Saturday 21
Alice in Wonderland Rehearsals
MYART’s will perform an original musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll's Classic Tale, Alice in Wonderland. All ages. Location: 6311 Larchwood Dr., Huntington Beach. Information: 800.400.2985 or MYART.org.

A Kid-Friendly Workshop on Caring for the Earth
Do you want to learn how to help save the planet? Join the Huntington Beach Central Library as they welcome Cambria Gordon, author of The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming, for a fun hands-on workshop to discover how you can make a difference. Each family will receive a copy of Ms. Gordon’s book! 1-2pm. Advance registration is required. Call 714.708.3885 or insidetheoutdoors.org.

Welcome Baby
Parents and babies 18-months and younger will experience songs, action rhymes, books, flannel board stories, and playtime. Parents will receive helpful information about early literacy, and will create a keepsake craft. Each baby will receive a goodie bag containing a book and other gifts. 10am-noon. FREE at the Yorba Linda Public Library. Information: 714.777.2873 x7 or yorbalindalibrary.com.

Tuesday 24
National Pancake Day
IHOP restaurants throughout the United States will once again invite guests to enjoy a free short stack of IHOP’s signature buttermilk pancakes from 7am–10pm. In return, IHOP guests are asked to donate what they would have spent on the free pancakes, or more, to their local children’s hospital or another worthy cause. To learn more go to: childrensmiraclenetwork.org.

Bayside Buddies
Attention all Junior Naturalist! Discover our amazing natural world at the Bay through hands-on activities, crafts and nature walks. Come prepared for an exciting outdoor experience for ages 5-13. Located at Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center from 3:30pm-4:30pm. Pre-registration is required. Call 949.923.2290, or e-mail: unbic@ocparks.com to register.

Thursday 26
Kids Fair
MOMS Club of Placentia North presents their 4th annual Kids Fair at the Brea Community Center from 10am-1pm. FREE events including the following activities; kids crafts, goody bags and bounce house. Information: kidsfairplacentianorth.webs.com.

Friday 27
Nose, Toes & Ears
Who has tiny ears or big ears? How many toes does a bear have? A deer? Come find out in this fun class! at the Orange County Zoo from 10-11am. Ages 3-4. Reservations are a must! Information: 714.973.6846 or oczoo.com.

Saturday 28
Wildlife Cartooning and Live Animal Sketching Family Workshop
Inside the Outdoors invites artists of all abilities for a fun day of art! You will learn how an animal’s physical characteristics help it survive as you sketch a wildlife model, as well as learning simple ways to create wildlife cartoons. Bring a picnic dinner. 4-8pm. San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. Advance registration is required. Information: 714.708.3885 or insidetheoutdoors.org.

Saturday 28 & Sunday 1
Irvine Park Railroad's Celebration
To celebrate Irvine Park Railroads 13th year of business, and to show their appreciation to all of their loyal customers, IPRR is rolling back prices to the original 1996 prices! Including $2 train rides. The celebration is for this weekend only from 10am-4pm. Come and enjoy the fun! Information: 714.997.3968 or irvineparkrailroad.com.

Annual Kite Flying Party
Join the Kite Connection at the Huntington Beach Pier for a colorful, family fun-filled event. There's no competition, no rules - just a lot of people who love kites. FREE! 11am. Information: 714.536.3630 or kiteconnection.com.

Civil War Re-enactment
Beautiful St Catherine's Military Academy in Anaheim is transformed into a battleground between the Confederate artillery and the Union Infantry, complete with combat, cannons and encampments. The annual event includes cannon blasts, fiddlers, banjos, flutes, drums, festive costumes; troop encampments and booths where hoop skirts and military period costumes were sold. Information: 714.772.1363 or acws.net.

top of page

March

Sunday 1
The Kid's Pet Parade
Part of the annual Fiesta de las Golondrinas celebration. Kids between the ages of 5-12 can show off their favorite animals in a contest for: The Cutest, Most Unusual, Best Team Costume (owner and pet) and Funniest & Most Obedient (pet, not child). At Cooks Park in San Juan Capistrano. Information: 949.493.1976 or swallowsparade.com.

