Community & Unity People's Kite Festival at LA State Historic Park
2025-05-17 14:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Los Angeles Historic Park, 1245 N Spring St., Los Angeles, CA, 90012
Saturday, May 17, 2025
The People’s Kite Festival is an all-ages, family-friendly cultural celebration bringing together diverse Los Angeles communities through the art of kites.
Held at Los Angeles State Historic Park, the free event features hands-on arts workshops, live music, and community booths hosted by local organizations.

Monster Jam at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood
2025-05-17 17:00 | SoFi Stadium, 1001 Stadium Drive, Inglewood, CA, 90301, United States
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Experience high-flying action and gravity-defying stunts as 12,000-pound trucks race, flip, and soar through the air in competitions of speed and skill. This adrenaline-pumping event features iconic monster trucks like Grave Digger®, Megalodon®, El Toro Loco®, and more, driven by world-class athletes.
Fans can expect freestyle tricks, wheelies, and fierce head-to-head battles in an action-packed show that’s full of surprises.

Family Night Hike: Super Plants at The Arboretum & Botanic Gardens in LA
2025-05-17 17:30 - 19:00 | Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 301 North Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA, 91007, United States
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Hike and discover the super world of plants that inspired super heroes in our favorite comics to plants that have extraordinary powers.
Admission required.

Events at Long Beach Public Libraries
2025-05-18 | 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.

Baby Shark at SeaWorld in San Diego
2025-05-18, 2025-05-24 | SeaWorld, 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, CA, 92109, United States
Weekends, April 19 – June 22, 2025
Families can stop by for a mini live show, character meet and greets, and limited-time Baby Shark-themed snacks, drinks, and merchandise. The experience is included with park admission and takes place at various locations throughout the park.

Balboa Island Artwalk
2025-05-18 09:00 - 17:00 | Balboa Island, 1306 S Bayfront, Newport Beach, CA, 92662-1232
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Premier showcase for talented local artists with art, music, sun & fun for the whole family! Fine art show features 90 artists exhibiting paintings, hand-crafted jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography. Also enjoy live music throughout the day on four stages along the walk.

CicLAvia Car Free Day in LA
2025-05-18 10:00 - 15:00 | Los Angeles (Pico Blvd.)
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Enjoy a car-free streets for a day with community celebration, healthy activity, and discovery. Participants are encouraged to jog, walk, ride, skate, and bike along the open space while enjoying all-ages activities like street games, local business engagements, and interactive art and cultural experiences. Inspired by Bogotá’s ciclovía, CicLAvia events have opened over 340 miles of streets across LA County since 2010, welcoming more than 1.8 million people. These free events strengthen neighborhoods, improve air quality, and create vibrant, shared spaces that connect people and communities.

AAPI LA Day at Smorgasburg in Downtown LA
2025-05-18 10:00 - 16:00 | ROW DTLA, 777 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA, 90021
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with the return of one of AAPI LA’s biggest community events. Explore a curated lineup of AAPI-owned food and beverage vendors, CPG brands, and local businesses like Rooted Fare, Zindrew, Day Pie Dong, and 626 Hospitality.
This vibrant day also features live performances, crafts, and family-friendly activities.

Shrek-Themed Market at Lakewood Barnyard Buddies
2025-05-18 11:00 - 15:00 | Barnyard Buddies – Lakewood Equestrian Center, 11369 E Carson St., Lakewood, CA, 90715
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Shop, snack, and ogre-out at this family-friendly Shrek-themed market in Lakewood!
This pop-up event features a fun mix of local shopping, live entertainment, and hands-on activities perfect for families. Whether you’re there for the themed goodies or just to hang with Donkey, it’s a great way to spend the day.

40+ local vendors with Shrek and non-themed items
Free Shrek enamel pins for the first 30 guests
Free Donkey meet & greet and photo ops
Face painting
Unicorn (pony) rides
Petting zoo
Food trucks
Live DJ
Free admission and parking!

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Free Tuesday at Descanso Gardens (and Ticket Release Dates)
2025-05-20 | 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

Field of Honor at Mission San Juan Capistrano
2025-05-20 - 2025-05-27 | Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675
May 20-27, 2025
Mission San Juan Capistrano transforms into an awe-inspiring Field of Honor with more than 400 American flags, each standing seven-feet tall in solemn formation, waving proudly in honor of military, veterans, first responders, including K-9 and equestrian heroes.
Active duty, veterans, first responders, and Mission Preservation Society members will receive free admission to the Mission throughout the exhibit.
Regular admission pricing will be in effect. Normally the Mission is closed on Mondays, however, the Mission will be open on Memorial Day, May 29 as part of this program.

