Calendar

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 the ongoing events happening every: DAY, WEEK and MONTH!

Upcoming events

Concert in the Plaza in Cerritos

September 3: Relax on a blanket or bring a picnic to enjoy while a live band jams at Liberty Park.


Parent’s Night Out, Kids’ Night In: Where the Wild Things Are? at

September 3:In honor of the book of the day, Where the Wild Things Are, children (4+) will let their imaginations soar just like Max.


Music Under the Stars at Mission San Juan Capistrano

Every other Saturday, through September 4: Family night of music plus additional activities for the kids during the show.


Music Under the Stars at the San Juan Mission

September 4: Today, The Fab Four, a Beatles tribute.


Native Gardening and Beach Clean-up in San Pedro

September 4: Help maintain the Cabrillo garden by weeding, planting and learning about native plants and animals, and a beach clean-up.


Frogs: A Chorus of Color at Muzeo

through September 5: Frogs: A Chorus of Color introduces visitors to the amazing and sonorous world of anurans – over 150 live frogs!


Exhibit Galaxy Kids at Children’s Museum at La Habra

June 15- September 5: Get set to blast into outer space as you ride the Space Shuttle to the Galaxy!


Walking with Dinosaurs in Anaheim

September 1-5: After years of planning, the BBC TV series, Walking with Dinosaurs comes to life in a stunning theatrical event with 15 life-size dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus-rex.


Mexican Independence Family Festival at Bowers Museum

September 5: Celebrate families of Mexico at Bower’s Children’s Museum with music, food and arts and crafts.


Half Price Tuesdays at Dana Warf Sportsfishing

Tuesdays: 1/2 and 3/4 day fishing trips and 2-hour whale watching excursions (January through April only) is half off the regular price.


Sigler Park Splash Pad

Through September 6: Kids of all ages can enjoy a water playground with various structures with water features such as pelican showers and towering sprinklers.


Fire Knife of Samoa in Anaheim

September 4-5: Two days of Hawaiian solo artists, hula contests and the 7th annual Fire Knife Competition.


Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo

June 26 – September 6: Nighttime Zoo offers visitors a different perspective on the Zoo.


African Summer Festival at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park

June 19-September 6: This festival will celebrate Africa with music and activities.


Pretend City Author’s Day

September 6: Pretend City hosts local authors and illustrators during our first Author’s Day!


Long Beach Greek Festival

September 4-6: Greek food and desserts, dancing lessons and performances, live music, full carnival, specialty shopping and more.


Free Fishing Day in California

September 6: Throughout California, no fishing license is required at all local lakes today.


Volunteer in the Aquatic Nursery at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

September 8: Teens (16+) can become a docent in the Aquatic Nursery at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium by attending this training.


Way to Play Day: Communication at Pretend City

September 10: Celebrate your heritage in the city with their “Passport to Health” while learning to better understand your child’s communication developmental milestones.


Playhouse Tours at Irvine Spectrum

August 1 – September 11: View unique playhouses from whimsical to elegant.


Meet Jamie Lee Curits at Whale of a Tale

September 11: Book signing and reading.


Voyage to Shellmaker Island

September 11: Parents and children ages 7 and older travel aboard a 25-passenger pontoon boat to Shellmaker Island.


Free Kids Art Set at the Angels Game

September 11: KIds (2-18) in attendance receive a free art kit.


Aqua Cub at the Newport Sea Base

September 11: Row, row, row you boat! Girls and boys (6-10) learn basic boating safety and rowing in this on-the-water introduction to rowing.


Channel Islands Adventure: San Miguel Landing

September 11: Boarding in Ventura, journey on an adventure to San Miguel Island, the most remote of the Channel Islands.


Playhouse Tours at Irvine Spectrum

Weekends, through September 11: View unique playhouses from whimsical to elegant, that will be auctioned off as part of the HomeAid Orange County’s annual Project Playhouse.


Family Fossil Days

September 11: Families (6+) can explore Ralph B. Clark Regional Park’s rich fossil history and visit the marine fossil site for hands-on fossil excavation.


Railroadiana in Perris

September 11: Southern California’s largest outdoor railroadiana.


Voyage to Shellmaker Island

Sept. 12: Parents and children ages 7 and older travel aboard a 25-passenger pontoon boat to Shellmaker Island.


Grossology – The Impolite Science of the Human Body

May 29 – September 12: Sometimes it’s stinky; sometimes it’s crusty; and sometimes it’s slimy. Explore why your body produces mushy, oozy, crusty, scaly and stinky gunk.


