By Janice Robinson-Celeste, Publisher of Successful Black Parenting Magazine
This trip was part of a hosted FAM trip with Destination Irvine. All opinions are my own.
When you’re looking for a clean, safe, and conveniently located spot for a family trip, Irvine, California, offers an appealing mix of activities, dining, and relaxation. Recently, I visited Irvine with my grandchildren: Marley, 11, and Miles, 5, who is autistic, on a FAM trip to discover what could make this city a worthy addition to a family’s travel plans. We found plenty to enjoy, a few things to watch for, and some valuable tips to make the most of a visit.
A Prime Location with Room to Roam
Irvine’s location is one of its strongest assets. Sitting just minutes from Disneyland Parks and Universal Studios, it’s perfect for families who want access to the big attractions without the hustle and chaos of staying right next to them. The city itself is impressively clean and well-maintained, from the manicured parks to the spotless shopping centers.
Arriving and departing through John Wayne Airport was a breeze compared to LAX. The smaller airport feels less intimidating for families, with shorter lines and far less traffic, something I appreciate when traveling with young children.
And then there’s the Great Park, a centerpiece of the community. It’s not just a park but a year-round gathering place with rotating activities, events, and attractions. Whether it’s a concert with loads of food trucks or a family art exhibit, the Great Park almost always has something happening that makes you feel connected to the local community. Check Destination Irvine’s calendar on their website for upcoming events.
A Trip for Foodie Families
Our adventure started at The Trough Irvine, a casual eatery serving healthier fast-food style meals. Even without a kids’ menu, we found options that worked, like grilled cheese on sourdough and crispy tater tots for the kids. It was satisfying, quick, and about $45 for all three of us.
The next morning, Burnt Crumbs Irvine served up a hearty breakfast with generous portions. Their menu had creative twists on breakfast classics, and the warm atmosphere made it a relaxed start to the day.
One dinner highlight that we loved was North Italia, a bustling Italian restaurant with rich, flavorful dishes and a kids’ menu that helped make ordering for Marley and Miles a breeze. The staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was more upscale. For dessert, we headed to Somi Somi, known for its Korean-inspired soft serve served in warm taiyaki cones shaped like fish — that was a big hit with the kids. Marley and Miles loved picking their flavors and toppings, and the combination of creamy ice cream and warm, chewy cones was an instant favorite.
We also tried Everyday Eatery, where the bright, airy dining room set the stage for a delicious breakfast. However, the bill, $80 for one adult and two kids for breakfast, was a reminder that Irvine dining can be pricey, especially if you have a larger family.
At the Irvine Spectrum Center, we enjoyed the variety of dining options. From budget-friendly bites to full-service restaurants, there’s something for every taste and wallet. It’s a good spot for families who want lots of choices without having to drive all over the city.
Tip: Preview menus online before you go. Some restaurants don’t have kids’ menus, and prices can vary widely.
Hyatt House: A Comfortable Home Base
Our stay at the Hyatt House was comfortable and family-friendly. Check-in at 3 PM is standard, and we arrived super early, but the thoughtful staff made the wait easier by bringing out Legos for Marley and Miles.
It’s the little things like this that make a big difference when traveling with children.
The hotel offered a heated pool for downtime, a business center for those who might be mixing work and leisure, and in-room kitchens that made it easy to reheat leftovers or prepare simple meals. The hot breakfast buffet was a family favorite, with something for everyone from French toast and eggs to fresh fruit and even rice dishes. You will want to start your day here.
Irvine Nights and the Great Park Balloon
The Irvine Nights: Neon Street Feast at the Great Park was a lively mix of food, entertainment, and community spirit. Food trucks lined the park offering everything from gourmet tacos to loaded fries and sweet treats. Marley and Miles couldn’t resist the carousel, and the tethered helium balloon ride disguised as PAC-MAN gave us a bird’s-eye view of Irvine. The Great Park has a unique way of combining big-event energy with a welcoming, small-town feel.
PAC-MAN Exhibit: A Hit for All Ages
The Journey Through the Maze: 45 Years of PAC-MAN exhibit was a fantastic blend of nostalgia and interactive fun. Marley and Miles beelined to the arcade machines, eager to play before we explored the rest of the exhibit. The display included original cabinets of PAC-MAN merch, rare memorabilia, design sketches, and free art activities like pixel drawing and fingerboarding. It was engaging, educational, and completely free, making it a must-see for families.
