August 6, 2025
San Pedro – MMCCLAs is a non-profit hospital for seals and sea lions that become stranded along stranded along the LA County coast. Visitors can see seals and sea lion patients from a safe distance. Reservations are required. Suggested donation of $5 for tours. Read More
July 17, 2025
Santa Clarita- An entertainment park with seven acres of indoor and outdoor space with attractions including arcade games, VR, mini golf, bumper boats, and go karts. Read More
July 17, 2025
Buena Park- Set inside an 11th-century style castle, enjoy a two-hour jousting tournament with a four-course meal. Read More
August 6, 2025
Westminster- Trail and monument telling the story of the landmark Mendez vs. Westminster case, which led to the desegregation of schools in California. Two mile trail with interactive panels using augmented reality. Read More
January 22, 2025
Various Locations – The promotion offers free train rides for children, 17 years old and younger, on Saturdays and Sundays when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Each fare-paying adult can be accompanied by up to three children. The Student Adventure Pass offers free rides for riders with valid student ID under 18 years old. Read More
May 10, 2023
Help, information, referrals and message-relay services for runaways, abducted children and/or their parents. Read More
August 6, 2025
San Juan Capaistrano – Known as the “Jewel of the Missions” and the birthplace of Orange County, Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum. Walk through ten acres of museum rooms, exhibits, gardens, fountains, and more. Read More
July 24, 2025
Mount Wilson – Home to two of the world’s largest telescopes available for public use. Public tours are available on weekends where visitors are able to enter the area directly beneath the 100-inch telescope and entrance into the 60-inch dome. Read More
July 24, 2025
WALNUT – Visit the planetarium for family-friendly events and new shows each month exploring the fascinating cosmos. Free telescope viewing is also available once a month. Read More
July 31, 2025
Santa Monica – Located by the Santa Monica airport, the museum exhibits nearly two dozen aircraft, the California Aviation Hall of Fame, and an interactive area for children. Read More
August 20, 2025
Long Beach – Dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art exhibits, the museum offers docent-led tours and special events. Read More
August 20, 2025
Carlsbad – Learn about the accomplishments and impact of the people who make, sell, and use musical instruments and products through unique exhibitions, vibrant and varied live music performances, and innovative educational programs. The galleries showcase familiar audio and clips and feature lots of hands-on opportunities to pick up and play a variety of instruments. Read More
August 6, 2025
Los Angeles – Understand the Holocaust, see artifacts from Auschwitz, hear stories from survivors, and experience an immersive exhibit on the life and legacy of Anne Frank. Read More
March 7, 2026
All Camps Budget-Friendly Camps Camps for Kids Camps for Teens Long Beach Camps Performance Camps
Long Beach – Students (grades 1-12) will enjoy three weeks of music, dance, singing, and acting from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. July 7-23, 2026 Read More
August 6, 2025
Los Angeles – Discover nature, science, culture through tours, hands-on learning experiences, and exhibitions. Visit the nature gardens and labs, see dinosaur fossils and enjoy seasonal exhibitions. Read More
July 17, 2025
Pasadena – Enjoy 40+ classic arcade games from the 80s and 90s all set to “free play” with paid admission. Read More
February 6, 2025
Newport Beach | May 23 – September 28, 2025 – The largest fleet of inflatables and watercraft rentals, inside a secluded, tranquil bay. Read More
March 9, 2026
All Camps Beach & Aquatic Camps Camps for Kids Camps for Teens Orange County Camps Specialty Camps Sports Camps
Newport Beach – Newport Sea Base offers a variety of summer programs and classes for kids and teens (ages 5-17) from bay and ocean fishing, sailing, rowing, kayaking to woodworking, oceanography, and engineering. June 8 – August 14, 2026. Read More
July 17, 2025
Garden Grove- Guests pay $2 admission then choose to play over 120 arcade games that are either free or pay nickels. Party packages available. Read More
February 12, 2025
Laguna Niguel – An 18-acre botanical garden situated above Crown Valley Community Park. The preserve features 12 garden areas, 2,000 plant species, and four miles of walking trails. Read More
February 12, 2025
Anaheim – A 58-acre natural park with four miles of hiking trails. Check website for family nature programs, birthday party packages, and camps. Read More
March 5, 2026
All Camps Budget-Friendly Camps Camps for Kids Camps for Teens City Recreation Camps Nature Camps Orange County Camps
Anaheim – O.A.K.S. Day Camp (ages 5-12) offers art and nature activities. Wilderness Survival Camp (ages 12-15) teaches teens to build shelters and learn basic first aid skills. June 15 – August 14, 2026. Read More
February 3, 2025
Ramona – A unique family farm offering camel rides, feedings, and private tours. Read More
August 6, 2025
Aquariums & Marine Centers Boats & Ships STEM Education
Dana Point – Open to the public on weekends, families can go on a guided tide pool hike, kayak around the Dana Point harbor, or go on a whale and marine life tour aboard a research vessel. Read More
March 5, 2026
All Camps Animal Camps Camps for Kids Camps for Teens Counselor-in-Training Camps Orange County Camps STEM Camps
Dana Point – Dive into marine and ocean science with six different camps (ages 5-17). Marine Science Internship Academy (ages 14-17) and Counselor-in-Training Program (age 14+) also available. June 15 – August 14, 2026. Read More
October 19, 2021
Child Care & Babysitting FamilyGuide
These online resources connect you with the right babysitter, child care giver, pet sitter, or adult companion. Read More
February 3, 2025
Costa Mesa- OCC Aquarium is a student-run training and community education facility where students get hands-on experience working with a remarkably diverse collection of aquatic organisms, from leopard sharks to jellies.