Free Concert in Huntington Beach

September 12: The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum hosts a day of music.


Walking with Dinosaurs in Los Angeles

September 9-12: After years of planning, the BBC TV series, Walking with Dinosaurs comes to life in a stunning theatrical event with 15 life-size dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus-rex.


Family Survival and Bushcraft: Orienteering and Navigation

September 12: Families (8+) join Naturalist Mark Maeseele discover how to become “un-lost” without a GPS.


Dia de la Familia in Westminster

September 12: City of Westminster celebrates with entertainment, food and a vintage car show.


21st Annual Car Show in Belmont Shore

September 12: Gather the family’s gear-heads (big and small) and head over to 2nd St. in Long Beach.


Musical Circus: Hooray for Hollywood in Pasadena

September 12: An intriguing blend of music and storytelling designed for kids ages 10 and under, presented by the Pasadena Symphony.


Rockin’ Shakespeare in the Park in Anaheim

September 10-12: A combo-night of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and music of the 50s.


Free Kids Back-to-School Binder at the Angel Game

September 12: KIds (2-18) in attendance receive a free Angels binder.


Toshiba Tallships Festival in Dana Point

September 11-12: The festival features a spectacular array of family activities, including maritime displays and presentations.


Sunday Story Studio at Cabrillo Aquarium

September 13: Discover the wonders of the ocean through literature.


Swim Sea Turtle…Swim! in Newport Beach

September 15: Stories, crafts, touch tank and music geared for pre-schoolers (age 2-5).


Sea Tales Storytime in Newport Beach

September 15: Stories, crafts, touch tank and music geared for pre-schoolers (age 2-5).


SEA Club for K-2 Graders at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Wednesdays, September 15 – October 13: On four consecutive Wednesday afternoons kids (K-2) join the education staff for a series of hands-on, after-school marine science adventures.


Let’s Go Fishing in Newport Beach

September 1: Stories, crafts, touch tank and music geared for pre-schoolers (age 2-5).


Locks of Love Hair Drive in Norwalk

September 16: The City of Norwalk’s Locks of Love Hair Drive.


Family Sukkot Celebration

September 26: Come to the Skirball with your own picnic dinner and dine al fresco in the tradition of Sukkot, the Jewish harvest holiday.


Ride the Steam Locomotive at Orange Empire

September 17-18: Steam locomotive Ventura County No. 2 operates on the third weekend of every month, September through May (except November).


Open Trail Day at Rancho Sonado in Silverado

September 18: Nurture your natural curiosity with help from Inside the Outdoors’ naturalists while hiking.


Star Party at Griffith Observatory

September 18: 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.


Charles Long: 100 Pounds of Clay in Newport Beach

Through September 19: Sculptor Charles Long invites people to pick up any block of clay that’s on display and mold, sculpt, and play.


The Hobbit in Fullerton

August 6-September 19: Follow the adventure of Bilbo Baggins on his unexpected journey.


Zoo Discovery Days: Reptilemania at the San Diego Zoo

September 16-19: A family-friendly event to meet reptile keepers, have a close encounter with reptiles and learn about the important role reptiles play in the environment.


Surf City Surf Dog

September 19: At this inaugural event, benefitting seven Southern California dog rescue organizations, “man’s best friend” takes on the challenge of surfing!


Fiestas Patrias in Santa Ana

September 18-19: Festival celebrates the independence days of several Latin and South American countries that coincide with Mexican Independence Day.


LA Arboretum’s Family Adventure

September 19: Join your adventure guide as they explore The Arboretum.


Charles Long: 100 Pounds of Clay in Newport Beach

Through September 19: Sculptor Charles Long invites people to pick up any block of clay that’s on display and mold, sculpt, and play.


Moompetam: Native American Festival

September 18-19: The Aquairum of the Pacific celebrates Native American culture.


Free Dodgers Fleece Blanket at the Dodger Game

September 21: The first 50,000 receive a Dodgers fleece blanket (with paid admission).


Autumn Equinox at the Griffith Observatory

September 22: Celebrate the changing of the seasons with telescopes and an explantation of what takes place during the equinox


Animal Art I at the OC Zoo

September 24: Kids (3-4) learn about the zoo’s animals with hands-on learning and fun crafts.


Open Auditions for Fullerton Children’s Reperatory Theater

September 23-24: Kids (grades 5-8) invited for open auditions.


Kids Only Campfire Fun Nights in Irvine

September 24: Kids (5-12) explore with flashlights on our Nature Center Trail, pig out on pizza, munch on popcorn, and watch a movie.


