Free Youth Tennis Play Day at El Dorado Tennis & Pickleball Center
2025-09-20 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | El Dorado Park Tennis Center, 2800 N Studebaker Rd, Long Beach, CA, 90815
Saturday, September 20. 2025
Celebrate the end of summer with a free youth tennis play day at El Dorado Tennis & Pickleball Center.
Kids ages 4–15 of all levels are welcome to enjoy tennis, face painting, pizza, and fun activities.
Rackets are provided.

Thai Fest at the Santa Monica Pier
2025-09-20 12:00 - 2025-09-21 20:00 | Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 90401
September 20–21, 2025
Thai Fest by The Beach brings the flavors, performances, and traditions of Thailand to the Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy authentic dishes, cultural shows, and handmade crafts in a vibrant seaside setting.

A Decade By the Sea Celebration at Pacific City
2025-09-20 13:00 - 19:00 | Pacific City, 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, CA
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Pacific City celebrates its 10th anniversary with “A Decade by the Sea.” Families can enjoy a free afternoon Children’s Carnival with face painting, birthday-hat decorating, sweet treats, a bubble dance party, and community partner booths.
Event is free.

I Love Downey Festival
2025-09-20 14:00 - 19:00 | Downey Ave.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Celebrate community pride at the I Love Downey Festival, an afternoon filled with live bands, art exhibitions, and local attractions. Visitors can enjoy a craft beer and wine garden, festival attractions, community booths, giveaways, and plenty of entertainment for all ages.

Glow Ride in Hermosa Beach
2025-09-20 17:30 | Hermosa Beach Pier, 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA, 90254
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Join Claire’s Place Foundation for an evening bike ride along Hermosa Beach Pier, raising funds for the Extended Hospital Stay Grant Program. The event includes free bike rentals from Hermosa Cyclery, group ticket options, and family-friendly activities.
Participants can purchase Glow Bucks for face painting, pizza, and ice cream while enjoying a lively night ride for a cause. All proceeds support families facing financial challenges during extended hospital stays.

Julian Autumn Jubilee in Santa Ysabel
2025-09-21, 2025-09-27 | Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, 4425 Hwy 78, Santa Ysabel, CA, 92070
Weekends, September 20 – October 26, 2025
This seasonal celebration offers hands-on activities and entertainment for all ages. The Festival Package includes a hayride, hoedown and jug band show, cider pressing, candle dipping, farm animals, reptile shows, crafts, and a treasure hunt.
The Adventure Package features archery, tomahawk throwing, and a slingshot range, providing a quicker but equally engaging experience. Visitors can plan to stay for just an hour or enjoy a full day at the farm.

Events at Long Beach Public Libraries
2025-09-21 | 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.

Making Scents of the Ancient World: Pylos Perfume Workshop at the Getty Center
2025-09-21 | Getty Villa Museum, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA, 90272
Select Saturdays and Sundays, September 21, 2025 – January 10, 2026
In this free, drop-in workshop, families can create their own perfume inspired by an ancient recipe from Pylos in southern Greece.
Guests will experiment with spices and oils favored by the Mycenaeans, many still in use today, while learning how these materials were used in antiquity.
Free.

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie Experience at the Grove in LA
2025-09-21 - 2025-09-28 | The Grove LA, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, 90036
September 21–28, 2025
Celebrate the release of Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie with an interactive 30-minute adventure for kids and families. Activities include photo opportunities with Gabby, nail decorating, arts and crafts, coloring at the Crayola wall, and themed treats.
Guests can also be among the first to try the new Gabby’s Dollhouse video game.
Walk-up admission is available as space permits. Event is free.

Dodgers Kids Run the Bases
2025-09-21 | Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Avenue, Los Angeles
Sundays, Select Dates, June 22 – September 21, 2025
Kids Run the Bases gives children (ages 5-14) the chance to run the bases after most Sunday afternoon games.

