Kidsguide Summer 2024

THE ULTIMATE FREE GUIDE FOR FAMILIES IN GREATER LONG BEACH & OC

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS

Summer camps will operate Monday - Friday from June 17 - August 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those enrolled in extended care. Crafts, physical fitness, enrichment activities and more. Financial assistance is available.

Register online at LBParks.org. Call 562.570.3150 for more information about fees, extended care and camp availability at the following locations:

• Bayshore Park - 5415 E. Ocean Blvd. (Aquatics)

• Belmont Plaza Pool - 4320 E. Olympic Plaza (Aquatics)

• Bixby Park - 130 Cherry Ave.

• El Dorado Park West - 2800 N. Studebaker Rd.

• Houghton Park - 6301 Myrtle Ave.

• Martin Luther King Jr. Park - 1950 Lemon Ave.

• Pan American Park - 5157 Centralia St.

• Silverado Park - 1545 W. 31st St.

• Stearns Champions Park - 4520 E. 23rd St.

• Veterans Park - 101 E. 28th St.

• Wardlow Park - 3457 Stanbridge Ave.

• Whaley Park - 5620 E. Atherton St.

Youth Classes Youth Classes

The free Mobile Recess program brings trucks loaded with supplies and equipment to designated neighborhood streets to provide recreational activities for youth ages 5 through 14 (grades K-8), Monday through Friday. Streets are blocked off for safety and kids participate in physical fitness and arts and crafts activities. Scan code for times, locations and registration information.

Summer Day Camps Summer Day Camps Aquatics Program Aquatics Program Mobile Recess Program Mobile Recess Program

Learn to Swim Classes

Week long specialty camps include movie making, science, engineering, chemistry, dance, theater, robotics, music, Minecraft activities, astronomy, skateboarding, soccer, and claymation. Classes include Basic Cooking for Kids, Cake Design, Ballet/Tap, Hip Hop, Reading Development, Math Development, Keyboard Kids, Basketball Camp, Flag Football, Martial Arts and Volleyball Camp. Registration for all summer classes begins April online at LBParks.org or by calling

Levels: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5-6, 6 Parent & Child and Pre-K Levels at:

Belmont Plaza Pool - 4320 E. Olympic Plaza

King Park Pool - 1910 Lemon Ave. Silverado Park Pool - 1540 W. 32nd St. Register at LBParks.org. Visit LBParks.org for Open Swimming and All Ages Recreational Swimming schedule.

HANDS-ON STEM YOUTH PROGRAM

SUMMER CAMP 2024

Urban Workshop’s Summer Camp offers a unique hands-on STEM youth program designed to equip kids with lifelong skills! In a relaxed, pressure-free environment, students learn to use a wide range of hand and power tools with different materials.

Each day, students dive into a new set of tools and techniques, working on a hands-on project they can proudly take home This immersive experience teaches valuable skills while also building confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of STEM careers.

Empower your child to create and innovate with Urban Workshop’s Summer Camp!

Psst We also offer Spring and Fall sessions, plus classes for adults!

365 Clinton St , Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(949) 296-2153

YouthOC@UrbanWorkshop net Urbanworkshop net

1-Week Summer Camps

For kids ages 10-16

Monday thru Friday

From 9am till 4pm

Pick the week that works best for you!

$800 per student

Includes cost of materials

QR CODE TO ENROLL

UrbanWorkshop net/SummerCampKGS

A NOTE FROM LIZ:

Geez. Everything is ridiculously expensive, isn't it? Groceries, gas, tickets to … everything, it's depressing. And, just when you think it can’t get worse, here comes summer—the most expensive time of year for parents (well, there is Christmas).

Hold onto your wallets, Kidsguiders! With our penny-pinching superpowers, we’ve scoured websites looking for deals that will save you some cash. We’re calling them “Cheap Cheap Alerts” (which must be said in a squeaky bird voice). They’re scattered throughout Kidsguide and squawk about free admission, discount days, and generally cheap, fun things to do.

While searching for these goodies, we stumbled upon our new mantra (cue the rays of light, and the chorus of angels): Little Money, Lots of Fun! It really does exist! And we plan on pointing these secret places and events out to you weekly in our newsletter. You’re signed up, right? If not, head to KidsguideMagazine.com and subscribe. Then each week you'll receive fresh ideas of where to go and what to do that won’t require a small loan.

Insider Tip: The Kidsguide Calendar—our crown jewel. It's filled with hundreds of family events that can be sorted by “Free,” or perused for inexpensive activities. Scan the QR code and see what we mean. Follow us on Instagram, @ kidsguide, where we have lots of free contests to win tickets to events, such as Monster Jam, Disney on Ice, and more.

Wow, now that you’re saving all this money…. we think you should do something nice for yourself. After all, you're amazing! Always going the extra mile for your kids, nailing the hardest job in the world. And, you're a Kidsguider! Big round of applause, pat on the back, and lots of love from us!

Advertise With Us: If you would like information and rates for digital or print advertising, email liz@kidsguidemagazine.com.

• Act Out Theatre Company Summer Camps

3090 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach (323) 920-5069, www.actoutlb.com

Act Out Theatre Company is pleased to offer fun and engaging workshops to aspiring young artists of all levels. Four-week arts camps or one-week arts intensives provide participants, ages 7-17, a chance to develop important skills across a variety of theatrical arts disciplines, build new friendships, gain confidence, and have positive connections with their peers and instructors alike. Taught by industry professionals, workshops cover a wide variety of topics, such as acting, musical theatre, movement, creative writing, stage combat, and much more. Workshops begin July 1. Visit www.

actoutlb.com/workshops to register and view workshops. See ad on page 8.

• Acting Out Summer Stock & Workshops (562) 901-0111, www.actingoutcamp.com

Their program celebrates creativity through a series of drama skills workshops. Improvisation, musical theater, monologue work, scene study, theater games, stage combat, and so much more. Acting Out is for students, ages 7-17, involved in other theater programs, as well as those new to acting. They challenge every actor according to their comfort level. At the end of each session they have an in-person showcase for family and friends. Three weeks are offered, full or half day, sign up for one

or all: June 17-21, July 15-19, and August 5-9. Special summer workshops also available. Visit the website for a schedule of classes, workshops and private coaching. See ad on page 4.

• Alamitos Bay Yacht Club

Summer Sailing Camp

7201 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach (562) 434-9955, www.abyc.org

Summer sailing camp for ages 8-18. Participants learn to rig their own sailboat, sail on their own, and eventually participate in a race. They also learn how weather, wind, and a sailboat work. On days with no wind, there will be beach activities like capture the flag and paddle boarding for the kids to socialize with

their new friends. Sailors learn to sail in Alamitos Bay in Sail Cubes, a plastic version of the Optimist. They will graduate to the Optimist, a one-person boat for children under the age of 15.  Classes will also be offered in the Club Flying Junior (a two-person boat for teens), and the Laser (a one-person boat for teens). Sessions for 2024: June 17-28, July 1-12, July 1526, and July 29 - August 9. See ad on page 15.

• Arts & Learning Conservatory

Theatre & Music Summer Camps

151 Kalmus Drive, G3, Costa Mesa (714) 728-7100,www.artsandlearning.org

Ignite your child's creativity this summer! Don't miss out on the opportunity to unleash their artistic potential at Arts & Learning Conservatory's Summer Camps! Let them take center stage at the new stateof-the-art facility exploring singing, acting, and dancing while creating lasting memories in their vibrant community. With professional teaching artists, your child will develop essential skills, boost confidence, and express themselves. Whether they aspire to grace Broadway, or rock out on guitar, camps provide the perfect platform for growth. Spaces are filling up fast, so seize the chance to join them for exciting themes like Super Mario, Lion King, Summer in OZ, Rockin' Guitar, and more. See ad on page 11.

• Art Steps

1525 Mesa Verde Drive E, #119, Costa Mesa 18212 Imperial Hwy., Yorba Linda

24741 Alicia Pkwy., Ste. G, Laguna Hills (714) 524-2248, www.artstepsclasses.com

Fill your summer with art! Weeklong fine art day camps, 9 a.m. - noon, offer something for every artist, beginning through advanced. Ages 4-7 explore multimedia art with their Storybook Workshop learning to draw, paint, and sculpt their favorite characters from books, while singing songs and playing games. Ages 7 and up learn to create Anime characters, and sculpt their favorite cartoon characters with two types of clay, paint using acrylics, and many other art adventures! Teens of all levels can also enjoy an in-depth focus on figure drawing, portraiture, perspective, and much more. Art Steps’ talented, friendly, highly-trained teachers provide an immersive artistic experience with plenty of fun! Visit their website for details and registration information. See ad on page 26.

Aviation Summer Camps

Long Beach Airport

Flabob Airport, Riverside (562 ) 252-6722, www.aviationsummercamp.com Students (ages 9-15) in Airman Camp design, build and fly model airplanes, fly simulators and R/C planes, and take field trips to airport resources. Campers also hear from aviation experts and tour airport facilities. Sessions: June 17 - August 29.  A 45-minute flight opportunity can be added, along with a Demo Flight, where campers can fly with an instructor (mom or dad can come along, too!).  Ask about their new camp in Riverside at Flabob Airport! Expert instructors will teach everything from the basics of flight to more advanced topics like aircraft performance and navigation, plus campers have an opportunity to fly the plane. $475 per session. Extra fee for flight opportunities.

Award-Winning South Coast Repertory’s Summer Acting Workshop

655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa (714) 708-5510, www.scr.org

Kids and teens (grades 3-12) build confidence and self-esteem in a safe and welcoming setting. The fun-filled, two-week day camps are designed for students new to SCR and introduce them to solving creative problems through inspiration and innovation. Experienced professional artists help students explore and deepen their understanding of the craft of acting and strengthen important life skills. Classes meet in the creative environment of Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory, which has been at the forefront of theatre in America for 60 years. Session I: July 15-26; Session II: July 29 - August 9. Tuition is $460 per two-week session, sibling discounts available.

Bionerds

(949) 288-1486,www.BionerdsLLC.com

Bionerds offers one-day or weekly camps from half-day to full-day, during school breaks. Camps are jam-packed with fun and hands-on biology activities for children (grades K-6) throughout Orange County. They cover vast topics of biology, including insects, plants, humans, animals, microorganisms, genetics and many more. Your child will get upclose and personal with many specimens and/or living organisms. Teachers have college degrees in Biology or related sciences/experiences, some even have graduate degrees. Bionerds is honored to be chosen Best Science Camps in Orange County by many organizations for several years in a row since 2015. They also offer after-school, in-class, homeschool, party, field trip, and Girl Scout programs.

Brains & Motion Education

(877) 202-1554

www.tinyurl.com/BrainsAndMotion

Attention all parents!! Let your students dive into an amazing summer adventure at Brains & Motion Summer Camps in LA! Explore a range of STEM, arts, and sports camps for grades K-8. Learning is fun and possibilities are boundless! Take advantage of the special offer to save $50 on all your summer camp purchases with code KG50.

• Camp Rolling Robots

Coding and Robotics Summer Camps

1 (888) 762-6808, www.RollingRobots.com

Rolling Robots Coding, Robotics and STEM Camps are designed to encourage open creativity and deep exploration. Small camp size, feasible weekly schedule, hands-on and project-based building, coding and design camps are offered for kids, ages 5-15. Weekly sessions run June 3 - August 16, Monday - Friday, mornings (9 a.m. - noon) or afternoons (1-4 p.m.). Campers can participate in both sessions with a complimentary lunch time provided. Twenty sites in Southern California are offered, including Huntington Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach and Tustin. Enroll today to get on Your “Path to Tech Genius." See ad on page 13.

• Chef Tech Summer Cooking Camps

3842 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach (562) 989-2467, www.cheftechcookingschool.com

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

2024 Camps! Choose Your Adventure.

DAY CAMP

Broadcasting Brilliance!

Get ready for a Summer of Connecting, Communicating and Cultivating FUN! Our weekday camp offers a full summer of experiences including:

Sports

• Outdoor Activities

• STEAM Activities

• Field Trips

• Character Development

• Community Service Projects & More!

CAMP OAKES

Sleepaway Camp

August 4-10, 2024

Pack your bags for a week of fun and game-themed excitement at Camp Oakes! Have fun with friends while exploring nature and engaging activities that are sure to have campers learning something new and creating memories to last a lifetime.

SPECIALTY CAMPS

Does your camper have a special talent, hobby, or interest? We offer specialty camps to foster their passions and give them opportunities to explore new things. Check them out!

CAMP E.L.K.

Sleepaway Camp

3 Week-Long Options from July 7-26, 2024

Get Outside at Camp E.L.K. this summer! Join us in the Angeles National Forest for a week of adventure, outdoor activities, campfires, friendship, memories and so much more!

DID YOU KNOW?

94% of Y campers and their families would recommend the Y camp to their friends and family.*

*2023 Summer Day Camp Survey Results

REGISTER TODAY!

Visit ymcaoc.org/orange-county-camps or scan the code to learn more!

Nine weeks of hands-on cooking camps. Kids (ages 6-14) train with real chefs, learn to chop, slice, and dice, mise en place (setting up), clean as they go, and eat the fantastic dishes they have prepared. Sessions are held Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m. Each camp offers unique themes that include Flour Power, Tweens Cake Bake and Decorate, Hooray America, Italian Pizza and Pastries, and Great British Baking. Full menus are found on their website, along with registration. Birthday parties and private events are also available, along with homeschool, scout, and teen programs. Added bonus: your kids can make delicious food for you. Don’t wait! Camps sell out quickly. Visit the website for more information. See ad on page 12.

• Columbia Memorial Space Center  Space Summer Camps

12400 Columbia Way, Downey (562) 231-1200, www.columbiaspacescience.org

Explore a variety of sciences with Space Summer Camp at Columbia Memorial Space Center. Weeklong camps include fun STEM activities for ages 8-9 and 10-12. Each week, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., campers focus on a particular theme: Astronaut Training, June 17-21; SciFi Engineering, June 24-28; Aeronautics, July 8-12; and Makerspace, July 1519. Young Explorers camp is designed for young children, ages 6-7, and will be offered July 1-3, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. with a space theme, and July 22-26 with the theme of engineering.  See ad on page 37.

Corky Carroll’s Surf School, Summer Surf Camp & Introducing Boogie Camp for Summer 2024

Bolsa Chica State Beach - Lifeguard Tower 18 (714) 969-3959, www.surfschool.net

Family-owned business providing a fun surfing experience for over 27 years. Campers learn ocean safety and surfing fundamentals in a fun, group setting. Wetsuits and surfboards are provided, plus everyone receives a free T-shirt. Junior Camp (ages 5+) is designed to help kids gain confidence in the water with 1:1 surfing instruction, plus social activities and beach games. Surf Camp groms  (ages 8+) learn to stand up and catch waves with stepby-step instructions and a 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio. Surf Class (ages 10+) is for experienced kids who know how to surf, have their own equipment, and want to practice with friends in a supervised setting. Boogie Boarding Camp (ages 5+) is for kids who just want to have fun and gain confidence in the ocean with 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio. Camps run June 5 - August 23, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. $420 for regular five-day camp (three-day camp, week one and July 4th, $250).

• CSArts Academy Summer Classes  at OCSA and CSArts-SGV

1010 N. Main St., Santa Ana (714) 560-0900, academy.csarts.net

Aspiring artists are invited to enroll in exciting, enriching CSArts Academy classes hosted by Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) and California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley (CSArtsSGV). CSArts Academy allows students to explore their creativity and learn fundamental skills in visual arts, music, voice, dance, culinary arts, film and

television, and much more! Under the guidance of OCSA and CSArts-SGV’s renowned educators, these summer classes are available for both advanced students and beginners. Classes begin in June. Visit Academy.CSArts.net to register and to view the brochure of classes. See ad on page 10.

• Downey Parks and Recreation

Furman Park, 10419 Rives Ave., Downey (562) 904-7223, www.downeyca.org/camps

Camp Downey offers children, ages 6-12, an opportunity to make new friends, try new activities, and stay active.  Parents will benefit knowing their children are in a safe, well-supervised and fun environment. Camps include indoor and outdoor activities, field trips, games, shows, arts, sports and lots more. Weekly sessions run June 10 - August 9, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Optional extended care is available (7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.). Resident fee, $150 per week; non-resident, $154 per week; $20 for extended care. $10 T-shirt fee per child. Morning specialty camps (9 a.m. - noon) are also available. A free drop-in program, Playground Adventures, is offered 12-5 p.m. Camp Downey is also offered in spring and winter-break. See ad on page 14,

• El Dorado Nature Center Summer Workshops

7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach (562) 570-1745, www.lbparks.org

Join the Nature Center for fun and exploration this summer! Children will experience nature through investigation, hands-on activities, games and crafts. Preschool sessions are held 10 a.m. - noon; youth sessions, 9 a.m. - noon. Pre-registration is required; early registration is recommended. These programs sell out fast!

Preschool Sessions (ages 3-5) - Children must be potty-trained. This is not a parent participation class. Sessions include: Adventure Friends, June 24-28; A Bugs Life, July 15-19; Palette of Nature, July 29August 2; and Bubble Fizz Boom, August 12-16.

Youth Sessions (ages 5-8) - Children must have completed kindergarten. Sessions include: In the Habitats, July 8-12; Wildlife Crossing, July 22-26; Call of the Wild, August 5-9; and Its Way Better with Water, August 19-23.

Emerging Artists Musical Theatre Academy Musical Theatre Camps

Long Beach and Torrance (562) 546-3119, www.emergingartistsmta.com

One, two, and three-week summer camps that are all about the stage! Your child, ages 3-15, will enjoy learning singing, acting, and dancing as well as improv games and crafting. Each student gets a role and lines for the weekly camp theme. Students are encouraged to participate in every aspect of putting on a show, including costume design, set design, prop-making, and more. Students learn the blocking, choreography, music, scene changes, and make a take-home craft each day. Students are given the tools to make the show their own and are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity! June

17 - August 23. Camp culminates with a showcase for friends and family on the last day.

• Fairmont Summer Programs

Locations in Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, North Tustin, and San Juan Capistrano (714) 234-2757

www.fairmontschools.com/summer

Keep your kids curious, challenged, and connected this summer. Fairmont’s award-winning summer programs offer a full line-up of educational programming. Camp (preschool-6th grade): High energy ACA-accredited camp experience combining education, recreation, and field trips keeps kids engaged all summer long! Summer School (Kindergarten-8th grade): reading, writing, and math taught by Fairmont teachers and individualized to meet students where they are so they can get ahead or stay ahead when school starts this fall. High School: Dozens of forcredit UC-approved courses for high school students. See ad on page 7.

Galileo Camps (800) 854-3684, www.galileo-camps.com

At Camp Galileo, every week is a one-of-a-kind adventure full of lasting, hands-on learning and classic camp fun, from silly skits to face painting to pie throwing. Get ready for exciting new STEAM projects and collaborative challenges, plus all the big ideas, bold creativity and outdoor adventures campers loved last summer. Camp Galileo offers 18 convenient locations across Southern California. Optional extended care, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Enter code GALILEOKG40 for $40 off per week. Valid on future purchases and cannot be retroactively applied.

• Gate Languages Summer Camps

18700 Beach Blvd., Ste. 250, Huntington Beach (714) 679-6624, www.gatelanguages.com

Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to help your child learn and improve a new language? Gate offers a variety of language options, including Spanish, French, Mandarin, and more. Levelbased groups are offered for kids and teens, ages 3-12. The program is led by experienced language teachers using fun and interactive teaching methods to keep your child engaged and excited about learning, from games and activities to music and movies. Camp also offers cultural immersion activities so your child can learn the customs, traditions and history of the culture. Your kids will make new friends, build confidence and have a blast while learning!  Weekly enrollment, June 24 - August 30. See ad on page 14.

• Jammin’ Music - Build-a-Beat Workshop

4228 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach (562) 490-0222, www.jamminmusic-lb.com

Want to write a song but don’t know where to start? Build-a-Beat summer workshop is for you! This sixweek course will lead students through fun activities to explore their musical ideas and give them the tools to succeed in today’s industry. Whether you’re an aspiring songwriter, musician, rapper, beat maker, or composer, Jammin' Music has it covered. All genres and skill levels are welcome. See you in the studio!

Two sessions:  June 8 - July 13 and July 20 - August 24. Saturdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $115/student (ages 9+). See ad on page 26.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Junior Keeper-for-a-Day Camps at Wild Wonders

5712 Vía Montellano, Bonsall (760) 630-9230, www.wildwonders.org

Animal loving children (ages 6-12) can see what being a Zookeeper is all about. Junior Keeper-ForA-Day Zoo Camp allows them to participate in a hands-on, half-day camp that gives each child a unique, up-close and personal experience with this exciting career. Kids spend a half day with their keeper / educators caring for some of their unique animal ambassadors and learning about conservation through fun interactive games and activities. These Junior Zookeepers come away with a new appreciation for what they can do to

support wildlife around the world. Camps are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 11 - August 1, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. $90 per child/day.

Laguna Playhouse's Theatre Camp

Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach (949) 497-2787

www.lagunaplayhouse.com/youth-theatre

Laguna Playhouse's Theatre Camps are enrolling now for one- and two-week sessions during summer vacation. During camp, students (ages 4-19) will learn to work as an ensemble, build self-confidence, and have a great time! Kids will develop their creativity, empathy, and focus—skills they can use no matter what path they take in life. Each session

is organized around a theme and includes building acting and improv skills. Plus, every session culminates in a performance for family and friends.

• Lakewood Recreation & Community Services

Monte Verde Summer Day Camp

4626 Shadeway Road, Lakewood (562) 866-9771, Ext. 2408

www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog

Camp will be offered June 10 - August 23. The program, for ages 6-12, will provide supervised activities Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. with a 1:12 staff-to-camper ratio, with extended morning care from 7-9 a.m. and afternoon care from 4-6:30 p.m. Activities will center on a different weekly

theme and include a variety of arts and crafts, outdoor sports, indoor games, and specialized activities congruent with the week’s theme, as well as a weekly excursion to a theme park or attraction. Weekly fees range from $175-275 for residents, with an additional $15 fee for non-residents. To register, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog and search with the keywords “MVP Day Camp.” See ad on page 9.

