Orange County is ringing in the New Year in laidback OC style with theme park fireworks at Disneyland/Knott’s Berry Farm, lively parties at clubs and rooftop bars in Anaheim/Costa Mesa, family fun at Winter Fest OC or First Night Fullerton, and memorable dinners in a cozy igloo. OC offers everything from high-energy nights to cozy, memorable experiences across various venues and cities.
As a bonus, we’ve tacked on a few events that are still going on, some even through the new year!
We wish everyone a Happy New Year and we look forward to connecting with you in 2026!
NORTH ORANGE COUNTY
ANAHEIM
NYE at Disneyland Resort, 9:30 AM-MIDNIGHT
Anaheim Ducks – Y2K NYE – Game Boy Band T-Shirt Giveaway, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
The FIFTH: Rooftop NYE Celebration – “Kiss Me at Midnight: Prom Edition,” 8:00 PM-MIDNIGHT
Finding Emo – NYE Party at the Foundation Room, House of Blues, 9:00 PM-MIDNIGHT
Danzig Sings Elvis, House of Blues, 9:00 PM-MIDNIGHT
We’re here to help you find fun things to do, outdoor events, and more events this weekend and all week long. Check back often as our list will be updated as events are announced.
September is a special time along the coast of Orange County with warm and mild days and huge numbers of blue whales feeding sometimes just several hundred yards from shore. The Blue Whale Migration is in full swing in September with cruises often seeing several blue whales or more during a single whale watching cruise. And if blue whales weren’t enough, finback whales, and minke whales or also viewed regularly. A great opportunity for even the most seasoned whale watcher. Newport Beach is regarded as one of top whale watching destinations worldwide. See why.
International foods, crafts, folk dancing and music. Many different ethnic foods and costume. The Street Fair has become known for the variety of food reflecting cuisine from around the world. They provide food, drink, entertainment and crafts to the visitors.
August . 30 – September 7, 2025 Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach 714-696-TAP1 (8271)
Click link above for bands and tickets. Friday & Saturday events are ticket concerts, 21+ only, full bar, food and drinks. Sundays are free shows (No Tickets Needed) with all ages welcome (with Parents), full bar, food and drinks.
September 5-7, 2025 Fri 5-11PM | Sat 12-11PM | Sun 12-8PM Fountain Valley Sports Park 16400 Brookhurst Street Fountain Valley, CA 92708 – FREE PARKING!
Fresh Live Maine Lobsters flown in daily prepared to mouth-watering perfection in the World’s Largest Steamers. You can find all things lobster from lobster rolls to lobster mac and lobster bisque, and even lobster on-a-stick! Incredible live music – Bruno and the Hooligans, REMJ-Michael Jackson Tribute Show, Devotional The Depeche Mode Experience, Rio: A Tribute to Duran Duran, and Jumping Jack Flash THE Tribute to the Rolling Stones, to name a few. Admission $5 Fri., $15 Sat/Sun – Kids 12 and under FREE
September 7 – November 9, 2025 EVERY Wednesday through Sunday Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave, #49 Huntington Beach 714-696-TAP1 (8271)
Eat, Drink, Dance & be Merry at Southern California’s BEST & Most DIVERSE OKTOBERFEST (voted by German World Magazine) with Oom-Pah-Pa Bands directly from Germany. Sample Imported German Beers, Bratwurst, Rotisserie Chicken, Hamburgers, Pork Sandwiches, Strudel, Pretzels & more. Guests can also enter the Beer Drinking & Stein Holding Contests, and of course do the Chicken Dance! Wednesday through Saturday are adult nights & Sunday’s are family day with Dachshund Races.
September 12-14, 2025 Dana Point Harbor / Ocean Institute 949-496-2274
The largest annual gathering of tallships on the West Coast, this festival features a spectacular array of family-fun activities including live music, art shows and a variety of tasty food. Interactive living-history encampments including blacksmiths, scrimshaw artists, and the infamous Port Royal Privateers are sure to entertain and amaze guests of all ages and are not to be missed. Additionally, you can explore the historic tallships and listen to the crew share tails of adventure and life at sea.
