11 spots in Fountain Valley we'd actually take our own kids to, including parks, kid-friendly food and active play. Picked by Shitty Mom Guide, the weekly Orange County newsletter for parents.
An underrated gem that often gets overlooked because it's tucked into a massive sports complex 12 tennis courts, 9 baseball fields, the works. The playground itself has a tall spiral slide that's the main event, plus a zip track and plenty of climbing. Quiet on weekdays when no games are scheduled.
One of the most thoughtfully designed inclusive playgrounds in OC.
A mile wide, literally three fishing lakes, archery ranges, golf, and miles of trails. One of OC's most versatile regional parks.
Mile Square Park has two fishing lakes stocked regularly by OC Parks Freedom Lake (near Edinger and Euclid) and South Lake (near Warner and Euclid). Rainbow trout go in during winter months, catfish in summer, so there's almost always something biting year-round.
Basic fountain pad on a concrete surface near Freedom Lake no frills, but it's inside one of OC's best regional parks with fishing lakes, golf, and enormous picnic areas. Best visited as part of a bigger park day rather than as a splash pad destination on its own.
You can hold snakes and lizards and feed turtles.
The kind of low-key local spot that doesn't show up on food blogs but fills up with regulars every weekend. Kid-friendly without making a big deal about it.
Katella Ave). Marie Callender's is a full-service comfort food restaurant pot pies, turkey dinners, big slices of pie.
A popular Vietnamese cafe and restaurant at 9953 Bolsa Ave in the Little Saigon corridor banh mi, pho, lemongrass chicken, Vietnamese iced coffee, and photogenic desserts. From the Kei Concepts restaurant group that runs some of the most beloved Vietnamese spots in OC. Casual, affordable, consistent, and a genuine window into Vietnamese food culture beyond the obvious pho joints.
Annual summer festival typically held in or near Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley. Features live music, food vendors, and family activities. Held over a long weekend in summer -- check garden-grove.org or fountainvalley.org for current year dates and venue. Good community event for families who want outdoor festival energy.
Nothing in that category yet.