Anaheim offers a variety of kid-friendly attractions beyond Disneyland. Disney California Adventure Park is a top choice, with themed lands like Pixar Pier and Cars Land that appeal to younger children and teens. For a more educational experience, the Discovery Cube Orange County, just a short drive away, features interactive science exhibits, eco-focused activities, and hands-on learning areas for different age groups. Adventure City, a smaller and more affordable amusement park, is ideal for families with younger kids who prefer shorter lines and gentler rides. Nearby, the Anaheim Packing House area and Center Street Promenade provide family-friendly dining, live music, and outdoor spaces where kids can move around safely. Sports-loving families can also enjoy a daytime tour or game at Angel Stadium or the Honda Center, depending on schedules and ticket availability.

Families looking for budget-friendly activities have several options in and around Anaheim. Pearson Park and Yorba Regional Park offer playgrounds, walking paths, picnic areas, and open green spaces for kids to run and play at minimal or no cost, though some regional parks may charge a small parking fee. Downtown Disney provides live entertainment, themed window shopping, and occasional seasonal displays without an admission ticket, making it an easy place to stroll with kids and enjoy the atmosphere. The Anaheim Packing District often hosts free outdoor music and community events suitable for families. Libraries in Anaheim, including the Central Library, frequently run free story times, craft sessions, and children’s programs, especially during school breaks and summer. Checking the City of Anaheim events calendar can also reveal free festivals, movie nights in the park, and cultural events geared toward families.

For hot or rainy days, Anaheim has several indoor options that keep kids active and engaged. The Discovery Cube Orange County is a popular choice for hands-on science exhibits and interactive STEM experiences suitable for elementary and middle school ages. Indoor trampoline parks and activity centers in the Anaheim area, such as Sky Zone or similar venues, offer open jump times, dodgeball, and special toddler sessions, which are ideal for burning off energy. Many local malls, including Anaheim GardenWalk, feature movie theaters and occasional family events, providing a mix of entertainment and dining in one location. Bowling alleys, escape rooms designed for families, and indoor arcades also offer climate-controlled fun. Additionally, some hotels and resorts near the Anaheim Resort area provide day passes for their pools or play spaces, giving families another indoor or semi-indoor option when weather is not ideal.

A kid-friendly long weekend in Anaheim typically blends theme parks, downtime, and local exploration. One approach is to dedicate the first day to Disneyland Park, focusing on age-appropriate areas like Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown, and other attractions that match your children’s height and comfort level. The second day can be spent at Disney California Adventure Park, where families can enjoy Pixar-themed rides, shows, and character experiences, with breaks built in for meals and rest. On the third day, consider a slower pace with a visit to the Anaheim Packing District for lunch, followed by playtime at a local park such as Yorba Regional Park, or a shorter visit to Adventure City for additional rides without the intensity of a full-day theme park. Throughout the weekend, plan midday breaks back at your hotel, use mobile apps for wait times and dining reservations, and schedule one or two sit-down meals where kids can relax. Building in flexibility and downtime helps keep the trip enjoyable for both children and adults.

Anaheim offers a broad range of family-friendly dining and entertainment options tailored to kids. Inside and around the Disneyland Resort, many restaurants feature children’s menus, quick-service options, and character dining experiences where kids can meet popular Disney characters during their meal. The Anaheim Packing House provides a casual, food-hall environment with diverse choices, making it easy to satisfy different tastes within the same family. Downtown Disney includes themed restaurants, dessert spots, and occasional live music or street performances that entertain children as well as adults. Beyond the resort area, numerous chain and local restaurants in Anaheim and neighboring cities welcome families with high chairs, kids’ menus, and flexible seating. For live shows, families can look for seasonal performances at the Disneyland Resort, concerts and events at the Honda Center that are suitable for younger audiences, and community theater or cultural performances advertised through the city’s events listings.