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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Orange

Outdoor fun activities

The day feels wasted if it is spent entirely indoors.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Irvine Regional Park image 1
Irvine Regional Park image 2
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Spacious park with lush greenery and large open grass areas featuring BBQs and picnic benches. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful and quiet during weekdays to active and friendly with families and teens on weekends. Offers diverse activities including a zoo, train and pony rides, paddle boats, and hiking trails.

Outdoor fun includes pony rides, a train, and a zoo. Group activities and creative photo spots add to the experience. Kids' events like pumpkin contests keep little ones entertained.

Many options for outdoor fun exist, including a zoo and group activities. The park offers creative photo spots and an outdoor barbecue venue for adults.

People are saying

"This park has a zoo and train, perfect for families."

"It's a fun park with a zoo and lots of outdoor activities."

"This outdoor space is perfect for families with a zoo and train ride."

Good to know

1

The cost to enter the park with a vehicle is $5.

2

Parking can be extremely difficult at Irvine Regional Park.

3

I need to arrive early because the park fills up quickly.

02
Dragonfly Shops & Gardens image 1

Small shop with a cute garden and unique gifts creates a welcoming, treasure-hunt vibe. Workshops on mosaic tiles and sun catchers offer hands-on creative experiences on an outdoor patio. Organized space fills with locally made ceramics and whimsical plants, attracting garden buffs and collectors alike.

Creative workshops offer fun projects that appeal to all ages. The welcoming vibe makes group activities enjoyable and engaging.

An outdoor patio hosts workshops, creating a relaxed space for projects. The garden features benches among plants and decorations, blending seating with nature.

People are saying

"Beth's sun catcher workshop was a unique, creative, and relaxing experience."

"The workshops here are great; the teacher is so supportive."

"The pumpkin succulent class was a fun and unique fall craft."

Good to know

1

The pumpkin succulent class is a fun fall craft for all ages.

2

Only 25 guests can participate in the pumpkin succulent class, with take-home kits available.

3

The cost of the workshops is very reasonable.

03
Orange County Zoo image 1

Zoo sits within a large park shaded by tree canopy, creating a peaceful family atmosphere. Enclosures feature water elements and offer clear views of animals like jaguars and mountain lions. A petting zoo with goats and pony rides adds interactive experiences for children.

Affordable fun includes cycling and riding the chu chu train. Families find it a great spot for kid-friendly activities.

People are saying

"I found the zoo to be a fun place with a great petting zoo."

"I thought the zoo was affordable, with entry costing only $2."

"You can brush and feed the goats in the Outdoor Space petting zoo."

Good to know

1

The entrance fee is only $2 per person, with children under 2 entering for free.

2

Parking costs $5 per car, but finding a spot can be challenging.

3

The zoo hosts community events like Star Wars day that are enjoyable for the whole family.

04
Santiago Oaks Regional Park image 1

Trails wind through lush greenery and a running creek, creating a peaceful, natural setting that feels far from urban life. Visitors find short, family-friendly paths with shaded rest areas and a small playground. Scenic views from hilltops and a nature center add to the calm, inspiring atmosphere.

Hours of outdoor fun come at an affordable price. Trails like the Mountain Goal Trail and the nature center with helpful staff add to the fun, wild atmosphere.

Offers offroading trails and family-friendly hiking paths. Provides affordable access with hours of outdoor fun.

People are saying

"The park's trails offer a great variety for hiking and biking."

"You'll find great outdoor space with trails for hiking, biking, and horses."

"The trails here are fun and well-marked for all your activities."

Good to know

1

The entrance fee is $5, with parking fees of $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends.

2

Parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended.

3

There are no public restrooms along the trails; facilities are only near the parking lot.

05
Grijalva Park image 1

Large open green spaces and multiple sports courts create a versatile outdoor environment. The atmosphere stays quiet and family-friendly, with clean grounds and playgrounds suited for children. Scenic features like a creek with a bridge and attached bike trails add to the relaxed, spacious vibe.

Several acres of space offer plenty of room for family fun and group activities. The playground features a lot of equipment that keeps things engaging and active.

Outdoor space includes shaded workout equipment and an outdoor gym. Plenty of picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, and courts support various activities and relaxation.