This annual tradition celebrates Santa Ana‟s vibrant Mexican culture with a parade, performers each night, delicious food, affor dable shopping, interactive activities, and exciting carnival rides for children of all ages
September 25-28, 2025 Westminster Civic Center, 8200 Westminster Blvd. Westminster, CA
We are pleased to announce that Westminster’s Fall Festival will be returning for its 3rd year in a row! We hope to see you all again for another weekend of family fun, including delicious food, a lively beer garden, exciting live entertainment, and carnival rides!
September 27 & 28, 2025 San Juan Capistrano Community Center 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano
Be Greek for the day! Enjoy authentic Greek food and pastries, live Greek music and dancing, shopping at the Greek bazaar, kid friendly activities and exhibits featuring Byzantine icons and traditional Greek costumes.
The city of Laguna Beach California has a high concentration of named beaches along it’s nine mile long waterfront. Thirty-six to be exact! While each of these beaches are excellent places to visit some have their limitations or are just not one of “best” that Laguna has to offer.
Unfortunately (for most of us) there are beachfront gated communities such as Irvine Cove, Emerald Bay, and Three Arch Bay that close off access to their beaches from the general public. Others such as Totuava have difficult access and some are simply all wet at higher tides.
On the brighter side, Laguna is known for its stunning cove beaches such as Thousand Steps, Crecent Bay, and Victoria Beach. But the focal point of the beach scene in Laguna is at Main Beach where you’ll find grass lawns, volleyball courts, shops, restaurants, and lots of people. It’s the best people-watching spot in all of Laguna.
One section of the shoreline from Main Beach to the Keyhole Rock at Pearl Street Beach is a continuous sandy beach, but it has stairwells at each street so the city has created 12 separate beach names between these end points. Walking on the sand from Main Beach to Pearl Street is a thrill and you can return on the sidewalks of Coast Highway if you’d like. There are many shops and restaurants along this route. Of course it’s possible to turn around or loop back at any of the stairways you find on the way to the end at the Keyhole. If you do the whole thing you can cross many of the Laguna beaches off your to do list.
There are a few parks in Laguna Beach worth mentioning. The crown jewel by far is Crystal Cove State Park at the north end on the border with Newport Beach. This park has six different beaches with two of them in Laguna. You can hike the trails in the park on the bluff or walk long distances on the brown sand below. Heisler Park is another worthy stop in Laguna. It’s just a few paces north from Main Beach and is home to a large picnic area above Picnic Beach and excellent tide pools at Rockpile Beach. Finally in South Laguna there is a huge park called Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park with loads of hiking and mountain biking trails. At the bottom of this canyon is family-friendly Aliso Creek Beach.
Below is our list of the best beaches in Laguna Beach ordered from north to south. As we said, even the smaller hard-to-find beaches in Laguna are worth a visit. So if you have extra time, then check this complete list of Laguna Beaches and see how many you can find!
Moro Beach is the southern beach in Crystal Cove State Park located between Laguna Beach and the Corona Del Mar area of Newport Beach, CA. For many years this was […]
Crescent Bay Beach is a large popular beach in northern Laguna Beach, CA. The main public access is on Cliff Drive one block from where it begins at North Coast […]
Shaw’s Cove is a small sandy locals beach tucked away below homes in Laguna Beach, CA. There is a public entrance to Shaw’s at the intersection of Fairview Street and […]
Fisherman’s Cove Beach is a small south-facing beach tucked away in Laguna Beach, CA. The signage at the entrance to this beach is clearly signed Fisherman’s Cove, but locals also […]
Picnic Beach is the northern beach of Heisler Park in Laguna Beach, CA. The park above the beach offers grassy areas to spread out on and many picnic tables as […]
Main Beach is the simple name given to the main centrally-located city beach in Laguna Beach, California. Main Beach is a nice sandy beach in a broad cove that faces […]
Pearl Street Beach is located below a stairway that begins at the west end of Pearl Street in Laguna Beach. Pearl Street ends at Ocean Way just one block off […]
Woods Cove Beach is in a sandy cove that has rocky points at both ends and fancy Laguna Beach homes high above the bluff. Bette Davis lived in the English […]
Victoria Beach is a long white sandy beach south of Victoria Drive in Laguna Beach. The majority of this southwest-facing beach lies in front of the private gated Lagunita housing […]
Treasure Island Beach is south of the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach, CA. This sandy beach is the north end of the same large cove that begins at Aliso Beach […]
Aliso Beach County Park is a popular sandy beach in South Laguna Beach, CA. Unlike many of the nearby beaches, Aliso Beach has a large off-street parking area next to […]
Table Rock Beach is a locally-known tucked away beach in south Laguna Beach, CA. This is an excellent sandy beach in a deep cove with homes high above. Rocks of […]
Thousand Steps Beach is one of the largest beaches in south Laguna Beach, CA. It’s a wide sandy beach with volleyball courts, restrooms, and tide pools and even caves to […]
No bored kids will be left behind this summer when you make your way through this big list of fun kids summer activities.
