Orange County Weekend Events for Families & Kids

(Updated September 2026)

Find the best Orange County weekend events for families happening September 18-20, 2026. This week's list includes fun things to do with kids, local festivals, community events, and plenty of free family-friendly activities.

Looking for free family-friendly weekend events in Orange County? This guide makes it easy to find activities for kids, community celebrations, food trucks, live music, craft fairs, and more happening around OC. Events are organized by date so you can quickly plan your Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Be sure to check each event's website for the latest times, locations, and details.

To submit a weekend event, email jill@sandytoesandpopsicles.com.

Jump to: All Weekend · Friday · Saturday · Sunday

Things to Do in Orange County - All Weekend

🎃 Orange County Halloween Events

List of all the Halloween Events happening in Orange County for 2026. Listed by city!

🍎 Apple Picking in Oak Glen

You guide to the best apple picking in Oak Glen and beyond!

🎃 Orange County Pumpkin Patches

You guide to the best apple picking in Oak Glen and beyond!

📚 Orange County Storytimes

Huge list of every story time in Orange County.

📚 OC Public Library FREE Events

Here you will find all the family-friendly library events in your Orange County library.

Free Miniature Train Rides at Fairview Park (Costa Mesa)

📅 September 19-20, 2026
📍 Goat Hill Junction at Fairview Park
2500 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA
💰 FREE

If you haven't been to the Goat Hill Junction Railroad to ride the miniature train rides yet, I highly recommend checking them out. I feel that these little trains are one of the hidden gems of Orange County. There is a height requirement and kids must be able to sit by themselves. Bring a picnic!

🎈Festival of Children (Costa Mesa)

📅 September 5-27, 2026
📍 South Coast Plaza - Crystal Court
1621 W Sunflower Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92704

Celebrate the 25th Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza during National Child Awareness Month. Enjoy free family-friendly performances, hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and inspiring experiences while discovering nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. Join us throughout September to connect, learn, and celebrate the people and programs building brighter futures in our community.

🎃 Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch (Irvine)

📅 September 12-November 1, 2026
📍 Tanaka Farms
5380 ¾ University Drive, Irvine, CA

Experience the joy of picking your own pumpkin right from the patch at Tanaka Farms, one of the only real pumpkin patches in Orange County! Enjoy wagon rides, arts and crafts, and even a pumpkin cannon! Also, Monday through Thursday all day, and Friday mornings before noon, you can explore our U-Pick Pumpkin Fields, Barnyard Educational Exhibit, Wagon Rides, Corn Maze, and U-Pick Veggie Patch. It's fun for the whole family! Parking passes required Friday-Sunday.

🎃 Irvine Park Pumpkin Patch (Orange)

📅 September 12-October 31, 2026
📍 Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

Irvine Park Railroad's Pumpkin Patch in Orange County is fun for the entire family. Come out and enjoy the many activities for kids of all ages. Train rides, hay rides, carnival games, face painting, cookie decorating and more. The Pumpkin Patch is located just behind the train station and admission is FREE.

🎃 Roger's Gardens Halloween Boutique 'Midnight Masquerade' (Corona del Mar)

📅 August 29-October 31, 2026
📍 Roger's Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona del Mar, CA 92625

Step into a season of mystery, enchantment, and Venetian intrigue. This Halloween, Roger's Gardens unveils Moonlight Masquerade, a boutique inspired by the romance of Venice after dark. Enter beneath the Bridge of Sighs, follow the glow of candlelight, and step inside the Palazzo of Whispers, where a menagerie of curiosities, gilded masks, dramatic Original Designs, and enchanting seasonal Halloween collections.

🪅 The Royal Duck (Santa Ana)

📅 August 28-September 27, 2026
📍 MainPlace Mall
2800 N Main St., Santa Ana, CA

Jump in, bounce around, and let the fun begin! The Royal Duck is bringing an exciting inflatable bounce house park to MainPlace for a fun-filled experience the whole family can enjoy! Families can stop by and enjoy a variety of inflatable attractions designed for kids to jump, play, and have a blast.

🎭 SUGAR SKULL! A Día De Muertos Musical Adventure (Costa Mesa)

📅 September 19-20, 2026
📍 Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Experience the magic, music, and heart of SUGAR SKULL! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure-a joyful, high-energy bilingual production for families and young audiences. When twelve-year-old Vita Flores questions why her family celebrates Día de Muertos, a lively candy skeleton whisks her into a vibrant world where ancestors dance, legends come to life, and tradition takes center stage. Featuring stunning regional Mexican music and dance, eye-popping visuals, and unforgettable characters, this uplifting journey helps audiences discover the meaning behind this beloved holiday.

