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300 Anaheim

A chic bowling alley with 21st-century styling, this handsome facility draws city sophisticates, thanks to its hip decor that includes luxurious leather sofas in the lounge bars. The facility is complete with a full bar, lounge, billiard tables, and a gourmet restaurant. Separated from the main area is the nine-alley Club 300, which is available for private events and parties. The 41-lane bowling facility feels more like a club than a traditional alley and stays open late. While kids can play on weekdays at any time, the entire facility is available only for those 21 and up on Fridays and Saturdays after 10pm. 300 Anaheim is a truly upscale entertainment facility located near Disneyland at the popular shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, the Anaheim Garden Walk. More »

Adventure City

Located in the land of theme parks of Anaheim, Adventure City is a great theme park for younger children as it's much smaller then the nearby Disneyland. The park features ten fun rides that accommodate both adults and children, making the park enjoyable for the entire family. Here, kids can hop on the Express Train for a tour of Adventure City, jump into one of the Barnstormer Planes for an adventurous airplane ride, and ride the Tree Top Racers roller coaster. Beyond the rides, Adventure City offers a Children's Theater that features daily entertaining shows, a Petting Farm where visitors can get up close to animals, and a great rock-climbing opportunity at Mount Adventurous. Adventure City is located at the Hobby City complex of shops, just west of Disneyland. More »

Air Combat USA

Air Combat USA offers thrill-seekers the ultimate experience of flying a fighter-plane with a pilot and doing mock air-to-air combat. Though pricey, for those interested in air combat, this center has a fleet of specialty aircraft and skilled pilots to make dreams a reality. The civilian dogfighting school began in 1988 and is the largest of its kind in the world. Here, you won't be sitting in a simulator, but will actually take to the skies. Before donning your full flight suit, there is a ground school and pre-briefing that covers all the basics of safety and maneuvers. After completing the ground school, you'll get to sit side-by-side next to the pilot and will actually get to man the controls and fly the aircraft for 90 percent of the flight. While the flying is real, the air combat moves are simulated in the cockpit. The mock dogfights are connected to the flight suit and cockpit, complete with sound effects, smoke, and hits felt in your suit. Cameras record the adventure so you can watch the action after landing. This is no amusement park ride or simply a simulator at an arcade, but an actual flight and the closest thing a civilian will probably get to an actual air-combat experience. More »

Anaheim Colonial District

The Anaheim Colonial District is Anaheim's historic core, full of intriguing buildings and home to Anaheim's small skyline. While the focal point of Anaheim is located at the resort area where Disneyland and the other theme parks are located, the downtown district has its own charm and appeal. The hub here is the Center Street Promenade, which is home to some great shopping and restaurants. Most Anaheim community events are held here including the farmers market, local community runs, and block parties hosted by the Downtown Anaheim Association. Look for the taller Bank of America Building and the Wells Fargo Building, both of which add to the skyline. This central area is also where you'll find the Anaheim Library, Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Anaheim History Walk full of monuments highlighting the city's colorful past. More »

Anaheim Convention Center

The Anaheim Convention Center is located directly next to Disneyland and is part of the large Anaheim Resort district, which is comprised of Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, the Anaheim Convention Center, and the surrounding hotels and resorts affiliated with both the theme parks and the convention center. The center itself is a massive modern complex designed for meetings, conventions, and events. The Center is also the host venue of the NBA Development League team of the Anaheim Arsenal. Home games take place in the Arena of the Anaheim Convention Center. If staying in the beautifully-manicured Anaheim Resort district, the center is a great place to catch a game in the midst of the amusement parks and abounding entertainment options. More »

Anaheim GardenWalk

Located near the Disney Resort, the recently constructed Anaheim GardenWalk is a sparkling new complex of outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment. Browse the many retail establishments that are all connected through palm tree lined walkways and stop between shopping to enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants that range in variety from established chains to fine dining. Entertainment options include a large-scale movie theater, an upscale bowling alley called 300 Anaheim, as well as a day spa and salon. The GardenWalk makes for a nice afternoon of leisurely shopping and dining or a convenient place to grab a meal while enjoying a visit at the Disney Resort. More »

