Anaheim offers plenty of attractions and activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained. Of course, Disneyland Resort tops the list, but Anaheim also provides a wide variety of parks, museums, outdoor recreation and live events to expand the experience.
| Activity | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Spend the Day at Disneyland | Enjoy the magic of Disneyland Resort with themed parks and Disney California Adventure Park. |
| See Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales | Explore interactive exhibits and illuminated life-sized scenes at the MUZEO Museum. |
| Cool Down at Anaheim Ice | Experience indoor ice skating and watch hockey games at Anaheim Ice. |
| Ride Water Rides at Adventure City | Thrill rides, shows, and entertainment for families with kids under 12. |
| See a Baseball Game at Angel Stadium | Cheer for the Los Angeles Angels in the home stadium with special events like Fireworks Nights. |
| Ride a Historic Trolley at Anaheim Packing | Explore the Anaheim Packing House and take a vintage trolley tour of historic Anaheim. |
| See an Event at City National Grove of Anaheim | Enjoy intimate concerts and comedy acts in a historic theater setting. |
| Attend a Performance at Pearson Park Amphitheatre | Watch performances in a circular amphitheater in Pearson Park with stunning sunset views. |
| See a Concert at City National Grove of Anaheim | Experience modern concerts in an intimate theater space. |
| Ride the Rails at Trainland | Visit an enormous complex with model train exhibits and interactive displays. |
| Shop and Dine in Downtown Disney District | Explore family-friendly shops, restaurants, and entertainment in Downtown Disney District. |
| Tour the Historical Founder’s Park | Visit Founder’s Park in Old Towne Orange Historic District to experience 19th-century California. |
From Catching your favorite baseball team to exploring a world-class cultural institution, Anaheim serves as the perfect Southern California destination.
Spend the Day at Disneyland
Name and Location:
- Disneyland Resort, 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA.
History and Significance:
- Opened in 1955, Disneyland is the only theme park designed and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney. It has become one of the most famous and visited theme parks in the world, known as the “happiest place on earth.”
What to Expect:
- Visitors can expect a magical experience with various themed lands like Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Enjoy iconic rides like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and newer additions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Visitor Information:
- Open daily, though hours vary by season. It’s advisable to purchase tickets in advance and use the Disneyland app for ride times and maps.
No trip to Anaheim is complete without a visit to the iconic “Happiest Place on Earth,” Disneyland. Both kids and kids at heart will delight in the magic of the themed park featuring Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland and more. Thrill seekers can brave the Matterhorn Bobsleds or Space Mountain while Disney fans meet their favorite characters. Don’t forget the newer Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or Cars Land in nearby Disney California Adventure Park. Plan for a full day to experience both parks and the Downtown Disney nightlife and dining district.
See Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales at MUZEO Museum
Name and Location:
- MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center, 241 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA.
History and Significance:
- The MUZEO Museum hosts rotating exhibits, and the Hans Christian Andersen exhibit showcases the timeless fairy tales of this famous Danish author, such as “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling.”
What to Expect:
- Expect a blend of art, culture, and history, with immersive displays that bring Andersen’s stories to life. Ideal for families and literature enthusiasts.
Visitor Information:
- Open Tuesday to Sunday. Check the website for current exhibitions and ticket prices.
For literary and art lovers of all ages, the MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center features interactive exhibits and events designed to “Celebrate World Creativity.” Standing exhibits like the The Happiness Project share inspirational stories from around the globe. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits like the poignant Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales with illuminated life-sized scenes of the classic children’s stories. This hidden Anaheim gem provides culture and inspiration.
Cool Down at Anaheim Ice
Name and Location:
- Anaheim Ice, 300 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA.
History and Significance:
- Formerly known as Disney Ice, it’s an indoor ice rink facility. It’s architecturally significant as it was designed by Frank Gehry.
What to Expect:
- A premier location for ice skating and hockey. Offers public skating sessions, figure skating, and hockey leagues.
Visitor Information:
- Open year-round with varying public skate hours. Skate rental available. Check their website for schedules.
