This is a great way to keep everyone entertained for multiple hours--and you'll need a few to see even just a little of all the museum has to offer. There are multiple areas where the kids can interact with exhibits, and a great play area where they can get really hands-on. They've got a number of dinosaur replicas, and it's always fun to see the kids' eyes get wide when they see the sheer size of them! There's also an IMAX theater (which requires an extra ticket) and a Planetarium (included in the museum's general admission price), and they offer ticket combos to save you a few bucks. Kids' admission is almost half that of the adult price, so when you consider you get an entire day's worth of entertainment, the price is really quite good.

This hole-in-the-wall operation is a great place to spend an afternoon or host your child's birthday party.

To get there, park in the parking garage at the San Juan Capistrano rail station. Cross the tracks, then continue straight, heading down the street that looks blocked off (it is to cars, but pedestrians can skirt the metal "fence"). The petting zoo is ahead on the right. (See their website for specific directions.) You'll have some options once you're inside--ride the train? ride the pony? Feed the animals? Play in the rabbit and guinea pig pen? Or play on the great jungle gym?

Most of the animals are typical farm animals--goats, rabbits, geese, cows, pigs--but there are some beautiful exotic birds, ostriches, and llamas as well. My 3-year-old and 1-year-old both had a blast. Be sure to dress for mess--not from the animals, but from the dust and dirt.

The Buffalo Bill Museum is a great outing for families with children ages 3 and up. (Well, it's great for anyone, but any younger than 3 and the child won't really care. The adults will love it, though, and it's kid friendly.) The drive up the mountain provides some breathtaking views, and once you're at the museum you'll get one of the best views in the state from their deck. The museum is self-led and includes both permanent and temporary collections and displays. It doesn't take long to walk through the whole thing, though there are many places you may want to linger to watch a looped video or read all the placards, or let your kids try on all the cowboy garb and get a picture of them on the "horse." After you're done, you can see Bill Cody's grave and check out the gift shop, which has a great little restaurant and a ton of fun gifts.