All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
Butterfly Season | Kidspace Children’s Museum, Pasadena
March 13–May 17: Dress up with monarch wings, explore bug safaris, and adopt live caterpillars during this spring pollinator celebration. Included with admission.
Universal Fan Fest Nights | Universal Studios Hollywood
Select nights, April 23–May 16: Step into Harry Potter, ONE PIECE, Nintendo, and more with immersive shows, themed food, cosplay, and after-hours park access.
Hyperspace Mountain | Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
April 28 – June 9: Blast off on a Star Wars adventure aboard Space Mountain's limited-time galactic overlay. Dodge crossfire from X-wing starfighters and TIE fighters, and join a New Republic squadron for a final assault on an Imperial Star Destroyer.
Star Wars: Where’s The Wookiee? Art Exhibition | Gallery Nucleus, Alhambra
May 2–17: View original ink drawings and spreads from the seek-and-find book Where's The Wookiee? at this free art exhibition. Hunt for hidden Wookiees throughout the gallery and help complete a community coloring page. An opening reception and free artist workshop on illustration are featured on May 2. FREE!
THE SOUND OF MUSIC | Hollywood Pantages Theatre
Now - May 24: For 65 years, THE SOUND OF MUSIC has been one of our “favorite things.” With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed - it’s meant to be shared. Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family features beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Edelweiss.” Recommended for Ages 6 and up.
LA County Fair | Fairplex, Pomona
May 7-31: The LA County Fair features over 60 carnival rides, 30 games, and kid zones. Plus, Stunt Dogs show, petting zoo, a roller skating rink, concert series, and more.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone | COSM LA
Now–July 1: Step into an immersive Harry Potter experience where the film expands beyond the screen with interactive environments, hidden surprises, and themed food add-ons.
Monrovia Days Community Festivals
May 14–17: Enjoy carnival rides, parade, live music, and family fun at this community festival. FREE-ish!
Crawfish Festival | Fountain Valley Sports Park
May 15–17: Eat crawfish, dance Zydeco, join the Second Line parade, and enjoy music, games, and family fun.
OC Greek Fest in Anaheim
May 15-17: Enjoy authentic Greek food, live music, dancing, shopping, and family-friendly fun. From loukoumades to traditional folk performances, it's a celebration of culture, community, and kefi.
Salute to Recreation Family Festival | Northridge Recreation Center, Northridge
May 15–17: Enjoy carnival rides, live music, food, and family activities at this community festival. FREE!
Antique Truck Show | Southern California Railway Museum, Perris
Saturday, May 16, 2026 Step back in time and explore a massive collection of vintage trucks alongside historic trains at this one-day transportation showcase. Hosted with the American Truck Historical Society Southern California Chapter, this event brings together hundreds of restored antique vehicles—from classic pickups and semis to farm equipment, delivery trucks, and fire engines.... View Article
Bug Fair | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
May 16–17: Get hands-on with bugs, live shows, and science fun at this two-day insect festival.
Great Big Family Play Day | The Autry Museum, Griffith Park
May 3-4: Featured activities include character meet and greets, interactive play spaces, foam party, bike course, sports zone, face painting, family lounge, and carnival rides and inflatables.
California Strawberry Festival | Ventura
May 17-18: Strawberry shortcakes, live music, kids’ rides, and more—kick off summer at the California Strawberry Festival!
Long Beach Pride Festival | Marina Green Park, Long Beach
May 16–17: Celebrate Pride with live music, vendors, performances, and community events in Long Beach.
Free Miniature Train Rides at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa
THIRD WEEKEND OF EVERY MONTH: The Orange County Model Engineers offer public ride days every third full weekend of each month. To ride the trains, children must be able to walk and be at least 31" tall. A typical trip takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park.
Comic Con Revolution | Ontario Convention Center
May 16–17: Meet celebrities, explore comics, cosplay, and fandom experiences at Comic Con Revolution.
Disney Jr. Play Cafe | Short Stories Hotel, Los Angeles
May 16-17: Disney Jr. Play Cafe is a 90-minute experience featuring complimentary dining, interactive play stations, crafts, and special Disney Jr. character meet-and-greets with photo opportunities.
Wurst Fest | Old World Huntington Beach
May 16–24: Enjoy bratwurst, live German music, and biergarten vibes at Wurst Fest weekends. FREE!
Lowe’s Kids Workshops
MyLowe’s Rewards Kids Workshops are free, hands-on DIY experiences designed just for kids. Feb 21: Birdhouse / Mar 21: Lawn Mower / Apr 18: Terrarium / May 16: Garden Basket / Jun 13: Trophy Cup / Jul 18: Mini Toy Box / Sep 12: Haunted House / Oct 17: Firefighting Plane / Nov 14: Holiday Engine / Dec 12: Holiday Trolley Car / Jan 16, 2027: Winter Play Lodge
Puppy Pals Live | Irvine Barclay Theatre
May 17: Watch rescue dogs perform stunts and comedy in this action-packed live show for families.
