Thanks to our Amazing Sponsors at Pediatric Smiles of Orange for bringing you this OC Mom’s Guide to May!
I have the privilege of providing dental care to children of all ages for over 18 years. My specialty is to provide the best experience for your child with a comfortable environment catered to children. Our office has TV’s on the ceiling, video games and kid friendly murals throughout our office. We provide state of the art equipment and technology. I am a proud graduate of UCLA Dental School and USC Pediatric Specialty program. I am happily married to my husband Zach and have two children Zachary and Caleb. We are huge Ice Hockey fans and when not in the office, I am in the ice rink watching my kids play!
It’s the month of May and you know what that means! Well…actually here in Orange County, May 2019 means a lot of different things. There’s Cinco de Mayo, Ramadan, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Party For The Planet, and so many more family-friendly fun events in our area!
First up on the May 2019 calendar though is May the 4th, AKA May The Force Be With You Day, and all of Orange County is abuzz about the soon-to-be-opening Star Wars themed land at the Disneyland Resort. Here’s the skinny on that, plus our pick of the most interesting and exciting events for families in Orange County this May 2019!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opens At The Disneyland Resort – Anaheim
May 2 (online reservations begin)
May 31 (new land opens)
Guaranteed to be one of the biggest events in Orange County this summer, this much anticipated Star Wars-themed land is finally opening after years of planning and construction! Mark your calendars for these two important dates. Galaxy’s Edge opens on May 31, but between opening day and June 23, the only way to get in will be with a no-cost reservation (and a valid theme park ticket) for a specific entry time slot. Online reservations will be taken starting May 2 and competition for those slots will no doubt be fierce so be sure to set your alarms. Alternatively, guests staying at one of the three official Disneyland Resort hotels are guaranteed one reservation slot per room guest per stay. Disney has already begun distributing them to hotel guests so if you’d like a confirmed time slot now, reserving a hotel room is the way to go.
Tune into the Orange County Moms Blog the week of May 13 – we’ll be posting tips, trivia, and other fun stuff about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge all week long!
Wildlife Baby Shower – Huntington Beach
May 4
This is the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center’s annual fundraiser and is a fun event for the whole family. See baby animals currently in their care, which range from cottontail bunnies, hummingbirds, opossums, ducklings, and more. Kids zone with games, activities, and face painting. Photo booth, performances by Elevate Aerial circus, and meet WWCC’s Animal Ambassadors.
Free entrance and parking. Food for purchase and shopping at the fundraising booth bazaar.
Fiesta De Mayo – San Clemente
May 4
From the Outlets At San Clemente website: “Join us for our fourth annual afternoon fiesta featuring Mariachis, Ballet Folklórico and delicious tacos. Young performers between the ages of eight and 18 from Ballet Folklórico de San Juan Capistrano will perform a variety of traditional dances. San Juan Capistrano-based Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano, winner of the 2016 and 2017 Battle of the Mariachis at Mission San Juan Capistrano, will also participate in the Fiesta de Mayo performances.”
Free to attend. Food available for purchase and select food vendors at the Outlets will be offering discounts (deals vary by vendor) as part of the fiesta festivities.
Let’s Learn About Ramadan At Pretend City – Irvine
May 6
From their website: “We’re celebrating Ramadan at Pretend City! In the Islamic Faith, Ramadan is a month of blessings; a month full of opportunities, benefits and blessings for Muslims around the world. Exposing children at a young age to different faiths and cultures is an important lesson in diversity and tolerance. A big part of this religious holiday is participating in daily fasting. Although young children aren’t old enough to fast, they may still learn about Ramadan and fasting.”
Included with museum admission. $13.75 adults and children over 12 months. Military and their families $10.50.
Nature Tour At The Fullerton Arboretum – Fullerton
May 11
From their website: “Join one of our knowledgeable docents as they guide you on a tour through the beautiful garden. Enjoy the sights and sounds of our different garden collections through secret trails off the beaten path. Docents will take you to their favorite places in the garden and share stories and folklore. Bring your walking shoes and your enthusiasm!” The May highlights are Roses, Herbs, and Doc’s Garden.
Free. Public tours are held the second and fourth Saturday of each month at 10 am. Meet at the Nature Center; no registration required.
Royal Mother’s Day Brunch and Dinner at Five Crowns – Corona Del Mar
May 12
If you’re looking for a way to treat mom – or be treated by your family – this decadent and delicious meal at Five Crowns restaurant is the way to go! With the soul of a modern British gastropub, you can dine in one of Five Crowns’ classic dining rooms, in the verdant greenhouse room, or garden patio outdoors. The special Prix-Fixe menu features springtime favorites. Brunch offerings include Avocado toast & house-cured gravlax and Crab Benedict with house-made béarnaise sauce. Dinner menu items include Spring pea & mushroom risotto, Colorado lamb chops with stilton mashed potatoes, and of course their famous Lawry’s prime rib. And if your idea of a perfect Mother’s Day is staying home, Five Crowns can prepare your royal feast to-go!
