Long Beach/Newport Beach

Question

Me, my husband, and boys (ages 2 & 5) will be in the Long Beach/Newport Beach for 2ish weeks.

Kid friendly things to do?

Answer

Long Beach and Newport Beach are fantastic destinations for a family with young children. With two little ones, you’ll want a mix of outdoor activities, kid-friendly attractions, and spots where they can burn off energy safely. The beaches themselves are a highlight, but there’s a lot more to explore in the area.

Here are some kid-friendly activities and attractions in the Long Beach area:

Aquarium of the Pacific: Located in Long Beach, this is perfect for kids of all ages. There are interactive exhibits, touch pools, and plenty of colorful fish and marine life to engage your children.
Shoreline Village: A fun waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and a carousel. Kids can enjoy walking around, getting a snack, and seeing boats in the harbor.
Harbor Breeze Cruises / Short Harbor Tours: Family-friendly boat rides that give a scenic view of Long Beach and its harbor without being too long for young kids.
El Dorado Nature Center: A quiet place with easy walking trails and ponds. Ideal for toddlers and preschoolers to explore nature safely.
Belmont Shore Playground: Open spaces for running around, plus nearby restaurants for a casual meal.

In Newport Beach, there are also plenty of options tailored for young children:

Newport Beach Pier & Balboa Peninsula: Great for a casual stroll, feeding the birds, and enjoying the beach. Balboa Fun Zone has rides, a small arcade, and a Ferris wheel suitable for young kids.
Balboa Island: You can walk around the island, take the ferry, and enjoy kid-friendly treats like frozen bananas or ice cream. The small streets are safe for little ones to explore under supervision.
Big Corona Beach / Baby Beach: Shallow waters and gentle waves make it perfect for toddlers to splash and play safely.
Exploration with Bikes or Scooters: If your kids enjoy riding, the boardwalk along Newport and Huntington Beaches is stroller and kid-bike friendly. Rentals for kids’ bikes or scooters are available nearby.

Additional family-friendly tips and options:

Check out local splash pads or small playgrounds at nearby parks, such as Marina Park in Long Beach.
Consider short day trips to nearby attractions like the Santa Ana Zoo, which is manageable with toddlers.
Many of the restaurants along both beach areas have outdoor seating where kids can move around safely while adults enjoy the meal.
Plan for mid-day breaks at your accommodation so the younger kids can nap or rest—it helps make longer outings manageable.

With two weeks in the area, you can mix beach days, museum visits, and light excursions, keeping each day flexible for naps and downtime, which is key for toddlers. Both Long Beach and Newport Beach offer a relaxed pace with plenty of family-friendly options that won’t feel rushed.