OC Play Fun

O.C. Lantern Festival 2026 - Costa Mesa
2026-03-07 11:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Free Family event! Bring the entire family and join us for Pacific Symphony’s annual Lantern Festival!

This day-long festival (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) includes:

Music and Dance Performances by local community and professional groups and Pacific Symphony musicians
Lantern Decorating
Riddles
Dragon Dance
Photo Opportunities
Food and more!

The Lantern Festival, which can be traced back 2,000 years, takes place 15 days after the Lunar New Year—on the first full moon night in the lunar calendar—and marks the return of spring, representing the reunion of family. The act of lighting and appreciating lanterns is a way for people to let go of the burdens of their old selves and express their best wishes for themselves and their families for the future.
Join us as the concert hall lobby becomes transformed for the festivities with lanterns created by community members and the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall is opened up to the public for performances featuring local music and dance groups. You’ll have the opportunity to decorate your very own lantern, take in live music, try your hand at solving a riddle, take in cultural demonstrations and more!
Co-hosted by Pacific Symphony and the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center and presented in cooperation with Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Patron contact information will be shared with the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center which is co-presenting this event.

Antique Aircraft Display Day
2026-03-08 10:00 - 13:00 | Fullerton Municipal Airport, 4011 W. Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833, Fullertno, CA, 92833, United States
Join the monthly Antique Aircraft Display Day at Fullerton Municipal Airport, where classic and vintage aircraft are displayed in the transient parking area just north of the terminal building and control tower. Bring the whole family for free access, fun photo ops with historic planes, and a unique outing celebrating aviation history in a relaxed setting. Pair this with breakfast at Wings Cafe at the Airport!

Community Day at the Back Bay - Newport Beach
2026-03-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Back Bay Science Center, 600 Shellmaker Rd, Newport Beach, CA, 92660, United States
This is an open house–style event with staff and volunteers available to answer questions. Stop by anytime between 10am–2pm on Sundays to tour the facility, including the Shellmaker Trail, teaching lab, aquatic lab, and touch tanks. Learn about the Back Bay Science Center’s educational programs and ways to get involved. The Newport Bay Conservancy Native Plant Nursery will also be open, featuring native California plants used for habitat restoration in Upper Newport Bay. Public animal feeding takes place from 12–1pm, with opportunities to learn about the animals and their habitats.

Aliso Viejo Artisans Market – Spring Bunny
2026-03-08 11:00 - 15:00 | Aliso Viejo Ranch, 100 Park Ave, Aliso Viejo, CA, 92656, United States
Family Fun & Local Finds at Our Artisans Market!
Join us for a fun and festive Artisans Market at Aliso Viejo Ranch (100 Park Ave) on Sunday, March 8, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This event features an amazing lineup of local vendors selling handmade goods, art, jewelry, candles, home décor, apparel, treats, drinks, and so much more! It’s the perfect outing for the whole family, with FREE kids’ activities like face painting and crafts. Don’t forget to capture a sweet photo with our Spring Bunny while you shop and explore. Come support small businesses, enjoy the community, and make it a spring day to remember!

$5 Play Day at The Children’s Museum at La Habra
2026-03-08 13:00 - 17:00 | The Children’s Museum at La Habra, 301 S Euclid St, La Habra, CA, 90631, United States
You loved it so much last month that we’re bringing back the fun for another affordable afternoon of discovery and imagination! On Sunday, March 8th, join us at The Children’s Museum at La Habra for all the hands-on play you can handle—all for just $5.
🎈 The Details:
When: Sunday, March 8th | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cost: Only $5 per person (ages 2 and up)
What: Full access to all our interactive exhibits!
From the depths of the Dino Garden to the driver’s seat of our historic train car, it’s the perfect way to make memories without breaking the bank. High-quality play at a low-key price? That’s a Sunday well spent! 🚂🦖
🎟️ Don’t wait—tickets go fast! Click the link in our bio to reserve your spot for March 8th today!
We can’t wait to play with you again! 👋

