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Best things to do in irvine with kids

The city of Irvine has many facets, including its vibrant residential side with many family-oriented communities and plenty of kid-friendly attractions and things to do.

While you will find movie theaters, malls, sports fields, skate parks, hiking trails, bowling alleys, bounce parks, and other child-centric venues, there are some spots unique to Irvine and its neighboring cities you will not want to miss.

Endless Opportunities for Kids’ Activities in Irvine

a boy and a girl in swimming gear doing a high five in a pool with two yellow slides in the background at hyatt regency irvine

Irvine is full of family-friendly fun, from riding the iconic carousel at Great Park to exploring the seasonal produce and wagon rides at Tanaka Farms. Families can also take in sweeping views from the Irvine Spectrum’s giant Ferris wheel, enjoy miles of scenic biking and hiking trails, or spend the day at interactive museums like Pretend City and open-air playgrounds like Adventure Playground. With activities for every age, Irvine offers endless opportunities to make lasting memories together.

Explore Things To Do with Kids in Irvine, CA

Take a Short Drive to Favorite Things to Do with Kids Near Irvine

Irvine is the perfect family base in the heart of Orange County, where everything feels close and easy to reach. Just a short hop away, Discovery Cube in Santa Ana invites kids to imagine and explore, Disneyland in Anaheim thrills them with magic and adventure, and the nearby beaches of Newport, Laguna, and Huntington let kids of all ages splash and play in the sun. Back in town, enjoy family favorites like Wild Rivers Irvine. Browse more Irvine attractions or plan easy day trips from Irvine and stay comfortably in one of our welcoming Irvine hotels.

three girls playing on a toy track with two girls with their hands up watching a green and blue car traveling through the track

Discovery Cube Orange County

2500 N Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92705
VISIT WEBSITE
roller coaster at knotts berry farm

Knott’s Berry Farm

8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
VISIT WEBSITE

Seasonal Things to Do in Irvine with Kids

an outdoor ice skating rink surrounded by palm trees during daytime with santa clause and an elf on the ice, with a big christmas tree in the background

The City of Irvine is a year-round family-friendly destination where every season brings new ways to explore and play together. In spring, enjoy wildflower strolls and farm u-picks; summer invites twilight concerts and splash play; fall brings pumpkin patches like the Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch; and winter sparkles with light displays and festive fun at the Irvine Spectrum Center Ice Rink. See all upcoming family events and seasonal celebrations on our Events page.

Bloom into Spring Adventure

Spring in Irvine bursts with color and activity, as mild, sunny days invite families outdoors to enjoy blooming wildflowers and local farmers markets brimming with fresh produce. It’s the perfect season for picnics and playdates in Irvine’s many parks or leisurely strolls through scenic trails. Celebrate the season with community events that capture the fresh, vibrant spirit of spring.

Sunny Summer Days & Outdoor Play

Summer in Irvine is all about sunshine and adventure, with endless ways for families to make the most of the season. Enjoy warm evenings at outdoor concerts, cool off at splash pads, or hit the trails for a scenic hike or bike ride. With the coast just a short drive away, beach days and ocean breezes make every summer outing even brighter.

Festive Fall Colors and Family Fun

Fall in Irvine brings a cozy, festive vibe perfect for families to enjoy together. Explore pumpkin patches, join harvest festivals, or take in the crisp air on cooler-weather hikes through scenic trails. Community events and seasonal activities, such as the Fiesta Latina en Irvine, Mid-Autumn Festival and Irvine Global Village Festival make autumn in Irvine a fun and memorable experience for all ages.

Skates, Winter Lights & Holiday Nights

Winter in Irvine sparkles with festive cheer, offering something for the whole family to enjoy. Glide across the Irvine Spectrum Ice Rink, marvel at dazzling holiday light displays at HIkari Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms and Holidayz at the Park at Great Park, and explore shopping destinations filled with seasonal finds. When it’s time to warm up, cozy indoor activities—from engaging museums to comforting cafés—make winter days in Irvine truly memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Irvine with Kids

What is there to do in Irvine with a toddler?

Irvine is full of toddler-friendly adventures perfect for little explorers. Stroll shaded park loops, enjoy gentle hands-on fun at Pretend City during sensory-friendly hours, or let kids dig into supervised messy play at Adventure Playground. Meet farm animals and pick fresh produce at Tanaka Farms, or head indoors to the arcades at Boomers when you need a cozy backup.

Is Irvine family-friendly?

Yes – Irvine is very family-friendly. With over 22 community parks, 40+ neighborhood parks, and miles of well-maintained trails and greenbelts woven through the City, plus the expansive Great Park which offers a balloon ride, carousel, and community events. Families enjoy safe, clean facilities and accessible amenities. Walkable hubs like the Irvine Spectrum Center, short drives to Orange County beaches, and Disneyland all within reach make it a practical base for kids to thrive. Go ahead and plan your stay!

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