Balboa Island Artwalk | Newport Beach
May 17: Browse art, enjoy live music, and stroll the waterfront at the Balboa Island Artwalk. FREE!
AAPI LA Day at Smorgasburg | ROW DTLA
May 17: Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month with food, performances, and more. FREE!
Party for the Planet / Endangered Species Day | Santa Ana Zoo
May 17: Explore scavenger hunts and hands-on activities celebrating wildlife and endangered species.
Centennial Farm Discovery Days
September 30 - June 1: During a Discovery Day, “farmers” are stationed around the farm available to answer questions and provide information.
Grunion Runs | Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, San Pedro
April 3 – June 30: Watch grunion come ashore during a staff-led beach observation at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Each evening includes entry to the aquarium, a short film, a hatching experience, and a beach-side grunion watch.
Art Days at the Japanese Garden | CSULB
Third Thursdays: Japanese Garden hosts self-led art evenings with monthly themes including Suminagashi (Japanese marbling) in February, pastel/crayon in April, and color pencil in May. Bring water-soluble art materials and create in the living museum setting. Registration opens 20 days in advance. $2.
Taste of Brea | Downtown Brea
May 21: Taste dishes from 100+ vendors and enjoy live music at this downtown food festival.
Legacy Week | USS Midway Museum, San Diego
May 22–25: Honor service members with exhibits, ceremonies, and live performances aboard the USS Midway.
Tunes at the Dunes | Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
May 22–24: Enjoy beachfront live music, food trucks, and sunset vibes by the bay. FREE!
OCLA Night Market & Natsu Festival | STC Rowland Legacy, Rowland Heights
May 22–24: Explore Japanese-inspired street food, live performances, cosplay, and games at this lively night market festival. FREE!
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
May 22–25: Ride, eat, and celebrate at this four-day strawberry festival with parades, concerts, and carnival fun.
Wild Tales at Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach
Every Friday: Wild tales is offered every Friday and include an outdoor story time in the newly-renovated amphitheater, an age-appropriate hike, and a craft project in the classroom. FREE!
Friday Fun | Madrona Marsh Nature Center, Torrance
Every Friday: Explore nature with story time, crafts, science, and guided activities designed for preschoolers. FREE!
Pride in Irvine | Irvine Civic Center
May 22: Celebrate Pride with a flag raising, community resources, and family-friendly activities at this inclusive event. FREE!
Lil’ Chef May Cooking Classes
MAY 8, 9, 10, 15 & 22: Strawberry Shortcake, Mexican Cuisine, Parent's Night Out, Mom & Me Brunch, Sushi Rolling & Cinco de Mayo! Kids, ages 3 and up, learn cooking fundamentals while having fun with a variety of recipes and tasting their treats! Sign up early!
Scottish Fest USA | OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
May 23–24: Hear pipe bands, watch Highland games, and explore Scottish culture.
Long Beach BBQ Festival | Rainbow Lagoon, Long Beach
May 23–24: Enjoy BBQ from top pitmasters, live music, and family-friendly activities at this waterfront festival.
Fiesta Hermosa | Hermosa Beach
May 23–25: Shop, ride, eat, and enjoy live music all weekend at this beachside festival. FREE-ish!
Tidepool Hike | Ocean Institute, Dana Point
February–May: Explore tidepools with an expert naturalist on a guided hike through a rocky Marine Protected Area.
Open Farm Tour | Oasis Camel Dairy, Ramona
May 9 & 23: This two-hour encounter includes a tour of the farm, bird/camel live show, plus an hour to enjoy favorite farm attractions. Admission includes treats to feed the camels and sheep.
NCL Sea Craft Hour | Roundhouse Aquarium, Manhattan Beach
May 9 & 23: Get crafty with free hands-on projects for kids and families during this creative afternoon at the aquarium. All supplies provided!
Ukulele Experience for Kids | PV Music House, Rolling Hills Estates
May 23: Kids learn ukulele basics, play a song, and explore music in a fun beginner-friendly workshop. FREE!
Smorgasburg BBQ Invitational | Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
May 23–25: Sample BBQ from multiple vendors, enjoy carnival rides, games, and live entertainment at this three-day food and family event.
Tujunga Village Spring Music Festival | Studio City
May 23: Enjoy live music, vintage cars, local vendors, and free kids activities at this street festival. FREE!
Silent Disco at Irvine Spectrum Center
May 23 - August 29: Join Irvine Spectrum Center on select Saturday evenings from 6-9pm for unforgettable music and moves. Groove to your favorite beats in a unique and immersive experience at the next Silent Disco. FREE!
LA International Children’s Film Festival | The Stray Theater, LA
May 24: Watch a lineup of kid-friendly films in a cozy theater setting at this free children’s film festival. FREE!
MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street | Santa Monica
May 24: Taste your way down Main Street with this interactive food crawl and game experience.
Memorial Day Flower Drop | Palm Springs Air Museum
May 25: Watch a moving flyover and flower drop honoring fallen service members.
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!
