Santa Ana, California, stands out as the largest city in Orange County and serves as a vibrant cultural center brimming with art, unique shops, diverse dining options, and more. Its close proximity to popular theme parks also makes it an ideal spot for family adventures in Southern California. Here’s a curated list of activities for families visiting Santa Ana.
Must-Visit Attractions for Kids in Santa Ana
A highlight for families is the Santa Ana Zoo, home to over 80 species of animals. Challenge the kids to locate all 50 monkeys that are always on site, honoring the zoo’s founder’s wishes. While you’re there, don’t miss the Zoofari Express train ride, the Conservation Carousel, and the Fifty Monkeys Ferris wheel.
For energetic fun, Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park offers a fantastic mix of indoor activities. Kids will enjoy open jump areas, climbing walls, stunt bags, and slam-dunk zones, with special toddler hours available. Just a heads up: you’ll need to purchase Rockin’ Jump’s special socks for $3.50.
You might think the Main Place Mall is all about shopping, but it also caters to families. The mall features designated family parking, a lively play area, and family lounges equipped with private nursing rooms, changing stations, and kid-friendly entertainment. After some playtime, catch a movie at Picture Show without breaking the bank.
For an educational experience, Discovery Cube Orange County offers a hands-on learning environment with 100 interactive exhibits perfect for children of all ages. Additionally, if you have a little firefighter at home, don’t miss the Santa Ana Fire Department Museum. Set within an active fire station, it showcases both vintage and modern firefighting equipment, including a fully restored fire engine from 1921.
For those who love climbing, Sender One Climbing is a must-visit. Kids and adults alike will enjoy Sender City, featuring buildings and towers alongside a giant drop slide. The toddler park, designed for younger climbers, is a sight to behold!
Kid-Friendly Dining in Santa Ana
When it’s time to eat, Santa Ana offers some great family-friendly dining options. For healthy and delicious meals, Gypsy Den provides a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes that parents will appreciate, along with a delightful cocktail menu.
4th Street Market is a vibrant food hall located in the former Santa Ana Swap Meet, featuring 15 vendors and hosting family events like movie nights. For a quick bite any time of day, Tacobar offers tasty meals, and kids can enjoy the eatery’s playground while you relax.
Don’t forget to save room for dessert at Hans Homemade Ice Cream, where classic and signature flavors await in a charming 1950s-style parlor. For a sweet twist, visit Chunk N Chip for their famous ice cream “sammiches,” where cookies and ice cream are crafted in small batches, with gluten-free and vegan options available.
Best Family Hotels in Santa Ana
For accommodations, the Courtyard Santa Ana offers high-speed internet, access to Netflix and Hulu, and mini fridges in each room—plus some rooms come with sofa beds for larger families.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santa features on-site laundry, a kid-friendly restaurant, and a pool. And let’s not forget the warm chocolate chip cookies upon check-in.
The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson provides a hearty breakfast, a pool, hot tub, and laundry facilities, conveniently located near various dining options.
Outdoor Fun for Kids in Santa Ana
Santa Ana boasts plenty of outdoor activities perfect for families. Visit Downtown Santa Ana on the first Saturday of the month for the Artwalk, where you can explore galleries, local vendors, and live street performances—all featuring kid-friendly activities.
For a self-guided adventure, download the app for the Discover Santa Ana Public Art tour. Encourage the kids to spot murals, sculptures, and other artistic treasures along the way. After visiting Discovery Cube Orange County, head to Santiago Oaks Regional Park for biking, hiking, and playground fun.
Cultural and Historical Activities
Take a trip back in time at the Heritage Museum of Orange County, where families can explore historic buildings from the 1890s, including the unique Kellogg House with its ship mast. Kids can play with vintage toys, dress in Victorian outfits, and even visit a working blacksmith shop.
For a touch of culture, visit the Bowers Museum, which houses over 91,000 artworks from around the globe, along with family festivals that promote art-making and cultural learning. (Note: the Kidseum is currently undergoing renovations.)
If you have gaming enthusiasts in the family, check out the Esports Arena, a 15,000-square-foot venue that hosts daily competitions.
In summary, Santa Ana offers a wide range of activities and attractions for families, from educational experiences and outdoor fun to delicious dining options and cozy accommodations. For more insights, consider exploring additional resources on fertility and family planning, like the fertility booster for men that can enhance your family journey, or creative DIY ideas like a hot air balloon costume for Halloween.