Top 10 Summer Activities in the OC

“The sand may brush off, the salt may wash clean, the tans may fade, but the memories will last forever.” -unknown

Calling all Orange County families. It is officially summer, the kids are out of school and it is time to make some memories. Here is our Top 10 Summer Activities in the OC . I divided the list into the top 5 outdoor and the top 5 indoor places to go this summer, enjoy!

Summer Bucket List: Top Ten Places to go in Orange County Click To Tweet

Outdoor Places to play in the oc:

1) Laguna Niguel Splash Pad

(29751 Crown Valley Parkway) This awesome place is one of my favorites for so many reasons. The first reason is because its FREE! Open to the public 7 days a week from 10am-5pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I would say more ideal for walkers (not crawlers, especially on a busy day) all the way through jr. highers. There is a park below that we love (check out this link to view park) and should be getting shade covers very soon for these hot summer months. If it’s a cool day, pack a lunch and even go on a hike.

3) Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center

A beautiful pool center in the heart of south orange county that is now open year round. The aquatic center is totally awesome for all ages and unlike most places, even if you don’t live in Aliso Viejo, you can still go (you just have to pay a few more dollars). There is one large lap pool, one large family pool, and we especially love the baby pool area with fountains and splash pad. They just added huge shade covers and also have a snack shack. Definitely worth the couple dollars to go swim and play. We had the kids birthday party here a few years ago, you can check that out HERE.

3) Movie Night Under the Stars

I love how popular outside movies are becoming! It is such a fun idea and a must on your summer bucket list. There are so many outside movie events happening, you can check your local community flyer, but here are a few that are happening in the South OC. The city of Aliso Viejo has multiple outdoor movie nights, you can check the schedule here. The city of Irvine also has some great outdoor movies playing, some for families, some for date night. Don’t forget your blankets, lawn chairs and some snacks!

4) Beach Day

Need some relief from the heat? Head to the beach! Really, any beach in Southern California is beautiful, but I do have my favorites, and Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point is at the top of the list. There is usually plenty of parking (as long as you get there before 11am) and it only costs $1 per hour. Once you park and head down the hill the view is breathtaking. You can either just have a picnic on the huge grassy hill or you can walk all the way down to the sand if you want to put your toes in the water (just be prepared, the walk back up is a good work out if you brought a lot of beach stuff).

I also love Crystal Cove in Newport Coast, but mostly because of The Beachcomber restaurant and their amazing breakfast. If you have never gone, go, but first make a reservation!! I also LOVE Aliso Creek Beach in Laguna Beach, it has close parking and a playground for the kids.

5) Orange County Fair

Nothing says summer quite like a fair. Whether you go to eat the fried pickles, watch a rodeo or just play a few carnival games, everyone loves the fair. The OC Fair 2022 opens July 15th and runs through August 14th. Hours: 11am-11pm Wed. & Thurs., 11am-midnight Fri.-Sun. Children 5 and under are free everyday, ages 6-12 & seniors are $7, ages 13 & up are $12, $14 on weekends. So mark the date on your calendar and save some room for some cotton candy!:)

(I also suggest checking your local community flyer for 4th of July activities/fireworks. Most cities have so many free family friendly events, so don’t miss out and plan ahead)

Indoor places to play in the oc:

1) Pretend City

We love Pretend City, there is always a new adventure waiting for us each time we go. Our kids can go shopping at the local grocery store, visit the library, grow crops on the farm, become a firefighter or police officer, even visit the marina. During the summer there are different themed days, so make sure to check out their website for more info. We are looking forward to staying cool and using our imagination at Pretend City this summer.

2) The Discovery Science Center

If your child loves to explore, then bring them to the Discovery Cube this summer! There are endless amounts of activities and learning opportunities to do at The Cube. They are constantly changing the exhibits, plus there are always the classics. The kids especially love the Dinosaur exhibit outside where you can walk through the inside of a Brachiosaurus.

3) The Aquarium of the Pacific

What a better way to cool off in the summer than to visit the aquarium?! If you have never visited the Aquarium of the Pacific, then it’s definitely something you should put on the summer bucket list. Kids of all ages can be amazed by all of the beautiful sea life including the jelly fish, sea otters, penguins, the new horses and dragons exhibit and even the sharks. We have taken the kids for fun family day and the hubby and I actually went there as a date before kids. After we went to 2nd St in Long Beach for dinner at La Creperie Cafe (if you have never gone, you are missing out). So not only is it a great outing for the family. but it can also be a great day date!

4) Go See a Show in the oc

How could I not suggest this? I absolutely love musical theater (if you don’t know why go read here) and taking the family to see a show this summer should definitely be on the bucket list. Segerstrom Center for the Arts always has great shows and dance companies performing on its stage. We recently went to see Newsies and we were not disappointed! I also highly suggest 3D Theatricals for a show as well. The talent is top notch and once upon a time I even performed with them. Go support the arts and see a show!

5) Trampoline Parks in the OC: Big Air &/or defy

When it’s hot outside and the kids have tons of energy this is the place to go! Have them jump the day away on the super fun trampolines and dive into the foam pit. Recently updated; Big Air Trampoline Park, and we love it. Lots of obstacles and fun places for the kids to climb and play! Defy, previously known as Circus Trix, is also a super fun place for kids to run, jump, climb walls, etc…Both places are great for hot summer days!

*Bonus Location!!

One of the kids new favorite things to do is to rock wall climb. We found the coolest place called Sender City, we even had our son’s birthday party here last year. You can read all about it HERE. But if your kids love to climb, then you have to go and check this place out!!

As always, make sure to check websites for prices and hours of operation or for any other details. What did you think of our summer bucket list: top ten places to go in the OC? Did we leave any places out?

Now go make some fun summer memories and don’t forget to let me know if you try any of these activities out! I always love hearing feedback or new ideas of places we haven’t been! AND if you are looking for more ways to have fun in the sun, but stay cool this summer, I am linking up with some other fabulous California Bloggers with their favorite places to go. Make sure you go check them out!!