• Lango Irvine Spanish Immersion Summer Camps

New Horizon Community Center, 10 Marconi, Irvine Lango, 9200 Irvine Center Dr., Ste. 100, Irvine (714) 864-4680, www.langokidsirvine.com

Lessons, clinics

Recording, songwriting Jamming, performances by touring musicians

Join LangoKids Irvine for the ultimate Spanish immersion and recreational experience for your kids (ages 5-11) this summer. Students get to spend their time having fun, being engaged, and taking pretend trips to destinations in Latin America, Europe and USA. At Camp Lango, each week is a new destination. Without lost luggage and jet lag, campers are able to “visit” these places and learn about their traditions, recreation, and cuisine. Sessions run June 17 - August 9; each ends with water games and a presentation for parents, family, and friends. Full-day program is available at New Horizon and half-day program at Lango. Scholarships are available. See ad on page 14.

LILA Ecole du Soleil Summer Camp

Los Feliz Main Campus

4155 Russell Ave., Los Angeles www.ecoledusoleil.com

The International School of Los Angeles hosts their annual Ecole du Soleil summer camp for five weeks from Monday, June 17 through Friday, July 19  on the school’s Los Feliz campus. Camp is split into two: one for campers entering preschool and pre-kindergarten, and another for entering kindergarten - 5th grade. French classes are taught by highly experienced teachers (designed for all levels) and fun activities include games, arts and crafts, sports, music, dance, magic, and more. Previous exposure to French is not required. Children learn at their own pace in a fun and genuinely French summer camp environment.

Lil' Chef School

15435 Jeffery Road, #132, Irvine (949) 679-8390, www.lilchefschool.com

Beat the Heat in their Cool Kitchen! Whether your child likes to bake, create, roast, sauté, fry, or just blend, they have a camp for all interests. Camps are organized into three age groups so all chefs team up with their peers: Tiny Chefs, ages 4-6; Lil’ Chefs, ages 7-9; and Teen Chefs, ages 10 and older. All chefs get to taste everything they cook and all recipes will be sent home for later preparation. Register online. Weeklong camps run June 3 - August 16; each has a unique theme, from French and Italian food to baking and chocolate. Morning (9 a.m.noon) and afternoon (2-5 p.m.) sessions are offered. Visit their website for menus and registration.

• Long Beach Ballet Academy

Children’s Dance Camp 2024

1122 E. Wardlow Road, Long Beach (562) 426-4112, www.longbeachballet.com

Long Beach Ballet offers an exciting two-week summer dance camp for ages 5-11 (no previous dance training required). The experienced faculty offers classes in ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theater, hip-hop, pre-pointe and crafts. The program runs Monday - Friday, July 29 - August 9, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.  Register online, space is limited. Call for more information. See ad on page 9.

Long Beach Boot Camp Outdoor Camp for Kids

Marina Vista Park, 5355 E Eliot St., Long Beach (562) 343-5230, www.longbeachbootcamp.com

July 8-12, noon-4p Grades 9-12 (Grades 7-8, w. audition or referral)

$150

Long Beach Boot Camp is offering a fun summer camp for kids (ages 4-6 and 7-10) near Belmont Shore (Marina Vista Park) with lots of activities, including obstacle courses, games and relays, yoga, arts and crafts, and singing and dancing. The camp offers a fully flexible schedule. Parents can decide to drop kids off for 1-4 days or the whole week. Depending on how many days registered, camp cost ranges from $25-40 a day. Sibling discounts are available. Snacks and drinks are also provided. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - noon. July 8-12; and August 5-9.

• Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine (562) 570-3100, www.longbeach.gov/park

Summer day camps will be held June 17 - August

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

23, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. and from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. for those enrolled in extended care. Extended care is available for an additional fee at both park and aquatic camps. Park day camps offer extended day service from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Aquatics Camps provide morning (7-9 a.m.) and/or afternoon (4-6 p.m.) options. Camps will be held at 12 locations, including Bayshore, Bixby, El Dorado Park West, Houghton, Martin Luther King Jr., Pan American, Silverado, Stearns Champions, Veterans, Wardlow and Whaley parks, plus Belmont Plaza Pool. For information about camps, summer youth activities or financial assistance (available on a first-come, first-served basis), visit longbeach.gov/ parks or call (562) 570-3150. See ad on the front inside cover.

Merage Jewish Community Center of OC Summer Camps

1 Federation Way, Irvine (949) 435-3400, www.jccoc.org/pages/camp

Camp Haverim (grades TK-11, June 10 - August 16) is all about fun and friendships. Through sports, arts, outdoor adventure and aquatics, your camper will build lifelong friendships, independence and self-esteem. Camp Yeladim (preschoolers, June 17 - August 16) makes summer magical. Your preschooler can enjoy the summer camp experience in the security of their nurturing

Sheila and Eric Samson Family Early Childhood Learning Center. ACA-accredited, state-of-theart facility with pool and gym, flexible scheduling, swim lessons and recreational pool time, Judaic enrichment specialists from Israel, caring professional, college-educated counselors and staff, and open to everyone!

• Multi-Arts Summer Camp 2024

at Muckenthaler Cultural Center

1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton (714) 738-6595,  www.TheMuck.org

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center hosts this very popular annual Multi-Arts Summer Camp (ages 6-12) which includes ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, animation, metalsmithing, comic book making, music, and more. Students will be fully engaged in hands-on projects with visual arts, performing arts, science, and outdoor fitness activities. You will find everything your child will need to fill those summer days with non-stop fun and activities—all aligned with state standards for kindergarten through 8th grade. June 3 - August 9, Mondays - Fridays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Total price per child: $280/week; 10% member discount. For more information, visit www.themuck.org/masc. See ad page 13.

• Museum of Latin American Art Summer Bilingual Arts & Culture Camp

628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach www.molaa.org/molaa-summer-camp

MOLAA’s Bilingual Arts and Culture Camp, for ages 6-10 and 11-15, is an extension of its art education programming that offers attendees a fun and creative outlet while learning about the elements and principles of art through hands-on art workshops, language arts, dance, and gallery discussions. Camp introduces concepts of language and

KNOW

BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Join us this summer for fun arts classes in Orange and LA Counties! CSArts Academy offers arts training in a variety of disciplines.

Ages 5-15

View our brochure of classes and register at DANCE, MUSIC, VISUAL ARTS, THEATRE, AND MORE!

ACADEMY.CSARTS.NET

throughout the week to parents, siblings and other loved ones. 2024 sessions include:  STEAM Week, July 8-12; Community Week, July 15-19; and Artivism Week, July 22-26.  Email: education@molaa. org. See ad on page 15.

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center

Long Beach - Summer Camps

3287 Industry Drive, Long Beach

Text: (562) 986-0066

www.mygym.com/longbeach

Save when you book four or more days of camp! Offer ends soon! One of the best camp programs in town! At My Gym Long Beach's Summer Camp, they activate the fun every single day. Children participate in energizing games, exciting relays, arts and crafts, music and so much more. Each camp program is uniquely designed to keep your children moving and active. My Gym Long Beach makes it easy for parents with a drop-off program, pay-by-the-day options, and multi-day discounts. They clean and sanitize frequently to ensure everyone stays healthy. Camp spaces are limited, book your spot today! See ad on page 21.

• Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services

Presents Camp Newport (949) 644-3151, www.campnewport.com

Ascend to new heights of summer fun with Camp Newport, where they offer hundreds of enriching experiences across Newport Beach! Ride the waves of knowledge in surf and bodyboarding camps or dive into the wonders of local marine life in the Ocean Adventure Program. Catch air in epic skateboarding camps across the city or soar to new skills in active camps like soccer, pickleball, and more. Let the iconic Marina Park lighthouse navigate you to sailing adventures with OCC Sailing & Seamanship or paddle into an exciting camp with the Newport

mer! See ad on page 11.

• Rock at the Point Summer Music Camp

Grace First Presbyterian Church

3955 Studebaker Road, Long Beach (562) 420-3393

www.gracefirst.org/rock-at-the-point

Open to all high school students, this week-long music camp offers professional coaching, instruction in writing and recording, and live performances, all week long. The camp is $150 per student and includes writing, recording, jamming, lessons, clinics, and performances by professional musicians, culminating with a closing performance opening for a major band. July 8-12, noon - 4 p.m. See ad on page 8.

Sandie Mercer Ranch at Lakewood Equestrian Center

11369 Carson St., Lakewood (562) 425-1905

Summer and holiday weekly extended lesson program at Sandie Mercer Ranch for ages 7-17. Learn all about horses: leading, grooming, bathing, parts of saddle and bridle, breed types, colors and markings, plus horseback riding daily. Weekly sessions, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Enrollment is limited. Email: sandiejmercer@gmail.com.

• Sewing Lab Los Alamitos Summer Camps 3380 W. Cerritos Ave. Los Alamitos (562) 357-4017, www.sewinglablosalamitos.com

Fun and friendly sewing camps for absolute beginners and more advanced sewists, ages 8-18 (must have finished 1st grade). Small class size with lots of space; maximum 10 students per class. Two hours of sewing per camp day! Weekly sessions are

offered, June 10 - August 12, with four time slots to choose from. Beginners learn how to safely use a sewing machine and make projects such as bookmarks, pillowcases, PJs, drawstring backpacks, shirts and more. More advanced students (and students in their 2nd and 3rd camps) will sew summer dresses, beach bags and other fun summer projects. Price: $295, includes all materials and you can choose from a variety of cute and fashionable fabrics. Visit the website for dates and registration! See ad on page 3.

Sewing with Jane Summer Camp

6243 E. 5th St., Long Beach (562) 260-5888

Weekly summer camps are held Monday - Friday, morning or afternoon sessions. Hand sewing for ages 6 and up, machine sewing for ages 9 and up (machines provided). Hand sewers complete craft projects. Machine sewers create simple clothing or crafts. Weekly classes are also available. Email for summer schedule and more details: missjaneloper@gmail.com.

• Shared Science Unique STEM Combo Camps

Long Beach Locations (562) 285-3942, www.sharedscience.org

Shared Science offers the following hands-on STEM summer camps. Camp sessions usually run 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Early Engineers Summer Camps - Combo Camp weeks are unique summer STEM learning experiences for grades 1-5. Camp is offered in four-day sessions,  June 24 - July 18, with an optional shorter fifth-day, aka Fabulous Friday. Rad Robotics: Robo Combo Camp for grades 3-12, July 1-3. Tech Girls 2024, for middle and high school girls interested in hands-on tech, engineering, and computingrelated activities. This program is offered at a low-cost based on special grant funding targeting teen girls to pursue their interests in STEM education, July 29 - August 1. Visit their website for details and registration. See ad on page 7.

• Skatedogs (714) 313-8787

www.skatedogs.com/summer-camp

Whether you are just learning or ready to learn advanced tricks, this camp is right for you! Make new friends, advance your skills, play games, and most importantly, have fun in their private skatepark. From games, competitions and prizes to quarter pipes, launch ramps, fun boxes, rails, and other fun obstacles, they work with your individual skill level to ensure you have fun and help you be the best skateboarder you can be! Camp is for boys and girls of all ability levels, ages 5-13. Camps are offered in Aliso Viejo, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Lakewood, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Manhattan Beach, Newport  Beach, Newport Coast, Redondo Beach, and Tustin. Birthday parties, group classes, after-school programs, special events, and private lessons available (see page 43). Check out the skate shop on their website! See ad on page 27.

Southern California Tennis Academy

El Dorado Park Tennis Center 2800 N. Studebaker Road, Long Beach

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

(949) 344-0403, www.sctennisacademy.com

Join SCTA this summer and have a smashing time! Camps are held June 17 - August 9, 9 a.m. - noon, Monday - Friday. Using a variety of drills and games to engage junior players, they aim to help FUNdamentals players develop skills quickly, using a drilling and competitive gameplay format. Weekly summer camps are open to players of all levels, ages 4-13. During the camp, players will have fun hitting for prizes, earning weekly awards, and enjoying tennis activities. Register by April 30th using code KG2024FUN and receive 20% off if you sign up for two or more weeks.

Summer@Stratford

24741 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo (949) 751-1449, www.stratfordschools.com

Stratford School has designed the perfect camp for your child, complete with all the fun, enriching activities they love, and the important safety measures and flexible hours you expect. With so many options to choose from, campers will have endless, epic moment experiences to keep them engaged and excited all summer long. Choose from Academic Camps (preschool - grade 5), Day Camp (grades 1-5), and Specialty Camps. Campers delve into the realms of science, nature, creative arts, performing arts, and discover new skills and talents. Additional location in Altadena.

Summer with Westerly

2950 East 29th St., Long Beach (562) 981-3151, bit.ly/westerlysummerlb

Summer with Westerly is thrilled to offer engaging educational programs beyond the school year! With programs designed for students in Pre-K through high school, families are invited to join for an exceptional summer experience. Led by a dynamic team of Westerly educators, the programs are tailored for different age groups to foster curiosity, creativity, and leadership skills, all crafted with care. Participants can embark on global exploration with "Around the World," delve into Arts and Sciences with "Discovery," or gain hands-on camp counsel-

ing experience through "Counselors in Training." Families are encouraged to sign up now for Summer with Westerly and ensure their child's summer inspires a love of learning.

Tennis Anyone's Famous

Junior Summer Tennis Camps

(909) 625-2060

www.tennisanyone.info/summer-tennis-camp

Kids ages 7-16 of all ability levels will love their one-of-a-kind Junior Summer Tennis Camps! From the amazing on-court games and drills, to hit for prizes, training to music hour, and creative ball decorating contests, they have it all! Students are grouped with players of their own ability and are taught level-appropriate skills to take their game to a new level. By the end of camp, everyone learns

how to play a set. Weeklong camps are held all summer long at locations in Arcadia, Brea, Chino Hills, Corona, Diamond Bar, and Yorba Linda. All camps run Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. -  noon. Cost is $289 per week. Don’t miss out on the fun, fitness, and friendships your child will make this summer. Space is limited! Tennis Anyone also offers year-round tennis classes for students of all ages and levels throughout Southern California. For more information, visit www.tennisanyone.info. Email: questions@tennisanyone.com.

Ultimate Ninjas Camp

5462 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim www.ultimateninjas.com/location/anaheimhills

Looking for something amazing to offer your kids (ages 5-15) over break? Send them to Ultimate Nin-

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

ART CAMPS  SURF CAMPS  SPORTS CAMPS  STEM+ CAMPS

Hands-On Cooking Classes for Kids!

Monthly Cook & Bake Series

Summer Camps

Workshops

Birthday Parties

Homeschool

*We accept charter funds from a select group of charter/homeschools.

ChefTechCookingSchool.com

3842 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach (562) 989-2467

jas camp where they'll learn how to tackle obstacles like a true Ninjas Warrior, just like on TV! Kids will learn obstacle techniques, participate in ninja vs. ninja races, and enjoy free play. Camps offer ultimate flexibility. Choose between half and full-day options, morning or afternoon sessions, individual days or a week at a time. Walk-ins welcome! Monday - Friday, June 3 - August 23.

United States Youth Volleyball League Summer Camps 2024

(888) 988-7985

www.usyvl.org/locations/california-clinics

The United States Youth Volleyball League’s mission is to provide every child between the ages of 7 and 15 a chance to learn and play volleyball in a fun, safe, supervised environment. One of the main tenets of the program is to encourage children to do their best with their abilities. With an emphasis on positive reinforcement, the program seeks to build confidence and self-esteem in each child. Each summer, USYVL hosts instructional volleyball camps for beginner, intermediate and advanced players. Three-day camps are held three hours per day. Players are grouped by age and playing experience, with a 12:1 player to coach ratio. Team and individual instruction aims to improve game performance and develop meaningful friendships and teamwork skills.

• Urban Workshop Summer Camps

365-A Clinton St., Costa Mesa (949) 296-2153

www.urbanworkshop.net/summercamp

The only hands-on shop STEM class that gets kids to put down their phones, solve difficult problems using their hands, experience real tools and solutions, and equip kids with lifelong skills! In a relaxed, pressure-free environment, students learn to use a wide range of hand and power tools with different materials. Students dive into a new set of tools and techniques daily, working on a project they can proudly take home. This immersive experience teaches valuable skills while building confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of STEM careers. For kids ages 10-16, start with Level 1. Camps run April - September. Visit the website to see the schedule and enroll now!  See ad on page 1.

• YMCA of Orange County Summer Camps www.ymcaoc.org/orange-county-camps Camp, like many Y programs, is about developing character, learning new skills, and making friends. YMCA of Orange County summer camps foster passions and provide opportunities to create lifelong memories. Campers become a community as they engage in physical, social, and enrichment activities. Find the camp that’s perfect for your child at ymcaoc. org/orange-county-camps! See ad on page 5.

More Awesome Summer Camps

49er Summer Sports Camp

CSULB, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach (562) 985-4049, www.csulb.edu/summer-camps

Sports camp for youth (ages 5-13), includes archery, basketball, gymnastics, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, track, and daily swim lessons. June 17 - July 12 and July 15 - August 9, Monday - Friday, 1-5 p.m.

A4 Volleyball Club / A4 Juniors Camp

74 Icon, Lake Forest (949) 533-9827, www.a4volley.com

Girls and boys (entering grades 1-8) learn the basics of volleyball, along with fun games. No prior playing experience necessary. June 3-7, 17-21, July 8-12, and 22-26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., early drop-off available.

Adventures in Nature Day Camp

Natural History Museum

900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles (213) 763-3466, www.nhm.org/adventures-nature Campers (grades K-5) explore themes, such as Jurassic Journey, Nature Detectives, Pacific Voyagers, Fossil Finders, and more. June 24 - August 2. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Extended care available.

Anaheim Community Services (714) 765-5191, www.anaheim.net/play

CampVenture - Campers (6-13) will enjoy activities including arts and crafts, games, outdoor play, and

weekly excursions. Two locations: Downtown Youth Center and Peralta Canyon Park. Weeklong sessions, June 10 - August 9, Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. Extended care available. $120 per week. Teen (13-16) sessions available.

Aqualand Summer Camps

Long Beach and Seal Beach www.aqualandofthefree.com

Introduction to waterman skills in Alamitos Bay, June 17 - August 19. Seal Training Ocean Prep (ages 6-12): paddling, boogie boarding, and beach fitness, June 17 - August 23. Surfside Surf Camp (ages 8+): surfers of all skill levels, June 17 - August 23.

Aquarium of the Pacific Summer Camp

100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach (562) 590-3100, www.aquariumofthepacific.org

Campers can feed animals, tour exhibits, and participate in hands-on learning activities. Fish Fry (ages 3-4), Sea Squirts (ages 5-6), Ocean Adventure (ages 7-9), and Junior Biologist (ages 10-12).

Battleship IOWA STEM Adventure Camp

250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro (877) 446-9261, www.pacificbattleship.com

Campers (grades 1-8) participate in STEM activities centered around the scientific and engineering concepts needed to construct, operate, and maintain a battleship. June 24-28 (grades 1-2), July 8-12 (grades 3-4), July 15-19 (grades 5-6), July 22-26 (grades 7-8), July 29 - August 2 (grades 1-2), and August 5-9 (grades 3-4). Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - noon. $115 per week. Scholarships available.

Bolsa Chica Conservancy

Summer Curiosity Club

3842 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach (714) 846-1114, www.bolsachica.org

Young scientists participate in interactive, sciencebased activities while exploring the wetlands. Weekly themes include Icky Cool Insects, Sea Science, and more. June 18 - August 23. Tuesday - Friday. $250.

Boys and Girls Clubs

www.bgca.org

Youth programs offered during school breaks. Some clubs offer day camps, in full-day or half-day sessions. Visit their website to find a nearby club.

Brea Community Services

1 Civic Center Circle, Brea (714) 990-7179, www.cityofbrea.net

Summer Day Camp, located at the Brea Community Center, offers a variety of activities for campers (grades 1-6). June 3 - August 9. Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. $185-200.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Summer Program

3720 Stephen White Drive, San Pedro (310) 548-7562, www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org

Students explore marine biology. Tales Between Tides (ages 3-5) June 20-21, August 8-9; Galloping Snails (grades 1-2) June 25-28, July 16-18; Crab Shells (grades 3-4) July 9-12, July 20 - August 2; Ichthyology (grades 5-6) July 23-26, August 13-16.

California Science Center Summer Camp

700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles www.californiasciencecenter.org

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Students (Pre-K - 8th grade) can choose from over 25 weeklong camps ranging from topics like chem istry, earth science, space science and more. June 17 - August 9. Half-day, $200; full-day, $215-430. Extended day and scholarships available.

Camp Discovery at Discovery Cube

2500 North Main St., Santa Ana

11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar www.discoverycube.org/camp-discovery

Campers (grades K-5) participate in hands-on sci ence education, including playful experiments, sci ence challenges, and group projects that foster con fidence and leadership skills. June 24 - August 9.

Camp Fire

7070 E. Carson St., Long Beach (562) 421-2725, www.campfirelb.org

Backyard Bunch (day camp), June 17 - August 16. Campers (grades 1-8) enjoy fun activities at their five-acre facility. Three to five-day options available. Camp Wintaka (resident camp, grades 2-10) is also offered in the San Bernardino Mountains, July 15-29.

Camp Heritage Oak

16971 Imperial Hwy., Yorba Linda (714) 524-1350, www.heritageoak.org/camp

Main Camp (grades K-8) offers games, performing and creative arts, on-campus splash pad, and more. Specialty Camps also offered. June 17 - August 24, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., free extended care available.

Camp Wild Rivers - Junior Lifeguards

10000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine www.wildrivers.com/camp

Campers (ages 6-13) learn lifesaving skills, water safety skills, basic first aid, plus get to enjoy waterpark activities. June 3 - August 16, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Extended care available.

Challenger Sports Soccer Camps

Los Angeles & Orange County www.challengersports.com/soccer-camps

Programs include Tiny Tikes (ages 2-5), Core (ages 5-14), and Elite Camps (ages 11-21).

Chance Theater - Free Summer Camps

5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim (888) 455-4212, www.chancetheater.com

Teens (grades 7-12) learn about acting, writing, directing, improv, and performing. June 17 - July 26.

Spectrum Speak Up, a theater camp for teens (ages 13-19) on the spectrum, June 11 - July 27.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Both camps are free!