Wednesday 4
Pajama-Rama
Wear your jammies and bring your favorite teddy bear for a FREE evening of stories, songs, and puppet shows. Refreshments too! Pajama-Rama meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Yorba Linda Public Library. Information: 714.777.2873 x7 or yorbalindalibrary.com.

Friday 6
Shark Lagoon Nights
The public is invited to get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Pacific. FREE during Shark Lagoon Nights. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as Sandtigers as well as rays in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon. Coffee, hot cocoa, beer, wine, desserts, and snacks are available for purchase. 6-9pm. Information: 562.590.3100 or aquariumofpacific.org.

Every Saturday
Roller Blading Fun Roll
Come join the group of roller bladers each Saturday morning at 10:30am. just north of the Huntington Beach Pier at the Pier Plaza Amphitheater for a 16-mile round-trip skate from Huntington to Newport Beach. It's at a nice and easy pace and all ages and levels are welcome - bicyclists can join in on the fun too! FREE. Information: funroll.com.

Saturday 7
Whale Watching Cruises
View migrating gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, jellyfish and other ocean wildlife. The Ocean Institute brings you 2½-hour cruises from 1:30-4pm. For scheduling call 949.496.2274 or ocean-institute.org.

Saturday 7 & Sunday 8
Annual Festival of Whales Street Faire
Join the community this weekend and next weekend to celebrate the return of the Gray Whales. Come sample the best at Dana Point Plaza through more than 100 vendors, great food and fun activities for the entire family. 10am-5pm. Information: 949.472.7888 or festivalofwhales.org.

Friday 13
Animal Art I
Join the OC Zoo for an hour of creativity and fun with an animal theme! Come ready to get a little messy! Learn fun facts and make fun crafts with kids your own age at the Orange County Zoo from 10-11am. Ages 3-4. Reservations are a must! Information: 714.973.6846 or oczoo.com.

Sunday 15
Coaster Run 2009
Run, walk and ride the Coasters at Knott’s Berry Farm to benefit the kids of Speech and Language Development Center in Buena Park. The Coaster Run offers a 5K Run/Walk, 5K Elite Race, 10K Run and 1/2 Mile Kids Camp Snoopy Fun Run followed by a finish-line expo and a complimentary piece of Knott's famous boysenberry pie for all finishers. Starts at 6am. Information: 949.975.1812 or renegaderaceseries.com.

Annual Chili Cook-Off
Silverado Children’s Center Annual Chili Cook-Off includes family games, prizes, live music, food & beverages plus much more! FREE admission to Irvine Lake (additional fee for Chili Taster’s Kit) from 11am-7pm. Proceeds from this event benefit Silverado Children's Center. Information: silveradochildrenscenter.com.

Thursday 19
Return of the Swallows Celebration
The celebration will feature the traditional ringing of the Mission bells, colorful entertainment, delicious food, interesting displays, vendors and much more; all to mark the springtime return of the swallows to the Capistrano Valley. 10am-2pm. Information: 949.234.1300 or missionsjc.com.

Friday 20 - Sunday 22
Emilio and the Enchanted Cow
Marionetas de la Esquina, a puppet theater company from Mexico, has been entertaining children and adults alike since 1975. In this presentation, young Emilio, when faced with so many changes, creates an imaginary friend, a cow who helps him cope with life's challenges. Orange County Performing Arts Center. Ages 4-8. Information: 714.556.2787 or ocpac.org.

Saturday 21
Swallows Day Parade
The Parade takes place in downtown San Juan Capistrano. This is the nation's largest non-motorized parade. It is totally organized and presented by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. Arrive early; most street closures are by 10am. The parade begins at 11am. Information: 949.493.1976 or swallowsparade.com.

Sunday 22
Mini Chefs: Family Cooking Class
Kids will have fun making a Hawaiian inspired dish! Participants will listen to a story while munching on their yummy creations. Presented by Handstand Kids Cookbook Company. 1:30-2:15pm. $5 per child. Information: 562.905.9793 or lhcm.org.

Saturday 28
Country Day Fair
Come on down to the annual country day fair for a great day of family fun and an opportunity to learn more about Prince of Peace Christian Church & School. 2987 Mesa Verde Drive East, Costa Mesa. 10am-3pm. Information: 714.549.0562 or popcostsmesa.com.

