Adventure City, Anaheim

Tucked just a few miles from the Disneyland Resort area, Adventure City proudly lives up to its slogan: "The Little Theme Park that's BIG on Family Fun." Though it covers just over 2 acres, this small-but-mighty amusement park in Stanton, California (with its entrance and parking technically in Anaheim) delivers a full dose of thrills, smiles, and nostalgia-without draining your wallet.

Opened in 1994 as an expansion of the nearby Hobby City novelty shop and museum complex, Adventure City was designed from the start as an affordable alternative for families. Among its original attractions were a classic 1946 carousel and the Hobby City miniature train, dating all the way back to 1938.

Today, Adventure City boasts 17 rides, shows, and attractions, including two roller coasters. The headliner is Rewind Racers, North America's first forward-and-reversing family shuttle coaster, built in 2015 to celebrate the park’s 20th anniversary. This $2 million investment replaced the retired Tree Top Racers, a vintage Wild Mouse-style coaster originally shipped over from Australia in 1999.

Beyond coasters, families can hop aboard the Adventure City Express Train for a scenic loop, go a little wild on the Crazy Bus, visit the charming petting farm, or take in interactive children's shows. And with admission for a family of four costing less than a single ticket to a major theme park, it's no surprise that the park draws 200,000 to 400,000 visitors annually.

Adventure City may be one of the smallest theme parks in California, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in value, charm, and old-school fun-making it Orange County’s go-to spot for affordable family entertainment.