All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
Movie Screenings & Puppets with Vidiots & Bob Baker Marionette Theater
January 13, 2025: Vidiots will be playing movies for kids all day while grown-ups can enjoy water, snacks, and a quiet place to charge and recharge. Bob Baker Marionette Theater will also be there from 1:30-4:30pm.
Free Admission at Natural History Museum
Now - January 17, 2025: The Natural History Museum is offering free general admission to serve as a space of respite for the Los Angeles community.
Free Admission to Kidspace Children’s Museum
January 16-19: During these challenging times, Kidspace welcomes families to rest, play, and connect with free admission.
Disney Community Screenings at El Capitan Theatre
January 18-26: Disney's El Capitan Theatre is hosting free screenings of Moana 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King for those impacted by the devastating LA area fires.
Events at Long Beach Public Libraries
Ongoing: Explore free events at Long Beach Public Libraries, including storytimes, workshops, book clubs, and hands-on activities for all ages!
Free Entrance Day to National Parks
Come experience the national parks! Mark your calendar for these free entrance days in 2025!
Free Entrance to All National Parks in Commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
January 20, 2025: National parks across the country will waive entrance fees in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Astronaut Commemoration at Columbia Memorial Space Center
January 25, 2025: Join Columbia Memorial Space Center in commemorating the astronauts of the Challenger, Columbia, and Apollo 1. Explore the space center and engage in presentation and activities celebrating their legacy.
Touch-a-Truck at The Pike Outlets in Long Beach
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025: Hands-on event with kid-friendly activities, opportunities to take pictures behind the wheel and learn about trucks and vehicles of all kinds!
Events at Long Beach Public Libraries
Ongoing: Explore free events at Long Beach Public Libraries, including storytimes, workshops, book clubs, and hands-on activities for all ages!
Lunar New Year Firecracker Show at Asian Garden Mall in Westminster
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2025: Celebrate with firecrackers, music, and a lion dance so be sure to join our cultural activities. Come early to get a good spot!
Shark Lagoon Nights at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
SELECT FRIDAYS, JANUARY - NOVEMBER, 2025: Get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators and have a chance to touch smaller sharks such as bamboo sharks. You will also see rays and large sharks in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon. Coffee, hot cocoa, and snacks are available for purchase. Shark Lagoon Nights are weather-dependent and can be canceled due to inclement weather.
Wonderfold Wagonfest
February 1: Visit the Wonderfold Headquarters for a one-day-only event, where you can shop for new wagons, open-box wagons, and enjoy a variety of family activities including bounce houses, soft play area, face painting, balloon twisting, surprise character guest, food trucks, and free ice cream.
Free Family Concert at Soka Performing Arts Center
February 1: Enjoy a free, family-friendly concert with live orchestral music, interactive activities, and engaging narration by the Orange County Youth Symphony.
Kid Builders at Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library
February 1: Join First 5 Orange County for a morning filled with free activities and resources tailored for families with children ages 0-5.
Community Garden Grand Opening at Heritage Museum OC
February 1, 2025: Enjoy special guest speakers, food vendors, informational booths, garden games, art project, pumpkin smashing, workshops, scavenger hunt and more.
Free Youth Tennis Play Day at El Dorado Park
February 1: Join Bridge the Gap Tennis for a free fun-filled, family event with tennis, music, face painting, food, and more.
Lunar New Year Celebration at The Market Place
Saturday, February 1, 2025: Enjoy martial arts, choir, drummers, lion and dragon dances, calligraphy artist, live snake exhibit, themed crafts, stilt walkers, and mocktail bar.
Art Lab at Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro
February 1: Join a free, all-ages workshop blending science and art, held every first Saturday of the month. Learn about bioluminescence and glowing organisms from marine experts, then create custom blacklight watercolor art using San Pedro-inspired stencils.
Events at Long Beach Public Libraries
Ongoing: Explore free events at Long Beach Public Libraries, including storytimes, workshops, book clubs, and hands-on activities for all ages!
Renaissance Chocolate Faire at Bowers Museum
February 2: Indulge in chocolate tastings from local chocolatiers while enjoying Renaissance-era entertainment, craft demonstrations, and live music.
Santa Ana Zoo Park Pop-Ups
February 7 - May 23: Explore nature with Zoo Staff at parks throughout Santa Ana. Walk-ups welcome. No reservations required.
Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution | Huntington Beach Central Park
March 7-8: Experience live battle reenactments, sword fighting, and cannon demonstrations as history comes to life. Meet historical figures like George Washington, learn about soldier life, and train like a spy. FREE!
Events at Long Beach Public Libraries
Ongoing: Explore free events at Long Beach Public Libraries, including storytimes, workshops, book clubs, and hands-on activities for all ages!
Kids Club Craft: Animal Valentines Day Cards at IKEA Costa Mesa
February 12: Kids Club Craft is held every Wednesday from 5-7pm. This week, use craft supplies, googly eyes, and glue sticks to make Animal Valentines Day Cards.
Santa Ana Zoo Park Pop-Ups
February 7 - May 23: Explore nature with Zoo Staff at parks throughout Santa Ana. Walk-ups welcome. No reservations required.
