Star Wars & SDI: Defending America and the Galaxy at the Reagan Library

MARCH 15 - SEPTEMBER 8: This new exhibits tells the story of SDI and the pop culture phenomenon of Star Wars. See props, costumes, and concept art from the Star Wars franchise, including a Landspeeder, master replicas of Luke Skywalker's lightsaber, and Princess Leia's dress.

Dates:
Location:
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley

Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles

MARCH 17 - AUGUST 25: Walk among hundreds of butterflies in NHM's outdoor, open-air netted enclosure. The experience also features colorful native plants and plenty of natural light to help you see these creatures flutter and fly.

Dates:
Location:
Natural History Museum 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Cost:
$8

Ocean Encounter at Discovery Cube Orange County

APRIL 20 - SEPTEMBER 2: An interactive exhibit that show different aspects of ocean life and threats they face from human activity. Guests will learn about ocean conservation efforts and engage with hands-on activities to learn about the ocean. 

Dates:
Location:
Discovery Cube - Orange County 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA

Imaginarium in Lakewood

MAY 10 - SEPTEMBER 2: A mesmerizing walk-through event featuring millions of lights, enchanted forests, larger-than-life creatures, your favorite storybook characters, a free circus, infinity rooms, photo boxes, and more.

Dates:
Location:
Cost:
$16 – $21

Summer Games in the City at Pretend City Children’s Museum

MAY 24 - SEPTEMBER 2: Pretend City Children's Museum turns into a training ground ready for young athletes to test their athletic skills over the next three months. Special programming includes fitness training, martial arts, soccer, and acrobat performance.

Dates:
Location:
Pretend City Children's Museum 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA

Expedition Dinosaur at Discovery Cube Los Angeles

MAY 25 - SEPTEMBER 2: This immersive exhibit will take visitors on an educational journey through the Jurassic era, featuring life-size, life-like animatronic dinosaurs, replicas, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Dates:
Location:
Discovery Cube - Los Angeles 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar, CA

Limited-Time Exhibit: Hold Fast at Birch Aquarium

Now - September 2: Hold Fast is an immersive art exhibition that explore the impact of climate change on our local kelp forest through the lens of local artists and scientists.

Dates:
Location:
Birch Aquarium 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA

Shark Summer at Birch Aquarium

July 10 - August 7: Explore shark science, feeding sessions, hands-on stations, and trivia nights (July 17 & 31) during Shark Summer. Enjoy ocean views, themed drinks, and pop-up science (July 10, 24 & August 7).

Dates:
Location:
Birch Aquarium 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA

OC Fair in Costa Mesa

JULY 19 - AUGUST 18: The OC Fair is excited to welcome you back to "Always a Good Time”! Get up close with animals in the petting zoo, check out exhibits, go shopping, and enjoy local groups performing on community stages.

Dates:
Location:
OC Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Cost:
$9 – $15

The Old Man and the Old Moon at Mission San Juan Capistrano

JULY 20 - AUGUST 11: An epic adventure across land, sea and sky–all in the name of love! Indie-folk music and ingenious staging transform this tall tale into a thrilling theatrical event like no other. In the old man's quest to find his wife, he encounters colorful characters, gets caught in an apocalyptic storm and is swallowed by a giant fish.

Dates:
Location:
Mission San Juan Capistrano 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, CA

Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana

MARCH 9 - SEPTEMBER 8: See the largest ever selection of original artworks from Asian comics, displayed alongside their printed, mass-produced forms. From its historical roots to the most recent digital innovations, the exhibition looks to popular Japanese manga and beyond.

Location:
Bowers Museum 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA
Cost:
$10 – $28

Toddler Time with Laguna Ocean Foundation at Rivian South Coast Theater

JULY 24: Meet and walk to the beach where kids will participate in a story of mimicking ocean creatures through modified yoga poses. After yoga, head back to the theater for light snacks and craft activity.

Dates:
Location:
Rivian South Coast Theater 162 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
Cost:
Free

Play for All Abilities at Southern California Children’s Museum

JULY 25: Play for All Abilities is meant to welcome and create space for children and families with developmental differences. These play sessions will feature limited stimuli and intentional programming.