July 24, 2025
Costa Mesa – OCC Planetarium exhibits include a Foucault Pendulum providing a visual demonstration of the rotation of the earth, Science on a Sphere, Space Rocks! Meteorites, and the Dome Theatre. Read More October 19, 2021
Orange County – A professional organization for licensed family child care providers. They offer free referrals to parents who are looking for child care throughout OC. Read More January 22, 2025
Costa Mesa – Free train rides every third weekend of the month; rides are about 12 minutes and cover 1.25 miles in Fairview Park. Read More August 12, 2025
Orange – See a variety of animals and plants native to the southwestern United States and visit the barnyard. New Large Mammal Exhibit with big cats. Preschool programs offered. Located inside Irvine Regional Park. Read More February 3, 2025
Solvang – Feed and interact with 100+ ostriches and emus. Visit the shop full of unique gifts and fresh ostrich eggs. Read More July 17, 2025
Santa Monica – Located on the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park features thrilling rides, boardwalk-style midway games, specialty food, and seaside shopping. Read More January 22, 2025
Campo (San Diego County) – The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum displays over 120 pieces of equipment and artifacts, plus offers train rides on vintage locomotive and cars along the back-country scenery of San Diego County. Read More January 23, 2025
Various Locations – Resources for finding airsoft and paintball parks! Read More January 23, 2025
Palm Springs – Home to one of the world’s largest collections of static & flyable aircraft from WWII through the War on Terror, the Palm Springs Air Museum preserves, exhibits, and flies aircraft. They offer interactive activities for young people, F-16 Flight Simulator, and a chance to sit at the controls of selected aircrafts on Saturdays. Read More February 6, 2025
Palomar Mountain – Public, guided tours of the Hale Telescope are available, plus a Visitor Center and the Visitors Gallery. Read More July 24, 2025
Temecula – Explore the home of Professor Phineas T. Pennypickle, cluttered with hands-on inventions, wacky and wonderful gadgets, and electrifying experiments. See the Time Machine, Illusionator, Electrolight-o-later, and even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich-making machine. Read More August 12, 2025
Los Angeles – Rated as the “the world’s greatest automotive museum” and features a collection of over 400 vehicles. Plus, visit the Discovery Center where kids can enjoy automotive-centric activities designed just for them. Read More March 9, 2026 All Camps CampGuide Camps for Kids Camps for Preschoolers Guides Orange County Camps Specialty Camps
Mission Viejo – Private Islamic school summer camp for children (ages 18mos – 10) features indoor and outdoor activities, arts and crafts, music, karate, reptile shows, sports, and more. June 8 – July 17, 2026. Read More August 6, 2025
Whittier – The five-acre park includes historic gardens and the restored adobe home of Pío Pico, the governor of Alta California in 1832, and again in 1846. Enjoy picnics in the park, bird watching, and exploring the 15-room adobe with interpretive displays, an horno (bread oven), and a dovecote. Tours are available by appointment only except on weekends. Read More July 17, 2025
Buena Park – Cheer on your favorite pirates as they put on a swashbuckling show set aboard an 18th-century Spanish galleon in a 250,000-gallon lagoon. Enjoy special effects, aerial artistry, swordplay, and dynamic duels. Read More January 23, 2025
Chino – Explore a collection of aircraft, military vehicles, and artifacts spanning the earliest days of aviation, including the First World War, the 1920s and 1930s, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam War. Read More July 17, 2025 Family Fun Centers OutingsGuide
Orange – Play & Parties is your one-stop shop for playtime and birthday events! Many classes are led by costumed characters.Read More January 29, 2025
Buena Park – Over 15,000 square feet of fun, including a three-story playground structure, slides, library, drawing activities, and Little Ones area. Party packages available. Read More August 6, 2025
San Pedro – Built in 1874, the Point Fermin Lighthouse was the first navigational light into the San Pedro Bay. Guided tours are offered by reservation; call or visit the website for details. Read More August 20, 2025
Poway (San Diego County) – The Poway-Midland Railroad is a full-size, narrow-gauge railroad in Old Poway Park that carries passengers aboard vintage and antique railroad equipment including a steam locomotive, speeder, and cable car. Read More July 24, 2025
