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Guide to Orange

Kid-friendly picnic spots

Made for those who prefer to feed their families in the open air rather than at a crowded table.

Based on 628 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.

Many activities keep kids busy, including a train ride suited for younger children and opportunities to climb trees. The park feels safe and fun for families with young kids.

Well-maintained green spaces offer plenty of picnic areas with ample seating and parking. Activities like a small zoo, sightseeing train, and playground make it great for family picnics and group events.

People are saying

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

"It's a great Kid Friendly place with a fun train ride."

"It's a great spot for picnics with plenty of shaded areas and clean restrooms."

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
La Veta Park image 1

Small park offers covered picnic areas with BBQ grills and a large playground shaded by a sun cover. Quiet neighborhood setting creates a relaxed atmosphere suitable for families and pets. Cleanliness and ample seating make it ideal for casual gatherings and outdoor meals.

A large playground offers plenty of space for kids to jump, run, and slide. Bathrooms are available, making visits with kids more convenient.

Several BBQ pits and picnic tables sit near a covered picnic area with clean restrooms nearby. The park suits family gatherings and birthday parties with a playground close to the picnic spots.

People are saying

"The playground has a sun cover, making it great for hot days."

"It's a really kid-friendly park with a great playground and picnic areas."

"It's a great spot for picnics with covered tables and BBQs."

Good to know

1

The park has a playground where kids can jump, run, slide, and have fun.

2

There are BBQ areas, pits, picnic tables, and clean restrooms at the park.

3

Visiting La Veta Park doesn't cost anything, making it an affordable option for relaxation.

03
Eisenhower Park image 1

Spacious park with multiple playgrounds and elegant bridges crossing peaceful streams and a lake. Calm and tranquil atmosphere with well-maintained landscaping and paved walkways for easy access. Popular for family outings and outdoor activities with picnic areas and barbecue zones.

A well kept, clean playground offers a safe spot for kids to play. Feeding ducks and geese by the lake adds a fun, interactive element for young children.

Many picnic tables and plenty of space for blankets make it easy to set up a picnic. Two playgrounds nearby add fun options for kids during the outing.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful, peaceful park with great views."

"It's a great place for a picnic with lots of picnic space."

"It's a great place for kids, with a super well-kept playground."

Good to know

1

Parking at Eisenhower Park is free, but can be limited during peak times.

2

The park features paved walkways, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

3

There is only one bathroom available at Eisenhower Park.

04
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.

Low entrance fee makes it easy for families to visit. The zoo offers a free petting zoo and is sized just right for young children to explore and enjoy.

Large park areas offer plenty of space for picnics and barbecues. Nearby playgrounds, a food stand, and pony rides add fun options during outdoor meals.

People are saying

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

"It's a great, small zoo, perfect for kids."

"The $2 zoo admission fee was a great deal for a picnic."

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.

05
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 and pony rides keep kids entertained while the zoo charges $2, free for toddlers. A free hay maze and haunted house offer gentle thrills, and carnival games give prizes to all children. Plenty of open space lets kids run freely.

Multiple picnic spots and BBQ areas spread across a large park offer plenty of space for groups. Bike and surrey rentals, ponds, and a zoo add variety to the picnic experience.

People are saying

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

"The train ride through the park is charming and relaxing."

"It's a perfect spot for a peaceful picnic with family."

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.

06
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.

Short trails and a small children's play area make it easy for kids to explore. Features like stone steps along the water and a waterfall add fun spots for walking and playing.

Multiple picnic spots and barbecue areas offer plenty of choices for outdoor meals. Clean restrooms and a small childrenโ€™s play area support a comfortable picnic experience.

People are saying

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

"The trails here are well-marked and customizable for your picnic hike."

"It's kid friendly with a playground and picnic areas."

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.

07
El Camino Real Park image 1

Spacious park with multiple sports courts including basketball, tennis, volleyball, and handball, plus baseball and softball fields. Atmosphere stays quiet and family-friendly with plenty of picnic areas and playgrounds. Active people and families gather here for relaxing outdoor activities without crowds.

Large playground with newer equipment offers a fun spot for kids. Baseball fields and handball courts host many children's games. Shade trees provide a nice place to relax while kids play.

Many picnic tables with barbecue grills spread across a large area with great restrooms. The picnic spots lack shade structures, exposing them to heat and rain.

People are saying

"It's a great park for kids, with a big playground and handball courts."

"It's a great picnic spot with lots of tables and grills."

"It's a great Kid Friendly park with a huge playground."

Good to know

1

The park has volleyball courts, baseball fields, and basketball courts.

2

The bathrooms at the park are generally clean and well-stocked.

3

There are great basketball and volleyball games happening just about every night.

08
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.

Playgrounds offer safe spaces with sand play areas perfect for toddlers. Families can enjoy picnics while kids play in a clean, kid-friendly environment.

Lots of shade trees and seating make it easy to set up a picnic even when the area is busy. The spot works well for family gatherings or casual lunch dates.

People are saying

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

"The public restrooms here are clean."

"It's a really nice, clean park for a picnic."

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.

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Orange, California

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