Kidsguide

Día de los Muertos at Kidspace
2022-11-01 - 2022-11-06 | Kidspace Children’s Museum, 480 North Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA, 91103
Saturday, November 1-2, 2025
Families can enjoy live music, dance performances, and hands-on art. Create a memory postcard to add to the altar or take home as a keepsake. Performances include Aztec dance on Saturday and all-female mariachi ensemble Las Colibrí on Sunday.

Holidays at Legoland
2023-11-18 - 2024-01-07 | LEGOLAND California Resort, 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA, 92008
November 22 – January 4, 2026
Experience the jolliest time of the year as LEGOLAND California transforms into a brick-built winter wonderland packed with music, characters, treats, and festive shows for the whole family. Holiday décor fills the resort from land to land, giant LEGO® builds make perfect photo ops, and seasonal entertainment brings extra sparkle to every visit.
Kids can dance along with the LEGO Nutcracker and the LEGOLAND Brass Band, step into the Wizard’s snowy tale at “Once Upon a Brickmas,” and meet the brand-new LEGO Nutcracker character. Seasonal treats return, including Fireside Apple Fries, Winter Harvest Sea Bass, Peppermint Bliss Frappés, and the Jolly Gingerbread White Mocha.
Cap off the night with Santa’s Christmas Magic Fireworks on select evenings as the sky lights up with LEGO-themed holiday magic.
Event features include:

Nutcracker’s Marching Band
Once Upon a Brickmas show
The Brass Band Holiday Bash
Meet the ALL-NEW LEGO Nutcracker
Limited-time foods and drinks
Santa’s Christmas Magic Fireworks (select dates)

Included with park admission.

New Year's Eve | Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park
2023-12-31 - 2024-01-01 | Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, 90620
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
The countdown to the New Year is on at Knott’s Merry Farm with special fireworks, live entertainment, and special extended hours for the one-night event.
Family-friendly activities include a midnight fireworks spectacular, live entertainment, photo ops with the Peanuts characters, and lots more.

Free Tuesday at Descanso Gardens (and Ticket Release Dates)
2024-03-18, 2024-04-01, 2024-04-18 | Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, 91011
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).

February 18: Free Tuesday tickets are available now
March 18: Free Tuesday tickets are available Monday, March 3 at 10am
April 15: Free Tuesday tickets are available April 1 at 10am
May 20: Free Tuesday tickets are available May 1 at 10am

Tricks and Treats at Six Flags Magic Mountain
2024-09-07 - 2024-11-03 | Six Flags Magic Mountain, 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA, 91355
Select Dates, September 26 – November 2, 2025
Celebrate spooky season at Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Tricks and Treats, a brand-new, family-friendly daytime Halloween festival.
Enjoy the Trick-or-Treat Trail, live shows, fall-themed eats, and world-class rides without the frights. Meet friendly characters like Willoughby the Bat and Cariño the Alebrije, join kooky entertainment like Drivin’ Mama Crazy, and explore interactive zones packed with treats and festive fun for all ages.

Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND in Carlsbad
2024-09-14 - 2024-10-27 | LEGOLAND California Resort, 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA, 92008
Select Days, September 20 – November 1, 2025
Get ready for the ultimate LEGO® Halloween bash as the Brick-or-Treat Monster Party returns!
This family-favorite event fills the park with not-too-scary fun, including candy stations, live shows, and monster meet-and-greets. Enjoy themed rides like the Ghost Cruise and Disco Dragon Coaster, meet LEGO characters like Lord Vampyre and Monster Frankenstein, and dance the night away at the Brick BOO-gie. Plus, don’t miss the 17-foot LEGO Halloween Tree built from nearly 700,000 bricks!

Fall-O-Ween at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest
2024-10-20 - 2024-10-22 | Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, 92630
October 10-12 & 17-19, 2025
Tour the decorated historical grounds during special park hours and take your picture at a variety of all and Halloween-themed photo ops. Enjoy a hay maze and complete a scavenger hunt for ghoulish goodies. Costumes encouraged and pets welcome.
Event is free.

