Kidsguide

Riverside Dickens Festival
2025-02-22 | White Park (Riverside), 3936 Chestnut St., Riverside, CA, 92501
February 21–22, 2026
The Riverside Dickens Festival returns to historic White Park with its 2026 theme, “Oliver Twist: A Tale of Justice & Belonging.”
Escape to Victorian England and explore performances, panel discussions, and art inspired by Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. This year’s celebration highlights resilience, community care, and social equity through costumed parades, storytelling circles featuring disabled and youth voices, and historical exhibits on poverty, justice, and reform in Dickensian England. A community mural project inspired by “Please sir, I want some more” invites guests to participate in the literary experience. Festival hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Festival highlights:

Character reenactments & parades
Inclusive storytelling circles
Pickett Corner & Oliver’s Alley Children’s Tea
Dickensian history exhibits
Community mural project
Oliver Twist theme

Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $5 for children ages 6–12, and free for children 5 and under.
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What is the 2026 theme of the Riverside Dickens Festival?
The 2026 theme is “Oliver Twist: A Tale of Justice & Belonging,” inspired by Charles Dickens’ novel and its themes of resilience and community care.
How much are tickets to the Riverside Dickens Festival 2026?
Adults are $20, children ages 6–12 are $5, and children 5 and under are free.
Where is the Riverside Dickens Festival held?
The festival takes place at White Park, 3901 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501.
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Before You Go: Visit Riverside Dickens Festival‘s website for official ticketing and event updates. This event is organized by Riverside Dickens Festival Inc. 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 Day of Recovery & Resilience
2025-02-22 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | The SoLa Beehive, 1000 E. 60th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90001
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Families impacted by the LA Fires are invited to a free day of support, wellness, and community resources at The SoLa Beehive. This event provides housing support, financial assistance, legal aid, and essential supplies like gift cards, technology, baby items, and household goods (while supplies last).
Families can enjoy self-care, including meditation, massages, and hair services, while kids have fun at the Carnival & Sports Zone with bouncy houses, a petting zoo, video games, and sports with guest athletes.
The event also features live performances, celebrity DJs, and a food court.

Pacific Symphony's Lantern Festival at Segerstrom
2025-02-22 11:00 - 16:00 | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Celebrate the Lantern Festival with music, dance performances, and cultural activities like lantern decorating, riddles, and a dragon dance. Families can enjoy food, photo opportunities, and live performances by local groups and Pacific Symphony musicians while exploring the transformed concert hall and its festive atmosphere.
Free admission, but tickets are required to enter the concert hall.

Milk and Cookies Comedy Show at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood
2025-02-22 17:00 | Laugh Factory Hollywood, 8001 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90046
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Enjoy a hilarious, kid-friendly comedy show at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood! Comedians from Comedy Central, HBO, and Netflix perform clean, family-friendly sets, with surprise appearances from fart machines, balloon animals, and even juggling acts.
Skip screen time for the night and share some laughs (and a Laugh Factory cookie) together!
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children under 18.

Doktor Kaboom! at Irvine Barclay Theatre
2025-02-23 | Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA, 92612
Sunday, February 23, 2025
With overflowing five-foot-high test tubes, eye-spinning optical illusions, and a smoke-ring blowing air cannon, Doktor Kaboom! takes you on a riotous romp through the modern scientific method.Creatively blending theater arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom! introduces concepts in physics, optics, and chemistry, while keeping you riveted with interest and rolling with laughter.
Tickets are $22-44. Best for grades 4-8.

The Incredible Book Eating Boy at South Coast Repertory
2025-02-28 - 2025-03-16 | South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
February 28 – March 16, 2025
Experience the perfect family outing with the hilarious THE INCREDIBLE BOOK EATING BOY! Oliver Jeffers’ bestselling book comes to life on stage in a whimsical musical that follows Henry, a boy who devours books to become smarter—until the facts get jumbled and his tummy aches.
Filled with humor and heart, this theatrical delight captivates audiences of all ages and celebrates the joys of reading. It’s so delightful, it’s almost good enough to eat!
This study guide has fun activities for kids!
Tickets are $37-55. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

The Magic City at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
2025-03-01 - 2025-03-02 | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
March 1-2, 2025
This modern adaptation of Edith Nesbit’s 1910 novel follows nine-year-old Philomena, who struggles to adjust to her new home after her sister’s engagement. When she builds a miniature city in the attic, it mysteriously comes to life overnight! Using shadow puppets, live actors, and music, this imaginative performance brings her journey of family and self-discovery to the stage.
Recommended for families with children ages 7 and up.

