Kidsguide Summer 2023

AWESOME

SUMMER CAMPS!

FUN places to go

A NOTE FROM LIZ:

Kidsguide is doing what we do best: giving you information on hundreds of activities to make this summer memorable. In the snapshot of life, you only get 18-ish summer vacations with your kids. In order to not squander a single one of them, here are 44 pages filled with fantastic camps, drive-worthy destinations, and don’t miss summer events––all guaranteed to bring memory-making experiences for you to treasure with your family.

Now what Kidsguide has not done before, is combine this awesome information with the weird, wacky, and gross stuff we know your kids will love. And to do that, we have: 1) enlisted the cover artist, Andy Smith (of Factopia fame) to help us, and 2) created a fun, prize-winning game to make fart, spit, and poop facts really come to life. Without further adieu, we invite you to…

play our gross game!

Here’s how it works:

Weird, wacky & Gross facts

PAGE 3 summer events

Weird and gross facts are found throughout this issue. Each is set up like a quiz you take with your kids to test how weird and wacky you really are :-)

Let each of these factoids throughout Kidsguide serve as a jumping off point to find your own!

We challenge your family to send factoids, tongue twisters, and all around strange tidbits to us. Scan the code to submit your entry for a chance to win our top prize––a $50 Amazon gift card! Entries may be shared on our website for everyone to enjoy! Plus, everyone entering will be sent a special––weird––prize (aren't you curious?). Deadline to enter is August 31, 2023.

Tell us your favorite weird, wacky, or gross fact! Can't wait to see what you send!

Questions or Comments?

editor@kidsguidemagazine.com

10552 Humbolt St., Los Alamitos www.kidsguidemagazine.com

ADVERTISE WITH US:

If you would like information and rates on digital or print advertising, email liz@kidsguidemagazine.com.

LEGAL STUFF:

“Kidsguide® Copyright 2023. Liz Davis. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be used for a derivative work, reproduced or copied—mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying— distributed, or displayed without prior written permission of the publisher. The materials herein are provided on an “as is” basis and the publisher of this magazine, KIDSGUIDE, Inc., expressly disclaims all warranties, including without limitation the warranties of currentness, correctness, completeness, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, noninfringement of intellectual property, and freedom from errors. KIDSGUIDE, Inc. assumes no liability or responsibility for any loss or injury arising out of errors, omissions, uses, or participation as a result of publication of all magazine editions to the fullest extent permitted by law. KIDSGUIDE, Inc. is not in any way recommending or endorsing any program, business, activity, or advertiser listed within this magazine. Names, addresses, fees, descriptions, and services listed in KIDSGUIDE are subject to change. We sincerely request that any errors be brought to the publisher’s attention so that they may be corrected in future editions.”

liz The Wacky Founder

alina

The Weird Editor

150+ awesome summer camps

• 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 19-23, July 17-21, and August 7-11. Twoday workshops also available: Advanced, July 6-7; and Variety Show, August 23-24. Visit the website

for a schedule of classes, ongoing workshops and private coaching. See ad on page 28.

• 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). Two sessions: June 19 - July 13, and July 17 - August 11. Registration deadline: June 12. See ad on page 11.

• Aliso Viejo Recreation & Community Services 100 Park Ave., Aliso Viejo (949) 425-2550, www.CampAV.org

Say aye-aye to summer camps in Aliso Viejo! It’s time to set sail for a summer adventure because the City of Aliso Viejo has curated the perfect summer camp offerings for youth ages 2-17. Your child will be moving, creating, and discovering all sum-

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

mer long in over 200 camp options! A great option for summer fun is the Aliso Viejo City Day Camp which includes a full day of camp running from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. at Aliso Viejo Ranch. Each week includes an excursion, swimming at Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center, park visits, crafts, games, and more! Find treasure in the form of summer memories by visiting CampAV.org to register today! See ad on page 3.

• Art Steps

1525 Mesa Verde Drive E, #119, Costa Mesa

18212 Imperial Hwy., Yorba Linda

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

Fill your school breaks with art! Fine art day camps, offered in half-day options, with something for every young artist. At Art Steps, young children explore in many media, such as cartooning, clay, 3D perspective and beyond; while teens of all levels enjoy indepth focus on figure drawing and portraiture, Anime fine points and much more. Their friendly teachers provide plenty of fun. Online camps are also available, visit www.ArtStepsAtHome.com, or call (714) 465-5292. See ad on page 12.

• Arts & Learning Conservatory

Theatre & Music Summer Camps

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

Build confidence and creativity for life with Summer Theatre and Music Camps. Camps include: Moana (ages 8-12), June 19-23; Mario (ages 5-8), June 19-30; Encanto Education Experience (ages 5-8), June 26-30; Puffs (ages 12-17), July 10-21; Advanced Summer Band Camp (grades 4-8), July 10-14; Hamilton Educational Experience (ages 1117), July 10-21; Advanced Summer Strings Camp (grades 4-8), July 17-21; The Lion King Experience (ages 5-11), July 24-28 and July 31 - August 4; Beginning Guitar (grades 4-8), July 24-28; Drumming for Kids (ages 5-7), July 31 - August 4; and Beginner Snare Drum Techniques (grades 4-8), July 31 - August 4.  Visit the website for camp descriptions. See ad on page 13.

Aviation Summer Camps in Long Beach and 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 26 - August 31. 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. $420 per session. Extra fee for flight opportunities.

Award-Winning South Coast Repertory’s Conservatory Summer Acting Workshop

655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa (714) 708-5577, 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 camps are designed for students new to SCR and introduce them to solving creative problems through inspiration and innovation! Each day begins with an invigorating warm-up, followed interactive instruction in voice, movement, character development and more––led by SCR’s staff of theatre professionals. The final hour is spent with special guests who bring to life various aspects of theatre, such as design, improvisation, combat, singing and playwriting––it’s something different every day. The two-week camp concludes with students sharing their work onstage for invited family and friends. Sessions: July 10-21 or July 24 - August 4.

Barnyard Buddies Summer Camp

Lakewood Equestrian Center

11369 East Carson St., Lakewood https://barnyard-buddies.mailchimpsites.com

Join Barnyard Buddies for summer fun and learn what it’s like to be a farmer in the city! Summer Camp offers a hands-on farming and equestrian experience for children (ages 3-7). Campers will learn how to properly care for nearly a dozen different species of farm animals, as well as how to care for and ride a pony. Camp includes daily farm animal interaction and education, arts and crafts, and horseback riding lessons. June 21 - August 4, Wednesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - noon. $200 per week. Parent or guardian must stay on site.

Bionerds

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

Bionerds offers one-day or weekly camps from halfday to full-day, during school breaks, including summer. 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 up-close 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.

• Chef Tech Summer Cooking Camps

3842 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach

(562) 989-2467, www.cheftechcookingschool.com

Ten 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 held Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m. Each camp offers unique themes that include Sweet and Savory French Kitchen, Sweet and Savory British Baking, Sweet and Savory Italian Kitchen, Cupcake Championship, and Boot Camp Cooking and 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 10.

• 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. In-person camps cost is $225 for non-members and $199 for members per week. Each week, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., campers focus on a particular theme: Astronaut Training, June 19-23; Let’s Get Chemical, June 26 - June 30; Aeronautics and Aerospace, July 10-14; and Star Wars Engineering Week, July 17-21. Young Explorers camp is designed for young children ages 6-7 years old and will be offered July 5-7 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. This camp will explore engineering, botany and chemistry.  Young Explorer camp cost is $75 for non-members and $50 for members. See ad on page 7.

Corky Carroll’s Surf School

Summer Surf Camp

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. June 5 - August 25, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. $420 (discounted for July 4th week). New for Summer 2023, option for early 8 a.m. drop off and late 2 p.m. pick up.

Creatiive Kiids Art Camps

(310) 294-5808, www.creatiivenatiive.com

Creatiive Kiids Art Camps are three to four-hour private, at-home camps designed for children to express themselves through mixed media art making, and have fun in a judgment-free, exploratory environment. Teachers encourage children to expand their artistic vision through their intentional teaching style and conscientious choices in art materials. Creatiive Kiids supports artists in their own art-making decisions, which builds confidence and leads to emotional and interpersonal learning that benefits them throughout their lives. Creatiive Natiive is thrilled to be a part of your child's art education and growth. Visit the website to submit a Camp Inquiry Form and get started!  Email: kiids@creatiivenatiive.com.  Instagram: @creatiivenatiivekiids.

• 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

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

School of the Arts San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV). 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. See ad on page 13.

• Downey Parks and Recreation (562) 904-7223

www.downeyca.org/camps

Weekly summer camps for ages 6-12 are offered, June 12 - August 11 , 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., with optional extended care from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Sessions include indoor and outdoor activities, field trips, games, shows, arts, sports and lots more. Resident fee: $150 per week. Non-resident: $154 per week.  $20 for extended care. Specialty camps are also available. For more information, visit their website or call (562) 904-7223. See ad on page 12.

• 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. Sessions are held 10 a.m. - noon, $100120 per week. Pre-registration is required. Preschool Sessions (ages 3-5) - Children must

be potty-trained. This is not a parent participation class. Sessions include: Dino-Mite, June 19-23; Get Groovin', July 10-14; On the Lookout, July 2428; and Nature Speaks, August 7-11.

Youth Sessions (ages 5-8) - Children must have completed Kindergarten. Sessions include: Not All Heros Wear Capes, June 26-30; Make a Splash, July 7-21; The Orienteers, July 31 - August 4; and Sensational Recipes, August, 14-18.

Emerging Artists Musical Theatre Academy

Long Beach and Torrance

www.emergingartistsmta.com

Join Emerging Artists in Long Beach or Torrance for these one and two week musical theatre camps, June 19 - August 18, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Your child will enjoy learning to sing, act, dance, craft, and more! Each student gets a role and lines in the week’s musical theme and has the opportunity to perform at the end of camp in a showcase for family and friends. Musical themes include Little Mermaid, Lion King, Seussical, Mulan and more.  One week camps are $220/student for ages 3+. Two week camps are $440/student for ages 5+. Visit their website for exact dates and theme weeks.

• Fairmont Summer Programs

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

www.fairmontsummerprograms.com

Keep your kids curious, challenged, and connect-

ed this summer. Fairmont’s award-winning summer programs offer a full line-up of educational programming—all within a safe environment that follows COVID protocols. Camp (Preschool8th 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 9.

• Gate Languages Summer Camps

18700 Beach Blvd., Suite 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 26 - September 1. See ad on page 20.

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

International City Theatre Summer Youth Conservatory

330 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach

(562) 495-4595, https://ictlongbeach.org/syc

Voted Best Kids Camp of Long Beach for three years, ICT’s Summer Youth Conservatory is a fourweek program that teaches children acting, dancing, singing, and playwriting. The students will put together their own script and perform songs from your favorite Broadway shows and Disney movies! On the final day, the students will have their performance, free for all to see, on stage at the Beverly O’Neill Theater. Any level of experience is welcome. Make friends, build confidence, foster creativity, and have fun this summer! July 3-27. Monday - Friday. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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

5712 Via Montellano, Bonsall (760) 630-9230, www.wildwonders.org/zoo-camp

In Summer Zoo Camps, your animal loving children (ages 6-12) can see what being a zookeeper is all about. Your child will spend half a day with Wild Wonders' staff of biologists, life scientists, and zookeepers learning about animals from all over the world, and will help care for a selection of the 100+ exotic animals that call Wild Wonders their forever home. Camps are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 20 - August 3, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. $90 per child.

LA Galaxy Soccer Camps

LA & Orange Counties

youth.lagalaxy.com/programs

LA Galaxy Youth Development Camps provide a platform for players (boys and girls) of beginner levels to challenge themselves in an exciting environment consisting of stimulating camp games, ball mastery and tactical instruction. Campers receive coaching instruction from certified LA Galaxy Youth Coaches, two LA Galaxy Camp T-shirts, one complimentary LA Galaxy home game ticket (select matches), gift bag, certificate of completion and more. Camps are held at various fields across LA and Orange Counties. Camps are limited to 15:1 (camper to coach) ratio and registration is firstcome, first-serve. Camps take place June 12 - August 10, 9 a.m. - noon. Registration is $220-235 per camp. Visit the website for specific dates and email programs@lagalaxy.com for questions.

• Lakewood Recreation & Community Services

Monte Verde Park Summer Day Camp

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

www.lakewoodcity.org/recreation

Day Camp will be offered June 5 - August 25. 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 $175-220 for residents, with an additional $15 fee for non-residents. To

register, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog and search with the keyword “camp.” See ad on page 27.

• Lango Irvine Summer Camps

New Horizon Community Center

10 Marconi, Irvine (714) 864-4680, www.langokidsirvine.com

Join LangoKids Irvine for the ultimate Spanish immersion and recreational experience for your kids (ages 5-11) this summer. Campers will learn to understand the language, speak it, and ultimately love it and live it! Students spend their time having fun, being engaged, and taking pretend trips to different destinations in Latin America and Europe. Each week is a new destination. Without lost luggage and jet lag, campers are able to “visit” new places and learn about different traditions, recreation, and cuisine. Each week ends with water games for campers and a presentation for parents, family, and friends. Camps, June 19 - August 4, are offered in full and half-day sessions. Scholarships are available. Visit the website for weekly themes. See ad on page 12.

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

In-person camps will be offered at various Long Beach sites on weekdays from June 20 - August 25, where youth (ages 5-12) enjoy games, crafts, physical fitness, enrichment activities and more.  Summer camps operate weekdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. for those enrolled in extended care. Financial assistance is available on a firstcome, first-served basis. For locations, fees and to register, visit https://bit.ly/43Rtwgo. See ad on the front inside cover.