Keeping kids entertained and engaged throughout the summer takes a bit of creativity. Don’t worry though, we have you covered! Check out these 101 fun summer activities for kids that are guaranteed to stave off boredom and keep them excited about what’s going to happen every day. When the first day of school rolls around and their teacher asks, “What did you do this summer?,” they’ll have a lot to say!
Whether you’re entertaining very active toddler or a low-key tween, this mondo list of fun ideas for summer will come in handy for all ages and types of kids. Got a sitter or nanny helping you out this year? Make sure to share these fun summer activities and ideas with them too.
Key takeaways
Having a list of kids summer ideas and activities is key for staving off boredom.
Make sure you have age-appropriate activities for everyone.
Choose from sporty to educational activities with our comprehensive list.
Have a game night with charades, Pictionary and bingo.
Have a water balloon toss — or fight!
Crafty things to do with kids in summer
Fill one of these blank books with stories and illustrations.
Create salad spinner art by placing circles of paper inside a cheap salad spinner, squirt water-based acrylic or tempera paints on top, cover and spin away.
Make a sidewalk chalk mural.
Have an outdoor painting party using huge canvases or cardboard.
Paint with ice by freezing ice cube trays with washable tempera paint.
Mark off all the local parks on a map — then visit them, take pictures and vote for your favorite.
Take in a fireworks exhibit.
Collaborate with other kids in the neighborhood to do a “chalk walk” — have all the neighbors vote on the best sidewalk chalk obstacle courses or other creative chalk masterpieces.
Let kids paint each other with washable tempera paint and then wash it off in a sprinkler run.
Set up a bike wash and raise money for a local charity.
Plan a picnic at the park and invite friends and neighbors.
Decorate bikes and have a neighborhood Fourth of July parade.
Make paper boats and race them in a kiddie pool using straws to propel them.
Lake Mission Viejo now has seating with a view outside the fences (of course, if you live in MV and have access to the lake, then go there!). You’ll find this seating on the side of the lake along Olympiad. You can literally park your car right there at the curb and enjoy the seating and view.
You can picnic near pretty much ANY playground at a picnic table or by setting up a picnic blanket:
Who wants to go strawberry picking? Have you ever wanted to pick your own fruit, fresh from the farm? Is there any other family activity that’s as fun — and delicious? Not to mention educational, since you can help your kids learn about where their food comes from.
These hard-working family farms, near Los Angeles, and all over Southern California, offer the chance to go strawberry picking (or any other fruit in season) and enjoy seeing your food in its natural state. Sometimes called “U-Pick,” the idea is you and your family will do a bit of work and get to eat all the fresh fruit you gather.
In Los Angeles, we are lucky to be able to pick fruit all year long, nearby, within just a couple hours’ drive. The time to pick strawberries is in the spring. You pick cherries in the early summer, and apple picking happens in the fall. But there are also blueberries, apricots, plums, and pumpkins, too — just to name a few others. Plus there are all the vegetables!
Let’s go pick strawberries! Photo credit: California Strawberry Commission
Have you been searching for “Strawberry Picking Near Me in SoCal?” Or wondered about a “Strawberry Farm near me?” We’ve got you covered! You’ll find a U-Pick Farm Near Me on this awesome Google Map.
Pick Your Own Fruit: Locally Grown and Farm Fresh
We’ve got a great big list of farms to take kids where you can all pick your own fruits and vegetables. You can find U-Pick Farms in Orange County, San Bernardino, Ventura, and even San Diego County.