Fleet Week in San Diego
2024-11-01 - 2024-11-11 | San Diego, San Diego, CA
November 2-9, 2025
Join in on inspiring events designed to honor and celebrate our military’s incalculable contributions as defenders of our nation and neighbors in our community. Different public events held during the week.
Military Appreciation Concert
Date – November 2
Time – 2pm-4pm
Location – Spreckels Organ Pavilion at Balboa Park
Free – Open to the public
Innovation Zone
Date – November 5-9
Time – 8:30am-4pm
Location – 1000 N. Harbor Dr.
Open to the public
Military Ship Tours – Explore visiting ships docked in San Diego and get a glimpse of the day-to-day lives of sailers serving in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. First come, first served basis.
Date – November 7-9
Time – 10am-4pm
Location – Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Dr.
Free – Open to the public
Military Family Day – A fun-filled day dedicated to military families that’s not to be missed! Get out and dance (or just listen and enjoy) to live music on stage throughout the day. Experience military displays hands-on, light armored vehicles, armaments and even robots. There’s lots of fun activities for the kids, and, of course, food trucks!
Date – November 9
Time – 10am-4pm
Location – Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Dr.
Free
MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Cooking Competition – See who can prepare the tastiest, most attractive meals using only the ingredients in a Standard Military Issue MRE package.
Date – November 9
Time – TBD
Location – Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Dr.
Veterans Day Boat Parade – Celebrate Veteran’s Day by watching the procession of military themed decorated boats.
Date – November 8
Time – 10:45am
Location – San Diego Bay (can be viewed from the shore of Shelter Island, Harbor Island, San Diego Embarcadero, Seaport Village and Coronado Tidelands Park)

Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden
2024-11-08 - 2025-01-31 | South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula
Select Days, November 6 – December 31, 2025
Step into a glowing celestial wonderland at Astra Lumina, the internationally acclaimed night walk that transforms the South Coast Botanic Garden into a field of stars.
This 1-mile multisensory journey blends light, sound, and nature into nine breathtaking cosmic installations.
Wander through illuminated pathways, marvel at shooting stars falling from 20 feet above, and stroll through a field of thousands of shimmering pixel lights. It’s an unforgettable outdoor adventure for all ages, equal parts art, nature, and starlit magic.
Tickets required. Parking must be purchased in advance.

Lil' Chef - Veterans Day Camp, Parents Night Out & Black Friday Mini Camp
2024-11-11 - 2024-11-29 | Lil’ Chef School, 15435 Jeffrey Road, #132, Irvine, 92618
Lil’ Chef School provides a fun, exciting and unique atmosphere for Lil’ Chefs to develop hands-on skills and techniques to be creative within a safe and controlled environment.

Veterans Day Holiday Camp
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Lil’ Chefs, ages 4+, will make slider burgers, along with homemade Hawaiian rolls from scratch, garlic rosemary buttery crispy mashed potatoes, and liberty cupcakes in ice cream cones with fresh strawberry buttercream frosting. All Lil’ Chefs will eat everything they made for lunch.

Thanksgiving Meal – Parent’s Night Out
November 21, 2025
Friday, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
This is a great workshop for the parents to GO OUT and let their children (ages 3+) have a fun-filled FRIDAY evening! Each month they feature a different “themed” Friday Night with food that your Lil’ Chef will make from scratch, and provide drinks and a game or movie to end our evening. Tonight’s menu: Turkey Burgers with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy and Mac n Cheese. Early drop-off and late pick-up available for an extra fee.

Black Friday Camp
Friday, November 28, 2025
9 am-2 pm
Need to shop? Drop your kids (ages 4+) off for an extended day camp where Lil’ Chefs will learn to make a delicious brunch. Kids will break at lunchtime to eat their creations & then make dessert! Today’s menu: egg muffin sandwiches, hash brown breakfast pie, and Belgian waffles. Plus chefs will decorate sugar cookies with powdered sugar icing – a Christmas treat!

Latino Comics Expo at MOLAA in Long Beach
2024-11-22 - 2024-11-24 | Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, CA
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Premiere event to connect with Latinx and Latin American comic artists and animators, experts, and fans. Enjoy comic book vendors, illustrators, food tucks, and children’s chalk area.
Event is free.

Winter Fest OC at OC Fair and Event Center
2024-11-22 - 2025-01-05 | OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
November 28 – January 4, 2026
Winter Fest OC is a celebration that brings the magic of winter to Southern California. Over a million lights, holiday decor, and activities, including a thrilling 150-foot ice tubing slide, ice skating, snow play area, carnival fun, festive food, and more.
General Admission Includes:

Immersive Walk Thru Experiences
Snow Play Extravaganza
Unlimited Thrilling Ice Tubing
Spectacular Entertainment
Mesmerizing Light Show
Picture-Perfect Moments
And So Much More!

Science of Gingerbread | Discovery Cube OC & LA
2024-11-23 - 2025-01-08 | Discovery Cube – Orange County, 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA, 92705
December 6 – January 4, 2026
Learn all about gingerbread – where it comes from, how it was used, the creation of the gingerbread house and more history! There will be a demonstration on how to make your own gingerbread house and kids can decorate cookies and candies!
Check out hundreds of creative gingerbread entries for the competition! Enjoy cookie decorating, Santa Claus visits (select dates), and gingerbread demonstrations from a pastry chef (select dates).
Event is free with general admission.

