In 2024, Anaheim welcomed more than 26 million visitors, with many arriving to visit its world-famous theme parks. Now, the city invites kids to help shape what comes next. Through Visit Anaheim’s Imaginagency, families are encouraged to let children weigh in on trip planning and explore more of the destination together.
Anaheim’s blend of interactive attractions, local culture and family-friendly experiences draws travelers of all ages. Photo credit: Visit Anaheim.
The program was developed after a national survey found that 86% of kids want more input in family vacations, with more than half saying they would like to plan the trip themselves. Imaginagency builds on that idea by giving children a voice in shaping their family’s travel experience.
“With Imaginagency, we’ve seen how much joy comes from letting kids help shape their family vacation,” said Scott Oklin, chief marketing officer of Visit Anaheim. “Anaheim is the perfect place for that, with so many ways for kids to explore and be inspired, whether they’re cheering on the Anaheim Ducks from center ice, taking flight at Flightdeck or experiencing the magic of the Disneyland Resort. It’s a destination where families can follow their kids’ lead and create meaningful memories together.”
Beyond its most recognizable attractions, Anaheim offers interactive activities, cultural stops and dining experiences that work well for families. Imaginagency provides a framework for discovering those options, helping trips feel more personal without adding complexity to the planning process.
Play beyond the parks
Anaheim’s hands-on attractions make it easy to fill a day with a little friendly competition. Many experiences invite families to participate together, turning outings into shared activities rather than something to watch from the sidelines.
Flightdeck offers jet simulator sessions that replicate real cockpit controls and flight conditions, giving participants a sense of what pilots manage in the air. At Rogue Racing, competitive go-kart tracks reward quick decisions and steady handling, with races often becoming a lighthearted family rivalry.
Water fun comes in all shapes and sizes at Great Wolf Lodge, where slides, pools and themed play areas create an environment built for nonstop action. The setting allows families to shift easily between high-energy play and slower-paced moments without leaving the property.
Pirates Dinner Adventure combines a meal with a full-scale performance, complete with swashbuckling stunts, audience participation and a playful storyline. Think “Medieval Times,” but on a ship instead of horseback.
A spokesperson for the venue says, “Pirates Dinner Adventure is an interactive experience for families, unlike anything else in Southern California. Our performers interact with guests throughout the show, bringing kids and adults into the action through games, musical moments, aerial stunts and live sword fighting. It’s a high-energy night out that lets families step into a world of adventure together!”
Taken together, these attractions show how Anaheim builds family fun around interaction and movement. The emphasis stays on shared experiences that keep everyone engaged, regardless of age.
Explore Anaheim’s arts and neighborhoods
Anaheim also offers cultural spaces that balance history, creativity and local character in ways that work well for families. At the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center, rotating exhibits feature art, local history and interactive displays, giving visitors room to explore without the feel of a formal museum visit.
A short stroll away, Center Street in Downtown Anaheim provides a walkable hub of local shops, cafes and murals. Neighborhoods like Little Arabia add another layer to Anaheim’s story, and the lively atmosphere makes it a fun stop for the whole family.
Anaheim’s neighborhoods reveal a side of the city many visitors overlook. Together, local markets and family-owned eateries blend cultural experiences and activities designed with families in mind.
Eat and drink like a local
The city’s culinary scene offers variety beyond the resorts, including many kid-friendly options. The Anaheim Packing District, a restored citrus-packing building turned food hall, brings together independent vendors serving everything from artisanal sandwiches to colorful desserts, allowing families to sample various flavors in one stop.
For a whimsical meal, Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel adds a splash of fun to dining. Costumed characters stop by every table, making breakfast or dinner an interactive experience where kids meet their favorites while parents enjoy a bit of nostalgia.
Across the city, dining options give families flexibility throughout the day. Whether stopping for a quick bite or sitting down for a longer meal, food becomes part of the overall experience rather than a pause between activities.
Stay in style
Anaheim’s hotel options reflect the city’s focus on family travel, offering stays designed to support busy, activity-filled itineraries. Properties range from full-service resorts to experience-driven lodges, giving families flexibility in how they structure their visit.
At the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort, families find spacious rooms and shared spaces suited for downtime between outings. Great Wolf Lodge offers themed accommodations, including kid-focused suites and nightly programming, such as story time and character-led activities, that keep families engaged without needing to leave the hotel.
With options that blend comfort, creativity and convenience, Anaheim’s accommodations help shape the rhythm of the trip. They provide families with places that feel like part of the adventure rather than just the backdrop to it.
Discover Anaheim your way
Imaginagency reframes how families approach travel planning by giving kids a role in shaping the experience. The program provides people with an idea of how the city’s mix of attractions, dining and neighborhoods supports trips built around shared interests rather than a single focal point.
From go-kart tracks and water parks to walkable streets and local food halls, Anaheim offers families multiple ways to create a visit that reflects how they like to travel. The result is a destination that works just as well for discovery and downtime as it does for headline attractions.
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist and creator of the travel blog Our Woven Journey. Karee enjoys sharing what she learns about places she visits, including history museums, unique things to do indoors and out, one-of-a-kind festivals and upscale dining and accommodations. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
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