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Best Things to Do in Anaheim with Kids That Aren’t Disneyland
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Disneyland is the obvious answer when people think of Anaheim with kids, but it is definitely not the only option. If you are looking for something fun, indoors, interactive, and a little less overwhelming than a full theme park day, Anaheim and Orange County have plenty of family-friendly things to do.
Whether you are visiting from out of town, planning a weekend activity, or looking for something different to do with your kids, here are some of the best things to do in Anaheim with kids that are not Disneyland.
1. Try a Family-Friendly Escape Room
Escape rooms are one of the best indoor activities for families because everyone gets to participate. Instead of sitting and watching something, your group works together to search the room, solve puzzles, find clues, and complete a mission before time runs out.
For families, the key is choosing the right escape room. Some rooms are built to be extremely difficult, scary, or frustrating for younger players. Others are designed to be more playful, story-driven, and approachable.
At Exit Game OC in Anaheim, our game Meow I’m a Cat is a great choice for families because it is silly, colorful, and made for fun instead of extreme difficulty. It is especially good for kids, first-time players, families visiting Orange County, and groups that want a lighthearted experience.
If your kids love animals, playful stories, hands-on activities, or pretending to be part of a strange little adventure, this is a great non-Disney activity to add to your Anaheim plans.
2. Visit a Local Park or Playground
Anaheim has several parks where kids can burn off energy, have a picnic, or take a break from more structured activities. Parks are especially helpful if you have younger kids who need space to run around.
The only downside is that outdoor activities can get hot during the spring and summer, especially if you are visiting Orange County during a warmer week. For that reason, it is helpful to mix outdoor plans with indoor activities like an escape room, museum, movie, or arcade.
3. Plan an Indoor Activity for the Middle of the Day
If you are visiting Anaheim during warmer months, the middle of the day can be the hardest time to keep kids comfortable. This is when indoor activities become your best friend.
Good indoor options for families include:
Escape rooms
Bowling
Arcades
Trampoline parks
Children’s museums
Indoor play spaces
Movie theaters
An indoor escape room is a nice choice because it gives your family a full shared activity instead of just passing time. It is also usually around an hour long, which makes it easy to fit between meals, hotel breaks, or other Anaheim plans.
4. Do Something Interactive Instead of Just Watching
A lot of family activities involve sitting still. That can be fine for some kids, but others want to move, explore, touch things, and feel like they are part of the story.
That is one reason escape rooms work so well for families. Kids can search for clues, notice details adults miss, try locks, make connections, and feel like they are actually helping the group succeed.
For parents, it is also a nice change because the activity is shared. You are not just watching your kids have fun. You are solving things together.
5. Look for Activities That Work for Mixed Ages
One of the hardest parts of planning family activities is finding something that works for everyone. A toddler, a 9-year-old, a teenager, a parent, and a grandparent may not all enjoy the same thing.
When choosing something to do with kids in Anaheim, look for activities that allow different people to participate in different ways. Escape rooms are great for this because one person might be good at spotting hidden objects, another might notice patterns, and another might be good at organizing clues.
You do not need everyone to have the same skill. You just need everyone to be willing to play along.
6. Take a Break from the Theme Park Pace
Disneyland is amazing, but it can also be a lot. Long lines, crowds, walking, noise, heat, and planning can wear everyone out. Sometimes families need an activity that still feels special but is much easier to manage.
A family-friendly escape room near Disneyland can be a great break from the theme park pace. You get a scheduled start time, a private experience for your group, and a fun story without spending the entire day in a crowd.
This makes escape rooms a good option for:
Arrival day
Departure day
Rest days between theme parks
Evenings after a slower park day
Local families who want something fun without doing Disneyland again
7. Choose Something Memorable
The best family activities are the ones kids talk about afterward. A good activity gives them a story: “Remember when we found that clue?” or “Remember when Dad totally missed the obvious thing?” or “Remember when we became cats for an hour?”
That is the kind of experience we try to create with Meow I’m a Cat. It is not just about solving puzzles. It is about stepping into a silly world and having a shared family adventure.
Why Meow I’m a Cat Is a Good Anaheim Activity for Kids
Meow I’m a Cat is one of the most family-friendly escape room experiences in Orange County. It is designed to be fun, approachable, and playful, making it a great fit for kids and first-time escape room players.
Families like it because it is:
Lighthearted instead of scary
Good for beginners
Fun for kids and adults
Indoors and weather-proof
A unique activity near Disneyland
Designed around immersive fun, not extreme frustration
If you are searching for something to do in Anaheim with kids that is not Disneyland, Meow I’m a Cat is a great option to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can families do in Anaheim besides Disneyland?
Families can try escape rooms, parks, bowling, arcades, indoor play spaces, museums, movie theaters, and local restaurants. If you want something interactive and indoors, a family-friendly escape room is a great choice.
Are escape rooms good for kids?
Yes, escape rooms can be great for kids as long as you choose the right room. Look for games that are beginner-friendly, not too scary, and designed for families or mixed-age groups.
Is Meow I’m a Cat scary?
No. Meow I’m a Cat is not a horror escape room. It is playful, silly, and family-friendly.
Do kids need escape room experience?
No experience is needed. First-time players and kids can still have a great time, especially in a room designed to be approachable.
What is a good indoor activity near Disneyland?
A family-friendly escape room near Disneyland is a great indoor activity because it is private, interactive, air-conditioned, and easy to schedule around other plans.
Is Exit Game OC near Disneyland?
Yes. Exit Game OC is located in Anaheim, making it a convenient option for families looking for things to do near Disneyland or elsewhere in Orange County.
Looking for a Fun Family Activity in Anaheim?
If you are planning a family day in Anaheim and want something different from Disneyland, come play Meow I’m a Cat at Exit Game OC.
It is silly, interactive, beginner-friendly, and designed for families who want to have fun together.
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