Holiday Road | King Gillette Ranch, Calabasas
2024-11-28 - 2024-12-28 | King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, 91302
Select Dates, November 28 – December 27, 2025
Holiday Road returns with an immersive walk-through of twinkling light displays, oversized holiday installations, themed photo ops, and seasonal activities for families.
Guests can explore festive trails, visit the Winter Market, enjoy bites from rotating food trucks, and sip holiday-themed beverages. Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus are offered on select nights, along with face painting and a souvenir shop full of light-up keepsakes.
Tickets required; see full schedule for available dates.

Jungle Bells: Aurora at the San Diego Zoo
2024-12-14 - 2025-01-05 | San Diego Zoo, 920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, 92101
December 19 – January 4, 2026
This annual holiday event will treat guests through a wonderland of twinkling lights, live entertainment, festive music, and views of wildlife. Join in Reindeer Games, visit Santa or his friendly helpers, Dr. Harry Lion, Churchill Polar Bear, Sydney Koala and all their friends. Enjoy acrobatic elves and new this year, their spectacular Holiday Light Treks.
Event included with general admission ticket.

Events at Long Beach Public Libraries
2025-01-01, 2025-01-05 | Long Beach Public Libary, Long Beach, CA
Discover a variety of free events and programs happening at Long Beach Public Libraries! From storytimes and book clubs to hands-on crafts, workshops, and cultural events, there’s something for all ages. Enjoy STEM activities, author talks, tech classes, and more—all designed to educate, inspire, and connect the community.

Jurassic Quest at the Pasadena Convention Center
2025-01-03 - 2025-01-05 | Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, 91101, United States
JANUARY 3-5, 2025
Adventure awaits at Jurassic Quest, the world’s largest dino event. Experiences include excavating fossils, playing with baby dinos, even training a raptor while being surrounded by life-size dinosaur herds. The event also features rides, bounce houses, and soft play area for the littles!
Tickets $28.85-42.85.

Free Entrance Day to National Parks
2025-01-09 | CA
SELECT DATES
Come experience the national parks! On the following dates, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for these free entrance days in 2025:

January 9: National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter Jr.
January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
April 19: First day of National Park Week
June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
September 27: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day

Flower Festival at Asian Garden Mall in Westminster
2025-01-09 - 2025-01-27 | Asian Garden Mall, 9200 Bolsa Ave., Westminster, CA, 92683
January 29 – February 15, 2026
Shop for beautiful flowers, red envelopes, traditional attire, and unique gifts to celebrate the Lunar New Year everyday from 10am – 10pm. Enjoy food vendors and night market Thursdays – Sundays, 6pm-10pm.
Event is free.

Pageant of the Masters: Open Casting Call for All Ages
2025-01-10 - 2025-01-12 | Festival of Arts – Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651
JANUARY 10-12, 2025
Looking for something exciting to do next summer? If you can stand still, you could be a volunteer cast member in the 2025 Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach!
Whether on stage or behind the scenes in wardrobe, makeup, or headdress, there’s a role for everyone of all ages—no experience needed. You can even bring your friends, family and neighbors for the chance to volunteer together. It’s a one-of-a-kind volunteer opportunity you’ll never forget!
Sign up at the Open Casting Call for a behind-the-scenes look at the Pageant, meet the creative team, and get a sneak peek at the artwork that will be re-created in the 2025 production “Gold Coast: Treasures of California.” The event will be held backstage at the Pageant of the Masters on the Festival of Arts grounds at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA during the following dates and times:
• Friday, January 10 from 7 – 9pm
• Saturday, January 11 from 7 – 9pm
• Sunday, January 12 from 2 – 5pm
On Sunday, January 12, join the Pageant for Family Fun Fest—featuring food trucks, art activities, games, and fun for everyone! Learn more at www.foapom.com/volunteer. Can’t make the dates above? Contact our Casting Department at (949) 494-3663 or casting@foapom.com for a private appointment. Don’t miss out on this chance to help bring art to life!

Jurassic Quest at the Anaheim Convention Center
2025-01-10 - 2025-01-12 | Anaheim Convention Center, 800 West Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA, 92802
January 10-12, 2025
Adventure awaits at Jurassic Quest, the world’s largest dino event. Experiences include excavating fossils, playing with baby dinos, even training a raptor while being surrounded by life-size dinosaur herds. The event also features rides, bounce houses, and soft play area for the littles!
Jurassic Quest Discount Code: Use code OC30 to save 30% on tickets at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Tickets are $27.85 – 41.85.