People are saying

"It's a great kid-friendly park with a fun playground."

"The outdoor space has basketball courts and a playground."

"It's a lot of fun with plenty of space to play."

Good to know

1

The park has plenty of parking available for visitors.

2

The playground is safe and well-maintained for toddlers.

3

The park requires a permit for field usage.

06
Irvine Park Railroad image 1
Amusement park

Large park offers train rides, pony rides, and bike rentals amid festive decorations. Atmosphere feels natural and peaceful with a family-friendly vibe. Seasonal events and well-lit areas create a relaxing experience for all ages.

Train rides offer fun and informative experiences for kids. The Pumpkin Patch features many activities like face painting, pumpkin toss, cookie decorating, and mazes. Plenty of space lets kids run around freely, making it enjoyable for all ages.

A huge park offers cycling, paddleboat rentals, and barbecues for outdoor fun. Walking paths and resting spots create a peaceful atmosphere for family outings or solo relaxation.

People are saying

"It's a great Kid Friendly place with train rides and pony rides."

"It's a great place for a fun family outing with the kids."

"It's a great outdoor space with pony rides and paddle boats."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $5 per car to enter Irvine Park Railroad.

2

Arriving after 10:00 AM could result in waiting up to an hour to get in.

3

Online tickets for Halloween events sell out quickly, so buy in advance.

07
The Outlets at Orange image 1

Open-air plaza combines outdoor walking paths with indoor shops and entertainment. Vibrant, energetic atmosphere features loud music, family-friendly activities, and a mix of dining and retail options. Skate park, cinema, and lively crowd create a trendy, fun vibe especially appealing to teenagers.

Late-night restaurants and shops create a fun atmosphere on weekends. Teenagers find it trendy and packed with options for a full day out.

Plenty of outdoor walking areas create a relaxed shopping vibe. Beautiful scenery surrounds the open-air outlets with genuine discounts from leading brands.

People are saying

"This mall has a great variety of shops for the whole family."

"It's a great outdoor mall for strolling and shopping."

"It's a perfect destination for teenagers with lots of fun activities."

Good to know

1

Parking can get tight at the outlet, especially on weekends.

2

There is free parking available at the outlet.

3

Many brands offer good discounts during sales events.

08
Orangeland RV Park image 1

RV park nestled in a citrus grove offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere despite urban surroundings. Spacious sites with orange trees and patios create a cozy, green environment. Heated pool and hot tub add to the relaxed vibe, while fresh citrus fruit is available for picking.

Fun activities include billiards, shuffleboard, and corn hole. Tools help reach fruit at the tops of trees, making fruit picking easy and enjoyable.

Wide sites with grass and orange trees create a pleasant outdoor setting. Many spots include patio furniture for relaxing outside. Kids find plenty of space to play outdoors.

People are saying

"I found the park and its grounds to be very clean."

"It's surprisingly quiet, even being in the middle of the city."

"It's so fun picking fresh fruit right off the trees!"

Good to know

1

There is an on-demand bus service costing $6 for adults and $2.50 for children.

2

The park is close to Disneyland with a shuttle bus directly to the park.

3

Parking at the RV park costs around $80, which is quite expensive.

09
Paul's Cocktails image 1

Small dive bar splits into three rooms with pool tables, big screen TVs, and a smoking patio. Atmosphere stays laid-back and local, shifting from older patrons early to younger crowds later. Decor includes cop badges and memorabilia, creating a unique, unpretentious vibe.

A lively spot packed with locals and students creates a vibrant atmosphere. It offers a solid choice for a fun night out and making new memories.

A large smoking patio and lounge sit in the back, offering space to relax and chat. Games like pool tables and Jenga add to the outdoor vibe, with monthly pool tournaments held there.

People are saying

"It's a chill place where you can truly relax and be yourself."

"It's a great place for a fun night out with amazing staff."

"It's a large outdoor space with a smoking patio and lounge."

Good to know

1

Country Thursday night is college night with drink specials.

2

Drink prices range from $12 to $14, considered a good deal.

3

The bar opens at 6 AM and closes at 2 AM daily.

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Orange, California

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