Other things to do near Disneyland

[queenmom]

Hi,

We just made some travel plans to visit Disneyland Feb. 27 - March 5th (yay!). I'm sure our daughters, 3 & 5 would have NO problem visiting the parks every day, but in case we want to see some other sites in the area (non-theme park), does anyone have ideas? It needs to cater to young kids. Are there aquariums in the area? Museums for kids?

This will be our third trip in 3 years and I can't wait.

Thanks a ton!
Carly

 

[queenmom]

I just noticed the thread at the top of the board...sorry about that. Still, if anyone has some good ideas for little kids, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks!

 

[lap3]

My kids DS5 and DD3 love Sea World. So, we go there a couple of times a year. if you feel like taking the 1-1.5 hour drive to San Diego, this may be worth it for your kids as well. While you're there, you can also visit Birch Aquarium(small but nice), San Diego Zoo(take the tram...trust me!), and the Wild Animal Park. Otherwise, the thread at the top offers many good suggestions...

 

[daannzzz]

There is a Legoland between Orange County and San Diego that I hear is great for kids.

 

[missmulan]

For your young daughters, "Camp Snoopy" at Knotts Berry Farm is GREAT. Or down the street there's this little theme park for younger kids called "Adventure City". There is an aquarium in Long Beach (15 mins from Disneyland) called the Aquarium of the Pacific. All these places are on the web. If you just want a non-theme park place for your kids, try Children's Museum of La Habra. I guarantee you that will be a hit. This is also in the same County as Disneyland. If you need more info, please let me know.

 

[ralfrick]

We took a day trip to Catalina in August, and will certainly return some day for a longer visit. There's a good snorkeling cove by the ferry dock, with a rental stand on site. It'll be chilly, but they also have wetsuits. If the kids are at all comfortable in the water the wet suits will keep them warm AND they float. If you're certified for SCUBA, there's a shore diving park off limits to boats with steps into the water, but in your case, obviously, the kids are too young. Plus stuff like various boat rentals and glass bottom boat tours (flying fish tours at night). You can leave from Long Beach, takes about an hour, or quicker and pricier by helicoptor. The town of Avalon is appealing, and they'll almost certainly find the trip over an adventure.

Cheers

 

[queenmom]

Thank you so much for these great ideas - they all sound good for my kids...I bet they'd even love the snorkel adventure, though I'm not sure I'm ready for that

I grew up in Arizona and have been to California many times, but amazingly have not done many of these things.

Thanks again!
Carly

 

[15minfromOGDL]

Museums for Kids - The Discovery Science Center is close by just down the I-5 a few exits South of Katella -http://www.discoverycube.org/

Aquariums - check out The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
.
www.aquariumofpacific.org

 

[SillySymphony4me]

With such little kids, may I suggest taking it slow and sticking to Disneyland and DCA? When ours were 4 & 6 we spent two weeks in Anaheim. We got to the park very early every day, took a long break for lunch and naps mid day, and returned to the park around 3 or 4, after the high heat. We went through one or two "lands" per day, never felt rushed, exhausted or overwhelmed, took a full day at the hotel every now and then, and the kids loved every minute of it. We got full value from the hotel as well, since we spent the afternoons and days "off" in the pool and took advantage of the free kid's meals. We went to Knott's and Universal for a day each too. They liked Knott's slightly better (Snoopyland, as they called it), though we were disappointed with it and preferred Universal.

HTHs,
Lisa

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I second Legoland for your little ones. My SIL has 4.5 & 2.5 year olds, and her children really love that place. It's probably about a 45 min-hour drive south from Disneyland. You can drive back along the coast & they can see the ocean from there. If you happen to go during our Santa Ana conditions (= hot), you might stop at the beach (though the ocean will be pretty cold).

I think they're probably young for the Los Angeles museums - Natural History, Science, and La Brea Tarpits - but those are so interesting to visit.

I also agree that they'll like Knotts- there is a Camp Snoopy there that caters to the younger set 2-8/9 year olds. My children loved it there when they were younger.

Also, at the Disneyland Hotel there is a Koi Pond, and they allow guests to help them feed the koi pellets twice a day - you might want to inquire about that at the DL Hotel for hours, if you're interested.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[icekdz]

I agree with the Legoland recommendation. We were there in 2002 and it was perfect for younger kids. I'd say 2-10 yrs. Especially if they like legos at all. In fact we are going to DL instead of WDW this year (2005) because the kids wanted to go to Legoland.

 

[carolsherman]

How about stuff to do near Disneyland for a 10 and 13 year old we will be going out in August 05 the week prior to the repo cruise and have done disney and Universal (we are still doing again) but am looking for other fun stuff to do. Maybe Hollywood ???? Any help would be appreciated Thanks

 

[lap3]

How about stuff to do near Disneyland for a 10 and 13 year old we will be going out in August 05 the week prior to the repo cruise and have done disney and Universal (we are still doing again) but am looking for other fun stuff to do. Maybe Hollywood ???? Any help would be appreciated Thanks

What are some things your kids are into? August can be a pretty warm month so hitting up one of the many local beaches is always nice. If you want to venture off in LA and want to do some shopping, dining and(with any luck) see a movie star, try visiting The Grove in LA. Also, if you plan ahead, you may be able to attend a live taping of a game show or sitcom in the same area. Unfortunately, I don't know much about the DL area so I can't chime in with any suggestions. Hope this helps... BTW, this website may be of some help to you. Have fun!

 

[carolsherman]

Thanks

they like pretty much anything

 

[jlmarr]

The Anaheim Angels will be playing home games 8/5-7, then the LA Dodgers will be at home from 8/9-14. Just a thought.

 

[lap3]

...then the LA Dodgers will be at home from 8/9-14. Just a thought.

Yeah, but without Beltre!

 

[luckey-lasvegas]

Go to the swap meet at the Orange CountyFair Grounds. They have a small farm and petting zoo . Behind the fair grounds is Teewinkle park for a picnic lunch.
You can also continue on from there to the beach . Laguna is wonderful !

 

[luckey-lasvegas]

There is also a nice park done by Garden Grove Parks & Recereation calles Atantis park. It is gated and you must have a child to get in. You should be able to do a search for Atlantis Park Garden Grove , CA> to get more info.

Luckey
Also Pony rides in Cerritos/ Lakewood area is fun.