Kinderpalooza – Foothill Ranch Library
2026-03-10 16:00 - 18:00 | Foothill Ranch Library, 27002 Cabriole, Foothill Ranch, CA, 92610, United States
Families getting ready for kindergarten are invited to a special school-readiness event at Foothill Ranch Library on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 4–6 PM. Enjoy live science fun with Adventures in Living Science, meet Pancake Pig, and explore interactive activity stations hosted by local early-learning partners including BrightLife Kids, First 5 Orange County, Children’s Home Society, PBS SoCal, and Discovery Cube. A great opportunity to connect, learn, and spark excitement for the kindergarten journey.

Art & Play (Ages 0–2) - Costa Mesa
2026-03-11 11:00 - 13:00 | UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art, 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Discover fun ways to introduce art and creative thinking to youth ages 0–2 and their caregivers. Participants visit our exhibitions and engage in playful activities that inspire imagination. Art & Play (Ages 0–2) is held the third Wednesday of every month. Two hour-long sessions are available from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM and 12:00–1:00 PM. Please register for one session only.

Tanaka Farms Open House - Irvine
2026-03-14 09:00 - 2026-03-15 17:00 | Tanaka Farms, 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA, 92612, United States
Celebrate the season at Tanaka Farms with a fun-filled Open House for the whole family! Enjoy free entry, complimentary wagon rides around the farm, exciting giveaways, and the start of Strawberry Festival festivities. It’s a great opportunity to explore the farm, soak in the fresh air, and experience a classic Orange County farm day with the kids. More details coming soon!

Orange County Fire Authority Open House 2026 - Irvine
2026-03-14 10:00 - 15:00 | OCFA Headquarters, 1 Fire Authority, Irvine, CA, 92602, United States
Save the date! 🔥 Join us Saturday, March 14 from 10am to 3pm for our Open House, featuring live demonstrations, fire apparatus on display, interactive safety education, and fun for all ages. There will be no onsite parking for this event. Stay tuned for more information on our complimentary shuttle service.

Planetarium and Aquarium Open House - Costa Mesa
2026-03-14 12:00 - 16:00 | Orange Coast College Planetarium, 2701 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Orange Coast College Planetarium & Dennis Kelly Aquarium
Free and open to the public – Sponsored by the Port of Long Beach
We enthusiastically invite you to attend our Open House event! Come explore our aquarium, meet all of our critters, and participate in exciting activities and scientific demonstrations. Become immersed in our wonderful oceans by seeing our planetarium shows. And learn more about local ecological and environmental projects by talking to our host of expert organizations at their booths.
What is the Planetarium and Aquarium Open House in Costa Mesa?
The Planetarium and Aquarium Open House is a free family event at Orange Coast College featuring aquarium exhibits, live marine animals, planetarium shows, hands-on science activities, and booths from local environmental organizations.
When is the Planetarium and Aquarium Open House?
Saturday, March 14, 202612:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where is the event located?
Orange Coast College Planetarium & Dennis Kelly Aquarium2701 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Is the Planetarium and Aquarium Open House free?
Yes. Admission is free.
What age is this event best for?
The event is best for school-age children (ages 6–12), but families with younger or older children are welcome.
What can kids do at the Open House?
Kids can explore aquarium exhibits, watch planetarium shows, meet marine critters, participate in science demonstrations, and learn about ocean and environmental conservation projects.

Bugs, Bees, and Butterflies Day - Fullerton
2026-03-18 10:00 - 14:00 | The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malvern Ave, Fullerton, CA, 92833, United States
Join us for Bugs, Bees, and Butterflies Day and discover the important role insects play in a healthy garden! Enjoy arts and crafts activities, an artist marketplace featuring eco-friendly home and garden vendors, environmentally focused artwork, a children’s book fair, and a book donation collection drive.

