With the abundance of natural settings across Orange County, there are many things to do in Anaheim free, or on a tight budget. Hiking and walking trails snake around cities and up through local mountain ranges. The Santa Ana River Trail follows the river all of the way to the Pacific from Anaheim Hills. You can happily spend all day outside here, and see varied and majestic landscapes along the way. There are many ways to play in Anaheim, and most of them involve basking in the sunshine.
Parks and Gardens
Anaheim's many parks and gardens are energizing and easy to explore. You can spend the day surrounded by breathtaking nature without entrance fees or long lines. It could just be as simple as finding a comfortable park to rest in. Either way, it's the perfect break from the must-see cultural sites and grand amusement parks that you can explore on your other days in Anaheim, California. No matter where you go or what the purpose of your trip is, you will spend a good deal of time enjoying nature no matter what time of year you visit.
If you find yourself in Irvine, you'll want to visit the Orange County Great Park . Based on a visionary plan for 1,300 acres of amenities and park space, Great Park currently offers plenty of activities for families, individuals, and outdoor enthusiasts ranging from athletic fields and walking trails, to playgrounds and a carousel.
Many outdoor areas in Orange County feature a skatepark where experienced skaters go to perfect their moves and where the rest of us can just enjoy the show. Etnies Skatepark in Lake Forest is the largest free skatepark in the country. You just might see your favorite pro-skater shredding. Iconic skate brands have also set up world-class skateparks in adventurous Orange County. The Volcom Skate Park in Costa Mesa is right across the street from kiddie-friendly Tewinkle Park, so it's a great place to take both your daredevil teens and their younger siblings to play. Check out Vans Skatepark while visiting The Outlets at Orange .
You may be surprised to learn that Buena Park is not only home to attractions for thrill seekers but it's also a great destination for those on a budget and families traveling with grandparents. Aside from Knott's Berry Farm theme park, Soak City Waterpark, Pirate's Dinner Adventure and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, the lively city of Buena Park offers several FREE unique activities that can be enjoyed by all generations.
Color Yourself Healthy
The Nutrilite Experience Center attracts medical professionals, elite athletes, and visitors from all over the world, who want to learn about the latest trends in health and nutrition. You can do the same on one of the informative and entertaining twice-daily FREE tours (reservations are a must).
Travel Back in Time
The city has preserved several historic buildings from the 1800's and offers FREE Buena Park Historic District Tours by appointment on select weekdays. These include the Whitaker-Jaynes House - which serves as the city's local history museum, the Bacon House - possibly the oldest surviving structure from the area, the Tice House and the Stage Stop Hotel - currently home to the only California Welcome Center in Orange County.
Declaration of Independence
Walter Knott, who founded Knott's Berry Farm, loved American history so much that he funded the construction of Knott's Independence Hall . It's a true brick-by-brick replica of the original in Philadelphia---but without the ticket fee and long waits in line! Admission is FREE and open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
Unique Treasures
Knott's Marketplace is located outside of the theme park and offers fine art and collectibles, Snoopy souvenirs at the largest Snoopy Store in the Country, and Knott's famous jams and jellies. Don't forget to stop by the Emporium and visit their year-round Christmas Store.
Ice Age Fossils
Located in Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, the Clark Interpretive Center features ice age fossils and local geology exhibits. Among the fossils on display is a 9 million year old baleen whale skeleton --it is reputed to be one of the only complete ice age whale fossils in existence. Admission is FREE.
- John Beat Park – 6660 Mt. Shasta Circle
- George Bellis Park – 7171 8th Street
- Henry Boisseranc Park – 7520 Dale Street
- Carl Brenner Park – 7373 San Rafael Dr.
- Walter Ehlers Community Center – 8150 Knott Ave.
- Larwin Park – 6150 Ball Road
- Lindbergh Mini Park – 4th & Stanton Ave.
- William Peak Park – 7225 El Dorado Drive
- San Antonio Park – 8810 San Francisco Dr.
- San Marino Park – 6200 San Rolando Circle
- Smith-Murphy Park – 5290 Cameron Drive