Child Creativity Lab STEAM Camps

www.childcreativitylab.org

Campers (grades 1-6) reuse, renew, and re-imagine as they learn to problem-solve and look at materials in a whole new way. Camps will be held through Irvine Public Schools Foundation and are open to the public. July 31 - August 11.

Clay on First Pottery Camp

406 E. 1st St., Unit B, Long Beach (562) 495-4362, www.clayonfirst.com

Campers learn pottery making from pinching pots and hand-building to working on a wheel. June 24August 14. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

10%OffCode

Exp:7/31/24

June 3 - August 16

Morning: 9am - 12pm

Afternoon: 1pm - 4pm

20 SITES IN LA, OC, VC

Irvine, Huntington Beach, Tustin, & Newport Beach

1 (888) 762-6808

www.RollingRobots.com

Contact@RollingRobots.com

AGES 5-7

• Jr. Robot Builders

• Little Engineers

• Super Car Build

• Scratch Coding

AGES 8-11

• Battle Bots Building

• VEX IQ Coding

• FLL - Spike Robot

• Python Intro

Ages 5-15

AGES 7-11

• Lego Spike Coding

• Minecraft Build & Design

• Minecraft Modding

AGES 11+

• VEX V5 Bootcamp

• C++ for VEX VRC

• CAD for VEX VRC

• Python for A.I.

• Roblox Game Design

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

JUNE

Costa Mesa Parks and Community Services (714) 754-5083, www.costamesaca.gov

Camp Mini Explorers (ages 3-5, June 12 - July 21), Camp Costa Mesa (entering grades 1-6, June 12August 11), Free SMART Camp (entering grades 4-8, June 12-29), and Teen Camp (entering grades 7-10, June 12 - August 11).

CSU Fullerton - Titan Youth Summer Camp

800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton (657) 278-7529, asi.fullerton.edu/titan-recreation Campers (ages 4-12) participate in recreation and sports, June 6 - August 5. Full-day, half-day and extended care is also available. $130-330 per week.

Cypress Recreation and Parks (714) 229-6780, www.cypressca.org

Camp Cypress (grades 1-7) - Themed week-long camps filled with games, crafts, and special activities. June 10 - August 2. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., $161 per week. Additional fee for excursions and extended care. Summer Parks Program (ages 5-12), June 11 - July 30. Tuesday - Thursday, 1-4 p.m., $40 per week. Additional fee for special events.

JUNE

Environmental Nature Center

Summer Nature Camps

1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach (949) 645-8489, www.encenter.org/camps/summer Campers (ages 4-13) are introduced to science in a fun environment, with crafts, games and handson activities. Little Naturalist Camp (age 4), Nature Adventure Camp (ages 5-8) and Science Explorers Camp (ages 9-13). June 17 - August 9. Scholarships available. Wilderness Adventure Camp (ages 6-9) is offered at the ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary.

Family Camps

All-inclusive, multi-day camp experiences with activities for grown ups and children of all ages.

Girl Scouts of OC - Camp Scherman Family Camp, August 30 - September 2. www.girlscoutsoc.org

Montecito Sequoia Family Camp - June 9 - August 17. www.mslodge.com/family-camp

San Diego Safari Park Roar & Snore www.sdzsafaripark.org/safaris/roar-snore-safaris

Skylake Yosemite Camp - May 24-27, May 30June 2, August 15-18, and August 22-25. www.skylake.com/family-camp

YMCA Glendale - Camp Fox at Catalina Island - August 31 - September 2. www.glendaleymca.org/campfox

YMCA Santa Monica - Camp Big Bear. May 2427, August 30 - September 2. www.ymcasm.org/ big-bear/camps

YMCA Sequoia Lake - Tulequoia: June 14 - August 2. Sequoia: June 16 - August 3. www.ymcacampsequoialake.org

UC Santa Barbara - Family Vacation Center - June 23 - August 15. www.alumni.ucsb.edu

Farm Camp at Underwood Family Farms 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark

KNOW

(805) 529-3690, www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com

Young farmers (ages 5-12) interact with farm animals and bring home fruit and vegetables picked from the fields. June 10 - August 14. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Farm School OC at Zoomars 31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano www.farmschooloc.com

Camp days (ages 4-7) are filled with hands-on animal and farming education, animal interactions, arts and crafts, music, and more. June 3 - July 9. Monday - Friday, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Fullerton Parks & Recreation - Camp Hillcrest Hillcrest Park, 1200 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton (714) 738-6575, www.cityoffullerton.com

Campers (ages 5-12) enjoy weekly themes with fun activities, including swimming, and excursions. June 3 - August 9. Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Extended care available. $150-210 per week.

Garden Grove Community Services (714) 741-5200, www.ggcity.org/daycamp

Camp Grove (ages 5-12) - Recreational activities include arts and crafts, field games, and weekly excursions. June 10 - August 9. Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. $140-265 per week. Counselor-inTraining program (ages 13-17) also offered.

Girl Scouts of Greater LA (213) 213-0123, www.girlscoutsla.org

Summer camps, from stargazing and discovering wildlife to rock wall climbing and archery, are open to all (you don’t have to be a Girl Scout). Locations in Los Padres National Forest, Big Bear Lake, Long Beach (two locations, including Marine Landing), Claremont, and Altadena.

Girl Scouts of Orange County www.girlscoutsoc.org

Camp experiences are open to all girls (entering 1st12th grades). A variety of camps are offered, including Weekend Camp, Day Camp, Family Camp, Summer Sleepaway Camp and more.

Grow-Eat-Make Camp at The Ecology Center 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano (949) 443-4223, www.theecologycenter.org

Campers (ages 6-11) enjoy activities on the farm: feeding chickens and collecting eggs, planting seeds, using farm tools, cooking, games and music. June 10 - August 9. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Hebrew Academy Kiddy Camp

14401 Willow Lane, Huntington Beach (714) 863-0757, www.hebrewacademypreschool.org

Kiddy Camp (ages 2-5/TK) includes Jewish culture, themed days, a covered pool, music, art, cooking, and more. June 24 - August 14. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Huntington Beach Community Services

7000 Norma Drive, Huntington Beach (714) 536-5486, www.hbsands.org

Camp HB offers themed weeks, including Oceanic Expeditions, Mystical Adventure, Space is the Place, Night at the Museum, and more. Campers (ages 6-12)

enjoy crafts, games, and excursions. June 24 - August 30. Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. $152-190 per week.

BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Inside the Outdoors Summer Camp at Shipley Nature Center

17851 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach (714) 842-4772, www.ito.ocde.us

Campers (ages 6-12) experience themed daily activities that are science and nature based. Leadership opportunities for campers (ages 13-17) also available. July 1-26. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Extended camp hours available. $170-285.

Inspyr Arts

2535 E. Broadway, Long Beach (562) 342-6172, www.inspyrarts.com

Art and design camps for kids (grades K-7), covering topics such as art and design, sewing, anime, digital character design, digital arts, graphic design, and illustration. July 3 - August 11.

Irvine Community Services (949) 724-6600, www.cityofirvine.org

Hundreds of summer camps for kids (ages 4-17) that include cooking, crafts, dance, music, sports, education, and recreation. Visit the website for camps.

Jr. Zookeeper Camp at The Reptile Zoo

18818 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley www.thereptilezoo.com

Campers (ages 5-12) learn about reptiles and their ecosystem, habitat, food chain, senses, and camouflage. June 17 - August 9. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 2-5 p.m.

Junior Gardeners Summer Camp at Sherman Library & Gardens

2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar (949) 673-2261, www.thesherman.org

Themed summer sessions where campers (ages 7-10) will be involved in garden activities and creative projects. Summer Sense-ations: June 24-27. Habitat Detectives: July 8-11. Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

LA Clippers Youth Basketball Camp (213) 204-2819, www.clipperscamps.com

Campers (ages 6-14) learn the fundamentals of the game. Locations in Irvine, Torrance, Garden Grove, Newport Beach, and more. June 10 - August 9. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

La Mirada Community Services Day Camps

14300 Cristobal Drive, La Mirada (562) 943-7277, www.cityoflamirada.org

Camp Tiny Tots (ages 3.5-5) and Neff Summer Day Camp (ages 6-12). Campers enjoy games, activities, crafts, sports, and water play. One fun excursion is included in the weekly fee. June 10 - August 9. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $132-164.

Long Beach Youth Chorus

Summer Arts Institute

672 Temple Ave., Long Beach www.longbeachyouthchorus.org/sai

Immersive summer program for all ages, offering experiences beyond choral music, including visual and other areas of performing arts. The SAI will culminate in the LBYC’s Long Beach Family Arts Festival. June 24-29. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Registration is $100, but only $75 if you pay for the LBYC 2024-25 season registration ($150) at the same time.

KNOW

BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Los Alamitos Recreation

10911 Oak St., Los Alamitos (562) 430-1073, www.cityoflosalamitos.org

Campers (ages 5-12) enjoy weekly themes, June 10 - August 16. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Extended care available. Residents, $30-45 daily or $120-180 weekly. Non-residents, $35-50 daily or $125-185 weekly. Additional fee for excursions.

Los Angeles Zoo Summer Camp

5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles (323) 644-4200, www.lazoo.org

LA Zoo offers campers (pre-K - 6th grade) a variety of adventures and lessons through weekly themes, like Monsters and Dragons, Outback Adventure, Reptile Romp, and Comic Creatures. June 17 - August 19.

Mission Viejo Recreation (949) 470-3000, www.cityofmissionviejo.org

Mission Viejo offers 30+ camps centered around creative building, art, theater, sports, STEM and specialty topics, including Roblocks Adventures with LEGO, TechKidz: Minecraft, Artsy Cooking, Junior Lifeguard, and many more.

Mermaid Academy - Once Upon an Island

118 Agate Ave., Newport Beach (949) 791-2162, www.onceuponanisland.net

Activities for ages 3-8 include mermaid dress up, mermaid makeovers in the Jellyfish Salon, daily crafts, character-hosted entertainment, lunch, snacks, and plenty of outdoor fun on the beach. June 17 - August 2. 9 a.m. - noon.

Newport Sea Base

1931 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach (949) 642-5031, www.newportseabase.org

Variety of summer programs and classes for youth (ages 5-17) from bay and ocean fishing, sailing, rowing, kayaking to woodworking, oceanography, and engineering. June 10 - August 16. Quarter-day, half-day, or full-day sessions available.

Oak Canyon Nature Center Day Camp & Wilderness Survival Camp

6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim (714) 998-8380, www.anaheim.net

O.A.K.S. Day Camp for kids (ages 5-11) features weekly themes. June 12 - August 11. $91-115 per week. Wilderness Survival Camp is available for teens. June 17 - August 2. $99-124 per week.

Oakwood Academy Summer Program

3840 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach (562) 426-6264, www.oaschools.com

Fun-filled summer program open to the community (grades K-5). Students engage in academics in the morning to help prepare for the upcoming school year while the afternoon is filled with fun activities based on weekly themes. Preschools program also available. June 17 - August 29. Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Extended care included within campus hours. $240 per week (includes lunch).

Ocean Institute Summer Camps

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point (949) 496-2274, www.oceaninstitute.org

Dive into marine and ocean science with six different summer camps for ages 5-17. Marine Science Internship Academy (ages 14-17) and Counselor-in-

Training Program (ages 14+) also offered. Weeklong sessions, June 17 - August 16.

Pacific Conservatory DiscoveryARTS Camp

1311 E Katella Ave., Orange (714) 545-1217, www.pacificconservatory.com

Children (ages 3-12) learn to sing, perform comedic improv, play rock band instruments and do art projects. Student performances each Friday. June 10August 16. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Piecemakers Country Store Kids’ Camps

1720 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa (714) 641-3112, www.piecemakers.com

Campers (ages 7 and up) can choose from a variety of sewing, crocheting, spinning, and weaving camps. Beginners to advanced students are welcome. June 24 - August 8. Monday - Thursday.

Pillars Academy Summer Camp

23581 Madero, Ste. #104, Mission Viejo (949) 951-0442, www.pillarsacademy.org

Campers (ages 18 mos - 12 years) can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, arts and crafts, music, karate, reptile shows, sports, and more. June 10 - July 19.

Rancho Los Cerritos Summer Day Camps

4600 N. Virginia Road, Long Beach (562) 206-2040, www.rancholoscerritos.org

Camps focus on a different part of the history and STEAM of the time periods and people at RLC. July 8 - August 2. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Seal Beach Community Services (562) 431-2527, www.sealbeachca.gov

Variety of summer camps, including Enchanted Princess Camp, Hollywood Special Effects, Mad Science, Superhero Gymnastics, Seal Training, and lots more. Weekly sessions, June - August.

Sender One - Climbing Day Camps

1441 S. Village Way, Santa Ana 11220 Hindry Ave, Los Angeles www.senderoneclimbing.com

Campers (ages 6-13) enjoy rope climbing, games, king swing, slackline, and Sender City. June 10 - August 16. Morning and afternoon sessions available.

Southern California Dance Academy

4410 E. Greenmeadow Road, Long Beach (562) 397-2137, www.scdt.com

Weekly sessions offers campers (ages 5 and up) a variety of dances, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, musical theatre, folk dance, swing, and lyrical. June 17 - July 3. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. $50-450.

spcaLA’s Friends for Life Camp

7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach (562) 216-2545, www.spcala.com/camp

Campers (ages 9-14) learn basic care and responsibility for pets, respect for animals, and the beginnings of dog training. June 24 - August 16. Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

TGA Golf Academy

6180 Bixby Village Drive, Long Beach www.playtga.com/longbeach/golf

Golf camps combine instruction and course play for kids (ages 4-16). June 10 - August 23. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Half-day option available.

The Rinks Summer Camps www.therinks.com

All-World Hockey Institute camps teach skill development, technique, game knowledge and sportsmanship. Camps are for kids and teens (ages 5-18) of all levels. Locations at Anaheim Ice, Lakewood Ice, Great Park Ice, Poway Ice, and Yorba Linda Ice.

The Youth Center - Summer Camps

10761 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos (562) 493-4043, www.theyouthcenter.org

Camp S.H.A.R.K. - Campers (ages 5-12) enjoy art, cooking, science, sports, field trips, and games. June 10 - August 9. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Extended care available. $128-168 per week, daily rates available.

Teen Camp - Campers (ages 12 and up) participate in activities and planned field trips. June 17 - July 26. Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Extended care included at no extra cost.

UCI Anteater Recreation Summer Camps

680 California Ave., Irvine (949) 824-1149, www.campusrec.uci.edu/youth

Week-long, full-day camps designed for children (ages 8-14). Campers enjoy a variety of activities throughout the week including climbing the rock wall, ropes course, baking, pool activities, STEM competitions, and more. Camps are open to the public. June 24 - August 9. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

UCI Sports Camps

4004 Mesa Road, Irvine (949) 824-6120, www.ucirvinesports.com

UC Irvine offers sports camps for kids and teens (elementary through college). Sports include baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Camps are open to all meeting the age/grade requirements. Dates, hours, and fees vary by sport.

Vibes Kids Camp

3601 Linden Ave., Long Beach (562) 234-7649, www.vibeskidscamp.com

Campers (ages 5-12, plus a limited availability for TK children) participate in arts, science, cooking, games, sports, and academics. June 17 - August 23. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Extended care available.

YMCA Summer Camps

www.ymca.org

Your local YMCA offers a variety of day, family, and overnight camps. Specialty camps are also offered for specific interests, including teen adventure, music, sports, cooking and more, along with programs for those with special needs.

Young Scientists Camp at CSULB

California State University, Long Beach (562) 985-4801, www.csulb.edu/ysc

Students (grades 2-8 and high school girls) spend two weeks doing hands-on science investigations at CSULB. Topics vary by grade level. On campus field trips, guest presentations, and fun activities are included. July 15-26. Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

The Ultimate Birthday Destination!

This right-size party will make your celebration a hit!

• 1 Game of Miniature Golf

• 2 Pizza Slices (Pepperoni or Cheese)

• 1 Soft Drink & Ice Cream

• Party Hats & Blow Outs

• FREE Invitations

• 1 hour in Party Area w/Party Server

• 1 Train Ride or $4 Arcade Credit

Now per person

Minimum of 10 people required $16.50

*Plus pizza delivery charge.

Food must be pre-ordered & paid in advance. Prices Subject to Change Reservation (at least 24 hrs) & deposit required.

Bir thday Child Gets

One Free Spin on Pr ize Wheel!

2 Hours Unlimited Use:

• Bumper Boats (Driver: 48”+)

• Go-Karts (Driver: 56”+)

• Train Ride

• Disk’O (48”+)

• $4.00 Arcade Credit

Plus, each person receives:

• 1 Game of Miniature Golf

• 2 Pizza Slices (Pepperoni or Cheese)

• 1 Soft Drink & Ice Cream

• Party Hats & Blow Outs

• FREE Invitations

• 1 hour in Party Area w/Party Server

$ Now

Minimum of 10 people required. Attractions subject to close without notice. Reservation (at least 24 hrs) & deposit required. Get more bang for your buck with exciting rides for all ages!

*Plus pizza delivery charge. 25.50

per person

Food must be pre-ordered & paid in advance. Prices Subject to Change

Animal Encounters &

Zoos

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College

7075 Campus Road, Moorpark (805) 378-1441, zoo.moorparkcollege.edu

Five-acre zoo located on a college campus with 120+ animals. Open to the public on weekends for live animal presentations, training demos, special events, and more. See Ira the African lion, Clarence the 100-year-old Galapagos tortoise, and meet other animal ambassadors. Birthday party packages are available.

Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary

8545 Buttemere Road, Phelan (760) 868-2755, www.foreverwildsanctuary.org

The Sanctuary is dedicated to preserving the lives of abused, neglected, and abandoned exotic animals through rescue, rehabilitation and education. They offer party packages, field trips, and guided tours. Upgrade your visit with a Barnyard Feeding, Feast with Beasts, or Extreme Feed.

Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary

2132 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar (858) 481-3148, www.freeflightbirds.org

Unique exotic bird sanctuary where you can see birds up close. All visitors can feed the birds. Directly handling the birds is restricted to annual members who have received training. Scout programs, camps, junior docents, and memberships offered. Birthday party and special event packages available.

Gibbon Conservation Center

19100 Esguerra Road, Santa Clarita (661) 296-2737, www.gibboncenter.org

See the rarest group of apes in the Western Hemisphere. It’s the only institution in the world to house and breed all four classifications of gibbon. Public and private tours offered. Reservations required.

Goods & Goats Market

29458 Trabuco Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano (949) 212-4357, www.goodsandgoatsmarket.com

Play with baby goats, dig in the worm garden, watch

and feed chickens, play in the sandbox, and ride an old-fashioned seesaw. Goat walks also available for kids ages 3 and up. Other programs include Jr. Farmers, Story Time, Kids' Farm Party, plus goat yoga classes for grownups.

JAB Canid Education & Conservation Center

21977 CA-79 #671, Santa Ysabel (760) 224-9392, www.jabcecc.org

Home to foxes, primitive dogs, wolf-dogs, and coyotes. Animal encounters include the Fox Experience for all ages where visitors feed, pet, and watch the foxes play. Foxes and other animal ambassadors are also available to travel to parties and special events.

Lions Tigers and Bears

24402 Martin Way, Alpine (619) 659-8078, www.lionstigersandbears.org

A 142-acre big cat, bear, and exotic animal sanctuary, home to 60+ rescued animals. Explore as a “Member for a Day” to enjoy a two-hour guided visit or book the “Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes” or “Feed-with-a Keeper” experience. All visits are by reservation only.

Living Coast Discovery Center

1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista (619) 409-5900, www.thelivingcoast.org

A small aquarium and zoo located on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Encounter local wildlife including sea turtles, sharks, rays, raptors, reptiles, and marine animals. Enjoy daily animal presentations, safari hikes, workshops, bird walks, and wildlife tours. Private wildlife tours are available and include a private tour and animal encounter. They also host camps, special events, birthday party packages, and scout programs.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles (323) 644-4200, www.lazoo.org

Home to more than 2,200 mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles representing more than 270 different species, many of which are endangered. Popular exhibits include Rainforest of the Americas, Elephants of Asia, Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, and The Lair of amphibians and reptiles. The zoo offers special experiences throughout the year, camps, classes, and guided tours for members.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: LA Public Library cardholders can visit the Discover & Go website (www.lapl. org/explorela) for free LA Zoo admission for up to four people. Restrictions apply. Members of other zoos and aquariums may qualify for a reciprocal discount (50% off), see list of places on their “Deals & Discounts” page.

Oasis Camel Dairy

26757 Highway 78, Ramona (760) 787-0983, www.cameldairy.com

Unique family farm that offers public tours on Open Farm Days or private tours by reservation. The farm also features cockatoos, mini sheep, and goldfish. Tours include treats to feed the camels and sheep, plus camel rides can be added.

Orange County Zoo

Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange (714) 973-6840, www.ocparks.com/oc-zoo

See animals and plants native to the southwestern United States, including a black bear, large cats, bald eagle, great horned owl, porcupine, turkey vulture and more. Preschool programs and classes offered every week. An audio tour is available on your phone. Irvine Regional Park also offers many more things for families to enjoy, including bike and paddle boat rentals, pony rides and train rides.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Zoo admission is only $2, entry fee for Irvine Regional Park applies.

OstrichLand USA

610 E. Highway 246, Solvang (805) 686-9696, www.ostrichlandusa.com

See 100+ ostriches and emus. Guests are invited to feed and interact with the large birds and browse the gift shop full of unique gifts and fresh ostrich eggs. Ostrich feed is available for $1 per bowl. See ostrich chicks during the summer months and emu chicks in late-winter and early-spring. OstrichLand is a great stop when you’re headed to the quaint Danish-themed town of Solvang.

San Diego Animal Sanctuary & Farm

5178 Japatul Spur, Alpine (619) 320-4942

www.sandiegoanimalsanctuaryandfarm.org

Home to 200+ domesticated livestock and exotic animals from around the world, representing 29 species and 70 breeds. There are six separate areas

where the animals reside, each reflecting a different world in the animal kingdom. Single-day passes include animal interaction from outside the enclosures. Guided tours, Keeper-for-the-Day, Behindthe-Scenes Tours, and birthday parties are available.

