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Local picks in Costa Mesa

Unique kid-friendly spots

A day out with the kids requires somewhere that feels different from the usual routine.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
UNLOCKED: Escape Room - Orange County image 1
UNLOCKED: Escape Room - Orange County image 2
UNLOCKED: Escape Room - Orange County image 3
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Escape room center offers immersive themed rooms with creative puzzles and authentic props that create a challenging and engaging atmosphere. Rooms vary from an interactive magician theme to a cleverly designed arcade setup, appealing to families and groups alike. Lighting is dim to enhance mood, and unique rewards like Polaroid photos add a personal touch.

Escape rooms offer age appropriate challenges that kids can fully join in on. Activities encourage teamwork and include fun elements like a magician that kids enjoy.

Escape rooms feature unique setups and puzzles with distinct twists. Each room offers a different experience that stands out from typical escape games.

People are saying

"The escape rooms have amazing, friendly game masters who help you out."

"I had a blast; it was so much fun!"

"The staff here are so friendly and helpful, making it a great Kid Friendly experience."

Good to know

1

The facility has three different escape rooms to choose from.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

3

The escape rooms are suitable for families and children.

02
ORANGE PARIS CAFE image 1
French restaurant

Small bistro with Parisian decor and red-and-white checkered tablecloths creates an authentic French atmosphere. Cozy space with 7-8 tiny tables offers a peaceful, relaxing vibe. Games and toys for kids add a welcoming touch during wait times.

A box of toys and games keeps kids busy while waiting. The owner gives children a small Eiffel Tower keepsake and brings out games to play. Nutella crepes and other treats appeal to young diners.

Menu offers unique crepes and sandwiches with a classic French taste. Chocolate Croissant stands out with its distinctive flavor and quality.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, creative, and delicious."

"The owner's unique Parisian charm makes everyone feel so welcome."

"It's so kid friendly, they even give little Eiffel Tower keepsakes!"

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the gas station, but it can get crowded.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

The cafรฉ offers a variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options.

03
Confetti Italian Ice & Custard image 1

Ice cream shop with clean interior and friendly staff creates a welcoming atmosphere full of fun energy. Customers enjoy a wide variety of unique flavors and custard options that stand out from typical frozen treats. The place offers thoughtful touches like free ice packs for takeout to keep desserts fresh.

The owner treats kids with kindness and offers free samples to picky eaters. The kids scoop is large and includes two flavors, often mixed into Italian ices for custom treats.

Combining ice cream, soft serve, and Italian ice creates unique textures and flavors. The rotating options and delicate blends offer a distinctive experience not found in typical grocery brands.

People are saying

"I thought the ice cream here was amazing and unlike anything I had before."

"The unique flavor combinations here are delicious and keep the menu interesting."

"The ice cream and Italian ice here are amazing and kid friendly."

Good to know

1

The shop offers a huge variety of flavors and fun options.

2

Parking is available in a large lot next to the shop.

3

To use the restroom, request the key from an employee.

04
Eat's Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant with authentic decor and warm yellow lighting creates a cozy, immersive atmosphere. Busy and popular spot, often filled with couples and groups enjoying fresh, high-quality sushi. Outdoor seating with heaters and a nearby ice cream shop add to the relaxed vibe.

Soft, flavorful caterpillar roll and kid-approved crab sticks and chicken bento box make meals easy for kids. Booth seating and a classic Japanese vibe create a comfortable atmosphere for families.

Fresh sushi includes a wide variety of rolls like the classic spicy tuna and the unique Bikini Roll. Smaller cut rolls come in 4 or 5 pieces, and the scallop sashimi with truffle oil stands out. The to-go bag is a unique orange tote that adds a touch of luxury.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is thick, super fresh, tender, and delicious."

"The avocado roll for the kid was surprisingly fresh and creamy."

"The ingredients here are so fresh, it's unbelievable."

Good to know

1

The wait can be up to 2 hours long for 2 people, so I recommend RSVPing or arriving early.

2

There was a large parking lot available for guests.

3

Expect an hour wait on the weekend.

05
Recoup Personal Training image 1
Personal trainer

Small, well-equipped gym fosters a supportive family atmosphere where people of all ages train together. Environment stays positive and inclusive, encouraging progress without pressure or judgment. Trainers focus on personalized care and form, creating a space that balances challenge with comfort.

A strong focus on family involvement makes this place stand out, with kids and adults working out together. It supports building confidence and encourages active lifestyles for children.

People are saying

"The trainers here genuinely care and push you to reach your goals."

"It's a uniquely welcoming community where you feel like family."

"It's so Kid Friendly, you'll feel stronger and more confident."

Good to know

1

Recoup hosts community outreach events like the annual Turkey Trot and Pushups for Charity.

2

The Thanksgiving 5K encourages participation from all fitness levels.

3

Pushups for Charity brings clients together for a good cause.

06
Mercado Gonzรกlez Northgate Market image 1

Mexican grocery store combines vibrant decor with live mariachi music and a full bar inside. Atmosphere feels lively and festive, often with a DJ and food stations creating a chaotic yet welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating adds a quaint touch, making it a unique blend of shopping and entertainment.

Servers provide an ice bag to keep ceviche cold for kids. The market offers a safe and clean environment where families and kids can hang out. Sharing pork and chicken tamales is common and popular with children.

Unique space offers produce items rarely seen north of the border. The overall experience stands out from typical supermarkets.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing prepared Mexican food and fresh items."

"I found the shopping environment unique, like a culinary tour."

"It's a great place to take the whole family."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every weekend, enhancing the shopping experience.