Lunar New Year at 2ND & PCH in Long Beach
Saturday, February 15, 2025: Shop local vendors, enjoy live performances, and celebrate Lunar New Year with cultural activities at 2ND & PCH.
Family Science Sundays at Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro
February 16: Learn about ocean conservation and marine mammals at this free monthly program, featuring interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. This session focuses on squid biology and anatomy. Participants get to dissect a squid!
Events at Long Beach Public Libraries
Ongoing: Explore free events at Long Beach Public Libraries, including storytimes, workshops, book clubs, and hands-on activities for all ages!
King Day at California African American Museum (Rescheduled)
JANUARY 16: Come together to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Event includes a live orchestra performance, story time, family activities, food trucks, and more.
Free Tuesday at Descanso Gardens (and Ticket Release Dates)
THIRD TUESDAYS: Visit Descanso Gardens for free on the third Tuesday of each month. Free Tuesday tickets will be released on the first day of each month (or first Monday if the first day falls on a weekend).
Santa Ana Zoo Park Pop-Ups
February 7 - May 23: Explore nature with Zoo Staff at parks throughout Santa Ana. Walk-ups welcome. No reservations required.
A Day of Recovery & Resilience
February 22: A free community event offering housing support, wellness services, kids' activities, live entertainment, and essential supplies for families impacted by the LA Fires.
Pacific Symphony’s Lantern Festival at Segerstrom
February 22, 2025: Bring the entire family and join Pacific Symphony for the annual Lantern Festival featuring music, dance, art making, riddles, and food. The concert hall lobby becomes transformed for the festivities with floating lantern, the concert hall features performances, and the plaza outside will have fun activities and demos. Free admission, but tickets required to enter the concert hall.
Events at Long Beach Public Libraries
Ongoing: Explore free events at Long Beach Public Libraries, including storytimes, workshops, book clubs, and hands-on activities for all ages!
Santa Ana Zoo Park Pop-Ups
February 7 - May 23: Explore nature with Zoo Staff at parks throughout Santa Ana. Walk-ups welcome. No reservations required.
Nature Walk: Salt Marsh Stroll at Los Cerritos Wetlands
March 1: Learn about wetland restoration, native plants, and wildlife at Zedler Marsh on this guided ecology walk.
First Responders Gratitude Day at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
March 1-2: First responders receive free admission plus one guest in appreciation of their service. Reservations required.
Public Tour at Bolsa Chica Wetlands
First Saturdays: Learn about the history, wildlife, and importance of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands during their monthly general public tour. An expert guide leads you through the beauty and wonder of the wetlands.
Free Saturday Family Theatre in Long Beach
March 1, May 3, June 21, September 13, October 25: A free opportunity for kid of all ages to experience the magic of theatre. These free shows are open to all. Reservations are required.
OCC Planetarium Reopening Celebration
March 1: Celebrate the OCC Planetarium’s reopening with free planetarium shows, hands-on activities, giveaways, and an aquarium visit.
Bricks and Minifigs Anniversary Bash in Whittier
March 1: Enjoy cheeseburgers, free hot dogs, LEGO raffles, and an Elvis appearance at this 2-year anniversary celebration!
Celtic Festival at Bowers Museum
March 2: Experience live bagpipes, Irish dancing, Celtic music, and hands-on art activities at this free family festival!
Events at Long Beach Public Libraries
Ongoing: Explore free events at Long Beach Public Libraries, including storytimes, workshops, book clubs, and hands-on activities for all ages!
Free Tuesday at Descanso Gardens (and Ticket Release Dates)
THIRD TUESDAYS: Visit Descanso Gardens for free on the third Tuesday of each month. Free Tuesday tickets will be released on the first day of each month (or first Monday if the first day falls on a weekend).
Downey Unified School District — Early Education Expo
March 5: Experience hands-on demonstrations from the district's youngest students in innovation labs, robotics, coding, music, and more! Enjoy complimentary coffee, water, and cookies, and a take home swag bag (while supplies last).
Santa Ana Zoo Park Pop-Ups
February 7 - May 23: Explore nature with Zoo Staff at parks throughout Santa Ana. Walk-ups welcome. No reservations required.
Mardi Gras | Shoreline Village & Rainbow Harbor, Long Beach
March 7: Enjoy live Zydeco music, DJs, roaming performers, bead throws, and family-friendly festivities at this waterfront Mardi Gras masquerade party. FREE!
Shark Lagoon Nights at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
SELECT FRIDAYS, JANUARY - NOVEMBER, 2025: Get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators and have a chance to touch smaller sharks such as bamboo sharks. You will also see rays and large sharks in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon. Coffee, hot cocoa, and snacks are available for purchase. Shark Lagoon Nights are weather-dependent and can be canceled due to inclement weather.
Cardboard Classic “Dinghy Dash” in Dana Point
March 8: Watch cardboard boats race across Dana Point Harbor or register to build your own at this fun-filled Festival of Whales event!
Disclaimer: The Kidsguide team does their best to keep event details accurate at the time of posting, but information can change without notice! Be sure to double-check with the event organizer before heading out. Kidsguide is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or changes on our calendar—we’re just here to help you find the fun!