Anaheim Hills Golf Course

This lovely golf course is nestled in the Anaheim hills, for which the course is named after, and is only a mere 30 minutes from Disneyland. The Anaheim Hills Golf Course features a great terrain with nice views and many oaks and sycamores dotting the fairways. The best part about this public course is that it has low greens fees for such a great setting in Orange County. Amenities here include the well-stocked golf pro shop that offers plenty of choices for golfing attire and equipment for both beginners and pros alike. The course's 30,000-square-foot clubhouse offers banquet rooms as well as the popular grill and sports bar, the perfect stop after a playing a round of golf. Anaheim Hills also has a great practice center with a double-deck tee area, a large putting green, and the Anaheim Golf Academy which offers lessons and instruction if you are just getting started. More »

Anaheim Ice

Located in downtown Anaheim, Anaheim Ice is a massive ice rink facility that is best known for being the official training facility for the National Hockey League team the Anaheim Ducks. Anaheim Ice is also open to the public for public ice skating sessions and is home to a number of youth and adult hockey leagues. The facility, which features NHL and Olympic sized rinks, also offers skating and hockey lessons for all skill and age levels. It's fairly easy to find time to hit the ice here, as there are public sessions for ice skating offered every weekday as well as on weekends. Some nights, the facility even stays open late and plays popular music videos over the big screen, making the skating experience that much more fun. Rentals for both figure skates and ice hockey skates are available, and other amenities here include a nice locker room with shower facilities, snack bar, and plenty of spectator seating. More »

Anaheim Tennis Center

Conveniently located just down the road from the Anaheim Convention Center and the Disneyland Resort, the Anaheim Tennis Center is a full fledged tennis facility complete with 12 courts, ball machines, a pro shop and instructors available for tennis lessons. The clubhouse is located in the historic Wagner Home and sits adjacent to the 25-acre Boysen Park, which features softball and baseball fields, children's play areas, volleyball courts, football and soccer fields, and interestingly enough a grounded U.S. Navy Cougar jet plane from the 1950s. Drop in to play on one of the public courts or opt to sign up for a league or take lessons from a pro. Rates are by the hour to play on the courts and the pro shop has plenty of tennis gear, equipment, and clothing to chose from. More »

Angel Stadium of Anaheim

This stadium is home to the popular Major League Baseball team, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The stadium has been a fixture at this location in Anaheim and was first opened in 1966 after the Angels moved from Los Angeles to Anaheim. The stadium underwent major renovations and re-opened in 1998 with new upgrades including new restrooms and concession areas, terraced bullpens in the outfield, widened concourses, and overall modernization throughout the ballpark. Amenities here include three full restaurants including the KnotHole Club sports bar, the upscale dining restaurant The Diamond Club, and the Homeplate Club that overlooks the entrance to the stadium. If you are an Angels fan but are unable to attend a game during your visit, you'll be glad the stadium has enjoyable behind the scenes tours! The tours last a little over an hour and highlight visits to the press box, press conference room, clubhouse, and dugout areas. Tours take place once a week on Tuesdays during the off-season, and twice a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during baseball season. More »

Bowers Museum

This museum aims to inspire and educate the public about world cultures. With over 130,000 permanent objects and artifacts on display, ranging from art created by the first residents of California, to art from Africa, Asia, and the Pacific islands, you're assured to leave here knowing more about other cultures in the world. The building housing the museum was originally constructed in 1931, but has undergone reconstruction since then in order to expand the volume of art available for the public to see. The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art is the largest museum in Orange Country, and is also one of the 750 museums in the United States that are members of the American Association of Museums, which strives to create higher standards and practices of sharing art, culture, and knowledge in the community. More »

Concourse Entertainment Center

If you love bowling, you'll love the family-friendly Concourse Entertainment Center. This bowling alley features 40 recently refinished lanes and a bar and grill that serves more than just snacks, including burgers, salads, sandwiches, and homemade pizzas, not to mention beer and cocktails. Four nights a week, the Concourse gets festive with theme nights such as cosmic bowling, where they turn the glow-in-the-dark lights on and the music up. Birthday parties and corporate events are popular here, as well as league teams, but open bowling is available for most of the center's open hours. The lanes are open until midnight Sundays through Thursdays and even later until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights, making this a great place to go out and enjoy some evening entertainment. More »

Crystal Cathedral

This sparkling tower rises into the sky in the middle of Orange County, California, and is a place of Christian worship for a congregation of over 10,000 people. The incredible building is made out of over 10,000 plates of silver-tinted glass, held in place by a strong frame of white steel. For those who want to sit inside amongst the 2,890 other people attending services, there are JumboTron television screens set up around the church to make viewing mass easier. Or, if you'd like to enjoy a "drive-up" service experience, the Cathedral boasts an outside screen that projects the activities of mass inside to those who are sitting outside. The church is known worldwide for its famous guest speakers and its TV show broadcast around the world called Hour of Power. More »