Dates:
Location:
Southern California Children's Museum 459 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA

West Coast Customs presents Cruis’n the Park Car Show at Six Flags

FRIDAYS - SUNDAYS, FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 14: Cruise through the park from the comfort and safety of your own car for a drive-thru auto show experience where you will see more than 100 of the world’s best automotive displays, presented by world-famous West Coast Customs.

Location:
Six Flags Magic Mountain 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$79.99 – $99.99

The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy at Long Beach Playhouse

JUNE 29 - AUGUST 4: Everything will change for the Addams Family as they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his strait-laced parents. Featuring the characters you love – Uncle Fester, Lurch, Grandma, Pugsley – with darkly comic, hummable songs, this is one musical for your own dark brood you won’t want to miss!

Location:
Long Beach Playhouse 5021 E Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA

Midsummer Scream in Long Beach

JULY 26-28: World's largest Halloween and horror convention, bringing all the chills and thrills of October to one summer weekend.

Dates:
Location:
Long Beach Convention Center 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach
Cost:
$35 – $145

Open Clay Time at Craft Contemporary

FRIDAYS, JUNE 7 - SEPTEMBER 6: Join Craft Contemporary on Fridays throughout the summer for an airdry clay workshop. Try your hand at a selection of clay projects using simple sculpting and joining techniques. All ages welcome.

Dates:
Open Clay Time at Craft Contemporary
Location:
Craft Contemporary 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

Family Scavenger Hunt at Lakewood Center Mall

JULY 26: Bring the family to participate in a scavenger hunt at the Lakewood Center Mall. Race against other teams to answer Lakewood trivia and locate secret destinations within the mall.

Dates:
Location:

Family Nights at Lakewood Pools

FRIDAYS, JUNE 28 - AUGUST 23: Enjoy special themed Family Nights at Mayfair or McCormick Pool in Lakewood. The cost is $3 per Lakewood resident or $5 per non-resident.

Dates:
Family Nights at Lakewood Pools
Location:
Bolivar Park - Lakewood 3300 Del Amo Blvd, Lakewood, CA
Cost:
$3 – $5

Mythical Creature Mask Making: Family Workshop at the Getty Villa

JULY 13 - AUGUST 17: Explore the art of ancient Greek theater masks in this free drop-in workshop. Create and wear masks inspired by mythological creatures found in the Getty Villa’s collections. Then join local performers portraying Medusa and the Minotaur for theatrical play in this interactive program.

Location:
Getty Villa Museum 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA
Cost:
Free

Shark Day at Pretend City

JULY 27: It‘s Shark Day at Pretend City! Join us for a fintastic week filled with jaw-dropping activities, fascinating facts, and interactive experiences that will leave you in awe of these magnificent creatures.

Dates:
Location:
Pretend City Children's Museum 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA

ArtLab at Hammer Museum

SATURDAYS: Drop by Art Lab for hands-on creative activities inspired by artworks on view at the museum.

Dates:
ArtLab at Hammer Museum
Location:
Hammer Museum 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Cost:
Free

Summerfest & Drone Show at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach

JULY 27: Spend the evening at Veterans Memorial Stadium connecting with the community, enjoy live music, festivities, and food under the summer sky. After dark there will be a drone show by Pixis Drones. 

Dates:
Location:
Veterans Memorial Stadium 5000 E Lew Davis St., Long Beach, CA
Cost:
$5 – $15

Water Lantern Festival at Centennial Park in Santa Ana

JUNE 27-28: Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. Enjoy food trucks, music, design lanterns, and more.

Dates:
Location:
Centennial Park - Santa Ana 3000 W Edinger Ave., Santa Ana, CA
Cost:
$40 – $56

Penny Carnival in Bellflower

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2024 A carnival with booth games, face painting, arts & crafts, fun and tasty prizes at Thompson Park. Each activity is only pennies, for ages 3-13.  

Dates:
Location:
Thompson Park - City of Bellflower 14001 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower, CA

Toddler Time with Birds of Prey at Rivian South Coast Theater

JULY 31: Join Rivian and the OC Bird of Prey Center in exploring and learning about these special birds. All ages welcome.

Dates:
Location:
Rivian South Coast Theater 162 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
Cost:
Free

Up Up and Away Kids Consignment Sale

August 1-4: Buy outgrown, but quality baby and ​kids gear, accessories, toys, clothes, books, outdoor play, etc. all in one place!

