Free Ice Skating in Irvine
through February 28: Be energized by the cool, brisk winter activities of ice skating.

A listing of events for kids, teens and families throughout Southern California, including workshops, special events, exhibits, festivals, performances and every other sort of family-friendly fun you can think of. (Want these delivered to your inbox every week, for free? Get the Buzz!)
Check out all of the ongoing events in Southern California, too:
through February 28: Be energized by the cool, brisk winter activities of ice skating.
through February 28: For the entire month of February Knott’s invites you to bring your friend, spouse or relative and get in for a low price of $25 each.
February 3-24: Parents and kids (3-4) will search for rainbow hues.
February 5-21: Join Meg Murray and her little brother, Charles Wallace, on a quest across space and time to rescue their father from the evil, all-powerful IT. Meg and Charles have the magical help of three eccentric sisters named Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which and Mrs. Whatsit, but in the end they must rely on their [...]
February 10-11: Follow the fairies into the forest.
February 11: “Hey Quit Pushing: How We Put Children at Risk by Starting Academics to Early.”
February 12-21: This high-flying musical story of Peter Pan, Wendy, John and Michael.
February 13-14: Experience Scottish heritage with parades, Highland dance competitions, country dancing and Highland games.
February 13-14: From right out of the Grimm Brothers fairy tale collection comes the story of a missing Prince and a Princess who must rely on a small green ally.
February 13-14: An annual celebration of the Pacific Grey Whale migration.
February 13-15: The timeless (and world-famous) Harlem Globetrotters take to the courts
February 13 – September 5: Frogs: A Chorus of Color introduces visitors to the amazing and sonorous world of anurans – over 150 live frogs!
February 13: A family-friendly outdoor event follows the Italian tradition of Carnevale.
February 13: Kids (3 – 6) and their parents are invited to a playtime with a bird theme.
February 13: Jambo Watoto is a loving homage to the rich and wonderful cultures of Africa.
February 14: Pack a snack and take a naturalist-guided walk to explore the different marine habitats of the coastline.
February 14: For the tracks and wings family, go explore displays (and sale) of items from railroads, steamships, and airlines.
February 14: Families (8+) and naturalist Mark Maeseele will discuss finding water in different ecosystems and how to prepare it for human consumption.
February 14: Celebrate Heart Health Month and honor the 2010 Winter Olympics with a Kidspace Olympics Opening Ceremony.
February 17: Stories, crafts, touch tank and music geared for pre-schoolers (age 2-5).
February 19-21: A unique blend of comedy and puppetry that tells of a French shepherd that sets out with his dog to plant a forest.
February 20: Showcasing the cultures of L.A. in its World City series, the Music Center presents Futa Toro and Got Rhythm (West Africa).
February 20-21: Celebrating the Year of the Tiger.
February 20-21: From right out of the Grimm Brothers fairy tale collection comes the story of a missing Prince and a Princess who must rely on a small green ally.
February 20-21: The 8th Annual African Heritage Festival, celebrating African and African American cultures.
February 20: Families celebrate the Year of the Tiger.
February 21: A musical adaptation of the classic tale fueled by inner beauty, courage and kindness.
February 21: A semi-formal evening for dads (or granddads) and daughters of all ages. Decorations, wholesome DJ music and refreshments. Call for time and ticket prices. Bay Shore Church, Belmont Shore. (562) 439-3316. www.justinrudd.com
February 25: Parents learn “Growing and Learning with Groovy Grains” as part of the Healthy Families series.
February 26: Families (6+) will join ENC Naturalist Leslie Helliwell to learn all about the Full Moon and the mysterious legends associated with it.
February 27: The all-new 54th edition of It?s Magic! with six new multi-talented magicians.
February 27: Along with the traditional 1K Kids Fun Run, 5K Walk, 5K and 10K Runs, 10K Wheelchair and In-Line Skate Race, this year will feature a Reverse Triathalon.
February 27 – 28: To celebrate their 13th anniversary and show their customer appreciation, they’re rolling back to their original 1996 prices.
February 27: Kids (7-12) learn the ancient art of growing and shaping miniature trees.
February 27: Kids (3 – 6) and their parents are invited to this playtime with a tree theme.
February 28: Join with the AJCC, Jewish Federation, local temples, and other area Jewish organizations as they come together to celebrate Purim.
February 28: Bad students, a missing sweet teacher and an evil substitute create a hilarious play.
February 28: First impressions are not always what they seem to be when two girls learn the importance of communication.
February 28: Do you know the magical powers of worms? How they can turn your garbage into soil for the garden? Meet some of these live wigglers and explore their damp, dark world.
February 28: Kids (5-12) can bring their pets in costume for contest.
February 28: Meet Anthony, a geology expert, who will demonstrate why minerals rock!
March 1 – May 31: Visit 50 rolling acres of beautiful flower fields.