LILA Ecole du Soleil Summer Camp

4155 Russell Ave., Los Angeles (323) 480-4147, www.ecoledusoleil.com

The International School of Los Angeles’ Ecole du Soleil summer camp runs for five weeks from Monday, June 19 through Friday, July 21, on the school’s Los Feliz campus. Their objective is to introduce preschool to 5th grade campers to the French language and culture at an early age while they still have a linguistic openness to learn a second language. Previous exposure to French is not required. Ecole du Soleil provides a unique learning context in which your children will learn at their own pace in a fun,

genuine, French summer camp environment involving stimulating classes and engaging activities.

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 5 - August 18) 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 19 - August 18) 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, collegeeducated counselors and staff, and open to everyone!

• Multi-Arts Summer Camp 2023  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, dance, theater, 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 5 - August 11, 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 7.

• Museum of Latin American Art

Summer Art & Culture Camp

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

MOLAA’s Summer Art & Culture Camp 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 culture, visual arts, and performing arts. At the end of each session, an open house is planned that allows campers to show off the skills they’ve learned throughout the week to parents, siblings and other loved ones. Email: education@molaa.org. See ad on page 11.

• Music at The Point - Summer Music Camps

Grace First Presbyterian Church

3955 Studebaker Road, Long Beach (562) 420-3393, www.gracefirst.org/children-youth Musical Theater Camp - A week filled with singing, dancing and acting! Children and youth will learn to design props and sets, as well as put on a final performance on Friday at 6 p.m. This year's theme, “Circle of Life,” June 26-30. Grades 2-6 attend 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; and grades 7-12, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cost: $100 per camper.

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

Rock at the Point - Formerly School of Rock, Rock at the Point is still the amazing musical experience that you’ve come to expect from Grace First! Open to all high school students, this weeklong music camp offers professional coaching, instruction in writing and recording, and live performances all week long. July 10-14, noon to 4 p.m. $150 per student. See ad on page 14.

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center Long Beach Summer Camps

3287 Industry Drive, Long Beach

Text: (562) 986-0066

www.mygym.com/longbeach

Save $156 when you book 12 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 are continuing to clean and sanitize frequently to ensure everyone stays healthy. Masks are optional, but recommended to help reduce the spread of colds, the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Visit their website to see more on their health and safety rules. Camp spaces are limited, book your spot today! See ad on page 17.

Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services

Presents Camp Newport

(949) 644-3151, www.campnewport.com

Welcome to Newport Beach where your child can enjoy the best Southern California has to offer. With hundreds of camps to choose from, Camp Newport invites you to make the most of your summer. Explore their shores in a surf, beach, and bodyboarding camp or discover life below the waves in an Ocean Adventure Program. Enjoy the coastal breeze in a range of outdoor sports and active camps like skateboarding, soccer, and pickleball. Let the famous Marina Park lighthouse guide you to a sailing camp hosted by OCC Sailing and Seamanship or follow the curve of the bay to a paddle camp at the Newport Aquatic Center. Round out your tour by taking a moment to embrace the shade in one of their many science, theater, music, technology, and art camps awaiting you. For more information, visit campnewport.com.

Rolling Robots - Robotics & STEM Camp

(888) 762-6808, www.rollingrobots.com

Choose from almost 20 unique camp opportunities across LA and OC. At Rolling Robots, low campers to instructor ratios, state-of-the-art equipment and half/full day schedule allow students to explore, learn and grow. Students engage in real-world, hands-on, project-based learning with tangible engineering adventures. Experiences range from exploring Lego and VEX robotics, coding in Python and C++, and getting prepared for FLL and VEX Robotics competition teams. Locations: Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Santa Monica, West LA, Glendale, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Irvine, Newport Beach, and Tustin.

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

• 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 two times daily. Weekly sessions, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enrollment is limited. Email: sandiejmercer@gmail.com. For their year-round lessons, see page 43; see ad on page 33.

• Sewing Lab Los Alamitos Summer Camps

3380 W. Cerritos Ave., Los Alamitos (657) 465-5499, 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 12 students per class. Two hours of sewing per camp day! Weekly sessions are offered June 12 - August 11, with three time slots to choose from. Beginners learn how to safely use a sewing machine and make projects such as a bookmark, pillowcase, PJs, drawstring backpack, 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: $285, 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 35.

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. Email: missjaneloper@gmail.com.

• Shared Science Unique STEM Combo Camps

Long Beach Locations

(562) 522-0595, 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 K-5 kids. Camp is offered in four-day sessions, with an optional shorter fifth-day, aka Fabulous Friday, June 19 - July 20. Rad Robotics: Robo Combo Camp for grades 3-12, June 26-29. Tech Girls 2023, 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 31 - August 4. Visit their website for details and registration. See ad on page 9.

• 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 Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Redondo Beach, Tustin, Irvine, Aliso Viejo, Manhattan Beach, Newport  Beach, and Newport Coast. Five day sessions are offered June 19 - September 1. Visit the website for a schedule. They also offer after-school and weekend classes, private lessons and birthday parties (see pages 42 and 43). See ad on page 19.

Summer@Stratford...

It's Not Just a Camp ... It's An Experience

24741 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo

(949) 458-1776, www.stratfordschools.com

Stratford 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 many options to choose from, campers will have endless, awesome experiences to keep them engaged and excited all summer long. With camps ranging from Day Camps (grades K-5) and Academic Camps to Speciality Camps and Sports Camps, campers will enjoy sports and games, exciting STEM projects, arts, crafts, music, dance, drama and more. Just wait until you see what they’re capable of! Find out more by visiting them online.

• Tennis Anyone's Famous Junior Summer Tennis Camps

(909) 625-2060

www.tennisanyone.info/summer-camp

Kids ages 7-16 of all ability levels will love their oneof-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, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Huntington Beach and Yorba Linda. All camps run Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - noon. Cost is $269 per week. Don’t miss out on the fun, fitness, and friendships your child will make this summer. Space is limited! Email: questions@tennisanyone.com. For year-round tennis instruction, see page 43.

United States Youth Volleyball League Summer Camps 2023

(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/SummerCamps

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 learn new skills that last a lifetime. These are the shop classes they used to teach in high school but using new technology alongside traditional skills. Kids will have fun, get dirty, use loud and obnoxious tools and make a lot of sawdust, metal chips, and wire scraps along the way! Students will have the pride and satisfaction of building real projects from scratch using real tools and gain the confidence that they can handle whatever comes their way! Levels 1-4 are offered as oneweek camps.  Visit the website to see the schedule and enroll now!  See ad on page 5.

X-Spin Tennis Academy

Lakewood Tennis Center

4212 Clubhouse Dr., Lakewood

(562) 355-2545, www.temsamazingtennis.com

Eight weeks of summer tennis camps are offered for ages 5-18, June 19 - August 17. Campers are split into different groups and courts so everyone can have a good experience. The day begins with warmups, followed by lecture of the day, which includes instruction and a fundamentals class.  Campers work on serves, forehands, backhands, volleys and mental toughness.  Advanced players start with footwork and stretching, followed by rallys, drills and match play. Sessions run Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - noon.  Cost: $115 per week. After-school programs and clinics are available for students of all ages; beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

• YMCA of Orange County Summer Camps

Plan your Perfect Summer at the Y!

www.ymcaoc.org

This summer, the YMCA is offering a large variety of camps and activities for children ages 4-14 across Orange County. Camps include summer day camp (on school campuses), sports camps, esports camps, overnight “sleepaway” camps, and more! Find your child’s best summer adventure at the Y! Visit the website to learn more. See ad on page 1.

• Young Scientists Camp

California State University, Long Beach

(562) 985-4801, www.csulb.edu/ysc

Students (grades 2-8 and HS girls) perform experiments and projects in CSULB college science

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

laboratories, with an outstanding student-teacher ratio of 10:1. This year's themes include: Toying Around with Science, Cool Chemistry, Biomimicry: From Nature to Invention, STEM Challenge, and Phenomenal Physics. Camp will be held July 1728, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. $400 ($25 sibling discount, $25 CSULB faculty/staff discount). This is two weeks of engaging science investigations which will help kids learn to think scientifically, communicate more effectively, and practice their science and engineering skills. (At time of publication, all camps are sold out, except Phenomenal Physics for high school girls—sign up early next year!) See ad on page 14.

more awesome 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 instruction in a variety of sports, such as archery, basketball, gymnastics, bowling, soccer, softball, tennis, hockey, volleyball, golf, dance and physical fitness,

plus daily swim lessons. Campers get a 49er camp T-shirt, group photo, plus written evaluation and fitness profile. Session I: June 20 - July 14, Session II: July 17 - August 11. Monday - Friday, 1-5 p.m. $625 per child, per four-week session.

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 a variety of fun games. No prior playing experience necessary. June 5-9, 26-30, and July 10-14. Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., early drop-off available. $275 per week.

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

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-CHOP (2467)

Adventure Playground Summer Day Camp

4701 Casa Loma Ave., Yorba Linda (714) 961-7160, www.yorbalinda.gov

Campers (ages 8-12) build forts, play games, and learn new skills at the brand new Adventure Playground. A unique site that features a play structure, splash pad, waterslide, zipline, wiffle ball field, fort building area, and more. June 19 - August 11, Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $250-253 per week.

Adventures in Nature Day Camp at the Natural History Museum

900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles (213) 763-3466, www.nhm.org/adventures-nature

Campers (grades K-8) explore dinosaurs and nature in weekly themed camps. June 26 - August 4, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Extended care available. $255-350 per week.

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

CampVenture - Weeklong camps for children (ages 6-13) feature crafts, games, and weekly excursions. June 12 - August 11, Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. Extended care available. $94-138 per week.

TeenVenture - Teens (ages 13-16) enjoy weekly excursions and learn valuable life skills, including leadership, time management, and career exploration. June 12 - August 11, Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. $48-60 per week.

Aquarium of the Pacific Summer Camp

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

Children (ages 3-12) join aquarium educators to explore the habitats and animals of the Pacific Ocean. 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 (grades1-8) get in-depth tours of various ship compartments and participate in STEM activities. June 26-30 (grades 1-2), July 10-14 (grades 3-4), July 24-28 (grades 5-6), July 31 - August 4 (grades 7-8). Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - noon. $110 per week. Scholarships available.

Bay Shore Church - Vacation Bible School

5100 The Toledo, Long Beach (562) 433-0401, www.bayshorechurch.org

Kids (ages 4 and up) enjoy a week of music, movement, drama, Bible story time, games, crafts, and more. June 19-23, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Extended care available. $100 suggested donation, scholarships available.

Bolsa Chica Conservancy

Summer Day Programs

3842 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach www.bolsachica.org

Young scientists participate in interactive activities and experiences while exploring the wetlands. Junior Wetland Explorers (grades K-3), June 26-30. Senior Wetlands Explorers (grades 4-7), July 10-14. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. 4 p.m. $325.

Boys and Girls Clubs

www.bgca.org

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

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Summer Program

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

Students explore tides, sea animals, marine biology, and more. Tales Between Tides (ages 3-5), June 1516 and August 10-11; Galloping Snails (grades 1-2), June 27-30 and July 25-28; Crab Shells (grades 3-4), July 11-14 and August 1-4; and Icthyology (grades 5-6), July 18-21 and August 15-18.

Cal Heights Music Summer Camp

1240 E. Wardlow Road, Long Beach www.calheightsmusic.com

Campers (ages 4-14) participate in weekly musical camp themes. June 19 - August 18. $225-245 per week. Ages, times, and price vary by camp.

California Science Center Summer Camp

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

Students (grades pre-K-8) choose from over 25 weeklong science camps, June 12 - August 11. Half and full-days, $200-400. Extended day and scholarships available.

California State University Fullerton 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton

(657) 278-7529, asi.fullerton.edu/titan-recreation

Campers (ages 4-12) participate in recreation and sports, plus team building and leadership activities. June 6 - August 5. Full-day, half-day and extended care also available. $120-340 per week.

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 science education, including experiments, challenges, and group projects. Orange County, June 19 - July 28; Los Angeles, June 26 - July 28. $300-335 per camper.

Camp Fire

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

Backyard Bunch day camp (grades 1-8), June 19August 18. Three day camps offered: Traditional, Adventure, and Beach Cruisers (grades 6-8). Camp Wintaka resident camp is also offered, July 17-22. Extended care and camperships available.

Camp Heritage Oak

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

Traditional Day Camp (grades K-8), and Specialty Camps on specific academic subjects, are offered. June 19 - August 25, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., free extended care available. $300-475 per week.

Camp Komaroff at Alpert JCC

3801 E. Willow St., Long Beach (562) 426-7601, www.alpertjcc.org

Campers (ages 5-12) enjoy swimming, games, crafts, and more. Specialty track options also offered. June 26 - August 25. Camp Komaroff, $370435; specialty track options, $370-670.

Camp Lakers

12552 Western Ave., Garden Grove (310) 341-1086, www.nba.com/lakers/community

Campers (ages 8-17) participate in drill stations, games, league play, playoffs and awarded skill contests. July 17-21 and July 24-28. $650 per session.

Camp Pinniped - Pacific Marine Mammal Center 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach (949) 494-3050, www.pacificmmc.org

Campers (ages 8-12) learn how the animal care team rehabilitates seal and sea lion patients. July 3 - August 11. Monday - Friday. $350 per week. Extended care available.

Camp Wild Rivers - Junior Lifeguards

10000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine

www.wildrivers.com/camp

Campers (ages 6-13) are taught water safety skills and basic first aid. Activities include obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, and water play in the park. June 5 - August 18, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Extended care available. Starts at $360.