Sunday 29
Ukrainian Egg Decorating
Learn the ancient art of Ukrainian Decorated Eggs from artist, Adrianna Wrzesniewsky at The Children’s Museum of La Habra. Using traditional tools and a real egg, you’ll create your own to take home and treasure. Ages 5 and up at 1:30pm. Space is limited. Information: 562.905.9793 or lhcm.org.

Thursday 2 - Saturday 4
Sugar Plum Festival
One of the largest arts and crafts festivals of its kind in Southern California features hundreds of talented artisans and craftspeople with a wonderful variety of handmade and handcrafted items. Orange County Fair & Exposition Center, Building #10. No strollers please. FREE! Information: 562.598.0857 or sugarplumcrafts.com.

Thursday 2- Sunday 12
The Glory of Easter
Called one of the “most spectacular and moving” passion plays of its kind. Recreating the events leading to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the show features professional stage actors, dancers and musicians performing to a pre-recorded score by the London and Seattle Symphony orchestras. Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. Information & tickets: 714.54.GLORY or crystalcathedral.org.

Friday 3
Moonlit Marshmallows
Would your family like to make warm and gooey S’Mores by a campfire? Each session runs one hour and includes open access to a nature trail plus making and eating dessert by the fire. Bring a flashlight and stroll the Nature Center trail for a fun family evening in Irvine. 7pm. & 8pm. All ages welcome. Information: 949.724.6610 or irvinequickreg.org.

Saturday 4
The Sleeping Beauty - Ballet for Children
Festival Ballet Theatre celebrates the culmination of its 20th Anniversary Season with a one-hour rendition of the beloved classical ballet, The Sleeping Beauty. This performance is specially designed to introduce children to the beauty of classical ballet and music. Performed in the intimate setting of Irvine Barclay Theatre. Information: 714.740.7878 or thebarclay.org.

Earth Day Celebration
The Earth Day Celebration at Bolsa Chica Wetlands is a fun FREE way to get outside and learn about the environment with the whole family! The day will include interactive booths and games that explore all aspects of the wetlands! Featuring marine animals, birds, coyotes and raccoons, wetland ecology, history of the wetlands, and guided tours, kids will have fun while learning about the wetlands and receive prizes for answering questions!  Hot dogs, snow cones, refreshments and more! 10am-3pm. Information: 714.846.1114 or bolsachica.org.

Saturday 4 - Sunday 19
BubbleFest XIII
Join in the outrageous good, clean fun at BubbleFest's 13th Anniversary Celebration. See spinning bubbles, bouncing bubbles, bubbles within bubbles, smoking bubbles, square bubbles and more! Don't miss this amazing Spring Break event at Discovery Science Center. Information: discoverycube.org.

Friday 10
Bonkers for Bunnies
It's springtime and Easter is just around the corner.  Come learn all about bunnies at the Orange County Zoo! Space fills up quickly in these classes. 10am -11am. Phone registration is required: 714.973.6846.

Saturday 11
Annual Easter Hunt
Join the fun at the Annual Easter Hunt in Huntington Central Park, 6622 Lakeview Dr. There will be crafts, game booths, entertainment and much more. Great fun for children up to eight years of age. 9:30am. FREE. Information: 714.536.5486 or surfcityusa.com.

The Great Egg Hunt
Bring your loved ones and join your neighbors in celebrating springtime. Take a family picture with Mr. Bunny and hunt for special prizes at Woodbridge Park in Irvine. Rain or Shine. 10am-1pm. Ages 2-12. Information: 949.724.6610 or irvinequickreg.org.

Easter Eggstravaganza
Hop on down for some spring fun at San Gorgonio Park in San Clemente. Enjoy arts and crafts, finger painting, egg hunt and bunny visits for children ages 12 and under. FREE. Information: 949.361.8264.

Spring Egg Hunt
Hop on down for some spring fun! Enjoy arts and crafts, face painting and bunny visits for children ages 12 and under. Little ones must be able to walk on their own. Egg Hunt begins promptly at 10am. FREE. Pearson Park, 400 N Harbor Blvd., Anaheim. Information: 714.765.5219.

Sunday 12 Happy Easter

Friday 17 - Sunday 19
Pet Expo
Over 1,000 animals will entertain you in stage shows, competitions and demonstrations. There will also be pet adoptions, pet products for sale, petting zoo, how-to workshops and advice from animal experts. Please do not bring your pets. Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa. Information: 800.999.7295 or petexpooc.com.