San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego (619) 231-1515, www.sandiegozoo.org

A 100-acre wildlife park and home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals. Popular areas include Elephant Odyssey, Northern Frontier featuring polar bears, and Lost Forest featuring tigers and gorillas. Visit the zoo’s newest interactive area, Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Learn even more with wildlife care specialist talks and wildlife presentations throughout the zoo. Upgrade your visit with special experiences like the Inside Look Tour or Early Morning Cheetah Experience. The 35-minute Guided Bus Tour provides an overall view of the zoo.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido

park, go behind the scenes, or spend the night in a special overnight tent-camping experience.

Santa Ana Zoo

1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana (714) 836-4000, www.santaanazoo.org

Santa Ana Zoo features over 80 species of animals, including some of the smallest monkeys in the world, the Golden Headed Lion Tamarins. Explore their newest, multi-species exhibit, Tierra de las Pampas, to see anteaters, guanacos, and rheas. Walk through the Colors of the Amazon Aviary to see exotic birds, explore the Safari Playground, and feed goats and sheep at the Crean Family Farm. Ticketed attractions include the Zoofari Express Train Ride, Conservation Carousel, and 50 Monkey Ferris Wheel. Picnic areas for parties are available to rent.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Santa Ana residents can visit for free on the third Sunday of each month.

STAR Eco Station

10101 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City

Looking for an Alternative to Public School?

Ages 2 - Grade 5 Year-Round Program

Advanced Curriuculum

Small Class Sizes

Students Excel at Their Own Pace

LONG BEACH LOCATIONS:

5550 Atherton St. (562) 431-8880

5454 Atherton St. (562) 494-3777

www.montessorischoollb.com

18 Months to 5 Years Old

Wallis Annenberg Petspace

12005 Bluff Creek Dr., Playa Vista (424) 384-1801, www.annenbergpetspace.org

A community space for pet adoptions and pet education. Interactive activities for kids include a life-sized hamster wheel, slide, and more. Kid-friendly programs include Paws and Pages, opportunity to meet an adoptable pet, and a fun craft. Birthday parties, camps, and scout programs are also available.

Whale Watching Excursions

See page 22.

Wild Wonders

5712 Vía Montellano, Bonsall (760) 630-9230, www.wildwonders.org

A five-acre wildlife education facility with 100+ animal ambassadors. The Behind-the-Scenes Tour introduces you to animals from all over the world. Interactive Animal Experiences include Meet and Greet a Cheetah or Wallaby Walkabout. Family Zoo Camp is available year-round, where the whole family gets to perform various animal husbandry duties. Birthday parties, events, and summer camp (see page 7) also offered.

Wildlife Learning Center

16027 Yarnell St., Sylmar (818) 362-8711, www.wildlifelearningcenter.org

Small, local wildlife center dedicated to providing lifelong care to more than 100 displaced, rescued, and zoo-born wild animals, such as foxes, sloths, bald eagles, monkeys, and more. Private Interactive Tours and individual animal experiences can be added to see your favorite animals up close. Private tours require advanced reservations. Birthday parties and camps also offered.

Zoomars at River Street Ranch

31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano (949) 831-6550, www.riverstreetranch.com

Visitors can pet and feed guinea pigs, goats, sheep, and see other farm animals. Kids can also explore the

playground, ride ponies, pan for gemstones, ride the train, drive a mini tractor, or jump on an electric mini excavator to scoop, dig, and pile up sand. Party packages and memberships available. Mission San Juan Capistrano is also just a seven-minute walk away!

Aquariums & Marine Centers

Aquarium of the Pacific

100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach (562) 590-3100, www.aquariumofpacific.org

Southern California’s largest aquarium, home to more than 12,000 animals of the Pacific Ocean. Touch sharks, feed Australian lorikeets and moon jellies, and interact with more than 100 other exhibits. Art exhibits, performances, festivals, plus camps (see page 12), classes, and scout programs offered throughout the year. Advanced reservations required. Memberships for families and grandparents available.

Birch Aquarium

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla (858) 534-3474, www.aquarium.ucsd.edu

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features 60+ habitats that showcase the research discoveries of oceanography scientists at UC San Diego. Touch animals at the Tide Pool Plaza, meet leopard sharks, get immersed in a two-story kelp forest, visit seadragons and seahorses, and see the world’s smallest penguin! Behind-the-scenes tours, camps, and seasonal events are also offered throughout the year.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Check the Discounts and Offers page on their website for current admission deals.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro (310) 548-7562, www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org Thirty-five saltwater tanks and touch tanks, plus discovery labs and an Aquatic Nursery with baby sea animals. The Exploration Center lets kids crawl into an aquarium, walk through a squishy mud tunnel, use microscopes, view a working laboratory, create artwork, and more. Check out their new Rocky Intertidal Exhibit and the refreshed Tidepool Habitat. After-school programs, workshops, camps (see page 12), family programs, annual events, tide pool walks, and grunion runs are offered throughout the year.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is a suggested donation: $7 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. It is a small aquarium, but perfect for an interesting and educational outing without the crowds. Make it a full day of ocean fun by going to the beach across the parking lot or visiting the Marine Mammal Care Center just five minutes away.

Located under the Santa Monica Pier, the aquarium features 100+ species of marine animals and plants found locally in the Santa Monica Bay. Hands-on activities include touch tanks, educational programs, and feeding demos. Beach cleanups, special events, and camps are held throughout the year. Party packages available.

Marine Mammal Care Center

Los Angeles

3601 S. Gaffey St., #8, San Pedro (424) 450-0570, www.marinemammalcare.org

A hospital for seals and sea lions that become stranded along the beaches from Malibu to Seal Beach due to illness, injury and malnutrition. Visitors can walk around the facilities, see the animals, and learn from volunteer docents. Round out your oceanthemed day with a trip to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, just five minutes away!

One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad www.legoland.com/sealife 562-494-0242 www.thebluesubmarine.com

Heal the Bay Aquarium

1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica (310) 393-6149, www.healthebay.org/aquarium

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Tickets are free (a $5 donation per person is appreciated) but must be reserved online in advance. Walk-ins are limited and are dependent on capacity.

Ocean Institute

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point (949) 496-2274, www.oceaninstitute.org

Education center that offers 60+ marine science and maritime history programs. Family activities include weekend tours, tide pool hikes, and kayak harbor tours. Special programs for children under 4 are also offered. Whale and marine life tours, plus bioluminescence night cruises aboard a research vessel are scheduled throughout the year. Birthday parties, camps (see page 16), volunteer and internship opportunities for teens, and special events are also offered. Memberships include admission, birthday party discounts, and gifts. Typically open weekends and some holiday breaks.

Orange Coast College Dennis Kelly Aquarium 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa www.tinyurl.com/occ-aquarium

Student-run training and community education facility with a diverse collection of aquatic animals, from leopard sharks to jellies. Public hours and private tours are offered during fall and spring semesters (mid-February through May and September through mid-December). Tours highlight different habitats and may include short feeding demos. The aquarium is located in the Lewis Center for Applied Science near the library and the OCC Planetarium, which also features public shows and activities.

Roundhouse Aquarium

Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach (310) 379-8117, www.roundhouseaquarium.org

Located at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier, the aquarium cares for 100+ different species of marine life. Enjoy 12+ exhibits including Rocky Reef, Kid’s Kelp Corner, Discovery Corner, and more. Birthday parties, camp, school outreach programs, and volunteer opportunities available.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free, donations appreciated.

Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Home to more than 6,000 animals and features 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. Tickets to the aquarium and multi-park tickets that include admission to the aquarium and Legoland are available.

Boats & Ships

AquaLink

Alamitos Bay & Rainbow Harbor, Long Beach (562) 591-2301, www.ridelbt.com/aqualink

Water taxi that offers a scenic ride and a way to get around Long Beach’s coastline. Guests are trans ported to and from Alamitos Bay and Rainbow Harbor. Summer Service starts Memorial Day Weekend. Check the website for schedule.

(800) 613-1212, www.catalinaexpress.com. Catalina Flyer: Departs from Newport Beach to Avalon, (949) 673-5245, www.catalinainfo.com.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: The fare is $5 each way and takes approximately 40 minutes.

Battleship USS Iowa

250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro (877) 446-9261, www.pacificbattleship.com

Explore the battleship that served our country

tive exhibit, US Navy: Stewards of the Sea, has stations and activities showing kids how the US Navy protects the marine environment. Participate in searching for Vicky the Victory Dog in a free app and/or a scavenger hunt card. Private guided tours and special experiences are offered, plus parties, overnight programs and summer camps (see page 12).

Boats to Catalina

Catalina Express: Departs from Dana Point, Long Beach and San Pedro, to Avalon and Two Harbors,

Harbor Breeze Cruises

100 Aquarium Way, Dock # 2, Long Beach (562) 432-4900, www.2seewhales.com

Go on whale, dolphin and sea life sightseeing tours, as well as 45-minute Long Beach Harbor tours. Special event cruises are available for holidays.

Los Angeles Maritime Institute

Berth 73, Ste. 2, San Pedro (310) 833-6055, www.lamitopsail.org

LAMI offers day programs and multi-day voyages, hands-on STEM learning, maritime skill-building and

KNOW

BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Check Official Websites

Many places and attractions offer discounts or deals on their official websites.

Sign Up for Newsletters

Attractions often send out exclusive promotions to their subscribers.

Follow on Social Media

Stay updated on announcements like flash sales and limited-time discounts.

Ask About Membership & Reciprocal Discounts

Members of organizations like AAA or AARP may be eligible for special promos. Some attractions also offer memberships with free or discounted admission to a list of other reciprocal attractions nationwide.

Check Out City Passes

Some cities offer passes with discounts to multiple attractions.

Go During Off-Peak Times

Prices may be lower on weekdays or non-holiday times.

Just Ask!

Don’t hesitate to ask about discounts for seniors, students, siblings, military, or others that may not be advertised.

Visit the Kidsguide Calendar!

We post hundreds of events each month. Don't forget to filter by free events!

sea-time certification, boatbuilding, volunteer youth crew program, and various camp options. Private charters and community sails available.

Ocean Institute

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point (949) 496-2274, www.oceaninstitute.org

Kayak around Dana Point Harbor or go on a whale and marine life tour aboard a research vessel. Bioluminescence Night Cruises and tallship sails also offered throughout the year. Open to the public on weekends and some holiday breaks.

Queen Mary

1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach (562) 435-3511, https://queenmary.com

Explore the Queen Mary with informative guided tours highlighting her golden days of the 1950s, how she earned the “haunted ship” nickname, and learn about the engineering of the most technologically advanced ocean liner of her time.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Ship admission is $10 on Tuesdays. Tours not included.

SS Lane Victory

2400 Miner St., San Pedro (310) 519-9188, www.lanevictory.org

Guided and self-guided tours are offered on the museum ship that was once used in World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War. Visitors get complete access to the ship to see how Merchant Marines lived and worked.

USS Midway

910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego (619) 544-9600, www.midway.org

Explore this Navy aircraft carrier featuring more than 30 restored aircraft and nearly 10 acres of exhibits. Climb aboard real cockpits, tour the bridge and captain’s cabins, walk through spaces where the crew lived, and explore the hangar and flight deck. Special events and activities are scheduled throughout the year. Visit the Information Booth to participate in the Junior Pilot Program, where kids complete activity sheets and earn their wings in a little ceremony. Freedom Annual Passes and memberships available. Sign up early for Snooze Crews, overnight adventure opportunities for youth groups and families!

Whale Watching Excursions

Whale watching cruises are available from these locations. Visit their website or call for schedules.

Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari, (949) 415-5954, www.dolphinsafari.com. Dana Wharf Whale Watching, (888) 224-0603, www. danawharf.com. Davey’s Locker, (949) 673-1434, www.daveyslocker.com. Harbor Breeze Cruise, (562) 457-3520, www.2seewhales.com. LA Waterfront Cruises, (310) 547-9916, www.lawaterfrontcruises. com. Newport Landing Whale Watching, (949) 6750551, www.newportwhales.com. Ocean Institute, (949) 496-2274, some memberships offer complimentary whale watching tickets, www.ocean-institute. org. Redondo Beach Whale Watching, (310) 3722111, www.rbwhales.com.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Dana Wharf Whale Watching offers Half-price Tuesdays. LA Water Front Cruises, $30 tickets now through December 2024 (must call

to reserve, coupon found on their website under ‘Specials’ and must be printed). Newport Landing Whale Watching, $22-26 tickets, call (949) 6750551 and mention promo: WHALEWATCH22.

Family Fun Centers

• Adventure City

1238 S. Beach Blvd., Anaheim (714) 236-9300, www.adventurecity.com

Adventure City in North Orange County is guaranteed to entertain young families, with 17 exciting rides and attractions, including the Drop Zone, a 50-foot free-fall tower and the all new Rewind Racers roller coaster. You'll also find a petting farm, a 25-foot climbing wall, an arcade, a Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends play area, great food and much more. What a great place to have a company picnic, birthday party or team party! The price is right, too. All-day unlimited rides: adults or children, $29.95; seniors (55 and over), $24.95 (prices subject to change without notice). Free parking. See ad on page 27.

Adventure Playground

7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach (714) 536-5486

www.tinyurl.com/hbadventureplayground

A unique playing experience, where kids can raft on a small pond, go down a mudslide, and build a fort. Reservations (highly recommended) are now open for the season, June 22 - August 17, and can be booked at ww.hbsands.org. If you plan on dropping in, be sure to call the office to inquire about space availability.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is only $4 per person.

Balboa Fun Zone

600 East Bay Ave., Newport Beach (949) 903-2825, www.balboaferriswheel.com

Enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel, stroll around the bayside boardwalk, rent bicycles, and play games in the arcade and game room. Narrated harbor and whale watching cruises are offered, in addition to plenty of shops and restaurants. While you’re there, don’t miss a ride on the nearby Balboa Ferry (going strong since 1919).

Boomers

3405 Michelson Dr., Irvine 17871 Castleton St., City of Industry www.boomersparks.com

Mini golf, bumper boats, go karts, laser tag, thrill rides, batting cages, arcade, and more. Party and group packages available, along with all-day passes. Check their website for current deals and discounts.

Bowling Centers

Centers offer public and league bowling. Online lane reservations, cosmic bowling, arcades, snack bars, and party packages are usually offered.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

AMF and Bowlero, various locations, www.bowlero. com. Cal Bowl, Lakewood, (562) 421-8448, www. calbowl.com. Concourse Bowling, Anaheim, (714) 666-2695, www.concoursebowling.com. CSULB Games Center, Long Beach, (562) 985-5201, www.asicsulb.org/corporate/enjoy/games-center. Fountain Bowl, Fountain Valley, (714) 963-2897, www.fountainbowl.com. Gardena Bowl, Gardena, (310) 324-1244, www.gardenabowl.com. Irvine Lanes, Irvine, (949) 786-9625, www.irvinelanes. com. Keystone Lanes, Norwalk, (562) 868-3261, www.keystonelanes.com. Linbrook Bowling, Anaheim, (714) 774-2253, www.linbrookbowl.net. Round 1, various locations, www.round1usa.com. Saddleback Lanes, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-5300, www.saddlebacklanes.com. Splitsville, Downtown Disney, (657) 276-2440, www.splitsvillelanes.com. Westminster Lanes, Westminster, (714) 893-5005, www.westminsterlanes.com.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: On specific days of the week get 50% off bowling at Cal Bowl, Keystone Lanes, Saddleback Lanes, and Westminster Lanes. Online reservation only. Visit their website for days and time.

Camelot Golfland

3200 E. Carpenter Ave., Anaheim (714) 630-3340, www.golfland.com/anaheim

Attractions include miniature golf, Fast Car Raceway, bumper boats and cars, arcade, laser tag, and a pizza parlor. Birthday party and group packages available.

Chuck E. Cheese

www.chuckecheese.com

Wide selection of games and rides, including alley bowling, air hockey, basketball, console games, and prize games. Sensory Sensitive Sundays for children with special needs are offered, along with party packages and group rates. Visit their website to find a location near you and check out their weekly deals. Visit their Activities & Downloads page to print awards and charts for kids to earn free play points!

Dave & Buster’s www.daveandbusters.com

Arcade games, billiards, bowling, VR games, and restaurant. Party packages available. Locations in Long Beach, Irvine, Los Angeles, Orange, and Torrance.

Go Kart World

21830 Recreation Road, Carson (310) 834-3700, www.gokartworld.com

Enjoy outdoor go-karting with six dynamic tracks catering to all ages. Tracks include the Kiddy Track, Mini Indy, Slick Track, Turbo Road Course, Bumper Cars, and Super Track. Party packages available.

• Golf N' Stuff Family Fun Park

10555 E. Firestone Blvd., Norwalk (562) 868-9956, www.golfnstuff.com

Take a break and have fun at Golf N' Stuff Family Fun Park! Enjoy challenging miniature golf and exciting rides, including go-karts, bumper boats, and kiddie train. While you're there, check out the latest in arcade games, great prizes, snack bar, and indoor and outdoor party facilities for birthday or team parties (see page 42). Where the 5 and 605 freeways meet. See ad with coupons on page 28 and party deals on page 17.  Ask about their free school and doctors' office incentive programs.

John’s Incredible Pizza

www.johnspizza.com

Arcade games, rides, laser maze, bowling alley, kid die land, bumper cars, and more. There are different themed dining areas for families to enjoy. Birthday parties and group packages are available. Locations in Buena Park, Carson, Riverside and more.

K1 Speed

www.k1speed.com

Enjoy indoor go-kart racing featuring all-electric gokarts. Adults and kids 48-inches and up can arrive and drive, no reservations required. Party and group packages are available. Locations in Anaheim, Bur bank, Irvine, Torrance, and more.

Lucky Art Crayonology

5135 Holt Blvd., Montclair (909) 447-1113, www.luckyartcrayonology.com

Create your own crayons, dress up and play, and en joy four DIY activities: Crayon Press ‘n Shape, Paint On Me, Marker Creation, and Draw A Way. Birthday parties are also available.

MB2 Entertainment

21516 Golden Triangle Road, Santa Clarita (661) 753-3413, www.mb2entertainmentscv.com

Seven acres of attractions including duck pin bowl ing, VR gaming, arcade games, laser tag, axe throw ing, mini golf, bumper boats, and go karts.

Medieval Times

7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park (714) 523-1100, www.medievaltimes.com

Go back in time to the 11th century and watch a jousting tournament inside a castle. Dine on a fourcourse feast and witness a show of jousting, swords manship, horsemanship and falconry. Check their website for coupons. Party packages available.

Neon Retro Arcade

28 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626) 568-2924, www.neonretroarcade.com

An old-school arcade with your favorite retro games from back in the day. All games are set to “free play” with paid admission. Walk-ins are welcome, reserva tions are available.

Nickel! Nickel!

12827 Harbor Blvd., G2, Garden Grove (714) 847-2191, www.nickelnickelhb.com

Nickel! Nickel! offers over 120 games. Check their website for promotions and party availability.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: the facility and then choose to play free-play games or pay an average of 1-6 nickels per game to play arcade games, pinball, or one of many prize redemp tion games.

Off the Wall Social

7227 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach (714) 316-0775, www.otwusa.com/huntington-beach Bowling, bocce ball, corn hole, arcade games, ping pong, bumper pool, laser tag, and virtual reality at tractions. Kids parties also available.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert:

off on Crazy Tuesdays. Go during All-In Wednesday from 5 p.m. to close, $29.95 per person for unlimited

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

9AM - 4:30PM

Helping Families in Need

Need help paying for child care?

Children’s Home Society of California (CHS) offers subsidized child care programs to help pay for most or all of your child care expenses. You may select a child care provider that meets the needs of your family, such as a licensed home or center, or a friend or family member.

Families may be eligible if parents meet income requirements or receive services from a means-tested government program, and have one or more qualifying needs for services:

• parent(s) are working or attending school

• parent(s) are seeking employment

• parent(s) are experiencing homelessness

• parent(s) are incapacitated

• the child is at risk of abuse or neglect (requires referral)

• the child has a Child Protective Services referral

Begin the process by visiting our website at www.chs-ca.org and completing an Eligibility Questionnaire. For an Eligibility Questionnaire, visit our website at ca .org

to parents, existing and potential licensed child care providers, and other community groups that suppor t children and families .

• Child Care Referrals

Parents can obtain information about child c that match their needs and preferences Pare the child care referral web page on the CHS calling the R&R Hotline at one of the phone n

• Health and Safety Reimbursement

Child care providers can be reimbursed for th cost of Health and Safety trainings required t obtain/maintain their child care license from Community Care Licensing.

• Family Education Program and Resource Librar y

Parents, providers, and community members have access to learning and education resources such as toys, book s, ar ts an craf ts materials, and training materials

Greater Long Beach Area of Los Angeles County

4900 Airpor t Plaza, Ste 100, Long Beach • (562) 256 -7490

Orange County

333 South Anita Drive , Ste 350, Orange • (7 14) 5 4 3 -227 3

The mis sion of Childre n’s Home Society of California (CH S) is to reach out to childre n and familie s at ris k with a range of se r vice s to ens ure that eve r y child has the oppor tunity to develop within a safe , healthy, and secure environment .

Kelsey: Skill Development Over 18 Months www.artstepsclasses.com

714.524.2248

WORKSHOPS IN-STUDIO & ONLINE CLASSES

Prepare for Summer Swimming!

• Swim lessons for all ages and skill levels.

• Focus on water safety and survival skills.

• Improve your stroke, build water confidence, and have fun! 562-424-0933 britishswimschool.com/alamitosbay-loscerritos

bowling, attractions, and game play for two hours. See website for details.

Pacific Park

380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica (310) 260-8744, www.pacpark.com

Admission-free amusement park with rides, boardwalk-style midway games, specialty food, and seaside shopping. Rides and attractions are priced individually. Also check out the Heal the Bay Aquarium, located at the Santa Monica Pier.

Pirate’s Dinner Adventure

7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park (714) 690-1497, www.piratesdinneradventureca.com

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. Dinner show includes a three-course meal. Look for special offers on their website.

Skull Canyon Ziplines

13540 Temescal Canyon Road, Corona (951) 471-0999, www.skullcanyon.com

Four zipline courses and three levels of the Sky Gym on 160 acres of mountainous terrain. The Original Zipline is the most kid-friendly course. The Monster, Extreme, and Speed Run courses are also available. The Sky Gym is for adventurers ages 8+ and over 60 pounds, and features more than 58 different elements and three different levels of challenge.

