Catch It While You Can: Limited-Time Events & Experiences for Families in Southern California

Southern California is always buzzing with incredible events, but some experiences won’t be around forever! From traveling museum exhibits and immersive pop-ups to seasonal art installations and one-of-a-kind attractions, this list highlights the best limited-time events happening now.

Unlike our regular Event Calendar, this collection features longer-running but temporary experiences that you won’t want to miss.

Events are sorted by end date — so the ones at the top are wrapping up the soonest!

Check back often! New experiences are always popping up!


Photo: Imaginmarium

Imaginarium Zenthara

Lakewood Center | Lakewood
August 28 – November 9, 2025

Explore 10 spectacular themed worlds in this immersive indoor and outdoor experience. Wander through romantic gardens, gaze at star-filled skies, venture into fiery volcanoes, and dive beneath the waves into undersea wonders. With stunning artistry, live performances, and interactive elements, Zenthara offers a magical night of discovery and adventure.

Photo: Petersen Museum

Cars are Beautiful: Mr Brainwash @ the Petersen

Petersen Museum | Los Angeles
Now – 2026

Step into a vibrant pop art world at the Petersen Automotive Museum’s new immersive exhibit, Cars Are Beautiful, created by French-born, LA-based artist Mr Brainwash. Known for his playful, graffiti-inspired style, Mr Brainwash transforms the automobile into a colorful celebration of imagination, joy, and American culture through paintings, sculptures, and interactive art.

The exhibit fills the Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery with a whimsical explosion of creativity, inviting visitors of all ages to experience cars like never before.

Photo: Courtesy of Pixar Putt.

Pixar Putt

Pixar Place Hotel | Anaheim
February 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Get ready to putt your way through Pixar magic at this whimsical 18-hole mini golf experience at Pixar Place Hotel. Inspired by beloved films like Toy Story, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, A Bug’s Life, Inside Out, and Coco, each hole brings Pixar stories to life with interactive and playful designs.

Perfect for fans of all ages, this limited-time attraction is open daily, with advance booking recommended.

Tickets: $32.50 for general guests, $25 for hotel guests and Magic Key holders (plus $2 service fees). Parking is free at the Pixar Place Hotel for 3 hours, standard rates apply after that time.

Photo: Disney

Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration

Disneyland Resort | Anaheim
May 16 – Summer 2026

Disneyland Resort celebrates 70 years of magic with new and returning entertainment, colorful décor, themed food, special merchandise and more.

Highlights include:

  • World of Color – Happiness! at Disney California Adventure
  • Paint the Night Parade – Dazzling floats with over a million LED lights
  • Wondrous Journeys – Nighttime spectacular celebrating Disney Animation classics
  • Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration – Daytime parade at California Adventure
  • The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade – New character cavalcade showcasing rare and classic Disney friends
Photo: Imaginarium

Imaginarium Land of Oz

Fairplex | Pomona
November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Step beyond the rainbow and into a world of light, magic, and imagination at Imaginarium: Land of Oz. Follow the yellow brick road through dazzling illuminated displays, glowing tunnels, and fantastical art installations inspired by the beloved story. This immersive experience transforms the Fairplex Lagoon & Glade into a dreamlike wonderland filled with color, music, and whimsy

Photo: Bob Baker Marionette Theater

Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s Winter Wonderland

Bob Baker Marionette Theater | Los Angeles
November 15, 2025 – January 18, 2026

Step into the magic of the season with Bob Baker’s Holiday Special: Winter Wonderland! Join Demi Star and the BBMT puppets for a whimsical tour of holiday traditions featuring caroling penguins, Santa’s workshop, and sledding slopes. This reimagined classic brings festive cheer, music, and twinkling fun for the whole family.

Photo: California Science Center

GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play

California Science Center, Los Angeles
May 15 – Summer 2028

GAME ON! is a hands-on exhibition celebrating the connection between science, sports, and play. Spanning 17,000 square feet, the exhibition invites visitors to explore a wide range of sports through interactive activities, technology-enhanced challenges, and guidance from mentor athletes.

Guests can practice baseball swings, kick soccer goals, swim virtually with a Para athlete, explore yoga and mindfulness, and learn about nutrition and careers in sports.

Tickets: Included with free general admission and will remain on view through the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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This post was written by Kidsguide

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