Irvine – Pretend City Museum provides children with access to a city that’s all their own! They can run a UPS store and deliver packages, grocery shop at Trader Joe’s, play as a dentist and doctor in the medical center, fish and race boats in the marina, change spark plugs on a race car, run a restaurant, work on a farm, rescue a house on fire, build structures of all shapes and sizes, and so much more. Read More July 23, 2025
Various Locations – Indoor inflatable playground with slides, bounce houses and obstacle courses. Party packages, open jump time, and special events are available. Read More August 7, 2025
Long Beach – Explore the Queen Mary with informative tours highlighting her golden days of the 1950s. Read More February 6, 2025
San Dimas | May 17 – September 28, 2025 – Raging Waters Los Angeles is California’s largest waterpark! The 60-acre park features 50 world-class attractions for all ages. Try their newest slide called Bombs Away! Read More August 20, 2025
Pomona – Step back in time with rare steam and diesel locomotives, historic railcars, the Arcadia Depot, and more. Read More August 6, 2025 Historical Landmarks Nature & Gardens
Long Beach – The site includes a ranch house, four acres of lush historic gardens, an interpretive center, and a restored barnyard with livestock including horses, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits. Tours of the Ranch House are offered Wednesday – Sunday with reservation. Admission and parking are free. Read More January 29, 2025 Historical Landmarks Nature & Gardens
Long Beach – Rancho Los Cerritos is a historic site that includes an 1844 adobe home, lush gardens, a research library, and rotating exhibits. Docent and self-paced tours are offered, plus special events throughout the year, including weekly story times. Read More July 24, 2025
Rancho Cucamonga – Dress up and explore in the in a pretend play station, build objects, create art that comes to life on a projected screen, explore the sensory room, climb up walls, and crawl through multi-level tubes and platforms. Read More August 6, 2025
Claremont – Home to fossil track and trackway collection that is among the largest in the U.S. See the inner workings of a paleontology museum and fossil preparation lab. Read More August 6, 2025
Yorba Linda – Tour Richard Nixon’s original birthplace and boyhood home, the presidential helicopter that flew four Presidents, an exact replica of President Nixon’s Oval Office, Pat Nixon Gardens, the final resting places of President and Mrs. Nixon, special exhibits and more. Read More August 12, 2025
San Juan Capistrano – A family-owned ranch where visitors could pet and feed guinea pigs, goats, sheep, and see other farm animals. Read More July 23, 2025
Costa Mesa & Los Angeles – Indoor rock climbing center offering kids climb time, kids/parents climb time, camps, and birthday party packages. Read More August 6, 2025
Simi Valley – Walk and explore the actual Air Force One that flew seven presidents, see a full-size replica of President Reagan’s Oval Office, a piece of the Berlin Wall, the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter and F-14 Tomcat, Marine One Helicopter, M-1 Abrams Tank, and more. Special exhibits are also displayed for a limited time. Read More July 26, 2023
Various Locations – Bowling, karaoke, arcade games, ping pong, billiards, and more. Read More August 6, 2025
Manhattan Beach – Located at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier and cares for more than 100 different species of marine animals, mostly native to the Santa Monica Bay. Enjoy 12+ exhibits showcased within four aquarium galleries. Read More March 9, 2026 All Camps Animal Camps CampGuide Camps for Kids Guides Los Angeles Camps STEM Camps
Manhattan Beach – Campers (ages 4-10) engage in ocean-themed games, activities and crafts. June 27 – August 7, 2026. Read More August 7, 2025
San Pedro – Self-guided tours are offered on the museum ship that was once used in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. See how Merchant Marines lived and worked. Read More October 19, 2021
Various Locations – For boys and girls who are ready to learn the skills they need to care for themselves and younger children. Courses, in-person and online, cover safety, first aid, rescue, CPR and more. Read More July 24, 2025 Flight Museums Science & Space Centers
San Diego – One of the world’s premier air and space-themed science centers and museum with more than 120 aircraft and space vehicles and two million artifacts on display. Camps, workshops, preschool programs, and Pilot Ground School are offered. Read More August 20, 2025