Skypark at Santa’s Village

28950 California 18, Skyforest (909) 744-9373, www.skyparksantasvillage.com

Tickets to Santa’s Village include access to Skypark and Skypark Bike Park. Enjoy shows, character performances, live music, climbing walls, skating arena, archery, train ride and more. Skypark Bike Park features trails for new and experienced mountain bikers. Bring your own bike or rent one on site. Bike lessons available. Skypark Camp + RV is a full service recreational camping experience located across the highway from Santa’s Village.

Thrill It Fun Center

Designed for aspiring songwriters, musicians, rappers, beatmakers, and composers. Six weeks of fun that’ll boost your creativity and music production skills.

AGES 9 & UP

SATURDAYS @ 4:30PM

JUNE 8- JULY 13 & JULY 20 - AUG 24

4228 ATLANTIC AVE. LONG BEACH WWW JAMMINMUSIC-LB COM (562) 490-0222

Outlets at Orange, 20 City Blvd., West, Orange (714) 363-3858, www.thrillit.com

Indoor center that offers Ballocity, a multi-level play structure, plus a high ropes challenge, rock climbing, laser tag, arcade games and cranes, and a mechanical bull. Party packages available.

Wonder of Dinosaurs

South Bay Galleria

1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach (424) 404-0845, www.wonderofdinosaurs.com

The largest display of dinosaurs on the West Coast, with over 100 robotic and static dinosaurs. The center features a museum and dinosaur-themed activities, including bouncers, mazes, dino mini-golf, and rides (such as Ride-a-Trex and Triassic Train). Check out their new exhibit of colorful, glow-in-the-dark dinosaurs. Party packages available.

Farms & Barns

Barnyard Buddies

11369 Carson St., Lakewood (562) 405-1010

www.tinyurl.com/barnyardlakewood

Enjoy the petting zoo, pony rides, riding lessons, and trail rides. Field trips, summer camps, and birthday party packages available.

Centennial Farm

88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa (714) 708-1619. www.ocfair.com/centennial-farm

A three-acre working farm at OC Fair & Event Center created to educate youth about agriculture and its importance to daily life. Centennial Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock (including chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep, pigs and cattle), and the Millennium Barn. Group tours are available as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm. Their website offers a live Pig Cam, plus educational materials that include activity sheets and games for kids.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free.

Farm + Food Lab

Great Park, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine (949) 724-6247

www.cityofirvine.org/great-park/farm-food-lab

A unique and interactive outdoor classroom for visitors of all ages. Educational spaces include an outdoor solar powered teaching kitchen, aquaponics demo area, chickens, seed exchange library, food forest, vermicomposting systems, Monarch Waystation, and pollinator garden. Classes and workshops held throughout the year. Educational tours and field trips also available.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free admission and parking.

Gilchrist Farm

30116 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 733-5938, www.gilchristfarm.com

Open year round for weekend farm visits, including pony and horse rides, wagon and train rides, archery and axe throwing, farm crafts, slide, maze, animal visits, and more. Holiday camps and events, goat yoga, plus a variety of kids’ classes are also offered. Birthday parties and private events available.

5380-3/4 University Drive, Irvine (949) 653-2100, www.tanakafarms.com JAMMIN’

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Join them for Happy-OSaurus hour (excludes holidays) Monday - Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. Adult, $3; child, $10; and adult, $8 with child under 2.

Manassero Farms

33 Irvine Valley, Irvine (949) 554-5103, www.manasserofarms.com

Starting in the spring, Manassero Farms opens their berry fields to the public for a strawberry, blueberry, and olallieberry picking experience. Their flagship location features a fresh farm market, event space, gift store, and a small children’s play yard with tractor swings, tractors to ride, pretend play area, and more.

Tanaka Farms

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Go on guided tours and u-pick wagon rides through their 30-acre farm all year long. Visit the barn to see animals and participate in special events and story time. Check out their Chicks & Sprouts Workshop, where kids (ages 4-10) learn about baby chicks, plant their own sunflower, harvest veggies, and visit the animals. Seasonal festivals, pumpkin patch, cookouts, group tours, and private parties also available. Tanaka Farms also operates Hana Field in Costa Mesa, where you can stroll through a field of sunflowers.

The Ecology Center

32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano (949) 443-4223, www.theecologycenter.org

A 28-acre organic farm offering a variety of programs for all ages, including Rad Traditions, an after-school program for ages 7-14; Microgreens, a parent-child gathering; and Eco-Tots Playspace. Summer camp, workshops, field trips, community table events with guest chefs, and harvest boxes also offered.

The Gentle Barn

15825 Sierra Hwy., Santa Clarita (661) 252-2440, www.gentlebarn.org/california

Hug cows, give tummy rubs to pigs, hold chickens, pet goats, and cuddle turkeys. Private tours, field trips, party packages, horse therapy, and cow hug therapy also offered. Open to the public on Sundays; tickets must be reserved in advance.

Underwood Family Farms

3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark

5696 E. Los Angeles Ave., Somis (805) 529-3690, www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com

Both locations offer farm markets, animal care centers and pick-your-own fruits or vegetables. Animal Centers are open for viewing, feeding and petting farm animals, such as sheep, alpacas, chickens, and goats. Moorpark also offers farm tours, wagon rides, play equipment, weekend animal shows, birthday party packages, plus ride-on trains and gem/fossil mining.

Indoor Play Spaces

AdventurePlex

1701 Marine Ave., Manhattan Beach (310) 546-7708, www.adventureplex.org

Attractions include a five-level play structure, Toddler Town, reading corner, Beach House Studio, multipurpose room, plus outdoor rock wall, ropes course, and garden. A variety of classes are offered, plus seasonal camps, drop-off programs, special events and birthday party packages. Ask about Weekend AdventureCamp on select Sundays where kids can get dropped off to play.

American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park

MainPlace Mall, 2800 N. Main St., #603, Santa Ana (714) 760-4374

www.americanninjawarrioradventurepark.com

Inspired by the TV show, this adventure park experience includes Monkey Swings, Spider Walls, Tilting Logs, Floating Bridges and the famous Warped Wall.

KNOW

BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Buy 1 Round of Miniature Golf, Get a 2nd Round Free

Buy 1 Ride, Get 2nd Ride Free

Must

Must

*Attractions subject to close without notice.

The space also features a 10,000-square-foot inflatable obstacle course. Dedicated session times for kids ages 5 and under. Party and group packages available.

Billy Beez

400 W. Disney Way, Ste. 189, Anaheim (657) 207-4841, www.billybeezus.com

A 25,000-square-foot indoor play park for all ages, offering slides, sports courts, tunnels, towers, ball blasters, and bouncy trampolines. Designated areas for the little ones. Snack bar and party packages are available.

BounceU

428A W. Katella Ave., Orange (714) 744-5867, www.bounceu.com/orange-ca

Indoor playground featuring inflatables, slides and obstacle courses. Open bounce hours, preschool playdates, Parents’ Night Out events, and private birthday party packages available.

BubblePOP

555 The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo www.gobubblepop.com

Interactive bubble stations include bubble power, creating a bubble tower, getting inside a bubble, mad bubble party, and dry ice bubbles. Party packages and in-store private events are available. Offsite event packages bring the bubble party to you!

Candeeland

2800 N. Main St., #504, Santa Ana 462 Stonewood St., #G33A, Downey www.candeeland.com

A 10,000-square-foot play space featuring play structures, climbing walls, ninja course, toddler area, cafe, and candy store. Party rooms also available.

Dig It

Del Amo Fashion Center, 3525 W. Carson St., #173, Torrance (310) 943-7391, www.digittorrance.com

Construction-themed play space where activities include mini tractors, build-your-own cars, brick chutes, mega building blocks, brick conveyors, driving track, soft play, and more. Toddler Time, Drop-Off Time, Kids’ Night Out, camps, party packages, and memberships also offered.

Jumper’s Jungle

11760 Firestone Blvd., Norwalk www.jumpersjungle.com

Inflatable obstacles, slides, bouncers, sports games, and more. Open play available, plus birthday parties.

Jumpify

7460 Carson Blvd., Long Beach (760) 498-9037 3949 Portola Pkwy., Irvine (714) 410-2235 www.jumpifylongbeach.com, www.jumpifyirvine.com

Indoor playground that specializes in soft play for all ages. Activities include inflatable obstacle courses, bounce houses, foam blocks, and more. Monthly passes offered at the Irvine location. Party packages available at both locations.

Kids Empire

2078 E. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim (714) 587-5500, www.kidsempire.com

Explore floor-to-ceiling climbing walls, giant blockbuilding arena, slides, soccer arena, and obstacle

courses. Tots area includes a ball pit, bicycles, trampolines, and age-appropriate structures. Ticket includes two adults free per child and all-day access with re-entry. Party packages also available.

Kidz Town Indoor Playground

5925 E Carson St., Lakewood (562) 420-7529, www.kidz-town.com

Unique indoor obstacles with slides, ball pits, toddler areas, three rock climbing walls, and interactive activities. Party packages available.

Little World Indoor Playground

9691 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove (714) 591-5446, www.littleworldforkids.com

Over 18,000 square feet of play space with small and big kids’ areas, slides, swings, mirror house, ninja warrior course, art area, and arcade games. Admission includes all-day play access with re-entry. Party packages available.

PlayPie Kids Indoor Playground

6924 Beach Blvd., K-131, Buena Park (714) 660-8280, www.playpie.com

Enjoy 15,000 square feet of fun, including a threestory play structure, library, sand play, slides, and their “dark room” for drawing activities. Designated area for little ones includes a ball pit, soft play, and toys. Party packages available.

Pump it Up

26242 Dimension Drive, Ste. 100, Lake Forest (949) 951-9663, www.pumpitupparty.com

Indoor inflatable playground with slides, bounce houses and obstacle courses. Party packages, private open jump time, and special events also offered.

Scooter’s Jungle

921 S. Vía Rodeo, Placentia (657) 315-0215, www.scootersjungle.com

An indoor center with a play structures, inflatables, slides, sports court, obstacle course, and a zipline. Check their calendar for public open play times for toddlers and all ages. Completely 100% private parties are available.

Seascape Kids Fun

4771 E. Hunter Ave., Anaheim (714) 970-7100, www.seascapekidsfun.com

With three stories of fun, this play arena features slides, inflatables, 13 foam ball shooting air guns, and much more. Visit their calendar for open play hours. Party packages available.

Ultimate Ninjas

5462 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim (714) 795-1970, www.ultimateninjas.com

Play on obstacle and agility courses, including a fourlevel warped wall, salmon ladder, fly wheels, flying squirrel, jumping spider, quintuple steps, and more. There are classes for preschoolers and kids, open play, vacation-break camps (see page 11), and an Elite Team for kids who want to train and compete. Party packages also available.

Urban Air Adventure Park

1515 S. Harbor Blvd., Unit 10, Fullerton (714) 584-5753

www.urbanair.com/california-fullerton Indoor adventure park with attractions for all ages,

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Norwalk

Norwalk

including a climbing hill, laser tag, virtual reality games, multi-level tubes playground, ropes course, warrior course, and trampolines. Check their calendar for open play, parent’s night out, Jumperoo, teen night, and sensory-friendly days. Cafe, memberships, and birthday party packages available.

We Play Loud

7460 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach

24350 Swartz Drive, Lake Forest

www.weplayloud.com

Two-level indoor play structure with a wave slide, foam ball fountain, two foam ball dumping baskets, rainbow bridges, pyramid obstacles, web net bridges, fireman climb, two automatic foam ball loading machines, tube slide, and more. Toddlers can play in a special gated section with soft-play rides. Birthday party packages and facility rentals are available.

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym

12212 Paramount Blvd., Downey (562) 622-7272

www.werockthespectrumdowney.com

Activities for children across the spectrum. Gym includes an indoor play structure, swings, crash mats, trampolines, art area, and more. Open Play, special events, birthday parties, and parent’s night out are available. Two levels of special care services are offered: Respite and Break Time Care, and One-to-One Attendant Care.

Climbing Centers

Hapik Climbing Center

8712 Garfield Ave, South Gate (562) 268-2100, www.hapik.us

A 5,000-square-foot climbing center featuring more than 100 routes across 30 themed climbing walls. Attractions include walls with three levels of difficulty, vertical challenges, and snack bar. Birthday party packages and group events are available.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Enjoy two hours of climbing for $9 every first Wednesday of the month.

Long Beach Rising

205 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach (562) 612-3008, www.longbeachrising.com

A bouldering climbing gym and fitness facility. All ages and levels welcome. Youth training, competition, and recreation teams available. Birthday party packages, special events, and camp also offered.

Rockreation Climbing Center

1300 Logan Ave., Costa Mesa (714) 556-7625, www.rockreation.com

An indoor rock climbing center with classes for all levels. Enjoy Climb Time, Kids/Parent Climb Time, birthday party packages, and Climb Camp. Rock Warriors, a weekly rock climbing team for ages 6-18, is also offered. Additional location in Los Angeles.

Sender One Climbing

1441 S. Village Way, Santa Ana (714) 881-3456, www.senderoneclimbing.com

Indoor climbing center that offers 50-foot walls, bouldering, youth programs, and Sender City, a unique and interactive climbing area for every age. Enjoy themed challenges like Spider Man, Trembling Towers, Fun Walls, and Mineshaft for climbing in the dark! Youth programs include drop-in classes and camps, Climbing Academy, and aerial silks. Party packages also available. Additional locations in Los Angeles and Playa Vista. New locations in Lakewood, Huntington Beach, and Westwood to open this year.

Trampoline Parks

Big Air Trampoline Park

8320 On the Mall, Buena Park (844) 550-5867, www.bigairusa.com

Jumping surfaces include trampoline dodgeball courts, slam dunk courts, ninja-warrior courses, launch pads, foam pits, freestyle court, climbing wall, and more. Toddler Time and Cosmic Nights are offered. Birthday party packages available. Additional locations in Corona and Laguna Hills.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Save $10 with unlimited jumping, Monday - Thursday.

Get Air Trampoline Park

5142 Argosy Ave., Huntington Beach 2735 S. Towne Ave., Pomona www.getairsports.com

Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, slamball, ninja activities, and Kiddie Court area for younger kids. Special sessions include Club Air with lights and music, Toddler Time, and a dedicated time for jumpers with special needs. Birthday party packages also available. Visit their website for weekly events, discounts, and online-only deals.

Sky Zone Trampoline Parks www.skyzone.com

Indoor wall-to-wall trampoline park with Freestyle Jump, Toddler Zone, Foam Zone, Ninja Warrior Course, Drop Zone, and more. Special programs available, including Little Leapers for younger kids, sensory hours, and party packages. Attractions and programs vary by location. Locations in Anaheim, Cerritos, Santa Ana, Torrance, and Westminster.

Nature & Gardens

Balboa Park

1549 El Prado, San Diego (619) 239-0512, www.balboapark.org

This 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park offers 16 museums, various gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. Kid-friendly locations at the park include the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden, San Diego Air & Space Museum, puppet the-

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Year-Round Preschool

Full-Day Kindergarten

Engaging Elementary Program

Extracurricular Activities

Karate • Piano • Gymnastics & More

Enriching Summer Program

Academics & Fun • Open to Non-Students

Oakwood Academy

Oak Tree Academy

Creative Day Academy

oakwood academy schools

ater, carousel, miniature train, and more. Admittance to the park grounds is free, but museums and attractions have their own admission and pricing.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

3842 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach (714) 846-1114, www.bolsachica.org

At 1,449 acres, the reserve is the largest saltwater marsh between Monterey Bay and the Tijuana River Estuary. Approximately five miles of trails can be explored from sunrise to sunset. The Interpretive Center features salt water aquariums, herpetology exhibits with live reptiles, taxidermy displays, and more. School/scout visits are offered, plus summer camp (see page 12) and Junior Wetlands Explorer Program.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free to explore!

Deane Dana Friendship Park & Nature Center

1805 W. 9th St., San Pedro (310) 519-6115, www.tinyurl.com/deanedanapark

This 123-acre park offers panoramic views of San Pedro, Catalina Island, and the Los Angeles / Long Beach harbor. The park offers recreational activities, including hiking trails, field trips, nature camps, a Nature Center, and is home to the beautiful, federally endangered Palos Verdes Blue butterfly!

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free to explore!

Descanso Gardens

1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge (818) 949-4200, www.descansogardens.org

A 150-acre urban retreat featuring nine different garden areas, including a five-acre Rose Garden, Japanese Garden with koi-filled stream, an Ancient Forest with plants from the days of dinosaurs, and more. Take a ride on the Enchanted Railroad, explore the historical Boddy House, and see exhibits at the Sturt Haaga Gallery. Family events and workshops are scheduled throughout the year.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free every third Tuesday of each month. Advanced tickets are required and are released on the first day of each month.

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach (562) 985-8420, www.csulb.edu/japanese-garden

A 1.3-acre Japanese garden on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. Feed koi fish, stroll winding pathways, view the Tea House, or reflect at the Zen Garden. Family-friendly events are scheduled throughout the year, follow their social media to stay updated. Reservations are free and required for admission and to feed the koi.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free to explore! Fee for parking.

El Dorado Nature Center

7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach (562) 570-1745, www.longbeach.gov/naturecenter

Located inside El Dorado Regional Park, the Nature Center covers 105 acres with two miles of dirt trails and a 1/4-mile paved trail that winds around two lakes, a stream, and forested areas. Cross the wooden bridge and check out the Visitor Center, containing educational displays, art gallery, and a

small gift shop. Special events, workshops, camps (see page 6), and educational programs are offered throughout the year. The park also features the El Dorado Frontier theme park, plus bike rentals, archery range, fishing lakes, skatepark, playgrounds, library, model aircraft flying area, model sailboat area, and more.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission to the Nature Center is free, parking fee applies.

ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

29322 Modjeska Canyon Road, Silverado (949) 645-8489, www.encenter.org/tucker

A 12-acre wildlife sanctuary with a natural history museum, trails, and a bird observation deck. Birthday party packages, school field trips, and scout programs are available. Open to the public on weekends.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Donations-based admission.

Environmental Nature Center

1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach (949) 645-8489, www.encenter.org

The five-acre center features walking trails that showcase plants from 15 of California’s plant communities, including a desert oasis, mixed evergreen forest, redwood forest trail, waterfall, and ponds. The center has play areas, a butterfly house, nature museum, plus a state-of-the-art Nature Preschool. Community programs include Tiny Naturalists, Mini Naturalists (ages 1-3) and Little Naturalists (ages 3-5). Field trips, camps (see page 14), scout programs, and “bearthday” parties also offered.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free and open to the public on weekends, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Fullerton Arboretum

1900 Associated Road, Fullerton (657) 278-3407, www.fullertonarboretum.org

A 26-acre botanical garden located on the campus of California State University, Fullerton. The arboretum features plants from around the world, as well as a waterfall, streams, a lake and pond, plus a Children’s Garden. Classes and special events are offered throughout the year.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Donation of $5 for admission is suggested.

Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

1151 Oxford Road, San Marino (626) 405-2100, www.huntington.org

The 207-acre grounds has a library of rare books, an art museum, and 130 acres of botanical gardens. Enjoy 16 themed gardens with more than 83,000 living plants, including rare and endangered species, and a laboratory for botanical conservation and research. Highlights include the Chinese garden, Japanese garden, jungle garden, lily ponds, and a unique Children’s Garden with interactive sculptures. Youth and family programs include classes and workshops, family events, tours and more.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free Day is held on the first Thursday of every month with advance tickets. Due to high demand, tickets are usually gone fast. Visit their website to find out when tickets are released.

Los Angeles County Arboretum

301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia (626) 821-3222, www.arboretum.org

A 127-acre botanical garden and historical site featuring natural landscapes, wildlife, and historic buildings. There have been 251 different species of birds sighted at the Arboretum, in addition to their famous peacocks. Family programs include the Nature Club school-year program, Acorns & Oaks parent/child program, and Family Adventure Night Hikes. Nature camp, scout programs, and tours also offered.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free Day is every third Tuesday of the month, with advance reservation tickets. Tickets released the first of the month.

Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center

3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance (310) 782-3989, www.friendsofmadronamarsh.com

A 43-acre seasonal wetland that is a migration stop and home to hundreds of species. The Nature Center houses live animal exhibits and laboratories, books, and other aids to understanding this unique habitat. Enjoy nature walks, docent tours, bird watching, and more. Educational programs and workshops include Tyke Hike (ages 0-6), Nature Story Time (ages 3-5), and Friday Fun (ages 3-6).

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free.

Niguel Botanical Preserve

29751 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel (949) 425-5100, www.niguelbotanicalpreserve.org

An 18-acre botanical garden situated above Crown Valley Community Park, featuring 12 garden areas, 2,000 plant species, and four miles of walking trails. Plant collections are organized according to region of origin: Australia, Africa, South America, Mediterranean, and California/Mexico.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free to explore.

Oak Canyon Nature Center

6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim (714) 998-8380, www.anaheim.net/ocnc

A 58-acre natural park consisting of three adjoining canyons, year-round stream and four miles of hiking trails. The Interpretive Center houses live animals and regional natural history exhibits. Families can enjoy the Discover Nature Family Program, an hour-long, naturalist-led hike held on Saturday mornings. Tales and Trails, a parent-and-me program is offered on Thursdays. Monthly Night Hikes are offered the third Saturday of the month. Register online. Camps and birthday parties, that include a naturalist-led hike and live animal encounter, are also available.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free, donations are appreciated.

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

5 Riparian View, Irvine (949) 261-7963, www.seaandsageaudubon.org

A 300-acre freshwater wetland with 12 miles of trails, home to hundreds of species of birds, insects,

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

reptiles, crustaceans, and other creatures native to the area. Educational programs include Summer Bat Walks, Nature Day Camps, private group tours, and Junior Naturalists program for teens.

Sherman Library & Gardens

2647 East Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar (949) 673-2261, www.thesherman.org

A two-acre garden featuring 20 garden and interactive areas, including the Tropical Conservatory with koi fish and turtles, historical Adobe house, Fern Grotto, and more. Little Seedlings Story Time, family classes and workshops, and special events are held throughout the year. Group tours, scout visits, and summer camp (see page 15) also offered.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: $5 admission.

