All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
Beckman Arts & Science Family Festival | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
May 16: The Beckman Arts & Science Family Festival invites innovators of all ages to explore the connections between science and the arts through fun and engaging performances, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities along with other festival food and fun!
Red Bull Soapbox Race | Los Angeles
May 16: Watch wild, handmade cars race downhill at this high-energy Red Bull Soapbox event. FREE!
Lobsterfest | Peppertree Park, Tustin
May 16: Enjoy all-you-can-eat lobster, live music, and community vibes at Tustin Lobsterfest.
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 MMCC family program.
Puppy Pals Live | Irvine Barclay Theatre
May 17: Watch rescue dogs perform stunts and comedy in this action-packed live show for families.
Balboa Island Artwalk | Newport Beach
May 17: Browse art, enjoy live music, and stroll the waterfront at the Balboa Island Artwalk. FREE!
AAPI LA Day at Smorgasburg | ROW DTLA
May 17: Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month with food, performances, and more. FREE!
Party for the Planet / Endangered Species Day | Santa Ana Zoo
May 17: Explore scavenger hunts and hands-on activities celebrating wildlife and endangered species.
CAMP CUP | CAMP Los Angeles
May 18 – July 19: Play games, earn punches, and unlock prizes at a summer-long soccer-inspired celebration. Collect punches to earn mini toys, full-size toys, collectible stickers, and a free Magic Door ticket. Some activities are free; others like the slime bar, maker studio, and splatter zone require a separate purchase. FREE!
Grunion Runs | Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, San Pedro
April 3 – June 30: Watch grunion come ashore during a staff-led beach observation at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Each evening includes entry to the aquarium, a short film, a hatching experience, and a beach-side grunion watch.
Field of Honor | Mission San Juan Capistrano
May 19-25: The Field of Honor display will consist of up to 400 American flags strategically placed on the grounds of the Mission in honor of military, veterans, first responders, including K-9 and equestrian heroes.
Tall Ship Mystic Whaler Visit | Ventura Harbor
May 20 – June 1: Climb aboard an 83-foot schooner for dockside tours, hands-on learning, and sea stories. Sign up for special family activities like plankton sampling and knot tying on select dates (RSVP required).
Art Days at the Japanese Garden | CSULB
Third Thursdays: Japanese Garden hosts self-led art evenings with monthly themes including Suminagashi (Japanese marbling) in February, pastel/crayon in April, and color pencil in May. Bring water-soluble art materials and create in the living museum setting. Registration opens 20 days in advance. $2.
Taste of Brea | Downtown Brea
May 21: Taste dishes from 100+ vendors and enjoy live music at this downtown food festival.
All-New Shark Encounter | SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego
May 22: Check out a redesigned walk-through shark exhibit with above-water and underwater viewing, interactive displays on shark behavior and habitats, and photo ops throughout. Walk through an underwater tunnel where sharks swim overhead.
Legacy Week | USS Midway Museum, San Diego
May 22–25: Honor service members with exhibits, ceremonies, and live performances aboard the USS Midway.
Tunes at the Dunes | Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
May 22–24: Enjoy beachfront live music, food trucks, and sunset vibes by the bay. FREE!
OCLA Night Market & Natsu Festival | STC Rowland Legacy, Rowland Heights
May 22–24: Explore Japanese-inspired street food, live performances, cosplay, and games at this lively night market festival. FREE!
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
May 22–25: Ride, eat, and celebrate at this four-day strawberry festival with parades, concerts, and carnival fun.
Caballero Circus | Lakewood Center, Lakewood
May 22–June 7: Watch acrobatics, comedy, and live circus acts under the big top.
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!
Pride in Irvine | Irvine Civic Center
May 22: Celebrate Pride with a flag raising, community resources, and family-friendly activities at this inclusive event. FREE!
Lil’ Chef May Cooking Classes
MAY 8, 9, 10, 15 & 22: Strawberry Shortcake, Mexican Cuisine, Parent's Night Out, Mom & Me Brunch, Sushi Rolling & Cinco de Mayo! Kids, ages 3 and up, learn cooking fundamentals while having fun with a variety of recipes and tasting their treats! Sign up early!
