By Pakar PBN 
I understand. Disneyland is (for a good reason) at the top of your list for California family holidays. But a trip to southern California can be about more and more Disney. As a former resident of Orange County, one thing I know is that, although Disneyland can be the star attraction here, there are many other activities that are also fantastic, fun and family .
Genius genius: This story will transform you into a Disneyland + Expert genius
These are my favorite things to do in the OC beyond Disneyland. I included thrills, a little cold and many chances of enjoying the California sun.
1. Wild Rivers Wild Aquatic Park
Irvine, California
If there is only part of the south of California, I can convince you to visit, it is Irvine. The animated concrete jungle of the head office can look like a city by car, but in fact, it is filled with fun activities for the whole family (not to mention tons of restaurants, shopping and entertainment options). And Irvine’s list of offers has only increased in recent years with the addition of wild rivers.
This water park adapted to the family has 20 attractions, including water slides, a lazy river and a wave swimming pool. It also has several catering options, including island candies, perfect for these hot California days. My favorite, Mustang Bar & Grill, offers a menu of specialized cocktails. They even have piña coladas served in a dug pineapple (so, yes, adults can also have a great day here).
2. Knott’s Berry Farm
Buena Park, California
At less than 10 Miles of Disneyland and just as deeply rooted in the cultural landscape of southern California, Knott’s Berry Farm opened its doors as a standing stand on the roadside in 1920. It has since become a theme park In its own right with roller coaster, live entertainment, food festivals, and more.
No matter your favorite chill level, there are a lot of rides for guests of all ages. The gourmets will love Knott for his Boysenberry festival, which takes place every spring. In the fall, the frightening farm of Knott fans made up the fear factor in a way that rivals any other Halloween event from theme park on a national scale. The Knott hotel on site is perfectly suited to families and has a free shuttle service in Disneyland, making it a perfect home base.
3. IRVINE Spectrum Center
Irvine, California
I would not recommend that you cut time out of your vacation to visit a shopping center, but I will have an exception for Irvine Spectrum Center. The outdoor shopping center is ideally located off the 405 and 5 motorways, so it is easy to classify your day. And there are so many restoration options that it is an incredible place to feed the whole family and have fun while you are there.
When you travel to Orange County with your family, I recommend that you consult the Hello Kitty Cafe. Here you can try various coffee, tea and candies, all on the theme of the character of International Sanrio. Coffee is next to the giant spectrum wheel, which offers excellent views of the surroundings. And, of course, there are a lot of stores to explore, as well as a film hall and a lawn where you can relax and listen to live music.
More OCs: My 12 best places for the pleasure of the family in Huntington Beach
4. Santa Ana Zoo
Santa Ana, California
It’s not as big as the Los Angeles zoo, but the Santa Ana Zoo from Orange County is the perfect size of Goldilocks: not too small but it’s not too big either. It is an excellent activity of half a day that offers a wide variety of animals and, bonus, the zoo is part of a reciprocal admission program. Exhibitions include primates, birds and a zoo zone for children for children. Funny fact: the mascot of the University of California Irvine is Peter, an antiateer, and you can meet him at the Santa Ana zoo.
5. IRVINE GREAT PARK
Irvine, California
The large Irvine park has the ultimate exterior flexion space: sports fields and arenas for recreation and local tournaments, a farm and catering laboratory that serves as an outdoor educational space, regular community events like a farmer and live entertainment market.
The large Irvine park also houses some attractions that families will appreciate. Soar above the County of Orange in the Great Park Balloon, one of the largest helium balls attached in the country. Are you looking to stay closer to the ground? Great Park also has a carousel.
6. Crystal Cove State Park
Laguna Beach, California
Want a quiet hike when visiting the County of Orange? The region is not lacking in natural trails, especially in and around Laguna Canyon. For an easy walk that shouts in California, head to Crystal Cove State Park between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Here you will find 18 miles of hiking trails in the park, or you can opt for my favorite: just walk along the beach.
Whales + water: The magic of Dana Point
When you work an appetite after your hike, there are some large food options nearby. There is the iconic Shake Shake Crystal Cove located along the Pacific Coast Highway, and on Beachcomber Cafe beach.
7. Tanaka Farms
Irvine, California
Do you want to be simple and soft? Head to Tanaka Farms in Irvine. This farm stand all year round and its star attraction, the U-Pick Wagon rides offer a simple and fun experience that is good for all ages, especially children. The products available for picking on wagon walks change in season, and go strawberries in spring and summer to pumpkins in the fall and Christmas trees in winter.
8. Downtown Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, California
When our families came to visit from the outside of the city, we knew that a day in Laguna Beach has always been an automatic wine. The picturesque city is one of the most famous in Orange County, and for a good reason. It is guaranteed that you spend the afternoon at the beach or that you are going in the many stores and restaurants (for excellent cooking and views, head for the cliff).
According to when you visit, Laguna Beach could be in the middle of one of her famous festivals. There is the Scist art festival, which takes place every summer and every winter, and the Masters competition, which takes place every summer. I personally like the masters competition – if you have never been, it is worth checking.
9. Balboa Island
Newport Beach, California
It is easy to spend a whole day on the island of Balboa, the coastal community of Newport beach. There are a ton of stores and restaurants as well as attractions and activities by the sea. The island of Balboa can also be used as a launch for a day on the water, whether via Paddle Bench or Banc Rentals or An excursion to observe whales.
For children and children at heart, there is the funny area of Balboa, which includes a full arcade, rides, a nautical museum, frozen bananas and Gogo ice cream. I don’t know about you, but I don’t need to be young to appreciate the views you get when you drive a ferris wheel by the water.
10. Angel Stadium
Anaheim, California
One of the ways to immerse yourself in the fabric of any holiday destination is to attend a local sporting event. This is certainly the case with the County of Orange, where fans flock to Angel Stadium to encourage the team at home. Can’t you go out for a planned match? Backstage visits are also offered at Angel Stadium throughout the year. Different visits are offered depending on whether the angels are on the road.
11. Pacific Marine Mammal Center
Laguna Beach, California
Sea lions and seals are familiar sites along the Californian coast. When they need rescue and care, they and other marine mammals are brought to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Here, animals follow a rehabilitation program before being released in the wild. This rescue center will be reopened to the public in the summer of 2025 following an expansion of its facilities. Once open, customers can take advantage of tours, tanks, educational programs and more! If the fauna is high on your list of things to see and do in Orange County, you will certainly want to consider adding this to your list.
12. Discovery cube
Santa Ana, California
Anyone who rides regularly along the i-5 (it’s me, hi) will know this next attraction of Orange County. The discovery cube is difficult to miss; It is literally a giant cube in the middle of Santa Ana. Inside the cube and the adjacent building is a very interactive and family scientific museum with exhibitions on everything, dinosaurs in spatial exploration. It is an excellent interior attraction if you visit a super hot day, but children will find Discovery Cube entertaining any day of the year.
13. Adventure City
Anaheim, California
Did you know that there is an amusement park in Anaheim? And no, I’m not talking about Disneyland. If you are looking for an affordable but always fun amusement park destination during your next trip, look no further than Adventure City. Located a few kilometers from Disneyland Resort, Adventure City offers 17 unique attractions, including two roller coaster. Adventure City also has live entertainment, a children’s farm and more.