In sunny Anaheim, the best places to chill out are indoors. Anaheim Ice sets the standard for cool with eight sheets of ice dedicated to hockey, figure skating and public skating. Rent a pair of skates, step out on the ice and glide across this enormous frozen wonderland. Hockey fans can catch youth, high school, college and even semi-pro games at this aged facility. With skill levels ranging from novice to expert, Anaheim Ice welcomes all who enter.
Ride Water Rides at Adventure City
Name and Location:
- Adventure City, 1238 S Beach Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92804, USA.
History and Significance:
- A smaller, family-friendly theme park established as an affordable alternative to larger parks. Known for its child-friendly attractions.
What to Expect:
- Expect less crowded, more manageable experiences with rides like Rescue 911, Adventure City Express Train, and water rides perfect for cooling off.
Visitor Information:
- Open daily, but hours vary. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. Free parking available.
This smaller amusement park provides families with kids 12 and under the perfect playground for thrill rides, shows, arcades, entertainment and more. Little ones adore places like Thomas Town while older kids clamor for the Drop Zone or Discovery Zone. When Anaheim temps climb and energy gets spent, the entire family stays cool while drifting along Adventure City’s Log Ride or new RailBlazer roller coaster. Special events like BOO-lesque bring spooky seasonal fun too!
See a Baseball Game at Angel Stadium
Name and Location:
- Angel Stadium of Anaheim, 2000 E Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA 92806, USA.
History and Significance:
- Opened in 1966, it’s the fourth-oldest active Major League Baseball stadium. Home to the Los Angeles Angels.
What to Expect:
- A classic American baseball experience with modern amenities. Tours available showcasing the stadium’s history and behind-the-scenes areas.
Visitor Information:
- Check the Angels’ schedule for game days. Various ticket options available. Parking on-site.
As the home stadium of Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels, Angel Stadium hosts 81 action-packed home games every season. From April to September, be part of the crowd cheering for Mike Trout and the Angels against American League rivals like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Special events like the popular Fireworks Nights happen throughout the season. Enjoy ballpark classics like hot dogs and garlic fries while watching exciting pro baseball at this fan-friendly outdoor park.
Ride a Historic Trolley at the Anaheim Packing District
Name and Location:
- Anaheim Packing District, 440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA.
History and Significance:
- The district includes the restored Packard Building, a former citrus packing house, and a farmer’s park. It’s a hub of culinary and cultural activities in a historic setting.
What to Expect:
- A vibrant area with a diverse mix of gourmet food options, live music, and the historic trolley. Great for foodies and history buffs.
Visitor Information:
- Open daily. Individual vendor hours may vary. Free entry, with food and drinks available for purchase.
The newly restored Anaheim Packing House resembles an Old World European market where you can dine at trendy restaurants like Umami Burger or walk off the calories browsing home decor shops like the Rusty Grain. The best part lies outside where the Old Towne Orange Trolley allows riders intimate views of historic Anaheim. The vintage electric trolley winds through the craft breweries, eateries, boutiques and tasting rooms that define this vibrant district.
See an Event at City National Grove of Anaheim
Name and Location:
- City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806, USA.
History and Significance:
- An indoor, live music and event venue hosting a variety of performances from concerts to comedy shows and family events.
What to Expect:
- An intimate venue offering a close-up experience with performers. Events range from music concerts to stand-up comedy and special events.
Visitor Information:
- Event schedule varies. Tickets typically required for events. Check the website for upcoming shows and ticket information.
This premier event venue boasts an intimate setting with modern touches hosting today’s hottest concerts and comedy acts in its historic theater. With only 1,700 seats, fans enjoy their favorite performers like John Legend or Trevor Noah in this small theater setting. Comedy events sell out quickly while musical acts incorporate the latest high tech lighting and effects on stage. Before or after a show, patrons can dine nearby or venture out to experience Anaheim’s exploding brewery scene.
Attend a Performance at Pearson Park Amphitheatre
Name and Location:
- Pearson Park Amphitheatre, 401 N Lemon St, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA.
History and Significance:
- Built in 1933 as part of the Works Progress Administration, this historic amphitheater has been a long-standing venue for community events and performances.
What to Expect:
- Outdoor performances ranging from music concerts to theater productions. Summer nights here are filled with cultural events and family-friendly entertainment.
Visitor Information:
- Open seasonally, primarily in the summer. Event schedule and ticket prices available on their website.
