Family Swim Nights at McCormick Pool in Lakewood
2025-08-01 | Bolivar Park – Lakewood, 3300 Del Amo Blvd, Lakewood, CA, 90712, United States
Fridays, August 1-22, 2025
Bring the whole family out for Friday night swims and themed evenings full of fun! Swim sessions run from 6:45pm–8:15pm, with a different activity or treat every week.
Upcoming Themes:

August 1 – Splash in Space: Swim under the stars and enjoy an out-of-this-world treat.
August 8 – Mermaid Magic: Meet mermaids, play themed games, and take fun photo booth pics.
August 15 – Neon Lights at Night: Dive into a glow-in-the-dark swim party with neon lights and goodies.
August 22 – Back to School Swim: Enjoy one last lazy splash before summer ends.

Resident Fee: $3/person (Lakewood ID required)
Non-Resident Fee: $5/person

Wired for Wonder & The Chill Lab at Kidspace Children's Museum
2025-08-01 - 2025-08-02 | Kidspace Children’s Museum, 480 North Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA, 91103
Fridays & Saturdays, June 6 – August 1, 2025
Art and science collide in Wired for Wonder, a multisensory maze for families of all ages. Come explore, touch, smell, taste, and lose yourself in more than 25 art and science exhibits.
Add even more flavor to your evening with The Chill Lab, where frozen treats meet science. Try black ice cream with secret flavors, savory shaved ice, and flash-frozen popcorn that makes you breathe vapor like a dragon.
Activities include:

Multisensory maze with 25+ exhibits
Interactive science and art stations
The Chill Lab frozen treat add-on
Nighttime access to museum and maze

Wired for Wonder admission is $15 and includes the maze and museum. Add The Chill Lab experience for $8. Open to all ages.

Asian Garden Night Market in Westminster
2025-08-01 - 2025-08-03 | Asian Garden Mall, 9200 Bolsa Ave., Westminster, CA, 92683
Weekends, June 13 – August 31, 2025
The popular Asian Garden Night Market returns for summer weekends filled with food, shopping, and culture. Since 2011, this outdoor event has brought the energy of traditional Asian night markets to Westminster.
Families can stroll through vendor booths offering skincare, clothing, accessories, and toys—while the main draw remains the variety of tasty Vietnamese street food. Live music sets the scene for a lively evening outing.
Activities include:

Vietnamese street food vendors
Shopping for skincare, clothes & toys
Live music performances
Outdoor evening strolls & bites

Held in the front plaza of the mall. Free to attend and open to all ages.

Overnight Family Camping at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
2025-08-01 | Whittier Narrows Recreational Area, 750 S. Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte, CA, 91733
Friday, June 6, 2025
Friday, July 18, 2025
Friday, August 1, 2025
Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation invites families to enjoy camping locally at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. This affordable outdoor “stay-cation” is perfect for families looking to experience the outdoors without the long drive.
Special activities include:

DJ
Nature center presentations
Free popcorn and snow cones
Free bait
Free raffle

The cost is $15 per person. Kids ages 13 and under are free! Participants are required to bring their own camping equipment, including food. Register online.

Wild Tales at Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach
2025-08-01 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

Huntington Foodie Fest
2025-08-01 | Golden West College, 15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach
June 6, July 11, August 1, 2025
Enjoy a night out with food trucks, music, family fun, and a marketplace!
Admission free.

Flashback Fridays at Shoreline Village in Long Beach
2025-08-01 18:00 - 22:00 | Shoreline Village, 401-435 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach, 90802
Fridays, July 4 – August 29, 2025
The waterfront comes alive every Friday night with decade-themed music at Flashback Fridays. From 70s disco to 2000s hits, each week features live bands or DJs spinning the soundtrack of a different era. Guests can dance under the stars, snap themed photos, and enjoy food and drinks from Shoreline Village’s eateries.
Line-up:

July 4 – DJ Leo (80s music)
July 11 – DJ Leo (2000s music)
July 18 – Sugar Lips (70s disco)
July 25 – As If (90s music)
August 1 – Sugar Lips (70s disco)
August 8 – So Rad (90s music)
August 15 – DJ Leo (2000s music)
August 22 – As If (90s music)
August 29 – Goldstein Party of Five (80s music)

Event runs 6–10pm. Free and open to all ages; parking additional.

KCRW Summer Nights at California African American Museum (CAAM)
2025-08-01 19:00 - 23:00 | California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90037
Friday, August 1, 2025
Spend a summer evening at CAAM with a free, all-ages dance party, live DJ sets, food trucks, and after-hours access to all exhibitions. Guests can explore art inside and party outside with music, drinks, and hands-on fun. KCRW members get drink perks, and the museum remains open late just for the night.
Activities include:

Live sets from guest DJs
Food trucks and beer garden
Maker activity
After-hours access to CAAM exhibitions
Member drink discounts

Event runs 7-11pm. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

Family Hike at Black Star Canyon | Irvine Ranch Open Space
2025-08-02 | 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.

