Something to Crow About at Bob Baker Marionette Theater
2025-02-28, 2025-03-01, 2025-03-02, 2025-03-07 | Bob Baker Marrionette Theater, 4949 York Blvd., Los Angeles
Now – March 30, 2025
Step into a whimsical world of marionettes in this reimagined classic from 1959. Follow Miss Clarissa, a retired Broadway hen adjusting to farm life, alongside a lively cast of animal friends, including Mama and Papa Goat, Pierre Rabbit, and a singing Onion chorus. This charming mix of satire and fantasy brings music, comedy, and puppetry together for a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.

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.

Wild Tales at Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach
2025-02-28 10:00, 2025-03-07 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.

Storytime at the Barnyard at Tanaka Farms
2025-02-28 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-03-04 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-03-07 10:30 - 11:00 | Tanaka Farms, 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, 92612
Tuesdays & Friday, February – April, 2025
Barnyard volunteers and staff will be reading farm-themed stories right by all our Barnyard friends. After storytime, visit the animals. Storytime lasts about 30 minutes and is geared towards children ages 1-5.

Family Hike at Black Star Canyon | Irvine Ranch Open Space
2025-03-01 | 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.

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.

Events at Long Beach Public Libraries
2025-03-02 | 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.

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.

Free Tuesday at Descanso Gardens (and Ticket Release Dates)
2025-03-03 | Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, 91011
THIRD TUESDAYS
Visit Descanso Gardens for free on the third Tuesday of each month. Free Tuesday tickets will be released on the first day of each month (or first Monday if the first day falls on a weekend).

February 18: Free Tuesday tickets are available now
March 18: Free Tuesday tickets are available Monday, March 3 at 10am
April 15: Free Tuesday tickets are available April 1 at 10am
May 20: Free Tuesday tickets are available May 1 at 10am

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

Santa Ana Zoo Park Pop-Ups
2025-03-07 | Santa Ana
February 7 – May 23, 2025
Explore nature with Zoo Staff at parks throughout Santa Ana. Walk-ups welcome. No reservations required.

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.
