Free + paid things to do with kids in Los Angeles and Orange County summer 2026: Jazz at LACMA, beach movies, Knott's Summer Nights, FoodieLand, TOCApalooza, $1 matinees, splash pads, and easy mini plans for families.
Looking for free and paid things to do with kids in Los Angeles and Orange County this summer 2026? This parent-friendly guide rounds up family events across LA + OC — from free concerts and beach movies to ticketed festivals, theme parks, and $1 matinees — with neighborhood notes, toddler tips, and easy mini plans. Summer window: June through Labor Day 2026 — confirm dates on each Play Map LA listing before you go.
Browse live listings: Summer activities hub · Free kids events · Outdoor movies · Family festivals · Museum free days · This weekend in LA · Splash pads guide · Full calendar
Weekly classes and programs: Kids classes directory · Parent and me classes · Swim lessons · Music classes
Short on time? Start with the quick picks below, then jump to the FAQ.
Jump by neighborhood: Westside · Long Beach + South Bay · Orange County · San Fernando Valley + North LA · Pasadena + Northeast LA · Beverly Hills + Central LA
You only get 18 summers with your kids. One day they are tiny enough to nap in the stroller after a splash pad morning; before you know it they are teenagers making their own plans. Do not wait for perfect timing — take the lake trip, go to the festival, say yes to the splash pad, and pack the snacks for the memory.
Free + Paid Things to Do with Kids in LA + OC Summer 2026 — Quick Picks
Quick answers for the most common summer searches. Full details for every event are in the neighborhood sections below.
Best free summer events for kids in Los Angeles:
Jazz at LACMA (Friday evenings), LA County Beach Movie Nights at Dockweiler, Concerts on Canon (Beverly Hills), TOCApalooza (Torrance), Rodeo Drive Concours, Wellness & Waves, Spectrum Silent Disco, and $1 Regal or Cinemark matinees.
Best paid summer events worth the ticket in LA + OC:
Knott's Summer Nights, FoodieLand Rose Bowl, Zoo After Dark, Wild West Play Date, and Cali Splash Park at Castaic Lake.
Best toddler-friendly summer events:
Wild West Play Date, Choo Choo Revue, AquaBus, an early Beach Movie Night arrival, or a short Wellness & Waves session — one focused activity plus food and home usually beats a two-festival day.
Hot afternoon backup:
See the indoor activities section for $1 matinees, museums, puppet shows, and the Experiences collection.
Westside Los Angeles family-friendly events
Jazz at LACMA 2026
Looking for low-effort things to do with kids in LA in summer? Jazz at LACMA is one of the best relaxed evening outings for families in Los Angeles — free concerts on the Smidt Welcome Plaza most Friday evenings (6–8 PM) through summer. Bring snacks, a blanket, and let the kids dance while you enjoy live music outdoors. No tickets needed.
View the Jazz at LACMA official calendar →
Pro tip: The best spots to sit on the lawn near the jazz stage fill up fast — arrive 30–45 minutes early to claim blanket space before the plaza packs in. Pack a picnic and easy snacks, or grab a bite at Erewhon at LACMA (right on campus) if you would rather not haul food. Good seating early makes the whole evening feel calmer with kids.
Mini plan: Jazz at LACMA + dinner at The Grove
Do: Claim your lawn spot early, enjoy the set, then caravan a few minutes to The Grove for dinner while everyone still has patience for sitting at a table. Win-Dow is a solid cheap-and-cheesy option; the plaza loop stays stroller-friendly if you need to bail early.
Why this works: You get the free concert first, then reset with a real meal — better than trying to feed everyone on the lawn once the good spots are gone and kids are already fading.
Art on Ocean: Palisades Park Arts Festival
A beautiful beachside arts festival with ocean views, creative booths, and performances on Saturday, August 8, 2026 (11 AM–7 PM) along Ocean Avenue and Palisades Park in Santa Monica. One of the best summer activities in Los Angeles for creative kids and families looking for a slower-paced day. Admission is free. There is a 21+ beer and wine garden on site — stay on the main festival floor with younger kids.
View Art on Ocean — Palisades Park Arts Festival on Play Map LA →
LA County Beach Movie Nights at Dockweiler
If you are looking for memorable things to do with kids in LA in summer, beach movie nights at Dockweiler are peak Southern California nostalgia. Fridays through summer 2026 at Dockweiler Youth Center; movies start at 8 PM. Families watch on the sand with ocean breezes, sunset views, and picnic-style setups. Upcoming highlights include Coco (June 19) and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (July 31). Free admission; parking $3 after 6 PM. RSVP on Eventbrite is optional but useful for change notifications. Pack blankets or low beach chairs, hoodies, snacks, and sand toys for little kids before sunset.