Sound of Music Sing-along at the Hollywood Bowl

September 25: For one night only, the Bowl is transformed into a movie theater!


Root Beer Making at the LA Arboretum

September 25: Join the arboretum as they celebrate Oktoberfest.


Twilight Canoe Tour of Upper Newport Bay

September 25: Canoe around Upper Newport Bay with the family (10+) and an experienced naturalist on a three-hour tour that includes a barbeque dinner.


Research Open House in San Pedro

September 25: Learn about research opportunities at CMA during this one-day open house where staff demonstrate laboratory techniques and discuss project options.


Huntington Beach Clean-ups

September 25: Spend the morning with the Surfrider Foundation by volunteering to pick-up trash at your local beach.


Coastal Cleanup Day in Dana Point

September 25: The Ocean Institute invites you take part in a beach cleanup to help celebrate California?s annual Coastal Cleanup Day.


Coastal Cleanup and Salt Marsh Open House at Cabrillo

September 25: Join the coastal cleanup, 9 a.m – noon.


Festival of Children Celebration at South Coast Plaza

September 4-25: The festival aims to help educate the community about the programs benefiting the children of Orange County.


Free Kids Camouflage Military Hat at the Angles Game

September 25: Kids (2-18) in attendance receive a free Angels camouflage military hat.


National Public Lands Day

September 25: The 17th annual National Public Lands Day, which brings together tens of thousands of volunteers to work on and clean up public lands.


American Girl Free Family Event at Michaels

September 25: Make everything you’ll need to throw a doll-sized party that’s full of girl-sized fun for kids 8 years and up.


Walk Cabrillo in San Pedro

September 25: Pack a snack and join a walk guided by CMA’s Education staff.


Pet Trek Walkathon in Irvine

September 25: A festival of pet-related activities including vendors, food, entertainment, pet contest, silent auction and a walk around Woodbridge Lake with your family’s dog(s) to raise funds for homeless animals.


Back to School with the Amoeba People

September 25: Songs! Stories!! Poems!!! Come along on a journey through all the important subjects: math, science, entomology, international finance, and more!


Mixed: Portraits of Multiracial Kids

through September 26: Artist and author Kip Fulbeck returns with his newest collection of works based on his new book Mixed: Portraits of Multiracial Kids.


Exploring Trees Inside and Out Exhibit at CSC

through September 26: A forest of “tree-mendous” family fun has planted its roots in time for the summer.


Rockin’ Down Broadway on the Queen Mary

July 9 – September 26: Join the cast of Tibbies to celebrate the hottest hits of Broadway.


Annual Lineage Day of Dance at Kidspace

September 26: Dance opportunities include family dance, creative dance, hip hop, ballet, broadway and hula dance.


West Hollywood Book Fair

September 26: The West Hollywood Book Fair schedule includes a full day’s worth of programming for 15 Stages.


Sid the Science Kid Day at California Science Center

September 26: Little Scientists of all ages are encouraged to observe, explore and investigate with a hands-on visit.


Creepy Crawly Creature Feature

September 26: A Zany entomology expo for kids, with hundreds of bug, spider and butterfly species, outrageous edible insects, scientists and specialists!


Tinkertoys: Build Your Imagination at Discovery Science Center

Through September 26: Tinkertoys are a favorite of the young and old alike!


Baja Splash Cultural Festival

September 25-26: In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day, the Aquarium of the Pacific will host its seventh annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival.


Family Workshop: Gorgeous Gardens

September 26: Spark your imagination with flowers, fruits, and lush plants!


Free Concert in Huntington Beach

September 26: The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum hosts a day of music.


Family Yoga at the LA Arboretum

September 26: Gather the kids (4-8) for an afternoon of movement, music and merriment that helps children and parents rejuvenate, relax and bond as a family through the practice of Kundalini yoga.


World War II Cruise

September 25-26: The S.S. Lane Victory, a historical merchant marine vessel, offers a full day cruise featuring a World War II battle simulation at sea with spies and a mock aerial attack.


Family Sundays at the California African American Museum

First Sundays: A day full of family programs.


Pavilion of Wings in LA

through September 6: Stroll through the outdoor, landscaped butterfly enclosure to discover hundreds of free-flying butterflies of more than 30 different species.


Apple Computer Classes and Camps

Ongoing: Apple stores offer free computer classes (5+).


Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Kids

September 27: A national effort promoting involved families as a simple and effective way to reduce substance abuse by children and teens and raise healthier children.


Ahoy Matey Puppet and Magic Show in Huntington Beach

September 29: Petey the Parrot must find the treasure before Captain Funny-Face does.