Eco-Adventure Carousel Opens at Discovery Cube LA
2025-03-01 - 2025-03-02 | Discovery Cube – Los Angeles, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar, CA, 91342, United States
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Embark on a thrilling ride with the Eco-Adventure Carousel at Discovery Cube LA.
This one-of-a-kind attraction features beautifully crafted animals native to the region, offering an experience that blends fun and conservation awareness. The carousel will give families a chance to learn about mountain lions, raccoons, egrets, and more while making memories together as they ride.

Nature Walk: Salt Marsh Stroll at Los Cerritos Wetlands
2025-03-01 08:00 - 10:00 | Los Cerritos Wetlands, 6720 Pacific Coast Highway, Seal Beach, CA, 90740
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Explore restoration ecology at Zedler Marsh, an active restoration site in Los Cerritos Wetlands. Learn about native plant communities, restoration techniques, and how they support local ecosystems. The tour includes discussions on challenges in wetland restoration, wildlife viewing opportunities, and tips for incorporating native plants into home landscapes.

First Responders Gratitude Day at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
2025-03-01 08:00 - 2025-03-02 17:00 | Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA, 90802, United States
March 1-2, 2025
Firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and sheriff’s deputies receive free admission plus one guest in appreciation of their service. Discounted tickets for additional friends and family are available through unions and associations. Reservations required.

Public Tour at Bolsa Chica Wetlands
2025-03-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Bolsa Chica Conservancy Interpretive Center, 3842 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, CA
First Saturdays of the Month
Learn about the history, wildlife, and importance of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands during their monthly general public tour. An expert guide leads you through the beauty and wonder of the wetlands.
You may get dirty venturing into nature, so dress accordingly with closed-toed shoes and sun protection.

Free Saturday Family Theatre in Long Beach
2025-03-01 11:00 | Beverly O’Neill Theater, 330 E Seaside Way, Long Beach, CA, 90802
March 1, May 3, and June 21, September 13, and OCtober 25, 2025
Free Saturday Family Theatre Series is a free opportunity for kid of all ages to experience the magic of theatre. These free shows are open to all. Reservations are required.
2025 Shows:
March 1: Let Them Eat Books
Reading becomes an active rather than a passive endeavor as the works of Sandburg, Carroll, Thurber, Twain and others come to life on stage, paying close attention to the elements of poetry and prose and how words affect the imagination.
May 3: A Feast from the East
What better way to understand what is shared and what distinguishes the myriad of Eastern, Mid-Eastern, and Pacific rim cultures than through their stories.
June 21: The Spirit of Black Folklore
Depth of spirit, pride, and a willingness to laugh in the face of it all are the central themes in this program of folktales and literature from African and African American cultures.
September 13: Cuentos de la Familia
Performed bi-lingually, a richness of heritage, a love of the language and the essence of family values ring through these stories indigenous to Latino culture.
October 25: Proud to be Me
Self-esteem, self-acceptance, and respect for each other are the themes about which these stories from several different cultures revolve.

OCC Planetarium Reopening Celebration
2025-03-01 11:00 - 17:00 | Orange Coast College – Planetarium, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Saturday, March 1, 2025
The Orange Coast College Planetarium is reopening with a free, family-friendly celebration featuring planetarium shows, activities, and exhibits.
Enjoy free planetarium shows, hands-on space-themed activities, and a chance to explore the Dennis Kelly Aquarium. Visitors can also enter giveaways for OCC-themed prizes and grab a coffee at the on-campus Starbucks.
Showtimes:

12 PM – Magic Tree House: Space Mission
1 PM – Birth of Planet Earth
2 PM – Habitat Tierra (Spanish)
3 PM – Magic Tree House: Space Mission
4 PM – Birth of Planet Earth

Tickets to the shows are free but reservations are required.

Bricks and Minifigs Anniversary Bash in Whittier
2025-03-01 11:00 - 19:00 | Bricks and Minifigs – Whittier, 15334 Whittier Blvd., Whittier, CA, 90603
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Celebrate with cheeseburgers from Krunch Burger, free hot dogs, LEGO raffles, and a special appearance by Elvis.

Celtic Festival at Bowers Museum
2025-03-02 | Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA, 92706, United States
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Celebrate Celtic culture with a free family festival featuring live music, dance performances, art activities, and festive treats. Enjoy a bagpipe performance, lively Celtic folk and rock music, and a traditional Irish dance showcase.
Kids can take part in face painting and hands-on art projects, including illuminated letters and cling art, while sampling Scottish cookies.