CatCon in Pasadena
2025-08-02 - 2025-08-03 | Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, 91101, United States
August 2-3, 2025
CatCon is the biggest event in the world dedicated to cats, pop culture, and community.
Celebrate 10 years of feline fandom with two full days of cat-themed fun, shopping, celebrity guests, workshops, and more.
Activities include:

The CatCon Adoption Village with adoptable kittens
150+ vendors with cat-inspired goods
Photo ops and Instagrammable installations
Expert-led workshops on cat health and culture
Special celebri-cat appearances
Giveaways, games, and surprise anniversary perks

Child tickets required for ages 5–12. Children under 5 are free. No cats allowed (for safety reasons).

Garden Concerts For Kids at the Getty Center in Los Angeles
2025-08-02 - 2025-08-03 | Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90049
Weekends, August 2-17, 2025
Getty’s free summer concert series returns with family-friendly performances held outdoors in the Central Garden. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket and enjoy a full day exploring the museum before the show begins at 4pm.

August 2-3: Bilingual music and Latin beats from 123 Andrés
August 9-10: Soulful jazz-pop performances by Kymberly Stewart
August 16-17: Hip-hop, funk, and storytelling from Divi Roxx Kids

Admission is free, but a reservation at Getty.edu is required. Parking is $25, or discounted to $15 after 3pm and $10 after 6pm.

The SpongeBob Musical at South Coast Repertory
2025-08-02 - 2025-08-10 | South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
August 2-10, 2025
Get ready for non-stop fun in this all-singing, all-dancing Broadway hit! When a volcano threatens Bikini Bottom, it’s up to SpongeBob and his friends to join forces and save their undersea world.
Performed by the Summer Players, talented young actors of our Theatre Conservatory, this high-energy show celebrates friendship, community, and the power of optimism.
Whether you grew up with SpongeBob or are introducing him to the next generation, this splashy summer adventure is perfect for families, friends, and fans of all ages!

Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo at Belmont Pier in Long Beach
2025-08-02 08:00 - 12:00 | Belmont Veterans Pier, 15 39th Place, Long Beach
Saturday, August 2, 2025
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.

Summer Fun Fest at the Market Place in Tustin
2025-08-02 | The Market Place, 2961 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA, 92782
Select days, June 14 – August 2, 2025
Bring the whole family to The Market Place for playful days packed with games, crafts, music, giveaways, and more.
Hot Rod Social
Saturday, June 14: 12pm – 3pm
Location: courtyard near Mathis Home
Cruise into a day of cool cars, awesome games, and nonstop fun with face painting, tasty treats, Hot Rods, and more.
Picnic in the Park
Saturday, July 12: 12pm – 3pm
Location: courtyard near Mathis Home
Grab your blankets and enjoy a laid-back afternoon packed with live music, complimentary barbecue sauce bar, giveaways, and more.
Surfing Back to School
Saturday, August 2: 12pm – 3pm
Location: courtyard near Mathis Home
Catch the wave into a new school year with customizable school binders, sweet treats, photo ops, and more.

Discovery Cube LA 5K & Family Fun Run 1K in LA
2025-08-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Discovery Cube – Los Angeles, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar, CA, 91342, United States
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Join the Discovery Cube LA 5K & Family Fun Run 1K for a morning of fitness and fun supporting hands-on science education. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome. The event features music, giveaways, and post-run family activities.

Code Ninjas Grand Opening in Yorba Linda
2025-08-02 10:00 - 15:00 | Code Ninjas Yorba Linda, 664 N. Rose Drive, Placentia, CA, 92870
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Celebrate the grand opening of Code Ninjas with a day of hands-on fun for kids and families. Kids and teens (ages 5-17) can take a free coding class, build their own video game, and even win a mystery prize. Families can explore the center, meet the team, and enjoy a full lineup of STEM activities.
One Day Only Offer: Get one month of coding classes for only $1!
Activities include:

Free coding class for kids
Mystery prize for participants
STEM games and demos
$1 coding class enrollment offer

Event runs from 10am-3pm. Open to the public.

Weekend Walks at Oak Canyon Nature Center
2025-08-02 10:30 - 2025-08-03 11:30 | Oak Canyon Nature Center, 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim, 92807
Weekends, July 26 – August 17, 2025
Spend a weekend morning on a naturalist-led hike through Oak Canyon. These hour-long walks explore the local plants, animals, and ecology, with a different theme each week. The hike wraps up at the Interpretive Center with a live animal demonstration.
Register here.

Wende Zine Fest at the Wende Museum in Culver City
2025-08-02 11:00 | Wende Museum, 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA, 90230
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Enjoy zine-making workshops, clothed figure drawing sessions, and over 40 exhibiting artists from all over LA!

Fairy Picnic in Long Beach
2025-08-02 11:00 - 13:00 | Los Cerritos Park – Bixby Knolls, 3750 Del Mar Ave., Long Beach, CA, 90807, United States
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Picnic includes a fairy lunch box with tea sandwiches, green goddess salad, sugared berries, fairy dessert and mason jar lemonade. Make fairy crowns and fairy garden teacups. Dragon egg toss & games with prizes. Picnic blanket, fairy wand and fairy wings.
Cost is $74.09 per person.

