If you are a parent looking for a big outdoor space where the kids can explore, the adults can relax, and no one ends up bored after twenty minutes, Yorba Regional Park is it. We spent a few hours here and already want to go back.
First thing you need to know: it is five dollars per car on weekends. Not outrageous, but we came in several cars and paid forty five bucks total just to enter a public park. At first, that felt like a letdown. But once we got inside and saw how much there was to do, it honestly felt worth it.
Q: What makes this one of the best parks in Anaheim? A: Options. Whether you are planning a birthday party, just need a weekend hangout spot, or want to do something active with the family, this park gives you everything.
We turned right after the entrance and it led us to the lake area, which was the right call. The lakes are beautiful, the air feels clean, and the grounds are well kept. No trash, no bird mess, no weird smells. Just clean, clear water and wide open space. There are shaded picnic tables and barbecue areas all over. If you are thinking of hosting a group, this park makes it easy.
We rented bikes for about fifteen to twenty each and it completely changed the experience. We rode through the whole park, passing trails, playgrounds, quiet picnic zones, and a bunch of other families doing the same thing. We did not have time to try the paddle boats or kayaks, but tons of people were out on the lake and loving it. That alone makes this spot feel more like a weekend getaway than just another park in Orange County.
And yes, the squirrels. I did not expect this to be a highlight, but they are everywhere and surprisingly friendly. The kids were running from one tree to the next trying to spot them all. It was like a nature scavenger hunt that never got old.
Q: Is it too crowded on weekends? A: Not at all. It was busy, sure, but the park is so big that it never felt cramped. If one area had a lot of people, we just rode for a few minutes and found a quieter spot. Parking inside the park was easy and there were tons of spaces close to the main activity areas.
We saw folks fishing, kids on the playgrounds, families barbecuing, people walking and biking, every type of outdoor activity was happening, but it all felt calm and laid back.
Pro Tip for Parents: β’ If you are planning to stay more than a couple hours, show up early. β’ Budget for rentals, bikes and boats cost extra but add a ton of fun. β’ Bring snacks, sunscreen, and a change of clothes if you have got water loving kids.
Final Verdict: Yorba Regional Park is without a doubt one of the best outdoor activities for families in Anaheim. Whether you are here for the lakes, the bike rides, the birthday party vibes, or just some peace and quiet under a shady tree, this place checks every box.
Bring your family, bring your friends, and give yourself at least a few hours to explore. You will leave tired, happy, and probably already planning your next visit.
Best Family Park in Anaheim? Yorba Regional Park Is...
Β Β Β Read moreThe park offers a beautiful nature setting for quick hikes on paved pathways. Park users can go thru mini forests, around the lake and by the ponds. Good also for small group gatherings of up to 15 - 20 people.. Large organizations and sports teams may meet at the discretion of the park staff, tho better to call ahead of time! Thereβs designated areas for playing baseball, soccer, volleyball and horseshoes. Individuals bike, hike and jog the many pathways throughout the park. Wheel Fun Rentals can even supply bikes and watercraft during the daytime. Although rental bikes may not be taken out of Yorba Regional Park, along the Santa Ana River path. Picnic areas are sheltered, shaded or out in the open. Restrooms are available throughout the park. Paid parking is available inside the park at several designated locations. Free parking may be possible to the west of Yorba Regional Park, at the adjoining Yorba Park, on a first come, first serve basis, with the weekendβs usually packed! While the park is easily accessible just off the 91 Freeway, the constant noise of vehicle and train traffic almost all along the mile length of the park is noticeable, especially at the western end, due to the proximity of the 91 and the local rail route. Air quality may also be affected, depending on which way the wind blows. Sure locals have adapted and are accepting, though for those who wish to connect with nature, the presence of high volume traffic may take some...
Β Β Β Read moreSimply awesome regional park. Included features: large soccer fields and baseball diamonds. Lots of walking & biking trails. Bring your dog. Heck, bring two or three. Three lakes attract all kinds of migrating water birds and offers paddle boat rental for cruising the largest lake. Numerous large, covered picnic spots. Lots of grass for stretching out. Has the usual swings & slides like parks do, but also has exercise stations for adults throughout the park. Parts are gently forested which are so picturesque they're often used by photographers for a natural backdrop for glamour shootings. These forested parks also offers a nice, safe environment children could explore. Park offers both free parking by the baseball/soccer fields and paid parking by the picnic areas. Clean bathrooms and paid park personnel throughout the park. Park is adjacent to, and provides access to, both the Santa Ana River and the Santa Ana River biking/jogging/walking trail that stretches for over 30 miles and goes all the way to the Pacific Ocean right between Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. Go ahead and miss this park so I can enjoy it with...
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