Anaheim is all about big dreams and even bigger adventures. Sure, Disneyland Resort is an iconic and defining attraction, but there’s much more for families to discover.
With so many places waiting to delight you in new and unique ways, the true luxury of a family holiday in Anaheim doesn’t have to do with five-star dining or expensive hotels; it is flying in virtual helicopters or hot-air balloons, splashing down in an indoor waterpark or getting to know an inquisitive sea lion.
This California city is packed with those big, magical memory-making moments but also some lovely hidden quirks, if you know where to look. Don’t go past these 16 ‘uniquely Anaheim’ experiences for a holiday that’s more than enchanting—it’s utterly unforgettable.
Surprise yourself with theme parks that extend from 'that' castle to beyond
1. Disneyland Resort: 70 years of pure joy
This year, Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary celebrations make a visit to The Happiest Place On Earth even more special. Expect extra sparkle beginning May 16, including the new “World of Color Happiness!” nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure Park. Returning to Disneyland Park is the much-loved Paint the Night Parade featuring over a million colourful LED lights. Our tip: don’t miss the brand-new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, designed as a fresh spin on a fan-favourite ride.
2. Great Wolf Lodge: Waterpark thrills while you skip the sunburn
Imagine a massive indoor waterpark, complete with wave pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers, all just minutes from Disneyland Resort. Even better, Great Wolf Lodge accommodations include super cute themed rooms to stay right on site, so no damp car rides necessary.
3. Adventure City: Lovingly created for littlies
For theme park magic that is perfect for families with under 10s, Adventure City is an affordable hidden gem. Its miniature train, petting zoo, and classic carousel are all perfect for little adventurers – it feels rather like stepping into an adorable storybook of fun.
4. Knott’s Berry Farm: Heart-pounding history
The older kids have probably already heard of the famously vertigo-inducing rollercoasters at Knott’s Berry Farm, but there is so much more to this Anaheim institution. If you’re visiting in autumn, stuff yourself silly at the famous Boysenberry Festival. This did start out as a ‘berry farm’ after all, and it’s where boysenberries were first successfully grown in southern California!
Discover the animal side of Anaheim
5. Santa Ana Zoo: Monkey around!
Gorgeous Santa Ana Zoo is all about primates, with more than 50 species of monkeys. Kids can also ride the train, visit the petting zoo, and enjoy an easygoing day out at this bite-sized zoo. Don’t forget to put aside time for a ride on the soaring 50 Monkeys ferris wheel.
6. Aquarium of the Pacific: Sea creatures up close
Come face-to-face with California’s most unique sea creatures at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Sea otters, frogs, penguins and sea jellies are just some of the charming residents. Not to be missed: painting a digital fish in Pacific Visions and the adorable Babies! exhibit.
Get creative and totally hands-on
7. Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center: Fly like a pro
Older kids (and let’s be honest, parents too) can step into a real-life fighter jet simulator and test their pilot skills. Flight Deck is thrilling, totally unique, and way cooler than a video game.
8. Discovery Cube Orange County: Where science feels like magic
Considering you can fly a virtual helicopter, step inside a giant cloud, and learn about local wildlife, even learning-resistant kids will quickly understand that Discovery Cube isn’t your average museum. There’s plenty to touch and try, resulting in more than a few blown minds and a fascinating experience that’s (not) surprisingly hard to leave.
9. Bowers Kidseum: Where culture gets creative
Think mask-making, drum-playing, and art from around the world. This interactive space is part of the larger Bowers Museum, and it’s all about learning through play.
10. Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center: A new adventure every time
From street art to ancient artefacts, Muzeo’s rotating exhibits keep things fresh. Keep an eye out for regular crafty workshops where kids can make their own masterpieces.
Get out into that California sunshine
11. Oak Canyon Nature Center: A wild escape
Need a break from screens? Oak Canyon Nature Center is a hidden oasis set over three adjoining canyons. Discover family-friendly hiking trails, a bubbling creek, and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities – including live animals in the cosy interpretive centre.
12. Yorba Regional Park: Picnic, paddle and play
Sprawling Yorba Regional Park is worth slotting into the itinerary for a chilled-out family day by the lake. Rent bikes and cruise the trails, hop on a pedal boat and hit the water, or unpack a picnic and just relax. It’s blissfully quiet and perfectly pretty.
13. Great Park Balloon Ride: Sky-high experience, but not the price
Want to feel like you’re floating on air? The Great Park Balloon Ride lifts families 400 feet (about 121 metres) into the sky for breathtaking views of Orange County – and it’s markedly budget-friendly, which makes this a wonderful opportunity to try ballooning.
Dine a little (or a lot) differently
14. Populaire Modern Bistro: Fancy and fun
Bring your good duds to dine on croissant burgers, DIY chocolate mousse, and a French cuisine with a family-friendly twist at Populaire. It’s a great way to treat the kids to something special without worrying about a fussy menu.
15. Medieval Times: Look mum, no hands!
This isn’t just dinner – it’s a full-blown medieval battle. Kids will love cheering on their favourite knight, watching epic jousts, and digging into a royal feast at Medieval Times (no forks allowed!)
16. Pirate’s Dinner Adventure: Swashbuckling fun on the high seas
If your kids dream of being pirates, the interactive Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is a must. They’ll battle villains, cheer for their crew, and watch jaw-dropping acrobatics – all while chowing down on a feast fit for a captain.
Plan your Anaheim family holiday
How to get there
Qantas, Virgin Australia, United, Delta and American Airlines are among the airlines that fly from Australia to Los Angeles International Airport. If you’d rather avoid LAX, fly via Honolulu with Hawaiian Airlines to Long Beach Airport, which is around 25 minutes’ drive from Anaheim. Book an airport shuttle with Karmel Shuttle in advance to get to your accommodation.
Where to stay
Anaheim has dozens of great family-friendly hotels to choose from! For fabulous kid-friendly facilities like water parks, resort pools and arcades, look to the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground, Best Western Plus Stovall’s Inn, and Cambria Hotel & Suites. Kitchenette suites at the Clementine Hotel & Suites, Element by Westin, and Desert Palms Hotel & Suites make travelling with tots a breeze.
Where to eat
Get a magical view of the Disneyland Resort fireworks from rooftop restaurants like The FIFTH, RISE Rooftop Lounge, and Top of the V. Dive into California’s vibrant food culture at Anaheim Packing District, which centres around a restored 1919 fruit-packing building, and dine outdoors amid repurposed shipping containers at Steelcraft Garden Grove. Experience iconic American cuisine at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., The Cheesecake Factory, Denny’s Restaurant, IHOP Restaurant, In-N-Out Burger and Raising Cane’s.
Produced in partnership with Visit Anaheim
Opening image: Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park © Visit Anaheim
