Top Summer 2022 Activities in Newport Beach Your Kids Will Love

Camp Newport is the Summer MVP

The city of Newport Beach has collected some of the most engaging day and week-long camps this side of the Mississippi. Honestly, the camp line-up has us wishing we were kids again! From robotics to theater to sailing, your kids can expand their skills and experiences in the prettiest beach town around.

For camps hosted on the peninsula (close to your rental!), here’s this year’s camp roster:

Beach & Surf Camps

Endless Sun Surf Camp: Our top surf school choice! (The instructors don’t get better than this!). Ages 6-17. Classes are held by the beginner-friendly waves at the Newport Pier.

Newport Surf Camp: Another popular choice for learning how to surf. This team offers 3-day long surf camps for kids ages 6-16 near 29th Street, close to the Newport Pier.

For all beach day camps (volleyball, bodyboarding, beach games, etc), CLICK HERE.

Camps at Marina Park

Right in the center of the peninsula is the large bayfront complex known at Marina Park. During the summer, the city hosts an array of camps that run the gamut: guitar, baking, film making, soccer, a princess academy, even a Harry Potter camp! Do yourself a favor and CLICK HERE to see your list of options.

Day Trip to Catalina!

26 miles off the Newport coast is the beautiful island of Catalina. It’s like the coast of Italy without the 12 hour flight. From our very own harbor, hop on the Catalina Flyer and in one hour, you’ll have all the snorkeling, fishing, submarine rides, bison expeditions, casino tours, zip lining, and piña coladas you could want! Be sure to takes lots of photos, so us folks on the mainland can live vicariously through you!

Plan your trip using this helpful resource from Catalina’s tourism office!

Visit the Happiest Place on Earth!

Disneyland is easy to include in your Newport Beach itinerary, as it’s only a 25 minute drive from town! Disney’s California Adventure is right next door and is as equally magical as the original park. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance as summer dates are especially popular!

Ocean-Free Activities Around Town

If you’re looking for a beach alternative, Marina Park is the perfect day excursion. Its large outdoor park overlooks the Newport Harbor and includes a larger-than-life lighthouse jungle gym, monkey bars, basketball courts, and sprawling lawn area. They also rent stand-up paddle boards and kayaks for $20/hr and will help you and your little ones push off from the shoreline.

Another kid-approved adventure is exploring the town in a four-seater Surrey bike. You’ll found them for rent at a myriad of establishments along the boardwalk and they are sure to give you and your youngsters an afternoon of memories.

Snuggle up with a movie on the beach at the nearby Newport Dunes. Family favorites are showing every Friday and Saturday night from now thru Labor Day weekend! Click HERE for their movie schedule.

Be sure to finish a day at the fire pits at the Balboa Pier or Corona del Mar State Beach and roast marshmallows while watching the sun set over the ocean. They’re free to use on a first-come-first-served basis and are hands-down a kid favorite.

Check Out These Kid Friendly Beaches

Finding a beach that caters to your kid’s interests makes all the difference when planning a beach day. And there’s a surprising diversity of beaches along Newport’s coast. Find the spot that’s best for your crew:

Our favorite spot for ages 5-95: Anywhere between the Newport Pier and 36th Street! Here, the waves are typically tame and the ocean floor is flat, perfect for boogie boarding and seashell hunting. Drip castles make for an entertaining and unique spin-off from your typical sandcastles and are easier to create, too!

Our favorite spot for 0-5 years olds: 900 W. Bay Ave! This stretch of sand sits along the Newport Harbor with zero waves and zero strong currents, making this perfect for anyone who is ocean-averse.

Our favorite spot for an action-packed day: Crystal Cove State Park! This secluded cove is pinch-me gorgeous and has something for the whole family. Explore the tide pools and spot hermits crabs, sea anemones, and fish in their natural habitat. Grab some grub at the casual Shake Shack or beachside Beachcomber. The ocean here is generally calm with small to medium waves that break on the shore, perfect for boogie boarding and general ocean fun.

Start Planning Your Newport Beach Kid-Friendly Summer Itinerary NOW!

With so many kid summer activities in Newport Beach, it’s no wonder our town is a top destination for families. That’s why we highly recommend you hurry and book your summer plans now. Reservations for restaurants, activities, and beach vacation rentals fill up fast during the summer months.

For family friendly restaurants, click HERE.

For favorite family vacation rentals, click HERE.

And as always, if you have any questions, please feel free to call our team of Newport experts 7 days a week at (949) 673-2627. We love nothing more than sharing our town with you!

See you on the boardwalk!