Children and Family Events in California
California is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and hosts a wide variety of children and family events throughout the year. These events range from educational exhibits and seasonal festivals to fun activities that cater to children of all ages. Below is a roundup of some famous current and upcoming children and family events in California.
The Pumpkin Festival at Cal Poly Pomona
Location: Pomona, CA
Date: October 2024 (annually in October)
Details: This family-friendly event is a part of the annual fall festivities. The festival includes a giant pumpkin patch, corn mazes, hayrides, and live entertainment. It’s perfect for families looking to experience fall together with activities for children of all ages, including petting zoos and pony rides. There are also educational exhibits about agriculture.
Highlights: Pumpkin picking, farm tours, and interactive children’s activities.
LEGOLAND Holiday Events
Location: LEGOLAND California Resort, Carlsbad, CA
Date: November – December 2024
Details: During the holiday season, LEGOLAND transforms into a winter wonderland for families to enjoy. With twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and themed activities, it’s a fun experience for families and kids. Children can build their own LEGO creations, meet LEGO Santa, and explore festive holiday shows.
Highlights: LEGO Christmas tree lighting, fireworks, and special holiday-themed attractions.
The San Diego Zoo’s “Jungle Bells”
Location: San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA
Date: December 2024
Details: Jungle Bells is the San Diego Zoo’s annual winter celebration that transforms the zoo into a holiday wonderland. Families can explore festive lights, enjoy holiday performances, and even meet Santa Claus. There are also animal encounters and fun educational opportunities for children.
Highlights: Light displays, live music, storytelling sessions, and holiday-themed animal exhibits.
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose Events
Location: San Jose, CA
Ongoing and Seasonal
Details: The Children’s Discovery Museum hosts numerous family-friendly events year-round. The upcoming fall and winter lineup includes events such as “Diwali Celebrations,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Science Sundays.” These events combine hands-on learning with fun and interactive exhibits that encourage creativity and critical thinking in children.
Highlights: Interactive science exhibits, arts and crafts, cultural celebrations, and performances.
Disneyland Resort Holiday Celebrations
Location: Anaheim, CA
Date: November 2024 – January 2025
Details: The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim becomes a magical wonderland during the holiday season. Children and families can enjoy festive parades, themed rides, and holiday shows throughout both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. Special character meet-and-greets and holiday fireworks are also popular highlights.
Highlights: “A Christmas Fantasy Parade,” “It’s a Small World Holiday,” and “Haunted Mansion Holiday.”
L.A. Zoo Lights
Location: Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles, CA
Date: November 2024 – January 2025
Details: L.A. Zoo Lights is an annual event where the Los Angeles Zoo transforms into a magical holiday light show. Families can walk through illuminated animal displays, festive light tunnels, and interactive light exhibits. This event is perfect for children who love animals and the magic of the holidays.
Highlights: Animated light displays, themed holiday nights, and family photo opportunities.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
Date: Ongoing
Details: Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park and film studio located in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles County, California. Approximately 70% of the studio is located on the unincorporated county island known as Universal City, with the remainder within the city limits of Los Angeles, California. It is one of the oldest and most recognizable Hollywood film studios currently in operation. Its official marketing tagline is “The Entertainment Capital of LA”. It was originally designed to provide tours of the actual Universal Studios sets and is the first of several full-fledged Universal Studios theme park resorts located throughout the world.
Highlights: Animated light displays, themed holiday nights, and family photo opportunities.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA
Date: Ongoing
Details: The Aquarium of the Pacific (previously the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific[3]) is a 5-acre (20,000 m2) public aquarium located on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California, United States. It is located across the water from the Long Beach Convention Center, Shoreline Village, and the Queen Mary Hotel and Attraction.
Highlights: The aquarium houses a collection of about 11,000 animals representing over 500 distinct species in displays ranging in size and capacity from 5,000 to 350,000 gallon.
Kidspace Children’s Museum Halloween Hunt
Location: Pasadena, CA
Date: October 2024
Details: The Kidspace Children’s Museum hosts a Halloween event that is perfect for younger children. It includes a Halloween hunt where kids can search for treats in the museum’s gardens and participate in themed crafts and activities. There are also costume contests and special performances.
Highlights: Trick-or-treat stations, interactive exhibits, and hands-on craft sessions.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s “Underwater Explorers”
Location: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA
Ongoing
Details: For families with children who love marine life, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers the “Underwater Explorers” program. Children aged 8–13 can participate in a special experience that allows them to dive into a shallow pool and discover the wonders of the ocean.
Highlights: Guided exploration, up-close marine life encounters, and educational programs.
Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic
Location: Various cities in California
Date: Fall 2024
Details: This live show brings beloved Sesame Street characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird to life on stage. The interactive performance encourages children to join the characters as they explore magic, imagination, and learning through songs and dance.
Highlights: Singing, dancing, and interactive performances with favorite Sesame Street characters.
Great America’s WinterFest
Location: California’s Great America, Santa Clara, CA
Date: November 2024 – January 2025
Details: WinterFest is a holiday event held at California’s Great America amusement park. Families can enjoy ice skating, Christmas light displays, and holiday-themed shows. The park transforms into a winter wonderland with holiday cheer around every corner, and Santa’s Workshop is a must-visit for kids.
Highlights: Holiday lights, ice skating, rides, and Christmas-themed entertainment.