Killing time the day we arrive

[Donathius]

We're getting in to Anaheim the day before we'll be going to the park and I'm looking for some cheap or free suggestions to kill time in the area without getting too close to Disneyland. We don't want to drive too far from the resort area but anything within about 30 miles should work. This trip is a birthday surprise for our soon to be 5 year old son. He knows we're going to Disneyland, he just has no idea when. We'll be arriving on Sunday November 1 probably in the early afternoon and ideally would like to keep our kids (the soon to be DS5 and a DD2) occupied until 9 or so that night so they should be tired enough to not notice where we are (mostly worried about seeing fireworks and/or the Matterhorn - they're heavy sleepers though). The plan is to wake them up on Monday morning without them realizing where we are and informing them we're going to Disneyland that day (staying at the Best Western Park Place Inn). The beach seems like it would probably be too cold. We're thinking about hanging out at the Brea mall for a while but that's about all we've got so far. We're leaving from St. George, Utah in the morning so we are leaving early enough that we should beat the horrific Vegas to LA Sunday traffic.

 

[aussiegirls]

The Block at Orange is pretty good. Close but not so close that kids will realise. You can just walk around, window shop, have a nice dinner and then head back to the hotel. The walking should tire the kids out too

 

[jani3]

There's an indoor play area called Billy Beez at the Anaheim Garden walk about 1/2 mile from your hotel. There's also bowling, shopping, and restaurants there so you won't have to go anywhere else if you get bored there.

There's the Pretend City Children's Museum in Irvine if you want something further away to reduce the possibility of your kids seeing the Matterhorn or fireworks.

 

[VandVsmama]

I think that there is a Pump It Up nearby. It's an indoor jumping castle warehouse. It will wear out your kids for sure!

 

[Chris9ty]

We went to Beuna Park for a Medieval Times dinner show. The kids enjoyed the horses and entertainment. Sign up for their emails for a free birthday meal or discounts/ upgrades.

 

[CLR4321]

Depending on the novelty of it, you could go to the beach. If you live near the beach, your kids might not care too much tho LOL