Weekend Events for Families in Orange County

Weekend Events for Families in Orange County – February 29 & March 1, 2020. Here are the top fun things to do in Orange County this weekend. There is something for everyone! All the events on this list are happening here in the OC this Saturday and Sunday…some are even FREE!

(To submit your event, email jillparkin@gmail.com by the Wednesday before your event.)

Things to Do in Orange County This Weekend

Knott’s Peanuts Celebration
Knott’s Berry Farm | All Day
Knott’s Berry Farm will kick Seasons of Fun with the Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration, uniquely dedicated to celebrating the beloved PEANUTS characters. Guests can step inside the pages of a Charles M. Schulz comic strip as the PEANUTS characters take over the entire park. PEANUTS inspired decor and comic strip elements will provide the perfect animated backdrop for your fun Instagram pics. New character experiences, activities, live entertainment, and deliciously themed-treats will top off this whimsical celebration.

Irvine Park Railroad Anniversary Celebration
Irvine Regional Park | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Celebrate the Irvine Park Railroad’s 24th year of business, they are showing their appreciation by rolling back to their original 1996 prices! The cost is $2 per train ticket; this price is valid during the Anniversary Celebration weekend only, Feb. 29-March 1, 2020. Coupons, discounts, and any other promotions are not valid on the Anniversary Celebration dates. Parking: $5 per vehicle FREE

Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Weekend!
Pretend City | 10:00am – 4:00pm
We’ll read, learn, and play, shout, “hip-hip-hooray!” In honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, we are celebrating all weekend long with classic stories, whacky activities, and special appearances by some of your favorite characters.

Chance Theater Family Series presents: A Wrinkle in Time
Chance Theater | Times Vary
One dark and stormy night, the eccentric Mrs. Whatsit arrives at the home of Meg Murry, a young teen who doesn’t fit in at her New England high school. Meg’s scientist Father vanished over two years ago, under mysterious circumstances. Aided by Mrs. Whatsit and her friends, Meg, her gifted brother Charles Wallace, and her friend Calvin are transported through time and space on a mission to rescue their Father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet. John Glore’s delightful, wildly theatrical adaptation brings Madeleine L’Engle’s acclaimed story magically to life. Recommendation: Ages 4 and up. Great for the entire family.

Planetarium Shows
OCC Planetarium
In January there are two brand new programs for audiences of all ages! The Sun: Our Living Star explores the life cycle of stars and it impacts our lives on Earth. From Earth to the Universe takes from our backyards to explore the cosmos and all the incredible phenomena that share it with us.
Tickets for all these programs are available now! Public programs are a cornerstone of the Planetarium’s mission. Come enjoy a rotating schedule of breathtaking full-dome experiences.

Discover Nature Family Program
Oak Canyon Nature Center | 10:30am
Join staff of Oak Canyon Nature Center weekend mornings for an hour long, naturalist-led hike through Oak Canyon and a live animal demonstration themed to the Canyon’s plants, animals, history, ecology, and more! Admission is free but a $5 per family is suggested. FREE

The Ecology Center
The Ecology Center | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Every Saturday and Sunday – explore The Ecology Center and all it has to offer! Open for self-guided exploration. Be sure to check their calendar for workshops and events happening every weekend! FREE

Things to Do in Orange County This Saturday

Peter and the Wolf
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall | 10:00am & 11:30am
Join Peter and his brave animal friends on an adventure to outsmart the Big Bad Wolf! The Magic Circle Mime Co. and the colorful characters of the orchestra bring this timeless symphonic fairytale to life! A fun and fascinating 45-minute concert designed especially for children 5-11. Enjoy FREE interactive activities in the lobby inspired by each concert’s theme! Featuring family-friendly arts and crafts, an instrument petting zoo, and opportunities to meet Symphony musicians, local performing groups, and more!

GEM Fest
Sage Hill School, Newport Beach | 8:30am – 2:00pm & 7:00pm
GEMfest is more than a conference — it is a festive celebration where middle school girls can get information and inspiration to take on middle school, high school and the world! GEMfest attendees will hear inspiring keynote speeches, learn about local businesses and non-profit organizations at our marketplace and attend their choice of hands-on workshops teaching skills for success such as public speaking, finding your drive, coding or self defense.

Beachside Chat
Crystal Cove State Park | Noon – 3:00pm
Stop by Ranger Alex’s Beachside Chat table and learn about some of the fun and interesting animals that live at Crystal Cove State Park. Find Alex and her bounty of nature props near the Historic District Education Commons by the Beachcomber Cafe. Park in the Los Trancos lot (PCH inland at stoplight Los Trancos then walk through the tunnel or take the shuttle.) $15 day-use fee. FREE

Aquatic Center Open House
City of Aliso Viejo, 12 Journey, Ste 100, Aliso Viejo | 1:00 – 3:00pm
This fun-filled FREE event features a water slide, 10-minute swim lessons, vendor booths, swim lesson discounts and deals and much more. Mark your calendar and save the date! FREE

Leap Day Bluff and Beach Sunset walk
Crystal Cove State Park | 4:30pm
Join park naturalists for a Leap Day Bluff and Beach Sunset walk. Bring a camera and binoculars as we will search for migrating gray whales, birds, and watch the sunset. Walk will be on the beach, and both paved and dirt roads on the bluff. Dress in layers and bring water and a snack. Meet at Pelican Point parking lot #2, at the top of the boardwalk near the parking lot (PCH coastward at Newport Coast, right at kiosk to first lot.) $15 day-use fee. FREE

