Springtime events are in full swing this week and it is Spring Break season in Orange County. Bubblefest at the Discovery Science Center continues this week as well as Easter Eggstravaganza at Irvine Park Railroad. Check out the special events – I am especially excited by OC Fair Imaginology this Friday through Sunday. Have fun at these great events in Orange County this week!
Each week I will highlight library storytimes and family activities in a different city. Be on the look out for your hometown! This week I will feature the Brea Library, a branch of the OC Public Library System. Brea has a Preschool Storytime most Mondays at 11am, a School Age Storytime the 1st Wednesday of each month at 3pm, a School Age Read to the Therapy Dog the 1st Wednesday evening at 6:30pm, a Parent-Child Book Club (ages 8-12) the 2nd Tuesday evening at 6:30pm, a Fun with Legos Club the 2nd Wednesday at 3pm, a Family Craft Night the 3rd Tuesday evening at 6pm, a Video Game Day the 4th Wednesday at 4:30pm, and a Teen Book Club/Discussion the last Tuesday at 4:30pm. Website is ocpl.org/libloc/brea/calendar.
Week-long Events
Bubblefest XVIII and Animal Grossology Discovery Science Center
2500 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705, discoverycube.org (Now through April 20th)
Bubblefest – Orange County’s astounding spring break bubble spectacular.
Tickets can be purchased online or in-person. Cost: (General Admission + Mega Bubblefest Laser Show)
Adults (15+): $22.95, Kids (3-14): $19.95, Parking: $4
Animal Grossology – Children can have fun learning about animals in this interactive exhibit at the Discovery Science Center. The exhibit will be open daily and is included with the price of admission. Adults (15+) $15.95, Kids (3-14): $12.95, Parking is $4.
Easter Eggstravaganza Irvine Park Railroad
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869, irvineparkrailroad.com/content/easter-eggstravaganza (Now through April 19th)
The Easter Bunny is back at Irvine Park Railroad with Spring fun for families to enjoy throughout the season. There are picture opportunities, face painting, egg hunts and more.
Monday, April 7th
Preschool Storytime Brea Branch Library, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA 92821, ocpl.org/libloc/brea/calendar
Join us for this fun and interactive program! This program includes stories, songs, and activities to help develop early literacy and motor skills. No registration is required. Program runs 11am – noon.
Tuesday, April 8th
Baby Tales Songs and Story Time
Granola Babies
3315 Hyland Avenue, Suite B
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
granolababies.com/products/baby-tales
Story time, songs and music for babies and toddlers and their caregivers. Play time and socialization time following Baby Tales program. The event starts at 1pm and is free to the public.
Pottery Barn Kids Story Time
All Pottery Barn Kids Locations
potterybarnkids.com
Children are invited to enjoy a special story time at your nearest Pottery Barn store at 11am. Children can get a free passport to collect stamps for every story time visit. After collecting five stamps, children will receive a special surprise. The event is free to the public.
Aliso Viejo Family Resource Center Story Time
24671 Via Iglesia
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Families with children ages 0-5 are invited to the family resource center for a free story time from 9am to 9:45am.
Family Book Club/Discussion Brea Branch Library
1 Civic Center Circle
Brea, CA 92821
ocpl.org/libloc/brea/calendar
This new book club is best suited for children ages 8-12 and their parent or guardian. The book club’s goal is to encourage families to share a love of reading. Beloved children’s books and thoughtful discussion questions will make each book club meeting a fun and insightful experience for children and parents. Program runs 6:30pm – 7:30pm. See the Information Desk to register and checkout copies of the book. Upcoming Titles:
April 8th, 2014 – “Holes” by Louis Sachar
May 13th, 2014 – “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
Scooter’s Jungle Family Fun Night
25 Journey, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
scootersjungle.com
Our “Family Fun Event” is a 3-hour event (5:30pm – 8:30pm) that provides free lemonade/snack(s), and a whole lot of fun for the whole Family! Pizza is available at $2/slice. We encourage parents/guardians to join their children to Play in our FUN, Safe, Interactive environment. Most equipment is adult sized so parents, make sure you give the kids their turn and remember to bring your socks!
Child entrance fee=$10/child, includes 1 adult. Add’l adults $4. Limited Space, First Come-First Served basis. Please Carpool. No outside food, please.
Wednesday, April 9th
Little Picassos Open Art Studio Children’s Museum at La Habra, 301 South Euclid St., La Habra, CA 90631, lhcm.org
Make a “paint” date every Wednesday (11am – 3pm) 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 (Kids and Adults $8, La Habra residents $7, Kids Under 2 Free).
Baby Tales Songs and Story Time
, Granola Babies,
3315 Hyland Avenue, Suite B
, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
granolababies.com/products/baby-tales
Story time, songs and music for babies and toddlers and their caregivers. Play time and socialization time following Baby Tales program. The event starts at 11:15 and is free to the public.
