Looking for November family weekend outings? Plan a movie afternoon, a book-fair visit or an evening under the lights for November 13 to 15, 2026. These five family-friendly outings cover Orange County and Los Angeles County, with two confirmed free choices and official links to check before you leave.
Choose the county that works for your family: Orange County or Los Angeles County. Admission price not confirmed means the official page did not provide a usable admission price. It does not mean free.
Orange County
Movie Under the Stars: Coco, Buena Park
Friday, November 13, 2026. Activities start at 3:30 PM and the movie starts at 5 PM at Friendship Park, 5290 Cameron Dr., Buena Park. Admission is free. Food-truck purchases cost extra. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for this outdoor movie. Official Buena Park movie details.
The OC Book Fair, Tustin
Saturday, November 14, 10 AM to 5 PM. Head to Old Town Tustin for booksellers, author talks and children’s activities. Admission price not confirmed. Official OC Book Fair details.
Happy Harbor Days, Dana Point
The official 2026 harbor guide says holiday lights begin Thursday, November 12 at Dana Point Harbor. Make this your waterfront-light option for the weekend. Exact nightly hours and admission price not confirmed. Check the current guide and parking information before heading out. Official Dana Point Harbor holiday guide.
Orange County FAQ
Is Coco in Buena Park free on November 13?
Yes. Buena Park lists free admission at Friendship Park, 5290 Cameron Dr., on Friday, November 13, 2026. Activities begin at 3:30 PM and the movie starts at 5 PM. Food-truck purchases are separate.
When is The OC Book Fair in Tustin?
The fair is Saturday, November 14, from 10 AM to 5 PM in Old Town Tustin. Admission price not confirmed. The organizer lists story time and interactive activities for kids.
Are the Dana Point Harbor holiday lights on this weekend?
The official 2026 harbor page says Happy Harbor Days lights begin November 12. Exact nightly hours and admission price not confirmed. Check the harbor guide before traveling.
Los Angeles County
Public Star Party, Los Angeles
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 2 PM to 9:45 PM. Visit Griffith Observatory, 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, for the free Public Star Party and a chance to explore the sky through volunteer telescopes. Telescope lines may close before 9:45 PM so viewing can finish on time. The free event does not include parking or planetarium shows. Check viewing conditions before going. Official Public Star Party details and official visitor information.
Tinker Bell’s Neverland, South Coast Botanic Garden
The organizer lists the illuminated outdoor trail from November 13 to January 3, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, at South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This is in Los Angeles County. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission price not confirmed. Check timed-ticket availability and parking charges before choosing your visit. Official light-trail details and ticket link.
Los Angeles County FAQ
When is the Griffith Observatory Public Star Party?
The free Public Star Party is Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 2 PM to 9:45 PM at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. Parking and planetarium shows are separate from the free event.
Where is Tinker Bell’s Neverland?
It is at South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County.
When does the South Coast Botanic Garden light trail open?
The organizer lists November 13 to January 3, with hours from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission price not confirmed; check available timed tickets before going.
Why weekend outings matter when you live in Southern California
A nearby movie, a book fair or a harbor walk can help you get to know a neighborhood beyond its streets. Pick one outing that fits your family’s time and budget, then leave room to enjoy it. Check the local forecast, plan for sun and warm daytime conditions, and bring water for outdoor stops.
Looking ahead
Next week’s theme is Thanksgiving-week outings in both counties. We’ll check the official dates and hours before sharing that list. Holiday schedules and prices can change, so check the linked organizer pages before traveling.
More family outings in Orange County and Los Angeles County
Find our latest guides and ongoing outing ideas in Family Fun in Orange County and Family Fun in Los Angeles County.
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