Dad Miller Golf Course

This Anaheim course is great for golfing on a budget. The course is designed for players of all abilities and ages, and is a great one to learn on. Flanked by large trees, the Dad Miller Golf Course is easily walkable and offers players a snack bar, restaurants, and cocktail lounge for post-game fun. The head golf pro here is Toby Todd and he offers private lessons for golf students, including juniors. Stop by the Dad Miller course to sign up for lessons with the Anaheim Golf Academy or to simply enjoy a well-priced round of golf. More »

Discovery Science Center

The Discovery Science Center fosters the inquisitive mind to help better understand the bigger world around us through the discovery of science. The non-profit organization is centered primarily on empowering children in their own discovery through education and exploration. The idea for a science center arose in 1984 when the community agreed to create a place where children could learn about what life was like at the turn of the century in Orange County. The center also attempts to help assist teachers find new avenues to teach their students, as well as advance the public's appreciation and knowledge about science, math, and technology. The 59,000 square-foot center is organized into 120 interactive exhibits spanning topics such as perception, air & space exploration, and earth dynamics. The building is also architecturally interesting in its own right. If you're driving down Main Street at the Santa Ana freeway, look for the 108-foot tall cube standing on one of its points. Just as the name suggests, this place is not a museum, but an active center for the continual exploration of the surrounding world. More »

Disney California Adventure

Adjacent to the popular Disneyland theme park, is another Disney facility that is focused on the heritage and themes of California. In recognizing its natural splendors and human contributions that gleam in the name of the Golden State, Disney tried to incorporate rides and attractions that reflect the spirit of California. By offering more thrilling rides and attractions to a generally more adult audience, California Adventure has a distinctly different feel than its famous Disneyland attractions. Upon entry, visitors can visit different sections of the park that reflect different parts of the state such as: Sunshine Plaza, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, The Golden State, A Bug's Land and Paradise Pier. A recent focus on the park after considering critical reviews following its opening, is to revamp the park to focus on Los Angeles in the 1920s and 1930s when Walt Disney first moved to the city. By changing some of the themes and appearance of the park, California Adventure hopes to continue to focus on the state's heritage, while also adapting its attractions to a broader audience. More »

Disneyland Park

"To all who come to this happy place--welcome," said Walt Disney at the dedication of Disneyland Park, a place which would go on to capture the hearts and imaginations of children everywhere. Disneyland first opened in its current location in 1955, and was the original Magic Kingdom. Your first step into the Magic Kingdom brings you to Main Street, a pretend city street with shops and restaurants leading up to the iconic Disneyland Castle. The park is divided into different themed sections: Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Frontierland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown, and Tomorrowland. Each section of the park takes visitors on a magical exploration of how imagination can manifest itself into reality. Feel transported in time on rides like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Dodge cannonballs from swashbuckling pirates on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, which helped inspire the mega-hit movie Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and its sequels. Disneyland is a must-see if you are in Southern California; there is no other place quite like it. More »

Downtown Anaheim Farmers' Market and Craft Fair

Located in the heart of downtown Anaheim, the Farmers' Market is a weekly event held on Thursday afternoons stretching into the evening. Come here to wander through downtown Anaheim's Center Street Promenade where there are plenty of vendors to browse. Sample some of California's best produce including juicy strawberries and blackberries, colorful veggies, many varieties of nuts, and even baked goods. You'll also find plants for sale including orchids, house plants, and beautiful flower bouquets. There are also local food vendors offering meals ranging from Korean BBQ to French crepes. Beyond the food, the Farmers' Market also doubles as a craft fair with local artists selling their unique pieces, which make for great souvenirs or gifts. Downtown Anaheim is never as lively as it is on Thursdays with this Farmers' Market and Craft Fair. More »

Downtown Disney

Check out Downtown Disney for an all-exclusive shopping opportunity, tons of great restaurants, and theaters too. This half-mile-long pedestrian fun zone is just outside of Disneyland and Disneyland California Adventure and caters to both kids and adults. It is comprised of a marketplace that holds the biggest Disney character in the world; West Side, an area that has restaurants and entertainment; and Pleasure Island, a treasure trove of vivacious nightclubs and live performances. It is a great place to end the day after a visit to the parks. Alternatively, come here in the middle of the day if you need a break or would like a sit-down meal outside the parks. More »