Challenger Sports Soccer Camps

Los Angeles and Orange County

www.challengersports.com/soccer-camps

Soccer camps for young athletes (ages 2-14). Programs include Tiny Tikes (ages 2-5), Core (ages 5-14), Core+ (ages 5-14), and Elite Camps (ages 11-21).

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

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, designing, improv, and performing in front of an audience. June 19 - July 30. Spectrum Speak Up (June 12 - July 23), a free theater camp, is also available for teens on the spectrum.

Child Creativity Lab STEAM Camps

Irvine, 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. July 31 - August 11.

Clay on First Pottery Camp

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

Campers (ages 6-12) learn various pottery making techniques and also have time to play in the park. June 26 - August 18. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. $395 per week.

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). Campers enjoy a variety of activities, games, sports, and more.

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

Weeklong camps filled with games, crafts, special activities and more. Excursions available for additional fee. June 12 - August 11. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Extended care available. $156 per week.

Dirtbags Summer Youth Baseball Camp

1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach (562) 985-4661

info.collegebaseballcamps.com/evdirtbagcamps

Campers (grades 1-8) participate in a variety of basic to intermediate offensive/defensive drills, baserunning, competitions, and games. June 19 - August 10. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. $325 per camper.

Environmental Nature Center

Summer Nature Camps

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

Little Naturalist Camp (age 4), Nature Adventure Camp (ages 5-8), and Science Explorers Camp (ages 9-13). June 19 - August 11. $315-365. Scholarships available. Wilderness Adventure Camp (ages 6-9) is also offered in Modjeska Canyon.

Family Camps

Family camps are typically all-inclusive, multi-day camp experiences with activities for grown ups and children of all ages.

Camp Big Bear - YMCA Santa Monica, September 1-4, www.ymcasm.org/big-bear/camps. Camp Fox at Catalina Island - YMCA Glendale, September 2-4, www.glendaleymca.org/campfox.html. Camp Scherman Family Camp - Girl Scouts of OC, September 1-4, www.girlscoutsoc.org/en/camp/family-camp. html. Family Vacation Center - UC Santa Barbara,

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

June 25 - August 17, www.alumni.ucsb.edu. Montecito Sequoia Family Camp - Kings Canyon National Park, June 11 - August 19, www.mslodge.com/ family-camp. Roar & Snore - San Diego Safari Park, www.sdzsafaripark.org/safaris/roar-snore-safaris. Skylake Yosemite Camp - June 1-4, August 17-20 and 24-27, www.skylake.com/family-camp. YMCA Sequoia Lake, Miramonte - Tulequoia, June 16August 4, and Sequoia, June 18 - August 5, www. ymcacampsequoialake.org.

Farm School OC at Zoomars

31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano www.farmschooloc.com

Campers (ages 4-7) enjoy hands-on farming education, animal interactions, arts and crafts, music, and more. June 19 - July 21. Monday - Friday, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. $250-395 per week.

Fountain Valley Parks & Recreation (714) 839-8611, www.fountainvalley.org

Camps (ages 3-12) include Little Scientist Lab, Rollercoaster Robotics and Engineering, Space Academy, Jr. Firefighters Academy, Police Academy, and more.

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, arts and crafts, swimming, outdoor fun, and excursions. June 12 - August 4. 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: Fun Under the Sun for ages 5-12. Activities include arts and crafts, field games, and weekly excursions. June 12 - August 11. Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. $150-240 per week. Counselor-inTraining program for teens (ages 13-17) also offered.

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

Summer camps are open to all––you don’t have to be a Girl Scout to join the fun. Camp locations include Lakota (Los Padres National Forest), Osito Rancho (Big Bear Lake), El Ranchito (Long Beach), La Casita (Claremont), Marine Landing (Long Beach), and Mariposa (Altadena).

Girl Scouts of Orange County

www.girlscoutsoc.org

Camp experiences are open to all girls (entering grades 1-12). A variety of camps are offered, including Weekend Camp, Day Camp, Family Camp, Summer Sleepaway Camp and more.

Goods & Goat Market Summer Farm Camp

29458 Trabuco Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano www.goodsandgoatsmarket.com

Campers (ages 6-12) enjoy caring for plants, animal husbandry, farm care, time with goats, crafts, games, experiments, and more. June 5-30. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Half-day option available. $310-410.

Grow-Eat-Make Summer Camp

The Ecology Center

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

Campers (ages 6-13) feed/collect eggs from chickens,

plant seeds, learn to compost, and cook from the farm, plus games and music. June 12 - August 4. MondayFriday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. $575 per week.

Huntington Beach Community Services

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

Themed weeks of camp (ages 6-12) feature crafts, games, and excursions. June 26 - August 18. Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. $144-180 per week.

Inspyr Arts

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

Art and design camps for kids (grades K-7). Camps cover topics such 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 4½ and up) from cooking, crafts, dance, music, sports, and recreation. Visit website for camp programs.

Jr. Zookeeper Camp at The Reptile Zoo 18818 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley www.thereptilezoo.com

Campers (ages 5-12) study the ecosystem, habitat, and food chain, plus receive a six-month membership to the zoo. June 19 - August 11. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - noon or 2-5 p.m. $350-450 per week.

Junior Gardeners Summer Camp at Sherman Gardens

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

Campers (ages 7-11) learn to care for plants and participate in garden activities, plus go behind the scenes with horticulturists. June 26 - July 13. Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - noon. $180-200 per week.

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

Campers (ages 6-14) learn fundamentals, plus receive a free ticket to a Clippers games. Over 18 locations across LA and Orange County. June 5 - August 11. Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m, and Friday, 9 a.m. - noon. $275-395.

La Mirada Community Services - Neff Day Camp 14300 Cristobal Drive, La Mirada (562) 943-7277. www.cityoflamirada.org

Campers (ages 6-12) take part in outdoor games, activities, crafts, water play, weekly field trips, and more. June 5 - August 4. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Extended care available. $102 per week.

Laguna Playhouse

606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach (949) 497-2787, www.lagunaplayhouse.com

Kids (grades 1-7) explore different aspects of theatre, with a focus on acting. July 10-21 (grades 4-6), July 24 - August 4 (grades 7 and up), and August 7-11 (grades 1-4). $390 per session.

Little Mermaid Academy - Once Upon an Island 118 Agate Ave., Newport Beach (949) 791-2162, www.onceuponanisland.net

Campers (ages 3-8) enjoy mermaid dress up, make-

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

overs, crafts, and fun on the beach. June 19 - August 4. 9 a.m. - noon. $550 full week, $150 single day.

Long Beach Youth Chorus

Summer Arts Institute

672 Temple Ave., Long Beach

www.longbeachyouthchorus.org/sai

Immersive summer program for all ages, offering ex periences beyond choral music, including visual and other areas of performing arts. The SAI will culminate at the LBYC’s Long Beach Family Arts Festival. June 19-23. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Registration is $100, but only $50 if you pay for the LBYC 202324 season registration ($125) at the same time.

Mud Hen Clay & Art Studio - Kids Camp

130 W. 3rd St., Tustin

www.mudhenclayandart.com

Pottery and art camp (ages 7-10 and 11+) filled with a variety of mixed media. June 26 - August 4. Mon day - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. $345 per person.

Newport Sea Base

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

Youth (ages 5-17) participate in fishing, sailing, row ing, kayaking, oceanography, and more. June 12August 18. Partial or full-day sessions available.

Oak Canyon Nature Center Camps

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

O.A.K.S. Day Camp for kids (ages 5-12) features weekly themes, June 12 - August 11. $88-110 per week. Wilderness Survival Camp is also available for teens (ages 12-15). June 19 - August 4. $120 per week.

Oakwood Academy - Summer Program

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

Open to the community (grades K-5). Students engage in academics in the morning to prepare for the upcoming school year, while the afternoon is filled with activities based on weekly themes. June 19August 28. Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Extended care included. $233 per week (includes lunch).

Ages 8-15

www.orangecoastcollege.edu/occplanetarium

Space Survival campers (ages 8-12, June 26-30) explore aspects of a Mars mission. Cosmic Curiosity campers (ages 10-14, July 10-14) learn about ancient cultures, alien planets, and science-fiction. Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. $269 per camp.

Ocean Institute Summer Camps

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

Summer camps (ages 5-13), plus Marine Science Internship Academy and Counselor-in-Training Programs for teens. June 12 - August 11.

Orange Community Services - Sunny Days Camp (714) 744-7293, www.cityoforange.org

11. Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. $105 per week.

Santa Ana College Camps (714) 564-6594, www.sac.edu/cms

Kids and teens (ages 5-17) can participate in classes including photography, culinary arts, aquatics, engineering, and art.

Scholars Collective - Camp Reboot

236 E. 3rd St., Long Beach (323) 413-7856, www.aboutscholars.com

Campers (ages 4-17) learn coding, creative design, content creation, 3D printing, gaming, esports, plus reading and math support. June 19 - August 29. Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Extended care available. $45-225 per session.

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

Musical Theater Camp Musical Theater Camp Musical Theater Camp

June 26-30

Grades 2-6, 9a-12:30

Grades 7-12, 9a-1p $100

MUSIC CAMPS AT "THE POINT"

Rock at the Point Rock at the Point Rock at the Point

July 10-14, noon-4p Grades 9-12

Strategic Kids Summer Camp 2023

26941 Cabot Road, #109, Laguna Hills

www.strategickids.com

Campers (ages 6-13), enjoy LEGO, chess, origami, and magic. June 5 - August 7. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $359 per full-day week or $199 per half-day week.

TGA Golf Academy

6180 Bixby Village Drive, Long Beach

www.playtga.com/longbeach/golf

Instruction and play for kids of all ages and levels to develop their love of the game. June 12 - August 25. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Half-day option available.

The Rinks Summer Camps

www.therinks.com

All-World Hockey Institute offer camps for all levels, ages 5-18, at five locations.

The Youth Center - Summer Camps

10909 Oak St., Los Alamitos (562) 493-4043, www.theyouthcenter.org

Camp S.H.A.R.K. (ages 5-12), June 12 - August 11. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Extended care available. $128-168 per week, daily rates offered. Teen Camp (ages 12+) includes a variety of field trips, June 19 - July 21. Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Extended care included, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. $325 per week.

Seal Beach Community Services

(562) 431-2527, www.sealbeachca.gov

Variety of summer camps, including Princess Camp, Mad Science, Magical Mermaid, Gymnastics, and more. June - August. Visit website for dates and pricing.

Sender One - Climbing Day Camps

1441 S. Village Way, Santa Ana

11220 Hindry Ave, Los Angeles

www.sender.one

Campers (ages 6-13) learn rope climbing, king swing, slackline, and more. June 5 - August 11. Morning and afternoon sessions. $499 per session.

Signal Hill Community Services

(562) 989-7329, www.cityofsignalhill.org

Itty Bitty Day Camp (ages 3-6, June 26 - July 21), Sum-

mer Day Camp (grades 1-5, June 19 - August 18), and Tween Day Camp (grades 6-9, July 24 - August 18). Monday - Friday. $75-90 per week.

Southern California Tennis Academy

El Dorado Park Tennis Center

2800 N. Studebaker Road, Long Beach (562) 386-8600, www.sctennisacademy.com

Kids (ages 7-13) learn the fundamentals of tennis and compete in games. June 12 - August 31. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - noon. $245 per week.

spcaLA’s Friends for Life Camp

7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach (562) 216-2545, www.spcala.com/camp Campers (ages 9-14) learn care and responsibility for pets, and basic dog training. June 19 - August 4. Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. $400.

Tustin Parks and Recreation (714) 573-3326, www.tustinca.org

Little Folks Camp (ages 3-5), Camp Tustin (ages 6-10), and Tustin Teen Camp (ages 11-14). Campers enjoy a variety of activities. June 6 - August 11.

UCI Sports Camps

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

Sports camps include baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, track, and volleyball.

YMCA Summer Camps

www.ymca.org

Your local YMCA offers a variety of day, family, and overnight camps. Specialty camps are also offered, along with programs for those with special needs.

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

230+ fun places to go this summer!

animal encounters & Zoos

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College

7075 Campus Road, Moorpark

(805) 378-1441, zoo.moorparkcollege.edu

Five-acre living classroom for the students of the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program. The zoo is open to the public on weekends for live animal presentations, training demos, special events, and more. See Ira the African lion, Clarence the 100-yearold Galapagos tortoise, and meet other animal ambassadors. Birthday party packages 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 and even interact with several of them. All visitors can feed the birds. For the well-being of their flock, directly handling the birds is restricted to annual members who have received training on proper handling techniques. Scout troop projects and badges, camps, junior docent program, and memberships offered. Birthday party and special event packages available. Open by reservation only.

Gibbon Conservation Center

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

Promotes the conservation, study and care of gibbons through public education and habitat preservation. The GCC houses the rarest group of apes in the Western Hemisphere and is the only institution in the world to house all four classifications of gibbon. Check out their special “Assistant Caregiver for a Day” Program. Public and private tours offered.

Goods & Goats Market

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

Family goat farm specializes in events for kids and grown-ups. “Kids and Kids Playtime” lets children play with baby goats, dig in the worm garden, watch and feed chickens, play in the sand box, ride an old-fashioned seesaw, and even soar on a zipline. Goat walks also available. Other programs include Jr. Farmers, Story Time, Kids Farm Party, plus field trips and classes.

JAB Canid Education & Conservation Center

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 93-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. Special events are scheduled throughout the year. All visits are by reservation only.

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

Why do animals eat poop?

