Things to Do with Kids in Santa Ana
Santa Ana makes it easy to build a fun, flexible day with family-friendly parks, interactive museums, and a walkable downtown packed with color and culture. Whether you’re planning a full day out or just a few hours of play, you’ll find plenty of things to do here that’ll keep the whole family happy.
Family-Friendly Attractions and Activities
Indoor Play and Hands-On Experiences
Your kids can have fun any time of year thanks to Santa Ana's engaging indoor activities.
The Discovery Cube is a kid-centric, hands-on science museum with over 100 different exhibits. Check out the Sea Lab, where your children can learn about marine life and get up close to stingrays and sharks!
For young kids and toddlers, Candeeland Santa Ana offers a colorful soft-play environment with ball pits, slides, and enclosed areas designed for safe, imaginative fun.
Everyone in the family will love a day at FunParx, an indoor adventure park. Find obstacle courses, a giant ball pit and a cafe, perfect for when the kids get hungry.
Bring out your creative side at Bowers Museum. Themed festivals invite children to step into world cultures through lively traditions, while the Music and Movement series connects young visitors to current exhibitions through rhythm and song. For a quieter moment, join a Bowers’ Books for Kids reading, a chance to listen and imagine within the museum’s galleries.
Outdoor Attractions for Fresh Air and Space to Play
When it’s time to head outside, Santa Ana offers plenty of spots where kids can explore and stay active.
Meet Santa Ana Zoo’s residents as you explore lush gardens on foot or on the electric train. Take in the views from the Ferris wheel, then head to the play areas, which include playgrounds for different age groups and an interactive maze.
Local parks are an easy win. George Upton Playground at Carl Thornton Park features multi-structure playgrounds designed for all ages and abilities.
Explore Downtown and Build an Easy Family Day
Kids are naturally drawn to creativity, making Downtown Santa Ana a great place to explore together.
Spend an afternoon wandering around the city streets and looking for colorful murals. Or, plan an outing to the Santa Ana ArtWalk, held on the first Saturday of every month.
When you need to refuel, downtown has an assortment of casual, family-friendly spots. 4th Street Market takes the stress out of family dining with a food hall setup where everyone can choose their favorite cuisine. At nearby McFadden Public Market, share pizza, wings or tacos then head upstairs to play in the arcade.
Plan Your Family Visit to Santa Ana
Planning a family day, or even a full weekend, in Santa Ana is easy. Start with an interactive museum, grab lunch downtown, then unwind at a nearby park or playground, all within a short distance. With plenty of kid-friendly activities to choose from, you can build a flexible plan that fits your family’s interests and energy levels.