View LA County Beach Movie Nights at Dockweiler on Play Map LA →
Tip: Arrive before sunset so kids burn off sand energy before they have to sit still. Noise-sensitive kids do better farther back from the speakers.
Long Beach + South Bay summer activities with kids
Long Beach Water Taxis: AquaLink + AquaBus
One of the most underrated things to do with kids in LA in summer. Kids love riding the boats, and parents love that it feels exciting without becoming an exhausting full-day activity. AquaBus short hops can start around $1 during the summer season (typically around 11 AM–6 PM). Great for toddlers who love transportation, visiting grandparents, and easy waterfront mornings.
View Long Beach Water Taxis — AquaLink + AquaBus on Play Map LA →
Mini plan: AquaBus loop + Shoreline Village
Do: Morning boat ride while everyone is fresh, then walk Shoreline Village for snacks before nap debt hits.
Why this works: Transportation thrill first, then food — you avoid hangry kids on a boat with no exit.
Wellness & Waves
A calmer beach experience for families looking for wellness-focused outdoor activities this summer in Los Angeles. Free Saturday morning yoga, Pilates, and themed classes on the Santa Monica Pier — stroller-friendly and easy to pair with a pier walk.
View Wellness & Waves on Play Map LA →
Tip: Check the listing for the exact Saturday instructor and time before you promise an early wake-up.
Seaside Lagoon (Redondo Beach)
Seaside Lagoon is a fully enclosed saltwater lagoon in King Harbor with small water slides, picnic areas, and a luau shelter — a classic South Bay summer stop when you want pool energy without driving to the Valley. The 2026 season runs Memorial Day weekend (May 23) through Labor Day (September 7), daily 10 AM–5:45 PM per the city site. Confirm rates and rules before you go; picnic and luau areas may need reservations.
Tip: Pair a morning lagoon session with lunch at the pier — everyone is happier if swim time comes before they are sun-fried and starving.
TOCApalooza 2026
A free family-friendly arts festival at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, June 27, 2026 (11 AM–5 PM) — three stages of live entertainment, a juried art show, artist vendors, community booths, and hands-on family art activities. Food, beer, and wine are sold on site; admission is free. Great South Bay pick when you want culture and kid crafts without a ticketed museum day.
View TOCApalooza 2026 on Play Map LA →
Tip: Go earlier for cooler plaza time and shorter lines at the kids' activity stations. Confirm parking and any volunteer or ticket notes on torrancearts.org/tocapalooza before you go.
Orange County family-friendly events summer 2026
Knott's Summer Nights
One of the biggest family-friendly events in Orange County this summer — live entertainment, themed food, music, and nighttime energy throughout the park on summer evenings. Best for elementary kids and up who can handle stimulation after dark. Toddlers may do better with a shorter visit and a planned exit before overtired meltdowns.
View Knott's Summer Nights on Play Map LA →
HB Foodie Fest — Huntington Beach
A beachside food festival that works perfectly as an Orange County summer family day — vendors, ocean air, and festival energy without a full theme-park commitment. Upcoming summer dates include Friday, July 3, 2026 and Friday, August 7, 2026.
View HB Foodie Fest — Huntington Beach (July 3) on Play Map LA →
Spectrum Silent Disco at Irvine Spectrum Center
Complimentary outdoor silent disco nights on select Saturday evenings (6–9 PM) near Old Navy / Torino Plaza — pick up wireless headphones, choose your DJ channel, and dance under the summer lights. Free admission; RSVPs help the mall plan headsets but do not guarantee a pair (first-come, first-served). Weather permitting. Summer 2026 dates include June 13, June 27, July 25, and August 29 — confirm the full schedule on the listing.
View Spectrum Silent Disco at Irvine Spectrum Center on Play Map LA →
Tip: Arrive early for headphones if your kids are excited to participate. Pair with dinner at the Spectrum when you want an easy OC evening without a theme-park commitment.
San Fernando Valley + North LA summer fun
Hansen Dam Aquatic Center
Hansen Dam Aquatic Center is one of the largest swimming pools in the United States — a huge outdoor pool complex in Lake View Terrace with water slides and a broad summer season running into early September.
Pool admission is cheap but cash only ($1 kids, $4 adults 18–49). Slides require riders at least 48 inches tall and age 7+ — check the official rules before you promise slides to a smaller kid. Enter via Dronfield Ave from Osborne St; bring towels, sunscreen, and a post-swim snack plan.