2

Menudo is served only on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 AM to noon.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.

07
Lions Park image 1

Playground centers on a full-scale airplane and zipline-style swings that attract both kids and adults. Rubber-padded ground and modern design create a safe, open space with family-friendly atmosphere. Adjacent library adds an educational touch, while picnic and sports areas support varied outdoor activities.

Many activities keep kids busy, including a big zip line, a concrete airplane, and swings. Equipment suits toddlers and older kids, with a library nearby for borrowing books.

A huge play area features unique play equipment designed for all ages. A musical area adds to the variety of fun activities available.

People are saying

"It's a really fun playground, totally kid friendly for all ages."

"This reading spot has real books, movies, and even games to rent."

"The play equipment here is so unique and fun for all ages."

Good to know

1

The park has swings, slides, climbing structures, zipswing, musical instruments, a kids library, and an airplane.

2

The zipline at Lions Park poses a serious injury risk if used without supervision.

3

The bathrooms at Lions Park are small and not well-maintained.

08
The Straw: Modern Milkshakes image 1

Ice cream shop blends diner vibes with modern twist featuring memorabilia and musical instruments that create a fun, cozy atmosphere. Energetic music and occasional live performances add to the inviting, lighthearted energy. Seating is available inside and outside, making it a comfortable spot for casual hangouts.

Kids enjoy the Cookie Monster milkshake and staff show care by adjusting the heater near the fire TV for them. The spot offers a fun alternative to regular milkshakes from fast food places.

Milkshakes come in a variety of unique flavors that blend multiple tastes in one. The menu stays simple yet creative, making it a cool spot for something different.

People are saying

"These milkshakes are rich, creamy, and delicious."

"The vibe and decor here are really cool."

"I found the milkshakes to be tasty and unique."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough at The Straw: Modern Milkshakes.

2

Karaoke on Friday nights starts at 8pm with no cover charge.

3

The portion of the milkshake is very generous and can be split.

09
Elixir Wizard Academy - Boba Tea Bar & Ice Cream image 1

Fantasy-themed tea bar resembles a medieval tavern with wizard costumes and magical decor. Atmosphere feels cozy and immersive, with secret rooms offering games and interactive experiences. Visitors engage in themed activities like wizard tests while enjoying unique boba and ice cream offerings.

Fun magic-themed ambiance with servers in costume handing out wands creates a playful experience for kids. A secret entrance and elf characters add to the sense of adventure and wonder for children.

A magical vibe fills the space with unique recipes and storytelling atmosphere. The drinks offer great flavors that stand out from typical boba spots.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is magical and enchanting!"

"The decor here is unique, totally immersing you in a magical world."

"It's a magical experience with awesome atmosphere and staff."

Good to know

1

Parking is available but fills up quickly, so plan ahead.

2

They prefer card payments over cash and do not provide change.

3

The menu features fewer than 10 items, all cold drinks and no food.

10
Sugo Costa Mesa image 1
Pizza restaurant

Compact space blends New York feel with Cali vibe featuring creative decor and neon signs. Atmosphere stays cozy and casual with excellent music enhancing the relaxed mood. Small bar seating and limited outdoor tables create an intimate setting for enjoying artisan pizza with unique flavors.

High school kids use this spot to hang out and socialize. Kids around 10 years old find it engaging while waiting for orders.

Slices feature unique flavor profiles like bonito flakes with miso kewpie sauce and a taco-inspired chorizo pastor. The crust stands out as thicker yet airy and chewy, blending deep dish and focaccia qualities.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I had ever tried."

"The pizzas here have unique flavor combinations, like the Japanese one."

"The pizza here is delicious and reminds me of Rome."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially during busy holidays like July 4th.

2

Seating is very limited, with only high stools available.

3

Pizzas are sold by the square slice, priced at $8 each.

11
Plums Cafe image 1

Casual cafe with modern design and ample outdoor seating that welcomes dogs. Atmosphere ranges from cozy and vibrant indoors to loud and lively on the patio, making it suitable for social occasions. Crowds are common, so reservations help avoid waits.

Kids get breakfast served quickly with friendly service. The kids' meal includes fruit, but some fruit showed mold. Pricing runs around $63 for one adult and one child.

Menu features unique flavors and well-executed dishes not commonly found elsewhere. The cinnamon roll latte and biscuits with gravy offer distinctive tastes that stand out.

People are saying

"The food, especially the Eggs Benedict, was perfect."

"Their unique cinnamon roll latte is delicious and strong."

"The giant cinnamon roll is a massive treat, perfect for sharing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

The wait time can be quite long during busy brunch hours.

3

Parking is limited and can be frustrating to find.

12
Paradise Dynasty image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large space with modern Chinese decor and plenty of seating creates an elegant atmosphere. Background music plays, sometimes loud, contributing to a lively but occasionally noisy environment. The setting suits date nights and casual dining with a mix of Northern and Southern Chinese cuisine.

Kids enjoy the Vegetable and Pork Dumplings with their soft wrappers and balanced filling. Families celebrate birthdays here, making it a spot that welcomes children warmly.

Rainbow xiao long baos offer unique flavors with juicy, flavorful fillings. Seasonal options like Dungeness chili crab soup dumplings add to the distinctive menu.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and top quality."

"The panda chocolate lava bun was a hit with the tweens."

"The colorful dumplings had unique, juicy, and flavorful fillings."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2:30 pm to 5 pm with 40% off select items.

2

During happy hour, many dishes are 40% off with few menu restrictions.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to avoid long wait times.

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Costa Mesa, California

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