LA Fleet Week at the Port of Los Angeles
2025-05-21 - 2025-05-26 | Port of Los Angeles, 100 Swinford St., San Pedro, CA, 90731, United States
May 21-26, 2025
LA Fleet Week is an annual, multi-day celebration of our nation’s Sea Services held on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles over the extended Memorial Day Weekend
Events include active duty ship tours, military displays and equipment demonstrations, live entertainment, aircraft flyovers, STEM Expo, culinary cook-off competitions, and concerts.

Living Seas Opening at Birch Aquarium
2025-05-22 | Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA, 92037
Living Seas opens May 22!
Explore the wonders of our ocean planet, from the vibrant Pacific Northwest and scenic Coastal California to the enchanting Tropical Pacific. Living Seas will feature expanded, sweeping views into habitats along with next-generation digital signage and projections that will immerse you into the world of our dynamic coast.

Santa Ana Zoo Park Pop-Ups
2025-05-23 | Santa Ana
February 7 – May 23, 2025
Explore nature with Zoo Staff at parks throughout Santa Ana. Walk-ups welcome. No reservations required.

Lil' Chef May Cooking Classes
2025-05-23 | Lil’ Chef School, 15435 Jeffrey Road, #132, Irvine, 92618
Lil’ Chef School provides a fun, exciting and unique atmosphere for our Lil’ Chefs to develop hands-on skills and techniques to be creative within a safe and controlled environment. Classes have a little something for everyone.

MAY CLASSES:
Beginners Baking Chocolate Workshop
Friday, May 2, 2025 – Ages 5+
5:30-7:30 pm
Menu: Chocolate Cream Pie with an Oreo Cookie Crust and homemade Chocolate Pudding topped with Chocolate Mousse & Whipped Cream.
………
Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake
Friday, May 9, 2025 – Ages 3-5
5:30-6:30 pmMenu: Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake. They will learn how to measure and blend and on top of everything else they will get to eat what they make.
………
Family Fun Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 11, 2025 – Ages 4+
10:30 am–12:30 pm
This course is for all the kiddos that adore mom and grandma! Menu Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze, Eggs in a Texas Toast Basket with freshly squeezed Strawberry Lemonade, served with a Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole.
………
Burger’s…In N Out Style! – Parent’s Night Out
May 23, 2025 – Ages 3+
Friday, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Menu: Smash Burgers with homemade Burger Buns, copycat “Spread”, Parmesan Herbed French Fries, and Creamy Root Beer Floats!

Tunes at the Dunes at the Newport Dunes
2025-05-23 - 2025-05-25 | Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA, 92660
May 23-25, 2025
Enjoy live entertainment (5pm – 8pm) and food trucks in the evening on the Back Bay in the Newport Dunes. Come early to enjoy the Inflatable Water Park (reservation required), water sports activities like pedal boats, SUPs, and kayaking.
Event is free. Paid parking.

Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
2025-05-23 - 2025-05-26 | Village Green Park – Garden Grove, 12732 Main Street, Garden Grove
May 23-26, 2025
This four-day event features carnival rides, contests, over 200 food and vendor booths, games, music, and free concerts in the Amphitheater.
Check out the giant strawberry cake cutting ceremony on Friday when free cake is served to over 2,000 people.
Over 300,000 people attend the festival. Admission is free. Ride-all-day wristbands and individual ride tickets available.

Wild Tales at Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach
2025-05-23 10:00 | 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.

Family Hike at Black Star Canyon | Irvine Ranch Open Space
2025-05-24 | 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.

Open Farm Tour at Oasis Camel Dairy
2025-05-24 | Oasis Camel Dairy, 26757 CA-78, Ramona, Ca, 92065
May 10 & 24, 2025
Experience a guided visit to the farm beginning with a half-hour animal show featuring performing parrots and one of the farm’s camels. A
fter the show, guests can enjoy a self-paced visit with the animals.
The tour also includes the Wild West Turkey Stampede.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Koroneburg Renaissance Festival in Eastvale
2025-05-24 | Riverview Recreation Park, 14600 Baron Drive, Corona, 92880
Weekends, May 24 – June 22, 2025
One of Southern California’s only permanently built Renaissance faires, the Koroneburg Renaissance Festival invites guests into a 1450-1600s German village with hands-on activities, theatrical adventures, and old-world charm.
Explore games, crafts, and demonstrations, and enjoy a wide variety of kid-friendly attractions like knight ceremonies, animal encounters, and magic bubble pirates. Adults and families alike can test their skills with crossbows and catapults, or take the Baron’s Tour through the faire’s historic lanes.