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

The zoo’s focus is on animals and plants native to the southwestern United States, including a black bear, mountain lion, bald eagle, great horned owl, and their newest large mammal exhibit. Preschool programs and classes are offered every week. An audio tour is available on your phone. Zoo admission is only $2, entry fee for Irvine Regional Park is $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends.

Bring quarters to buy food to feed the sheep and goats! Irvine Regional Park also offers many more things for families to enjoy, including bike and paddle boat rentals, pony rides, and a train ride.

OstrichLand USA

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

Answer on page 39!

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. The center also hosts camps, special events, birthday party packages, and scout programs.

The center is surrounded by easy walking trails. Bring binoculars and walk out to the shoreline to see wild birds and get a great view of Coronado Bridge.

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. KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue. The zoo offers special experiences throughout the year, camps, classes, and guided tours for members.

Los Angeles Public Library cardholders can go to the Discover & Go website (www.lapl.org/explorela) to reserve a pass good for free L.A. Zoo admission for up to four people. Restrictions apply.

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

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, Behind-the-Scenes Tours, and birthday parties available.

San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego (619) 231-1515, zoo.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 kids area, Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Learn even more with wildlife care specialist talks and presentations throughout the zoo. Upgrade your visit with special experiences like the Inside Look Tour or Early Morning Cheetah Experience. KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue.

Take the 35-minute guided bus tour upon arrival for an overall view of the zoo.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido (760) 747-8702, www.sdzsafaripark.org

This 1,800-acre wildlife park is home to 3,600+ animals. The Walkabout Australia habitat lets guests walk among the grasslands with kangaroos and wal-

labies. Plus, meet the only two platypuses currently residing outside of Australia. The Africa Tram is a 25-minute expedition with safari tour vehicles and diverse wildlife. Kids will love the park’s play areas, including the Mawazo Woods Discovery Area and the Savanna Cool Zone, a water play area. Enhance your experience with special safaris: zipline across the park, go behind the scenes, or go on a special overnight tent-camping experience. KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue.

Santa Ana Zoo

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

Santa Ana Zoo features over 80 animal species, 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 available to rent. Memberships and “Adopt” An Animal program available.

Santa Ana residents can visit for free on the third Sunday of each month.

STAR Eco Station

10101 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City (310) 842-8060, www.ecostation.org

An environmental science museum and rescue facility that offers guided tours to see 200+ rescued exotic wildlife from tropical fish to tortoises, parrots to pythons. Each tour features fun animal facts, handson animal encounters, rescue stories, environmental exhibits, and more. Eco Station is only open to the public on weekends. Tours start every hour on the hour. Private group tours are available to book any day. Annual events, seasonal camps, memberships, and party packages are available.

The Reptile Zoo

18818 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley (714) 500-0591, www.thereptilezoo.com

Home to over 100 exotic species of reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids from around the world. See venomous snakes, crocodilians and fish, pythons and boas, monitors and tegus, and visit DARTHgator at the Gator Island Exhibit. Upgrade your visit with animal encounters, photo opportunities, hands-on presentations, and feeding experiences. Jr. Zookeeper for a Day, Jr. Zookeeper camps, and birthday parties are also available.

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

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

A community space for pet adoptions and pet education with a focus on the bond between people and their pets. Interactive activities for kids include a life-sized hamster wheel, slide, and more. Kidfriendly programs include Paws & Pages, featuring a pet-themed book reading, opportunity to meet an adoptable pet or critter, and a fun craft. Families can visit Critter Corner to see different animals that would make great pets. Birthday parties, camps, and scout programs are also available.

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

Because their mom told them to. It helps them get extra nutrients. It makes them stink as a form of protection against predators.

Dung dining is not unusual for animals. Rabbits, rodents, gorillas, and dogs are just some of the poop picnickers. It may appear icky to humans, but the practice of eating poop, known as (kop-ruh-fey-jee-uh),coprophagia is common in the animal kingdom.

Wild Wonders

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

A five-acre wildlife education facility with 120+ 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, learn about conservation efforts, and get a full, private tour of the facility. Birthday parties and seasonal events are 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. Individual animal experiences can be added to see your favorite animals up close. Private tours require advanced reservations. Birthday parties and camps are 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 just a sevenminute 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 and home to more than 12,000 animals of the Pacific Ocean. Touch sharks in the Shark Lagoon, feed Australian lorikeets in the Lorikeet Forest, visit their state-ofthe-art theater, and interact with more than 100 other exhibits. Special animal encounters are also offered to get a close-up view of their most popular animals. The aquarium’s newest exhibit, Babies!, features fuzzy sea otters, tiny cuttlefish, mini sea jellies, and baby sharks. Art exhibits, performing arts shows, cultural and community festivals, plus camps, classes, and scout programs offered throughout the year. KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue. Online reservations required on weekends, recommended on weekdays. Memberships for families and grandparents available.

Enjoy the lighthouse, walk around Shoreline Village, or hop on the AquaLink nearby.

Birch Aquarium

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla

(858) 534-3474, https://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 La Jolla’s leopard sharks, get immersed in a two-story kelp forest, and visit seadragons and seahorses. Check out their newest habitat featuring little blue penguins, the smallest penguins in the world! Behind-the-scenes tours, camps, pier walks with naturalists, tidepooling adventures, and seasonal events are also offered throughout the year.

Visit their Discounts and Offers page for current admission deals. The Tide Pool Plaza, located outdoors, has some of the most spectacular ocean views in San Diego.

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, identify animals using microscopes, view a working laboratory, create artwork, and more. After-school programs, workshops, camps, family programs, annual events, tide pool walks, and grunion runs are offered throughout the year. Kultu-

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

how many of these wacky things can you do?

Lick your own elbow?

Tickle yourself?

Sneeze with your eyes open?

Breathe and swallow at the same time?

Hum a song while holding your breath?

Wiggle your ears?

reCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue. Suggested admission donation: $7 for adults and $3 for children and seniors.

It’s 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.

Heal the Bay Aquarium

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

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 demonstrations. Beach cleanups, special events, and camps are held throughout the year. Party packages available.

It may be a little hard to find! The aquarium is located on the beach level of Santa Monica Pier, directly beneath the carousel building, underneath the bridge.

Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles

3601 S. Gaffey St., #8, San Pedro (310) 548-5677, www.marinemammalcare.org

A hospital for seals and sea lions that become stranded along the 70+ miles of 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. 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.

Round out your ocean-themed day with a trip to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, just five minutes away!

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, volunteer and internship opportunities for teens, and special events are also offered. Memberships include admission, birthday party discounts, and gifts.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach (949) 494-3050, www.pacificmmc.org

PMMC rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals. Meet sea lions, elephant seals, harbor seals, and fur seals. Call ahead for animal feeding times. The visitor yard features interactive displays, marine mammal artifacts, and a gift shop. Camps, after-school programs, memberships, and scout programs available. The center is open daily for docentled tours. Admission is free, donations appreciated.

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. Admission is free, donations appreciated.

Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland

One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad

www.legoland.com/sealife

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. Their Sea at Night exhibit, lets visitors stroll in a simulated gentle surf under a starry sky and splash in a bioluminescent tide. Tickets to the aquarium and multi-park tickets that include admission to the aquarium and Legoland available.

boats & Ships

Battleship USS Iowa

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

Explore the battleship that served our country proudly in WWII, Korea, and the Cold War. General access pass lets visitors explore exhibits on the Battleship of Presidents, Gunnery Hazards, HUP-2 Helicopter, and more. Private guided tours are offered, plus parties, overnight programs, and camps.

Participate in searching for Vicky the Victory Dog in a free online app and/or a scavenger hunt card.

Boats to Catalina

Catalina Express: Departs from Dana Point, Long Beach and San Pedro, to Avalon and Two Harbors, (800) 613-1212, www.catalinaexpress.com. Catalina Flyer: Departs from Newport Beach to Avalon, (949) 673-5245, www.catalinainfo.com.

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.

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.

Queen Mary

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

Explore the Queen Mary with informative 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.

SS Lane Victory

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

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

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 transported to and from Alamitos Bay and Rainbow Harbor. The fare is $5 each way and takes approximately 40 minutes. Check the website for schedule.

Bikes are allowed on board AquaLink, so bring your bikes for a family ride along the coast!

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!

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

Whale Watching Excursions

Whale watching cruises are available from these locations. Visit their website or call for schedules, deals and other information. Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari, (949) 488-2828, www. dolphinsafari.com. Dana Wharf Whale Watching, (888) 224-0603, www.danawharf.com. Davey’s Locker, (949) 415-5954, kids (ages 0-12) are free, www.daveyslocker.com. Harbor Breeze Cruise, (562) 432-4900, 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) 372-2111, www.rbwhales.com.

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 exhibits and reactive VR. There are art studios, community spaces, and a state-of-the-art theatre. Kid-size 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. KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue. 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

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. Special events are scheduled throughout the year.

Ask about weekly events such as Nature Walk Story Time, Music and Movement, and Sensory Sensitive Sundays.

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. Outdoor spaces invite children to splash and dance in water fountains, 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. Indoor galleries allow children to peek into an active beehive, create and invent in the Imagina-

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

tion Workshop, explore a giant ant tunnel, and climb towers. Camps, classes, scout programs, and memberships are available. Special events are scheduled throughout the year.

Bring a change of clothes, kids will get wet!

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

Pretend City provides children access to a child-size interconnected city that’s all their own! Children are given a chance to “practice life” in settings they are most likely to encounter throughout their lives. They 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. Beginning May 26, 2023, Camping in the City! events will feature campfires, story times, and activities to help you prepare for your own camping trip and teach you and your little one how to stay safe while outdoors. Additional programs include: Neurodivergent Family Nights, Free Developmental Screenings, and birthday party packages. Visit their calendar for upcoming special events and classes.

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. The new "Pollination Station" exhibit shows how bees impact our livelihood and what we can do to help them survive. Children can pretend play with beekeeper and bee costumes. 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.

Family fun centers

Adventure Playground

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

A unique playing experience, where kids can raft on a small pond, go down a mudslide, and build a fort. Reservations are now open for the season: June 24 - August 18. Book reservations at www. hbsands.org. Reservations are highly recommended. If you plan on dropping in, be sure to call the office to inquire about space availability.

• 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, $28.95; seniors (55 and over), $23.95 (prices subject to change without notice). AAA discount available for up to six regular-price admissions per card. Free parking. See ad on page 19.

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

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

Enjoy miniature golf, bumper boats, Thunder Road Go Karts, Lil’ Thunder Rookie Go Karts, Lazer Tag, Flame Thrower and Starship thrill rides, batting cages, a restaurant, an arcade, and Boomers Backyard, now with VIP Cabanas. Boomers Los Angeles offers Slick Track, Turbo Track, Lil’ Thunder Rookie Go Karts, miniature golf, a restaurant, an arcade, and Boomers Backyard outdoor space. Both locations offer party and group packages, along with all-day passes.

Bowling Centers

The following centers offer public and league bowling. Online lane reservations, cosmic bowling, arcades, snack bars, and party packages typically offered.

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.

Camelot Golfland

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

Attractions include miniature golf, Fastcar Raceway, bumper boats and cars, arcade, laser tag, and a pizza parlor. Birthday party and group packages available. Memberships are also offered.

CAMP Los Angeles

Westfield Century City

10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles (310) 665-8940

www.camp.com/locations/los-angeles

A unique shop/play hybrid experience featuring five custom play spaces with rotating themes. Nike Kids Camp experience is currently offered, featuring baseball, soccer, football, and basketball. On weekends, it is a timed-entry, one-hour-long, guided experience. On weekdays, it is Nike Free Play where you show up whenever you want and play as long as you like. Make-your-own slime bar now open. Party packages available.

Chuck E. Cheese

www.chuckecheese.com

Features an animatronic show and a wide selection of games and rides, including bowling, air hockey, basketball, console games, and prize games. A variety of food and beverages available, including their famous pizza. 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 weekly deals.

Visit the Activities and Downloads page on

their website to print awards and charts for kids to earn free play points!

Dave & Buster’s

www.daveandbusters.com

Arcade games, billiards, bowling, virtual reality games, and a full 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

A popular outdoor, six-track driving skills center with party rooms, a snack bar, and arcade. Includes a kiddy track, bumper track, mini indy, slick track, turbo track, and super track. Height and age requirements to drive vary. Children’s and teen party packages available. Visit their website for special discounts.

• 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 29 and party deals on the back inside cover. Ask about their free school and doctors' office incentive programs.

John’s Incredible Pizza

www.johnspizza.com

Arcade games, rides, laser maze, bowling, kiddie land, bumper cars, and more. There are different themed dining areas for families to enjoy, including Cabin Fever, Hall of Fame, Toon Time, and more. Birthday parties, and group and sports packages are available. Locations in Buena Park, Carson, Riverside and more.

K1 Speed

www.k1speed.com

K1 has several indoor go-kart racing locations open to the public seven days a week, featuring all-electric go-karts. Adults and kids (48-inches and up) can arrive and drive, no reservations required. First time drivers receive a mandatory briefing session on rules and safety. Party and group packages are available. Locations in Anaheim, Burbank, Irvine, Torrance and more. Visit their website for special weekly promotions.

Laser Land

2340 S. Azusa Ave., West Covina (800) 807-7494, www.laserlandusa.com

Laser arena with attractions that include laser tag, a laser maze, virtual reality games, and interactive trampolines. Birthday parties and group event packages are available.

Lucky Art Crayonology

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

Hands-on experience using the compression molding machine to create your own multicolored crayons, as well as using special face and body paints. They offer four DIY activities: Crayon Press ‘N Shape, Paint On

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

Me, Marker Creation, and Draw A Way. Birthday parties are also available.

