be interactive, and it’s aimed at a younger crowd, so the special effects and swordplay shouldn’t be too frightening, except perhaps for very young children.

We’ll be back with more picks for the young adventure seeker. There’s plenty going on for young and old alike in the O.C., so enjoy some times with your younger loved ones that both you and they are going to cherish.