Irvine's Top Seven Spring Activities for Kids

Now that the days are longer and the weather is warmer, it’s the perfect time to try some fun spring activities with your children! When you live in Irvine, there are a variety of options for entertainment just minutes from home and we have compiled a list of exciting things you and your kids can do together this time of year. 

Strawberry Picking at Tanaka Farms 

Tanaka Farms is famous for its strawberries and spring means the harvesting season! Bring your kids to join in on the strawberry picking fun with a wagon-ride tour that teaches guests about the history of the farm and different farming methods used on site. At the end of the tour, each person can pick the fruit and take home a one-pound basket of strawberries. Spots fill up, so be sure to make a reservation! 

Visit Pretend City Children’s Museum

Enter a play world where your child can become a police officer, doctor, a Trader Joe’s cashier and more at Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine. This “world in a nutshell” was designed to engage the curious minds of children while helping them grasp a greater understanding of the world around them. Activities and events employ age-appropriate milestones for visitors and foster their development while springtime activities allow children to understand the importance of caring for the planet. Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day at the museum with storytime, recycling and upcycling activities that help kids develop earth-friendly habits from a young age.

Enjoy Farmers Market Fun

Let your children have a hand in choosing their favorite fruits and vegetables at the Irvine Regional Park Farmers Market! Make grocery shopping a family affair and let your kids pick out organic eggs, specialty products and fresh produce to use in your delicious home cooked meals. Can’t wait to get home before you enjoy your fresh finds? There are picnic tables available so you can snack on seasonal selections right away. 

Go on a Painted Rock Scavenger Hunt

Suitable for all ages, this activity is a great way to engage the entire family outdoors. The painted rock scavenger hunt craze began several years ago as a way to spread joy and kindness throughout communities and Facebook groups have appeared all over the world. There is even a dedicated Orange County group! Start by finding or purchasing smooth rocks, then paint your favorite designs or encouraging sayings. Hide the rocks around your community and then search for ones your neighbors have left! You can also check the Nextdoor app to find out who may be participating near you.

Make a Spring Themed Cake 

You don’t need to be celebrating a special event to decorate a cake! Bring spring to your dessert at Duff’s Cakemix at the Irvine Spectrum Center. This DIY cake decorating shop lets you become a dessert artist, and cake is your canvas! Materials are provided at the studio and all you need to bring is your creativity to turn your cake or cupcake into a spring-themed treat.

Plant a Garden

Spring is the perfect time to cultivate a garden. For older children and teens, gardening teaches responsibility and can be a calming activity that reduces stress. For younger children, planting a garden can increase fine motor skills and teach valuable lessons about cause and effect correlations. Whether you plant seeds in your private outdoor space and watch flowers bloom or prefer to repot herbs and incorporate them in your meals, gardening is a spring activity that is great for children of all ages. It is also a great way to get involved in your community! Community gardens in Orange County are a great place for OC residents to grow their own fruits, vegetables and herbs. There are currently 20 community gardens in Orange County including two in Irvine, but residency and other restrictions may apply. Find more information here.

Explore Irvine Parks

With flowers blooming and a cool spring breeze in the air, exploring nature is one of the best ways to spend time with your family. The Villages of Irvine are filled with parks and trails that are ideally suited for evening walks, picnics or some fun on the swings. Hiking trails also provide a great way for the family to stay active together and last month’s blog outlines even more ways to get the most out of Irvine’s parks and trails. 

Life in Irvine is filled with engaging activities for children and families during spring and all year long. If you’re looking for a place where you and your family can enjoy every season to its fullest, explore homes in the Villages of Irvine.