San Diego – Learn about American railroading through educational programs, displays, toy trains, and scale models of California railroads and communities, spanning over 27,000 square feet of trains, trestles, and tracks. Read More August 12, 2025
San Diego – A 100-acre wildlife park, the San Diego Zoo is home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals. Explore the zoo’s newest interactive area, Wildlife Explorers Basecamp where kids can climb, scramble, and jump in immersive nature play areas. Read More August 12, 2025
San Diego – This 1,800-acre wildlife park is home to more than 3,600 animals and is known for their expansive savanna habitats and Africa Tram. Meet the only two platypuses currently residing outside of Australia. Read More February 12, 2025
Irvine – Wetlands cover 300 acres and is home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, crustaceans, and other creatures native to the area. Visitors can walk along 12 miles of trails and watch the more than 200 bird species that visit the marsh. Read More August 20, 2025
Vista – Book a farm tour and explore the six-acre family farm; animal visits and feeding can be added to your tour. Kids Day on the Farm is held on Thursdays, featuring a special Story Time and Animal Feeding. Read More August 20, 2025
Santa Ana – View vintage equipment and memorabilia dating back to the late 1800s alongside state of the art contemporary fire trucks and equipment. Visitors welcome during Open House dates. August 12, 2025
Santa Ana – This small, local zoo features 80+ species of animals. See monkeys and lemurs, exotic birds, enjoy play areas, and hop on the train ride, carousel, and Ferris wheel. Read More January 15, 2025
Various Locations – Indoor inflatable slides, sports court, obstacle course and zipline. Birthday parties, open play, Toddler Time, and Family Fun Events available. Read More August 6, 2025
Carlsbad – Discover 6,000 animals and interactive touchpools, dive shows, and feeding demonstrations. Highlights include a walk-through shark tunnel to see sharks and rays up close and seeing various LEGO models throughout the aquarium and inside tanks. Read More March 9, 2026 All Camps Budget-Friendly Camps Camps for Kids Camps for Teens City Recreation Camps Orange County Camps STEM Camps
Seal Beach – Over 45 summer camps from arts, science, sports to all kinds of special interests. Read More July 23, 2025
Anaheim – The three-story arena features slides, inflatables, foam ball shooting air guns and more. Party packages offered. Read More March 12, 2026 All Camps Camps for Kids Los Angeles Camps Orange County Camps Sports Camps
LA & Orange County – Rock climbing camp at Sender One offers campers (ages 6-13) rope climbing, games, king swing, slackline, and Sender City. June 8 – August 14, 2026. Read More January 15, 2025
Los Angeles & Santa Ana – Indoor climbing center that offers rope climbing, bouldering, youth programs, yoga, anad fitness. Recreational climbing, classes, teams, camps and party packages available. Read More February 6, 2025
Chula Vista | Dates TBA – 17-acre theme and water park where Sesame Street comes to life. Features heated pools, water slides, lazy river, and a sandy beach. Read More August 12, 2025
Corona Del Mar – A 2-acre botanical garden and living laboratory featuring a tropical conservatory with koi fish and turtles and themed gardens.Read More August 12, 2025
Huntington Beach – This 18-acre nature preserve features native plants and animals and two miles of walking trails. Read More February 6, 2025
Valencia | May 24 – September 1, 2025 – A 25-acre water park with over 25 unique slides and attractions next to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Splash Island and Castaway Cove are designed for little kids with shallow pools, water slides, rain curtains, and spraying water fountains. Read More May 3, 2023
Valencia – A 260-acre theme park, features 20 world-class roller coasters and over 100 rides, games, and attractions for the entire family. Read More August 20, 2025
The following rinks offer roller or ice skating with public and specialty skating sessions. Classes, clinics, camps, hockey and broomball, and party packages are typically offered. Aliso Viejo Ice Palace… View Article August 20, 2025
Los Angeles – Explore an 8,000-square-foot wooden Noah’s Ark, enjoy art making, archaeology digs, story time, and more. Read More July 17, 2025
Corona- Four zipline courses and three levels of the Sky Gym on 160 acres of natural, undisturbed, mountainous terrain. Read More January 15, 2025
