Costa Mesa · Orange County, CA
Family things to do in Costa Mesa
Scout analyzed 36 Costa Mesa places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
36
Matches
22
Typical spend
$25
Typical visit
1.3 hr
Scout-verified spots
Mesa Verde
Better Buzz Coffee Costa Mesa
This is a good spot for a quick coffee run or a relaxed stop for a light breakfast or snack. Expect to spend 30 minutes and around $5-$15 per person.
Downtown
The Crack Shack
The Crack Shack is a casual spot for fried chicken and sandwiches, ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-30 per person.
Westside Costa Mesa
Canyon Park
This park is suitable for a quick stop with young children to use the playground or a relaxed outdoor break. It can be paired with a local coffee run or a picnic, and typically requires no cost for a visit.
Westside Costa Mesa
Vista Park
Vista Park is suitable for a free outdoor family outing or solo walk, lasting about an hour. It can be paired with a local coffee shop or picnic to extend the low-cost experience.
Downtown
Lions Park
Lions Park is a good free option for a family outing with young children, featuring a playground and open space. Expect to spend about an hour here, perhaps after a casual lunch nearby.
Food & Drink
Memphis Cafe
Memphis Cafe is good for a casual meal or drinks, offering comfort food and a hip vibe for approximately 1-2 hours. Expect to spend $20-$45 per person.
South Coast Metro
Wakeham Park
Wakeham Park is a free neighborhood park with a playground and sports courts, suitable for a casual family outing or a quick stop to let kids play. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and pack your own snacks.
Westside Costa Mesa
MoonGoat Coffee
This coffee shop is suitable for a morning stop or a casual lunch. Expect to spend 45-90 minutes and about $10-$25 per person for coffee and light food.
Mesa Del Mar
TeWinkle Park
TeWinkle Park is a good spot for a few hours of outdoor recreation like walking, playing sports, or picnicking. It can be paired with a nearby cafe visit and costs nothing to enter.
Family
We Play Loud Kids Indoor Playground
This is a good spot for a couple of hours of active play with young children, especially when the weather isn't ideal for outdoor activities. Expect to spend around $15-30 per child for entry and perhaps some snacks.
Mesa Verde
Fairview Park
Fairview Park is ideal for a free outdoor activity, such as a nature walk or bike ride, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. It pairs well with a picnic or a meal at a nearby restaurant in Costa Mesa.
Downtown
Tiki Bar
This bar is suitable for a casual evening out with friends or a date, offering food, drinks, and entertainment. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and $25-$75 per person.
South Coast Metro
Noguchi Garden
Visit Noguchi Garden for a quiet, artistic stroll, taking about an hour. This free outdoor sculpture garden can be paired with a local meal or a shopping trip nearby.
Outdoors
Centennial Farm
Visit Centennial Farm for a free hour-long outing to see farm animals and crops, great for young families or a relaxed solo stroll. It's often paired with other activities at the OC Fair & Event Center.
Downtown
Hook & Anchor
Hook & Anchor is a casual seafood spot good for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $20-$45 per person on creative seafood dishes.
South Coast Metro
Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar- Costa Mesa
Claim Jumper is suitable for a casual family meal or a comfortable date night focused on American comfort food. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-75 per person for an entree and a drink.
Shopping
The LAB Anti-Mall
The LAB Anti-Mall is a good spot for a casual afternoon or evening to browse unique shops, grab a meal, or enjoy local art. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and between $15-50 per person, ideal for a relaxed outing or a first date.
Food & Drink
Portola Coffee Roasters
This coffee shop is ideal for a quick solo coffee stop or a casual meet-up, fitting well before or after shopping. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for a beverage and possibly a pastry, with a visit lasting around 30 minutes.
Outdoors
Bluff Top Trail
This is a scenic cliffside walk with paved paths, suitable for a leisurely family outing or a relaxing solo stroll. Expect to spend about an hour here and it is free, but parking can be a bit challenging on weekends.
Family
River Street Ranch
River Street Ranch is a solid spot for a 2-3 hour family outing, especially on weekends. Expect to spend $10-30 per person for activities like petting zoos, train rides, and gold panning, making it a good complement to a picnic or local lunch.
Downtown
The Harp Inn
The Harp Inn is suitable for a casual evening out with friends, enjoying pub fare, drinks, and live music or soccer. Expect to spend a couple of hours and around $20-60 per person.
South Coast Metro
South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza is a destination for upscale shopping and dining, suitable for a half-day outing or more. Expect to spend a few hundred dollars or more if making purchases, though window shopping is free.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 22 of the 36 analyzed Costa Mesa places fit family.
- 50% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 68% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Scenic, Quiet, Adventurous.
Book ahead
Book tours and tickets in Costa Mesa
Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across Costa Mesa.
See what's bookable in Costa Mesa(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.
Make it a night out
Staying over in Costa Mesa?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Costa Mesa — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
Find places to stay in Costa Mesa(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.