ESPN Zone

For everything sports-related, head to ESPN Zone, where you'll be able to watch games, munch on good food, and even participate in games of your own. If you're here to catch your favorite team on the big screen, head to the Screening Room, where you'll be surrounded by big-screen televisions that are tuned in to patrons' favorite games (both college and professional games are shown here). When hunger strikes, take a seat at the Studio Grill, which offers up great game-day food, such as burgers, fries, buffalo wings, and chocolate chip cookies. If participating in your own games is more up your alley, the Sports Arena provides a great opportunity to try your hand at activities such as simulated thoroughbred racing and pitching a baseball at the Power Pitch station. More »

Flightdeck Air Combat Center

The Flightdeck Air Combat Center offers guests the chance to experience flying in a military combat mission at top speeds via a simulator. You don't have to have any piloting experience to participate in the simulator, as Flightdeck provides all of the equipment, training, and instruction you'll need. The flight experience here includes taking off, landing, aircraft carrier traps, aerial maneuvers, and air combat missions, so you'll definitely get to try your hand at many different flight situations. The flying missions here are fully customizable, as Flightdeck features three different packages: Bravo Mission (a 40-minute flight), Delta Mission (60-minute flight), and Echo Mission (70-minute flight). If you love aviation and have always wondered what it's like to fly in a combat mission, this Anaheim attraction is definitely for you. More »

Grove of Anaheim

This outdoor event venue hosts a number of great concerts, theater performances, award ceremonies, and other functions throughout the year. Its decor follows a 1950s Hollywood theme, and it features eating and dining areas as well as a theater and stage space. For pre-show drinks, head to the Terra Rosa Room for an upscale lounge atmosphere and unique Moroccan decor. The Gallery is also another option, and offers a more casual bar and dining experience. The Grove showcases a wide variety of live performances, and has hosted such popular personalities as The Pretenders, India.Arie, the Robert Cray Band, and others. It's also available for private function rentals and is a popular place for corporate functions, weddings, or other celebrations. More »

Heat Ultra Lounge

Located near Disneyland at the happening Anaheim GardenWalk, this upscale nightclub features over 10,000 square feet and two different lounge areas. When combined, the two lounges can accommodate crowds of up to 900 people, making the venue a great place for parties, concerts, or just a night out dancing. The club is new, hip, and exciting, and showcases state-of-the-art equipment, such as a multi-million dollar Funktion One sound system and lighting (including a laser light show) to make for some of the best evening entertainment in the area. More »

Honda Center

The Honda Center is Anaheim's premier event venue, and hosts everything from hockey games to live concerts. It opened in 1993 and has showcased over 2,500 different events since its inception. The venue encompasses 650,000 square feet and features various seating arrangements that can be customized for basketball games, hockey games, circuses, and three different live performance theaters. The Honda Center is the official home of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks, so if you're an ice hockey fan, this is the place to go to catch a game. Music fans will also love visiting the Honda Center, as many concerts are held here throughout the year; past performers have included such greats as Billy Joel, Britney Spears, and Elton John. More »

House of Blues Anaheim

This entertainment venue is always buzzing with the latest and greatest in music. Performances here run the gamut from jazz to gospel to (of course) blues; be sure to check out the live concert schedule online, as it is constantly evolving. Aside from performance stages and lounges, the House of Blues also offers an on-site restaurant that features dishes like Voodoo shrimp and fresh catfish. If you're in the area on Sundays, stop in for the Gospel Brunch, where you'll be treated to a delicious southern brunch buffet (jambalaya and cornbread, anyone?) as well as great live gospel performances from regional groups. More »

Irvine Park Railroad

Located in the 477-acre Irvine Regional Park, this small-scale railroad takes passengers on a tour of the park, giving them a good view of the beautiful landscape as well as the park's amenities and different areas. The tour is guided and narrated by the train's engineer, who will point out notable aspects of the park and entertain passengers with stories. Riders can expect the train ride to last about 12 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time to get in a good tour and keep the kids entertained. In addition to everyday train trips, the Railroad also puts on special tours to celebrate the seasons, such as the Christmas Train (a magical night-time tour that ends at Santa's Village), the Easter Eggstravaganza, and the Pumpkin Patch. More »

K1 Speed

For the ultimate in racing, head to K1 Speed. It features multiple indoor race tracks, where guests can test their skills at go kart driving. There are three kart speeds to choose from here, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced speeds. The karts here run on electric batteries, making them much more environmentally-friendly than other go karts. They also boast 20 horsepower and can hit speeds of up to about 45 miles per hour, so be sure to choose the appropriate speed level for you. You'll drive around K1 Speed's 1/3-mile track, through curves and straightaways that will challenge any driver. The track here also features two tunnels with changing colored lights to give you an even more challenging experience. The facility here is great for individuals, families, or even group events and parties, so bring the whole gang for an afternoon of racing fun. More »

