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 all of the ongoing events in Southern California, too:

Free Ice Skating in Irvine

through February 28: Be energized by the cool, brisk winter activities of ice skating.


Idaho Smith and the Drinking Fountain of Youth

through March 5: Adventure has a name — Idaho Smith!


TWOGETHER IS BETTER at Knott’s Berry Farm

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.


Preschool Series at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens

February 3-24: Parents and kids (3-4) will search for rainbow hues.


“A Wrinkle in Time” in Costa Mesa

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 [...]


Fairies in the Forest Ballet in Huntington Beach

February 10-11: Follow the fairies into the forest.


Paws to Read in Orange

February 10: Kids practice reading aloud to a real certified therapy dog.


Fun in the Kitchen Workshop in Orange

February 11: Kids (grades 1-6) learn some fun cooking skills.


“Hey Quit Pushing” Free Parent Workshop in Long Beach

February 11: “Hey Quit Pushing: How We Put Children at Risk by Starting Academics to Early.”


“Peter Pan” at the Norris Center

February 12-21: This high-flying musical story of Peter Pan, Wendy, John and Michael.


Scottish Festival Aboard the Queen Mary

February 13-14: Experience Scottish heritage with parades, Highland dance competitions, country dancing and Highland games.


Soccer Nation Expo 2010

February 13-14: Numerous soccer activities for families.


“The Frog Prince” in Santa Ana

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.


Whale of a Weekend at Santa Monica Pier

February 13-14: An annual celebration of the Pacific Grey Whale migration.


Harlem Globetrotters in So. Cal

February 13-15: The timeless (and world-famous) Harlem Globetrotters take to the courts


Frogs: A Chorus of Color at Muzeo

February 13 – September 5: Frogs: A Chorus of Color introduces visitors to the amazing and sonorous world of anurans – over 150 live frogs!


Little Italy Carnevale in San Diego

February 13: A family-friendly outdoor event follows the Italian tradition of Carnevale.


Little Naturalists: Feather Focus

February 13: Kids (3 – 6) and their parents are invited to a playtime with a bird theme.


Jambo Watoto: Tales and Rhythms of Africa at the Geffen

February 13: Jambo Watoto is a loving homage to the rich and wonderful cultures of Africa.


Walk Cabrillo

February 14: Pack a snack and take a naturalist-guided walk to explore the different marine habitats of the coastline.


California Express Railroad and Transportation Show and Exhibit

February 14: For the tracks and wings family, go explore displays (and sale) of items from railroads, steamships, and airlines.


Family Sustainability: Purifying Water and Cooking

February 14: Families (8+) and naturalist Mark Maeseele will discuss finding water in different ecosystems and how to prepare it for human consumption.


Kidspace Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

February 14: Celebrate Heart Health Month and honor the 2010 Winter Olympics with a Kidspace Olympics Opening Ceremony.


In the Kidspace Kitchen: Sushi

February 14: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Kidspace Kitchen!


Sea Tales Storytime in Newport Beach

February 17: Stories, crafts, touch tank and music geared for pre-schoolers (age 2-5).


The Man Who Planted Trees in Costa Mesa

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.


World City – Free Performance at Disney Concert Hall

February 20: Showcasing the cultures of L.A. in its World City series, the Music Center presents Futa Toro and Got Rhythm (West Africa).


Chinatown’s Chinese New Year Festival and Golden Dragon Parade

February 20-21: Celebrating the Year of the Tiger.


“The Frog Prince” in Santa Ana

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.


African Heritage Festival at the Aquarium

February 20-21: The 8th Annual African Heritage Festival, celebrating African and African American cultures.


Chinese New Year Festival at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens

February 20: Families celebrate the Year of the Tiger.


Cinderella in Torrance

February 21: A musical adaptation of the classic tale fueled by inner beauty, courage and kindness.


Father/Daughter Valentine’s Dance

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


Free Parent Workshops in Costa Mesa

February 25: Parents learn “Growing and Learning with Groovy Grains” as part of the Healthy Families series.


Full Moon Walk for the Family

February 26: Families (6+) will join ENC Naturalist Leslie Helliwell to learn all about the Full Moon and the mysterious legends associated with it.


“It’s Magic” at the Norris Center

February 27: The all-new 54th edition of It?s Magic! with six new multi-talented magicians.


29th Annual Los Alamitos Race on the Base

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.


Irvine Park Railroad Annual Anniversary Celebration

February 27 – 28: To celebrate their 13th anniversary and show their customer appreciation, they’re rolling back to their original 1996 prices.


Kids’ Bonsai Workshop at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens

February 27: Kids (7-12) learn the ancient art of growing and shaping miniature trees.


Little Naturalists: Terrific Trees!

February 27: Kids (3 – 6) and their parents are invited to this playtime with a tree theme.


Purim Carnical at The Alpert JCC

February 28: Join with the AJCC, Jewish Federation, local temples, and other area Jewish organizations as they come together to celebrate Purim.


“Ms. Nelson is Missing” at the Norris Center for Performing Arts

February 28: Bad students, a missing sweet teacher and an evil substitute create a hilarious play.


“Nobody’s Perfect” in La Mirada

February 28: First impressions are not always what they seem to be when two girls learn the importance of communication.


Worms…Worms…Worms in Fullerton

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.


Kids’ Pet Parade in San Juan Capistrano

February 28: Kids (5-12) can bring their pets in costume for contest.


Rock and Mineral Workshop

February 28: Meet Anthony, a geology expert, who will demonstrate why minerals rock!


The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

March 1 – May 31: Visit 50 rolling acres of beautiful flower fields.


Annual Physics Day at Knott’s Berry Farm

March 4 and 11: Knott’s host more than 8,000 students for a day filled with science-related activities.