Scottish Fest USA | OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
May 23–24: Hear pipe bands, watch Highland games, and explore Scottish culture.
Long Beach BBQ Festival | Rainbow Lagoon, Long Beach
May 23–24: Enjoy BBQ from top pitmasters, live music, and family-friendly activities at this waterfront festival.
Fiesta Hermosa | Hermosa Beach
May 23–25: Shop, ride, eat, and enjoy live music all weekend at this beachside festival. FREE-ish!
Tidepool Hike | Ocean Institute, Dana Point
February–May: Explore tidepools with an expert naturalist on a guided hike through a rocky Marine Protected Area.
Open Farm Tour | Oasis Camel Dairy, Ramona
May 9 & 23: This two-hour encounter includes a tour of the farm, bird/camel live show, plus an hour to enjoy favorite farm attractions. Admission includes treats to feed the camels and sheep.
NCL Sea Craft Hour | Roundhouse Aquarium, Manhattan Beach
May 9 & 23: Get crafty with free hands-on projects for kids and families during this creative afternoon at the aquarium. All supplies provided!
Ukulele Experience for Kids | PV Music House, Rolling Hills Estates
May 23: Kids learn ukulele basics, play a song, and explore music in a fun beginner-friendly workshop. FREE!
Smorgasburg BBQ Invitational | Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
May 23–25: Sample BBQ from multiple vendors, enjoy carnival rides, games, and live entertainment at this three-day food and family event.
Tujunga Village Spring Music Festival | Studio City
May 23: Enjoy live music, vintage cars, local vendors, and free kids activities at this street festival. FREE!
Memorial Day Weekend Celebration | Eisenhower Park, Seal Beach
May 23: Honor Memorial Day weekend with a memorial presentation featuring guest speakers, special musical performances, and full military honors. FREE!
Silent Disco at Irvine Spectrum Center
May 23 - August 29: Join Irvine Spectrum Center on select Saturday evenings from 6-9pm for unforgettable music and moves. Groove to your favorite beats in a unique and immersive experience at the next Silent Disco. FREE!
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 MMCC family program.
LA International Children’s Film Festival | The Stray Theater, LA
May 24: Watch a lineup of kid-friendly films in a cozy theater setting at this free children’s film festival. FREE!
Tidepool Hike | Ocean Institute, Dana Point
February–May: Explore tidepools with an expert naturalist on a guided hike through a rocky Marine Protected Area.
MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street | Santa Monica
May 24: Taste your way down Main Street with this interactive food crawl and game experience.
Memorial Day Remembrance | Forest Lawn, Southern California
May 25: Honor fallen veterans with free Memorial Day remembrances at six Forest Lawn locations across Southern California. Enjoy patriotic music, wreath layings, flag presentations, keynote addresses, giveaways, coffee, and sweet treats. FREE!
Tidepool Hike | Ocean Institute, Dana Point
February–May: Explore tidepools with an expert naturalist on a guided hike through a rocky Marine Protected Area.
Memorial Day Flower Drop | Palm Springs Air Museum
May 25: Watch a moving flyover and flower drop honoring fallen service members.
Monsterpalooza | Pasadena Convention Center
May 29–31: Explore movie magic, monsters, and special effects at this fan-favorite convention.
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!
626 Night Market at OC Fair and Event Center
May 29-31: Enjoy 200+ food, merchandise, crafts, artists, games, live concerts, and entertainment attractions.
Family Night | Columbia Memorial Space Center, Downey
May 29: Explore hands-on exhibits, STEM activities, and presentations at this interactive evening museum event. FREE!
Leopold & The Magic Flute: Opera for Kids! | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
May 30: Experience a kid-friendly opera with puppets, live music, and hands-on activities before the show.
LEGENDS – Original Musical Production | Segerstrom Hall, Costa Mesa
May 30: Experience Chinese mythology through music, dance, and acrobatics in this live stage production.
Kid CanDo Soft Opening | Balboa Fun Zone, Newport Beach
Opens May 30: Explore rotating themed play experiences designed for imaginative, hands-on fun.
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!
