The Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo is happening this Saturday and Sunday – I’ve heard it’s a lot of fun. I am looking forward to checking out the Ocean Institute this weekend. Did you know that it is now open to the public on weekdays 10:00am – 4:00pm? That would have been great when my kids were younger and I was looking for something to do in the morning before lunch and naptime. Enjoy your week!
Ongoing / Week-long Events / Museum Happenings
The OC Great Park Family Activities
Sand Canyon and Marine Way
Irvine, CA 92618
ocgp.org
Friday, August 21: Friday Night Lawn Games – Put some fun into your Fridays! Whether you are taking your date on a balloon ride or going for an evening stroll with the family, these trendy lawn games are a perfect addition to your evening at the Great Park. These games include Croquet, Bocce Ball, Ladder Ball, Cornhole and Kubb. Event runs 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
Saturday, August 22: Saturday Family Park Play - Learn about the Great Park through new, family friendly activities! Each week will feature a themed craft for children. Classic board games also available for friendly family competition. Parent participation required; supplies are limited. Event runs 10:00am – 2:00pm. Today’s activity is Playful Puzzles.
Saturday, August 22: The Art Lab: Creation Stations - Play, create and explore at our self-directed creation stations. These hands-on activities emphasize divergent thinking, problem solving skills and innovation. Families with children of all ages are welcome. Event runs 10:00am – 4:00pm at the Great Park Artists Studio. Free.
Sunday, August 23: Farmer’s Market - Sundays at the Orange County Great Park are headlined by the fresh produce and fun at our Certified Farmers Market. Every week, rain or shine, the Great Park Certified Farmers Market features fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, handcrafted artisan products, live music and entertainment, and a selection of gourmet food trucks. Market runs 10:00am – 2:00pm. Free parking and admission.
Sunday, August 23: The Art Lab: Creation Stations - Play, create and explore at our self-directed creation stations. These hands-on activities emphasize divergent thinking, problem solving skills and innovation. Families with children of all ages are welcome. Event runs 10:00am – 4:00pm at the Great Park Artists Studio. Free.
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
aquariumofpacific.org
Discounted Late Nights: Enjoy the Aquarium of the Pacific with special extended hours. The entire Aquarium will be open, except Lorikeet Forest. Admission after 5:00 p.m. is just $14.95 for adults and seniors, and children (3-11). Watch the nighttime activities of our animals, touch a shark, and enjoy the beautiful evening lighting of the Aquarium’s architecture. Hours are 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Please note that Café Scuba may not be open on all nights but the Coffee Cart will be open in those cases. This week’s Discounted Late Nights are:
Monday, August 17
Tuesday, August 18
Wednesday, August 19
Thursday, August 20
Friday, August 21
Saturday, August 22
Sunday, August 23
Bolsa Chica State Beach
17851 PCH
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
parks.ca.gov/bolsachica
Junior Rangers – Junior Rangers is designed for children ages 7 – 12. All programs begin at 10 am and end at 11 am at the Bolsa Chica Lifeguard Headquarters building. Junior Ranger programs are free to the public. These programs are designed to help children discover the rich natural and cultural heritage preserved in parks. Possible topics are: ecology, the wetlands, geology, marine mammals, beach animals, plants of the beach and more!
Monday, August 17 – Sensational Seashells
Wednesday, August 19 – Ecology
Friday, August 21 – Microscopes & Plankton
Campground Program – Campground programs are not just for campers! Join State park staff and other outside organizations for our weekly nighttime event at the Bolsa Chica Campground! Every other Wednesday at 7pm, join us for an evening of special interest topics such as: Huntington Beach History, Bolsa Chica Wetlands, Birds of the Beach, and more. These are free events for the public. Once you enter the beach, turn left and park at the south end of the first parking lot. The programs will take place in the Campground Center.
No Campground Program this week
Crystal Cove State Park
8471 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
crystalcovestatepark.com
Monday, August 17: Junior Rangers - Join a Park Ranger for a fun introduction to the ecology of Crystal Cove State Park in our weekly Junior Ranger programs. This children’s nature program is a favorite in State Parks and allows visitors ages 7-12 to earn a badge. Junior Rangers meets on Monday June 29 from 10-11am. Meet at the Berns Amphitheater (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park, follow signs towards the campground.) Come for the program, stay for the day. $15 day-use fee.
Wednesday, August 19: Community Days – Crystal Cove Alliance is hosting Community Days in the Historic District’s Education Commons on Wednesdays July 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 from 10-4. Step back in time as the Education Commons comes to life with fun, historical activities for the whole family. Learn to sketch or dance, try your hand at a traditional craft, enjoy a historic radio show, or explore the science of Crystal Cove State Park. Check out Cottage #13, the Film and Media Center, and Cottage #22, the Park and Marine Research Facility. Park in the Los Trancos lot (PCH inland at stoplight Los Trancos then walk across the street or take the shuttle.) $15 day use fee.