And if you’d rather not pick your own, most of these farms have terrific farm stands, some with drive-through, so you can get fresh fruit and veggies direct from the farm, whether you get your hands dirty or not.
Things to Know Before You Go
Wherever you go to pick, and whatever fruit you choose, we hope you and your family have a great time!
Fruits they grow: Strawberries, as well as other fruits and vegetables.
Farm Market Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
U-Pick Information: $10 Admission. The picking season generally starts about April 15th each year. Be sure to check their website as well as Instagram and Facebook pages for the most up-to-date information.
Underwood: Moorpark Farm Center 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark, CA 93021
(805)529-3690
info@underwoodfamilyfarms.com
Fruits they grow: Strawberries, as well as many other fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, cauliflower, carrots, lettuce, and much more. Underwood is well-known for its seasonal festivals (Springtime Festival, Fall Harvest, and Christmas on the Farm).
Moorpark Farm Center Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed on certain holidays, closing early on the days before certain holidays. Check their website for details.
Underwood: Somis Farm Center
5696 E. Los Angeles Ave, Somis, CA 93066
(805) 386-4660 info@underwoodfamilyfarms.com
Fruits they grow: The Somis location has been open since 1980 and offers a variety of fruits, vegetables, and specialty food items (jarred products, pickled vegetables, dried beans, honey, farm fresh eggs, flowers, and more).
Pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, tangerines, and figs are offered by the season. Strawberries are usually available from March through mid-June.
When you go, be sure to visit the animal center where you can see pygmy goats, alpacas, sheep, and chickens.
Somis Farm Market & Animal Center Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. as of 3/9/2025). Closed on certain holidays, closing early on the days before certain holidays. Check their website for details.
This farm has “U Pick Strawberries Near Me” if that’s what you’re looking for! Photo credit: California Strawberry Commission
In the fall, try our list of Farms for Apple Picking, many of which are located in San Bernardino County.
Pick Your Own Fruit — San Bernardino County
Los Rios Rancho 39611 Oak Glen Rd., Oak Glen, CA 92399
(909) 797-1005
info@losriosrancho.com
Fruits they grow: Los Rios Rancho was established in 1906 and is known as the “largest and oldest Apple Farm in Southern California.” While they are known as an Apple Farm, Los Rios Rancho includes more than 150 acres and offers a variety of organically-grown berries, pumpkins, corn, and more. More than three acres are dedicated to strawberries, and picking season usually starts in mid-May. They also host a number of special events and festivals throughout the year.
Current Hours: Thursday – Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (They are closed on Wednesday and they are temporarily closed on Thursday and Friday as well)
Family Farms
13406 Cypress Ave., Chino, CA 91710
(909) 717-5871
Fruits they grow: Family Farms in Chino welcomes families to pick their own strawberries seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No reservation is needed. $10 per person, which includes entry and a basket of strawberries. For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check their Instagram and/or Facebook pages.
Fruits they grow: In late spring and early summer, you can pick Nicolson’s juicy, delicious strawberries from Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check their Facebook or Instagram pages for more information.
Berry Picking Farms — Orange County
Tanaka Farms 5380 3/4 University Dr., Irvine, CA 92612
(949)653-2100
info@tanakafarms.com
Fruits they grow: Tanaka Farms is a thirty-acre, family-owned and operated farm, established in 1940. Families can opt to take a Strawberry Picking Tour, which includes a guided wagon ride with multiple stops, allowing families the opportunity to pick fruit right where they’re growing. Strawberry Picking Tours are offered on Saturday and Sunday, beginning March 1st, 2025. Reservations may be made online. You can also opt to visit and pick strawberries without the tour. Tanaka Farms is also well-known for its seasonal festivals and many family-friendly events offered throughout the year.
Produce Market Stand & Gift Shop Hours: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Keep in mind — all tours and activities require a reservation.)
South Coast Farms
33201 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949)661-9381
southcoastcsa@gmail.com
Fruits they grow: South Coast Farms was established in 1996 and is San Juan Capistrano’s only Family Farm. They grow all of their produce without the use of pesticides or fungicides. South Coast Farms U-pick is currently open on Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Be sure to check their Instagram and Facebook pages for the latest updates.
