Concerts and movies in the park are still going strong this week. There are several festivals going on this weekend. Check out the Children’s Bug Safaris happening at the Fullerton Arboretum on Saturday. I am looking forward to our trip to the Adventure Playground in Huntington Beach this Thursday. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your week!
Ongoing / Week-long Events / Museum Happenings
La Habra Corn Festival
El Centro/Lions Park
320 E Erna Ave.
La Habra, CA 90631
lahabracornfestival.com
The Corn Festival is the signature event for the La Habra Host Lions Club. It has been a success for decades and continues to be the highlight of the social calendar in La Habra. Located at El Centro/Lions Park, the festival covers an entire weekend and includes numerous rides and attractions, independent food, game and craft booths, a market place, live music, a car opportunity draw contest and Miss La Habra, the club queen and her court! Festival runs Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9. Parking is in the neighborhoods surrounding the park. See website for details and a schedule of events.
Grab some dinner and funnel cake for dessert to enjoy Friday, August 7 which kicks off to the sounds of community favorite La Habra’s own No Tomxorrow and Aliyah Moulden and Friends at 6pm followed by Farpointe Band which closes the park at 11pm.
Saturday, August 8 Southern California’s longest running summer parade starts at 9:30 am and travels from Idaho St. East down La Habra Blvd to Cypress St. Follow the end to the park and enjoy a Medieval Times stage show at noon while waiting for parade awards to be announced. Then grab some corn or other yummy foods and take a seat to watch the kids then the adult corn eating competition at 1:30pm immediately followed by the annual Apple Pie Baking Contest and doggie contest at 3pm. live entertainment by Jake Hitt starts at 5:30pm then The Ravelers will rock the park till closing at 11pm.
Sunday, August 9th is the perfect day for extended family fun. Baby Contest awards begin at 12:30pm followed by live music by The Step Brothers Band, Corona Dance Studio demo at 2:30, and a Super Hero Kids Costume Contest at 3pm. At 4:15 La Habra and Sonora Cheer come together to raise the roof, then the competition heats up when they and the football players go for the top corn eating contest team. Then the park gets to rocking again to the sounds of Hardtack at 5pm and Hanley Page at 6pm, At 8:30 pm the opportunity draws are called out and some very lucky person will be the winner of a 2014 Fiat 500L.
Ribs, Pigs & Watermelons Summer Festival
Huntington State Beach Parking Lot 9
Pacific Coast Highway & Beach Boulevard
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
afhusa.org/rpwbbq/
The festival’s name pretty much says it all. This event serves up loads of tasty BBQ and watermelon (along with beers for those of drinking age). There will be a professional BBQ competition, sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society, as well as contests for watermelon eating, rib eating and cow milking and live music throughout the weekend. The event will also help raise funds for the “Homeless to Hope to Home” shelter programs. COST: $10 adults (3 day pass), $5 children 8-12 (3 day pass). Festival runs Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9. See website for details and a schedule of events.
The OC Great Park Family Activities
Sand Canyon and Marine Way
Irvine, CA 92618
ocgp.org
Wednesday, August 5: Storytime in the Garden – Creativity and imagination are stimulated through stories about the wonders of life in the garden. Meets the first Sunday of each month 10:00am – 11:00am. Gently used book donations to the Farm + Food Lab’s little free library are welcomed.
Friday, August 7: 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 8: 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 It’s a Bug, Bug World.
Saturday, August 8: 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 9: 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 9: 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.
Orange County Fair (July 17 – August 16)
100 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
ocfair.com
It’s Fair Time! The Orange County Fair runs July 17 – August 16 this year. They are celebrating 125 years of the OC Fair. See website for details and a schedule of events. Hours are as follows:
Wednesday – Friday: Noon – Midnight
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – Midnight
Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Save! Single-day admission tickets are available online with no service fees through Ticketmaster.com when you choose the Print-At-Home option.
Single-Day Admission:
General (13-59) $12
Senior (60+) $7
Youth (6-12) $7
Children 5 and younger are free
Super Pass: Enjoy 23 days of Fair fun, food and more with a 2015 season pass. Visit the 2015 OC Fair Super Pass page for more information.