Wild Tales at Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach
2025-01-10 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Upper Newport Bay, 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach, CA, 92660
Every Friday, January – August, 2026
Upper Newport Bay’s long running and popular story time is back! 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. Each session will have a new story, hike theme, and craft project.
Activities are designed for ages 2-4 but all are welcome.

Night Under the Stars at Columbia Memorial Space Cener in Downey
2025-01-10 18:30 | Columbia Memorial Space Center, 12400 Columbia Way, Downey, CA, 90242
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025
Gaze at the stars, chat about the mysteries of space, and share the magic of the cosmos through our telescopes. This month, Dr. Jeff Gray from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) will have an inspiring talk on the latest in space exploration and show off smart telescopes for an epic stargazing experience. If you have a telescope, bring it along!

Family Hike at Black Star Canyon | Irvine Ranch Open Space
2025-01-11 | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, 12247 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA, 92676
Saturdays, March – April 2026
Enjoy a guided family hike through Black Star Canyon in the Irvine Ranch Open Space. This easy, slower-paced outing follows a mostly flat trail, crosses a dry creek bed, and offers opportunities to spot local wildlife such as red-tailed hawks and mule deer along the way.
The hike averages 3–4 miles round trip and includes a medium level of interpretation, making it ideal for families and participants who prefer a relaxed pace. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and bring water.

Is the event free?
Registration required. Please check with OC Parks for current information.
Where is the event located?
Family Hikes are located at different trails. See website for more information.

Before You Go: Visit OC Parks for registration details and updated event information. Kidsguide is an independent community resource helping families discover fun events across Southern California.
Looking for more family fun? Explore more family-friendly events on our blog, browse our calendar, check out limited-time exhibits and experiences, or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates.

Brick Convention: LEGO Fan Event at the OC Fair & Event Center
2025-01-11 - 2025-01-12 | OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
JANUARY 11-12, 2025
Calling all LEGO fans! Experience a day filled with play areas, large scale displays, professional LEGO artists, activities, and dedicated building areas. Explore vendors offering new sets, retired sets, exclusive products, and more.
Tickets $14.99 online, $20 at the door. Parking is $10.

January Events at Pretend City in Irvine
2025-01-11 - 2025-01-31 | Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA, 92618
JANUARY 2025
January 9 – Cooking in the City
Make and taste Brazilian Limenade! Our guests from Fogo De Chão will demonstrate how to make this sweet and sour treat tasty treat that Brazilian people invented long ago to enjoy on hot days.
January 11 – Bubble Bath Day
Stop by and play with cool, colorful bubbles while your family engages in immersive scientific fun!
January 12 – Lohri Celebration
Celebrate the end of winter with Lohri! Dance, sing, and learn about this joyous Punjabi festival honoring the harvest season. The play partner: Dhwani Dance Academy.
January 14 – Neurodivergent Family Night
Join in for a free evening where children and caretakers are invited to play in a sensory friendly neuro-affirming environment! During the event lights are dim, sounds are off, and staff is happy to provide various materials like noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys.
January 18 – Kid Inventor’s Convention
Inventors ages 0-18 showcase their inventions as they inspire new ideas within the next generation. Celebrate the next generation of inventors! Bring your creative ideas to life in a day of discovery and innovation.
January 19 – Lunar New Year
Welcome the Year of the Snake! 🐍 Celebrate Lunar New Year with colorful traditions and stories presented by Nithin Jilla.
January 20 – MLK Day
Honor and celebrate Black leaders, artists, and innovators throughout the day in honor of MLK day.
January 23 – Neurodivergent Family Night
A free evening where children and caretakers are invited to play in a sensory friendly neuro-affirming environment! During the event lights are dim, sounds are off, and staff is happy to provide various materials like noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys.
January 25-26 – Lunar New Year
Music & Movement Cultural Performance: 11 am & 2:30 Enjoy a performance by the Kishin Daiko Drummers and experience the powerful energy, spirit, and heart of Japanese percussive-style drumming.
January 29 – National Puzzle Day

Encanto Sing-Along
2025-01-11 13:00 | La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, CA, 90638
Saturday, January 11, 2025
We “don’t talk about Bruno” but everyone is talking about the Encanto Sing-Along! Dress up as your favorite character and sing along to the on-screen lyrics.
The fun begins when the on-stage host gets everyone moving with enchanting Encanto choreography. The host will then explain how to use all of the goodies and props in your free Fun Pack that go along with the movie. Lucky audience members will win prizes for answering trivia questions correctly and coming in costumes.
Be ready for in-movie surprises and lots of singing along!
Tickets are $14.85-27.50.