Dates:
Location:
Up Up and Away Kids Consignment Sale 79 Technology Dr. W, Irvine, CA
+ Google Map

Parents Night Out, Kids Night In at Lakewood Youth Center

AUGUST 2: Bring the kids to the Youth Center and enjoy an evening out. Kids will have pizza dinner, snacks, games and more. Pre-registration is required. 

Dates:
Location:
Lakewood Youth Center 4658 Woodruff Ave, Lakewood, CA
Cost:
$5

Summer Citrus Harvest at Key Ranch in Placentia

AUGUST 3: Crafts, educational exhibitors, live music performances, blacksmith demonstrations, and docent-led tours of the Key Ranch home.

Dates:
Location:
George Key Ranch Historic Park 625 W. Bastanchury Road, Placentia, CA
Cost:
Free

Bluey’s Big Play at Segerstrom Center for the Arts

AUGUST 3-4: Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life.

Dates:
Location:
Segerstrom Center for the Arts 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Cost:
$28.25

Brick Fest Live in Long Beach

AUGUST 3-4: The #1 attended family event for brick fans is coming to Long Beach. See life-size models made of thousands of bricks, enjoy hands-on activities, and unique zones and attractions.

Dates:
Location:
Long Beach Convention Center 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach

Kids’ Fishing Rodeo in Belmont Pier in Long Beach

AUGUST 3: Bring your own rod and reel or get a free loaner. Free bait and instruction. Alfredo's Beach Club and Buoys Snack Bar will be open too. Raffles and trophies at noon.

Dates:
Location:
Belmont Veterans Pier 15 39th Place, Long Beach
Cost:
Free

Impact Event with Discovery Cube in Seal Beach

AUGUST 3: Join Discover Cube for a beach clean-up in Seal Beach, don't forget to wear a hat and sunscreen!

Dates:
Location:
Seal Beach 15, 1st St, Seal Beach, CA
Cost:
Free

Los Angeles Wildlife Center Open House in San Pedro

AUGUST 3: See how the LA Wildlife Center cares for birds, watch demonstration of how they clean oiled birds (using Dawn dish soap!). Event will also feature education stations showcasing different types of bird diets, teaching about marine debris and crafts table kids.

Dates:
Location:
International Bird Rescue 3601 S Gaffey St #3, San Pedro, CA
Cost:
Free

Festival of Butterflies in San Juan Capistrano

AUGUST 3: Visit the butterfly garden, Kid Zone for crafts and games, vendor booths, educational talks by local experts, food trucks, beer and wine garden, and more. Plus, join the Kids Butterfly Parade and enjoy live entertainment.

Dates:
Location:
Los Rios Park 31781 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Cost:
Free

AKP Sports Foundation Back to School Festival in Los Angeles

AUGUST 3: A festival focused on promoting the emotional wellbeing and active engagement for kids. Join AKP Sports Foundation for a back-to-school event with carnival games and prizes and pick up free school supplies for the new school year.

Dates:
Location:
Tapestry LA 1521 S. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA
Cost:
Free

Bubble Blast and Foam Zone in the District in Tustin

AUGUST 3: Cool off with a foam zone, bubble station, DJ, Sea Jelly Kaleidoscope and Nemo crafts, and meet baby shark!

Dates:
Location:
The District at Tustin Legacy 2437 Park Ave., Tustin
Cost:
Free

Bionerds Open House in Tustin

AUGUST 3: Join Bionerds, a biology workshop that offers hands-on, educational experiences to kids, as they open the space where all the planning and care that goes towards classes begins. Participate in games, prize raffles, demos, Q&A, and more.

Dates:
Location:
BioNerds 560 W 1st St. Ste. 2, Tustin, CA

City of Paramount Heritage Parade & Festival

AUGUST 3: Paramount's history from the hay and dairy days to the community of today will be put on display at the annual Heritage Festival featuring food, kids and teen zones, musical performances, petting zoo, and cow milking demos.

Dates:
Location:
Downtown Paramount Paramount, CA
Cost:
Free

American Blues and Jazz Festival

AUGUST 4: Listen to jazz and blues and enjoy a full day of fun for the entire family including complimentary face painting, art projects, live performances, and more.

Dates:
Location:
Bowers Museum 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA
Cost:
Free

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!