Wear clothes that are easy to put costumes over for their Superstar Runway and Costume Zone.

MB2 Entertainment

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

Entertainment park with seven acres of attractions, including duck pin bowling, virtual reality gaming experience, arcade games, laser tag, axe throwing, mini golf, bumper boats and go karts. A full-service restaurant and a walk-up, grab-andgo counter, plus private party rooms for group celebrations are available. Check their website for promotions and events.

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. Guests dine on a four-course feast and witness almost two hours of jousting, swordsmanship, and displays of extraordinary horsemanship and falconry, as part of a riveting story set in Medieval Spain. Check their website for coupons. Birthday party and group 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, reservations are available.

Nickel! Nickel!

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

Over 120 games! Guests pay $2 each to enter the facility and then choose to play free-play games or pay one to six nickels to play arcade games, pinball, or one of many prize redemption games. Check their website for promotions and party availability.

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 attractions. Kids parties also available.

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.

Heal the Bay Aquarium is also located at the Santa Monica Pier!

Paintball & Airsoft Parks

Paintball and airsoft parks are usually geared for older kids and teens. Check websites for age requirements and to sign waivers.

Hollywood Sports Park - Outdoor facility offers PaintballSOFT (ages 7 and up), GellyAttack (ages 10 and up), and Spongeball (ages 5 and up). Party packages are available and other activities include rock climbing and a speedball field. 9030 Somerset Blvd., Bellflower. (562) 867-9600. www.hollywoodsports.com

Tac City Airsoft - Indoor airsoft play, plus private groups for Nerf Wars (ages 5 and up) and Gel Blaster. Bootcamp for Kids (ages 10-16) on select days that include rentals, pizza, drinks, training, and guest appearances. 2430 Artesia Ave., Fullerton. (657) 8886111. www.taccityairsoft.com

SC Village Paintball & Airsoft Park - Fields themed after various places around the globe. Paintball and airsoft players must be ages 10 and up. PaintballSOFT, GellyAttack, and Spongeball parties available. 8900 McCarty Road, Chino. (949) 489-9000. www.scvillage.com

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. Group tickets for parties available.

Look for special offers on their website, including complimentary birthday admission.

Play & Parties

1500 E. Village Way, Suite 2131, Orange www.playandparties.com

Play & Parties offer playtime and birthday events.

Many classes are led by costumed characters. Memberships are available. Special events offered throughout the year.

Round1 Bowling and Amusement

www.round1usa.com

Visit Round1 for bowling, billiards, arcade games, ping pong, karaoke, and more. Party packages available. Visit their website for special deals. Locations in Lakewood, Santa Ana, City of Industry, Burbank and more.

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 undisturbed, 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. Advanced reservations required.

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. Skypark activities, rides, and entertainment include shows, character performances, seasonal parades, 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. Vehicle and tent camping, and Airstream trailer rentals available.

Thrill It Fun Center

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

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

Tom’s Farms

23900 Temescal Canyon Road, Temescal Valley (971) 277-4422, www.tomsfarms.com

Enjoy the farmer’s market, candy shop, craft fair, and more. The Family Fun Zone is open weekends with attractions that include live entertainment, pony rides and petting zoo, magic show, peacock farm, and scavenging for real fossils and minerals at Tom’s Mining Company. Kids can go on different rides, including a Ferris wheel, carousel, drop tower, bounce house, and a steam-propelled train.

Wonder of Dinosaurs

South Bay Galleria

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

The largest display of dinosaurs, over 100, on the West Coast. The exhibits feature a museum and static and robotic dinosaur-themed activities, including panning for stones, bouncers, mazes, dino mini-golf, and rides (such as Ride-a-Trex and Triassic train). Party packages available.

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

it can grab things! Their tongues are a dark bluish-purple color and usually

farms & barns

Amy’s Farm

7698 Eucalyptus Ave., Ontario (844) 426-9732, www.amysfarm.com

Guided tours are available by advance reservations. Tours are approximately 1-1½ hours and include a garden walk, harvesting fresh produce to feed the animals, visiting the petting zoo, milking a cow, and visiting the horses. Workshops, educational classes, and special events available. Produce stand is open to the public.

Barnyard Buddies

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

https://barnyard-buddies.mailchimpsites.com

Barnyard Buddies offers a rural farming and equestrian experience with a petting zoo, pony rides, riding lessons, and trail rides. While visiting the petting zoo, you may be able to feed and brush the goats and sheep, and pay a visit to the alpaca, pigs, rabbits, chickens, and ponies. 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 Cen-

ter 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. Admission is free.

Their website offers a live Pig Cam (oink oink), plus educational materials that include activity sheets and games for kids.

Gilchrist Farm

30116 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 645-2517, 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, too.

Sand N’ Straw Community Farm

629 Mar Vista Drive, Vista (760) 575-4758, www.sandnstraw.com

Book a farm tour and explore the six-acre family farm; animal visits and feeding can be added to your tour. Young Pioneers program is offered where children are immersed in outdoor experiential learning, as they explore ponds, gardens, trails, and caring for animals.

Kids Day on the Farm is held on Thursdays, featuring a special story time and animal feeding. Book your visit in advance.

changorthodontics.com

Tanaka Farms

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

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 harvest festivals, pumpkin patch,

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

RUSSELL E.K. CHANG DDS, MS, FACD, INC.

CHRISTINE J. CHUNG DMD, MS

Joey Chestnut is our hero for competitive eating and winner of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest nearly every year. He holds 55 world records!

which one of these massive meals did he not eat?

81 Eggo-style waffles in 8 mins.

126 tacos in 8 mins.

52 cheeseburgers in 10 mins.

257 Hostess donuts in 6 mins.

128 oz. of mayonnaise in 8 mins.

121 Twinkies in 6 mins.

182 chicken wings in 30 mins.

141 hard-boiled eggs in 8 mins.

76 hot dogs and buns in 10 mins.

Answer on page 39!

farm-to-table cookouts, CSA program (farm produce boxes), group tours, and private parties also available. Reservations are required for tours and activities.

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 with games, music, and activities for little ones; and Eco-Tots Playspace, where children ages 1-5 (and parents) help care for the gardens, enjoy a taste from the farm, build shelters and fairy houses, and make arts and crafts from nature’s bounty. 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.

Check their website for special family events offered throughout the year!

flight 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. Admission and parking are free. Adjacent to Joe Davies Heritage Airpark.

Flight Path Museum

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

Located adjacent to the airfield at Los Angeles Airport, the museum 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. Admission to the park is free. Adjacent to Blackbird Airpark.

The park also has picnic tables, some even under the wings of a plane!

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 climbing into interactive exhibits and 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 under Teacher Resources on their website. Memberships, tram tours, group tours, and facility rental available.

Ask about Blue Star Family Days and the Southern California Air Show.

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. Visitors can also monitor the local control tower radio communications and enjoy a direct view of the runway. Facility rental available.

Planes of Fame Air Museum

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

Explore close to 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.

Take a step back in time with a Warbirds Ride where you fly in a North American P-51D Mustang— America’s most iconic warbird of World War II!

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. Special exhibits include American Women of Flight, and SPACE: Our Greatest Adventure. 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 museum is located inside Balboa Park, one of the nation’s largest cultural parks. Spend the day exploring gardens, visiting the San Diego Zoo, going on a mini train ride, or enjoying a variety of events.

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

The Proud Bird

11022 Aviation Blvd., Los Angeles (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. 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. Educational programs let children see and touch the airplanes that made aviation history.

Yanks Air Museum

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

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 P40E Warhawk and the F-86 Sabre. Special events are held throughout the year. Guided tours, annual passes, and facility rental available.

Look for Connie, the resident “house” cat! She is named after the largest airplane at Yanks, the Lockheed EC-121T Super Constellation, and oversees everything at the museum.

historical sites

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 Adobe museum and 17 acres of lush gardens and green space. Special events are held throughout the year, including historical reenactments. Admission is donationbased. Reservations are required to visit the museum. Facility rental available.

Drum Barracks Civil War Museum

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

The museum teaches the history of the Civil War, with an emphasis on California’s role in the conflict. 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. Visi-

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

tors can tour the courtyard, parlor, armory, barracks room and more. Public tours are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Weekend tours are offered on the 2nd and 4th Saturday only. All visitors must accompany a guided tour.

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 provided Wednesday through Saturday. Four free “walk-in” tours are offered weekly for individuals and groups of seven or less on Wednesdays 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) 225-2700, 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. Guests must be part of a guided tour to view the interior of the buildings. Tickets are pre-sale only. A variety of educational programs and tours available. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds.

Check their 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. Free guided tours of the homes are offered Friday - Sunday at 12, 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Guests must be part of a guided tour to visit the interior of the houses. They are closed the fourth weekend of every month.

Lincoln Memorial Shrine

125 W. Vine St., Redlands (909) 798-7636, www.lincolnshrine.org

A museum and research facility dedicated to Abra-

ham 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 events. Weekend tours are available for groups of 12 or more. Admission is free.

Mendez Tribute Monument Park

7371 Westminster Blvd., Westminster

www.westminster-ca.gov

Monument telling the story of the historical Mendez vs. Westminster case, which led to the desegregation of schools in California. The freedom trail is two miles along Hoover Street, and features a series of interactive panels using augmented reality along the route, paying homage to the case and the Mendez family.

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.

A special 4th Grader Package is available and includes youth/student admission, souvenir bracelet, and Mission San Juan Capistrano resource book for $16.47. Also, don't miss Zoomars nearby!

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 Pío 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 offered by reservation only. Visitors must call ahead for a tour reservation. General admission is free, donations are 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 - Sun-

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

day; 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. 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, selfpaced tours, scavenger hunts, school programs, and weekly story times are offered, plus family events. Free admission and parking.

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda (714) 983-9120, www.nixonlibrary.gov

Tour Richard Nixon’s original birthplace and boyhood home, the presidential helicopter that flew four Presidents, an exact replica of President Nixon’s Oval Office, Pat Nixon Gardens, the final resting places of President and Mrs. Nixon, and more. Special exhibits and free concerts available throughout the year. Visit their website for public and educational programs.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

40 Presidential Dr., Simi Valley (805) 522-2977, 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. Special events and exhibitions available throughout the year.

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. Advance reservations are required and must be made by phone five days in advance. Special events and educational programs available.

indoor play spaces

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

Billy Beez

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. Locations in Anaheim and Valencia.

BounceU

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

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

BubblePOP

2475 Park Ave., Tustin

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. Off-site event packages bring the bubble party to you!

Candeeland

www.candeeland.co

Three-level, 10,000-square-foot play structure, Little Land for toddlers, and ninja courses, slides, mini zipline, tunnels, swings, towers and jumpers for older kids. Birthday party packages, snack shop, and parent lounge with WiFi, too. MainPlace Mall, 2800 N. Main St., Unit #504, Santa Ana. Stonewood Mall, 462 Stonewood St., Unit #G33A, Downey.

Dig It

Del Amo Fashion Center

Indoor play spaces have varying reservation, waiver, height, and sock requirements. Save time at check-in by completing waivers online. Many do not allow outside food and drinks. Party packages are typically offered.

AdventurePlex

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

Attractions include a five-level play structure, Toddler

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 Playtime, workshops, party packages, and memberships also offered. Drop-and-Shop and Date Nights available.

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

YOU ARE A SPIT FACTORY!

The average person will make enough spit in one year to fill two bathtubs! Camels are famous for it, but warning: it’s actually vomit (or er, semi-digested food).

Note to self: Don’t tease a camel!

An indoor children's 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. Long Beach Towne Center, 7460 Carson Blvd., Long Beach, (760) 498-9037, www.jumpifylongbeach. com. 13722 Jamboree Road, Irvine, (714) 4102235, www.jumpifyirvine.com.

www.jumpnjammin.com

Children’s entertainment center with ball pits and ball blasters, slides, climbing structures, obstacle courses, toddler area, and more. Party packages and drop-off care (ages 3-12) are available. Four locations: Arcadia, Moreno Valley, Oxnard and

Ask about Multi-Pass Cards that never expire!

www.jumpersjungle.com

Inflatable obstacles, slides, bouncers, sports games, and more. Open play available, plus birthday parties. Locations in Norwalk and South Gate.

vate open jump time, Parents Night Out, and special events are listed on their website. Locations in Anaheim Hills, Chino Hills, Lake Forest, and more.

Ask about their special glow-in-the-dark birthday party feature!

Scooter’s Jungle

www.scootersjungle.com

An indoor playhouse with a two-story play structure, slides, sports court, obstacle course, and a zipline. Birthday party packages and open play events are offered. Check the website for Toddler Time and family events. Locations in El Segundo, Placentia and Valencia.

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. Party packages available for all types of events from birthdays and sports teams to field trips. Check their website for Open Play calendar and coupons.

Ultimate Ninjas

5462 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim

www.ultimateninjas.com

Kids can explore floor-to-ceiling climbing walls, giant block-building arena, slides, and obstacle courses. The Tots area includes a ball pit, little trampoline, soft slides, and bicycles. Tickets good for readmission all day. Party packages available. Locations in Anaheim, Covina, Northridge, Ontario, Pomona and South Gate.

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, a variety of slides, swings, mirror house, ninja warrior course, art area, and arcade games. Admission includes all-day play access with re-entry. Unlimited monthly play passes include two free adult admission tickets. Party packages available.

PlayPie Kids Indoor Playground

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

Enjoy 15,000 square feet of fun, including a threestory playground structure, library, sand-molding area, variety of slides, and their “dark room” for drawing activities. A Little Ones area includes ball pits, a miniature playground, slides, and toys. Party packages available.

