Hey everyone! We had put a pause on writing our monthly Orange County events posts when the pandemic first started way back in March 2020. But now, 14 months later, there is light at the end of this COVID tunnel. So we thought our readers are perhaps ready to start venturing out to public events again with children. As always, we have carefully curated this list to include the most interesting, family-friendly, and now COVID-safe OC events for June 2021.
And if you haven’t yet, definitely check out our Guide to Orange County’s Best Summer Camps. It is filled with a variety of virtual and in-person camps that your kids will surely love.
Here are some fun events to safely fill your summer days in Orange County with this June 2021!
Discovery Cube Reopening – Santa Ana
June
After temporarily closing due to the pandemic, the Discovery Science Center of Orange County officially re-opens this Memorial Day weekend! It has all new first floor science exhibits and activities, new interactive STEM adventures, and new museum renovations and enhancements throughout.
The Cube is also implementing extra hygiene measures to ensure a safe and clean visit including touchless pay, hand sanitizing stations, required face masks for all guests, free masks upon entry for guests who forget theirs, touch-free faucets, and more.
Tickets: Adults $19.95, Children $14.95, Seniors $16.95. Parking: $6.
Outdoor Tuesday Night Dance Class: Polynesian – Costa Mesa
June 1, 8, 15, 23, 30
From their website: “Join us for Polynesian Dance classes every Tuesday evening in June! TUPUA Productions, Southern California’s premiere Polynesian entertainment company, returns to the Argyros Plaza to lead these all-abilities classes. Our Tuesday Night Dance classes are held outdoors, with participants safely distanced. No dance experience is required.
“Masks must be worn by all participants upon check-in and until they arrive to their assigned spots. Each participant will be spaced 8 feet from others and dance movements will be stationary. The instructor will be on-stage and will not provide tactile cuing. Contactless check-in will include a touchless thermometer temperature check and hand sanitizer stations will be accessible throughout the Plaza.”
Free.
Nixon Library Reopening – Yorba Linda
June
After a 14 month closure, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Gardens has reopened to the public. The Pat Nixon Rose Garden and the flower-ringed Memorial Site of President and Mrs. Nixon are open and included with admission. There are three new exhibitions including The President and The Planet, an outdoor exhibit perfect for all ages that explores the environmental initiatives, such as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), made by the Nixon administration.
The museum has adopted COVID-19 enhanced safety measures including temperature checks, required face coverings for all visitors ages 2 and up who are not vaccinated, hand sanitizer stations, floor markers for proper social distancing, outdoor socially distanced tables for eating/drinking, and enhanced cleaning procedures.
Advance ticket purchase strongly encouraged. Tickets: Adults $23, Seniors (age 62+) $19, Youth (Age 12-17) and Retired Military $17, Children (Age 5-11) $13, Toddlers (Age 4 and under) and Active Military (with valid ID) Free.
Avengers Campus Opens at Disney California Adventure – Anaheim
June 4
If you’ve got a Marvel superheroes fan in the house (or are one yourself), or are just a Disney fan in general, the wait is over: the newest land at the Disneyland Resort, Avengers Campus, is opening this June 2021! This new immersive area at Disney California Adventure theme park will feature all new rides and attractions such as the super-exciting WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, Ancient Sanctum of Dr. Strange, and Avengers Headquarters. Purchase a Spider-Bot at WEB Suppliers, try the plant-based falafel at Shawarma Palace, or split a family-sized Pym-ini sandwich at Pym’s Test Kitchen.
Find out more about the Disneyland Resort’s reopening, how to buy tickets and book park admission, and enhanced safety measures, plus hot tips for having the best visit with your family in our post: Disneyland Reopening Post-COVID – Everything You Need To Know.
CCA Beach Clean Up & Surf Fishing Clinic – Huntington Beach
June 5
From their website: “Join us on June 5th for a beach cleanup and fishing clinic with surf fishing expert Bill Varney! The seminar will begin at 6:30am, and the beach cleanup will begin at 10am!”
Registration required. Suggested donation $35, children under 16 are free. Includes goody bag, T-shirt, instruction, and bait. State Park parking fee is $15. BYO rod, reel, rigging, and a license.
Summer Kids Cooking Classes – Virtual
June 14-16 and 21-23
From the flyer: “Whether your child is not on summer break quite yet and you want a yummy after school activity, or your child is btwn school/ camp/ family trip— this is a fun, educational and delicious way to spend some time! They’ll be on their feet learning kitchen safety, how to cook for themselves (and YOU) and meeting kids from different parts of their city, state and country.”
Each day of class has a different cooking theme such as Flag Day, Homemade Tortillas & Salsas, Breakfast For Dinner, Summer Italian Appetizers, Ice Cream Truck, and Asian Inspired. Taught by personal chef, local mom of two, and OCMC guest contributor Jill Effron.
$35 per person/class. Can attend one class, every class, or any number in between.
OC Parks Sunset Summer Cinema
June 18 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 kicks off in June 2021 with THE NEVERENDING STORY (1984) and includes other family crowd pleasers like HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, THE SANDLOT, 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
June 24 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 kicks off with Flashback Heart Attack on June 24 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, followed by 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.
Clean Up At San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary – Irvine
June 26
Join the Orange County Coastkeepers in helping to beautify one of our local wild nature preserves. This event is a nice way to learn about the importance of keeping our planet clean, and enjoy the fresh air at the same time.
A face mask is required at all times. Hand sanitizer will be provided. Please wear closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and hats. Bring your own personal bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Free. Registration required.
Whatever you do this June 2021, we wish you a very happy and healthy start to your summer. Remember to apply your sunscreen, stay hydrated, mask up when applicable, and above all else, have a blast!