Girls Day at the CSULB Japanese Garden
2025-03-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, 1250 N. Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA, 90815, United States
SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025
One of Japan’s holidays “Hinamatsuri” where young girls and their femininity are celebrated, a day to pray for girls and their future happiness. Enjoy a day filled with crafts and activities.
Free Parking: Parking will be available for this event in LOT G4 only,
Admission $10 per group (up to 6 people), $5 for members.

It's Magic! at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
2025-03-02 20:00 | Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos, CA, 90703
Sunday, March 2, 2025
It’s Magic! features an all-new cast of award-winning performers from around the globe, ready to leave audiences speechless and spellbound with sleight-of-hand illusions, stage tricks, comedy, and variety acts. It’s “the best magic show in town!” cheers the Los Angeles Times.

The Remarkable Mister Holmes: Musical Comedy Murder Mystery at Laguna Playhouse
2025-03-05 - 2025-03-30 | Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA, 92651
March 5-30, 2025
Sherlock Holmes returns in a fast-paced musical comedy, solving baffling crimes with a new sidekick. Packed with wordplay, red herrings, and unexpected twists, this high-energy show delivers mystery and laughs in equal measure.

Downey Unified School District — Early Education Expo
2025-03-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Sussman Middle School (Downey), 12500 Birchdale Ave., Downey, CA, 90242
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Discover why families choose Downey Unified School District! Join DUSD at their Early Education Expo for LEAP, TK, and Kindergarten families.
Experience hands-on demonstrations from the district’s youngest students in innovation labs, robotics, coding, music, and more!
Learn about exciting programs:

Leap: DUSD’s program for 3 year-olds
DFEO: Before and after school opportunities
CHARACTER COUNTS!: Shaping a positive school culture
Meet the Masters: Art instruction
Day of Design: STEAM challenges

Enjoy complimentary coffee, water, and cookies, and a take home swag bag (while supplies last). Translation services will be available.
Live outside the district? DUSD now accepts out-of-boundary applications!

RSVP HERE

Lil' Chef March Workshops & Parent's Night Out
2025-03-06 | Lil’ Chef School, 15435 Jeffrey Road, #132, Irvine, 92618
Baking 102 Workshop Series
March 6, 13, 20, 2025
4:30-6pm
Lil Chefs mix, measure, and bake in a hands-on kitchen experience, learning to follow recipes and work in small groups. They’ll make and decorate pie dough, éclairs, pâte à choux, cakes, and cookies to take home!
Ages: 7 and up

St Patty’s Party Workshop
Friday, March 14, 2025
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Nothing is unlucky about a festive, St. Patty’s Party on Friday the 17th! Wear green and cook with us! Lil’ Chefs will learn how to follow a recipe, knife skills, and how to work together to complete each recipe.
Menu: Corn Beef Tacos, Irish Nachos, and for dessert green Shamrock Shakes!
Ages: 5 and up

Parent’s Night Out – Pizza N Shamrock Shakes
March 28, 2025
Friday, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
This is a great workshop for the parents to GO OUT and let their children have a fun-filled FRIDAY evening with us! Each month we feature a different “themed” Friday Night with food that your Lil’ Chef will make from scratch, Each month we feature a different “themed” Friday Night with food that your Lil’ Chef will make from scratch, and provide drinks and a game or movie to end our evening.
Menu
Lil’ Chefs will make their own personal pizza, French fries & Shamrock shakes.
Additional $15 per child for early drop-off (5-5:30 p.m.)
Additional $15 per child for late pickup (8:30-9:00 p.m.)
Ages 3* and up

James & the Giant Peach at the Phantom Projects Theatre in La Habra
2025-03-07 | The Phantom Projects Theatre at La Habra Depot Theatre, 311 S. Euclid St., La Habra, CA, 90631
March 7-16, 2025
This musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic story follows James on a wild adventure after a magic potion transforms a peach into a giant vessel. Inside, he meets a group of human-sized insects, and together they navigate the ocean, face unexpected challenges, and learn the power of teamwork. With a lively score by Pasek and Paul, this imaginative journey brings the beloved tale to life on stage.