Guess the Gadget at Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum in Santa Ana
2025-08-02 11:00 - 15:00 | Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum, 120 W Civic Center Dr., Santa Ana, CA, 92701
Satruday, August 2, 2025
Join a docent-led tour of the museum, learn about gadgets used in the Victorian era and enjoy tea and sweets in the dining room after the tour.

Drop-In Workshops for Families at Academy Museum
2025-08-02 12:30 | Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, United States
Saturday, August 2,9, 16, 2025
Workshops include activities such as art making, experimenting with moviemaking equipment, and learning the elements of filmmaking! This month’s workshops focus on Production Design and Miniature Set Designs.
Workshop is free with admission.

Community Fun Day at Fullerton Golf Course
2025-08-02 15:00 - 16:30 | Fullerton Golf Course, 2700 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA, 92835
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Celebrate National Golf Month with an afternoon of community fun, games, and golf! Bring the whole family to enjoy activities and connect with others on the course.
Activities include:

Free Junior Golf Clinic (3–4:30pm) by First Tee Orange County
Music and prizes
Bounce house and games
Food and drinks available for purchase

Free to attend. All ages welcome.

KCRW Summer Nights at Kidspace Children's Museum
2025-08-02 16:00 - 20:00 | Kidspace Children’s Museum, 480 North Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA, 91103
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Celebrate summer with a family-friendly night of music, exploration, and sensory play. KCRW teams up with Kidspace Children’s Museum for an all-ages evening designed to ignite curiosity and movement.
Activities include:

DJ sets from KCRW and DJ Lance Rock
Access to the Wired for Wonder maze experience
Hands-on play across Kidspace’s outdoor campus
Food and drinks available for purchase

Event runs 4pm–8pm. Free and open to all ages until venue capacity is reached. RSVP does not guarantee entry.

Wicked Movie Night at the LBX Hangar
2025-08-02 16:00 - 23:00 | Long Beach Exchange (LBX), Long Beach
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Enjoy a Wicked themed night with activities and movie.
Activities begining at 4pm:

Photo-op and Galinda and Elphaba meet n greet – 6pm-8pm
Tattoo Station
Face Painting
Witch Hat Making
Magic Wand Making
Complimentary Popcorn starting at 7:30pm
MOVIE SELECTION: WICKED 8pm-10:40pm

Family Overnight at the Battleship IOWA Museum in Los Angeles
2025-08-02 16:30 - 2025-08-03 09:30 | Battleship USS Iowa, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., Berth 87, San Pedro, CA
August 2-3, 2025
Experience a unique and memorable adventure by spending a night aboard the historic Battleship IOWA. This family-friendly event allows guests to explore and live like sailors on one the most iconic warships in America. During the stay guests will tour and learn about the ships’ role in various wars, families can enjoy hands-on activities fostering teamwork, and sleep in authentic crew berths.
Admission is $120 per person.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens In Concert at Great Park Live in Irvine
2025-08-02 20:00 | Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA, 92618
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Catch Star Wars: The Force Awakens under the stars at Great Park Live. Costumes are encouraged—just leave the lightsabers and blasters at home.

Events at Long Beach Public Libraries
2025-08-03 | 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.

Family Science Sunday: Climate Change at Marine Mammal Care Center
2025-08-03 | Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles, 3601 South Gaffey Street, #8, San Pedro, CA, 90731
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Spend your Sunday diving into ocean discovery at Marine Mammal Care Center’s Family Science Sunday. This free one-hour program invites families to explore ocean conservation and marine life through hands-on learning.
On August 3, dive into a variety of interactive experiments that help explain the science behind global warming and climate change.
Admission includes access to the full visitor experience, including patient viewing and interactive exhibits.
Advanced registration required—spots fill up fast!

Open House at Heritage Museum of Orange County
2025-08-03 | Heritage Museum of Orange County, 3101 W. Harvard Steet, Santa Ana
July 6, 20, August 3, 17, September 7, 2025
Heritage Museum of Orange County invites visitors to spend a Sunday enjoying summer like a Victorian during their monthly open house. Guests can play croquet on the lawn, host a picnic with friends, and stroll around the museum grounds, including the gardens and historic buildings.
Activity highlights include:

Guided tour of the Kellogg House
Lemonade and cookies
Blacksmith demonstrations
Self-guided adobe and nature trail tours
Art activities
Gardening lessons

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids (ages 12 and under). Guided tours require a $5 add-on ticket, subject to availability. Free for HMOC members.

Rock'n Blues Festival at Bowers Museum
2025-08-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA, 92706, United States
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Enjoy hands-on art activities like wood guitar and fan painting, face painting, and delicious pie samples while supplies last. The day also features a lineup of live music performances, including jazz, soul, and artists from the HOPE Center for the Arts.