Knott's Berry Farm

Theme park may not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think Knott's Berry Farm, but you'd be wrong to think just of fields of berries. Knott's Berry Farm started as a berry farm in the late 1920s, but with the innovative thinking of Walter and Cordelia Knott (who were bolstered by the success of the hybrid boysenberry introduced by the farm), they expanded the appeal of their farm by adding a chicken restaurant in the '30s. To provide something for his patrons to do while waiting for a seat at the restaurant, Walter Knott set up a ghost town using authentic buildings he had brought in from existing abandoned towns. By the end of the '60s, Knott's Farm had included attractions that were a tribute to California's early cultural heritage of the West and Spanish influences. Today the rest is history as the park continued to expand making it one of the most popular theme parks in the country, as well as one of the most visited for its wild rides and fun atmosphere. More »

Knott's Soak City OC

The Soak City water park at Knott's Berry Farm is the place to go on a hot California day. With over 21 different rides and attractions spread out next to Knott's Berry Farm amusement park, Soak City is a great spot to bring the whole family to cool off. Whatever your desired thrill level, this park has got you covered. Hop on the Laguna Storm Water Tower for a cyclone-like experience on either a single or double tube. Or try Banzai Falls, where you and five of your friends can race each other down the steep speed slides. If slow and relaxing is more your style, grab a tube and float down Sunset River--a 1/3-mile lazy river where you can sit back and let the current guide your tube. You also can't miss Tidal Wave Bay, a 750,000-gallon wave pool that offers great wave riding in the deeper end and a nice beach-like feel closer to shore. More »

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

For the history buff, or adventurer in the family, spend an evening transported back in time--to the medieval ages to be exact. The company originally started in 1973 on an island in Spain, and quickly became a hit in North America. While feasting on roasted chicken, spare ribs, or a vegetarian fare, you will be caught in the middle of all the drama that Prince Tristan and Princess Leonore experience. Although the story line changes to keep you on your toes and coming back for more, the costumes, weapons, and drama stays true to history, so you can learn and have fun at the same time. More »

MUZEO

This eclectic museum takes visitors on a unique exploration of history, heritage, arts, and culture. The exhibits here are constantly changing, and feature titles such as Monsters and Beasts: Hairy, Scary, and Unleashed and Color of Rock. There are three traveling exhibits that are showcased here each year, and they're all unique, one-of-a-kind exhibits that you won't see anywhere else in the area. Although the museum itself is fairly small, there is a wealth of information and things to see here, from photographs to paintings to interesting artifacts and memorabilia. MUZEO also hosts great events throughout the year, including artist meet-and-greets where guests get to explore an artist's work and talk directly with him or her. More »

Oak Canyon Nature Center

This 58-acre park is home to beautiful gardens and green spaces, as well as winding trails and bubbling streams. It is a great place to go for a hike or just to take some time to wander quietly through nature. The John J. Collier Interpretive Center is also located here, and provides educational information to visitors about the variety of wildlife and plants that make their homes in the area. The Nature Center is a popular place for local families to visit, as it puts on great nature programs for kids and families. You can sign up for such fun events as Family Camp Under the Stars, Summer Day Camp, or one of many interactive programs tailored especially for kids ages two to six. The Nature Center is a wonderful place for children and adults alike to learn about nature and the way humans interact with the plants and animals around us. More »

OC Fairgrounds & Event Center

The main attraction at the fairgrounds is, of course, the OC Super Fair (which generally occurs every July), but there are also many other exciting events held here throughout the year. One of the favorites is Centennial Farm, a permanent operating farm that is open daily. It gives families a great chance to experience real farm life and learn all about agriculture and livestock and where our food comes from. Other popular events that are held here include: a weekly farmers market, West Coast Custom Rod Show, gun shows, warehouse sales, arts and crafts expos, and more. The fairgrounds are home to a wide variety of facilities, from huge expo centers to smaller amphitheaters to equestrian arenas, making it the perfect place to hold an event of any size. More »

