All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
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!
Bubble Pop & Popsicle Stop at Stratford School in Laguna Niguel
July 25: Cool off with music, bubbles, and popsicles at this free morning event for little ones. A live bubble show adds to the fun. Ages 2–5.
Summer Nights at La Brea Tar Pits
July 25: Enjoy a free evening at La Brea Tar Pits with live DJs, food trucks, hands-on science fun, and free museum access.
Flashback Fridays at Shoreline Village in Long Beach
July 4 – August 29: Dance to decade-themed hits every Friday, from 70s disco to 2000s jams, with live bands and DJs on the waterfront. FREE!
Sleeping Beauty Dance & Light Show at Rose Center Theater in Westminster
July 25: Watch glow-in-the-dark ballet dancers bring Sleeping Beauty to life in a luminous dance show in Westminster.
National Day of the Cowboy & Cowgirl at the Autry Museum in Los Angeles
July 26: Enjoy trick ropers, cowboy poetry, games, live music, and museum tours celebrating cowboy and cowgirl culture. Special activities include line dancing, themed exhibits, and an outdoor movie screening.
Family Hike at Black Star Canyon | Irvine Ranch Open Space
March–April (Saturdays): Take a guided 3–4 mile family hike along a flat canyon trail with wildlife spotting and interpretive stops. Registration may be required.
Toy Swap in Long Beach
July 26: Bring gently used toys and books to swap and find new treasures. The event takes place during the Art Walk with live music, food, and activities for all ages.
Watermelon & Lavender Festival at Mellano Farm Stand in Oceanside
July 12-27: Pick lavender, snack on farm-fresh watermelon, enjoy live music, food trucks, and tractor rides across three weekends of summer fun at Mellano Farm Stand.
US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach
July 26 - August 3: The US Open of Surfing returns to the southside of the Huntington Beach Pier to host the world’s largest action sports festival. Enjoy surf competition, live music, food trucks, festival village, and more.
E-Bike Safety Rodeo in Fountain Valley
July 26: Test your riding skills, get helmet tips, and roll through safety demos at this free e-bike event. Open to all ages and packed with prizes, booths, and riding fun.
Grand Opening of Luna Park at Great Park Neighborhoods in Irvine
July 26: Explore one of OC’s largest playgrounds and celebrate the grand opening of Luna Park with food tastings, sports games, giveaways, and live entertainment.
All Abilities Celebration at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
July 26: Celebrate creativity, inclusion, and community with live music, interactive crafts, ASL workshops, and more—all designed to welcome guests of all abilities.
Tokyo Central Grand Opening in Irvine
July 26-27: Enjoy food, prizes, and family fun at this grand opening celebration. Don’t miss taiko drumming, giveaways, and weekend-only in-store deals.
Grand Reopening at MacArthur Park in Long Beach
July 26: Celebrate the reopening of a newly upgraded park featuring a shaded playground, fitness trails, and picnic areas. Enjoy a ribbon cutting ceremony and explore the refreshed family-friendly space.
Saving Paka’s Dog Park with Musical Theatre West
JULY 26: This FREE event includes: performance of Saving Paka’s Dog Park, dog adoption, vendors, food, prizes & more!
Weekend Walks at Oak Canyon Nature Center
Weekends: Join a guided nature hike through the canyon, followed by a live animal demo. Each walk highlights a different aspect of local wildlife and ecology.
Safe Summer Pool Party in San Clemente
July 26: Cool off with floating inflatables and water safety demos at San Clemente’s free Safer Summer Pool Party.
S.T.E.A.M. Summer Fair at Sunkist Library in Anaheim
July 26: Explore ocean life, try out science experiments, and enjoy sweet treats at this hands-on family fair. Kids can join interactive STEAM stations and cheer on winners of the 3D design contest.
NCL Sea Craft Hour at Roundhouse Aquarium in Manhattan Beach
May 10 - August 23: Get crafty with free hands-on projects for kids and families during this creative afternoon at the aquarium. All supplies provided!
Frida Fest at Heritage Museum of Orange County
July 26: Celebrate Frida Kahlo with music, crafts, photo ops, and over 60 local vendors and artists. Plus piñata making, food, and free giveaways for the whole family.
Art + Design Walk in Downtown Long Beach
July 26: Walk through pop-ups, public art, live music, and more at this open-air celebration of creativity. Meet local artists, shop from makers, and explore Downtown Long Beach’s vibrant art scene.
Shipley Summer Games at Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach
July 26 & August 23: Play nature-inspired games, catch live performances, and enjoy outdoor activities at this free family event.
National Night Out Block Party in Cypress
July 26: Explore police vehicles, meet the K9 team, and enjoy music, giveaways, and a magic show at this evening block party.
