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Family Attractions in Orange County

Orange County offers numerous fun family attractions. Whether you’re looking for a day of thrilling rides or a night of entertainment, Orange County has something everyone will enjoy. Here are some of Orange County’s favorite attractions.

Family Attractions In Orange County

Medieval Times

7662 Beach Blvd, Buena Park 90620
1-888-WE-JOUST

Enjoy an evening at the Medieval Times arena where brave knights on noble steeds battle it out in an unforgettable tournament to become the Queen’s Champion.

Upon entry, each group is assigned a color and given a crown. This is the knight they will be cheering for. While the tournament progresses through a variety of events like jousting, weaponry, horsemanship, and falconry, spectators dine upon a dinner of roast chicken, corn, tomato soup, bread, and potatoes. The horses dazzle onlookers as they dance and leap, and the skill of the falconer is impressive.

Medieval Times is an ideal event for celebrations or family night. Medieval Times now offers daytime educational matinees that teach audience members about life in the 11th century. A great program for school field trips and homeschool families. Prices for Medieval Times varies based on monthly specials. Visit the website for ticket prices and upcoming shows.


Knott’s Berry Farm & Knott’s Soak City

8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
714-220-5200

Knott’s Berry Farm is America’s first theme park and is the 12th most visited park in the United States. It began as a small building with a tea room, a berry market, and a place for Mr. and Mrs. Knott to sell berry plants.

Today Knott’s is 160 acres of rides and exhibits that pay homage to the history of California and North America. From the Native American Dancers and the Mystery Lodge, to the Wild West Show and the Butterfield Stagecoach, Knott’s takes visitors a step back in time. Modern day fun is everywhere in the park from extreme thrill rides like Silver Bullet and Xcelerator to interactive, virtual reality attractions like Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return To The Fair.

Be sure to have dinner at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, one of the most popular dining spots in OC. Knott’s Soak City, located across the street, is a seasonal 15-acre waterpark open from May to September and offers a place to cool down for the summer. There are 22 slides, a 750,000 gallon wave pool, a lazy river, and plenty of places for young visitors to splash and play. Visit the Knott’s Berry Farm website for current pricing and hours of operation.


Pirate’s Dinner Adventure

7600 Beach Blvd, Buena Park 90620
714-690-1497

The Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is an interactive dinner show that includes participation of up to 150 volunteers in the current show, Secrets of the Deep. Vampirates, the Halloween production, and Pirates Take Christmas are two other popular shows featured at the Buena Park location. Shows include stories of pirate legend, sea monsters, pirate attacks, and the search for treasure. Spectators are invited to wear their favorite pirate attire and enjoy a meal of appetizers, soup or salad, chicken or shrimp with vegetables and mashed potatoes, and dessert. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free meals are available upon request. A children’s meal option is also available. Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is fun for the whole family. Weekday admission discounts and other special offers are often available, including a military discount and package upgrades.


Disneyland & California Adventure

1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim 92802
714-781-4565

Disneyland, opened in July 1955, is what put the city of Anaheim on the map. The Magic Kingdom is full of make believe and fairy tale princesses. The park is divided into eight themed areas like Toontown, Tomorrowland, and Frontierland. The whole family will enjoy the Happiest Place on Earth and rides like It’s A Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Matterhorn, and Space Mountain. Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge opened to the public in 2019, immersing visitors in a new planet where Star Wars characters come to life. Disneyland also puts on a regular fireworks display, and what might be the most popular parade in the country.

At Disney’s California Adventure, visitors will experience a world where Disney and Pixar come to life. Superheroes like Captain America, and unforgettable characters from Cars offer an adventure not to be missed. The newest attraction is Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! Both parks offer rides, attractions, and entertainment that will delight young and old, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Prices for single day, multi-day or multi-park passes vary, and prices may increase depending on regular or peak days.

What Rides Are At Disneyland?


Adventure City

1238 South Beach Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92804
714-236-9300

A small theme park that’s big on fun, Adventure City is perfect for families that want to enjoy a day at the amusement park without the long lines and high prices. Visitors will enjoy rides and attractions including Rewind Racers Family Coaster, the carousel, the Freeway Coaster, balloon ride, Adventure City Express Train, and more. There is also a petting farm and a children’s theater. An arcade and rock wall are available to enjoy at an additional cost. Adventure City is a great place for birthday parties and events.


Buccaneer Bay at Splash! La Mirada

13806 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, CA 90638
562-902-3191

Buccaneer Bay is open weekends from May through September, and daily from June through August. Although it is smaller than your big name waterparks like Soak City, this seasonal attraction is tons of fun for families. A season pass is only $65 and includes unlimited use of the waterpark. There are multiple slides, including a few small ones for little swimmers, a splash and play area, a lazy river, and so much more. At Buccaneer Bay, the parking and use of the life jackets are also free. There are two locations for food at Buccaneer Bay: The Treasure Chest offers snacks, and Captain Jack’s Grille serves hamburgers, pizza, salads, chicken tenders, and kids meals, all for reasonable prices.


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Heidi Deal
Heidi Deal is the author of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles & Orange County, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights. When she's not writing you can find her solo hiking and going on new adventures with her kids and pup.