OC South

Laguna Beach day trip ideas for families wondering about where to take their kids for outdoor fun & places to eat. Includes beaches & parks.

Picnic Beach in Laguna Beach is an excellent spot for sandcastle building and dolphin spotting with picnic areas to view sunsets.

Kid friendly things to do outdoors in San Clemente, California. Playgrounds, beaches, walks, outings, & restaurants.

Crown Valley Community Park in Laguna Niguel sports a splash pad or sprayground plus a forest-themed playground by Niguel Botanical Preserve.

Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point is one of the best places for an ocean view family barbecue. New playground with roller slide in 2021.

The Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center pool is in the heart of Aliso Viejo – open to the public during the summer with special perks for residents.

Rancho Santa Margarita Central Park and Splash Pad unlocks imagination with a train and bug-themed playground equipment and water play.

Dana Point Headlands Nature Interpretive Center opened in April 2010 with an interpretive trail and breathtaking views of the Pacific.

Cordova Park in Mission Viejo is fun for older kids who like to climb + spin. Parents will like the playground because it’s easy to see kids.

El Dorado Park in Mission Viejo features an amazing tall tunnel slide and “Swing with Me” swings. It sits on a large grassy hill.