Community Day at Back Bay Science Center in Newport Beach
2025-09-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Back Bay Science Center, 600 Shellmaker Rd., Newport Beach, CA, 92660
Every Sunday
Spend your Sunday exploring Shellmaker Island at the Back Bay Science Center’s Community Day. Pop in anytime to check out marine life exhibits, touch intertidal animals, and stroll the loop trail for some prime shorebird spotting.
Take a peek inside the teaching and aquatic labs, visit the touch tanks, and swing by the Native Plant Nursery to see what’s growing—and maybe even help with seed collecting, sowing, or weeding.
Stick around between 12–1pm for public animal feeding and some fun facts about the creatures who call the Back Bay home.
What to explore:

Marine life exhibits & touch tanks
Shellmaker Island trail & bird watching
Teaching and aquatic labs
Native Plant Nursery tours & activities
Public Animal Feeding (12–1pm)

Free parking and admission. Open-house style—drop in anytime between 10am–2pm. No pets allowed due to endangered bird activity. Bike racks available behind the building by the touch tanks (no riding on island trails).
More info here.
**Be sure to check online to see if there are any days Community Day is not happening.

Fantasia Festival at the Autry Museum in Los Angeles
2025-09-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90027
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Fantasia Festival brings Disney magic to life with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, artisan and food vendors, themed photo ops, interactive games, and magical surprises for fans of all ages.

Scavenger Hunt at California African American Museum
2025-09-21 14:00 - 15:00 | California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90037
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Explore the California African American Museum with a specially designed clue board that leads participants through the galleries. Prompts spark close-looking, conversation, and new connections, with each scavenger hunt inspired by current exhibitions and themes.
The first teams to complete a winning pattern will receive a small CAAM-branded prize.

Knott's Spooky Farm in Buena Park
2025-09-25 - 2025-10-31 | Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, 90620
Thursday – Sunday, September 25 – October 31, 2025
Kids can trick-or-treat through Calico’s Ghost Town, decorate cookies in Linus’ Great Pumpkin Patch, and meet friendly spiders and bugs at the Creepy Critters Corral.
Enjoy live entertainment like Snoopy’s Spooktacular Costume Party, a Bob Baker Marionette Theater performance, and Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies.
Don’t miss a Halloween twist on the Timber Mountain Log Ride during the Halloween Hootenanny, complete with music from the Calico Coffin Creeper Band.

Fall Festival at the Westminster Civic Center Sunken Gardens
2025-09-25 17:00 - 2025-09-28 21:00 | Civic Center Sunken Gardens, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA, United States
September 25-28, 2025
A weekend of family fun, including delicious food, exciting live entertainment, and carnival rides!
Admission is free. Carnival rides are additional cost.

Movie Night: Moana 2 at USS Iowa in San Pedro
2025-09-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Battleship USS Iowa, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., Berth 87, San Pedro, CA
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Enjoy a movie night aboard the Battleship IOWA with a screening of Moana 2. Vicky’s Doghouse Café will be open with food, drinks, and popcorn. No outside food or drinks permitted.

Grand National Truck Show at Fairplex in Pomona
2025-09-26 - 2025-09-27 | Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona, California, 91768
September 26-27, 2025
The premier truck-only event showcases everything from vintage to modern trucks, vans, and SUVs—restored, modified, patina, lowered, or lifted. Inside, judged classes will present top awards, including the inaugural World’s Most Beautiful Truck competition with a $12,500 purse and custom trophy.
Outside, the Grand National Truck-In features club meetups, cruising, and additional awards from sponsors and magazines. Visitors can shop truck-related products from vendors and enjoy a variety of fair-style food.

Los Angeles Comic Con
2025-09-26 - 2025-09-28 | Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA, 90015
September 26-28, 2025
Join in at the ultimate destination for comics, gaming, cosplay, anime & pop culture.