Anaheim Ducks Visit the OC Zoo
Anaheim Ducks Visit the OC Zoo | 10:30am – 12:30pm
OC Parks and the Anaheim Ducks have teamed up to provide kids and families a chance to meet former Stanley Cup champion Kent Huskins! Join us for a live animal presentation with the Ducks player in the story time area of the OC Zoo. Free zoo admission for every visitor who wears Ducks gear. Following the presentation, Kent Huskins will be available for photos for one hour. There will also be fun Ducks giveaways including hats, bobble legs and pennants while supplies last. Wild Wing will also be in attendance! Parking: Free for event. Zoo Admission: Free for event if wearing Anaheim Ducks gear. Regular fee is $2 per person ages 3 and over; Ages 2 years and under are free. FREE

Cruise to South OC Cars & Coffee
Anaheim Ducks Visit the OC Zoo | 7:30 – 11:00am
Come join us on February 29th for a cruise to South OC Cars and Coffee with professional rolling shots & photography on the way down with more photo ops at South OC Cars & Coffee! *All makes & models are welcome!* South OC Cars and Coffee is the US’s largest weekly car meet that attracts a mix of 500-1000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4×4’s and motor cycles. No registration is required & spectators are welcome!FREE

Free Art Workshops
Lions Park, Costa Mesa | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Learn the art of paper folding and create your very own leaping frog and a watercolor waterscape background. Register online at www.cmclassesonline.com using class code 15218. FREE

Pokémon Day Celebration, Raid, And Cosplay Contest
Requiem: Coffee, Tea, and Fantasy | 7:00pm – 11:59pm
Pokémon Day is being celebrated on February the 29th at Requiem to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the incomparable Pokémon legacy. We will be having special events, food, drinks, and prizes all day! As a Pokémon GO! gym we will be be holding a community raid at 8pm. We will have a special food and drink menu including an Eeveelution Spin-The-Wheel drink minigame! We invite cosplayers to come in cosplay and participate in our cosplay contest for prizes!

Wyland’s Whale and Dolphin Adventure Art Lesson
Dana Wharf | 9:00am
Art Lesson begins at 9 am followed by a 2 hour whale watching trip from 10 am – 12 noon. Participating families receive priority VIP boarding. Art lesson takes place inside the Dana Pride’s spacious salon and is limited to 20 children each week. Cost: $5 donation* includes art lesson and 2-hour whale watching adventure package for children ages 3-12 (a $29 value). The entire $5 art lesson fee will benefit Wyland’s Foundation.

Free Crafts
Lakeshore Learning Centers Laguna Hills and Fountain Valley | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Make fun seasonal crafts. No reservations necessary FREE

Animal Feeding Day at Bolsa Chica Conservancy
Bolsa Chica Conservancy, Huntington Beach | 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Come join us to learn more about the animals at our interpretive center! During the feeding, we will cover feeding habits and general biology and anatomy of our reptiles and marine animals! *Please note: snake feedings involve live mice.* FREE

See Classic Cars at Donut Derelicts
Donut Derelicts
Each Saturday morning, car enthusiasts from all over gather in the parking lot of Adams Ave Donuts to enjoy a donut, a cup of coffee and a spectacle of hot rods and classic cars. FREE

Things to Do in Orange County This Sunday

Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival
Bowers Museum | 11:00am – 3:30pm
Enjoy a full day of fun for the entire family! Each festival includes complimentary face painting, art projects, live performances, and a unique treat! Celebrate Japanese art and culture with Taiko drums, traditional dance, and special treats by Shan, the magnificent candy sculptor.

Winter Wonderland 2020
Ocean Ranch at Bear Brand HOA Community Pool Area | 1:00am – 4:00pm
20 tons of real snow, two giant snow slides and plenty of snow for snow play. Build your own snowman. Tacos, popcorn and snow cones, cookies and hot chocolate/coffee to warm you up will be provided. There will also be margaritas for the adults.

U-Pick Strawberry
Tanaka Farms, Irvine | Times Vary
Strawberry Picking Tours include: a guided wagon ride around the farm with samples of produce right out in the fields where it grows, the last stop is in the Strawberry Fields, where you can pick and eat as many strawberries as you wish! all you can, and fill a 1 pound basket to bring home.

U-Pick Vegetable Tours
Tanaka Farms, Irvine | Times Vary
This is a FREE*, guided wagon ride around the farm, where you will be able to pick your own fresh fruits and vegetables in the field! This tour takes 45 min to 1 1/4 hours. Remember to wear closed-toe shoes as you will be walking through the fields which may be muddy and uneven. Also, the wagon ride and fields are not shaded, so hats and sunscreen are recommended.

Farmers Market at Orange County Great Park
Orange County Great Park | 10:00am – 2:30pm
Sundays at the Orange County Great Park are headlined by fresh produce and fun at our Certified Farmers Market. Every week, the Great Park Certified Farmers Market features fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables; handcrafted artisan products; and a selection of gourmet food trucks. Take home fresh produce grown on the Great Park Farm and other local farms. Explore the Farm + Food Lab and get home gardening tips from master gardeners from the University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Free Concert at Richard Nixon Library
Richard Nixon Library | 1:30 – 4:30pm
Concerts are generally held Sundays and are free and open to the public. Doors open at 1:30 pm, and the music begins at 2:00 pm unless otherwise noted. The schedule is subject to change. FREE

Ranger Led Hike
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park | 8:00 – 9:15am
Join OC Parks rangers for a one-mile nature hike in the beautiful Bell Canyon area of Caspers Wilderness Park. The hike lasts approximately one hour and is suitable for all ages. Contact park office for hike updates. Parking: $5 per vehicle (day use fee). Meet at the Old Corral Day Use Area. FREE