The Ecology Center
32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 443-4223
Fruits they grow: The Ecology Center provides an “immersive, interactive farm experience featuring educational programming and a hands-on strawberry U-pick.” Using a field guide, families will first tour the farm and then go into the fields to “experience the bounty of the only Regenerative Organic strawberries available in Southern California.” Many special events are offered throughout the year including seasonal festivals, farm dinners, special children’s offerings, and more.
Hours: Farm Stand is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
U-Pick Strawberries is available on Saturday and Sunday ($15 per person) from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance (free for children under 2).
Manassero Farms
33 Irvine Valley, Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 554-5103
Fruits they grow: Strawberry picking season at Manassero Farms has just begun. The Strawberry Picking Experience includes access to the field and a single 1-pound container. For those who do not wish to pick berries and would just like access to the fields, a ticket is required. Children under 2 are free. Reservations are required.
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Open on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Photo credit: California Strawberry Commission
Strawberry Picking — San Diego County
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
1050 Cannon Rd., Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760)603-9608
info@carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
Fruits they grow: Carlsbad Strawberry Company has been growing strawberries for generations! U-Pick is predicted to open in late March or early April. Check the website for the latest information. And while you’re there, be sure to visit with the sheep, goats, and rabbits on the farm. Once the season begins, U-Pick is available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets may only be purchased on-site. (Visit in the fall, and you’ll find an epic Pumpkin Patch and corn maze.) They also have tractor rides and Bounceland, which will reopen soon and includes jump houses and slides for children.
Kenny’s Strawberry Farm
953 Rainbow Valley Blvd., Fallbrook, CA 92028
(888) 236-0101
info@kennysstrawberryfarm.com
Fruits they grow: Kenny’s Strawberry Farm has been growing delicious strawberries for over a decade. U-Pick opportunities usually open sometime in February or March each year. Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information and hours. (As of February 27th, 2025 the U-Pick Farm is closed for the season. According to Facebook, they are already sold out!)
The 65th Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival is scheduled for Friday, May 23rd (1 p.m. to 10 p.m.), Saturday, May 24th, and Sunday, May 25th (10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on both days), and Monday, May 26th (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.). This popular yearly event features carnival rides, live musical performances, vendor booths, games, and, of course, strawberries (and other non-strawberry food). Details, including parking information, are available online.
The California Strawberry Festival will take place on Saturday, May 17th, and Sunday, May 18th (10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.). The Festival features over 40 food vendors, live musical performances, arts and crafts booths, and a Strawberryland for Kids (featuring rides, face painting, and more). Ticket information is available online.
Q: Is strawberry picking a good family activity?
A: Yes, you can pick strawberries with your kids, and you’ll all have fun.
Q: When is strawberry picking season?
A: Strawberry picking season varies by location and climate, but generally it occurs in the late spring and early summer months. In North America, strawberry picking season typically runs from late May to early July, although this can vary by region.
Q: What should I wear for strawberry picking?
A: It’s best to wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, as well as closed-toe shoes. You may also want to wear a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Q: What should I bring when picking strawberries?
A: You’ll want to bring a container to hold your strawberries, such as a basket or a plastic container with a lid. You may also want to bring water and snacks, as well as cash to pay for the strawberries.
Q: How do I know which strawberries to pick?
A: Look for strawberries that are fully red and plump. Avoid strawberries that are unripe or overripe. You can also gently squeeze the strawberry to see if it’s ripe – it should be slightly soft to the touch.
Q: Can I eat the strawberries while picking?
A: It’s generally okay to eat a few strawberries while picking, but be sure to ask the farmer or staff at the farm if it’s allowed. They may have specific rules about eating while picking.
Q: Can I bring my pet with me to pick strawberries?
A: It’s best to check with the farm beforehand, as some may not allow pets due to health and safety concerns.
Q: Can I bring my own containers to pick strawberries?
A: It’s best to check with the farm beforehand, as some may have specific rules about the types of containers that are allowed. They may also provide containers for you to use.
Q: How much do strawberries cost when picking your own?
A: The cost of strawberries can vary depending on the location and the farm. You can expect to pay by weight or by the container. Prices may also vary depending on the ripeness and quality of the strawberries.
Q: How long do picked strawberries last?
A: Picked strawberries will typically last for a few days in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat them as soon as possible for the freshest flavor. You can also freeze strawberries for longer storage.
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
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