Catch It While You Can: Limited-Time Events & Experiences for Families in Southern California
Southern California is always buzzing with incredible events, but some experiences won’t be around forever! From traveling museum exhibits and immersive pop-ups to seasonal art installations and one-of-a-kind attractions, this list highlights the best limited-time events happening now.
Unlike our regular Event Calendar, this collection features longer-running but temporary experiences that you won’t want to miss.
Events are sorted by end date — so the ones at the top are wrapping up the soonest!
Check back often! New experiences are always popping up!

Imaginarium Atlantis
Camarillo Outlets | Camarillo
August 8 – October 18, 2025
Step into the mythical lost city of Atlantis in this 1.5-acre walk-through experience featuring over five million lights. Journey through nine glowing undersea realms filled with fantastical sea creatures, immersive soundscapes, and vibrant displays. Highlights include John’s Adrenaline Circus, intricate themed photo spots, and interactive moments for all ages.

Lavender Nights
123 Farm | Cherry Valley
August 21 – October 26, 2025
Wander through lavender fields and olive groves illuminated by over 500,000 lights. Stroll past glowing century-old trees, explore historic photo displays, and browse the flower market. Enjoy s’mores pits, live music, lavender-inspired food and drinks, wagon tours, and more during this enchanting evening at the farm.

Midnight Market Halloween Boutique
Roger’s Gardens | Corona del Mar
August 29 – October 31, 2025
Each year, Roger’s Gardens transforms into a highly immersive, meticulously curated shopping experience with photo-worthy moments at every turn.
This season’s Midnight Market invites guests into a spellbinding after-dark bazaar filled with eerie stalls, mystical décor, and curious treasures. Wander past glowing pumpkins, cauldrons, and enchanted botanicals as fortune tellers and flickering lanterns set the scene for a hauntingly beautiful Halloween shopping adventure.

Imaginarium Zenthara
Lakewood Center | Lakewood
August 28 – November 9, 2025
Explore 10 spectacular themed worlds in this immersive indoor and outdoor experience. Wander through romantic gardens, gaze at star-filled skies, venture into fiery volcanoes, and dive beneath the waves into undersea wonders. With stunning artistry, live performances, and interactive elements, Zenthara offers a magical night of discovery and adventure.

World of the Terracotta Warriors
Bowers Museum | Santa Ana
May 24 – October 19, 2025
Discover new archaeological finds from Shaanxi Province in this groundbreaking exhibition, featuring over 120 newly uncovered artifacts, including terracotta warriors, chariot regalia, jade, gold, and bronze treasures.
Tickets: $11-29

Cars are Beautiful: Mr Brainwash @ the Petersen
Petersen Museum | Los Angeles
Now – 2026
Step into a vibrant pop art world at the Petersen Automotive Museum’s new immersive exhibit, Cars Are Beautiful, created by French-born, LA-based artist Mr Brainwash. Known for his playful, graffiti-inspired style, Mr Brainwash transforms the automobile into a colorful celebration of imagination, joy, and American culture through paintings, sculptures, and interactive art.
The exhibit fills the Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery with a whimsical explosion of creativity, inviting visitors of all ages to experience cars like never before.

Pixar Putt
Pixar Place Hotel | Anaheim
February 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Get ready to putt your way through Pixar magic at this whimsical 18-hole mini golf experience at Pixar Place Hotel. Inspired by beloved films like Toy Story, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, A Bug’s Life, Inside Out, and Coco, each hole brings Pixar stories to life with interactive and playful designs.
Perfect for fans of all ages, this limited-time attraction is open daily, with advance booking recommended.
Tickets: $32.50 for general guests, $25 for hotel guests and Magic Key holders (plus $2 service fees). Parking is free at the Pixar Place Hotel for 3 hours, standard rates apply after that time.

Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration
Disneyland Resort | Anaheim
May 16 – Summer 2026
Disneyland Resort celebrates 70 years of magic with new and returning entertainment, colorful décor, themed food, special merchandise and more.
Highlights include:
- World of Color – Happiness! at Disney California Adventure
- Paint the Night Parade – Dazzling floats with over a million LED lights
- Wondrous Journeys – Nighttime spectacular celebrating Disney Animation classics
- Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration – Daytime parade at California Adventure
- The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade – New character cavalcade showcasing rare and classic Disney friends

Barbie to Anna Karenina: The Cinematic Worlds of Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
May 23 – October 25, 2026
Explore the artistry behind some of the most visually stunning films of recent years in Barbie to Anna Karenina: The Cinematic Worlds of Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer. This immersive exhibition highlights the acclaimed production designer and set decorator duo, showcasing how they bring stories to life through visual design. From conceptual sketches to fully realized sets, visitors will gain insight into how time, place, and character are conveyed through every carefully chosen detail.
Tickets: Included with general admission. Free for youth 17 and under!

Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s Winter Wonderland
Bob Baker Marionette Theater | Los Angeles
November 15, 2025 – January 18, 2026
Step into the magic of the season with Bob Baker’s Holiday Special: Winter Wonderland! Join Demi Star and the BBMT puppets for a whimsical tour of holiday traditions featuring caroling penguins, Santa’s workshop, and sledding slopes. This reimagined classic brings festive cheer, music, and twinkling fun for the whole family.

GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play
California Science Center, Los Angeles
May 15 – Summer 2028
GAME ON! is a hands-on exhibition celebrating the connection between science, sports, and play. Spanning 17,000 square feet, the exhibition invites visitors to explore a wide range of sports through interactive activities, technology-enhanced challenges, and guidance from mentor athletes.
Guests can practice baseball swings, kick soccer goals, swim virtually with a Para athlete, explore yoga and mindfulness, and learn about nutrition and careers in sports.
Tickets: Included with free general admission and will remain on view through the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Categories: Blog
This post was written by Kidsguide