Tucked inside the lush Pearson Park south of downtown, this unique circular amphitheater hosts musicians, artists, dancers and actors throughout the year with most events free to the public. Pack a picnic and soak in stunning sunset views over Anaheim while enjoying an eclectic mix of programming: Opera to jazz, blues to rock, musicals to movies. Local performers take the spotlight at this intimate venue. Check the online events calendar and claim a hillside seat on the grassy tiered lawn.
See a Concert at City National Grove of Anaheim
Name and Location:
- City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806, USA.
History and Significance:
- An indoor, live music and event venue hosting a variety of performances from concerts to comedy shows and family events.
What to Expect:
- An intimate venue offering a close-up experience with performers. Events range from music concerts to stand-up comedy and special events.
Visitor Information:
- Event schedule varies. Tickets typically required for events. Check the website for upcoming shows and ticket information.
Intimate and modern best describe the premier indoor concert venue in Anaheim featuring state-of-the-art production. See chart-toppers like John Legend or rising stars like Fletcher perform for crowds of under 2,000 in the multi-use theater space. With seats just 145 feet from center stage, fans enjoy an up close concert experience regardless of location. Before the show, grab dinner nearby or stick around post-concert for drinks at one of many craft breweries just steps from the venue’s front doors.
Ride the Rails at Trainland
Name and Location:
- Trainland, (specific address in Anaheim needed, may refer to a model train exhibit or a train-themed park).
History and Significance:
- Depending on the specific location, Trainland offers a nostalgic experience with model trains or actual train rides, celebrating the history and joy of railroading.
What to Expect:
- A fun experience for train enthusiasts of all ages, featuring detailed model train displays or miniature train rides.
Visitor Information:
- Open hours and admission fees vary. Check the specific location’s website for more information.
Step back in time into an enormous 17,000 square foot historical complex containing intricate model train exhibits winding through painstaking recreations of American landscapes and cities. Interactive displays like the Space Shuttle Encounter entertain families as do the real life caboose and 1923 steam engine on the premises. Toddlers adore the special Thomas The Tank play area filled with favorite characters. When the outdoor heat climbs, duck indoors for air conditioned adventure at this unique attraction.
Shop and Dine in Downtown Disney District
Name and Location:
- Downtown Disney District, Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA.
History and Significance:
- An outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment area located at the Disneyland Resort. Offers a Disney-themed shopping and dining experience outside the theme parks.
What to Expect:
- A lively area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. No admission fee required to enter this area.
Visitor Information:
- Open daily. Individual store and restaurant hours may vary. Parking available in nearby lots.
Adjacent to the Disneyland parks sprawls the Downtown Disney District, a nostalgic collection of family friendly shops, restaurants and entertainment connecting the resort hotels with the theme parks’ main entrance. By day, browse brand name stores like Sephora or Disney specialty shops before settling on dinner at local favorites like Jazz Kitchen or national chains like The Cheesecake Factory. As the sky darkens, street performers amp up while lit-up fountains spring to life to the delight of kids prancing through.
Tour the Historical Founder’s Park
Name and Location:
- Founder’s Park, 400 N West St, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA.
History and Significance:
- A historical park featuring two of Anaheim’s oldest remaining homes, the Woelke-Stoffel House and the Mother Colony House, showcasing the city’s early history.
What to Expect:
- A glimpse into Anaheim’s past with well-preserved historical buildings and informative displays. Guided tours available.
Visitor Information:
- Open for tours on specific days. Check the Anaheim city website for tour schedules and availability.
History comes alive at Founder’s Park located in the heart of Old Towne Orange Historic District just a quick drive from Anaheim. Visitors walk the lush grounds transported back to 19th century Southern California at restored buildings like Mother Colony House, Woelke-Stoffel House and even the parish church Father Serra helped establish in 1776. Don’t miss the gushing fountains at nearby Town Square Park bustling with antique stores, cafes, ice cream parlors recalling Anaheim’s citrus heritage as well.
With blockbuster attractions like Disneyland, sports stadiums and a burgeoning arts scene, Anaheim offers outstanding options for incredible vacations. Beyond the resorts and amusement park awaits culture, shopping and outdoor spaces perfect for making lifelong memories.