When traveling as a family, we choose destinations with amazing educational experiences for the kids. By visiting locations with diverse learning opportunities, we can take advantage of off-peak travel and not feel guilty about missing a few days of school. Buena Park in Southern California’s Orange County hits the mark with its mix of unique encounters to stimulate young minds, and close proximity to theme parks to thrill the child in all of us. Known as SoCal’s Fun City, we can see why!
We visited so many amazing places. It’s easy to find activities to match the interest of any young scholar:
- Natural Science: Explore prehistoric fossils and get hands-on with modern animal exhibits to discover the unique traits that help them survive at the Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center.
- Social Studies: Koreatown offers a unique lens into the vibrant local Korean community, culture and cuisine.
- History: Knott’s Berry Farm provides a look at the historic Old West, Hispanic heritage, berry farming and its very own Independence Hall.
- Art and Music: Sing along and sit on the edge of your seat at the Pirates Dinner Adventure.
- Food Studies: Deliciously expose kids to global flavors through cooking techniques, textures and presentation.
Buena Park is one of the best central, family-friendly places to stay while exploring popular Southern California theme parks. Many accommodations offer quick shuttles to Knott’s Berry Farm and California Disney. It is less than one hour from Universal Studios Hollywood and a short drive to Los Angeles and local beaches such as the popular Long Beach and Huntington Beach. There are abundant restaurants for any price range, many within walking distance of hotels.
Tip: Check out the Visit Buena Park deals to start planning your next family educational adventure with hotel packages and discounts.
Don’t miss our article on Top family-friendly places to eat in Buena Park.
Watch video: Best educational adventures in Buena Park
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Top educational activities in Buena Park
Buena Park offers so much to young visitors with a winning combination of learning and a whole lot of fun.
Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center
Clark Regional Park is the perfect setting for a picnic, fishing or a game of catch. As you wondering into Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center, you are suddenly transported to prehistoric time and immersed in Buena Park’s local natural history. Visitors of all ages will get a thrill from the wide display of fossils from prehistoric land and marine plants and animals. We were excited to learn that most of the fossils on display were uncovered right in the park. These ancient fossils range from 10,000 to 80 million years old.
The kids were intrigued with the fur pelts and modern mammal skulls. They hypothesized where the animals lived, what they ate, and how they kept themselves safe. The center’s knowledgeable resource specialist, Sarah Hoemk, was on hand to answer all their questions. The kids could have spent a full day studying every exhibit and watching scientists and volunteers delicately processing specimens.
Most impressive was a 26 foot, 9-million-year-old Baleen whale fossil nicknamed “Joaquin”. It is the most complete whale fossil discovered in the world. This significant find was discovered during local road construction in April 1993.
Another display reveals some aspects from the area’s Indigenous people, Gabrielino-Tongva and Juaneño.
Explore the displays. Knowledgeable resource specialist Sarah Hoemk is on hand to answer all your burning questions. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fascinated with the exhibits at the Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Cheerful volunteers carefully process fossils for the Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center is located at 8800 Rosecrans Avenue, Buena Park. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission.
Video: Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center – Dinosaurs of Orange County, California.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Besides all the thrilling amusement rides, California’s original theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm, has a lot of history to offer. Founder, Walter Knott, believed it is important to include educational components in the attractions he created.
The authentic Ghost Town from the 1800s shows all the history from that era, like antique toys, clothing and tools in the museums. Watch forging in action at the a Blacksmith Shop where you can buy a souvenir hook made right in front of your eyes. If role play is more your style, you can dress up and take old timely photos. The Calico Railroad offers a trip on an authentic Denver and Rio Grande Narrow Gauge train from the early 1900s. The journey into the Calico Mine is an adventure into a realistic looking gold mine. If you have gold fever, you can even try your hand at panning for gold. Animal lovers will rejoice as they say hello to the livestock in Pig-Pen’s Pig Pen and even meet the beloved Peanuts character.
Fiesta Village boasts deep-rooted Hispanic influences with its colorful art, architecture and vibrant music.
Watch and learn about blacksmithing in the Old West Ghost Town at Knott’s Berry Farm. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The Calico Mine at Knott’s Berry Farm is an adventure into a realistic looking gold mine. Photo: Wendy NordvikCarr©
Knott’s Berry Farm Calico Railroad offers a trip on an authentic Denver and Rio Grande Narrow Gauge train from the early 1900s. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Meeting Pigpen and other beloved Peanuts characters at Knott’s Berry Farm. Sally, Charlie Brown’s little sister drives by to greet visitors to the park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Knott’s California Marketplace
Wander through the many shops at Knott’s California Marketplace. There’s a wide range of treats, souvenirs and gifts to choose from including signature Knott’s boysenberry jams and jellies, fresh fudge and tempting baked goods. Of course, we had to stop at the world’s largest PEANUTS Headquarter to pick up a Snoopy toy as a memento.
Knott’s Berry Farm jams and jellies are available from the Knott’s California Marketplace. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Getting hungry? Since 1934, the famous original fried chicken dinner served at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant is still a favorite for visitors and one of the best places to eat at Knott’s. If you go, save room for a slice of boysenberry pie. California Marketplace is located outside of the Knott’s park admission gates so you can visit whenever and as often as you want.
Fried chicken dinner served at Mrs Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Knott’s Independence Hall
Kids are never too young to start learning about the significance of Knott’s Independence Hall. It’s an exact replica of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the National Historic Park. Complete with the Liberty Bell, the Independence Hall stands as an international symbol of freedom and justice.
This building reminds visitors of the important role Independence Hall played in American history when the Founding Fathers of America signed the Declaration of Independence for its freedom from Great Britain in July 4, 1776, and the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, establishing the government of the United States. Free Admission.