Discount Movies Theaters

Ongoing: Catch a movie for a discounted price.


Family Sunday with the Angels

Sundays: At most Sunday games, families can enjoy an afternoon at the ballpark and take part in the activities in the Family Picnic Zone.


Family Game Night in Orange

Third Wednesdays: Gather the family for a night of playing a variety of new games, including Wii, at the library!


Mommy Movie Mondays at Krikorian Movie Theaters

Mondays: This program is for all those moms and dads who haven’t been to the theatre since the turn of the century.


Free Kid’s Fishing Clinic in Dana Point

Sundays: Dana Wharf Sportfishing offers a dockside experience for young fisherman.


Kids Night Out at Fitwize 4 Kids

Last Saturdays: Three hours of fun for kids while parents enjoy a night out.


Free Kids’ Activities and Storytimes in Rossmoor

Every Thursday: Kids and their parents can create take-home crafts together.


Long Beach Firefighters’ Museum Open House

Second Saturdays: Pumping demonstrations, antique displays and tours of old Fire Station No. 10.


Kids Run the Bases at the Angels Game

Sundays: At most Sunday home games, kids (2-18) can stick around after the games to run the same bases the Angels do


Family Art Workshop in Long Beach

Third Sundays: Families learn about a piece of art on display, then create a related craft.


Free Trial Classes at Kindergolf

Ongoing: A unique program that offers golf instruction to kids as young as preschool (2-7).


Museum of Latin American Family Arts Workshops

Sundays: Hands-on family arts workshops for all ages are led by visual artists every Sunday, 1-4 p.m.


Animal Enrichment Weekends at the San Diego Zoo

Third weekend: Special interactive elements, talks with animal care staff and toys for animals to enjoy are scheduled.


Cultural Rhythms Concerts in Long Beach

Third Thursdays, through August 19: Explore culture through music at the Nature Center. Bring chairs and an earth-friendly picnic dinner.


Free Train Rides at Fairview Park

Third weekends: Free model train rides are offered by Orange County Model Engineers.


Althlete Signings in Huntington Beach

Ongoing: Meet your favorite althete and get their autograph!


Free Guided Bolsa Chica Wetlands Tours

First Saturdays: Guides will point out the common plants, animals and birds and discuss history, endangered species, ecology and restoration.


Discovery Days at Petersen’s Automotive Museum

First Saturdays: Kids can make unique creations such as pop-up cards, wooden racers and Frisbees


September at Pretend City

September 1-30: Theme: Reading Rocks!


Kids Eat Free Every Tuesday

Tuesdays: With purchase of any Chick-fil-A combo meal, receive a Kids Meal free.


Wild Animal Photo Caravan Tour

Ongoing, most weekends: Take a Family Caravan tour (6+) for an up-close encounter with exotic animals and a giraffe feeding.


Family Sleep-overs at the San Diego Zoo

Ongoing: Families (8+) can “Roar and Snore,” on an overnight tent-camping experience that overlooks the plains of “East Africa.”


Bob Baker Marionette Theater

Ongoing: The audience is always part of the show when the world famous Bob Baker Marionettes perform in-the-round.


Free Craft Class at The Long Beach Depot for Creative Reuse

Saturdays: Craft classes where kids learn to make things from recycled items and alternative materials that are too good to put in the trash, along with hand-sewing class (8+).


Newport Dunes Aquatic Fun Park

Ongoing: The park features a “mother’s beach” with calm waves and fun toys for kids (4 and under) or novice swimmers.


Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safaris

Ongoing: Enjoy the world’s most unique whale watching experience with Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safaris on their specially equipped sailing catamaran.


Mini Chefs at The Factory

Wednesdays: Mini Chefs (16 months – 4) and their grown-up sing, play, and participate in hands on cooking.


Blacksmith’s Corner in Bellflower

Ongoing: Visit an old-fashioned feed store with small barn animals.


Tanaka Farms U-Pick Strawberry and Watermelon Tours

Weekends: Strawberry Tours, through the end of June; and Watermelon Tours, July and August; Plus, sign-up for for the two-hour Cookout Tour.


Family Saturday at Japanese American National Museum

Second Saturdays: Come and explore Asian American and Japanese American books.


Fireworks on Fridays with the Angels

Fridays: Angels’ Friday home games feature a post-game big-bang fireworks extravaganza.


Weiner Dog Races at Old World

Third Sundays: Watch 16 short-legged but swift Dachshunds race, like nothing you’ve seen before!


