Playgrounds
22 parks with a playground, closest to downtown first.
- Madison Park1.4 mi from downtown
- El Salvador Park1.6 mi from downtown
- Cabrillo Park1.7 mi from downtown
Family
Things to do in Santa Ana with kids
6 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.
Family-friendly ideas around Santa Ana, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.
Indoor fun
Places to go when it’s too hot, cold or wet outside.
- Bowers MuseumArt museum
- Discovery Cube Orange CountyScience museum
- Heritage Museum of Orange CountyLocal history museum
Libraries
Story times, homework help and summer reading, free with a library card.
- Orange County Public Law Library515 N. Flower St
- Santa Ana Public Library26 Civic Center Plaza
- Garfield Community Center501 N. Lacy St
Bakeries
4 local bakeries in Santa Ana.
- Holy Concha BakeryBristol Street
- Pan y Café PanaderiaDowntown
- OBRA HandBakery - Santa AnaSanta Ana
Picnic spots
Day-use areas for a family picnic.
- Brea Dam11 mi north
- Fullerton Dam11 mi north
- Carbon Canyon Dam12 mi north
Wildlife and nature
Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.
- Fullerton Dam11 mi north
- Carbon Canyon Dam12 mi north
- Prado Dam16 mi northeast
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
We’ve rounded up a complete guide of what to do and where to dine and shop in Santa Ana. 🏠🌿
An activity Short shared by Locale .
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
50 FREE, Year-Round Things To Do in Santa Ana, California 👇
An activity Short shared by Planmyweekend.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What is there to do in Santa Ana with kids?
Playgrounds (22), Indoor fun (8), Libraries (7), Bakeries (4), Picnic spots (12), Wildlife and nature (19). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.
What can kids do in Santa Ana for free?
Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.
What can families do in Santa Ana when it rains or it’s hot?
Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.