Rides at Knott’s Berry Farm
We can’t write about Knott’s without mentioning the thrilling ride. There is something for everyone, young and old. Be sure to check the height restrictions on rides if visiting with young ones. Thrill level indicators on all rides will let you know if it’s family-friendly or better for more adventurous riders.
Tip: There is a new reservation system is in place to pay-per-ride to skip the line on its most popular attractions on busy days without paying for an all-day Fast Lane pass. After 2 p.m., park goers can pay $7.50 and up for a Single‐Use Fast Lane.
Koreatown Buena Park
The newly designated district of Koreatown in Buena Park offers a unique lens into the vibrant local Korean-American community, culture and cuisine. Officially recognized in October 2023, it has a population of nearly 11,000 people, 1,000 Korean-owned businesses and is the second official Koreatown in Orange County. The area runs 2.5 miles along Beach Boulevard from Orangethorpe Avenue, home to The Source OC Shopping Mall, up to Rosecrans Avenue by Ralph B. Clark Park.
Koreatown boasts about 90 food spots to choose from, as well as many great shopping options. The large popular H Mart supermarket is filled with K-Food if cooking is more your style.
Here is a handy map of Koreatown.
The Source OC: Entertainment Destination
The Source OC is located at the beginning of Koreatown. This diverse shopping mall has a wide range of offerings with a variety of retail shops and dining options for all your cravings, including numerous restaurants and two food courts with Korean street food and sweets. There is an impressive interactive entertainment selection with EKO Karaoke, Olympic Gold Zone, and CGV Cinemas, a 4D cinema experience showing Korean and American films.
With nearly endless food options, we wished we had another week to try it all. We also wished we had more room in our suitcases for all the great Korean toys, K-pop merchandise, clothes, accessories, school supplies and Korean skin care. Read more about the food.
A visit to The Source OC to explore the seemingly endless dining and retail options. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
A visit to The Source OC to explore the seemingly endless dining and retail options. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Korean Cosmetics
Korean cosmetics and skin care products are considered to be some of the best in the world and are notoriously made from high quality ingredients. We wandered the stores searching for the perfect moisturizer and picked up some fun Disney Collection skincare masks by JM Solutions so the kids could partake in the home spa experience as well. Not all masks are kid-friendly, but Selfie Barrier Tea Tree Mask and Barrie Cica Mask are, according to the knowledgeable staff at CosmeticWorld who are readily available to help.
PlayPie
Young children will delight in the child-size town and indoor play area at PlayPie. Parents can grab a drink in the café or explore the books in the library while the kids tire themselves out sliding, climbing and exploring the creative activity stations.
Delighted with PlayPie’s indoor play area. Photo credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Pirates Dinner Adventure
The captivating interactive live theatre Pirates Dinner Adventure show, “Secrets of the Deep”, keeps you on the edge of your seat as you are entertained by special effects, stunts, aerial acrobatics, swordplay and more in an indoor lagoon.
Living up to their claims of being the world’s most interactive dinner show, there are many opportunities for the audience to take part in the shenanigans. The kids were thrilled when they were selected to board the 18th-century Spanish galleon ship which serves as the stage.
They were excited to meet the rowdy pirates and magical mermaid at the end of the show. It was fun for the whole family.
Pirates Dinner Adventure Buena Park California. Photo Melanie©
The Pirates Dinner Adventure Show is one of the best things to do in Buena Park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Culinary Delights – Best places to eat in Buena Park
Buena Park’s culinary scene is second to none. Deliciously explore global flavors through cooking techniques, textures and presentation. Most notably Koreatown boasts 90 food options and provides numerous opportunities to try a wide range of Korean cuisine (often called K-food). If you’re not craving Korean food, there are lots of options for other worldly flavors such as Argentinian grilled steak or Cuban baked goods made right in front of your eyes.
Read more as we delve into the best places to try in Buena Park.
Where to stay in Buena Park
Staying in Buena Park is a great option to use as a base for exploring other Southern California areas and attractions nearby. Most hotels offer a free shuttle to Disneyland or can help arrange shuttle services.
DoubleTree by Hilton
We stayed at the recently renovated DoubleTree by Hilton, conveniently located a few steps from The Source OC, six miles from Disneyland and less than one mile to Knott’s Berry Farm, Medieval Times and the Pirates Dinner Adventure. The hotel provides a free shuttle to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and Buena Park Mall.
The hotel is bright and clean and offers large spacious guest rooms and suites, perfect for families.
There are two dining options: Ventanas or Marbles Lounge, as well as room service for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Starbucks is available from the Marbles Lounge. The large outdoor pool and hot tub provide a great space to relax after a busy day exploring.
The hotel is located at 7000 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park.
The DoubleTree Hilton’s recently renovated hotel in Buena Park provides plenty of space. Photo: Melanie©
The DoubleTree Hilton’s recently renovated hotel in Buena Park is the perfect place to stay and close to great entertainment locations: Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Next time, we will plan a longer stay in SoCals Fun City to explore the beach lifestyle Southern California is known for.
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Wendy Nordvik-Carr and Melanie were guests of Visit Buena Park, which did not preview or approve this story.
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About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
Melanie Lomond is an experienced travel writer from Vancouver with an excitement for budget, local, and women’s travel. Since starting a family, Melanie hopes to inspire the travel bug in her children and write more about family travel. She has a particular interest in the natural world, food, people and cultures. Melanie has been published in the Vancouver Sun and on numerous blogs. She has travelled extensively in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Caribbean, United States, and Canada. When not travelling, Melanie is the founder/writer of West Coast Fresh, a blog dedicated to family activities and cooking.
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