There are so many kid friendly things to do near Newport Beach that it’s hard to pick for a list! From playgrounds to nature centers to beaches, Newport Beach is the epitome of California tourism. It’s the perfect place to be outdoors with your family.

Newport Beach feels like multiple cities because it is spread over a large section of the coast. In fact, Corona del Mar is a neighborhood of the city, even though it sounds like its own city, as are Balboa Island, Balboa Peninsula, and Newport Coast.

Let me run down a few of my favorite spots to take the kids. I’ve grouped these places to go in Newport Beach by proximity to each other and, in some cases, with a short description of how to visit.

Kid-Friendly Things to Do Near Newport Beach

Let's start with an exploration of Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve because it is one of the most biodiverse spots on the planet and we'll finish with Coastal Peak Park which is high above the ocean giving a view of it all.

Muth Interpretive Center and Upper Newport Bay for Families

Muth Interpretive Center can even be visited on a layover at Orange County Airport! It's a beautiful spot with a view of the nature preserve and nature exhibits to discover how these wetlands benefit us and what lives here. Everything is hands on and there's even room to stretch out and play. (Closed Mondays).

Marina Park in Newport Beach on the Balboa Peninsula

This has become a popular beach playground for Orange County families with its nautical theme and also sand right up to the harborside beach. Climb up to the lighthouse to take the slide. If you want to grab a bite, visit the Lighthouse Cafe next door.

Balboa Peninsula Summer Trolley to Balboa Pier

If you happen to visit on a Saturday or Sunday during the summer, you might be lucky enough to take the free summer trolley! This post lays out where you can stop on your way down and then back up the peninsula.

Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park in Newport Beach

There are two piers on the Balboa Peninsula. This is the most popular one with the Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier. Take a walk and enjoy the view or play at the playground.

Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach

The Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach is a hidden oasis of nature that you don't even know exists from the street. Park in the small parking lot, enjoy the nature center, and then take a walk of the grounds.

Castaways Park in Newport Beach

This is the perfect sunset park and you can pair it with #7 on the list to get in a playground, too! Views of the Newport Back Bay and Newport Harbor.

Bob Henry Park in Newport Beach

Nothing fancy, but it's close to Castaways Park and the Environmental Nature Center so it makes a great stop.

Newport Dunes Beach Cottages and Resort Overview

Newport Dunes is an RV resort and beach where you can play at the playground, dip your toes in the bay, or rent out one of the cottages for a longer stay. They often have events like outdoor movies.

Sunset Ridge Park in Newport Beach

Sunset Ridge is one of my favorite parks and you will probably have to wait to visit because there is a pedestrian bridge going in at the moment. I will come back and make note of it when it's complete and easy to visit again.

Corona Del Mar State Beach for Families

Ahhhh! One of my favorite beaches on the planet! Many sunsets have been enjoyed here along with beach days. Read my Beach Eats post to see photos of food and learn more about The Jetty restaurant here.

Grant Howald Park in Newport Beach

This park gets better and better. It's tucked back into a Corona del Mar neighborhood in close distance to a branch of the Newport Beach Library.

Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona Del Mar

Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona del Mar is a small botanic garden with a lot of personality. We enjoy visiting everytime we go. Kids love the scented plants section.

Newport Beach Civic Center and Park (also known as White Bunny Park)

It's been called Bunnyhenge and all sorts of other nicknames, but it's truly an awesome park with life-sized art exhibits scattered along the trails. Visit the main branch of the Newport Public Library here.

Irvine Terrace Park: Ride a Fast Tunnel Slide With a Window

Don't let the name fool you! This playground is just down the road from the Civic Center and it's a favorite with kids. There are peek-a-boo views of the harbor from here. You always have Fashion Island nearby for grabbing a bite or visiting Barnes & Noble.