Saturday, August 22: Astronomy Night – See Saturn, the first quarter moon & lots of nebula and globular clusters when Crystal Cove State Park partners with the Orange County Astronomer’s Association for a Star Party on Saturday, August 22 at 8pm. Meet at the Berns Amphitheatre (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park.) Bring a telescope, if you have one, an astrological appetite, and dress warmly.
Sunday, August 23: Sunset Hike – Join Crystal Cove State Park docents for a 2-mile guided Sunset Hike on Sunday, August 23 at 7pm. Enjoy the rising moon over Moro ridge on this moderate one hour hike. Meet at the Berns Amphitheater (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park, follow signs towards the campground.) Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and dress in layers.
Mission San Juan Capistrano Family Activities
26801 Ortega Hwy.
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
missionsjc.com
Wednesday, August 19: Homeschool Family Day – Join us at the Mission for Homeschool Family Day. Now offering a discount package that includes child admission, guided tour, audio tour, panning for gold, adobe brick making, koi fish food, Mission Clubhouse ID card and passport explorer. This event occurs every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Purchase tickets online: 4th Grader Package $12.48, Adult $9, Child $6.
Summer Crafts for Kids offered July 6 through August 28, 2015, 11:00am – 1:00pm. $5 non-members, $1 members.
Mondays: Gold Panning
Tuesdays: Adobe Brick Making
Wednesdays: Cornhusk Dolls
Thursdays: Mini Coiled Clay Pot
Fridays: Arrowhead Necklace
Gold Panning, Adobe Brick Making, and Arrowhead Necklace is offered every Saturday and Sunday, 11:00am – 3:00pm. $5 non-members, $1 members.
OC Zoo Classes for Kids
OC Zoo
1 Irvine Park Rd.
Orange, CA 92869
ocparks.com/zoo
Thursday, August 20: Animals in My Backyard Preschool Program - Come learn all about animals you find in your backyard! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo animals up close! Class runs 10:15am – 11:15am. Ages 3-4 years old only. Parent must accompany child for duration of program. Fee: $5 per child (includes one adult). Parking fee: $3. Phone registration is required! Call 714-973-6846 to register.
Saturday, August 22: Upcycling Animal Craft Fun I – Make fun crafts out of recyclable materials you have at home! Please bring a large bottle cap and quart-sized plastic jug to class. Ages: 5-8 years old only. Parent may accompany child for duration of program. Fee: $5 per child (includes one adult). Parking fee: $5. Phone registration is required! Call 714-973-6846 to register. Class runs 10:00am – 11:30am.
Sawdust Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
sawdustartfestival.org
A Laguna Beach tradition for 49 years, the Sawdust Festival’s Summer Show serves as a showcase for more than 200 local artisans. Come and see all the diverse artwork as well as check out the art demonstrations and workshops. Admission is $8.50; $4 children 6-12. Festival runs Friday, June 26 – Sunday, August 30, 2015.
There is a Children’s Art Spot with art fun for the little ones, free of charge. Although most are complimentary, some classes and workshops may require a materials fee. There is also a Ceramic Center with one-on-one instruction at the potter’s wheel for all ages. Free of charge to take home as greenware; $8 to glaze, fire and pick up; $16 to glaze, fire and ship to your home. Please see website for class schedule.
Children’s Museum at La Habra
301 South Euclid St.
La Habra, CA 90631
lhcm.org
Our mission
is to encourage enthusiasm about learning in a hands-on environment that opens the world even to the youngest child. Our museum features 7 galleries and 14 different hands on exhibits, many of which remain unique to the field today. In addition to these exhibits, an outdoor dinosaur topiary and historic 1942 caboose, the Museum features an exhibit which changes 3 times a year. The Children’s Museum welcomes local, national and international visitors. Children can ride a kid-size carousel, take a walk in T-Rex’s footprints, pet an Arctic fox, pump gas, drive a bus, dress up and perform, and dig for fossils all in one afternoon! Admission: Kids and Adults $8, La Habra residents $7, Kids Under 2 Free).
The spring/summer exhibit is California Full of Life and it opens Tuesday, March 31 and runs through August 24, 2015. This exhibit introduces guests to the ecosystem diversity found in our beautiful Golden State. Visit the deserts, beaches, mountains, and redwoods and learn about the life cycles of plants and wildlife. Have fun on a mini camping trip at the Museum. Learn about living in a tent, camping foods, camping gear, and California state parks & wildlife. Get a taste of our great outdoors with the Children’s Museum at La Habra’s Spring 2015 Changing Gallery Exhibit, California: Full of Life!