Help Keep Downey Beautiful

Saturdays: Build community pride and help make a difference for the environment with a volunteer clean-up.


Pottery Barn Book Club

Tuesdays: Kids of all ages are invited to join Pottery Barn’s story time.


Parent’s Night Out at SCATS

Last Saturdays: Parent’s Night Out at SCATS Gymnastics. Kids have a great time in a safe environment while parents get some time together.


Little Picassos at Children’s Museum at La Habra

Wednesdays: Join the museum every Wednesday for a “paint date” in the Family Art Center.


Pee Wee Art and Preschool Picassos at Averyboo Arts

Tuesdays: Pee Wee Art is for kids ages 2-3 and Preschool Picassos is for kids ages 3-5.


Parents Night Out at My Gym

Days vary: Kids play games and enjoy pizza, juice and snacks.


Tidepool Walks at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Ongoing: Go along on an naturalist led ramble on the rocks to see animals in their natural habitat.


Wild North America at the Orange County Zoo

September 30: Kids (3-4) learn about the wild animals of North America with hands-on learning and fun crafts.


Kodak Theatre Guided Tours

Ongoing: See an Oscar statuette, visit the VIP room, learn where this year’s nominees sat and gain an insider’s view of behind-the-scenes production.


Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinics

Second and fourth Saturdays: Free Build and Grow kids’ clinics offered monthly with a range of projects.


Paint ‘N’ Glaze Parent’s Night Out

First Fridays: Parents can drop off their kids (5+) from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for ceramic crafts, pizza and fun!


First Fridays at Averyboo Arts

First Fridays: On the first Friday of every month, Averyboo Arts makes it special for all the little ones out strolling with their grown-ups in Bixby Knolls, Long Beach.


Free Admission Day at Southern California Museums

Ongoing: Free admission offered on varying days.


Free Second Sundays Art Workshop in Newport Beach

Second Sundays: Admission is free on the second Sunday of every month.


Buccaneer Bay at Wild Rivers (new for 2010)

Ongoing: New to the water park this year is Buccaneer Bay- An exciting children’s play area featuring a 45 foot pirate ship with four water cannons and tipping buckets as well as a two-story water tower pouring out 300 gallons water each minute!


Kid’s Beeding Class at Jewelart

Ongoing:Kids (4-8) can drop in for a fun FREE class.


Board Game Bonanza in Costa Mesa

Fourth Wednesdays: Family Board game hour with prize.


Ten O’Clock Sundays at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Sundays: During 10 O’clock Sundays, admission will be just $11.95 per person after 6 p.m.


Family Clay Time in Irvine

Saturdays: Families (5+) work together on artistic creations each week guided by professional art instructors. Work in different medias each week.


Jr. Chefs at The Factory

Thursdays: Kids (5-12) prepare and take home dinner for their entire family.


Lakeshore Learning’s Free Saturday Workshops

Saturdays: Kids (3+) can create crafts like a stick puzzle, collage mirror or a royal crown.


“NightLite: I was a Teenage Vampire” in Long Beach

August 20 – October 3: Enjoy a humorous spoof of Twilight where the audience boos the villain and cheers the hero.


Los Angeles County Fair

September 4 – October 3: Visit the fair where “Pure Fun” is the theme and everyone is bound to have a good time!


Stoller Brigade in Fullerton

August 4- October 6: Calling all toddlers, preschoolers and their grown ups to the Fullerton Museum Center for docent led games, stories, puzzles and crafts.


“Othello in Long Beach

September 17- October 16: One of Shakespeare’s beloved tragedies, Othello revolves around four central characters.


The Phantom of the Opera at the Pantages

September 23 – October 17: Adapted from Gaston Leroux’s classic novel of mystery and suspense.


Blue Whale Safari Cruise

June 1 – October 30: Enjoy the world’s most unique whale watching experience with Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safaris on their specially equipped sailing catamaran.


Halloween Haunt and Camp Spooky at Knott’s

September 24 – October 31: For 38 years, Knott’s Berry Farm had transformed into Knott’s Scary Farm, with Halloween decorations throughout the park.


Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Park Railroad

September 18 – October 31: Pick the perfect pumpkin, ride the train or the ponies, jump around on haystacks, wander through the maze or the haunted house or just play games and make crafts


Octoberfest, Kinderfest and Dachshund Races

September 9 – October 31: An annual event that lets families enjoy Oktoberfest, featuring wiener dog (dachshunds) races, plus carnival games and Bobo the Chicken.


Haunted Fullerton Walking Tours

Through November 5: Check out downtown Fullerton: Orange County’s most haunted city.