🥨 Oktoberfest at Old World (Huntington Beach)

📅 September 12-November 8, 2026
📍 The Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach
7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach, CA

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Old World Huntington Beach with authentic German food, live music, dancing, festive entertainment and plenty of Oktoberfest fun! Held Wednesdays through Sundays, the celebration includes both family-friendly days and 21+ evening festivities.

Things to Do in Orange County - Friday

🍂 Wild Tales (Newport Beach)

📅 Friday, September 18 2026
📍 Upper Newport Bay
2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA
💰 FREE

Wild Tales is offered every Friday from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

🎃 Scales & Tails Preschool Program (Orange)

📅 Friday, September 18 2026
📍 Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo creatures up close! Program is for ages 3-4 years old ONLY. Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program. Phone registration is required.

🍂 Tot Walk (Laguna Niguel)

📅 Friday, September 18, 2026
📍 Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA92677

Join OC Parks naturalists and bring your young ones to explore Aliso's wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and creek where we will see bugs, plants and birds while exploring!

🍂 Wild North America Preschool Program (Orange)

📅 Friday, September 18, 2026
📍 Irvine Park
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo creatures up close! Program is for ages 3-4 years old ONLY. Cost is $5 per child. Phone registration is required.

🍂 Jr. Ranger Adventure: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (Laguna Beach)

📅 Friday, September 18, 2026
📍 Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging and becoming a part of nature! Participants will explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

🚘 Main Street Classic Car Show (Garden Grove)

📅 Every Friday
📍 Historic Main Street
Garden Grove, CA
💰 FREE

The Main Street Classic Car Show is the longest-running car show in Orange County. With roughly 50 parking spaces, and the show running every Friday, you're bound to catch a wide variety of rides on display.

Things to Do in Orange County - Saturday

🎃 The Great Pumpkin Weigh Off (Orange)

📅 September 19, 2026
📍 Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

Join us to see if pumpkin growers have what it takes to win a prize for growing the largest pumpkins. On this day only, we will have a lot of giant pumpkins. All Pumpkin Patch activities will be open and can be enjoyed by all visitors.

Royal Tea Party (Mission Viejo)

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 Mission Viejo Library
100 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
💰 FREE

Royal guests of all ages can join us for a magical tea party featuring crafts and games. Dress-up attire is encouraged!

🎣 Starr Party (Fountain Valley)

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 Caspers Wilderness Park
33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, CA92675
💰 FREE

Embark on a journey through the stars at a Starr Party! Join us outdoors for the Starr Party, where telescopes and expert guidance will help you explore the night sky until approximately 9 p.m. The program features interactive activities, perfect for families and space enthusiasts of all ages. Equipment will be provided but feel free to bring binoculars, telescopes or cameras.

🍂 Family Hike: Baker Canyon (Silverado)

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 Baker Canyon
13333 Black Star Canyon Road, Silverado, CA 92676
💰 FREE

Enjoy an afternoon family hike in Baker Canyon, part of OC Parks' Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will hike along a flat trail as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. The hike will average 2 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower-paced and level hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike. Registration required.

🍂 Jr. Ranger Adventure: Santiago Oaks Regional Park (Orange)

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 Santiago Oaks Regional Park
,2145 Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869
💰 FREE

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging and becoming a part of nature! Participants will explore Santiago Oaks Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

📚 Storytime and Activity at Barnes & Noble (Fullerton)

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 Barnes & Noble Fullerton - Amerige Heights Town Center
1923 West Malvern Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92833
💰 FREE

Join us for Storytime every Saturday in our Kids department! Fun activities will vary from book to book! Parents/guardians must attend with their kiddos!

📚 Storytime and Activity at Barnes & Noble (Tustin)

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 Barnes & Noble Tustin - The District Tustin Legacy
2857 Park Avenue Suite #M0004, Tustin, CA 92782
💰 FREE

Join us for Storytime every Saturday in our Kids department! Fun activities will vary from book to book! Parents/guardians must attend with their kiddos!

📚 Storytime and Activity at Barnes & Noble (Orange)

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 Barnes & Noble Orange - Outlets at Orange
20 City Blvd W. Suite 1000, Orange, CA 92868
💰 FREE

Join us for Storytime every Saturday in our Kids department! Fun activities will vary from book to book! Parents/guardians must attend with their kiddos!

