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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Orange

Parks with fun activities

You want a park that offers more than just grass and a bench.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Irvine Regional Park image 1
Irvine Regional Park image 2
Irvine Regional Park image 3
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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.

Offers family-friendly outdoor fun with attractions like a zoo and seasonal festivals. Entry costs a small fee per car, making it accessible for day visits.

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.

People are saying

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

"It's a great place to walk your dog on leash."

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

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
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.

A small zoo with many animals sits inside the park, including a petting zoo area. The park offers a nice mix of nature and animal exhibits.

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."

"I loved seeing all the animals, especially the petting zoo goats."

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.

03
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.

Trails offer scenic views and a variety of activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park is dog-friendly with well-maintained paths and a small playground near restrooms.

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.

People are saying

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

"The views here are beautiful, especially at sunset."

"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.

04
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.

Clean and well maintained grounds offer plenty of space for walking, sports, and basketball. The park feels very safe and has free exercise equipment along with ample parking and clean restrooms.

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.

People are saying

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

"The parks here are really clean and well-maintained."

"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.

05
Olive Park image 1

Spacious park with shaded play areas and a covered patio offers a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. Locals gather for baseball games and casual hangouts, creating a community vibe. Parking challenges contrast with the park's clean and safe environment.

Open, clean, and safe with shaded trees and a beautiful playground featuring a regular swing and a baby bucket swing. Benches with BBQs and a covered patio add comfort, while clean restrooms and quiet parking enhance convenience.

Kids enjoy the playground and open spaces. The park offers a fun atmosphere for all ages.

People are saying

"It's really kid friendly with spacious areas for playing."

"I found the parks here to be awesome and clean."

"It's a fun place for kids to play and have fun."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a nightmare during busy events like kids' baseball games.

2

Restrooms at Olive Park are clean and well-maintained.

3

The park has two play structures for different age groups.

06
Hart Park image 1

Large park with spacious playgrounds, multiple sports courts, and ample picnic areas under mature trees. Atmosphere varies from peaceful and quiet to lively with competing live music during events. Popular for family gatherings, pet owners, and outdoor activities.

Spacious and well maintained, this park offers a baseball field with strong bleachers and amenities like a swimming pool and tennis court. Plenty of parking and easy freeway access make it convenient for families and events.

Outdoor fun includes concerts in the park on Wednesday evenings and plenty of space for kids to play. The setting also supports relaxation alongside active enjoyment.

People are saying

"This park has great amenities and multiple sport fields."

"This place is so kid friendly, the playgrounds are incredible."

"It's a great place for outdoor fun and relaxation."

Good to know

1

Hart Park has a large parking lot, but it can be missed easily.

2

There are only two handicap parking spots available at Hart Park.

3

The park has a playground, sand volleyball courts, public pool, and baseball fields.

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Orange, California

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