Monday, August 17: MUSEUM CLOSED
Tuesday, August 18: Reading Circle – Event begins at 11:15am. “Did you feed your baby’s brain today?” There is no better source of brain food than reading aloud! Bring you eager listener to our weekly reading session in the Nannie’s Travels gallery and get your fill!
Wednesday, August 19: Little Picasso Family Art Center – Make a “paint” date every Wednesday (11:00am – 3:00pm) at the Museum for lots of messy time exploring color and texture! There are easels, washable paints, brushes and paint smocks ready for little artists to use. This is a drop in art studio and subject to change. Free with paid admission.
Thursday, August 20: Tiny Tigers Taekwondo - Join Master Yang for a peaceful morning of exercise and fitness in this parent & me program. Please call (562)383-4236 to reserve your spot. Master Yang, is a 5th degree Black Belt who teaches Martial Arts at the Shambhala Martial Arts Center in Brea. Class runs 11:00am – 11:45am. Free with paid admission.
Friday, August 21: Happy Teeth Workshop - Little ones will learn all about taking care of their pearly whites and receive a free toothbrush to take home to practice with! Workshop runs 10:00am – 10:45am. Free with paid admission.
Friday, August 21: Creative Capers - Bring out your inner artist this summer! Explore the lives and works of these famous artists and create a work of art in the styles they were most noted for. Today’s artist is Chihuly.
Sunday, August 23:Family Art Sundays: Clayworks – Kids will use their hands to make different masks. Event runs 1:30pm – 2:30pm. Free with museum admission.
Discovery Cube Orange County
2500 N Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
discoverycube.org
We INSPIRE and EDUCATE young minds through engaging SCIENCE-BASED programs and exhibits to create a meaningful IMPACT on the COMMUNITIES we serve. Our mission to inspire, educate, and impact is brought to life through the cornerstones of our core initiatives (STEM Proficiency, Early Learning, Healthy Living, and Environmental Stewardship. Explore over 100 hands-on, interactive exhibits as you adventure throughout Discovery Cube’s first and second floors. All of our exhibits teach science concepts using fun and engaging activities.
Admission is $16.95 for Adults, $12.95 for Children 3-14, and Free for Children 2 and Under. Memberships also available. Check website for details.
June 11, 2015 – September 7, 2015: The International Exhibition of Sherlock Homes - This interactive experience combines science with history and culture to bring to life the historic underpinnings of author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories. Visitors will learn how Sherlock Holmes, a scientific expert, used seemingly trivial observations of clues others missed to solve the most puzzling of mysteries! This exhibition features original manuscripts and artifacts, investigative tools, and crime-solving opportunities. Visitors will be transported back into Victorian London and given a detective’s notebook to use throughout the exhibition to help solve a riveting crime! Exhibit is included in price of general admission.
Kidseum (art-based children’s museum operated by the Bowers Museum)
1802 N Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
bowers.org
The newly renovated Kidseum is high-tech and interactive with a focus on its new mission, “Igniting imagination through exploration,” stressing the excitement of art and archaeology. Be sure to check out the new “Glow Cave” with its fun art making activities, ride the magical Wells Fargo stagecoach through time in the “Green Screen Time Machine,” and explore archaeology like never before in our new Archaeology Lab. There will be a lot of visual stimulation and engaging education with new smart tables, smart boards and computers.
Special Weekend Programs for children and adults! (included with admission). Admission is $6 for Ages 2 and Up, Under 2/Members are Free. Adult free admission with current Bowers Museum ticket stub.
Face painting all day
Drop in Art Studio all day
Live Storytelling in the Story Room – 11:00am – 11:30am and 1:30pam – 2:00pm (Saturdays & Sundays)
Glow Cave Paintings – 11:30am – 12:00pm and 2:00pm – 2:30pm (Saturdays & Sundays)
Archaeology Lab Coin Impressions – 1:00pm – 1:30pm and 2:30pm – 3:00pm (Saturdays & Sundays)
Muzeo
241 S Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
muzeo.org
The MUZEO engages the community by exploring and celebrating our diverse heritage, culture and arts through creative programming. The MUZEO hosts three traveling exhibitions per year which would otherwise not be displayed in the region. Every exhibit is enhanced with special programs, events and activities. You don’t want to miss a moment of them. Admission fees: Adults $10 and children $6. Parking is available in the structure on the corner of Center Street Promenade and South Lemon Street. Museum is closed on Mondays.
