4 Hidden Gems within 20 Minutes of Disneyland

We love Disneyland, but we wish more parents knew about these fun spots in Orange County to add to their trip!

Irvine Regional Park and Railroad

Irvine Regional Park is packed with amenities and attractions! It is technically in Orange, but it is super easy to get to from Disneyland!

This park is expansive and has a endless trails for horse riding, hiking, or biking! The park offers bike rentals, including bikes that fit the entire family, tandem bikes, kids bikes, and more! There is also a lake with paddle boat rentals and pony rides!

Our favorite attractions are the Irvine Park Railroad and the Orange County Zoo. This zoo focuses on local species, many exhibits are new, and there are animal demonstrations throughout the day.

See more of this gem HERE!

Noguchi Gardens & Moongoat Greenhouse

Noguchi Gardens is a total hidden gem. It is tucked behind Moongoat Greenhouse, an adorable coffee shop, making it a great option for a breakfast or lunch outing! While it is intended to be art and a garden, it is shockingly kid-friendly. My kids absolutely love running around here!

OCME Free Train Rides

There are free train rides on the 3rd full weekend of every month at the Goathill Junction Railroad in Fairview Park, Costa Mesa. The train makes a 1.25 mile loop and is FREE! Check out their schedule and height requirements HERE!

Rides are themed around the holidays too! Be mindful that the lines can get long for this free experience.

Pretend City

Pretend City is an expansive indoor museum in Irvine themed as a complete city perfectly sized for kids. It has everything from a theater to a community garden to a library and mechanic shop. Kids can role play as firefighters and police officers or play “at the beach” and in the sand!

See more about Pretend City HERE!