Art & Play (Ages 3–5) - Costa Mesa
2026-03-18 11:00 - 13:00 | UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art, 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Discover fun ways to introduce art and creative thinking to youth ages 3–5 and their caregivers. Participants visit our exhibitions and engage in playful activities that inspire imagination. Art & Play (Ages 3–5) is held the third Wednesday of every month. Two hour-long sessions are available from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM and 12:00–1:00 PM. Please register for one session only.

International Happiness Day - Mission Viejo
2026-03-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Mission Viejo Library, 100 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, CA, 92691, United States
Celebrate International Happiness Day with a fun family craft! Create a Happiness Bear decorated with painted hearts, stars, and cheerful messages.
Join us in The Kershaw Garden.

Miniature Railroad Train Rides - Costa Mesa
2026-03-21 10:00 - 2026-03-22 15:30 | Goathill Junction Train Station, 2480 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Goathill Junction Railroad offers public Run Weekends on the 3rd full weekend of each month, with continuous train rides from 10:00 AM–3:30 PM (weather permitting). No reservations required. Train rides are free with donations encouraged to support the nonprofit railroad. Each ride is a 12–15 minute loop through Fairview Nature Park, departing from and returning to Goathill Junction station, which includes restrooms, a gift shop, and picnic seating. Riders must be at least 31 inches tall and able to walk. The railroad is closed to the general public on non-run weekends due to maintenance and private events. Special seasonal events, including the North Pole Express in December, are offered on select dates.

Bella Terra Kids Club: Bunny Bash - Huntington Beach
2026-03-23 11:00 - 13:00 | Bella Terra, 7777 Edinger Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA, 92647, United States
March 23rd: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Green (lawn area in front of Century Theatres)

Hop on over to the green for this month’s Kids Club at Bella Terra!
Join us for:

Bella the Bunny meet & greet
Bunny Petting Zoo
Springtime Crafts

Come for kids club, and spend a lovely day at Bella Terra shopping and dining with the family.
RSVP HERE
This event is free of charge and open to the public; registration is required to receive craft materials AND to participate in bunny petting zoo & meet and greet, however attendees are encouraged to arrive early as all activities are first come, first serve, while supplies last. RSVPS do no guarantee participation or craft supplies.
Sunscreen and/or protective hat recommend due to the venue being outside.
WHY RSVP?
So we have enough supplies for everyone!
Visit BellaTerra-hb.com for complete event details and follow us on Instagram @bellaterrahb & @socalkidsclub for notifications for upcoming events!

Hoppin’ Hills - Laguna Hills
2026-03-28 09:00 - 23:00 | Laguna Hills Community Center & Sports Park, 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653, United States
Join the Community Services team for a morning of free, spring-themed fun!

On Saturday, March 28th, we will hold our annual Hoppin’ Hills event on the Town Green of the Community Center from 9am to 11am. We will have crafts, face painting, donuts coffee, photo opportunities, and a juggling show!

Bunny Bonanza - Laguna Niguel
2026-03-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Crown Valley Park, 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA, 92677, United States
Hop on over to Crown Valley Park for Laguna Niguel’s Annual Bunny Bonanza on Saturday, March 28! Join us for springtime fun with crafts, games, Touch-A-Truck, entertainment, and photos with the Bunny!
Note: There will NOT be an egg hunt at this event. Activities may be cancelled if it rains on event day. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Bunny Blast – Lake Forest
2026-03-28 11:00 - 14:00 | El Toro Park, 23701 Los Alisos Blvd, Lake Forest, CA, 92630, United States
Spring is calling… and so is the Bunny

Bunny Blast Eggstravaganza is back at El Toro Park on Saturday, March 28 from 11a.m. to 2p.m. Get ready for egg stations, carnival games, crafts, food trucks and nonstop family fun!

Wristbands are $10. Parents with little ones ages 2 and under are free.

Friendly heads up: this event is limited to the first 1,000 participants and it sells out almost every year. We highly encourage you to purchase wristbands in advance at the Lake Forest Sports Park. Once they are gone, they are gone.

Don’t wait! Grab your wristbands early and hop into spring with us at El Toro Park (23701 Los Alisos Blvd.)