Pump it Up

www.pumpitupparty.com

Indoor inflatable playground with slides, bounce houses and obstacle courses. Party packages, pri-

Obstacle and agility courses include a four-level warped wall, salmon ladder, fly wheels, flying squirrel, jumping spider, quintuple steps, and much more. Classes for toddlers and youth, birthday parties, camps, open gym, and special events are offered. An “Elite Team” is also available for kids who are dedicated to competing year-round.

Urban Air Trampoline & 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, including climbing hill, laser tag, virtual reality games, multi-level tubes playground, ropes course, and trampolines. Parents Night Out and Sensory Friendly Play are offered. Cafe, memberships, and birthday party packages available.

We Play Loud

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. Locations in Huntington Beach and Lake Forest.

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, and birthday parties are available.

We Rock offers services including Respite and Break Time Care, and One-to-One Attendant Care.

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

Rock Climbing

Hapik Climbing Center

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

A unique climbing center offering 5,000 square feet of fun, with more than 100 routes across 30 themed climbing walls equipped with automatic belaying. At tractions include climbing walls with three levels of difficulty (including a first-timer wall), ropes course, and vertical challenges. Snack bar onsite. Birthday party packages and group events are available.

Long Beach Rising

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

An all-bouldering climbing gym and fitness facility of fering 5,000 square feet of vertical terrain,15 feet in height. All ages and levels welcome. Youth training, competition, and recreation teams available. Birthday party packages and special events offered.

Rockreation Climbing Center

www.rockreation.com

An indoor rock climbing center with classes for all levels, from learning basic rope and belay skills needed to safely climb to learning techniques for optimal movement. Enjoy climb time, kids/parent climb time, birthday party packages, and climb camp. Warriors, a weekly rock climbing team for ages 6-18, is also offered. Locations in Costa Mesa and Los Angeles.

Sender One Climbing

www.senderoneclimbing.com

Participate in rope climbing, bouldering, youth programs, and an interactive climbing gym, where guests can climb themed buildings and towers. Themes include Spider Man, Trembling Towers, Fun Walls, and Mineshaft for climbing in the dark! Youth programs introduce kids ages 4-17 to the foundations of climbing through recreational climbing, classes, teams, camps, and party packages. Locations in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, and Santa Ana.

trampoline parks

Big Air Trampoline Park

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. Memberships and birthday party packages available. Locations in Corona, Buena Park, and Laguna Hills.

Get Air Trampoline Park

www.getairsports.com

Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, slamball, ninja activities, and Kiddie Court area for younger kids. Birthday party packages, Toddler Time, and sessions for those with special needs are offered. Check website for weekly events and discounts. 5142 Argosy Ave., Huntington Beach; and 2735 S. Towne Ave., Pomona.

dunk zone, arcade, and more. Special programs include Rockin’ Tots and party packages. Look for promotions and coupons on their website. Locations in Santa Ana and San Dimas.

Sky Zone Trampoline Parks

www.skyzone.com

An indoor wall-to-wall trampoline park with a variety of attractions for all ages: Freestyle Jump, Toddler Zone, Skyslam, Foam Zone, Ninja Warrior Course, Drop Zone, and more. Special programs include Little Leapers, sensory hours, Sky Camp, and party packages. Attractions and programs may vary by location. Anaheim, Cerritos, Covina, Torrance, Van Nuys and Westminster locations. museums

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 lesssensory-stimulating spaces with moderated sound and lighting displays. Family Matinees, Film Programs, and special events are offered throughout the year.

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.

Autry Museum of the American West 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles (323) 667-2000, www.theautry.org

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

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. Social Stories are guides with photos and descriptions to help people on the autism spectrum prepare for their visit. 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.

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

Admission is free every second Tuesday of the month.

Getty Center & Getty Villa Museum

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 while exploring the Getty Center.

Getty Villa Museum displays ancient Greek and Roman art in a recreated Roman country home. The Family Forum offers hands-on activities exploring ancient Greek vases. Listen to the immersive audio tour, The Demigods, inspired by the popular Percy Jackson book series. Guided tours, family workshops, family-friendly events, and courses are scheduled throughout the year.

Admission to both Getty campuses are free, but a timed-entry reservation is required.

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.

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.

L.A. County residents receive free museum admission 3-5 p.m. on weekdays. California teachers with ID also receive free admission. Free tickets are available onsite only.

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 represent 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 offered.

Los Angeles County Fire Museum

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

See an extensive collection of apparatus, artifacts,

kidsguide summer 2023

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.

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

Admission is free for all LA County residents on weekdays after 3 p.m. Admission is free to everyone on the second Tuesday of each month. Plus, sign up your kids (under age 17) for NexGenLA, a free membership for LA County kids and teens. Members can visit for free anytime and bring in one guest for free too!

Los Angeles Fire Department Museum

1355 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood 639 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro www.lafdmuseum.org

See firefighting equipment dating back to the early 1900s and artifacts from some of the most famous fires in the area.

Admission is free to both museums.

• 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 Summer Art and Culture Camp (see page 11).

Admission is free during MOLAA Free Sundays. Check website for dates.

Museum of Making Music

5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad (760) 438-5996, www.museumofmakingmusic.org

Instruments take center stage at the Museum of Making Music. The core exhibitions explore how and why these instruments develop, who makes them, how we gain access to them, what they sound like in the hands of masters, and how they feel in your own hands. Group tours and special events are offered.

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 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.

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. In the spring and summer, walk among beautiful butterflies in the seasonal Butterfly Pavilion. Check their website for guided tours and nature walks. Special family-friendly festivals and fairs are offered throughout the year.

L.A. County residents receive free admission 3-5 p.m. on weekdays. California teachers with ID also receive free admission. Free tickets are available onsite only.

Petersen Automotive Museum

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

The Museum features a collection of over 400 vehicles. Visit the Cars Mechanical Institute (inspired by the animated film) to enjoy a variety of activities and displays. Kids can paint and personalize virtual cars, trace and color their own Cars character to take home, race toy cars around a racetrack, or build LEGO creations to race against friends. Visitors can even race against Lightning McQueen by checking out a Carspad and building their own virtual car with help from all of the friends in Radiator Springs. Workshops and special events for kids are scheduled throughout the year— many are included with admission, sign up online.

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. Visitors can see the inner workings of a paleontology museum, the fossil preparation lab, and a collections storage room through windows cut into the walls.

Skirball Cultural Center

2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles (310) 440-4500, www.skirball.org

People of all communities and generations are welcome to participate in cultural experiences and exhibitions. On permanent display, Noah’s Ark is a floor-to-ceiling wooden ark, filled to the rafters with whimsical animals handcrafted from recycled materials. Children are encouraged to play, climb, and explore the 8,000-square-foot wooden ark. Download their mobile app, An Ark for All, to preview your visit and plan your activities. The app is helpful for

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

families with developmental disabilities and young children. Family-friendly activities include art making, archaeology digs, story time and more.

Admission is free every Thursday.

The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum

610 Lairport St., El Segundo (310) 909-0950, 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" tall to ride. Drop in for a scoop, shake or float at their 1950's-themed ice cream parlor. Family-friendly events scheduled throughout the year.

World of Illusions

6751 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles (800) 593-2902, www.laillusions.com

Step into Hollywood’s famous World of Illusions with four unique experiences: Museum of Illusions, Giant’s House, Upside Down House, and Smash It. Guests can go on an African Safari, walk on the edge of a skyscraper, try cooking breakfast in an upside-down kitchen and more. Birthday parties, private events, and other packages available.

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. The park also features multiple performing arts venues, trails, and many other creative and recreational attractions. Kid-friendly locations at the park include the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden, San Diego Air and Space Museum, puppet theater, carousel, miniature train, and more. Visit their “Recommendations” links to create a personalized adventure based on your specific preferences for a Kids Day or Family Ideas. 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 and scout visits are offered, plus a summer Junior Wetlands Explorer Program (see page 10).

(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, a 1/8th-scale replica of a diesel train, explore the historical Boddy House, and see exhibits at the Sturt Haaga Gallery. Family events and workshops are scheduled throughout the year, plus school tours and memberships are offered.

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.

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

which one of these un-bee-lievable statements is true?

Slugs have about 27,000 teeth, but most types of flies have none! Instead of chewing, they spew acid to dissolve food so they can suck it up!

Cockroaches can live up to a week without their heads and can survive underwater for 15 minutes.

Most caterpillars have 12 eyes. Bugs fart. Bugs produce gas, which can make a smelly (although tiny!) fart.

Houseflies find sugar with their feet, which are 10 million times more sensitive than human tongues.

Answer on page 39!

Descanso Gardens

1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge

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

Ages

Ages

Everybody farts! Humans pass gas every single day! According to an NBC News report, farts can travel about 10 feet per second, or close to 7 miles per hour.

About how many times will you fart in your lifetime?

1,200 times

times 41,000 times

Answer on page 39!

Wondering who the world record holder is for the longest fart? It’s Bernard Clemens of London, who managed to let one loose for 2 minutes and 42 seconds!

wooden bridge and check out the Visitor Center, containing educational displays, art gallery, and a small gift shop offering environmentally-themed books and gifts. Special events, workshops (see page 5), and educational programs offered throughout the year. Admission to the Nature Center is free, but a parking fee is required to enter the park.

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.

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. Donations appreciated.

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 (parent and me style class), Mini Naturalists (ages 1-3) and Little Naturalists (ages 3-5). Field trips, after-school and vacation-break camps (see page 11), scout programs, “bearthday” parties, and memberships are also offered.

Register early for classes and camps—they fill up fast! The ENC also operates Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Silverado.

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 offered throughout the year. A $5 donation 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. There are 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 a 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.

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 exactly what day/time tickets are released.

Japanese Friendship Garden

2215 Pan American Road E., San Diego (619) 232-2721, www.niwa.org

Located in Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. The 12-acre garden is inspired from centuries-old Japanese design and techniques that showcase plants and florae native to Japan and San Diego. Educational programs include Koi Feeding, Origami Sunday, and much more. Cultural festivals and special events scheduled throughout the year.

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. Kids and family programs include the Nature Club school-year program, Acorns and Oaks parent/child program, and monthly Family Adventure Night Hikes. School-break nature camps, scout programs, and memberships are also offered. Visit their website for tram tour and docent-led tour availability.

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 home or a migration stop for 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 include Tyke Hike (ages 0-6), Nature Story Time (ages 3-5), and Friday Fun (ages 3-6). Admission is free.

Niguel Botanical Preserve

29751 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel www.niguelbotanicalpreserve.org

An 18-acre botanical garden situated above Crown Valley Community Park, it features 12 garden areas with 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. Admission is free.

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 for ages 2-5 is offered on Thursdays. Monthly Night Hikes are offered the third Saturday of the month. Register for programs online. Camps (see page 13) and birthday parties, that include a naturalist-led hike and live animal encounter, available. Admission is free, donations are appreciated.

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

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

A 300-acre wetland with 12 miles of trails, home to hundreds of species of birds, insects, reptiles, crustaceans, and other creatures native to the area. The visitor center is located at the Audubon House and offers a wide selection of materials including a reference library, a fully equipped nature bookstore, and bird displays. Educational programs include Summer Bat Walks, Nature Day Camp, 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

This two-acre botanical garden features 20 garden and interactive areas including the Tropical Conservatory with koi fish and turtles, historical Adobe house, Fern Grotto, and more. Bring the family for Little Seedlings Story Time, family classes and workshops, and special events scheduled throughout the year. Memberships, group tours, scout visits, and Junior Gardeners Camp (see page 12) also offered.

Shipley Nature Center

17851 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach

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

(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, the 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, and memberships are also offered. 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” is back for its third year through August 31. Step into the Host and Nectar Garden, then the Emergence Chamber, and finally, the Pavilion, an up-close-and-personal experience with hundreds of butterflies flying throughout the exhibit. Classes, memberships, and dog walking hours offered.

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 offered. Patio area and fire pit available for reservation.

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

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

Explore 135 acres and a 10,000-square-foot interpretive center with exhibits and interactive displays. The Nature Preserve is part of the 752-acre coastal wetland that is home to many rare or endangered species and plant life. Fun programs offered include stargazing, canoe and kayak tours, sunset strolls, storytelling, crafts, and much more.

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. Fitness center is open to the public. Check website for details on ice schedule and events. See ad on page 33.

More Skating Rinks

The following rinks offer roller or ice skating with public and specialty skating sessions. Classes, clin-

ics, camps, hockey and broomball, and party packages are typically offered.

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. www.therinks.com

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

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

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

How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?

Pad kid poured curd pulled cod. Is it harder to toot, or to tutor two tooters to toot?

Six sleek swans swam swiftly southwards.

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

Pigeon’s Roller Rink - Roller only. 2nd & PCH, 6400 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. (562) 5276899. www.pigeonsrollerrink.com

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

space & science 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, innovative programs, and awe-inspiring films. Space Shuttle Endeavor is on display for guests to see up close. Explore permanent exhibitions, learn about fire science and safety, discover how life begins, investigate eight ecosystem zones, and see a unique collection of air and space artifacts. Admission is free to the center to see all permanent exhibits (excludes IMAX and special ticketed exhibitions).

A new special ticketed exhibition running through January, Maya: The Exhibition, features over 250 authentic artifacts, many on tour outside of Guatemala for the first time, highlighting the ancient Maya civilization of Mexico and Central America.

• 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-squarefoot 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. Currently the Space Center is hosting virtual Challenger experiences and virtual field trip tours. Summer camps also available (see page 4). Please visit the website for more information.  The Space Center is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays. $5 per person (4+). See ad on page 7.

Answer on page 39!

