This month’s big event may be fireworks and celebrating Independence Day, but (as always) there are so many more family-friendly events happening in Orange County this July 2019! Here’s our top picks for fun activities in our area – from wild animals, to magic for Muggles, to mermaids, super heroes, and more – plus fireworks and July 4th celebrations!
Sawdust Arts & Crafts Festival – Laguna Beach
Now through September 1
From their website: “200 Artists. Three stages of live music and entertainment. Art classes and daily demonstrations. Glassblowing. Hands-on pottery wheel. Craft beer and wine. Outdoor eateries and cafes. Located outdoors in in a cool three-acre eucalyptus grove in the heart of Laguna Beach, Sawdust Art Festival features a picturesque and eclectic hand-built village featuring the fine art and craft of over 200 local artists and makers.”
Tickets: Adults $9, Seniors (65+) $7, Children (6-12) $4, Season Pass $20, Annual Pass $25.
Click here for Orange County Moms Blog’s guide on where to see fireworks on July 4th plus other July 2019 Independence Day celebrations!
Batman’s 80th Anniversary at The Cube – Santa Ana
July 6 + 7
From the Discovery Science Center website: “We’re celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the DC Super Hero: Batman by learning about bat science at Discovery Cube Orange County. Wear your batty-best and discover how the nocturnal winged mammals are environmental heroes. You’ve heard the myths about bats but we’re sharing the facts…. Capes and costumes welcome.”
General Admission tickets: Adult (ages 15+) $19.95, Child (3-14) $14.95, Senior (62+) $16.95. Part of the DC Superheroes exhibit will is up now through September 8.
Wild About Animals With Doodlebugs Animal Adventures – Costa Mesa
July 7th
From the facebook event page: “Participants will enjoy meeting a variety of animal friends in a fun and engaging way. In this safe and interactive experience children (and adults!) are encouraged to ask questions, be brave, and keep learning! Please call the venue ahead of time to inquire about tickets etc.”
Free parking at The CAMP.
Sunsets At The Zoo – Santa Ana
July 7 + 21
From the Santa Ana Zoo website: “This after hours concert series and tasting event features live music, art by local artisans, Zoo animals, Train & Carrousel rides. For an additional $15 donation, you can get wristband access to an exclusive beer garden tasting experience. Adults 21 and over for the beer garden, please. All funds raised help the Zoo.Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner, blanket, family and friends and enjoy the concerts. Sunsets at the Zoo are a great Sunday summertime activity for friends, family, and couples looking to picnic together, while listening to live music and enjoying alll the Zoo has to offer.”
$19.95 per person ages 3+. $9.95 for Friends Of The Santa Ana Zoo Members.
Gone Fishing at MainPlace Mall – Santa Ana
July 10
From their Facebook event page: “During this fun-filled event, part of the mall’s Summer Play Dates series, kids will “fish” for a prize, make their own “gone fishing” sign, nibble on Goldfish crackers, and treasure their very own take-home fishing vest and bait bucket.”
For children ages 4-12. No advance registration is required, but a parent or guardian must be present for children to participate. Part of their Summer Play Date series which are all free of charge and open to the public.
Concerts In The Canyon- Anaheim
July 11 and every Thursday until August 1
Sponsored by the Anaheim Community Foundation, this weekly free concert series offers free family fun to music lovers in the Orange County area. The July 2019 dates begin with The Rolling Stones tribute band, Mick & The Stones. Subsequent concerts feature Pop Vinyl (Dance Band), Trinity (tributes to Styx, Journey, and Foreigner), and (Motown Tribute Band) Stone Soul.
Admission is free, plus free games and activities for all. Food available for purchase from gourmet food trucks. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
50th Anniversary Apollo 11 Moon Landing Presentation – Mission Viejo
July 14
From their website: “Join NASA Solar System Ambassador Richard Stember in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. This is a fun family event for all ages. Exactly fifty years ago Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took their first steps onto the surface of the moon. Now NASA is preparing to send astronauts back by the year 2024. What was achieved during the Apollo program? What is NASA planning now? How will it be accomplished? And where do we go from there?”
Free. Advance registration is required.
Harry Potter Magical Afternoon – Huntington Beach
July 27
From the Facebook event page:
“Dear fans of Mr. Potter,
We are please to inform you that you have been cordially invited to the Harry Potter Magical Afternoon celebration. Please find below a list of essential dates and times, as well as necessary tickets and equipment.
The Harry Potter Magical Afternoon will have two sessions on Saturday, July 27: 1:00 to 3:00 PM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Tickets will not be available at the door, but may be purchased for $5.00 each from the Children’s Desk at the Central Library (7111 Talbert Ave). This event is recommended for school age children six years and older. Every person in your party MUST purchase a ticket for admission to the event. NO WIZARDS, WITCHES, SQUIBS, MAGICAL CREATURES, or MUGGLES will be admitted without a ticket, regardless of age. Each ticket will include admission to:
One (1) Magic Show, at 2:00 PM
One (1) Magical Afternoon session, either at 1:00 or 3:00 pm,
wherein students may:
– Experience the Sorting Ceremony,
– Be paired with a wand by a wandmaker,
– Enjoy a tasting of wizarding foods and beverages,
– Practice their Quidditch toss,
– Uncover hidden magical talent in a potions lesson,
– Craft magical implements,
– Display their trivia prowess in a contest,
– Exhibit their finest magical garb in a costume parade.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall”
Kids Club: Under The Sea – Huntington Beach
July 29
From their website: “Use Your Imagination! Enjoy a fun, story about being under the sea. Be Crafty! Create mermaid art. Be Entertained! Enjoy meet and greet with our local Huntington Beach Mermaids!” Includes food and merchandise discounts at select Bella Terra businesses.
Free. RSVP for a chance to win the book of the day, a Cinemark Concession Supersaver for one Junior popcorn and one small fountain drink, or a 2 pack of general admission tickets to Pretend City.
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 Thursday during the summer until August 29
From their website: “Once again OC Parks brings live music to Orange County’s regional parks. Enjoy 10 concerts at five different parks, Thursday nights from June 20 through Aug. 29.” Each event features free live music and food trucks under the summer sky on Thursday evenings this July 2019. Upcoming performances include Sega Genocide and Dream Brother (July 11), The Fenians and Cory Clark (July 18), and The English Beat and DJ Sandōk (July 25). Should be a fun time!
Admission and parking are free. Open to the public of all ages. Concertgoers 21 and over can purchase beer and wine at the beer tent. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for guests to enjoy the beer garden, food trucks, and to save their spot on the grass for the concert. All concerts are from 6 to 8 p.m.
OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series
From their website: “Grab a beach chair and some popcorn, because OC Parks is bringing the big screens back to your favorite regional parks again this summer. Enjoy 14 movies at seven different parks, Friday nights from June 14 through Sept. 13.”
July 5 – JURASSIC PARK (PG-13) at Craig Park
July 12 – PADDINGTON 2 (PG) at Yorba Park
July 19 – THE GOONIES (PG) at Yorba Park
July 26 – INCREDIBLES 2 (PG) at Mason Park
Free admission. 6-10pm.
For even more ideas of what to do with your kids this July 2019, check out our Ultimate Summer Bucket List For Orange County Families!
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