Brunch entree items start at $28 and include the choice of several Starter dishes such as lobster bisque and little gem caesar salad. Dinner entree items start at $38 and also include the choice of several Starter dishes. Brunch is from 11-3pm and dinner from 4-8pm.
Party For The Planet at the Santa Ana Zoo – Santa Ana
May 19
From their website: “Throughout the event, Zoo guests can create conservation-themed crafts (including making recycled paper and creating a keychain using old jeans), and play fun games, as well as learn from hands-on demonstrations and education stations featuring animals, recycling, sustainable living, and a variety of special guests including the City of Santa Ana Water Resources Division, Fullerton Arboretum, US Geological Survey, and other community organizations. Guests of all ages will enjoy exploring their way around the Zoo and discovering ways to connect with and protect the natural world around them. Adding to the celebration are rides on the eco-friendly, electric-powered Zoofari Express Train, Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel, and the Conservation Carrousel. Tickets are available for an additional cost. Children under 3 are free to ride with paid adult on the train and adults standing with children on the Carrousel are free. The Zoo’s conservation friendly playground and multiple picnic areas are also open to guests at no additional charge. Guests will also enjoy the Zoo’s eco-friendly drinking and water bottle refill stations.”
General Public – free with price of admission; FOSAZ Members – FREE; City of Santa Ana Residents – FREE.
61st Anniversary Garden Grove Strawberry Festival – Garden Grove
May 24-27
This Memorial Day weekend celebration of all things strawberry is a Garden Grove institution. With carnival rides ranging from kiddie to thrill, contests, live performances, vendor booths, and strawberry shortcake for everyone!
Admission is free, but rides and food cost extra. All-day ride wristbands are $30 on Friday May 25 only; $35 all other days. Tickets for individual rides can also be purchased for $1 per ticket.
Cypress Police Department Open House – Cypress
May 18
The Cypress Police Department is hosting their annual family-friendly open house. A 1961 Dodge Polara CHP Pursuit Car will be on display, and there will be a variety of giveaways and traffic-safety resources including a table hosted by AAA.
10th Annual Monarch Butterfly Day – Fountain Valley
May 25
From their website: “OC Parks invites children and families to learn all about Monarch Butterflies and their natural habitat with an up-close look at these magnificent creatures at the tenth annual Monarch Butterfly Day! Children can learn how to plant their very own butterfly garden. Participants can also go inside a netted butterfly enclosure. Butterfly experts will be on-site to provide educational information and answer questions about the beautiful and unique specimens. Additional activities include interpretive programs, children’s crafts, face painting and a balloon artist. Food will be available for purchase.”
Free event and parking. Takes place in the Forest Shelter near parking lot C. Recommended for ages four through twelve.
Scottish Fest Orange County – Costa Mesa
May 25+26
This two day festival over Memorial Day weekend has the distinction of being the oldest and longest running event of its kind in SoCal. From their website: “Come and enjoy the sounds of over 400 bagpipers and drummers, world class Celtic bands on 5 stages of music. Take a stroll down our Scottish Clan row and explore your heritage and genealogy with over 60 Scottish clans. Need a gift for yourself or someone special? Visit one of over 70 vendors selling everything from top quality kilts to fairy wings and crowns! There’s also sheep herding, World Championship Highland dancing, Irish Step dancing, Scottish Heavy Athletics where you can watch incredible strong men and women toss the caber and put the stone, enjoy an authentic Scottish meal with items like Scotch meat pies and haggis, and top it off with a fine quality whisky! Kids can enjoy a great children’s glen with inflatable jumpers, games and junior athletics where they can take a shot at tossing a kid-sized caber.”
Advanced 1 day ticket prices: Adults (age 13 and up) $18, Seniors $15, Children $4 (6 and under are free). Parking fee is $9 per car. All Military and First Responders receive free admission at the gate with proof of service/badge.
Crafty Kids Sunday At The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve – Newport Beach
May 26
From the OC Parks Website: “Join us for a fun themed craft project anytime between 10am and 3pm! Crafty Kids Sunday features FREE craft activities in the Muth Interpretive Center’s Discovery Classroom.”
Free. All ages are welcome, but recommended for children ages 2 to 10 years old. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, and Kids Runs – Laguna Hills
May 27
From their website: “The 2019 event marks the 21st annual City of Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon, 5k, and 10K, Honoring the United States Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion. This favorite Memorial Day running event takes place in the beautiful Orange County cities of Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Woods, and Laguna Niguel. Runners and walkers of all experience levels are invited to come out and enjoy the Memorial Day festivities!” Finish Line Community Expo features live music, bounce houses, and over 50 booths.
Registration fees start at $15 for the Kid Diaper Dash. Marathon Beer Garden at the finish line offers beer tasting flights for $10, and food trucks with food for purchase. All participants receive an event T shirt.
Happy Mothers Day to all our readers!
