All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
Annual Literacy Fair: Reading in the LB SEA | MacArthur Park, Long Beach
May 16: Pick up free books, enjoy activities, and celebrate reading at this family literacy fair. FREE!
Anaheim Children’s Festival | Pearson Park, Anaheim
May 16: Create art, enjoy performances, and explore hands-on activities at this family festival. FREE!
Comic Orange | Aliso Viejo Library
May 10: A celebration of libraries, graphic novels, cosplay, animation and more! Activities include Cosplaying 101 where kids learn how to make their own cosplay and artist talks.
Beckman Arts & Science Family Festival | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
May 31: 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
May 22–25: Ride, eat, and celebrate at this four-day strawberry festival with parades, concerts, and carnival fun.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
SKATESIDE FEST | Culver City
May 30–31: Skate, roll, and play all weekend with lessons, games, music, and family fun. 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!
L.A. Zoo Quest: Amazing Apes | Los Angeles Zoo
May 30: Solve puzzles, explore the zoo at night, and learn about apes in this interactive adventure.
Museums of the Arroyo Day (MOTA) | Pasadena & Los Angeles
May 31: Explore five museums with free admission, family activities, and local history experiences. FREE!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Wrigley River Run & Tadpole Trot | Long Beach
June 6: Join the Wrigley neighborhood for a 10 mile, 10k or 5k run. Run also includes 5k baby stroller race, 300 yard tadpole trot, and 1k tadpole trot for the littles.
Galaxy Day | OC Zoo, Irvine
June 6: Explore crafts, games, photo ops and animal treat demonstrations at Galaxy Day. Meet characters and animals, and come dressed in galaxy-themed attire for extra fun.
Sensory-Friendly Sunday | Children’s Museum, La Habra
May 3: Explore the museum with reduced noise, dim lighting, and a calm, sensory-friendly environment.
RuMBa Foundation Family Concert: Peter and the Wolf | Terrace Theater, Long Beach
June 7: Enjoy an interactive performance of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf with Long Beach Symphony, plus an instrument petting zoo, arts and crafts, meet-the-musicians activities, and food trucks. Children get in FREE!
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!
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!
