Weekend Events for Families in Orange County - January 16 & 17, 2021. Here are some fun things to do in Orange County this weekend. I've included all events that I could find. You will have to decided if they are Covid-friendly or safe for your family to attend. 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
Sesame Streat Parade of Lights at SeaWorld
SeaWorld San Diego | 5:30 - 8:30pm
For a limited time, experience SeaWorld in an entirely new way during the Sesame Street Parade of Lights Drive-Thru! For the first time ever, and from the comfort of your own vehicle, journey through twinkling lights, dance to a lively Sesame Street soundtrack, and wave hi to your favorite furry friends. After passing through the entrance, begin your journey through thousands of dazzling lights lined with your Sesame Street friends physically distanced on parade floats while listening to Sesame Street music along the way. The excitement continues as you venture under the illuminated SkyTower to snap photos, drive under two different tunnels of lights, and cruise through Sesame Street Village. Make your experience even sweeter with tasty treats such as soft pretzels, cotton candy, and hot cocoa available to enjoy in the car with limited contact purchasing.
Orange County Farmers Markets
All Over OC | Times Vary
Check out this list of all the farmers markets happening on 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. Niguel Botanical Preserve is 18.2-acre of beauty, situated above the amphitheater within Crown Valley Community Park (which is a great park I might add). It displays garden-worthy plants appropriate to the Southern California region. All of these plants were collected from five areas of the world with similar Mediterranean climates. I believe that this is one of the best botanical gardens in Orange County.
Irvine Park Railroad
Irvine Regional Park | 10:00am - 4:00pm
Irvine Park Railroad and Wheel Fun Rentals® bike and paddle boat rentals are open this weekend. Visitors must observe social distancing, hand sanitizer is provided, and train is sanitized between rides. Bring a picnic and enjoy the lake, playgrounds and rest of the park. Parking: $5 per vehicle
Donut Life Museum
Westminster Mall | Times Vary
Get ready to experience donuts in a whole new way! We are Orange County's newest donut experience that captures moments in life through the creative world of donuts. Each vibrant room in the exhibit will bring inspiration and creativity to all our guests. This is a unique and creative space where you can have fun, immerse yourself and take beautiful photos that will also spark your sweet tooth. Through our doors people can connect, spend quality time and make memories together.
Patches and Pins Flea Market
4th Street Market, Santa Ana | noon - 7:00pm
This Flea Market incorporates an array of pins, patches, art, toys, vintage fashion, pop collectibles, retro nostalgia, sneakers and much much more!!
Fair Foodie Fest
Angels Stadium Parking Lot | All Day
Ring in the new year in style with BRAND NEW FAIR FOOD by driving over to Angel Stadium for the FREE Drive-Thru Fair Foodie Fest (TWO WEEKENDS ONLY!).
New in 2021 at the fair - you have to try the Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls! Also NEW will be a brand new drive-up BBQ ZONE with BBQ Ribs, BBQ Chicken, Pulled Pork Sandwiches - all served with waffle fries and cole slaw. AND even more items like COLOSSAL ONION RINGS, Deep Fried Zucchini, NEW Curly Fries Zone featuring Mexican curly fries with jalapenos, Cheesy Bacon Curly Fries, DEEP FRIED KOOL AID and RED VELVET FUNNEL CAKES! Endless new items for 2021, plus all your favorites. You can also pay to play up to 10 different carnival games right from your car. If you get a ticket online for Friday 5pm-7pm or Sat/Sun 12pm-6pm, you'll also get a free powdered sugar mini funnel cake (limit 1 per car, while supplies last)! Pre-registering helps us get a better headcount so we can better serve you!
U-Pick Wagon Rides
Tanaka Farms, Irvine | Times Vary
Come on out to the farm for a U-Pick Wagon Rideadventure that includes a wagon ride around the farm, led by one of our friendly tour guides. You will learn about Tanaka Farms and its history, farming methods, and the crops we grow. You will make a few stops in the fields to pick three different types of veggies. (Produce picked varies and is dependent on crop availability.) And take a walk through the Barnyard Educational Exhibit.
Cabazon Dinosaurs Valentine Celebration
50770 Seminole Drive, Cabazon | 9:00am – 8:00pm
The Cabazon Dinosaurs have long been regarded as one of the most iconic roadside attractions. Featured in cult classics such as Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure and The Wizard, the dinosaurs have staked their place in pop culture. Mr. Rex's Valentine Celebration begins January 16, 2021, and along with our Nights in Colorful Lights, will continue through March 31, 2020.
The Wafflesaurus Truck will be at the Cabazon Dinosaurs serving delicious dinosaur-themed ice cream treats on Saturday's and Sundays.
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
Gardenwalk Cars Coffee & Culture
Anaheim Gardenwalk| 8:00am - Noon
5 levels of auto showing (3,000 stalls), auto culture specific location placement, persoanlized auto culture attendants for each culture section, trailer unloading bays and parking, Motor-coach parking, covered & uncovered platforms, sales & auction program, wash racks (near future), competitions (coming soon) educational and auto owner storyline stages, House of Blues upstairs, front row restaurants, entertainment and more. Every weekend before Southern California awakes millions have already begun polishing, wrenching, prepping, or just turning over the most beautiful sound that the automobile industry created in 1886 by the mind of Carl Benz - the sound of a combustion chamber firing pistons at what would soon exceed 1,600 horsepower. Classic, antique, exotics, streets, tweaked for speed, lifted & lowered and more we invite you to join from across counties to celebrate, promote, remember, and renew the passion for both power and beauty. 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
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.
Don't forget about all of these fun things to do in Orange County!!!!!
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