Various Locations – A trampoline park with a variety of attractions for all ages, such as Freestyle Jump, Toddler Zone, Skyslam, Foam Zone, Ninja Warrior Course, and Drop Zone. Special programs are also available: Little Leapers for younger kids, sensory hours, camps and party packages. Read More July 17, 2025
Skyforest- An adventure park featuring year-round activities including mountain biking, ziplining, rock climbing, skating, playscape, bike trails, archery, ax throwing, and more. Read More February 12, 2025
Palos Verdes Peninsula – This 87-acre garden features a small lake, Children’s Garden and Children’s Discovery Garden. Check out their newest exhibition, TROLLS: Save the Humans, premiering October 1, 2023. Read More July 23, 2025
Redondo Beach – Indoor play space with large ball pit with straight and curly slides, a rope tunnel, a bounce house, an electronic game floor, and interactive walls.Read More July 24, 2025
Pasadena – Kids can interact with a fire engine, play in the construction zone, or experience what it’s like to perform at the Hollywood Bowl. SCCM also offers daily events and parties. Read More March 5, 2026 All Camps Budget-Friendly Camps CampGuide Camps for Kids Guides Long Beach Camps Performance Camps
Long Beach – The Big & Spectacular Variety Show Dance Camp offers campers (5 and up) a variety of themed dances to chose from. June 16 – July 3, 2026 Read More January 22, 2025
Torrance – Free trains rides on miniature 7.5-inch gauge trains on the first Sunday and the third Saturday of each month. Birthday and group trains are also available on public train ride days. Read More January 22, 2025
Perris – Ride trains and trolleys on weekends and visit the museum’s expansive collection of 200+ locomotives, passenger and freight cars, streetcars, interurban electric cars, and more. Read More March 8, 2026 All Camps Animal Camps Camps for Kids Camps for Teens Long Beach Camps
Long Beach – Kids (ages 9-14) learn basic care and responsibility for pets, respect for animals, and the beginnings of dog training—all while having fun with friends! June 22 – August 7, 2026. Read More August 12, 2025
Culver City – Environmental science museum and rescue facility that offers guided tours to see 200+ rescued exotic wildlife from tropical fish to tortoises, parrots to pythons. Eco Station is only open for guided tours to the public on weekends. Read More August 20, 2025
Irvine – Tanaka Farms offers u-pick wagon rides and guided tours of their 30-acre farm all year long. See barn animals, participate in story time, workshops, and clubs. Seasonal festivals, pumpkin patch, farm-to-table cookouts also available. Read More
Orange Coast College Planetarium
Orange County Child Care Association Referrals
Orange County Model Engineers
Orange County Zoo
OstrichLand USA
Pacific Park
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
Paintball & Airsoft Parks
Palm Springs Air Museum
Palomar Observatory
Pennypickle’s Workshop Temecula Children’s Museum
Petersen Automotive Museum
Pillars Academy Summer Camp (2026)
Pío Pico State Historic Park
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
Planes of Fame Air Museum
Play & Parties
PlayPie Kids Indoor Playground
Point Fermin Lighthouse
Poway-Midland Railroad
Pretend City Children’s Museum
Pump it Up
Queen Mary
Raging Waters
RailGiants Train Museum
Rancho Los Alamitos
Rancho Los Cerritos
Randall Lewis Second Story and Beyond
Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
River Street Ranch
Rockreation – Rock Climbing
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Round1 Bowling & Amusement
Roundhouse Aquarium
Roundhouse Aquarium – Summer Science Beach Camp (2026)
S.S. Lane Victory
Safe Sitter Babysitting Courses for Kids
San Diego Air & Space Museum
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
Sand N’ Straw Community Farm
Santa Ana Fire Museum
Read More
Santa Ana Zoo
Scooter’s Jungle
Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland
Seal Beach Community Services Summer Camps (2026)
Seascape Kids Fun
Sender One – Summer Climbing Camps (2026)
Sender One Climbing – Rock Climbing
Sesame Place
Sherman Library & Gardens
Shipley Nature Center
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Skating Rinks
Skirball Cultural Center
Skull Canyon Ziplines
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Skypark at Santa’s Village
South Coast Botanic Garden
South Play Party
Southern California Children’s Museum
Southern California Dance Academy Summer Camp (2026)
Southern California Live Steamers
Southern California Railway Museum
spcaLA Friends for Life Camp (2026)
STAR Eco Station
Tanaka Farms
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