Disney and Pixar’s Coco at El Capitan Theatre
2025-09-26 - 2025-10-02 | El Capitan Theatre, 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA, 90028
September 26 – October 2, 2025
The magic of Coco returns to the big screen with a special presentation at El Capitan Theatre. Guests will be welcomed by live performances from the Mariachi Divas and Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles before each screening, creating a festive celebration of family and tradition.

Nights of the Jack in Calabasas
2025-09-26 - 2025-11-01 | King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, 91302
September 26 – November 1, 2025
Walk through an interactive trail filled with thousands of hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins. Vast grounds of elaborate, larger-than-life pumpkin installations greet visitors as they walk around the history-filled ranch. Guests can treat themselves to hot cider, seasonal cocktails, or festive fall treats. New this year, are massive scenes of lantern art activations great for photo ops.
Tickets are $29.35-57.42 and up depending on the day and time of the season. Parking pass is $15.98. Children 2 years and under are free.

Wild Tales at Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach
2025-09-26 10:00 | 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.

Mid-Autumn Festival at Great Park in Irvine
2025-09-26 17:00 - 21:30 | Great Park – City of Irvine, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA, 92618
Friday, September 26, 2025
Annual Mid-Autumn Festival at Great Park features cultural displays, live entertainment, specialty food trucks, arts and crafts, and educational activities.
Celebrate this traditional holiday under the full moon with family, friends, and neighbors.

Family Nite at Columbia Memorial Space Center
2025-09-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Columbia Memorial Space Center, 12400 Columbia Way, Downey, CA, 90242
Friday, September 26, 2025
Columbia Memorial Space Center invites families to explore, learn, and imagine during their monthly Family Nite. This evening event features space-related talks with expert speakers stationed throughout the museum.
Activity highlights include:

Talks on space-related topics
Expert speakers in various exhibit rooms
Full museum access for the evening

Family Nite is open to all ages and offers a monthly mix of learning and fun.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire at the Long Beach Arena
2025-09-27 - 2025-09-28 | Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA, 90802
September 27-28, 2025
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire crashes into Long Beach Arena with fan-favorite trucks like Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Bigfoot, and the all-new Skelesaurus.
Experience high-flying stunts, glowing effects, and a special Bigfoot birthday celebration. Multiple showtimes and pre-show events available.

Free Entrance Day to National Parks
2025-09-27
SELECT DATES
Come experience the national parks! On the following dates, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for these free entrance days in 2025:

January 9: National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter Jr.
January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
April 19: First day of National Park Week
June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
September 27: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day

Family Hike at Black Star Canyon | Irvine Ranch Open Space
2025-09-27 | 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.

A Great Day in the Stoke at the Huntington Beach Pier
2025-09-27 | Huntington Beach Pier, 325 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 92648
September 27, 2025
A Great Day in the Stoke returns to Huntington Beach Pier for the largest gathering of Black surfers in history. The day features surf competitions, a 5K run/walk, kids’ zone, beer garden, free surf lessons, beach yoga, a Double Dutch competition, and a family-style awards celebration.

Worldwide Day of Play at Southern California Children's Museum
2025-09-27 | Southern California Children’s Museum, 459 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA, 91101
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Celebrate joyful learning through play as part of this global movement presented by Nickelodeon and the Association of Children’s Museums. The Pasadena celebration features interactive water play, bubble blowing, and a collaborative community art project with Meri Cherry.
Families can also join a hands-on drum circle with Rhythm Child at 10:30 a.m., creating music, rhythm, and connection together.
Admission is free, capacity is limited.

Ube Fest at the Cerritos of Performing Arts Center
2025-09-27 - 2025-09-28 | Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos, CA, 90703
September 27–28, 2025
Celebrate the 4th anniversary of UbeFest with a two-day food and market festival in Cerritos. Saturday’s night market and Sunday’s day market each feature more than 70 vendors serving ube treats, festival flavors, and Filipino-inspired bites.
Alongside the food, families can browse local makers, enjoy live music, and soak up the lively community atmosphere.
Event is free.