Mardi Gras | Shoreline Village & Rainbow Harbor, Long Beach
2025-03-07 14:00 | Shoreline Village, 401-435 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach, 90802
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a festive waterfront masquerade party at Shoreline Village.
This year’s event offers an intimate, music-filled experience featuring live Zydeco, brass bands, DJs, roaming performers, and vibrant Mardi Gras ambiance throughout the Village. Masks are encouraged as guests enjoy dancing, bead throws, specialty food, and local vendors.
Entertainment includes live performances by Zydeco Mudbugs and Sea Funk Brass Band, samba dancers, stilt walkers, jugglers, hula hoopers, and multiple DJ sets across three stages. Families can explore the Kids Area with yard games, face painting, balloon twisting, crafts, and a DJ, while adults can participate in free mask making and tarot readings. Vendors and food and drink specials will be available throughout the day.
Please note: There will be no parade this year. Parking is limited and traffic is expected to be heavy; alternative transportation is encouraged.

Is the event free?
Yes. Event is free and open to the public. Food and drinks available for purchase.
Where is the event located?
Shoreline Village & Rainbow Harbor, Long Beach, California.
Do tickets or reservations require advance booking?
No tickets required.

Before You Go: Visit Shoreline Village’s official event page for updates and schedule details. 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.

LAZERDOME - Taylor Swift: Through the Eras
2025-03-07 18:00 | Orange Coast College – Planetarium, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Friday, March 7, 2025
Enjoy Taylor Swift’s biggest hits set to a laser light display. Sing along to songs from all ten eras as the show takes you through her musical journey.

Cardboard Classic "Dinghy Dash" in Dana Point
2025-03-08 | Westwind Sailing & Baby Beach, 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point, CA, 92629
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Get ready for a family-friendly day of creativity and competition at Westwind Sailing’s Cardboard Classic “Dinghy Dash” during the Dana Point Festival of Whales! Teams will design, build, and race cardboard boats in Dana Point Harbor using only corrugated cardboard and duct tape.
Enjoy music, food, a business boat exhibition, and a public vote as spectators cheer on racers paddling their handmade crafts. It’s serious fun for competitors and spectators alike! Awards will be given to top racers and fun categories, including the unforgettable Titanic Award.
Free to spectate.

Kite Party in Huntington Beach
2025-03-08 - 2025-03-09 | Huntington Beach Pier, 325 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 92648
March 8-9, 2025
Enjoy open kite flying from sunrise to sunset, live demos, music, and social gatherings throughout the weekend. This laid-back event focuses on friendships, memories, and the joy of flying kites alongside like-minded people.

CSULB Puvungna Pow Wow
2025-03-08 - 2025-03-09 | California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), 6000 E. Atherton St, Long Beach, CA, 90815
March 8-9, 2025
The Pow Wow at Cal State Long Beach is focused on displaying the university’s strong American Indian presence. The two-day event features American Indian dancing, arts, crafts and food.
In addition to contests and inter-tribal dancing, there will also be Gourd dancing. Native foods, such as mutton and beef stew, Navajo tacos, fry bread and Indian burgers will be on sale. Vendors will also be selling both traditional and contemporary American Indian art.
Admission and parking are free.

Skywatchers at OCC Planetarium
2025-03-08 04:00 - 16:00 | Orange Coast College – Planetarium, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Join a planetarium expert on a live guided tour of the night sky. Learn about the constellations, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. Recommended ages 10+.
Admission required.

Book Arts Patch Day for Girls at International Printing Museum in Carson
2025-03-08 09:00 - 15:00 | International Printing Museum, 315 W. Torrance Blvd., Carson, CA, 90745
Saturday, March 8, 2025
The Book Arts Patch Day for Girls is designed for all girls age 10-18 to learn about and practice the book arts through hands-on experience.
Teams of girls rotate between 6 stations covering every aspect of the book arts including: letterpress printing, paper making, bookbinding, and illustration design.
The fee for the Book Arts Patch Day is $50 per participant. Cost covers all the activities and a special Book Arts Patch.

Snailfest at Heal the Bay Aquarium in Santa Monica
2025-03-08 12:00 - 2025-03-09 16:00 | Heal the Bay Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, 90401
March 8-9, 2025
Learn about local snails and their role in the LA environment, the event features a snail lab, artist/experts, and community science workshop.
Event included with aquarium admission.

Antique Aircraft Display Days at Fullerton Airport
2025-03-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Fullerton Airport, 4011 W Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA, 92833
Every Second Sunday of the Month
Owners of classic aircrafts are invited to display their aircrafts and visitors are invited to view the displays every second Sunday of the month. Aircraft will be displayed in the “Transient” parking area inside the airport just north of the terminal building and control tower.
Admission is free.