Shipley Nature Center

17851 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach (714) 842-4772, www.shipleynature.org

This 18-acre nature preserve features native plants and animals and two miles of walking trails. The Interpretive Center houses a diorama of animals and exhibits. The trails lead you by a stream, a Coast Live Oak grove, a meadow with orange California poppies in the spring, a pond, and Coast Redwoods. Shipley’s tallest trees, the Coast Redwoods, are some of the southernmost instances of the species on the continent. Special events, docent-led tours, camps (see page 15), and memberships are also offered.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Suggested $3 per person donation.

South Coast Botanic Garden

26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula (424) 452-0920, www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org

This 87-acre garden has more than 2,500 different species of plants. Popular features include the Bohannon Rose Garden, Living Wall, Desert Garden, Japanese Garden and koi pond, 10 meadows, and more. The Children’s Garden is developed around nursery rhymes with a variety of plants to match the stories. SOAR - Tropical Butterflies lets visitors get up-close with hundreds of butterflies. The Bloom! experience features 21,000 colorful bulbs, five floral extravaganzas, and guided sensory tour. Classes, memberships, and dog walking hours offered.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free every third Tuesday of the month.

Turtle Rock Nature Center

1 Sunnyhill Drive, Irvine (949) 724-6738, www.cityofirvine.org

A five-acre nature preserve where visitors can explore at their leisure, take a self-guided trail tour, enjoy native plants, and walk the labyrinth. Group tours and badge programs for scouts are offered.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free to explore.

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

2301 University Drive, Newport Beach (949) 923-2290, www.ocparks.com

Explore 135 acres and a 10,000 square-foot interpretive center with exhibits and interactive displays. The Nature Preserve is part of a 752-acre coastal wetland that is home to many rare or endangered

Locations in Artesia & Ontario

Public Sessions

Figure Skating

Skating School

Private Lessons

Fitness Center

Youth Hockey

Adult Hockey

Broomball

Private Ice Rental

Party Packages

(562) 809-6200 www.eastwesticepalace.com

species. Fun programs offered include stargazing, canoe and kayak tours, sunset strolls, storytelling, crafts, and much more.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert:

Skating Rinks

• East West Ice Palace

11446 Artesia Blvd., Artesia (562) 809-6200, www.eastwesticepalace.com

Ice rink offers public skating, skating classes for kids (3+) and adults, freestyle sessions, in-house hockey, hockey classes, youth travel hockey league, adult hockey league, stick time and broomball. Competitive synchronized skating teams and classes also available. A collection of Michelle Kwan memorabilia is available in the gallery. Check website for details on ice schedule and events. See ad on this page.

Aliso Viejo Ice Palace - Ice only. 9 Journey, Aliso Viejo. (949) 643-9648. https://avicepalace.com

Fountain Valley Skating Center - Roller only. 9105 Recreation Cir., Fountain Valley. (714) 847-0022. www.fvsc.com

Holiday Skate Center - Roller only. 175 N. Wayfield, Orange. (714) 997-5283. www.holidayskate.com

The Rinks - Ice rinks in Anaheim, Lakewood, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Poway, and Great Park Irvine. Inline rinks in Irvine and Corona. Visit www.therinks. com for locations.

Lake Forest Ice Palace - Ice only. 25821 Atlantic Ocean Dr., Lake Forest. (949) 305-9658. www.lficepalace.com

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

RidingUSHJARecognized Academy

Horseback r iding at F irst F ield F arm English Riding & Jumping Instruction

Beginning through Advanced • Horses Provided www.FirstFieldFarm com • 18299 dumont ave., cerritos • 562-924-2217

LA Kings Ice at Promenade on the Peninsula - Ice only. 550 Deep Valley Drive #107, Rolling Hills Estates. (424) 903-0300. www.lakingsicepv.com

LA Kings Iceland - Ice only. 8041 Jackson St., Paramount. (562) 633-1171. www.lakingsiceland.com

Pigeon’s Roller Rink - Roller only. 6400 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. (562) 527-6899. www.pigeonsrollerrink.com

The Skating Edge Ice Arena - Ice only. 23770 S. Western Ave., Harbor City. (310) 325-4474. www.skatingedgeicearena.com

Science & Space Centers

California Science Center

700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles (323) 724-3623, www.californiasciencecenter.org

Explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibitions, live demonstrations, programs, and films. Visitors can learn about fire science and safety, discover how life begins, investigate eight ecosystem zones, and see a unique collection of air and space artifacts. Check out their new special exhibit, Leonardo da Vinci: Inventor. Artist. Dreamer., now through September 2, 2024. Explore inventions and models built according to da Vinci’s drawings and engage in hands-on science learning activities. Also new is the Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear! exhibit, free with general admission. Experience fear in a safe environment and discover the science behind our physical and emotional responses.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: General admission is free (additional cost for IMAX and special ticketed exhibitions).

• Columbia Memorial Space Center

12400 Columbia Way, Downey (562) 231-1200, www.columbiaspacescience.org

Hands-on learning center that is dedicated to bringing the wonder and excitement of space science to

children of all ages. It also serves as the national memorial for the Space Shuttle Columbia's seven crew members, lost in 2003. The 20,000-square-foot visitor center is equipped with not only amazing technology and visual teaching exhibits, but also features the only Challenger Learning Center in the greater Los Angeles area. The Space Center hosts in-person Challenger experiences and field trip tours. Summer camps also available (see page 6). Please visit the website for more information.  The Space Center is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays. See ad on page 37.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is only $5 per person (4+).

Discovery Cube Orange County & Los Angeles Orange County - 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana Los Angeles - 1800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar www.discoverycube.org

Explore 100+ hands-on science exhibits and STEM activities in themed areas, such as Boeing Rocket Lab, Science of Hockey, Eco Challenge, Inspector Training Course, Healthy Kitchen, and Aerial Helicopter Tours. The Sea Lab at Discovery Cube Orange County features a coastal tidepool touch tank. Their newest exhibit, Artemis Adventure, in OC allows visitors to drive a remote-controlled lunar rover, offering a similar experience to astronauts during the Apollo missions. Educational programs are offered throughout the year including camps, field trips, and more.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Check out their Promotions page for special free days for residents and partners of Discovery Cube.

Garvey Ranch Park Observatory

781 S. Orange Ave., Monterey Park (626) 307-1388, www.laas.org/garvey

The observatory houses an eight-inch refractor telescope that is available for public viewing. Open every Wednesday night from 7:30-10 p.m. Located in a park with children’s playground, tennis courts, picnic tables, and museum.

Griffith Observatory

2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles

(213) 473-0800, www.griffithobservatory.org

A unique hybrid of public observatory, planetarium, and exhibition space. Visitors can look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows, and enjoy views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Telescopes are free to the public every day and night the building is open and the sky is clear.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission to the building and grounds are free.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

4800 Oak Grove Drive, La Cañada Flintridge (818) 354-4321, www.jpl.nasa.gov

JPL is a research and development lab federally funded by NASA and managed by Caltech. Visitor Day Tours are offered for individuals and families of 10 people or fewer. Guests may also visit the von Karman Visitor Center, the Space Flight Operations Facility, and the Spacecraft Assembly Facility. Visit their website to see when tour dates and reservations are released.

Mount Wilson Observatory

Mount Wilson Road, Mount Wilson (626) 692-7274, www.mtwilson.edu

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. On most tours, the 150-foot solar tower telescope will be open too, providing an opportunity for visitors to safely observe the sun. Special events like Concerts in the Dome and Public Ticket Nights are scheduled throughout the year.

Mt. SAC - Randall Planetarium

1100 N. Grand Ave., Walnut (909) 274-5795, www.mtsacplanetarium.com

Planetarium shows are offered every month. Family shows include One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure, Larry Cat in Space, and Earth, Moon and Sun. See their calendar for a schedule of events and shows. A variety of packages for birthdays, field trips, scouts, and other events are offered.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free telescope viewing is available once a month at the Mt. SAC Observatory (weather permitting). Check their calendar for date.

Orange Coast College Planetarium

2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa (714) 714-7430

www.orangecoastcollege.edu/occplanetarium

Explore exhibits including a Foucault Pendulum, Science on a Sphere, Space Rocks! Meteorites, and the Dome Theatre. Access to the planetarium theater is limited to scheduled shows. Special events, camps, and workshops are scheduled throughout the year.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Permanent and rotating exhibits in the lobby and hall of the planetarium are free to visit during normal hours.

Palomar Observatory

35899 Canfield Road, Palomar Mountain (760) 742-2119

https://sites.astro.caltech.edu/palomar

Located atop Palomar Mountain, this center of as-

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

tronomical research is home to three active research telescopes. Guided tour tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are sold in the gift shop the day of the tour. Children under 5 years of age are not admitted on guided tours. Tours of the 200-inch (5.1-meter) Hale Telescope offered on weekends. Check the website or call for closures before departing to Palomar.

UCLA Planetarium

Mathematical Sciences Building, UCLA www.astro.ucla.edu/planetarium

Public shows for all ages hosted on Wednesday evenings. On clear nights, visitors are invited to look through the department telescopes after the show. Private shows for educational groups also available.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Public shows are free.

Trains

Amtrak - 50% Off for Kids (800) 872-7245, Ext. (USA-RAIL) www.amtrak.com/everyday-discounts.html

Take day-trips to Los Angeles, San Diego, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara or other cities from local stations throughout Southern California.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: All children (ages 2-12) may travel at 50% off the adult fare. Infants under age 2 ride free on the lap of the adult. See website for full discount details and restrictions.

Angels Flight Railway

351 South Hill St., Los Angeles (213) 626-1901, www.angelsflight.org

Originally opened in 1901, Angels Flight is the world’s shortest railway. The funicular takes passengers between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. The fare is $1 each way. Purchase a souvenir ticket for $2 to take a piece of history home with you.

Balboa Park Miniature Train

1800 Zoo Place, San Diego (619) 239-4748, www.tinyurl.com/balboaparktrain

Operated by the San Diego Zoo, the Balboa Park Miniature Train takes riders on a three-minute, half-mile trip through four acres of Balboa Park. This rare, antique train is one of only 50 remaining G16 models.

El Dorado Frontier

7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach (562) 249-8330, www.theeldoradofrontier.com

Mini theme park inside El Dorado Park featuring a historic train that goes through a mine shaft and loops around the park, telling the story about the California Gold Rush. Admission includes unlimited train rides, carousel rides, and mine buggy rides. Panning for gold is an additional purchase. Birthday party packages available and special events are held throughout the year. Explore the rest of El Dorado Park, which offers a nature center with trails, model sailboat area, model aircraft area, two fishing lakes,

• Buccaneer Bay Waterpark

Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center 13806 La Mirada Blvd. La Mirada (562) 902-3191, www.splashlamirada.com

May 25 - September 28: Buccaneer Bay Waterpark is a family-oriented water park located in Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center. Buccaneer Bay features a flowing lazy river, three water slides that enter into a catch pool, a six-lane mat racer, two body slides, a children’s interactive play structure, zero-depth beach entry, two spray pad areas, and cabana and party area rentals for all of your summer celebrations. Purchase season passes for the lowest price of the season at splashlamirada.com, or call (562) 902-3191 for more information. See ad on back cover.

Great Wolf Lodge

12681 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove www.greatwolf.com/southern-california

Indoor water park resort with themed suites, bowling alley, arcade, glowing mini golf, and more. The 105,000-square-foot water park is set at 84-degrees and features 14 slides and four pools for all thrill levels. Water park day passes are available online.

Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags

26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharborla

May 25 - September 15: A 25-acre water park with over 25 unique slides and attractions for the entire family.

Knott’s Soak City

8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park

www.knotts.com/soak-city

May 18 - September 8: A 15-acre water adventure park located next to Knott’s Berry Farm. Soak City boasts 23 slides including: the Wedge, a thrilling family raft ride; Tidal Wave Bay, a 750,000-gallon wave pool; and the three-story Beach House, featuring 200 water guns, nozzles, sprayers and other interactive surprises.

LEGOLAND Water Park

One Legoland Dr., Carlsbad

www.legoland.com/california/water-park

Now - October 27: The Water Park is located inside Legoland and features slides, sandy beaches, Surfer’s Cove, and Chima Water Park comprising 10 acres of water fun.

Newport Dunes’ Inflatable Waterpark

1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach www.newportdunes.com/watersports

May 24 - September 2: A unique waterscape with a large fleet of inflatables and watercraft rentals, inside a secluded, tranquil bay. Home to more than 15 large inflatables, including a 17foot slide, two trampolines, climbable icebergs, monkey bars, bouncers, and teeter-totters. Pedal boats, stand-up paddle boards, Duffy boats, and kayaks are also offered.

Raging Waters

111 Raging Waters Dr., San Dimas (909) 802-2200, www.ragingwaters.com

May 18 - September 29: This 60-acre waterpark is home to more than 50 attractions for all ages including Aqua Rocket, the state’s only hydromagnetic water coaster. The park also features a variety of slides ranging from mild to wild, the FlowRider surf simulator, a million-gallon wave pool and a lazy river.

Sesame Place

2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista

www.sesameplace.com/san-diego

May 24 - September 2: A 17-acre theme and water park where Sesame Street comes to life. Guests can spend their day in heated pools and on water slides, plus Big Bird’s Beach and Big Bird’s Rambling River. The theme park includes family-friendly rides, shows and parades, and character meet-and-greets.

The Adventure Lagoon

3255 E. Miraloma Ave., Anaheim

www.theadventurelagoon.com

Large, floating obstacle aqua park that stays around 78 degrees year round. Other activities include water volleyball, paddleboarding, kayaking, pedal and bumper boats. Check website for open dates.

Wild Rivers

10000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine

www.wildrivers.com

May 11 - September 29: Experience more than 20 thrilling water rides and attractions on 20 acres, including a wave pool, a quarter-mile long lazy river, water slides, and the largest collection of family raft rides in the region. Birthday party packages and summer camp (page 33) also offered. Located within Irvine Great Park.

Best Calendar Ever!

at the park including a carriage barn, windmill, plant conservatory, bird aviary, adobe foundation, and the Tongva Exhibit, featuring dome-shaped homes.

Irvine Park Railroad

1 Irvine Park Road, Orange (714) 997-3968, www.irvineparkrailroad.com

A 1/3-scale train that takes visitors on a ride through the historic Irvine Regional Park. Special events are held throughout the year. The park is also home to the OC Zoo and offers party sites, bike and paddle boat rentals, pony and horse rides, hiking, and more.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Sign up to receive discount coupons on their website.

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

750 Depot St., Campo (619) 478-9937, www.psrm.org

See over 120 pieces of equipment and artifacts on display and enjoy train rides on a vintage locomotive and cars. Experience what railroading is like from the engineer’s point of view with a Locomotive Cab Ride, enjoy the rugged back-country scene of San Diego County aboard the Golden State, or enjoy a sunset ride with the Sunset Special. Memberships and scout programs available. Special holiday trains include the Pumpkin Express and North Pole Limited.

Poway-Midland Railroad

14134 Midland Road, Poway (858) 486-4063, www.powaymidlandrr.org

archery classes, bike rentals, frisbee golf, skatepark and more. Fee to enter El Dorado Park applies.

Fairplex Garden Railroad

1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona www.fgrr.org

Over 10,000 feet of operating track, using handmade replicas of real railroad operating equipment. See the miniature trains and trolleys pass through the mountains, refineries, and coastlines of California with scenes depicted from the 1850s to present day.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free.

Fullerton Train Museum

200 East Santa Fe Ave., Fullerton (714) 278-0648, www.fullertontrainmuseum.org

See three preserved cabooses, representing the three transcontinental railroads that served Southern California from the 1920s through 1989. There are two Union Pacific lounge cars and a fully-restored Santa Fe streamlined sleeping car. Watch as members restore obsolete railroad equipment to operating condition. Open the first and third Saturdays of each month. Guided tours available.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free.

Griffith Park Train Rides

4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles (818) 881-2586, www.griffithparktrainrides.com

Travel over a one-mile track, across a bridge, through a forest and the Old Western Town. Five different trains are operating. You can also try a T-6 simulator ride, a fun adventure for all ages. Party and picnic area reservations available. After riding the train, head over to Travel Town Museum to explore dozens of old-time railroad locomotives and cars.

Heritage Park Railroad Exhibit

12100 Mora Drive, Santa Fe Springs (562) 946-6476

www.tinyurl.com/heritageparkrailroadexhibit

Learn about Santa Fe Spring’s railroad history through restoration of the Santa Fe Railway Depot, tracks, signals, and a restored steam locomotive with its tender, refrigerated boxcar and caboose. The exhibit also includes two meeting rooms, picnic area, and rose garden. Explore other historical attractions

Lomita Railroad Museum

2137 W. 250th St., Lomita (310) 326-6255, www.lomita-rr.org

Learn about the era of the steam engine at the Lomita Railroad Museum. Exhibits on display include the Southern Pacific Locomotive and Tender, Union Pacific Caboose, Santa Fe Caboose, Union Oil Tank Car, Union Pacific Boxcar, Velocipede hand car, and water tower. Facility rentals available. Check their website for special Family Fun Days.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free.

Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum

5202 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles www.lalsrm.org

Enjoy model train rides on Sundays. Explore 13 acres along a one-mile track going through miniature towns, tunnels, and bridges. See other historical exhibits, including Walt Disney’s Barn (open the third Sunday of each month), a stationary steam plant, and full-size vintage train cars.

Metrolink (800) 371-5465

www.metrolinktrains.com/kidsridefree

Visit the “Explore” tab on their website for a list of over 200 destination ideas for family outings!

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free train rides for children on Saturdays and Sundays when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Each fare-paying adult can be accompanied by up to three children, 17 years old and younger, at no additional charge. Plus, on weekends, each adult pays just $10 for a Weekend Day Pass. Metrolink is also offering a Student Adventure Pass—free rides for riders with valid student ID under 18 years old.

Orange County Model Engineers

2480 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa (949) 548-7246, www.ocmetrains.org

OCME operates the Goathill Junction Railroad Train Station inside Fairview Park. Birthday party reservations also available.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Model train rides are free, and offered on the third weekend of every month (weather permitting). Rides are 12-15 minutes long and go over bridges and different terrains with views of surrounding mountains and wildlife. Donations appreciated. Children must be able to walk on their own and be at least 31” tall to ride.

Hop aboard a full-size, narrow-gauge railroad in Old Poway Park on a vintage steam locomotive, speeder, or cable car.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Fares are $1 for children and up to $3.50 for adults.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

1649 El Prado, San Diego (619) 696-0199, www.sdmrm.org

Located inside the Casa de Balboa Building, the museum features over 27,000 square feet of trains, trestles, and tracks. School and scout programs, camps, and special events held throughout the year. Birthday party and event rentals also available.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Kids 12 and under get in free.

Southern California Live Steamers

2290 Washington Ave., Torrance www.southerncalifornialivesteamers.com

Located in Charles H. Wilson Park, free public train rides on miniature 7.5-inch gauge trains are offered on the first Sunday and the third Saturday of every month. Donations appreciated. Children must be able to walk on their own and be at least 32” tall to ride.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Train rides are free!

Southern California Railway Museum

2201 S. A St., Perris (951) 943-3020, www.socalrailway.org

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. A variety of special events, such as car shows and swap meets, plus special trains are scheduled throughout the year. Check out the “Run One” program, where kids (ages 5 and up, with a parent) can get behind the controls with a qualified engineer. Day Out with Thomas is coming November 2-3, 9-11, 2024 and The Polar Express will be returning on select dates November and December 2024.

Travel Town Museum and Railroad

5200 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles (323) 668-0104, www.traveltown.org

An outdoor museum located in Griffith Park with over 40 historic locomotives and cars. Visitors can take a ride on the 16” gauge miniature train (small fee). Birthday party rentals in a refurbished train car available.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free, donations always appreciated.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Art Museums

Getty Center & Getty Villa

Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles Getty Villa, 17985 PCH, Pacific Palisades (310) 440-7300, www.getty.edu

Getty Center showcases art from the Middle Ages to today and offers birds-eye views of Los Angeles. Families can enjoy the tram rides, art galleries, gardens and outdoor spaces. Pick up Art Detective Cards in the museum entrance hall to hunt for clues and uncover answers to trivia questions.

Getty Villa displays ancient Greek and Roman art in a recreated Roman country home. The Family Forum offers hands-on activities to exploring ancient Greek vases. Listen to the immersive audio tour, The Demigods, inspired by the popular Percy Jackson book series. On select days, April 13 - June 15, a free Ceramic Making Family Workshop is available at the Getty Villa.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free to both Getty campuses, but a timed-entry reservation is required (parking fee applies).

Laguna Art Museum

307 Cliff Dr., Laguna Beach (949) 494-8971, www.lagunaartmuseum.org

The museum collects, cares for, and exhibits works of art that were created by California artists or rep-

resent the life and history of the state. LAM+LAB for children is a drop-in space for exploration and play and is supplied with art-making materials and DIY instructions. Open during regular museum hours. School tours and special events are offered.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free on the first Thursday of each month from 6-9 p.m.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles (323) 857-6000, www.lacma.org

LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of nearly 149,000 objects. See the iconic Urban Light display, a forest of city street lights open 24 hours right outside the museum. The lights are switched on from dusk until 10 p.m. Kids can participate in drop-in painting work-

shops at the Boone Children’s Gallery, open on select dates. Visit their calendar to sign up for workshops, kids classes, and in-person Andell Family Sundays, where families can create artwork led by artists.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free for all LA County residents on weekdays after 3 p.m. and to everyone on the second Tuesday of each month. NexGenLA is a free membership available for LA County kids and teens to visit anytime and bring in one guest for free too!

• Museum of Latin American Art

628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach (562) 437-1689, www.molaa.org

The only museum in the United States fully dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art. Visitors have access to the exhibition galleries, the Sculpture and Events Garden (when available), and the MOLAA store. Docent-led tours are offered on weekends. Special events, cultural activities, and family art workshops are scheduled throughout the year, plus a Bilingual Arts and Culture Camp in the summer. See ad on page 15.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free admission on Sundays, and free for children under 12 every day.