View Hansen Dam Aquatic Center official hours and rules →
Tip: Arrive earlier in the day for calmer deck space before Valley heat peaks. Confirm daily hours, slide rules, and cash-only admission before you promise a midweek swim.
Cali Splash Park Inflatable Aquapark at Castaic Lake
Located at Castaic Lake — the largest State Water Project reservoir in Southern California — this inflatable water playground is one of the biggest hits for adventurous older kids during summer. Bring water shoes, extra towels, a change of clothes, and post-swim snacks. Confirm hours and pricing on the listing before you drive. Treat it as a half-day anchor, not a stack with a late evening event.
View Cali Splash Park Inflatable Aquapark at Castaic Lake on Play Map LA →
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Pasadena + Northeast LA family activities
FoodieLand Food Festival at Rose Bowl Stadium
One of the most popular family-friendly events in LA every summer — hundreds of food vendors, desserts, games, and live music. The festival runs July 3–5, 2026; Friday, July 3 is a strong family entry point. Go earlier with toddlers, set a spending cap, and plan your exit before the Rose Bowl lot turns chaotic.
View FoodieLand Food Festival — Rose Bowl (Friday, July 3) on Play Map LA →
Mini plan: FoodieLand + Brookside Park playground
Do: Hit the festival when gates open, then decompress at nearby Brookside Park so kids can run off sugar before the car ride home.
Why this works: You get the festival highlight without staying until everyone is overstimulated.
Wild West Play Date (Castle & Crown)
Cowboy crafts, stories, games, and a visit from a special cowgirl guest — playful themed fun for toddlers and preschoolers who love pretend play on Saturday, June 20, 2026 (10 AM–12 PM) in Burbank. $25 per child; adults free per the listing.
View Wild West Play Date on Play Map LA →
Choo Choo Revue (Bob Baker Marionette Theater)
Train-loving toddlers and preschoolers will love this charming puppet show at Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Highland Park — easily one of the most unique things to do with kids in LA in summer for little transportation fans. Book showtimes before you promise it; sensory-friendly and ASL performances are offered on select dates.
View Choo Choo Revue on Play Map LA →
Beverly Hills + Central LA events for kids
Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance 2026
A fun free event for kids obsessed with cars on Sunday, June 21, 2026 (10 AM–4 PM) — Father's Day on Rodeo Drive with rare, vintage, and luxury vehicles. Strollers work best earlier before sidewalks pack in.
View Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance 2026 on Play Map LA →
Concerts on Canon at Beverly Canon Gardens
A free weekly summer concert series in Beverly Hills — live music on the lawn at Beverly Canon Gardens every Thursday, 6–8 PM, from early June through late August. Styles rotate (classic rock, jazz, Caribbean, Brazilian, and more), so you can treat it as a low-lift picnic night without buying tickets. Strollers work well on the gardens; bring a blanket and easy snacks.
View Concerts on Canon at Beverly Canon Gardens on Play Map LA →
Tip: Pick one Thursday that fits nap windows — you do not need to commit to the whole summer. Check the listing for the current week's performer before you promise a specific sound to picky kids.
FIFA Fan Festival Los Angeles
One of the biggest sports-themed family-friendly events in LA this summer 2026 — big-screen matches, festival programming, and World Cup energy. Sunscreen, water, and an early exit plan help when crowds and stimulation run high.
View FIFA Fan Festival Los Angeles on Play Map LA →
Best summer movie events for families in LA + OC
Regal Summer Movie Express
One of the best cheap things to do with kids in LA in summer — $1 kids movies on weekday mornings all season. Confirm your local Regal showtimes weekly; schedules rotate.
View Regal Summer Movie Express 2026 on Play Map LA →
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse
A favorite summer parenting hack across Los Angeles and Orange County — about $1.75 kids movies on weekday mornings when Regal is not the closest theater.
View Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse on Play Map LA →
Studio Ghibli's Ponyo at the Academy Museum
A cozy movie outing for Studio Ghibli fans and one of the sweetest indoor family-friendly events in LA this summer. Exhibition runs through early 2027; museum admission applies.
View Studio Ghibli's PONYO on Play Map LA →
Hot summer days: indoor activities in LA + OC
When the forecast hits the high 90s (or smoke keeps you inside), swap the all-day outdoor plan for AC, shorter outings, and one clear exit time. These are the strongest indoor things to do with kids in LA in summer — most work on weekday afternoons when festivals and splash pads feel like too much.