Breastfeeding Group,
Granola Babies,
3315 Hyland Avenue, Suite B,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626, granolababies.com
The breastfeeding support group at Granola Babies is an inviting, friendly and welcoming group for mothers and mothers-to-be. Children are welcomed and there’s a comfortable sofa for nursing. You’ll receive both education and breastfeeding support for a successful breastfeeding relationship with your child. The event is complimentary and starts at 1pm.
Fun with Legos Brea Branch Library, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA 92821, ocpl.org/libloc/brea/calendar
Bring yourself and your imagination the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 3:00 PM to build your own Lego creation!
Thursday, April 10th
Tideland Tykes
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660, ocparks.com/uppernewportbay
At 10:30am, join our Preserve staff for a fun-filled parent and child experience that may include arts and crafts, story telling, hands-on activities or outdoor nature walks. Come prepared for an exciting outdoor experience! The event is recommended for kids age 2-8. Cost is $5 per student and registration is required by calling 949-923-2275 or email unbic@ocparks.com.
Friday, April 11th
OC Fair Imaginology OC Fairgrounds, ocfair.com/steam/2014
This Youth Expo features free family-friendly S.T.E.A.M. related exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages. Hours are 9am-3pm with FREE parking on Friday.
Tour Centennial Farm and learn about agriculture and farm animals. Visit the Imaginology Action Gallery and learn more about S.T.E.A.M. Imaginology will feature more than 4,000 youth projects from Orange County students and highlights both classroom and individual projects.
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
300 E. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA, gplb.com
See a seven-race lineup headlined by the IndyCar series, with stars like series champions Scott Dixon, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Heelio Castroneves, Takuma Sato and Juan Pablo Montoya behind the wheel. The entire family will enjoy non-stop activities in the Lifestyle Expo, Green Power Prix-View with a Family Fun Zone, concerts and more. $28-$135. Runs April 11 – 13.
Bonkers for Bunnies
OC Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
ocparks.com/oczoo
Event is 10am-11am and includes admission to the zoo. Come learn all about bunnies and meet some up close! Class includes hands-on learning and fun crafts.
Ages 3-4 years old only. Parent must accompany child for duration of program. Fee: $5 per child (includes one adult). Parking fee: $3. Registration is required! Call 714-973-6846 to register. Please note these Easter-themed classes fill quickly!
Wild Tales
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
ocparks.com/uppernewportbay
At 10:30am, visit with Preserve staff for story-telling fun! After a story, learn more about the natural history of the Bay through crafts, hands-on activities and nature walks. Come prepared for an exciting outdoor experience! The event is recommended for kids age 2-8. Cost is $5 per student and registration is required by calling 949-923-2275 or email unbic@ocparks.com.
Kidseum Storytelling, Music and Art
(Kidseum is an art-based children’s center operated by the Bowers Museum) 1802 N Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706 bowers.org
Storytelling morning at the Kidseum from 10:30am to noon. Children ages 2-6 years old are encouraged to come with an adult to this fun event. The event includes playtime in the Kidseum and is $10 per child (members), and $12 per child for non-members. Parking is free.
Breastfeeding Group
Granola Babies
3315 Hyland Avenue, Suite B
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
granolababies.com
The breastfeeding support group at Granola Babies is an inviting, friendly and welcoming group for mothers and mothers-to-be. Children are welcomed and there’s a comfortable sofa for nursing. You’ll receive both education and breastfeeding support for a successful breastfeeding relationship with your child. The event is complimentary and starts at 2pm.
La Habra Spring Citrus Fair
321 E La Habra Blvd.
La Habra, CA 90631
citrusfair.com
This free annual fair has rides, entertainment, and food. Discount Ride Tickets on sale now at the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce 321 E. La Habra Blvd between Cypress and Euclid Streets
$20 for 10 rides. New this year is a Beer and Wine Garden. Friday hours are 5pm – 10pm.
YMCA Parents Night Out Superheroes – Have a fun night out while your kids have a blast in the Kid Zone! Games, movies, crafts & more … they’ll think you’re doing them a favor! Ages 3-12. Member fee is $30/child, Non-Member fee is $40/child, $10 additional child, ymcaoc.org/parents-night-out
Laguna Niguel Family YMCA (Time is 4:30pm-9pm, Ages 3-12) – 29831 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Mission Viejo Family YMCA (Time is 4:30pm-9pm, Ages 2-11) – 27341 Trabuco Circle, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Newport Beach Family YMCA (Time is 5pm-8:30pm, Ages 0-11) – 2300 University Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Saturday, April 12th
OC Fair Imaginology OC Fairgrounds
88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
ocfair.com/steam/2014
This Youth Expo features free family-friendly S.T.E.A.M. related exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages. Hours are 10am-5pm with $7 parking on Saturday.