Auto Museums

Petersen Automotive Museum

6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles (323) 930-2277, www.petersen.org

View a collection of over 400 vehicles. Visit the Discovery Center where kids can enjoy automotivecentric activities. Kids can race their favorite cars, draw their dream builds, read automotive tales, and play with toys and games. Check out their calendar for special interactive activities. Workshops and special events for kids are held throughout the year

The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum

610 Lairport St., El Segundo (310) 529-3799, www.automobiledrivingmuseum.org

See a collection of 130+ vintage, antique, and muscle cars. Kids can participate in a scavenger hunt, following clues to discover hidden surprises and interesting facts throughout the museum. The Kids Area features cars and tracks, dress-up, and a mechanic tent. Sunday Car Rides are offered in a wide variety of cars. Children must be at least 55 inches tall to ride. High School Shop classes are offered for 13-18 year olds to learn auto maintenance and repair. Drop in for a scoop, shake or float at their 1950’s-themed ice cream parlor. Family events are scheduled throughout the year.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free for kids under 10.

Aviation Museums

Blackbird Airpark

2503 E. Avenue P, Palmdale www.flighttestmuseum.org

See the world’s only display of a Lockheed A-12, along with the once ultra-secret D-21 drone and the only remaining U-2D model in the world. Adjacent to Joe Davies Heritage Airpark.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission and parking are free.

Flight Path Museum

6661 W. Imperial Hwy., Los Angeles (424) 646-7284, www.flightpathlax.com

Located adjacent to the airfield at Los Angeles Airport, Flight Path Museum LAX features exhibits that honor Southern California’s aviation history. See an extensive collection of airline artifacts, and flight crew uniforms from around the world. Learn about space exploration history, Flying Tigers airline, and fire-fighting vehicles used at LAX. Visit the Flight Path “Walk of Fame” on Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester to find plaques dedicated to pioneers of aviation and space, including Sally Ride, Amelia Earhart, Wright Brothers, and more.

Joe Davies Heritage Airpark

2001 E. Avenue P, Palmdale (661) 267-5611, www.cityofpalmdale.org/airpark

Explore a collection of aircraft from the United States Air Force Plant 42. The airpark features 21 retired military aircraft on display. Check their website for guided tour availability. Adjacent to Blackbird Airpark. The park also has picnic tables, some even under the wings of a plane!

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission to the park is free.

Lyon Air Museum

19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana (714) 210-4585, www.lyonairmuseum.org

Located on the west side of John Wayne Airport. Exhibits feature authentic aircraft, rare vehicles and related memorabilia from the World War II era. Special exhibits and events, such as Open Cockpit Days, are held throughout the year. Memberships, group tours, and facility rental available. Kids will love watching planes take off from the airport.

March Field Air Museum

22550 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside (951) 902-5949, www.marchfield.org

See over 100 historic aircraft and more than 30,000 artifacts on display spanning over 100 years of aviation history. The collection includes historic bi-planes, jet fighters, helicopters, and futuristic unmanned aerial drones. The museum also features a children’s activity area where kids can dress up in aviation clothing and climb into a cockpit. Activities and worksheets for kids can be found on their website under Teacher Resources. Memberships, group tours, and facility rental available. For a small additional fee, guided tours of the

flightline are offered several times each day aboard an electric tram, narrated by a trained docent.

Museum of Flying

3100 Airport Ave., Santa Monica (310) 398-2500, www.museumofflying.org

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. The MaxFlight simulator puts visitors in the pilot’s seat and lets them take control. Visitors can also monitor the local control tower radio communications and enjoy a direct view to the runway of the Santa Monica Airport. Facility rental available.

Palm Springs Air Museum

745 North Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs (760) 778-6262, www.palmspringsairmuseum.org

Home to one of the world’s largest collections of static and flyable aircraft from WWII through the War on Terror, the Palm Springs Air Museum is a living history museum that preserves, exhibits, and flies aircraft. Air-conditioned hangars are rope-less so you can interact with exhibits. Explore different hangars dedicated to time periods and specific aircrafts.

Check out the B-17 Hangar’s Berger Youth Exploration Center for interactive activities for young people, F-16 Flight Simulator, and Science Center. Join them for “Open Cockpit Saturdays” where guests are allowed to sit at the controls. For aspiring pilots, they offer the Inspiration One program. Youth tours and event rentals are available.

Planes of Fame Air Museum

14998 Cal Aero Drive, Chino (909) 597-3722, www.planesoffame.org

Explore a collection of 160+ aircraft, military vehicles, and artifacts spanning the earliest days of aviation, including World War I, the 1920s and 1930s, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam War. Check the Aircraft Flight Schedule to see the live demonstration calendar of specific aircraft throughout the year. Guided tours, memberships, and facility rentals available.

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Balboa Park, 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego (619) 234-8291, www.sandiegoairandspace.org

One of the world’s premier air and space-themed science centers with more than 120 aircraft and space vehicles and two million artifacts on display. The exhibits include rare and unique aircraft engines, instruments, models and equipment, as well as aviation-related medals, trophies, art, uniforms and spacesuits. Explore exhibits like American Women of Flight and SPACE: Our Greatest Adventure. New interactive exhibits include: Above and Beyond, featuring immersive simulations and design challenges, and the Moon Base, a family-friendly activity and education center with interactive learning activities for explorers that want to experience a trip to the Moon. Interactive areas include the Max Flight simulator ride, Aerial Combat simulator, and the 3D/4D Zable Theater that plays immersive films with unique effects for all ages. Summer camp, workshops, preschool programs, Little Engineers, and Pilot Ground School are offered. Birthday party packages and memberships also available.

The Proud Bird

11022 Aviation Blvd., Los Angeles

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

(310) 670-3093, www.theproudbird.com

The Proud Bird sits along the runway of LAX, offering guests a front-row view of planes approaching for landing. It is a food hall with interactive aviation exhibits, renovated events center, and a children’s playground. Exhibits include Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh memorabilia, X-1 Experimental Rocket Plane, Douglas DC-3 plane, P-51 Mustang, A-4 Skyhawk, and more aircraft.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free aviation tours offered.

Western Museum of Flight

Zamperini Field, 3315 Airport Drive, Torrance (310) 326-9544, www.wmof.com

See an extensive collection of numerous Warbirds, aircraft and target drones, piston and jet aircraft engines, aircraft components, aircraft ejection seats, World War II instruments, aircrew accessories, and a model aircraft collection. Check out their interactive exhibit “Women in Aerospace,” featuring a special collection of artifacts from the historic “NinetyNine’s,” an all-female pilot group formed in 1929 that included Amelia Earhart. Educational programs let children see and touch the airplanes that made aviation history.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Kids under 12 are free.

Yanks Air Museum

15121 Stearman Drive, Chino (909) 597-1735, www.yanksair.org

Yanks Air Museum has a collection of 200+ aircraft at different stages in the restoration process.

The collection ranges from early aviation to modern jets, plus drones, helicopters, missiles, uniforms, and aircraft in the boneyard currently being restored. Highlights include the P-40E Warhawk and the F-86 Sabre. All aircraft are listed on their website with individual pictures and descriptions. Special events are held throughout the year. Guided tours, kids' rides, annual passes, and facility rental available.

Children’s Museums

Cayton Children’s Museum

395 Santa Monica Place #374, Santa Monica (424) 416-8320, www.caytonmuseum.org

Explore 21,000 square feet of discovery-based ex-

Ages 2-6 7am-6pm Mon-Fri

KNOW

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Tuesday - Saturday • 10am-5pm

$5 admission fee (3 years and younger are FREE)

City of Downey Columbia Memorial Space Center

12400 Columbia Way, Downey, CA 90242

(562) 231-1200

www.columbiaspacescience.org

info@downeyspacecenter.org

Discover seven galleries, dozens of hands-on and changing exhibits, plus an outdoor dinosaur garden and historic 1942 caboose. Galleries include STEAM Lab, Train Station, Carousel Room, Science Station, Kids on Stage, Centennial Farm, and Family Art Center. Birthday parties, scout programs, and memberships are available. “The

hibits and reactive VR. There are art studios, community spaces, and a state-of-the-art theatre. Kidsize exhibits include a fire station, help-o-copter, animal hospital, community market, and cafe. The museum offers weekly art and cultural activities designed for children and their families, including free drop-in activities, camps, classes, and community programs. Sensory Sunday events are offered on select dates. Party packages and memberships available. Visitors must register online for available timed entry.

Children’s Museum at La Habra

301 S. Euclid St., La Habra (562) 383-4236, www.lhcm.org

Visit WWW.COLUMBIASPACESCIENCE.ORG to learn about field trip experiences, birthday parties, summer camp, early childhood programs, and upcoming events like Family Nite and Rocket Fever in August. Our center also hosts the only Challenger Learning Center in the greater Los Angeles area. Experience the real life excitement of working in Mission Control and in Spacecraft during simulated missions.

@columbiaspace

BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Kidspace Children’s Museum

480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-9144, www.kidspacemuseum.org

A 3.5-acre campus with more than 40 hands-on exhibits, live animal collection, and variety of creative play spaces and water features designed for ages 1-10. Indoor galleries allow children to peek into an active beehive, create and invent in the Imagination Workshop, explore a giant ant tunnel, and climb towers. Outdoor spaces invite children to splash and dance in water fountains (bring a change of clothes, kids will get wet!), cross rope bridges, get messy playing in a water stream, ride trikes on a minihighway track, and explore physics in a forest of levers and pulleys. Muddy Boot Farm invites children to pick crops, sell their harvest at the farm stand, explore a chicken coop, and learn about plant growth cycle and decomposers. Camps, classes, scout programs, and memberships are available. Special events are scheduled throughout the year.

Pennypickle’s Workshop

Temecula Children’s Museum

42081 Main St., Temecula (951) 308-6367, www.pennypickles.org

Explore the home of Professor Phineas T. Pennypickle, cluttered with hands-on inventions, wacky gadgets, and electrifying experiments. Visit the Time Machine, go through the secret passage in the fireplace, become a human kaleidoscope with the Illusionator, play many instruments at the same time, check out the Electrolight-o-later chandelier, and try out the peanut butter and jelly sandwich-making machine. Kids Only Club offers drop-off events, plus special events scheduled throughout the year. Two-hour visiting sessions help with crowds. Check their Busyness Schedule to see which days will be busy with large groups. Party packages, field trips, and special programs are available. Ask about scavenger hunt papers for all ages to make your visit even more engaging. There are over 20 different scavenger hunts, each one more difficult than the last.

Pretend City Children’s Museum

29 Hubble, Irvine (949) 428-3900, www.pretendcity.org

Kids can explore a child-size interconnected city that’s all their own! Children 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, and build structures of all shapes and sizes. The Pretend City Cafe and Home exhibits change quarterly to focus on a different heritage or culture. In the Cafe, the menu, pretend food, and decor change. In the Home, a new family of real Orange County residents “move in,” bringing their traditions, culture and lifestyle with them. Additional programs include: Neurodivergent Family Nights, Free Developmental Screenings, and birthday party packages. Special event are held throughout the year.

Southern California Children’s Museum

459 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 657-0357, www.socalkids.org

Museum features permanent and rotating exhibits, such as Wild California and an Art Studio. Kids can interact with a fire engine, play in the construction zone, or experience what it’s like to perform at the Hollywood Bowl. Weekly programming includes stories, crafts, language development, sing-alongs, sensory awareness and more. Programs included with admission. Party packages available.

The New Children’s Museum

200 W. Island Ave., San Diego (619) 233-8792, www.thinkplaycreate.org

A multi-level 50,000-square-foot facility filled with inventive and engaging experiences with contemporary art. This arts-based museum features roomsized art installations, including Cash Machine, Wobbleland, and The Wonder Sound, a labyrinth of rooms, nooks, and ropes. A variety of art studios are also available for kids to create with clay and paint, plus the Innovators Lab makerspace. Camps, community programs, birthday parties, and memberships are available. Accessibility mornings, workshops, and special events are scheduled throughout the year.

Fire & Police Museums

Long Beach Firefighter’s Museum

1445 Peterson Ave., Long Beach (562) 599-3985, www.lbfdmuseum.org

View a collection of 100+ items, vintage LBFD tools, equipment, and vehicles including a 1955 Cadillac ambulance. Open the second Saturday of every month and every Wednesday morning.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free.

Los Angeles County Fire Museum

16400 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower (562) 325-3069, www.lacountyfiremuseum.com

See an extensive collection of apparatus, artifacts, and photos. Explore 40+ antique fire engines, steamers, and artifacts dating back to the 1800s. Their large collection of rigs include apparatus from the hand drawn, horse drawn, and early 20th century to the modern era.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is only $5.

Los Angeles Fire Department Museum

1355 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood (323) 464-2727, www.lafdmuseum.org

See firefighting equipment dating back to the early 1900s and artifacts from some of the most famous fires in the area. Check out their Fire Service Research Library where fire and safety lessons are shared.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free.

Los Angeles Police Museum

6045 York Blvd., Los Angeles (323) 344-9445, www.laphs.org

Explore the history of LAPD, with armored cars, radios, uniforms, badges, plus interactive programs.

Historical Museums & Landmarks

American Military History Museum

1918 Rosemead Blvd., South El Monte (626) 442-1776, www.tankland.com

Also known as Tankland, this outdoor museum is dedicated to preserving our nation’s military history. See over 170 military vehicles and outdoor exhibits dating from 1933 to the present. Digital tour guide books are available to download. Closed on rainy days.

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum

2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista (760) 941-1791, www.agsem.org

Living history museum featuring many large stationary gas engines, steam engines, tractors, blacksmith shop, model railroad, textile museum, mill museum, sawmill and more. Special events and festivals are held throughout the year. Event rentals available.

Autry Museum of the American West

4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles (323) 667-2000, www.theautry.org

Located in Griffith Park, the Autry features worldclass galleries filled with Native American art and cultural materials, film memorabilia, historic firearms, paintings, interactive areas, a garden, and more. Family Play Space is available on select days with rotating family-friendly activities. Films on the lawn, weekend museum tours, and special events offered all year.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: The Autry offers free hours every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. Registration is required.

Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum

18127 South Alameda St., Rancho Dominguez (310) 603-0088, www.dominguezrancho.org

Learn about early California history, as it relates to the Dominguez family, homestead adobe, and the Rancho San Pedro, the first Spanish land grant in California. Enjoy guided tours of the museum and 17 acres of lush gardens and green space. Special events are held throughout the year, including historical reenactments. Facility rental available.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is donation-based. Reservations are required to visit the museum.

Drum Barracks Civil War Museum

1052 N. Banning Blvd., Wilmington (310) 548-7509, www.thedrumbarracks.org

Learn the history of the Civil War, with an emphasis on California’s role. It is housed in the last remaining wooden building of the original Drum Barracks, which served as the main staging, training, and supply base for the Union Army and military operation in the Southwest. Visitors can tour the courtyard, parlor, armory, barracks room and more. Public tours are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. All visitors must accompany a guided tour.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Heritage Hill Historical Park

25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest (949) 923-2230, www.ocparks.com/heritagehill

The park’s 4.1 acres include four fully-restored and furnished historic buildings that span the early history of the Saddleback Valley and El Toro area: Serrano Adobe, El Toro Grammar School, St. George’s Episcopal Mission, and Harvey Bennett Ranch House. The buildings are open for public access only during guided tours.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: There is no admission free. Three free “walk-in” tours are offered weekly for individuals and groups of seven or less on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Call or visit the website for tour availability.

Heritage Museum of Orange County

3101 W. Harvard St., Santa Ana (714) 540-0404, www.heritagemuseumoc.org

A cultural center and home to the H. Clay Kellogg House and John Maag Farmhouse. The centerpiece of the museum is a historic plaza featuring several buildings from the 1890s set amid extensive floral gardens and citrus groves. They are open to the public on certain days each month. Check the event calendar on their website for hours and events. A museum-themed Kids Activities page is offered on their website (under Public Events and Info).

Heritage Square Museum

3800 Homer St., Los Angeles (323) 222-3319, www.heritagesquare.org

A living history museum that explores the settlement and development of Southern California from the Civil War to early 20th century. On weekends, guided tours take visitors on an exploration of the history, architecture and culture of the eight historic structures on site, including Victorian Era homes, a church, carriage barn, and drugstore. For interior tours, reservations and tickets must be purchased in advance. Educational programs and tours also available. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds. Check their Events Calendar to visit during one of their special events.

Homestead Museum

15415 E. Don Julian Road, City of Industry (626) 968-8492, www.homesteadmuseum.org

Located in the heart of a former Mexican rancho, the site features two historic houses, cemetery, and gardens. Throughout the year, the museum offers a variety of special events and programs for youth and school groups.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free guided tours of the homes are offered Friday to Sunday at 12, 1, 2, and 3 p.m., except the 4th weekend of every month. Guests must be part of a guided tour to visit the interior of the houses.

Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center

7621 Granite Hill Drive, Jurupa Valley (951) 685-5818, www.jmdc.org

Paleontology and geology take center stage at Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center with the Museum of Discoveries and nine acres of developed gardens with over 20 dinosaur sculptures, turtle pond, and tortoise paddock. Learning Expeditions include: Rock Collecting at the Dinosaurs, Califor-

nia Rockhound, Dinosaur Dig, Fossils through Time, and more. Birthday party packages and picnic areas are available. Open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays.

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles (213) 763-3499, www.tarpits.org

Discover the world’s only consistently-active, urban Ice Age excavation site. Visitors can watch excavators unearth remains right outside the park then watch fossils be prepared, researched, and put on display. See the live stage show, Ice Age Encounters, featuring a life-size adult saber-toothed cat puppet, live performance, and film projections.

Lincoln Memorial Shrine

125 W. Vine St., Redlands (909) 798-7636, www.lincolnshrine.org

A museum and research facility dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. The memorial commemorates the life of our 16th president with artwork and exhibits. Special events are hosted throughout the year. Check their website for upcoming news and special events. Weekend tours are available for groups of 12 or more.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free.

Mendez Historic Freedom Trail and Monument

7371 Westminster Blvd., Westminster www.westminster-ca.gov

A two mile trail along Hoover Street featuring a series of interactive panels using augmented reality along the route, paying homage to the Mendez family and the Mendez vs. Westminster case, which led to the desegregation of schools in California.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano (949) 234-1300, www.missionsjc.com

Historic landmark and museum known as the “Jewel of the Missions” and the birthplace of Orange County. It was founded more than two hundred years ago as the 7th of 21 missions in California. Guided and audio tours (free with paid admission) are available. Walk through ten acres of museum rooms, exhibits, gardens, fountains, and more. Check out their online calendar for special events, as well as a Learn and Explore section, loaded with fun and educational activities for kids to enhance your visit. The Mission also offers a variety of school programs. Purchase admission tickets online.

Museum of Tolerance

9786 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles (310) 553-8403, www.museumoftolerance.com

See artifacts from Auschwitz, hear stories from survivors, and experience an immersive exhibit on the life and legacy of Anne Frank. There are multimedia exhibits, ongoing events, and programs that bring history to life and draw parallels to current events. Para Todos Los Niños is an exhibit where visitors learn about the struggles of Latino families in Orange County highlighted by the Mendez v. Westminster case that ended school segregation in California. The Holocaust Exhibit and Social Lab are recommended for ages 12 and up.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Discover & Go

www.discoverandgo.org

Got a library card? The Discover & Go program is a museum pass program that gives library cardholders free and discounted admission to local museums and attractions. Participating libraries:

Los Angeles Public Library

www.lapl.org/explorela

Los Angeles County Library

www.lacountylibrary.org/discover

Orange County Public Library

ocpl.org/discoverandgo

LA County Residents

LA County residents with valid ID get free admission on weekdays after 3 p.m. to the Natural History Museum, La Brea Tar Pits, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

NextGenLA

www.lacma.org

LACMA also offers NextGenLA, a free membership for kids (17 and under) in LA County. Kids can visit with a free guest.

Museums for All

www.museums4all.org

Museums for All is a program for anyone receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) to gain free or discounted admission (free$3) to 1,000+ museums nationwide! Local participating museums include:

Birch Aquarium, Cayton Children’s Museum, Kidspace Children’s Museum, La Brea Tar Pits, Natural History Museum, Pretend City Children’s Museum, Skirball Cultural Center, The Children’s Museum at La Habra, The New Children’s Museum, USS Midway, and so many more!

California State Parks Pass

Tools: Power, Garden, Cook, Craft, Sewing, Auto Repair, Bike Repair, etc.

Digital Media: E-Books (Libby), Movies (Kanopy), Music (Freegal), Magazines (Pressreader), Various Media (Hoopla)

Chromebooks & Wifi Hotspots

Musical Instruments

Backpack Kits: Book Clubs, Sate Parks, School Readiness, Mental Health, etc.

Outdoor & Tabletop Games

Museum Admission (Discover & Go)

Ask your local library about all of the cool things to borrow besides books!

Natural History Museum

Exposition Park, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles (213) 763-3466, www.nhm.org

Explore exhibitions including Age of Mammals, Nature Gardens, Hall of Birds, African and North American Diorama Halls, Gem and Mineral Hall, Nature Lab, Dino Lab, and the Visible Vault. The Dinosaur Hall features more than 300 fossils and 20 skeletons on display. It’s the only place in the world where you can see a baby, juvenile, and sub-adult T.rex at the same time. Don’t miss out on Dinosaur Encounters, a live performance with life-size dinosaur puppets. Check out the new, immersive exhibition LA Underwater. View nearly 40 fossils that were formed during LA’s prehistoric underwater past and discovered by everyday Angelenos. In the spring and summer, walk among beautiful butterflies at the seasonal Butterfly Pavilion. Check their website for guided tours and nature walks. Special family-friendly festivals, camps (see page 12) and fairs are offered throughout the year.

Pío Pico State Historic Park

6003 Pioneer Blvd., Whittier (562) 695-1217, www.parks.ca.gov/piopico

The five-acre park encompasses historic gardens and the restored adobe home of Pio Pico, the governor of Alta California in 1832 and again in 1846. Visitors can enjoy picnics in the park, bird watching, and exploring the park’s features, including the 15-room adobe with interpretive displays, an horno (bread oven), and a dovecote. Guided tours of the adobe are offered by appointment only except on weekends. Tours for K-12 school groups are also available.

Point Fermin Lighthouse

807 W. Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro (310) 241-0684, www.pflhs.org

Built in 1874, the Point Fermin Lighthouse was the

first navigational light into the San Pedro Bay. Volunteers serve as tour guides to keep the lighthouse open to the public. Guided tours are on a first-come, first-served basis and offered every hour at 1,2, and 3 p.m. on Tuesday - Sunday. Large group or private tours are by appointment only.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free, donations welcome.