Youth Expo 2009
Don’t miss the biggest youth event in the county! Youth Expo is an educational fair focusing on the positive accomplishments of OC youth. Enjoy carnival rides, quirky science exhibits, the petting zoo and much more! Orange County Fair & Exposition Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa. Friday, 9am- 3pm. Saturday & Sunday, 10am-6pm. Information: 714.708.3247 or ocfair.com.

Saturday 18
UCI Earth Day
Come to UCI’s 31st Annual Open House featuring games and rides for children, an Earth Day Celebration, Car Show, Wayzgoose Medieval Faire with food booths, demonstrations and prize drawing. UCI Campus in Irvine from 9am-5pm. Information: 949.824.5182.

Earth Day San Clemente
Join the community celebration at Parque Del Mar overlooking the San Clemente Pier from 10am-2pm. Live Entertainment, vendor booths, children's area, artists, demonstrations and more! Information: 949.361.6143.

Wednesday 22
Earthday “I’m Green!” Day  
Join the Children’s Museum at La Habra in celebrating the Earth today by planting seeds and flowers in a pot you will paint, embellish and take home to care for.  Free with Museum admission. 11am-3pm. Information: 562.905.9793 or lhcm.org.

Saturday 25
Annual Spring Festival
The Friends of Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach will host the 4th Annual Spring Festival. The day’s events will include a Continental Breakfast, a California Native Plant Sale, a Maypole dance and the nature friendly Information Fair. Shipley volunteers will lead guided tours through eight native habitats. 9am.-2pm. Information: 714.842.4772 or shipleynature.org.

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26
Earth Day Celebration
The Aquarium of the Pacific Earth Day Celebration will illustrate how what we do in our daily lives affects our world. In fun and exciting ways,you will learn how to conserve our resources and preserve our environment. Children will enjoy face painting and other activities. Information: 562.590.3100 or aquariumofpacific.org.

top of pages

Friday 1 – Sunday 3
Alice in Wonderland
MYART’s performs an original musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll's Classic Tales, Alice in Wonderland at Millikan H.S. Auditorium. 2800 Snowden Ave., Long Beach. Also showing May 8th & 9th. Information: 800.400.2985 or MYART.org.

Lighthouse Guard
A lighthouse keeper waits for her beloved sailor who's at sea in this delightful production from Holland's acclaimed STIP Theater Producties. Clever costumes, scenery and live sound effects abound as the title character experiences all of the emotions that accompany waiting for a loved one to return home. Orange County Performing Arts Center. Ages 4-8. Information: 714.556.2787 or ocpac.org.

Saturday 2 & Sunday 3
Street Painting Festival
Come and see an asphalt parking lot transformed into a gallery of magnificent art. New and exciting innovations and attractions will be featured at the award-winning festival. Formerly know as Fun With Chalk. Information: 949.367.1222 or funwithchalk.org.

Sunday 3
Cinco de Mayo Half Marathon
Help support Pediatric Cancer Research by participating in these fun events. The run and the walk are just the beginning of all the activities. There will be games, face painting, a petting zoo and many more activities available for the kids. 7-11:30am. Information: renegaderaceseries.com.

Sunday 17
Family Arts Festival Day- FREE!
Enjoy a day of fun, food, and art at the annual Arts Festival Day at the Children’s Museum at La Habra. Activities include carnival games, face painting, storytelling, and balloon art. Families won’t want to miss this seismic event! Admission FREE. 12-5pm. Information: 562.905.9793 or lhcm.org.

Friday 22 - Sunday 25
Strawberry Festival
Celebrate the city of Garden Grove’s strawberry-growing history with a parade and carnival at Euclid & Main Street in Garden Grove. FREE Admission. Friday 1-10pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am-10pm; Monday 10am-8:30pm. Information: 714.638.0981 or strawberryfestival.org.

Saturday 23
Bommer Canyon Campout
Bring the family, a tent, sleeping bags, and chow for an ‘overnighter’ in Irvine’s wilderness. Enjoy rustic camping at the Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp with a BBQ for cooking, campfire songs and stories, nature walks, and a slide presentation. Information: 949.724.6610 or irvinequickreg.org.

top of page