Tour Centennial Farm and learn about agriculture and farm animals. Visit the Imaginology Action Gallery and learn more about S.T.E.A.M. Imaginology will feature more than 4,000 youth projects from Orange County students and highlights both classroom and individual projects.
Sign up for the Academic Chess Tournament of Champions on Saturday from 1-4pm.
Newport Sea Base Open House
Newport Sea Base
1931 W. Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663
newportseabase.org
Bring your friends and family and experience the fun and excitement of the Newport Sea Base! Take a free sailboat ride, talk to “Coastie the Tugboat,” get your face painted, or let the Sea Scouts show you their boats. A barbecue lunch will be provided by the Newport Beach Firefighters Association. Off-site parking and free shuttle will be available. Shuttles run 9:30am – 3:30pm from the Newport Harbor High School 16th Parking Lot. There is no public parking on site. Event is 10am – 2pm and is Free.
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
300 E. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA
gplb.com
(See description under Friday, April 11th)
Nature Walk
O’Neill Regional Park
30982 Trabuco Canyon Rd.
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678
ocparks.com/oneillpark
Join our Naturalists on a nature walk and learn about Trabuco Canyon animals and nature. Light to moderate walk on mostly paved roads. Meet at the Nature Center just inside the main entrance of the park. Hike is 9am-10:30am. All ages welcome. Hike is free but parking is $5.
Redwood Grove Hike
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
4442 Carbon Canyon Rd.
Brea CA 92823,
ocparks.com/carboncanyon
Join OC Parks’ trained staff on an easy 1.1-mile hike to the park’s Coastal Redwood grove. You will use your 5 senses to engage with nature as you stroll to the Redwoods. You will also have an opportunity to learn about our native plants along the way. The hike begins at the park’s Nature Center located at east end of the park and runs 9:30am – 11am. Don’t forget to visit our Nature Center when you are there, too! Hike is free but parking is $5. All ages welcome. Reservations are preferred, please call (714) 973-3160 or e-mail carboncanyon@ocparks.com.
Mariachis at the Mission
Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Ortega Hwy, SJC, CA 92675
missionsjc.com
Enjoy live mariachi music in the historic Mission from the talented performers of Capistrano Community Mariachi Program. Event is 10am-11:15am and is included in the price of admission.
Bolsa Chica Conservancy’s Earth Day Festival
Bolsa Chica Conservancy Interpretive Center
3842 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, CA
bolsachica.org/earth-day-festival
The Bolsa Chica Earth Day Festival is a fun way to get outside and learn about the environment with the whole family! This fun and educational festival is a treat for the whole family! Visitors will have the opportunity to touch a live snake, count migrating birds, learn about pollution, test the water, and much more! Alongside a multitude of educational activity booths the festival will also include a jump tent, food sales, and guided tours of the reserve! Entry to event is free! Hours 10am – 3pm.
Easter Bunny Train Orange Empire Railway Museum
2201 S. “A” St., Apt. 7D
Perris, CA 92570
oerm.org/bunny-train-0
The Easter Bunny will make a stop at Orange Empire Railway Museum April 12-13. Hours 11am – 4pm. Kids will experience the magic of trains and the magic of the Easter Bunny at this incredibly popular annual event. The Easter Bunny will visit on board with each child, give them a special treat and pose for photos. Children will decorate baskets then follow a treasure map to find Easter eggs and other surprises. The fun continues with bunny hop potato sack and egg races. Children can paint-along with a community artist, and watch Mister Twister entertain with balloons. There will be a bounce house and other games. Families can ride trains and trolleys all day. Admission: Ages 2-4 $5; Ages 5-11 $8; Ages 12 and up $12.
Science Saturdays with ExplorOcean
ExplorOcean Galleries and Science Courtyard
600 E Bay Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92661
explorocean.org
Families can have an interactive experience while learning about the 7 essential principles of ocean literacy at this free event. The event is weather permitting and will be from 12pm to 3pm. Registration is not required.
Lakeshore Learning Free Craft Clinic
Your closest Lakeshore Location,
lakeshorelearning.com
Children are invited to your closest Lakeshore Learning Store for a free craft clinic from 11am to 3pm. Lakeshore will provide all the supplies, and this week, children will love planning their week—with a write & wipe schedule they decorate themselves!
Drop in and Draw
Chuck Jones Center for Creativity
3321 Hyland Ave, Suite A
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
chuckjonescenter.org
Families with children of all ages are invited to attend a drawing event from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Free, but a nominal donation is suggested to help cover the costs of materials. Join us and let you and your children’s inner Picassos shine!