📚 Storytime and Activity at Barnes & Noble (Aliso Viejo)

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 Barnes & Noble Aliso Viejo - Aliso Viejo Town Center
26751 Aliso Creek RoadAliso Viejo, CA 92656
💰 FREE

Join us for Storytime every Saturday in our Kids department! Fun activities will vary from book to book! Parents/guardians must attend with their kiddos!

📚 Storytime and Activity at Barnes & Noble (Huntington Beach)

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 Barnes & Noble Huntington Beach - Bella Terra
7881 Edinger Ave. #110, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
💰 FREE

Join us for Storytime every SaturdaSaturday, September 19, 2026y in our Kids department! Fun activities will vary from book to book! Parents/guardians must attend with their kiddos!

🏹 Archery for 10 and up (Anaheim Hills)

📅 Every Saturday Morning
📍 Oak Canyon Nature Center
6700 E Walnut Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92807

Do you know how to shoot a bullseye? Join us for open range archery and we will teach you the basic skills needed to point, aim, and shoot an arrow. We will cover the correct way to draw a bow and talk about range safety. Ages 10 and up.

🚘 Anaheim GardenWalk Cars, Coffee & Culture (Anaheim)

📅 Every Saturday Morning
📍 Anaheim GardenWalk
400 Disney Way Anaheim, CA
💰 FREE

California's only indoor covered Cars & Coffee event! Every Saturday morning, call GardenWalk your home cars & coffee or simply stop by and bring your crowd for a covered C&C late morning gathering. All makes, models, projects, and finished builds are welcome. Enter at Clementine Street north (Clementine & Disney Way).

🚘 South OC Cars and Coffee (San Clemente)

📅 Every Saturday Morning
📍 Outlets at San Clemente
101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA 92672
💰 FREE

The name says you'll find cars and coffee there. But you'll also find people and conversations. And those conversations will cover anything from powertrains to politics.

🚘 Exotics & Espresso (Irvine)

📅 Every Saturday Morning
📍 Eurocar
150 Progress, Irvine, CA 92618
💰 FREE

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.

🚘 Classic Cars at Donut Derelicts (Huntington Beach)

📅 Every Saturday Morning
📍 Donut Derelicts
9015 Adams Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
💰 FREE

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.

Things to Do in Orange County - Sunday

🚘 Open House at the Heritage Museum of Orange County (Santa Ana)

📅 September 20, 2026
📍 Heritage Museum of OrangeCounty
3101 W Harvard Street, Santa Ana, CA 92704

Enjoy fun Open House activities such as guided Docent and self led historic 1898 Kellogg House tours; self led nature walks through our 12 acre Museum grounds; demos from the OC Blacksmith Guild in our Blacksmith Shop and more!

More Fun Things to Do This Weekend in OC

These Orange County places are FREE to visit, and open year round to the public. They make great places to visit on the weekends with family:

Centennial Farm - OC Fair & Event Center | Times Vary
Centennial Farm is open to the public. Visit the animals and the farming gardens. Admission and parking are free
Family-Friendly Tide Pools in the OC Beaches in Orange County
Check out this list of the best family-friendly tide pools in Orange County.
Niguel Botanical Preserve - Crown Valley Community Park | All Day
If you are looking for a scenic, family friendly nature experience, then the Niguel Botanical Preserve in Laguna Niguel is a great place to check out.
The Ecology Center - The Ecology Center, San Juan Capistrano
Every Saturday and Sunday - Open for self-guided exploration. Be sure to check their calendar for workshops and events happening every weekend! FREE
Pier Plaza Art Afaire - Pacific Coast Highway & Main, adjacent to the Huntington Beach Pier An arts and crafts fair overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Orange County Farmers Markets - All Over OC | Times Vary
Check out this list of all the farmers markets happening in Orange County.
Balboa Fun Zone - 600 E. Bay Avenue, Newport Beach
The Fun Zone has over 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor restaurants, carnival games, vendors, food and fun overlooking the Newport Harbor & Balboa Island.
Anaheim Packing District - 440 S. Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim
One of the last remaining citrus packing warehouses in OC, that has been historically preserved and retrofitted into a market hall with restaurants, food and vendors.
Irvine Park Railroad - Irvine Regional Park, Orange | All day
Ride the train, concessions, Wheel Fun Rentals - paddleboat and bike rentals, pan for gold, OC zoo, and enjoy the park.
OCC Planetarium - Orange Coast College | Times Vary
The OCC Planetarium is an innovative and immersive experience. Regular showings are offered on weekends so everyone can come enjoy a rotating schedule of breathtaking full-dome experiences that transport you to faraway worlds.