All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
New Year’s Eve | SteelCraft Bellflower
December 31: Kick off the New Year with live music, festive fun, and double countdowns at this family-friendly NYE celebration. FREE!
Fullerton First Night 2026 | Downtown Fullerton Plaza
December 31: Enjoy live music, family activities, and a fireworks finale as Fullerton rings in 2026 at its annual First Night celebration. FREE!
N.Y.E. | Gloria Molina Grand Park, LA
December 31: Ring in 2026 with live music, art installations, and a midnight 3D projection show at LA’s biggest free NYE celebration. FREE!
Rose Parade Viewing Party | Southern California Children’s Museum, Pasadena
January 1: Enjoy a prime view of the parade, continental breakfast, open museum play, and fun-themed crafts.
Free Day at The Huntington Library
EVERY FIRST THURSDAY: The first Thursday of every month is Free Day. Admission is free of charge with advance reservation.
Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase in Pasadena
January 1-3: Experience this 2-mile showcase of Rose Parade floats and walk within a few feet of floats to appreciate the creativity and details of each display.
Disney On Ice: Let’s Dance! | Long Beach Arena
January 1-4: Dance with Mickey, relive your favorite Disney stories on ice, and join a festive sing-along preshow during this high-energy family show.
Winter-Break Camps at My Gym in Long Beach
DECEMBER 19 - JANUARY 2: The ultimate camp adventure where kids dive into games, heart-racing relays, creative arts & crafts, music, and more! Hassle-free drop-off, flexible pay-by-the-day choices, unbeatable multi-day discounts.
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!
Winter-Break Camps at My Gym in Long Beach
DECEMBER 19 - JANUARY 2: The ultimate camp adventure where kids dive into games, heart-racing relays, creative arts & crafts, music, and more! Hassle-free drop-off, flexible pay-by-the-day choices, unbeatable multi-day discounts.
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.
Family Science Sunday | Marine Mammal Care Center, San Pedro
Sundays: Hands-on marine science workshops let kids explore rescue techniques, ocean animals, dissections, climate science, and more at this free MMCC family program. FREE!
Animé Los Angeles | Long Beach Convention Center
January 8-11: Explore four days of cosplay, concerts, panels, and fandom fun at one of SoCal’s biggest anime conventions.
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.
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!
Movie Night: Elio | Garfield Community Center, Santa Ana
January 9: Relax with snacks and a teen-only screening of Elio at the library. FREE!
Movies Under the Stars | Kelly Park, Compton
January 9: Watch an inspiring outdoor movie, enjoy free pizza, and celebrate community at this family-friendly film night. FREE!
Astronomy Night | Columbia Space Memorial Center, Downey
January 9: Each month, expert guest speakers dive into fascinating astronomy topics, sharing their knowledge and passion for the universe. After the talks, explore the night sky with our telescopes and witness celestial objects up close. FREE!
Snowfest | Lake Forest
January 10: Slide into the new year with Snowfest. Enjoy the snow, games, and a sled ride down Mount Pittsford. The event starts at 10:30am and offers 3 sessions for families.
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.
North Pole Plunge | Verdugo Aquatic Facility, Burbank
January 10: Make a splash at Burbank’s heated-pool North Pole Plunge with music, games, hot chocolate, and a meet-and-greet with Burr Bear.
Adventure Sail | Ocean Institute, Dana Point
January 10: Hoist the sails, learn navigation, and watch a live cannon demo aboard the Spirit of Dana Point.
Reptile Super Show | Pomona Fairplex
January 10-11: See and learn about your favorite reptiles, from slithering snakes to shell-dwelling tortoises and lots more. Kids will get to see animals up close, talk to professional breeders, and you may even bring home a new pet.
The Little Mermaid | Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
January 10-11: See a re-imagined Little Mermaid filled with soaring movement, magical visuals, and all your favorite songs. Perfect for families and fans of the classic tale.
Making Scents of the Ancient World: Pylos Perfume Workshop at the Getty Center
September 21 - January 10: In this free, drop-in, perfume-making workshop, you can create your own perfume inspired by an ancient recipe from Pylos, in southern Greece.
