With OC families enjoying the summer perhaps a bit more freely than we did last summer due to the COVID pandemic, you may be curious to know what kinds of safe, fun, and family-friendly events are happening in Orange County this July 2021. Here’s our top picks for fun activities in our area plus fireworks viewings and COVID-safe July 4th celebrations!
Sawdust Arts & Crafts Festival – Laguna Beach
Now through September 5
Looks like the Sawdust Festival is back this year. From their website: “Sawdust Art Festival features the art of 168 Laguna Beach artists and makers, in an eclectic handcrafted outdoor village located in the heart of Laguna Canyon. Visitors are invited to shop unique artwork in a wide range of media, and enjoy live music on three stages, roaming entertainment, daily art demonstrations and a variety of food and drink offerings.”
Tickets: Adults $10, Seniors (65+) $7, Children (6-12) $5, Season Pass $30, Annual Pass $40. For COVID-safety, tickets will be emailed with a QR code instead of physical passes.
Click here for Orange County Mom Collective’s guide on where to see fireworks on July 4th plus other July 2021 Independence Day celebrations!
MainPlace Mall’s Tutti Frutti Summer Playdate – Santa Ana
July 7
From their press release: “During the activity, children and their families will play a game of Tutti Fruity Bingo for prizes, watch balloon twisters create fruit-shaped sensations, take photos in front of a fruit-themed photo backdrop, and receive a fruit-themed giveaway bag. To respect COVID-19 social distancing recommendations, each family attending the MainPlace Mall Summer Play Dates will be assigned their own private activity table in center court and will have 45 minutes to complete their craft. After one family departs, their table will be properly cleaned and covered with butcher-block paper before a new family is seated. Each family will receive a sealed bag upon check-in that includes any giveaways as well as the all-new materials needed for their activity (i.e., brand-new crayon boxes, etc.). Guests are asked to comply with all state and local COVID safety recommendations; everyone 2 years and older is asked to wear a mask. And, as people wait in line for photo opportunities, they will be reminded to observe social distancing recommendations.”
Free. While walk-ins will be seated as openings allow, families wishing to attend are strongly encouraged to make a reservation on the events page of the center’s website.
Mission Viejo Library’s Read-Aloud – Virtual
July 1 and every Thursday this summer
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 this July 2021 when you just can’t think of anything else fun to do, count on the library to come through for you! MV Library hosts free virtual storytimes, ranging from preschool daytime reads, to evening PJ storytimes, plus sensory virtual playtimes and more. You don’t have to be a resident of Mission Viejo to participate, just a lover of books and stories. Check out their list of events in the link above!
Free.
Also, don’t forget about these ongoing FREE summer concert and movie events hosted by OC Parks!
OC Parks Sunset Summer Cinema
July 2 and every Friday night during the summer until September 10
From their website: “Grab a drink and a snack and get cozy for a screening under the stars at Craig Regional Park, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Yorba Regional Park and Mason Regional Park. Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy recent favorites and popular classics throughout the summer.”
The series includes classic and more recent family crowd pleasers like DOLITTLE, THE SANDLOT, WILLOW, and TOY STORY 4.
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 and will be held in accordance with the most current guidance from State and local health agencies.
OC Parks Summer Concert Series
July 1 and every Thursday during the summer until August 26
From their website: “Enjoy live music under the summer sky at Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park and Irvine Regional Park. The concert series features fan favorite local artists including Uptown Funk, Surf’s Up, The Fenians, Queen Nation, and Tijuana Dogs.”
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. June 2021 events take place outdoors and will be held in accordance with the most current guidance from State and local health agencies.
For even more ideas of what to do with your kids this July 2021, check out our Ultimate Summer Bucket List For Orange County Families!
