OC Moms Guide – July 2024

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Orange County events July 2023

Wondering what kind of fun and family-friendly Orange County events July 2024 has to offer? Here’s our top picks for fun activities in our area plus fireworks viewings and July 4th celebrations!

 

Sawdust Arts & Crafts Festival – Laguna Beach

Now through September 1

From their website: “Sawdust Art Festival features the artwork of 180 local Laguna Beach artists, 3 stages of live music, complimentary art classes, glassblowing and art demonstrations, and a variety of outdoor dining and drink offerings- all set in a unique artist village in the heart of Laguna Beach.”

Tickets: Adults $12, Seniors (65+) $10, Children (6-12) $5. Children ages 5 and under receive free admission and do not require a ticket to enter. Season Pass $35 for the whole summer, Annual Pass $49 includes that plus Winter festival admission. Orange County residents can go for free one night each week!

 

OC Parks: Wild Tails – Newport Beach

July 1

If you’re looking for some affordable, outdoors, and family-friendly Orange County events July 2024 has to offer, this sounds like a fun one! From the OC Parks website: “Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about Upper Newport Bay. 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.”

Free. Program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center and is tailored to ages 2-5 but all are welcome. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

 

Click here for Orange County Mom Collective’s guide on where to see fireworks on July 4th plus other July 2024 Independence Day celebrations!

Magic With Christopher T. Magician – Mission Viejo

July 8

Perhaps you already have your kids signed up for a ton of fun camps this summer. (If not, check out our list of summer camps in Orange County!) But if you reach a point when you just can’t think of anything else fun to do, count on the city of Mission Viejo to come through for you! The MV City Council hosts free story times, concerts, family-friendly activities, and family-friendly concerts! You don’t have to be a resident of Mission Viejo to participate, just a lover of books, culture, and fun. You can scroll through their list of activities in the link above, and here’s a description from their website for this magic-themed event: “Experience the fun and astonishment reading can create when books come to life in this wacky and interactive magic show.”

Free. 

 

MainPlace Mall’s Storybook Tea Party Playdate – Santa Ana

July 10

Sometimes it’s nice to have a free and fun place to go with kid that’s indoors and well air-conditioned isn’t it? From their website: “Sing songs and take photos with your favorite storybook princess, then decorate your own prince / princess crown to take home.”

Free. For children ages 4-12. No advance registration is required, but a parent or guardian must be present for children to participate. 

 

Playdate With Joy From INSIDE OUT 2 – Orange

July 12th 

If your kiddo loved INSIDE OUT 2 as much as mine did, here’s a fun opportunity for them to meet the main emotion character from the movie, Joy! Play & Parties hosts character playdates every Friday, so if you can’t make this one, never fear, check out their calendar for more fun kid-friendly events! Playdate description from their website: “Our BFF PlayTimes are A REAL party, where anyone can come visit and play. It could be anyone from a superhero , princess or Barbie. The Playtime will include theme games, dancing, super hero training and of course a time to chat with favorite friends and take pics.”

$20 for a 45 minute class. Recommended for all ages. These classes are geared for younger ones in the mornings, and older ones in the afternoons. Sign up via their website here

OC Fair – Costa Mesa

July 19 – August 18 (Wednesdays through Sundays)

The OC Fair is back again this year with many of the favorites we’ve enjoyed year after year at this month-long event. The theme for 2024 is “Always A Good Time” and they will once again offer an Everyday Passport for those OC Fair diehards who want to be able to go any and every day of the event! There are TWO different carnival areas featuring rides and games, action sports arena, arts exhibitions, animals exhibits, produce displays, live entertainment, and more.

Tickets must be purchased in advance except for those with the Everyday Passport. Limited capacity so buy them early. General (13-59) $13 on Weds-Thursdays, $15 on Fri-Sat-Sunday, Senior (60+) $9, Youth (6-12) $9, Children 5 and younger are free. Everyday Passport is $60. Fair parking is $15 per car. 

 

San Clemente Ocean Festival – San Clemente

July 20+21

For those of you who recall this fun beachside event from two years ago, we’re happy to share that after being postponed last year, it is once again coming back as a fixture in the Orange County events July 2024 calendar! This year’s theme is “The Greatest Show On Surf.” From their website: “Join us for the world-famous Dory boat races, 5K beach run, one-mile swim, Groms Rule® Surf Contest and Dolphin Dash kid’s beach run.”

Free. There is limited parking available near the pier however there should be FREE parking & round trip shuttle service from the Outlets at San Clemente.  

 

National Zookeeper Day – Orange

July 27

There are lots of great Orange County events July 2024 entries on the OC Parks calendar. Here’s one highlight from their events website: “Help us thank the zookeepers at the OC Zoo for all their hard work caring for the animals! The first 100 children ages 12 and under will receive a free train ride ticket for Irvine Park Railroad. Kids activities include making thank you cards for the zookeepers and fun crafts. Zookeepers will be giving special “keeper chats” throughout the day.”

Reservations are not required. All activities are free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 and under are free). Zoo coupons/free
passes are not valid for this event. Parking is $5 per vehicle. 

 

Also, don’t forget about these ongoing FREE summer concert and movie events hosted by OC Parks!

 

OC Parks Summer Concert Series

July 11 and every Thursday during the summer until August 22

Local favorite 80s tribute band Flashback Heart Attack’s performance on July 11th is sure to be a popular one to attend. From their website: “Enjoy live music from exceptional bands and artists at Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. The concert series kicks off with The Smiths and Morrissey cover band Sweet and Tender Hooligans June 20 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, followed by popular local and renowned artists including Mariachi Divas, Flashback Heart Attack, A Thousand Horses, No Duh, Ozomatli, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and The FABBA Show. Jimmy’s Buffet will round out the 2024 OC Parks Summer Concert Series at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.”

Admission and parking are free. Open to the public of all ages. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for guests to enjoy the food trucks and to save their spot on the grass for the concert. All concerts are from 6 to 8 p.m. July 2024 events take place outdoors so bring your own chairs and blankets.

OC Parks Sunset Summer Cinema

July 12th and every Friday night during the summer until August 30

From their website: “12 free movie screenings Friday nights beginning June 7 to Aug. 30 at Craig Regional Park, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Yorba Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. Guests of all ages can enjoy recent blockbusters and popular classic films, complete with dynamic pre-show entertainment such as character interactions, DJ-led games and more. Cinema events begin at 6 p.m. with screenings starting after sundown, at approximately 8 p.m.”

The series continues in July 2024 with TROLLS BAND TOGETHER (2023) and includes other family crowd pleasers like BARBIE (2023) and NATIONAL TREASURE (2004). Click on the link above for detailed list of movies/dates.

Free Admission and free parking starting at 6:00pm (screening starts approximately at 8:00pm after sundown). Food trucks and booths will have bites and beverages available for purchase at each location. Events take place outdoors so bring your own chairs and blankets. 

 

For even more ideas of what to do with your kids this July 2024, check out our Ultimate Summer Bucket List For Orange County Families!