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. Educational programs are offered throughout the year including camps (see page 10), onsite field trips, interactive STEM gameplay through Discovery Cube Connect, early childhood education, and more. Visit the events page on their website for upcoming activities. Both locations offer birthday party packages.

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 spectacular 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. Now playing: Signs of Life, an astronomical detective story that propels visitors on an investigation to discover what it took to put life in the universe in the one place where we know it exists.

Admission to the building and grounds is 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. All tours commonly include a multimedia presentation on JPL entitled “Journey to the Planets and Beyond,” which provides an overview of the Laboratory’s activities and accomplishments. 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. Virtual tours are also offered.

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

New planetarium shows are offered every month. Some of the shows geared towards families include One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure, Larry Cat in Space, and Earth, Moon, and Sun. Tickets for these shows can purchased online or at the door. Free telescope viewing is also available once a month at the Mt. SAC Observatory (weather permitting). See their calendar for a schedule of events and shows. A variety of packages for birthdays, field trips, scouts, and other events are offered.

Orange Coast College Planetarium

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

www.orangecoastcollege.edu/occplanetarium

OCC Planetarium exhibits include a Foucault Pendulum providing a visual demonstration of the rotation of the earth, Science on a Sphere, Space Rocks! Meteorites, and the Dome Theatre. Access to the planetarium theater is limited to scheduled shows, but the lobby and exhibit hall are open to the public during normal hours, free of charge. Special events are scheduled throughout the year.

UCLA Planetarium

Mathematical Sciences Building, UCLA

www.astro.ucla.edu/planetarium

Public shows are hosted on Wednesday evenings. The shows are free, suitable for all ages, and are given by current astronomy graduate students. Shows include discussion about the night sky, constellations, astronomical phenomena, and more. On clear nights, visitors are invited to look through one of the department telescopes after the planetarium show. Private shows for educational groups are also available.

trains

Amtrak - 50% Off for Kids

(800) 872-7245 (USA-RAIL)

www.amtrak.com/everyday-discounts.html

Take short day-trips to Los Angeles, San Diego, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara, and other cities from local stations throughout Southern California. One child (ages 2-12) is eligible to receive a 50% discount on the lowest available adult rail fare on most Amtrak trains with each fare-paying adult (age 18+). Infants under 2 ride free. Kids ‘n’ Trains seasonal group discounts are also available. Restrictions apply, see website for details.

Go to the Kids Activity Center on their website for a variety of fun activities and games: www.amtrak.com/activity-center.

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

which tongue twister is the hardest according to the brainiacs at m.i.t.?

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 122-year-old funicular takes passengers between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill in Downtown L.A. Open daily, $1 each way.

Balboa Park Miniature Train

1800 Zoo Place, San Diego (619) 239-4748

www.tinyurl.com/BalboaParkMiniTrain

Operated by the San Diego Zoo, the Balboa Park Miniature Train takes riders on a three-minute, halfmile trip through four acres of Balboa Park. This rare, antique train is one of only 50 remaining G16 models. Located outside of the Zoo’s exit. Currently open weekends and holidays. Tickets are $3 for all ages.

El Dorado Frontier

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

A mini theme park inside El Dorado Park featuring the El Dorado Express, a vintage locomotive on a mileand-a-half track. The ride involves a narrated story about the history of the Gold Rush in California. Enjoy carnival games, panning for gold, riding a hand car mining buggy, and a carousel. Open weekends. General admission includes unlimited train, hand car, and carousel rides for the day. Birthday party packages are available, plus field trips and special events throughout the year. Fee to enter El Dorado Park applies.

El Dorado Park also offers a model boat launch, playground, picnic areas, nature center, bike rentals, skatepark, library, and more.

Fullerton Train Museum

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

Three historically significant preserved cabooses, representing the three transcontinental railroads that served Southern California from the 1920s through 1989, two 1940s Union Pacific lounge cars, and a 1951 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. Admission is free. Guided tours are available.

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

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! Open daily.

After riding the train, head over to Travel Town to explore the old-time railroad locomotives and cars.

Heritage Park Railroad Exhibit

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

www.tinyurl.com/HeritageParkRailExhibit

The Railroad Exhibit tells the story of the city’s railroad history through the restoration of the Santa Fe Railway depot, tracks, and signals. The center of the exhibit has a restored steam locomotive as well as

its tender, a refrigerated boxcar, and caboose. Small birthday parties can be held in the Train Caboose. Heritage Park also features a historic carriage barn, windmill, and plant conservatory. Picnic area onsite.

Irvine Park Railroad at Irvine Regional Park

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

The 1/3-scale train is located in the foothills of Orange and is open daily (weather permitting, excluding certain holidays). Special events and educational programs for children are held throughout the year. Party packages available. Sign up to receive coupons on their website.

Lomita Railroad Museum

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

Dedicated to the era of the steam engine, the Lomita Railroad Museum offers a 1902 steam locomotive, 1910 and 1949 caboose, Southern Pacific Tender, 1923 Oil Tank Car, 1913 Boxcar, 1881 Velocipede (hand car), and more. Group tours available; reservations must be made in advance. Check the website for special events throughout the year. Free admission and parking.

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

Irvine Regional Park also includes bike and paddle boat rentals, OC Zoo, and pony rides.

FULL

ACADEMY SCHOOLS

OASchools.com

Long

Bellflower Locations

(562) 426-6264

Limit 1 per student • Exp 12/31/23

See our ad on page 35; listing on page 40.

Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum

5202 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles

(323) 661-8958, www.lalsrm.org

Located in Griffith Park, the museum educates the public in railroad history and shows live steam, gas-mechanical and electric railroad technology in actual operation. Rides, on their 7.5-inch gauge model trains, are offered on Sundays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (weather permitting). $4 per person. They also have many historic exhibits, including full-size vintage train cars, a stationary steam plant, and Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn.

Metrolink - Kids Ride Free on Weekends

(800) 371-5465

www.metrolinktrains.com/kidsridefree

The promotion offers 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 so families, small and large, can have an affordable experience.

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

Orange County Model Engineers

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

OCME operates a 7.5-inch gauge railroad at Fairview Park. A typical trip takes about 12 minutes and covers 1.25 miles or two park loops. They welcome the public for free rides on the third weekend of every month, 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (weather permitting)

Donations are welcome to keep the trains running. Birthday party events are available on Saturdays. Reservations are required and should be booked well in advance. Children must be able to walk and be at least 31 inches tall to ride the trains.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Balboa Park, 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. Newest exhibit: “Transcontinental Railroads,” features the building of the 1,776-mile railroad. The museum also offers school and scout programs, and summer camps. Visit Educational Resources on their website for kid-friendly content and activities. 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. Birthday and group trains are also available on public train ride days. Donations appreciated. Visit their website or Facebook page for information on scout projects, special events, and holiday trains. Children must be able to walk on their own and be at least 32 inches tall to ride the trains.

Southern California Railway Museum

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

Weekend train and trolly rides. Ride streetcars, interurban electric cars, and trains on the Museum rail-

way on their 100-acre campus. Visit the collection of more than 200 streetcars and railway vehicles to experience the early days of electric, steam, and diesel railway transportation. Narrated tours are available. Parking, entry to grounds, and entry to open exhibits are free. A variety of special events, such as Day Out with Thomas in November, The Polar Express in December, and more are offered.

Check out the “Run One” program where kids age 5 and up (with parent) can take the throttle on one of five trains. It’s pricey, but your little engineer actually gets to be a real engineer for an hour!

Travel Town Museum and Railroad

5200 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles (818) 881-2586, www.traveltown.org

Located in Griffith Park, Travel Town is an outdoor museum with over 40 historic railroad locomotives and cars. Visitors can ride the 16-inch gauge miniature train around the museum and explore railroad locomotives and cars. The museum is free every day to all visitors, but donations are gratefully accepted. There is a fee to ride the train. Group tours and special play days for members are offered. Facility and birthday party rentals are available.

water parks

Drop Zone Waterpark

2165 Trumble Road, Perris (951) 988-3950, www.dropzonewaterpark.com

May 27 - September 4: Features two velocity slides, two mat racers, sand volleyball courts, lazy river, FlowRider surf machine, activity play structure, ground geysers, and a 50-meter competition pool. Lifeguard training and swimming lessons offered. Summer camps, cabana rentals, and birthday party packages available.

Great Wolf Lodge

12681 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove (888) 960-9653

www.greatwolf.com/southern-california

Indoor water park resort with themed suites, bowling alley, arcade, glowing mini golf, Build-a-Bear Workshop, and MagiQuest, a live-action game where kids embark on magical quests throughout the lodge. The 105,000-square-foot indoor water park is set at 84-degrees and features 14 slides and four pools for all thrill levels. Park day passes are available online.

Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags

26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia (661) 255-4100

www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharborla

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

Knott’s Soak City

8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park (714) 220-5200, www.knotts.com/soak-city

May 20 - September 10: A 15-acre water adventure park adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm. Soak City boasts pools and 23 speed, tube and body 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. Separate admission from Knott’s Berry Farm required. Season passes, fastlane wristbands, and cabana rentals available.

LEGOLAND Water Park

One Legoland Dr., Carlsbad (888) 690-5346

www.legoland.com/california/water-park

Open through October 29: Located inside LEGOLAND, the park features slides, sandy beaches, Surfer’s Cove, and CHIMA Water Park, comprising 10 acres of water fun. Hopper admission ticket is required for entry.

Newport Dunes’ Inflatable Waterpark

1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach (949) 729-3863, www.newportdunes.com/watersports

Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend: Located inside a secluded tranquil bay, the park is home to more than 15 large inflatables, including a 17-foot slide, two trampolines, two 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 20 - September 24: This 60-acre waterpark is home to more than 50 attractions, including Aqua Rocket, the state’s only hydromagnetic water coaster. The park also features a wide variety of tube and body slides ranging from mild to wild, the FlowRider surf simulator, a million-gallon wave pool and a lazy river. Check out website for promotions and deals.

Sesame Place

2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista (619) 943-3566, www.sesameplace.com/san-diego

May 26 - September 4: 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, included with admission, features family-friendly rides, shows and parades, and character meet-and-greets. Sesame Place is a Certified Autism Center and offers specialized services to guests with autism and other special needs. Special events offered throughout the year.

Splash! Buccaneer Bay Waterpark

13806 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada (562) 902-3191, www.splashlamirada.com

May 27 - September 4: Located inside La Mirada

Regional Aquatics Center, Buccaneer Bay is a familyoriented water park featuring a flowing river channel, three water slides, children’s interactive play structure, zero-depth beach entry, and two spray pad areas. Season passes, birthday party packages, cabana rentals, and group rates available. Swim lessons also offered.

The Adventure Lagoon

3255 E. Miraloma Ave., Anaheim (714) 983-7314, www.theadventurelagoon.com

Now Open: Floating aqua park that stays 74-78 degrees year round with an obstacle course and kid’s zone in shallow water filled with water trampolines, slides, pedal boats, and water sea-saws. Other activities include water volleyball, paddle boarding, kayaking, and bumper boats. Birthday parties available.

The Cove Waterpark

4310 Camino Real Road, Riverside (951) 360-1974, www.covewaterpark.com

May 27 - September 4: Attractions include Ne’er Endin’ River, Crow’s Nest Slides, Riptide Reef FlowRider, and Lil’ Mates’ Lagoon. Party packages, group rates, and cabana rentals available.

The Wave Waterpark

101 Wave Drive, Vista (760) 940-9283, www.thewavewaterpark.com

Season ends September 10: Waterpark with rides and attractions for the whole family, including rivers, slides, and a wave pool. Programs include swim lessons, water polo classes, junior lifeguards, and more. Birthday party packages also available.

Wild Rivers

10000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine (949) 749-1900, www.wildrivers.com

Open through October 1: Features more than 20 water rides and attractions on 20 acres, including a wave pool, quarter-mile long lazy river, water slides, and a large collection of family raft rides. Birthday party packages and cabana rentals available.

the weird, wacky & gross Answers!

animals eat poop!

Answer: B

Animals eat poop to get nutrients they couldn’t digest the first time around, says Bryan Amaral, the senior curator of animal care science at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C.

he ate what?

Answer: E

Oleg Zhornitskiy holds the record of eating 128 oz. of mayonnaise in 8 mins. He is the undisputed World Mayonnaise Eating Champion!

tongue twisters

Answer: B

Pad kid poured curd pulled cod. Do you think this is the hardest tongue twister?

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

giraffe tongues

Answer: E

All of the above! Giraffes use their giant tongues to go rummaging for boogies, clean their ears, grab leaves, and even have special protection from thorns.

fart facts

Answer: C

Humans pass gas 14-21 times a day on average. That adds up to about 41,000 times over your lifetime! Whew!

get buggy

Answer: All of the above! Bugs are all the buzz!

featured

spotlight!

with kidsguide partners

Education guide

Elementary Schools, Preschools & Enrichment

• Applied Music Studio

10900 Los Alamitos Blvd., Suite 203, Los Alamitos (562) 596-1287, www.appliedmusicstudio.com

MUSIC - 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 37 with coupon.

• Art Steps

1525 Mesa Verde Drive E, #119, Costa Mesa 18212 Imperial Hwy., Yorba Linda 24741 Alicia Pkwy., Suite G, Laguna Hills (714) 524-2248, www.artstepsclasses.com

ART INSTRUCTION - At Art Steps, students work step-by-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, Monster 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 (see page 41) are also available. Ask about a free introductory art class! See ad on page 12.

• Blue Submarine (562) 494-0242, www.thebluesubmarine.com

STEM - The Blue Submarine is a marine biology outreach 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. 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 38.