Rancho Los Alamitos

6400 E. Bixby Hill Road, Long Beach (562) 431-3541, www.rancholosalamitos.org

The 7.5-acre site includes a ranch house, four acres of lush historic gardens, interpretive center, and a restored barnyard with livestock, including horses, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits. Tours of the Rancho House are available Wednesday - Sunday; call or email to make a reservation. Walk-in tours are available as space permits. Visit the website for special events held throughout the year. School programs offered.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free admission and parking.

Rancho Los Cerritos

4600 Virginia Road, Long Beach (562) 206-2040, www.rancholoscerritos.org

The five-acre rancho contains preserved gardens, a circa 1844 adobe home, visitor center, rotating exhibits, and research library, showcasing the rich history of indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and American California. House and garden docent-led tours, self-paced tours, scavenger hunts, school programs, summer camps (see page 16), and weekly story times are offered, plus family events.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Free admission and parking.

Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology

1175 W. Baseline Road, Claremont (909) 624-2798, www.alfmuseum.org

Exhibits include the Hall of Footprints and the Hall of Life. See the inner workings of a paleontology museum, the fossil preparation lab, and a collections storage room through windows cut into the walls.

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda (714) 983-9120, www.nixonfoundation.org

Learn about the life of America’s 37th President, Richard Nixon and tour his birthplace and boyhood home. Experience more than 70 exhibits, sit behind the President’s desk in an exact replica of the Oval Office, enjoy 30+ interactive experiences, climb aboard the Presidential helicopter, Marine One, and more!

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

40 Presidential Dr., Simi Valley (805) 577-4066, www.reaganfoundation.org

See hundreds of artifacts and dozens of interactive displays for visitors of all ages to explore. Permanent exhibits include: a full-size replica of President Reagan’s Oval Office, the actual Air Force One that flew seven presidents, 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. Check out their newest exhibit, Defending America and the Galaxy: Star Wars and SDI. A fun and infor-

mative exhibition on Star Wars both the real-world technology of SDI, as well as items from the movie phenomenon.

The Banning Museum

401 East M St., Wilmington (310) 548-7777, www.thebanningmuseum.org

Engage in a living-history experience, learn how the family lived, worked, and entertained in the 19th century. Take an introductory tour of the 23-room residence, Stagecoach Barn, and Improbable Gateway Exhibition. Docent led tours are available on a firstcome, first-served basis. Call to request group tours. Special events and educational programs available.

Specialty Museums

Academy Museum

6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles (323) 930-3000, www.academymuseum.org

Explore exhibitions about moviemaking and the history and future of the arts and sciences of film.

Highlights include Inventing Worlds and Characters: Animation, exploring nearly a century of animated filmmaking, and the Oscar Experience, where you are transported to Oscar night and hear your name called, accept your award, and receive a video capturing your classic Hollywood moment. Drop-in Workshops are free with admission. Calm Mornings allow visitors to enjoy less sensory-stimulating spaces with moderated sound and lighting displays. Family Matinees, Film Programs, and special events are offered throughout the year.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free for visitors 17 years and younger.

International Printing Museum

315 W. Torrance Blvd., Carson (310) 515-7166, www.printmuseum.org

Home to one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of antique printing machinery and graphic arts equipment. Enjoy demonstrations of working machinery, historic re-enactments, and hands-on workshops. Scout badge and patch days, Krazy Kraft Days for Kids, and other special events offered throughout the year. Guided tours available.

Skirball Cultural Center

2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles (310) 440-4500, www.skirball.org

Visit the Noah’s Ark display, a floor-to-ceiling wooden ark, filled to the rafters with whimsical animals. Children are encouraged to play, climb, and explore the 8,000-square-foot wooden ark. Their newest exhibit, Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak, showcases original paintings, drawings, videos, and objects. ∆39

Family-friendly activities include art making, archaeology digs, story time and more.

Cheap! Cheap! Alert: Admission is free every Thursday.

Education & Enrichment

• Applied Music Studio

10900 Los Alamitos Blvd., Ste. 203 (562) 596-1287, www.appliedmusicstudio.com

MUSIC INSTRUCTION - Enhance your child’s (3+) education by trying a free lesson at Applied Music Studio! They offer instruction in strings, voice, piano, guitar, drums, brass, woodwinds and theory, as well as Rock Band, Jazz Band and Keyboard for Kids program. Virtual and in-person classes available. Applied Music Studio also offers lessons for jazz, orchestra and choir preparation. All instructors have been Live Scan fingerprinted and cleared through DOJ/FBI. They also have new and used instruments for sale, and school-approved instruments for rent with an option to buy. Mention Kidsguide to book your free lesson today! Located at the corner of Florista and Pine. Email: appliedmusicstudio@gmail. com. See ad on page 31 with coupon.

• Art Steps

1525 Mesa Verde Drive E, #119, Costa Mesa 18212 Imperial Hwy., Yorba Linda 24741 Alicia Pkwy., Ste. G, Laguna Hills (714) 524-2248, www.artstepsclasses.com

ART INSTRUCTION - At Art Steps, students work stepby-step on a variety of subject matter, using a range of media, such as pastel, color pencils, marker, graphite, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, oil and more. Classes are relaxed and respectful, where students enjoy focusing on the quiet activity of learning to see, while inspirational teachers challenge each student to work toward his or her individual, artistic potential. Classes and workshops are available both in-studio and online, and include Anime and Cartooning, Cartoon Clay, Faces and Figures, and more. For online classes, visit www.ArtStepsAtHome.com, or call (714) 465-5292. Summer camps (see page 4) and birthday party packages are also available. Ask about a free introductory art class! See ad on page 26.

• Blue Submarine (562) 494-0242

www.thebluesubmarine.com

STEM - The Blue Submarine is a marine biology out-

reach program offering classes and activities for students pre-K through 8th grade. Topics are presented in an interactive format and live tide pool animals are available for certain classes. Let The Blue Submarine take your students on a field trip to the beach without leaving school! English/Spanish bilingual programs available. For more information, call the number listed. Also see Parties on page 42. See ad on page 20.

Burgess Cotillion

The Grand - Catalina Room

4101 E. Willow St., Long Beach (323) 874-7393, www.bobbyburgesscotillion.com

SOCIAL DANCING - Bobby Burgess, original Walt Disney Mouseketeer, ballroom dancer on the Lawrence Welk Show, and instructor with the Legendary Call’s Cotillion, leads each Burgess Cotillion class. Kids (8-18) learn social dancing and manners in eight monthly Monday classes, 90-minutes each. Foxtrot, waltz, swing, tango, rumba, cha cha, line dancing—you name it, Burgess Cotillion teaches it! Every class also includes refreshments, games, prizes, and manners every kid needs to know. Parents are always welcome, especially for the Mother/Son, Father/Daughter dances in April. Please contact for dates and tuition. Email: burgesscotillion@aol.com.

• EduCare

4300 Bellflower Blvd., Lakewood (562) 377-1300

PRESCHOOL - EduCare Preschool of Lakewood is a private preschool, located in the Methodist Church, and accepts children ages 24 months through kindergarten. The school, licensed for 70 children, leases space in the church, that is attractive and well-maintained. There is a stable staff with very little turn-over. Parents and visitors at the school often comment on the relaxed atmosphere, and say that the children seem happy. EduCare has an open-door policy and affordable pricing––potty training, too! See ad on page 37.

• Montessori Children’s House

Preschool & Elementary School

5550 Atherton St., Long Beach (562) 431-8880 5454 Atherton St., Long Beach (562) 494-3777 www.montessorischoollb.com

SCHOOLS - Year-round program for children (2-

12) in preschool and kindergarten through grade 6. Students are in a multi-age group environment working individually and independently. Without a traditional grading system, classes help students to progress at their own pace. Curriculum emphasizes reading phonetically and early exposure to mathematics. Art, music, geography and social science are also included. Conveniently located with large play areas. Montessori Children’s House has been serving the community for more than 45 years. See ad on page 19.

• Oakwood Academy Schools www.OASchools.com

PRESCHOOL & ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Oakwood Academy Schools offer an accelerated academic program with a hands-on approach to learning. Students learn computer skills and go on educational field trips. Enrichment activities, such as karate, swimming, piano, dance and gymnastics, are offered. See ad with discount coupon on page 29.

Creative Day Academy   (562) 634-7527 8740 Ramona Ave., Bellflower Age 2 through 1st grade. Lic. 191598510.

Oakwood Preschool & Academy   (562) 426-6264 3850 Long Beach Blvd. , Long Beach Ages 2 through 5th grade. Lic. 198011608.

Oaktree Preschool & Kindergarten (562) 597-8611 1710 Redondo Ave., Long Beach. Age 2 through Kindergarten. Lic. 191601050.

• Orange Unified School District (714) 628-4350, www.orangeusd.org

SCHOOLS  - Orange Unified School District offers parents a range of educational options for children of all ages. Dual-language programs in Spanish/ English and Mandarin/English are also offered. The district has received many awards, including Golden Bell Awards from the California School Board Association, National Forum Schools to Watch, California Civic Learning Awards, 25 Gold Ribbon and 23 Distinguished School Awards from the California Department of Education. In addition, three of their high schools have been designated as U.S. News & World Report’s “Best” for four consecutive years. For more information, visit www.orangeusd.org or

book your personal tour at www.orangeusd.org/ learnmore. See ad on the back inside cover.

• YMCA of Greater Long Beach Preschools (562) 279-1624, www.LBymca.org/ece

PRESCHOOLS  - Accepting new enrollments now! Children are accepted from 18 months to 5 years.  Did you know that 90% of a human's brain develops in the first five years of life? What many parents don't realize is that a strong investment in our children at this critical time will pay off for the rest of their lives. Simply participating in preschool is the most impactful way to give your children the skills they need to succeed in life. With six locations in Greater Long Beach, the YMCA provides state subsidized, year-round childcare for qualifying families. Their preschools reflect the communities that they serve, and they work with families to tailor opportunities for children to learn, grow and thrive. Se habla Español.

Preschool locations: YMCA Mayne Preschool, 9630 Mayne St., Bellflower, (562) 804-1976. YMCA 70th Street Preschool, 700 70th St., Long Beach, (562) 634-4924. YMCA First Friendships Preschool, 6650 Orange Ave., Long Beach, (562) 984-2358. YMCA Play & Learn Preschool, 2179 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, (562) 218-4693. YMCA Creative Beginnings Preschool, 5600 Linden Ave., Long Beach, (562) 422-2616. YMCA Downtown Preschool, 820 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, (562) 283-3454. See ad on page 19.

Parent Support

• Children’s Home Society of California

Greater Long Beach (562) 256-7490 Orange County (714) 543-2273

www.chs-ca.org

CHILD CARE RESOURCE - Children’s Home Society of California (CHS) can help families find child care and help income-eligible families pay for child care. CHS also serves as a central coordinating link for child care and child development services. Parents can obtain free information on child-care options that meet their needs. Listings are maintained on licensed child-care centers, family child-care homes, before and after-school programs, public and private schools, and child-care assistance programs. Additional services include resources for assessing the quality of child care services, workshops, and a lending library that offers age-appropriate activities, toys and parenting resources. 4900 Airport Plaza, Ste. 100, Long Beach; 333 South Anita Drive, Ste. 350, Orange. See ad on pages 24 and 25.

• Connie Wax, LCSW #27430

Individual, Couple, Family and Child Counselor

5182 Katella, Ste. 206, Los Alamitos (714) 300-3163

www.CounselorForTheGiftedAndTalented.com

COUNSELING - Counselor specializing in therapy for gifted and talented children, adults and their families. Connie came to appreciate the unique needs of this group while raising her own gifted children. Her personal experience blossomed into a passion for helping families of the gifted to guide and support their children towards a fulfilling and meaningful life. Connie is committed to assisting parents in navigating the often rough waters of child rearing. Her own personal experiences, along with 20 years of clinical expertise, make her a unique resource for the community. Connie is certified to facilitate SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted) parent groups. In addition to working with the gifted, she treats all life issues. See ad on page 21.

Parties

• Adventure City

1238 S. Beach Blvd., Anaheim (714) 236-9300, www.adventurecity.com

What a day of excitement! Play in Adventure City as long as you like; enjoy one-hour in the whimsical Party Station eating pizza and other treats served by your own party hostess; take a private train ride with your child as the engineer, and much more. Adventure City provides everything from invitations to wonderful memories. Parents can relax and enjoy the party. Party for 12 includes park admission with unlimited ride pass and access to Thomas and Friends play area and the petting farm, two pizzas and drinks, T-shirt for the birthday child and special birthday train ride, plus a party hostess—all for only $37.95 per person (prices subject to change without notice). See ad on page 27.

• Best Parties By Erin & Co. (562) 901-0111, www.bestpartiesbyerin.com

With more 20 years experience, party specialist Erin and her team of talented performers can give your child the best birthday in town. They customize every party and event according to theme, age group and number of children, so you can sit back and relax, while they run the show. Face painting, balloons, characters and magicians, relays, obstacle courses, games and specialty-themed parties. No child is too young or too old, and no event is too large or too small, for these party experts! Have an idea or theme of your own? Give them a call and let them create the perfect entertainment for you. Also see Acting Out summer camp on page 3. See ad on page 4.

• Blue Submarine (562) 494-0242 www.thebluesubmarine.com

The Blue Submarine offers fun, educational adventures in marine biology. They bring live tidepool animals to you, adding an unforgettable experience to your birthday party or special event. The Blue Submarine allows your guests to visit the tidepool without getting wet! English/Spanish bilingual programs also available. Call today to book your party or special

event! Also see Education & Enrichment on page 41. See ad on page 20.

• East West Ice Palace

11446 Artesia Blvd., Artesia (562) 809-6200, www.eastwesticepalace.com

Party room available for rent during public sessions. Bring your own food, drink, and decorations. Group skating lessons available upon request. For more information, contact Ron at rkwan@eastwesticepalace. com. See ad on page 31.

• Golf N' Stuff Family Fun Park 10555 E. Firestone Blvd., Norwalk (562) 868-9956, www.golfnstuff.com

Have your child's next birthday party, team party or scouting event at Golf N' Stuff Family Fun Park! Pizza Party packages can include easy or challenging miniature golf and exciting rides, including gokarts, bumper boats, and kiddie train. While there, guests also enjoy the latest in arcade games, great prizes, snack bar, and indoor and outdoor party facilities. Where the 5 and 605 freeways meet. See party deals on page 17, and ad with coupons on page 28.

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center

Long Beach

3287 Industry Drive, near Redondo and Stearns

Text: (562) 986-0066

www.mygym.com/longbeach

Birthday parties are My Gym Long Beach's specialty where every party is a perfectly planned celebration created especially for the birthday child. All their parties feature nonstop action-packed activities, unique games and songs, and more. Relax and enjoy! They're happy to handle it all! Beyond the fun, they can also manage every detail, such as paper goods, party favors, theme, and food. They want you to focus on the moments that matter most on this very special day. To see more about their amazing birthday parties, including packages, capacity, and upgrades, visit the website. See ad on page 21.

• Skatedogs - Skateboarding (714) 313-8787, www.skatedogs.com

Portable ramps and rails can be set up to create a custom skatepark at your home or one of their locations in Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Coast, Manhattan Beach, or Tustin. You and your friends can celebrate your birthday riding ramps and getting skateboarding tips from an experienced instructor. Or, have the Skatedogs crew come out and perform a show that your kids will remember for a lifetime!  All parties include a T-shirt for the birthday boy or girl with the option of including a T-shirt for all participants. See ad on page 27.

Cool Products

• Baha Play Sand

Calcean Minerals & Materials LLC

(256) 776-7313, www.calcean.com/baha-play-sand

PLAY SAND - Why should you use Baha Play Sand?

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Oolitic Aragonite is the safe and environmentally responsible alternative to standard play sand. It is renewable and sustainable, naturally made in the ocean, nontoxic, silica-free and quartz-free. This unique sand cushions and cools for safety and comfort, is smooth and round in texture, dust-free and appropriate for indoor/outdoor use. Baha Play Sand is safe for the environment, pets, and children, and comes in colorfast, nontoxic colors. It is great for sandcastles and perfect for sensory play! Add a splash of color to your sandbox! For more information, call (256) 776-7313 or email inquiries@ calcean.com. See ad on page 35.

Recreation & Sports

• First Field Farm, Inc. 18299 Dumont Ave., Cerritos (562) 924-2217, www.firstfieldfarm.com

HORSEBACK RIDING - First Field Farm offers instruction in English horseback riding and jumping for beginning through advanced students. They are a recognized Riding Academy by the USHJA, and have a trainer that is a USHJA Certified. Beginner lessons include care of the horse as well as the basics of position and control. Private lessons are 30 minutes; group lessons, 45-60 minutes. Horses are provided. See ad on page 32.

•  Golden West Swim Lessons

15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach (714) 895-8228, www.GWCswim.com

SWIM INSTRUCTION - Group and private swim lessons are offered in four sessions, June 24 - August 8, at Golden West College's Aquatic Facility. Class offerings include: Parent and Me, Transitional Parent and Me, Preschool (ages 3-5), Level 1-5 (ages 6+) and Water Polo. All classes are 30 minutes in length in one or two-week sessions. Online registration is open. See ad on page 23.

Lakewood Recreation and Community Services (562) 866-9771, Ext. 2408 www.lakewoodcity.org/recreation

RECREATION - Programs include: Academic classes (math and reading development), art, baseball and softball, basketball, summer camp (see page 7), dance (ballet/tap, Polynesian, hip hop, jazz and tap and ballet club), flag football, horseback riding, martial arts (karate), music (drums and musical theater), soccer, swim instruction, tennis, and volleyball. Visit their website for events and classes. See ad on page 9.

• Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine 2760 Studebaker Road, Long Beach (562) 570-3100, www.longbeach.gov/park See ad on the front inside cover.

RECREATION - Academics, archery, arts, baseball (T-ball), basketball (free coed leagues), boating and sailing classes, camps (see page 8), cooking, dance (Mexican Folklorico), martial arts, music (piano, guitar,

keyboard), soccer, swimming (recreational, lessons, parent/me, diving), teen centers, tennis, and volleyball (free coed and girls’ leagues), plus vacation-break workshops at the El Dorado Nature Center (see page 6). Visit https://bit.ly/3GYZUUC for events and classes.

Free Summer Fun Days - Great free and affordable programs for youth and teens are offered at over 20 local parks this summer. Kids can come out for games, crafts, sports, field trips, and more. June 17August 23, Monday - Friday, noon - 5 p.m.

Be Safe Programs - Summer Activities in a Friendly Environment offer free classes, sports, fitness, crafts and more at 11 city parks. June 17 - August 23, Monday - Friday, 5-8 p.m.

Mobile Recess Program - The free Mobile Recess program brings trucks loaded with supplies and equipment to designated neighborhood streets and provides recreational activities for youth ages 5-14 (grades K-8), Monday - Friday, 2:30-5 p.m. Streets are blocked off for safety and kids participate in physical fitness, and arts and crafts activities. Register on site. Visit https://bit.ly/40FYTYR for locations.

Virtual Recreation Program - Access a wide variety of free videos from arts and crafts to fitness, dance, cooking and more on the Parks, Recreation and Marine YouTube channel. Visit https://bit.ly/3Oq2pRS.

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center

Long Beach 3287 Industry Drive, near Redondo and Stearns

Text: (562) 986-0066 www.mygym.com/ longbeach

GYMNASTICS -

Try Unlimited Classes and Un limited Practice and Plays for one week for just $32! Offer ends soon.

From first steps in their parent-andme classes to ninja courses, kids thrive at My Gym through ac tive play, socialization with their peers, and fun-filled games and activities. They offer non-competitive, basic gymnastics and tumbling. They clean and sanitize frequently to ensure everyone stays healthy. Start today and create “moments that mat ter!”  Summer camps are also offered, see page 10. See ad on page 21.

• Skatedogs - Skateboarding (714) 313-8787, www.skatedogs.com

SKATEBOARDING

programs, special events, and private skateboard ing lessons are offered in conjunction with the rec reation departments of Aliso Viejo, Arcadia, Beverly Hills, Brea, Cerritos, Cypress, Glendora, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Lakewood, Long Beach, Los Alamitos,

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject to change without notice. Confirm with organization.

Manhattan Beach, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Redondo Beach, Seal Beach and Tustin. They offer classes for all ability levels. Kids (5-13) make new friends, advance their skateboarding skills, and most importantly, have fun—all in Skatedogs’ private skatepark. They also offer birthday parties (see page 42), camps during school breaks (see page 10), and a skate shop on their website. See ad on page 27.

• Summer Swim Prep with British Swim School! (562) 424-0933

www.britishswimschool.com/alamitosbay-loscerritos

SWIM INSTRUCTION - With warm months ahead and outdoor pools open, there’s never been a more important time to sign up for swim lessons! Water safety and survival swimming skills are essential for little ones to ensure a safe and happy summer and to ensure peace of mind for parents! British Swim School of Alamitos Bay-Los Cerritos uses a survival-first approach to swim lessons, focusing first on water acclimation and the skills necessary to survive a water accident, before students move on to true stroke development. Lessons are available for kids and adults of all ages and levels of experience. Ready to make a splash? Find a nearby location and enroll today! See ad on page 26.

∙ Full-Day TK/K at Each Elementary Site

∙ International Baccalaureate® Programmes

∙ Extensive AP Course Offerings

∙ WASC-Accredited Middle & High Schools

∙ Early College/Dual Enrollment

∙ CIF Championship Athletic Teams

∙ 25 Career Technical Education Pathways

∙ Spyder Labs, Robotics, eSports & Drone League

∙ Dual Immersion Programs: Mandarin & Spanish

∙ Award-Winning Programs & Sites Districtwide

∙ TK-6 Expanded Learning Opportunities

Golden Bell Awards

National Forum Schools to Watch

California Civic Learning Awards

25 Gold Ribbon Awards

23 Distinguished School Awards

ParentingOC Editor’s Choice and More!

Ages 6 months to Adult

Year-Round Splash! also offers LESSONS SWIMMING

Enrollment is now open!

Morning, evening, and weekend lessons are available.