Wild Rivers Water Park: The Trip’s Top Spot
For Marley and Miles, Wild Rivers Water Park was the clear favorite. This sprawling aquatic playground truly has something for everyone.
Miles loved the smaller water playground designed for younger children, complete with mini slides, splash areas, and fountains. Marley went straight for the bigger slides, including multi-person rides that allowed her to share the experience with other guests. I enjoyed the lazy river, though I recommend arriving early to secure a tube before they’re all claimed.
One of the pleasant surprises was the food scene inside the park. In addition to a main restaurant with kid-friendly classics like chicken tenders, pizza, wraps, and fresh salads, there were also food trucks on-site serving snacks and quick bites. It made it easy to grab something different without leaving the fun behind.
Wild Rivers is designed so families with different age groups can split up and enjoy their own zones, then meet back together without hassle. It’s the kind of place you can spend the whole day without anyone feeling bored, and it leaves kids happily exhausted by the end.
TutuFun at Irvine Spectrum Center
TutuFun offers hands-on creative activities, but our bracelet-making appointment didn’t feel as welcoming as it could have. Marley was instructed to picked her beads but was not initially encouraged to assemble the bracelet herself. I first thought it was because of Marley’s cast on her arm. She broke it while riding a scooter downhill the week before. I explained to the employee that Marley can and wants to make the bracelet herself, as I thought this was an arts and crafts activity for children. After some clarification about why I was there, Marley was allowed to complete it, but the initial approach for this activity felt rushed.
While the studio offers many creative possibilities, places like TutuFun should encourage each child’s independence and make all families feel welcomed and valued. Prices start around $24, and certain crafts require several days to dry, making them tricky for short visits.
Summer Concert at Mike Ward Community Park
The Summer Concert: 1969 the Tribute was an unexpected gem. Set in a spacious park with a welcoming crowd, it offered a lively mix of 60’s rock-and-roll tunes that had kids dancing and parents singing along. There were community vendors there with activities and samples for the children. Food trucks here added to the festive vibe, giving families the option to enjoy food while listening to live music. It was a relaxed, joyful way to close out a busy day.
Overall Reflections
Irvine is a family-friendly city that offers a wide range of experiences, from cultural exhibits and thrilling water parks to outdoor concerts and food that caters to both adventurous and picky eaters. Its proximity to major attractions, clean environment, and diverse activities make it a strong option for families planning a Southern California trip.
But this visit also came with lessons worth passing on to other parents and grandparents planning a trip here:
Lesson 1: Plan your budget carefully. Some restaurants and attractions can add up quickly, especially if you’re traveling with more than one child. Preview menus, look for kids’ specials, and mix in free or low-cost activities like the PAC-MAN exhibit or the Great Park balloon ride.
Lesson 2: Book lodging with a kitchen. Having the option to prepare meals or reheat leftovers can save both money and time, especially when kids get hungry between activities.
Lesson 3: Schedule activities with drying times in mind. Fun crafts, like those at TutuFun, take days to finish, so they may not be ideal for short stays.
Lesson 4: Arrive early for high-demand attractions. Whether it’s snagging a tube at the Wild Rivers lazy river, riding the helium balloon at Great Park, or getting first dibs at the arcade machines in the PAC-MAN exhibit, early arrival can make a big difference.
Lesson 5: Take advantage of Irvine’s community events. Between Irvine Nights, outdoor concerts, and seasonal happenings at the Great Park, the city shines when it comes to inclusive, family-friendly entertainment, and many of these events are free.
For us, the standouts were Wild Rivers Water Park, the Great Park Balloon, Irvine Nights, and North Italia. My grandchildren left with big smiles and stories to tell, and I left with a deeper appreciation for Irvine’s blend of safety, variety, and community spirit, plus a better understanding of how to make the most of a family trip here.
FAQ: Planning Your Irvine Visit
Is Irvine safe for families?
Yes, Irvine is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the U.S.
What’s the best time to visit?
Spring through early fall brings seasonal events, concerts, and outdoor fun.
Are there affordable activities?
Yes — many Great Park activities, playgrounds, and exhibitions like PAC-MAN are free or low-cost.
Do I need a car?
Yes. While some areas are walkable, a car makes it much easier to explore.
Is it good for children with special needs?
Many venues are ADA-compliant, and several activities offer sensory-friendly elements.
Hosted by Destination Irvine. #FAMtrip #HostedStay
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