Scottish Fest at OC Fair & Event Center
2025-05-24 - 2025-05-25 | OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
May 24-25, 2025
Explore and enjoy two packed days of family fun with bagpipes, drums, highland dancing, Scottish clans and genealogy, Scottish athletics, shopping, food and so much more!

Grand Opening - Coastal Kids Playspace in Long Beach
2025-05-24 - 2025-05-25 | Coastal Kids Playspace, 2610 N. Los Coyotes Diagonal, Long Beach, CA, 90815
May 24-25, 2025
Join Coastal Kids Playspace for a special Grand Opening celebration! Kids and grown-ups can explore the new indoor playspace featuring unique playhouses, Montessori-inspired toys, and a dedicated area for babies and crawlers.
Bluey will be visiting for playtime and pictures. Plus, there will also be snacks and giveaways.
Choose from two sessions: 8:30-10am or 10:30am-12pm.
Tickets are $35 for the first child, $25 for 2nd child.

Legacy Week at USS Midway Museum
2025-05-24 - 2025-05-26 | USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101
May 24-26, 2025
The USS Midway Museum’s “Legacy Week” is the heart and soul of Memorial Day commemoration in San Diego. They offer a series of events designed for everyone to experience the spirit of honor, remembrance, and celebration. From the a Top Gun Maverick Party & Movie Night and encounters with aviators with their aircraft to a solemn Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony, Legacy Week encapsulates the essence of Memorial Day weekend.

Fiesta Hermosa in Hermosa Beach
2025-05-24 - 2025-05-26 | Hermosa Beach Pier, 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA, 90254
May 24-26, 2025
Families can explore the Carnival Zone featuring rides, games, and classic carnival snacks. Four music stages will keep the energy going with DJs and favorite cover bands playing all day long. Over 240 street vendors will line the streets offering jewelry, art, clothing, home goods, and sweet treats, plus nonprofit booths and brand activations.
A wide range of food vendors will serve up local bites and festival favorites, with shaded seating areas available. Adults 21+ can unwind in the Wine & Beer Garden hosted by Uncorked or head to the ticketed Garden Stage area for live music, DJs, local craft beverages, and yard games.
Free bike valet makes it easy to arrive car-free and enjoy the festivities all weekend long.
Admission is free; food and drink tickets available on site.

Family Matinees at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles
2025-05-24 11:00 | Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, United States
SATURDAYS, Films for families of all ages! All movies in this series are rated G or PG, unless otherwise noted.
The final Family Matinee of every month is an accessible screening* where we offer open captioning, keep the theater dimly lit, and maintain a lower volume for viewers who are neurodiverse.
🎬 Upcoming Family Films at Ted Mann Theater:

Saturday, May 3, 2025 | March of the Penguins (35mm)
Saturday, May 10, 2025 | Wall-E (35mm)
Saturday, May 24, 2025 | Ice Age: The Meltdown
Saturday, May 31, 2025 | Elemental (DCP)

Admission is $5.

Boone Children's Gallery: Pop Up Art Workshop at LACMA
2025-05-24 11:00 - 17:00 | Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036
Saturdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2025
These exhibition-based workshops invite participants of all ages to explore their creativity through hands-on art-making inspired by the current exhibition Zheng Chongbin: Golden State. Led by teaching artist Bianca Argueta, the workshops are designed to connect with the themes and visuals of the gallery. No prior experience is needed—friendly staff will be on hand to support each creation.

Groove & Gather: AANHPI Dance Fest at Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa
2025-05-24 12:00 | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a free afternoon of dance, culture, and community. Enjoy performances and interactive workshops in styles like K-pop, Hula, Chinese, Indian, and more!
Highlights Include:

Chinese dance with South Coast Chinese Cultural Association
K-pop with Miriya Lee
Breaking with Knowledge Breaking Crew
Hula with Halau Hula O Noelani
Indian dance with Adaa Dance Academy
Vietnamese dance with Viet Cam Dance

Admission is free with a Plaza Pass

NCL Sea Craft Hour at Roundhouse Aquarium in Manhattan Beach
2025-05-24 12:30 - 13:30 | Roundhouse Aquarium, End of Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA, 90267
Select Days, May 10 – August 23, 2025
Roundhouse Aquarium and the National Charity League invite families to tap into their creative side during NCL Sea Craft Hour. This free crafting session offers a variety of fun, hands-on craft projects, with all materials provided.
The craft table will be set up downstairs on the main floor of the aquarium. It’s a great opportunity for kids and families to create, connect, and enjoy the ocean setting together.
Craft Dates (12:30-1:30pm):

Saturday, May 10
Saturday, May 24
Saturday, June 14
Saturday, June 28
Saturday, July 12
Saturday, July 26
Saturday, August 9
Saturday, August 23