Parking:
General Passenger Car $10
General Buses & Limos $20
Pacific Amphitheatre VIP $30
Free parking and shuttle service is available on Saturdays and Sundays from the Experian parking structure located off the Bristol Street exit of the 405 Freeway. Follow the signs to “Experian.” The shuttle operates from 10 am-1 am weekends only.
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:
Tuesday, August 4
Wednesday, August 5
Friday, August 7
Saturday, August 8
Sunday, August 9
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!
NO JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAMS THIS WEEK
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 3: 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 5: 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 8: Bird Walk – Love birds, but need help with identification? Join Crystal Cove State Park birders on a guided summertime bird walk on both the inland and coastal areas of the park on Saturday, August 8 at 8am. Meet at the Berns Amphitheatre (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park, follow signs towards the campground.) $15 day use fee.
Sunday, August 9: Family Hike – Summer is a wonderful time to learn about our local nature. Join a park naturalist on a family hike at Crystal Cove State Park to learn about the plants and animals living in the park on Sunday August 9 at 9am. Meet at the Berns Amphitheater (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park, follow signs towards the campground.). $15 day-use fee.
Mission San Juan Capistrano Family Activities
26801 Ortega Hwy.
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
missionsjc.com
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
Friday, August 7: Under the Sea Preschool Program - Learn all about animals in the ocean including fish, dolphins, sharks, and more! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo animals up close! 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. Class runs 10:15am – 11:15am.
Saturday, August 8: Toy and Treat Making for the Animals – Come help us create “toys” and “treats” for our zoo animals to play with! Each child please bring 2 empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls to class. Class includes meeting zoo animals up close. 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 11:00am – 12:00pm.
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 3: MUSEUM CLOSED
Tuesday, August 4: 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 5: 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.
Friday, August 7: What To Do When Your Child is Heavy Workshop – An interactive discussion and tools to help families with parenting issues. Participants will receive a free copy of book discussed. Workshops are presented by the La Habra Resource Center and offered in English and Spanish. Free, Museum admission is an additional $8. Event runs 10:15am – 11:15am.
Friday, August 7: 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 Pablo Picasso.
Sunday, August 9:Family Art Sundays: Clayworks – Kids will create clay pinch pots and turn them into little monsters. 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)
Sunday, August 9: Junior Archaeologist – Become an archaeologist for a day – think, learn, explore and get your hands dirty! Participate in a Chinese archaeological dig, learn how to record your findings and create an artifact to take home. Event runs 10:30 AM PM – 12:30 PM. Spots are limited and advance reservations are recommended at least 3 days prior to event date. Fee: Admission, plus $10 for every participating child ages 4 and up. Members: Free admission; $6 for every participating child. To purchase your reservation tickets please follow this link…Ticket.
Sunday, August 9: Jazzy Ash and The Leaping Lizards: A Musical Journey to New Orleans at The Bowers Kershaw Auditorium (2002 N Main St., Santa Ana). This high energy, jumping jazz band is shaking up the family music scene. Kids and adults of all ages will be enchanted with the playful sounds of early New Orleans jazz, zydeco, be-bop, and swing. Their latest album, Home, was praised by Sirius XM Radio/ Kids Place Live and named Best Kids Album of 2014 by Metro Kids Magazine. Come dance and sing as we celebrate the release of their brand new album, Bon Voyage! Children under 12 are free with paying adult. Members $7 | General $10 | Children under 12 Free with Paying Adult (Children must have ticket for entrance). Tickets: Online here, onsite, or via the Reservation Line 714.567.3677. Event runs 1:30pm – 2:30pm.
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.
Saturday, August 8: Celebrate Happiness Happens Day! - As the Dalai Lama said, “Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” In essence, happiness happens! And we are here to provide fun activities and education for children about what it means to be happy. So come and join us to create happy memories with the following activities:
Sensational Story Time: Have You Filled Your Bucket Today? – This book is a powerful tool that will encourage positive behaviors. Children will understand how easy and rewarding it is to express kindness, appreciation, and love on a daily basis.
Music and Movement: If You’re Happy and You Know It – This wonderful song for children will get them moving to the happy beat!
Smart Art: Smile Starters – This art project will give you an opportunity to share the emotion of happiness with your child as you both draw the things in the world that make you happiest.
Activities run 10:00am – 5:00pm. RSVP: Not required. Fee: Included with museum admission.
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