La Habra Spring Citrus Fair
321 E La Habra Blvd.
La Habra, CA 90631
citrusfair.com
This free annual fair has rides, entertainment, and food. Discount Ride Tickets on sale now at the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce 321 E. La Habra Blvd between Cypress and Euclid Streets
$20 for 10 rides. New this year is a Beer and Wine Garden. Saturday hours are 2pm – 10pm.
YMCA Parents Night Out Superheroes- Have a fun night out while your kids have a blast in the Kid Zone! Games, movies, crafts & more … they’ll think you’re doing them a favor! Ages 3-12. Member fee is $30/child, Non-Member fee is $40/child, $10 additional child, ymcaoc.org/parents-night-out
Fullerton Family YMCA (Time is 5pm-10pm) – 2000 Youth Way, Fullerton, CA 92835
Huntington Beach Family YMCA (Time is 5pm-9pm) – 8875 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Sunday, April 13th
OC Fair Imaginology
OC Fairgrounds
88 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
ocfair.com/steam/2014
This Youth Expo features free family-friendly S.T.E.A.M. related exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages. Hours are 10am-5pm with $7 parking on Saturday.
Tour Centennial Farm and learn about agriculture and farm animals. Visit the Imaginology Action Gallery and learn more about S.T.E.A.M. Imaginology will feature more than 4,000 youth projects from Orange County students and highlights both classroom and individual projects.
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA
gplb.com
(See description under Friday, April 11th)
The Mysterious World of O’Neill Regional Park
O’Neill Regional Park
30982 Trabuco Canyon Road
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678
ocparks.com/oneillpark
Have you ever wondered, “Where are all the wild animals in the park?” Visit a Show and Share Exhibit located next to the O’Neill Park Nature Center and discover mysterious clues animals leave behind. Free fun crafts and games! All ages welcome. Program runs 9am – 10:30pm. A 30-minute moderate nature walk will follow. Program is free but parking is $5.
Redwood Grove Hike
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
4442 Carbon Canyon Rd.
Brea CA 92823
ocparks.com/carboncanyon
Join OC Parks’ trained staff on an easy 1.1-mile hike to the park’s Coastal Redwood grove. You will use your 5 senses to engage with nature as you stroll to the Redwoods. You will also have an opportunity to learn about our native plants along the way. The hike begins at the park’s Nature Center located at east end of the park and runs 9:30am – 11am. Don’t forget to visit our Nature Center when you are there, too! Hike is free but parking is $5. All ages welcome. Reservations are preferred, please call (714) 973-3160 or e-mail carboncanyon@ocparks.com.
Easter Bunny Train
Orange Empire Railway Museum
2201 S. “A” St., Apt. 7D
Perris, CA 92570
oerm.org/bunny-train-0
(See description under Saturday, April 12th)
Free Kids Fishing Clinic
Dana Wharf
34675 Golden Lantern Street
Dana Point, CA 92629
danawharf.com/kidsclub.html
Every Sunday! 12-12:30pm.
Free clinic held dockside.
No reservations needed.
Every Sunday! 12:45-5:15pm.
Free fishing trip. Rental gear included. Reservations required as space is limited. One free child per paying adult.
Science Sundays with ExplorOcean
Back Bay Science Center
600 Shellmaker Rd
Newport Beach, CA 92660
explorocean.org
Families can have an interactive experience while learning about the 7 essential principles of ocean literacy at this free event. The event is weather permitting and will be from 10am to 2pm. Registration is not required.
The Great Park OC Great Park
Irvine, CA 92618, ocgp.org
Farmer’s Market – Come to the OC Great Park Farmer’s Market from 10am to 2pm (rain or shine). There will be music, food trucks and lots of local vendors selling fresh produce. Free parking and admission.
Children’s Gardening Workshop – Three Sisters Gardening: A Native American Tradition. According to Native American legend, corn, beans and squash (the food staples of many Native American cultures) are three inseparable sisters who only grow and thrive when planted together. Come listen to the legend, absorb the wisdom and reconnect with the land by planting your own Three Sisters Garden for your yard or patio. This free workshop is recommended for children ages 3 to 9 and takes place from 11am to 1pm running every 30 minutes.
La Habra Spring Citrus Fair
321 E La Habra Blvd.
La Habra, CA 90631
citrusfair.com
This free annual fair has rides, entertainment, and food. Discount Ride Tickets on sale now at the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce 321 E. La Habra Blvd between Cypress and Euclid Streets
$20 for 10 rides. New this year is a Beer and Wine Garden. Sunday hours are 2pm – 9pm.
Know of an event we missed? Email us at OrangeCountyMomBlog@gmail.com
Pam Gausman is a wife and stay-at-home mom of two energetic boys. In between planning and attending the boy’s activities she enjoys reading, scrapbooking, relaxing with friends, and dreaming of future travel destinations.