Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano with Kids (2025 Guide)

Living in nearby Laguna Beach means we’re spoiled with coastal fun, yet my boys still beg for “SJC days.” The charming Old Town, the historic Mission, and horse country vibes make it a kid-friendly playground—and it’s only a 20-minute drive from the beach. If you’re searching for things to do in San Juan Capistrano with kids, start with these tried-and-true favorites.

www.lagunaliz.com contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I use and trust. Please see full disclosure on the Privacy Policy Page on lagunaliz.com. Thank you for supporting my blog!

1. Explore Mission San Juan Capistrano

No visit is complete without roaming the “Jewel of the Missions.” Kids love feeding the koi, ringing the replica bells, and hearing tales of the legendary swallows. I share more fun facts and family tips in my post Facts About San Juan Capistrano Mission. Open it in a new tab so you don’t lose this guide! 

Family tip: Pick up the kid-sized audio wand; it keeps even squirmy toddlers engaged.

2. Ride the Rails—Literally!

Arrive on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink for bonus excitement. The historic depot looks like a Spanish hacienda, and little engineers can watch freight trains roll by while you sip coffee at Trevor's at the Tracks next door.

3. Stroll the Los Rios Historic District

Across the tracks lies California’s oldest neighborhood. Wooden boardwalks, adobe cottages, and shady pepper trees set the scene for:

• Los Rios Park: climbers, swings, and shaded picnic tables.

• Sweet treats at Hummingbird House Café. You must try the lavender lemonade!

• Butterfly gardens that bloom spring through fall.

4. Meet the Animals at Zoomars at River Street Ranch

Formerly Zoomars Petting Zoo, this ranch lets kids feed guinea pigs, pan for gems, and hop on a pint-sized train. Pony rides still steal the show for ages 2-8.

5. Saddle Up for a Trail Ride

Older kids (8+) can book a guided horseback ride through the rolling hills with Ortega Equestrian Center. Helmets provided; no experience needed.

6. Dig Into History at the O’Neill Museum

A 19th-century saloon-turned-home, the tiny O’Neill Museum offers scavenger hunts that uncover pioneer life in under 30 minutes. This is perfect for short attention spans.

7. Cycle the San Juan Creek Trail

Bring bikes or rent cruisers downtown and pedal the flat, car-free path from the city to Doheny State Beach. Pack swimsuits for a sand-and-surf reward at the end.

8. Get Hands-On at The Ecology Center

Just north of town, this 28-acre regenerative farm hosts weekend workshops where kids harvest veggies, build birdhouses, and learn composting. Market Stand sells smoothies sweetened with farm strawberries.

9. Pick (and Taste!) at South Coast Farms

From May to October, the U-pick strawberry fields invite families to fill baskets while learning how sustainable farming protects local watersheds.

10. Cheer at the Swallows Day Parade

Each March the streets burst with wagons, horses, and marching bands celebrating the annual return of the swallows. Arrive early, stake out curb seating, and wear western gear to blend in.

11. Glow at Capistrano Lights (Holiday Season)

From early December through the first week of January, the Mission transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland. My full guide—Capistrano Lights—covers tickets, hot-cocoa hacks, and best photo ops. 🎄

12. Book a Family Paint Night

Tuition art studio hosts Friday evening sessions where you and the kids paint Mission arches, local swallows, or ocean sunsets on canvas. Walk out with fridge-worthy souvenirs.

13. Sample Tacos & History at El Camino Real

Grab a patio table at El Camino Café for street tacos while kids spot the Camino Real bell markers lining the historic highway that once linked all 21 missions.

14. Attend a Free Concert at Historic Town Center Park

Summer Sunday evenings bring live music, food trucks, and room for kids to cartwheel on the lawn. Arrive with low chairs and a blanket.

15. Hike to the “Secret” Swallows Viewpoint

The short, shady hike off Paseo Tirador rises to a bluff where thousands of cliff swallows nest in spring. Bring binoculars and keep voices low because nature’s show is fragile.

Need-to-Know Logistics

What	Details
Parking	Free two-hour street parking near the Mission; all-day lots along Verdugo St.
Best Time	Spring for wildflowers & swallows; December for lights; weekdays for fewer crowds.
Restrooms	Public facilities at the Depot, Los Rios Park, and inside the Mission.
Accessibility	Downtown sidewalks and the Mission are stroller-friendly; Los Rios boardwalks are uneven.
More Info	Visit the official San Juan Capistrano Visitors page for maps, special events, and updated hours.

FAQs About Visiting San Juan Capistrano With Kids

Is one day enough?

Yes. Plan 4–6 hours to cover the Mission, Los Rios, and one bonus activity like The River Street Ranch (Zoomars).

Can we bring dogs?

Leashed pups are fine in town and on outdoor patios, but not inside the Mission or River Street Ranch.

Do we need reservations?

Only for horseback rides, Ecology Center workshops, and Capistrano Lights.

Where should we stay overnight?

There are hotels to fit every budget in San Juan Capistrano. Click HERE to compare prices and book your room.

Final Thoughts about Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano with Kids

After dozens of family trips, these are my can’t-miss things to do in San Juan Capistrano with kids. Pair the adventure with a morning at the beach or an evening trolley ride back to Laguna, and you’ve created a SoCal memory your crew will replay for years.

See you in Los Rios with swallows overhead and tacos in hand! 🧡