Pirate's Dinner Adventure

For an out of the ordinary meal experience, head to Pirate's Dinner Adventure in Buena Park. You'll become one of the pirates here, immersing yourself in their various crazy antics, such as sword fighting, special effects, aerial acrobatics, and wizardry. Guests are seated on one of six different pirate ships, each with their own mascot so you can cheer on the pirates from your team. Come hungry because you'll also be treated to a meal here that consists of a pre-show appetizer buffet followed by a full meal and the show. Generally, dinners consist of salad, your choice of protein (chicken and beef or shrimp and scallops), rice or potatoes, and a sweet apple cobbler dessert. After enjoying an evening of entertainment and food, guests can head over to the gift shop to pick up pirate-related souvenirs to remember their adventure. More »

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

Dedicated to the life and presidency of Richard Milhous Nixon, the library is located on the site of Nixon's birth, in a house built by his dad, and contains a veritable treasure trove of historical materials from his time in the White House. Many of these documents remained under the private control of the library until it was turned over to federal archivists in 2007, updating the exhibitions to present a more balanced picture than under the previous regime. Regardless of your political affiliation, this is a hugely valuable historical resource center. Obviously those who have an abiding interest in history and politics will be more in their element than those who do not, but it's also a place that can spark an interest and an opportunity to teach adolescents about a complicated man and his presidency. More »

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Buena Park

Like the other Ripley's museums around the country, this one presents visitors with scores of mysterious items that make you wonder if they're really real. At the Ripley's Buena Park location, you'll be treated to such oddities as an eight-legged pig, a crushed car in which a man survived for over 89 hours after a massive earthquake, and a replica of the Last Supper of Christ painting made from burnt pieces of toast. The museum features over 10,000 square feet of exhibits, and will definitely keep any visitor entertained and require great use of the imagination. The museum opened in 1990 and has since become a popular attraction in the Buena Park area. More »

Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park

Spread out over 20 acres, the Santa Ana Zoo is a great place to explore a variety of different animals and ecosystems. Visitors to the zoo will find a rain forest, an aviary, and many other exhibits that will both educate and entertain. The zoo was founded in 1952 by a local citrus farmer named Joseph Prentice. He agreed to donate the land to the city, but had two conditions: that the attraction be named after him, and that there always be at least 50 monkeys on exhibit at the zoo at all times. Today, the zoo has honored his requests, and yes, it always keeps at least 50 monkeys within on the premises at all times, including such species as the Black Howler Monkey, the Silver Langur, the Golden Lion Tamarin, and others. The zoo is home to over 249 animals, so you'll definitely get a chance to see a wide variety of creatures here. In addition to showcasing animals and aiding in conservation efforts, the Santa Ana Zoo also puts on great events throughout the year, including a Zoo birthday party, safaris, Sunset at the Zoo concerts, and others. More »

The Block at Orange

Head to The Block at Orange for entertainment, shopping, and dining. There are over 100 shops here, ranging from favorites such as Old Navy and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th to more specialized shops like Borders and Sunglass Hut. There are also plenty of restaurants to choose from; try Dave & Buster's for good bar-type food and a fun time playing video and arcade games, or head to El Torito for authentic Mexican food and a casual atmosphere. If you've finished shopping for the day, walk over to the AMC 30 Theaters, where you can catch the latest movie release while munching on a bag of popcorn. For those who are looking for a more active pursuit, try the Vans skatepark, where there are enough ramps and rails to thrill any skateboarder. More »

Wild Rivers Water Park

To beat the heat, take a trip to Wild Rivers Water Park, located in Irvine. With over 40 rides to choose from, ranging from extreme thrill rides to easy going, laid back rides, there is something for everyone in the family. Your kids can test out their surf skills on the waves of the Monsoon Lagoon, or they can face their fear of flying at the Bazooka Bowl, where you plunge four stories into a large bowl that spins you, soaks you, and spits you out. You can pack a lunch, or refuel at one of the many food vendors and cafes throughout the park. This water park is sure to cool you down and keep you on your toes, as there are several themed areas to explore and rides that will keep you smiling till the sun goes down. More »

Yorba Regional Park

This scenic park stretches along the banks of the Santa Ana River and provides a great spot for picnics, bicycling, and other recreational activities. There are four lakes located in the park, making it a popular area for fishing and sailing model boats. Bicyclists, joggers, walkers, and horseback riders also love Yorba Regional Park because it boasts a number of nice trails that wind through the area's lush forests and connect to the Santa Ana River trail system. You can even start in the park and take the trails all the way to the Pacific Ocean, which lies about 20 miles away! There are plenty of amenities here to make any family outing fun and convenient, including restrooms, shelters, barbeque rings, and a children's playground area. More »