Cost Effective Activities

Santa Ana Zoo - about 15 min north of MV. Only $7/day/adult and $4/day for children and 50% after 2 pm. The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is a public zoological garden occupying a unique urban site in the heart of Orange County. Situated on approximately 20 acres, it hosts more than 270,000 people annually.
Orange County Zoo - 10 min north of MV in Orange. $2/day for age 3+. The Orange County Zoo is located inside beautiful Irvine Park. The park is located within the city limits of the City of Orange. The zoo is nestled among the majestic 477 acre wilderness park. The zoo specializes in the animals and plants from the southwestern United States.
Discovery Science Center - 15-20 min north of MV. $12.95/adult $9.95/children. Discovery Science Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers and increasing understanding and appreciation of science, math and technology. In short, Discovery Science Center is a place where children and adults alike can learn while having fun.
Bowers Museum- a hands-on child-friendly learning center designed to teach children about the multicultural world in which we live. Open Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Holiday hours: Nov. 26, Dec. 21-24 and 28-31, noon-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and children 3 or older.
Ocean Institute- On weekends, we open our doors to the public for a sneak peek into how ocean science, history, and literature are used to inspire life-long learners! Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am-3:00pm. $6.50/adults and $4.50/kids.
Aquarium of the Pacific - 40 min north of MV up 405 in Long Beach. $20/adults, $12/kids. The Aquarium of the Pacific is a celebration of the world's largest and most diverse body of water. Through dozens of breathtaking exhibits, you'll meet more than 12,000 of this ocean's inhabitants, including some 550 different species.
Orange County Market Place- 15-20 min north up 405 in Costa Mesa Fairgrounds. Every Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm. Just like a garage sale, except you pay $2 to get in, includes a Farmer's Market.
Boomer's Parks- mini golf, bumper cars/boats, rock wall, batting cages, laser tage, arcades. 10 min north up 405 in Irvine.
$1 Movie Theater- 10 minutes north up 5 in Irvine. $1.50 All shows before 6 pm; $2.00 all shows after 6 pm; Tues $1.00 All Day
Ferris Wheel at Irvine Spectrum Center
Nickel Cade- 5 cent arcades off El Toro? I believe it has a $2 entrance fee.