Down on the Farm at the OC Zoo

March 4: Kids (3-4) and parents explore the fun world of farm animals.


Stellaluna in Costa Mesa

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.


Target Free First Saturdays at the Children’s Museum

March 6: March, Music, Movement and more for kids will dance and move with spring themed projects.


Automotive Awareness 101 for Teens

March 6: A unique class that will focus on what is under the hood and how a car operates.


Lantern Festival in LA

March 6: A re-creation of a traditional Chinese village street fair.


Birthday Party Celebration at the Santa Ana Zoo

March 6-7: Come join the animals in celebration of the zoo’s birthday!


Festival of Whales

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.


Auditions for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

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 [...]


Storm Drain to Paradise at the Geffen

March 6: Kids (5+) and their parents enjoy a blend of music and theater.


The Giving Trees: An Arbor Day Event

March 7: Come join in an afternoon of fun, interactive activities discovering the rich gifts of trees.


Celebrating Women’s History Month

March 7: Go celebrate women’s achievements in art, history, culture, politics and more.


“The Secret Life of Girls” at the Laguna Playhouse

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.


International Family Film Festival in Hollywood

March 11-14: The 15th Annual International Family Film Festival.


Stories Under the Stars

March 12: Families learn to identify some of the major constellations with stories.


Magnificent Mammals at the OC Zoo

March 12: Kids (3-4 years) with their parent explore the fun world of mammals.


“Little Shop of Horrors” in La Habra

June 6: Based on the cult classic film version from the 1960s.


Teen Fashion Scene in Cypress

March 13: A runway of spring fashion for 12-18 year old guys and gals!


Waters of the Earth: Multicultural Tales of the Sea at the Geffen

March 13: Waters of the Earth explores the rich folklore and mythology of seafaring peoples.


Daylight Savings Time Begins

March 14: Spring your clocks forward one hour at 2 a.m. for more sunshine into the evenings.


Spelling Bee Championship in Long Beach

March 14: A spelling bee for kids (grades 3-5), with a cash prize.


Family Sustainability: Improvised Tools and 10 Essentials

March 14: Families (8+) join Naturalist Mark Maeseele to focus on useful tools that help in a “survival” environment.


St. Patrick’s Day at the OC Marketplace

March 14: Local Irish dance schools and Irish music, plus a Celtic stilt walker and balloon artistry by Abbit the Average Leprechaun.


Bonkers for Bunnies at the OC Zoo

March 16: Kids (3-4 years) with their parent explore the fun world of bunnies.


Tanaka Farms U-Pick Strawberry Tours

March – June: At Tanaka Farms in Orange County, kids taste and learn about different fruits and vegetables.


Caterpiller Adoption Days at Kidspace

March 17 – April 17: Adopt a caterpillar at Kidspace and watch in turn into a chrysalis (cocoon).


Sea Tales Storytime in Newport Beach

March 17: Stories, crafts, touch tank and music geared for pre-schoolers (age 2-5).


You & Me Time at Averyboo Arts

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.


Pigeon Party in Costa Mesa

March 19-21: Mo Willem’s Pigeon is back by popular demand and ready to party!


Hoos’ Gow Day in San Juan Capistrano

March 19: Fiesta Association sheriffs and deputies dress in traditional black and white western wear.


St. Joseph’s Day Return of the Swallows

March 19: Don’t miss this world renowned celebration every March, marking the return of the famous swallows to Capistrano.


Swallows Day Parade and Mercado in San Juan Capistrano

March 20: The Swallows Day Mercado celebrates the return of the swallows.


Star Party at Griffith Observatory

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.


Kayak at the Bay with Cypress Recreation

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


Musical Storytime Presents Firebird Fairy Tale

March 20: Igor Stravinsky’s famous work tells of Prince Ivan’s adventure in a magical realm.


“Don Quixote” in Irvine

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.


Easter Eggstravaganza with Irvine Railroad

March 20 – April 3: Second annual Easter Eggstravaganza, including visits with the Easter Bunny.


World City – Free Performance at Disney Concert Hall

March 20: Showcasing the cultures of L.A. in its World City series, the Music Center presents Bolivia Corazon (Bolivia) and Andes Manta (Ecuador).


The 27th Annual Spirit Run at Fashion Island in Newport Beach

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.


The Adventures of Harold and The Purple Crayon

March 21: Adventure’s with Harold and his purple crayon.


“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at the Norris Center of Performing Arts

March 21: Only five golden tickets in the whole world!


Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry’s

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 [...]


“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Norris Center

March 25-28: A beloved Shakespeare comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.


Family Night Hike in Orange

March 25: Take a hike with the family (6+) under the stars.


SHARKS! at SEA LIFE Carlsbad

March 26: SEA LIFE Carlsbad launches SHARKS! with three new shows.


Bonkers for Bunnies at the OC Zoo

March 26: Kids (3-4 years) with their parent explore the fun world of bunnies.


BubbleFest XIIII at Discovery Science Center

March 27 – April 11: BubbleFest Discovery Science Center?s bubble extravaganza will float into Orange County for Spring Break.


RAILFEST 2010

March 27 and 28: Two days of special excursions, railroad displays, craft and food vendors.


Fly Me to the Moon in Los Angeles

March 28: Blast off on a flight of musical fancy.


“Harold and the Purple Crayon” at the La Mirada Theater

March 28: Follow Harold and his crayon on several adventures.


American Girl:”A Smart Girl’s Guide to Manners” Workshop: Day Program

March 30: Girls (8+) get the tools it takes to make a good first impression.


Musical Circus for Kids in Pasadena

March 14: An intriguing blend of music and storytelling designed for kids ages 10 and under.


The Coaster Run at Knott’s Berry Farm

April 18: A 5K/10K with a Kids’ Run/Walk 1K; all events start at Knott’s front entrance.