Storytime Adventures | Lakeshore Learning (Multiple Locations)
January 10 & 24: Make story-themed crafts, explore hands-on activities, and spark imagination at this free walk-in event for little learners. FREE!
Whale Watch Festival | Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego
January 10: Celebrate whale season with crafts, exhibits, expert talks, and guided gray whale viewing at Cabrillo National Monument.
SNOW Much Fun! | Rivian Laguna
January 10: Make snowy creations while learning how heat, ice, and salt work together in this kid-friendly winter science workshop. FREE!
Sensory Friendly Saturdays | GRAMMY Museum, LA
2nd Saturdays: Explore the GRAMMY Museum in a calmer, sensory-friendly environment with softer lighting and reduced noise levels.
Movies in the Park: Disney’s Frozen 2 | Plummer Park, West Hollywood
January 10: Enjoy winter crafts, hot chocolate, and a cozy indoor screening of Frozen 2 at this family-friendly movie afternoon.
Kpop + Pop Family Dance Party | House of Blues Anaheim
January 10: Dance to Kpop hits, enjoy face jewels and photos, and party with the whole family at this high-energy Kpop event.
Family Science Sunday | Marine Mammal Care Center, San Pedro
Sundays: Hands-on marine science workshops let kids explore rescue techniques, ocean animals, dissections, climate science, and more at this free MMCC family program. FREE!
Silk Road Day | USC Pacific Asia Museum & SoCal Children’s Museum
January 11: Explore hands-on art, culture, and music during a free family day celebrating the Silk Road across two Pasadena museums. FREE!
Lunar New Year Festival | Torrance Cultural Arts Center
January 11: Celebrate Lunar New Year with lion dances, food vendors, cosplay, and family fun at this all-day cultural festival. FREE!
Antique Aircraft Display Days at Fullerton Airport
2nd Sunday of the Month: Owners of classic aircrafts are invited to display their aircrafts and visitors are invited to view the displays.
Oshogatsu Family Festival | Japanese American National Museum, LA
January 11: Make mochi, see candy art demonstrations, craft Year-of-the-Horse keepsakes, and enjoy a day of cultural performances at this free New Year festival. FREE!
Orange Unified School District New Student Enrollment Begins!
JANUARY 12: New and open enrollment begins for OUSD. The District offers parents a range of educational options for children of all ages including dual-language programs in Spanish/ English and Mandarin/English. They have also received many awards, including Golden Bell Awards from the California School Board Association, National Forum Schools to Watch, California Civic Learning Awards, 25 Gold Ribbon and 23 Distinguished School Awards from the California Department of Education.
Mermaid Story Time with Once Upon an Island in Newport Beach
Nov 5 - Jan 28, 2026: Enjoy mermaid story time with bubbles, puppets, and story time magic, plus a free latte for moms. RSVP required. FREE!
Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns | Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles
Jan 15 - Feb 28: Explore luminous Jinju silk lanterns inspired by Korean heritage and the iconic twelve-panel skirt. FREE!
Westerly School Community Tour | Long Beach
January 15: Tour the Westerly campus and experience their learning spaced during the school day!
Experience The Dream: MLK The Musical | Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
January 16-18: Follow the moving love story of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King in a new musical that blends history, song, and powerful storytelling.
San Diego Rodeo
Janaury 16-18: Get ready for three days of action-packed, family-friendly excitement featuring the world's top rodeo athletes. Presented by C5 Rodeo Co. and Outriders Presents in partnership with the Padres, this unforgettable event brings an authentic rodeo experience to the heart of downtown San Diego.
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!
Wild Tales | Upper Newport Bay, 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!
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.
Lunar New Year in Rancho Cucamonga
January 17-18: Enjoy a day of cultural celebration with lion dances, martial arts performances and more! The event features foods from local vendors and carnival rides. Check out the Artisan Marketplace and where local artisans showcase their crafts.
Asian American Expo | Pomona Fairplex
January 17-18: Explore lion dances, taiko drumming, and 1,400+ vendors at America’s biggest Lunar New Year festival.
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.
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!