• Kelly Summer Vocal Studio Long Beach (562) 833-6444, www.kellysummermusic.com

MUSIC - Voice lessons for kids and adults who want to improve their singing abilities are offered by Kelly Summer Vocal Studio. Kelly Summer is a career singer and voice teacher with a Masters Degree in vocal performance, and over 25 years experience as a voice teacher, and performer. She is dedicated to staying on the cutting edge of vocal science, vocal pedagogy, and current industry trends. “Singing is my gift—teaching others to sing is my passion.” — Kelly Summer. See ad on page 39.

• 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 20.

• 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 on page 35; discount coupon on page 38.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Details are subject

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.

• YMCA of Greater Long Beach Preschools (562) 279-1624, www.LBymca.org/ece

PRESCHOOLS - Accepting new enrollments now! 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 30.

family guide

Pediatrics, Orthodontics

Counseling & Resources

health providers:

• American Pediatrics 22 Odyssey, Suite 230, Irvine (949) 336-1112, www.americanpediatrics.com

PEDIATRICS - American Pediatrics offers holistic care to newborns, adolescents, and teenagers. Under the care of highly-skilled and compassionate pediatricians, the practice focuses on providing per-

sonalized care that addresses not only your child’s physical health, but also their emotional, behavioral, and social wellbeing. Services include vaccinations and immunizations, free consultation for expecting parents, ADHD and ADD diagnosis and treatment, same day appointments, and walk-ins. American Pediatrics accepts most insurance plans (including Medi-Cal) and offers affordable cash-pay options for their services. Call today to schedule your child’s visit. Your child’s health is their top priority, satisfaction guaranteed. See ad on page 27.

• Chang Orthodontics

4608 Katella Ave., Suite 201, Los Alamitos (562) 430-0541, www.changorthodontics.com

ORTHODONTIST - Their goal is to provide patients with the right combination of advanced orthodontic technology and a personal human touch. By placing an emphasis on communication, they strive to ensure every patient understands what it takes to make a healthy, beautiful smile. They also want to provide you with the highest quality orthodontic care in a family-friendly, fun and cooperative environment. Drs. Russell Chang and Christine Chung use only proven techniques and technology, and tailor treatment for each patient’s specific needs and concerns. See ad on page 23.

• Garlington Orthodontics for Children & Adults

5479 E. Abbeyfield, Suite #1, Long Beach (562) 439-4553, www.drg4smiles.com

ORTHODONTIST - At Garlington Orthodontics, you are always greeted with a smile and a warm welcome when you set foot in their office. They take pride in providing the best care in both a friendly and comfortable environment. Some of the latest technological advances, such as digital imaging, advanced computer graphics, and iTero (Digital Impression System), have allowed them to become experts in a variety of treatments. Dr. Garlington is a top 1% provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. They believe that every patient should be treated like family with the utmost attention and care. Whether you are a child, teen or adult, their knowledgeable doctor, and team are committed to helping you achieve your dream smile. See ad with discount coupon on page 15.

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 ageappropriate activities, toys and parenting resources. 4900 Airport Plaza, Suite 100, Long Beach; 333 South Anita Drive, Suite 350, Orange. See ad on pages 24 and 25.

• Connie Wax, LCSW #27430

Individual, Couple, Family and Child Counselor 5182 Katella, Suite 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 15 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 31.

party guide

Party Places, Entertainers & Vendors

• 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 $36.95 per person (prices subject to change without notice). See ad on page 19.

• Art Steps

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

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

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

Art Steps teaches realistic classical drawing and painting skills for ages four to adult. Get hands-on guidance in their Costa Mesa, Yorba Linda or Laguna Hills art studios. Birthday parties or scout classes at Art Steps are fun, mini art classes. Each child proudly brings home a beautiful, finished drawing in crayon, marker or pastel, as a party favor or as work toward an art badge. See ad on page 12.

• 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 28.

• 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! See ad on page 20.

• Brettso the Great Los Angeles & Orange County Magician (714) 392-2270, www.brettsothegreat.com

Brettso the Great is a professional magician specializing in entertaining children and family audiences! If you’re hosting your kids’ birthday and need someone to keep your guests entertained, not only can he help you do that, but he can also make your kids birthday the most fun and unforgettable event ever! Brettso performs over 200 magic shows a year for children’s birthday parties, preschools, daycare facilities and other family-friendly events in the Orange County and Los Angeles area. To get started, please go to his website and click on “Birthday Party Packages and Pricing” and find the right birthday party package for your child’s party. You can also book online, too. See ad on page 37.

• East West Ice Palace

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

Fun party package includes public skating admission, private party room, pizza, cake, soft drinks, party decor, plus skate time. Skating lessons available upon request. Also offers public skating and skating classes for kids (3+) and adults. See Skating Rinks on page 35; ad on page 33.

• 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 par-

ty or scouting event at Golf N' Stuff Family Fun Park! Pizza Party packages can include easy or challenging miniature golf and exciting rides, including go-karts, 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 the back inside cover, and ad with coupons on page 29.

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center Long Beach 3287 Industry Drive, near Redondo and Stearns 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 actionpacked 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 17.

• Skatedogs - Skateboarding (714) 313-8787, www.skatedogs.com Skatedogs comes to your home with portable ramps and rails to create a custom skatepark for a one-ofa-kind birthday party. Guests can ride ramps and get skateboarding tips from an experienced instructor. See ad on page 19.

cool products

Kid-Friendly Goods

• 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? 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 back cover.

recreation guide City Recreation Programs

• 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 6), dance (ballet/tap, Polynesian, hip hop, jazz and tap and ballet club), flag football, horseback riding, martial arts (karate), music (drums, guitar, ukulele, piano, and musical theater), drama club, soccer, swim instruction, tennis, and volleyball. Visit their website for events and classes. See ad on page 27.

• 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 6), cooking, no-cost drop-in after-school programs, 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 5). 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 20August 25, 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 20 -  August 26, 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

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

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.

sports guide

Horseback Riding, Swim, Skateboarding & Tennis

• 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 31.

• Golden West Swim Lessons

15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach (714) 895-8228, www.GWCswim.com

SWIM INSTRUCTION - Group and private swim lessons are offered June 26 - August 3 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 21.

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center Long Beach 3287 Industry Drive, near Redondo and Stearns www.mygym.com/longbeach

GYMNASTICS - Try Unlimited Classes and Unlimited Practice and Plays for two weeks for just $29! Offer ends soon. From first steps to Ninja courses, kids thrive at My Gym through active play, socialization with their peers, and fun-filled games and activities. They offer non-competitive, basic gymnastics and tumbling. They are continuing to clean and sanitize frequently to ensure everyone stays healthy. Masks are optional, but recommended to help reduce the spread of colds, the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Start today and create “moments that matter!” Summer camps are also offered, see page 7. See ad on page 17.

• Sandie Mercer Ranch at Lakewood Equestrian Center 11369 Carson St., Lakewood (562) 425-1905

HORSEBACK RIDING - Private and group instruction (6+) for Western, English and Jumping. Beginner through advanced lessons can be arranged to fit your schedule. Lessons are available six days a week on your horse or theirs. The new “Introduction to Horses” class, by scheduled appointment, includes safety and basic in-hand ground work and care, as well as basic riding. Summer camps also available (see page 8), plus programs for scout groups earning merit badges. Enjoy horses and horseback riding in a quiet country setting. Email: sandiejmercer@gmail. com. See ad on page 33.

• Skatedogs - Skateboarding (714) 313-8787, www.skatedogs.com

SKATEBOARDING - After-school and weekend classes in skateboarding, one of the world’s fastest growing sports. Offered in conjunction with the recreation departments of Aliso Viejo, Arcadia, Beverly Hills, Brea, Cerritos, Cypress, Glendora, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Lakewood, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, 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 private lessons, birthday parties (see page 42) and camps during school breaks (see page 8). See ad on page 19.

• Tennis Anyone - Lessons & Camps (909) 625-2060, www.tennisanyone.info

TENNIS - For the past 25 years Tennis Anyone has proudly offered year-round tennis lessons to communities throughout Southern California. Their mission is simple, to share the sport of tennis with students of all ages and levels in a meaningful and engaging manner. The main goal, through their compelling approach, is to inspire within their stu dents a shared love for the sport of ten nis that will last a lifetime. The motto at Tennis Anyone is more "Fun, Fitness, and Friendships for a Lifetime Through Ten nis." Year-round tennis lessons are offered in 10 cities: Alham bra, Arcadia, Brea, Chino Hills, Corona, Diamond Bar, Eastvale, La Verne, Huntington Beach, and Yorba Linda. For schedules, registration, and additional information, visit www.TennisAnyone.info, or email questions@tennisanyone.info. See you on the courts! Summer camps are also of fered, see page 8.

upcoming summer events!

• Long Beach Ballet's Sleeping Beauty

June 3-4: David Wilcox, creator of the "Long Beach Nutcracker," is now putting his magic touch on "Sleeping Beauty," Tchaikovsky's second ballet masterpiece. Don't miss this enchanting and captivating retelling of the classic fairy tale. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. Tickets, $45-95. www.longbeachballet.com/ sleeping-beauty. See ad on page 23.

Pacific Islander Festival in Long Beach

June 3-4: Enjoy a day of traditional music and dance, cultural displays, and craft demonstrations celebrating Pacific Islander cultures, including Hawaiian, Tahitian, Samoan, Chamorro, Marshallese, and Maori. Included with general admission. Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. www. aquariumofpacific.org

Bowers Museum Free Family Festivals

June 4: Reggae Summerfest

July 16: Celebration of Indian Culture

August 6: American Blues & Jazz Festival

Enjoy a full day of fun with face painting, art projects, live performances, and more. Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana. www.bowers.org. Free.

Meet the Grunion at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

June 5 & 19: Watch silvery fish come up on the beach to spawn. Explore the aquarium, see a short film, and participate in a staff-led observation. 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro. Admission: $7 adults, $3 children. www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org

Family Festival: Medieval Play at The Getty Center

June 11 & July 9: Arrive in costume or create your own in a medieval village. Learn a courtly dance, sing with wandering minstrels, and meet Angel, a medieval-breed pony. Play traditional games, try sword fighting, or storm the castle with foam swords and shields. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. www. getty.edu. Free.

Fountain Valley Summerfest

June 15-18: Carnival rides, games, tasty eats, live performances, and vendors, plus fireworks show on Friday and Drone Light Show on Saturday. Admission: $5, children 5 and under are free. Carnival rides and wristbands sold separately. Fountain Valley Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley. www.summerfestfv.com

Irvine Greek Fest

June 16-18: Enjoy Greek food, live music, folk dancing, market place, kids' play zone, and church tours. Admission: $3, children under 10 and military families are free. Dads get free admission on Father's Day. St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Pkwy., Irvine. www.irvinegreekfest.com

Taste of Japan in Anaheim

June 16-17: Enjoy Japanese foods, pop culture, anime, cosplay, entertainment, including Japanese drummers, martial artists, and lots more. Anaheim GardenWalk, 400 W. Disney Way, Anaheim. www. tasteofjpn.com. Free.

Community Tall Ship Sails in San Pedro

June 18: Grads & Dads Sail

June 19: Juneteenth Fireworks Sail

June 24: Seafarer Sail

July 4: Fireworks Sail

August 26: End of Summer Sail

Celebrate holidays by sailing the LA Waterfront aboard a tall ship. Los Angeles Maritime Institute, Berth 73, Suite 2, San Pedro. Tickets, $60-75 adults and $30 children. www.lamitopsail.org

Technology Fair

at Drum Barracks Civil War Museum

June 24: Explore the science and technology of the 19th century. Learn about wet-plate photography, telegraph, iron clad ships and submarines, and other innovations. Talk to a blacksmith, learn how food was prepared for soldiers, watch a canon being fired, and go on self-guided tours of the museum. 1052 N. Banning Blvd., Wilmington. www.thedrumbarracks.org. Free.

Civic Center Block Party in Lakewood

June 24: Family fun, a rockin' good time, and a big professional fireworks show. Enjoy the Family Fun Zone activity area and a wide variety of food booths and trucks. Civic Center Block (on Clark Ave. to Del Amo Blvd.). www.lakewoodcity.org. Free.

Super Swim Lesson & Splash-In Movie

June 30: Participate in a worldwide effort to raise awareness for drowning prevention. Sign up for a one-time lesson, then stay for free recreational swim with water slide, inflatable, diving boards, plus movie screening of Encanto at dusk. www. cityorirvine.org

Pirate Invasion Long Beach

July 8-9: Join the largest gathering of pirates and scallywags with sword fights, cannon and musket blazing, interactive kids' zone, vendors, live entertainment, living history encampment, and a mermaid cove. Shoreline Aquatic Park, 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. Tickets: $20/adults, $10/children (12 and under). www.pirateinvasionlongbeach.com

OC Fair: Happy Together

July 14 - August 13: The annual OC Fair returns to OC Fair & Event Center with over 60 carnival rides, your favorite fair foods, special exhibits, action sports arena, and live performances at the Pacific Amphitheater and The Hangar. See livestock, participate in activities and demos, and support local artisans and vendors. Tickets, $9-15. Children 5 and younger are free. www.ocfair.com/oc-fair

Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Concert at Hollywood Bowl

August 4-5: Journey through the most iconic song and film moments, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Fantasia to The Little Mermaid and Encanto. Join the LA Phil and special guests artists for an experience under the stars, complete with magical film clips on the big screen. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. Tickets: $15-79. www.hollywoodbowl.com

Rocket Fever at Columbia Memorial Space Center

August 12: Fly your own, build your own, and learn all about rockets. 12400 Columbia Way, Downey. www.columbiaspacescience.org