Day Trips from Anaheim
← All Anaheim day tripsDay Trips from Anaheim: Family Activities & Kid-Friendly Fun
The best family-friendly activities and kid-approved destinations within driving distance of Anaheim, CA. Zoos, amusement parks, interactive museums, and outdoor fun the whole family will enjoy. Drive times, ratings, and budget estimates included.
11 family activities near Anaheim
Shark Lagoon
Long Beach, CA 90802
Just 35 min from Anaheim, rated 4.8 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Living Coast Discovery Center
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Just 1 hr 40 min from Anaheim, rated 4.6 stars by 1,066 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Fun Town
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Just 1 hr 6 min from Anaheim, rated 4.6 stars by 1,208 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Super Silly Fun Land
Studio City, CA 91602
Just 51 min from Anaheim, rated 4.6 stars by 876 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Long Beach, CA 90802
Just 33 min from Anaheim, rated 4.6 stars by 34,816 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Off The Wall Los Angeles
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Just 1 hr 4 min from Anaheim, rated 4.5 stars by 772 visitors, known for excellent food, drink, and local flavor.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but harvest season (Sep-Oct) is peak for wineries and farm-to-table.
SEA LIFE Aquarium
1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad
Just 1 hr 8 min from Anaheim, rated 4.5 stars by 3,538 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Birch Aquarium
La Jolla, CA 92037
Just 1 hr 24 min from Anaheim, rated 4.4 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Balboa Fun Zone
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Just 35 min from Anaheim, rated 4.3 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Boomers Irvine
Irvine, CA 92612
Just 25 min from Anaheim, rated 4.2 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
River Street Ranch
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Just 36 min from Anaheim, rated 4.2 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Activities Day Trips from Anaheim
What are the best family activities near Anaheim, CA?
The best family activities near Anaheim include zoos, children's museums, amusement parks, state parks with easy trails, and interactive science centers. Check the cards above for top-rated spots with real drive times.
What are cheap things to do with kids near Anaheim?
State parks, nature preserves, and many community attractions near Anaheim are free or under $15 per person. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Check the budget estimates on each card above.
Are there indoor family activities near Anaheim for rainy days?
Yes. Children's museums, aquariums, indoor water parks, and science centers near Anaheim are all great rainy-day options. Look for "Family" tagged destinations above.
How far should I drive for a family day trip from Anaheim?
For families with young kids, 1-2 hours is the sweet spot. Longer drives (2-3 hours) work well with older kids and are worth it for standout destinations like major zoos or amusement parks.
Don't know where to go?
Tell us your interests, budget, and how far you want to drive. We'll find the perfect trip for you.
Surprise me