Cougars and Grizzlies: Sharing Their Path – Exhibit runs April 18, 2015 – September 13, 2015. Most Southern California families are unaware that grizzly bears ever roamed what has now become bustling cities like Irvine and Corona. The extinction of the California grizzly bear (Ursus Californicus) in 1924 serves a cautionary tale for those wanting to protect and preserve California’s fragile mountain lion (Puma concolor) species. Cougars and Grizzlies: Sharing Their Path will educate and raise environmental awareness by juxtaposing the fate of the California grizzly bear with the future of the state’s mountain lion. Docent tours start in the box office and last approximately 45 minutes. Tours are complimentary with admission to Cougars and Grizzlies: Sharing Their Path. See website for details.
Pretend City
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
pretendcity.org
Pretend City Children’s Museum features a small, interconnected city designed to “build better brains” through purposeful play, hands-on learning experiences, role playing, and educational programming. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving all children, it depends on community-based funding and guest support. Through 17 interactive exhibits and activities guided by a highly trained professional staff, children learn foundational math, reading and science skills, while fostering curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, organization, teamwork, self-confidence and socialization. The museum is a unique community resource offering developmental screenings and tools for families, educators and community agencies working to ensure that each child gains the experiences needed to discover their potential and build toward a productive and fulfilling future.
Admission is as follows: Infant to 12 months: FREE, Children: $12.50, Adult: $12.50, Military and Family Members: $9.50. Pretend City’s Art Studio has new art projects daily! See the Art Calendar for details. Pretend City’s Real Café is located between the Home and Construction Site. Our vending Machines contain healthy choices like sandwiches, salads, fruit snacks, milk, bottle water, and other healthier snack options for your family. Take a break in our Real Cafe seating area while you fill up on much-needed fuel before going back on the floor for more play! We ask that all eating be in the Real Café seating area, or on the outside tables to side the building (next to the Front Entrance). Pretend City Children’s Museum is a nut-free facility.
Friday, August 21: Homeschool Field Experience Day - Once a month we offer Homeschool students unlimited access to our interactive exhibits offering learning through fun experiences. A field experience to Pretend City offers your students a learning experience through hands-on educational play. The Pretend City environment allows you to create a plethora of curriculum and activities to surround your students with challenging problems and absorbing questions. RSVP: Register here. Registration is required by Wednesday, June 17. Maximum: 300. When you come to Pretend City on the Homeschool Day, please present your Homeschool Day ticket and Homeschool ID card (or district letter, private school affidavit, etc) to the Front Desk. Fee: $9.00 per students; $9.00 per adult. Event runs 10:00am – 5:00pm.
Friday, August 21: Celebrate Senior Citizens Day! - National Senior Citizens Day recognizes contributions senior citizens make in communities across the United States. Today, Pretend City celebrates this special day with activities that will help build a special connection to the senior citizens in their lives. Join us for:
Growing Up Great Games: Memory Aerobics – Play this fun matching game with us that will merge classic and new cartoon characters to build memory skills and prompt conversations about the past.
Sensational Story Time: The Grannyman – Can you teach an old cat new tricks? Join us for sensational story time to find out.
Play Partner: Pretendgineers and Brain Builders, our experienced stage staff of trained early childhood and child development educators, grown-ups RSVP: Not required. Fee: Check-ups and activities are included with museum admission. Senior Citizens 55 and older receive 50% off of general admission today! Activities run 10:00am – 5:00pm.
Friday, August 21: Korean Festival Fridays - Join us every Friday this summer to participate in Korean Festival Fridays – sponsored by The Korean Foundation. Korean Festival Fridays compliment the Heart and Seoul: Growing Up in Korea exhibit to promote Korean Culture to Orange County families. Understanding other people’s languages, cultures, etiquettes and taboos are of great value when trying to ensure that children are learning global competency. Festival Fridays make guests passionate participants in learning about the culture by providing activity-based, participatory, educational adventures.
Sample some of the delicious Korean noodles from Nongshim.
Korean Folding Fan: One of the most popular traditional Korean dances is the buchae chum (boo-chae choom), or the fan dance. The name itself literally translates to “fan dance,” as buchae means fan and chum means dance. Buchaechum is a traditional form of Korean dance, usually performed by groups of female dancers. Many koreans use this dance during many celebrations. They use fans painted with pink peony blossoms and display a show of dance. During the dance, the dancers represent images using the fans such as flowers, butterflies and waves.
Children can partake in their own rendition of the bumchae chum by creating their own buchae, or folding fan out of paper, and decorating it to their liking. Examples of fan folding can be found on Pinterest. They can also glue it to popsicle sticks at each end in order to grasp it better. Once the children have folded their fans, they can take part in their very own buchae chum, or fan dance using their fans! They can either dance to traditional instrumental Korean music, or traditional Korean singing known as “Trot.”
Activities at 11:00am and 3:00pm every Friday. RSVP: Not required. Fee: Included with museum admission.
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