Swim-in Movie: Moana 2 at Splash! La Mirada
July 26: Watch Moana 2 from the 25-yard pool or sitting on the pool deck. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair, limited chairs will be available.
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!
Family Science Sunday: Ocean Acid at Marine Mammal Care Center
July 27: Participate in a hands-on chemistry experiment using red cabbage and vinegar to explore the science of pH and how it connects to real-world issues like ocean acidification.
Family Sunday Funday at Sherman Library & Gardens
July 27: Play lawn games, face painting, temporary tattoo stations, scavenger hunt, cotton candy, popcorn, and fair game fun.
Jollypalooza at Anaheim Town Square
July 27: Cool off with sledding, splashing, and Santa sightings at this summer-meets-holiday celebration packed with family fun.
Family ArtMaking at Long Beach Museum of Art
May 31: Family ArtMaking is a free drop-in art workshop for all skill levels. Projects are designed for all ages and skill levels. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Free Summer Lunch Cruises in Long Beach Shoreline Village
Wednesdays, July 9 - August 27: Enjoy a FREE 30 minute harbor cruise with purchase of lunch “to go” from participating restaurants every Wednesday through the end of Augus
Free Tech Girls Workshop in Long Beach
July 28 – August 1: Girls in grades 6-12 can explore tech, engineering, and computing in a hands-on STEM workshop—complete all camp days to get your registration fee refunded.
PCH Explorer Kids Club at 2ND & PCH in Long Beach
June – December: Join themed kids’ club parties at 2ND & PCH featuring crafts, performances, animals, and more. Held outdoors on select Tuesdays with extra summer dates.
Tuesday Family Nights in Cerritos
June 10 - August 5: Families can enjoy entertainment and activities at four neighborhood parks. Each program has a pre-show craft, game or activity. Don't forget to bring a blanket and picnic dinner!
Free Summer Lunch Cruises in Long Beach Shoreline Village
Wednesdays, July 9 - August 27: Enjoy a FREE 30 minute harbor cruise with purchase of lunch “to go” from participating restaurants every Wednesday through the end of Augus
International Surf Festival in South Bay Beach Cities
July 30 - August 3: Watch lifeguards, surfers, and volleyball teams compete in this multi-day celebration of South Bay beach culture.
Ventura County Fair
July 30 - August 10: Enjoy exciting rides, live entertainment, delicious food, and lots of family-fun!
Family Swim Nights at McCormick Pool in Lakewood
August 1–22: Dive into themed Friday night swims with mermaids, neon lights, space treats, and more at McCormick Pool.
Wired for Wonder & The Chill Lab at Kidspace Children’s Museum
June 6-28: Explore a multisensory maze with 25+ exhibits, then chill with frozen treats and flavor experiments at Wired for Wonder—family fun after dark.
Asian Garden Night Market in Westminster
June 13 – August 31: Enjoy summer weekends with Vietnamese street food, shopping, and live music at the outdoor Asian Garden Night Market in Westminster.
Overnight Family Camping at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
June 6, July 18, August 1: Enjoy camping locally at this affordable outdoor "stay-cation." It's perfect for families looking to experience the outdoors without the long drive.
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!
Huntington Foodie Fest
June 6, July 11, August 1: Enjoy a night out with food trucks, music, family fun, and a marketplace!
Flashback Fridays at Shoreline Village in Long Beach
July 4 – August 29: Dance to decade-themed hits every Friday, from 70s disco to 2000s jams, with live bands and DJs on the waterfront. FREE!
KCRW Summer Nights at California African American Museum (CAAM)
August 1: Dance under the stars, explore exhibitions after dark, and enjoy food trucks and music during this lively night at the museum.
Family Hike at Black Star Canyon | Irvine Ranch Open Space
March–April (Saturdays): Take a guided 3–4 mile family hike along a flat canyon trail with wildlife spotting and interpretive stops. Registration may be required.
CatCon in Pasadena
August 2–3: Celebrate 10 years of cat culture with kittens, cat celebs, pop-up shops, workshops, giveaways, and more. All ages welcome.
Garden Concerts For Kids at the Getty Center in Los Angeles
August 2–17: Dance in the garden during Getty’s free weekend concert series for kids, featuring music from 123 Andrés, Kymberly Stewart, and Divi Roxx Kids. Shows begin at 4pm.
The SpongeBob Musical at South Coast Repertory
August 2-10: Dive into a youth-performed musical where SpongeBob and friends team up to save their town in this fun, high-energy stage show.
Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo at Belmont Pier in Long Beach
August 2: Come and get a loaner rod from the volunteers at the California Dept. Fish and Wildlife at the end of the pier. No experience needed, raffle and free prizes for kids under 15.
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!