March 4 and 11: Knott’s host more than 8,000 students for a day filled with science-related activities.
March 4: Kids (3-4) and parents explore the fun world of farm animals.
March 5-7: When baby bat, Stellaluna, is separated from her mother, she lands in a nest of birds and her whole world is turned upside down.
March 6: March, Music, Movement and more for kids will dance and move with spring themed projects.
March 6: A unique class that will focus on what is under the hood and how a car operates.
March 6-7: Come join the animals in celebration of the zoo’s birthday!
March 6-7: Join in celebrating the annual migration of the California Gray Whale, including a parade, street faires, art exhibits, concerts, environmental activities, educational opportunities, crafts and marine mammal cruises.
March 6-7: Auditions for the summer performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Participants need to prepare a song (no pop music please). An accompanist is provided for those with sheet music, or you may bring a karaoke style tape or CD, which does not have a vocal track. A short dance [...]
March 6: Kids (5+) and their parents enjoy a blend of music and theater.
March 7: Come join in an afternoon of fun, interactive activities discovering the rich gifts of trees.
March 7: Go celebrate women’s achievements in art, history, culture, politics and more.
March 9-11: An honest unflinching dramatization of teen-girl angst and the tumultuous, destructive world of girls and bullying, recommended for girls 13 and up.
March 11-14: The 15th Annual International Family Film Festival.
March 12: Families learn to identify some of the major constellations with stories.
March 12: Kids (3-4 years) with their parent explore the fun world of mammals.
March 13: A runway of spring fashion for 12-18 year old guys and gals!
March 13: Waters of the Earth explores the rich folklore and mythology of seafaring peoples.
March 14: Spring your clocks forward one hour at 2 a.m. for more sunshine into the evenings.
March 14: A spelling bee for kids (grades 3-5), with a cash prize.
March 14: Families (8+) join Naturalist Mark Maeseele to focus on useful tools that help in a “survival” environment.
March 14: Local Irish dance schools and Irish music, plus a Celtic stilt walker and balloon artistry by Abbit the Average Leprechaun.
March 16: Kids (3-4 years) with their parent explore the fun world of bunnies.
March – June: At Tanaka Farms in Orange County, kids taste and learn about different fruits and vegetables.
March 17 – April 17: Adopt a caterpillar at Kidspace and watch in turn into a chrysalis (cocoon).
March 17: Stories, crafts, touch tank and music geared for pre-schoolers (age 2-5).
March 18: Check out Averyboo’s Evening Open Studio time, ideal for working parents who’d like to spend some activity time with their kids.
March 19-21: Mo Willem’s Pigeon is back by popular demand and ready to party!
March 19: Fiesta Association sheriffs and deputies dress in traditional black and white western wear.
March 19: Don’t miss this world renowned celebration every March, marking the return of the famous swallows to Capistrano.
March 20: The Swallows Day Mercado celebrates the return of the swallows.
March 20: Look through a large variety of professional and home-built telescopes to view the sun, planets, the moon and deep sky objects like double-stars, star clusters, and nebulae.
March 20: Kayak at the bay for families (9+) includes equipment and lunch. Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $25 per person. Leeway Sailing Center, Long Beach, (714) 229-6780. www.ci.cypress.ca.us
March 20: Igor Stravinsky’s famous work tells of Prince Ivan’s adventure in a magical realm.
March 20-21: The flavors and rhythms of old-world Spain, fiery gypsy spirit and passion, a cultured of honor and chivalry this is the essence of Don Quixote.
March 20 – April 3: Second annual Easter Eggstravaganza, including visits with the Easter Bunny.
March 20: Showcasing the cultures of L.A. in its World City series, the Music Center presents Bolivia Corazon (Bolivia) and Andes Manta (Ecuador).
March 21: In its 27th year of promoting fitness, education, community and fun, the Spirit Run offers eight races for pre-high school children, ages 4-14.
March 21: Adventure’s with Harold and his purple crayon.
March 21: Only five golden tickets in the whole world!
March 23: Co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield first scooped up free ice cream all day back in 1979 as a way to thank the community for supporting them in their first year. Now it’s an annual tradition at many of their scoop shops around the world. It’s your chance to try any of our [...]
March 25-28: A beloved Shakespeare comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
March 26: Kids (3-4 years) with their parent explore the fun world of bunnies.
March 27 – April 11: BubbleFest Discovery Science Center?s bubble extravaganza will float into Orange County for Spring Break.
March 27 and 28: Two days of special excursions, railroad displays, craft and food vendors.
March 28: Follow Harold and his crayon on several adventures.
March 30: Girls (8+) get the tools it takes to make a good first impression.
March 14: An intriguing blend of music and storytelling designed for kids ages 10 and under.
April 18: A 5K/10K with a Kids’ Run/Walk 1K; all events start at Knott’s front entrance.