Browse the map: Experiences collection on Play Map LA — indoor play spaces, activity studios, and family-friendly venues you can filter by neighborhood.
Regal Summer Movie Express
$1 kids movies on weekday mornings — dim lights, cold AC, and a built-in end time. Confirm your local Regal weekly; titles rotate.
View Regal Summer Movie Express 2026 on Play Map LA →
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse
Same parenting hack, different chain — about $1.75 morning showtimes when Regal is not the closest theater.
View Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse on Play Map LA →
Studio Ghibli's Ponyo at the Academy Museum
A calm museum exhibition for Ghibli fans — walk through at your own pace, then grab lunch in Mid-Wilshire. Runs through early 2027; museum admission applies.
View Studio Ghibli's PONYO on Play Map LA →
Wild West Play Date (Castle & Crown)
Fully indoor cowboy crafts, stories, and games for toddlers and preschoolers on Saturday, June 20, 2026 (10 AM–12 PM) in Burbank. $25 per child; adults free per the listing.
View Wild West Play Date on Play Map LA →
Choo Choo Revue (Bob Baker Marionette Theater)
A classic indoor puppet show in Highland Park for train-loving little kids — book showtimes ahead; sensory-friendly and ASL dates on select performances.
View Choo Choo Revue on Play Map LA →
Indoor play and experiences (ongoing)
Beyond dated events, the Experiences collection on Play Map LA lists dozens of indoor play areas, trampoline parks, pottery studios, and similar spots — handy when you need a backup plan that is not tied to a single showtime.
Browse the Experiences collection on Play Map LA →
Museums and aquariums (flexible timing)
No single ticket date required — scan Play Map LA for current programs:
- Natural History Museum — dinosaurs, nature halls, and strong weekend family programming in Exposition Park.
- LACMA Andell Family Sundays and the Boone Children's Gallery — art-making and play without committing to a full museum day.
- Aquarium of the Pacific — Long Beach ocean exhibits; plan parking and allow time for the touch pools.
Free indoor rhythm resets
- Library storytimes — short, free, and easy to pair with errands.
- Barnes & Noble storytimes — predictable bookstore AC when you need a low-lift hour out of the house.
Tip: On brutal heat days, pick one indoor anchor (matinee, museum block, or puppet show), not three. Arrive at opening, build in a snack break, and leave while kids still cooperate — you can always add a drive-through treat on the way home.
Plan this weekend with kids
Use AI to build a low-stress weekend from this guide — events by neighborhood, nap window, budget, parking, and indoor backups.
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Best summer festivals for families in LA + OC
LA Zoo: Zoo After Dark (select summer evenings)
Themed music nights with food trucks, lawn games in the Family Fun Area (6–8:30 PM), and full bars elsewhere. Great for older kids and teens; younger toddlers may prefer daytime zoo hours if bar crowds feel overwhelming.
View the LA Zoo: Zoo After Dark official page →
Ongoing summer staples across LA + OC
These dependable lanes fill the weeks between big anchors:
- Best splash pads in Los Angeles (2026 guide) — weekday mornings beat weekend crowds; pair with the hot summer days section above when afternoons spike.
- Hot summer days: indoor activities — matinees, museums, puppet shows, and ballet when outdoor plans are off the table.
Browse the full LA + OC events calendar on Play Map LA →
Quick picks based on mood
Big summer energy: Knott's Summer Nights, FoodieLand, FIFA Fan Festival, or Zoo After Dark.
Free or low-cost: Jazz at LACMA, Beach Movie Nights, TOCApalooza (Torrance), Concerts on Canon (Beverly Hills), Spectrum Silent Disco (Irvine), Rodeo Drive Concours, Wellness & Waves, and $1 summer movies.
Toddler-friendly: Wild West Play Date, Choo Choo Revue, AquaBus, Wellness & Waves, or an early Beach Movie Night arrival.
Older kid / teen energy: Zoo After Dark, Cali Splash, FoodieLand, or FIFA Fan Festival.
Hot day / indoor: See the indoor section above — $1 matinees, PONYO, the Experiences collection, Wild West Play Date, Choo Choo Revue, NHM, LACMA, or the Aquarium.
Beat the heat / pools: Hansen Dam Aquatic Center (Valley), Seaside Lagoon (Redondo), Cali Splash (Castaic), or the splash pad guide.
Worth a drive: Hansen Dam (Lake View Terrace), Knott's (Buena Park), FoodieLand (Pasadena), or Cali Splash (Castaic).
Plan your summer in five minutes
Pick one anchor (festival, beach movie, or park night), then stack only one more thing around nap windows and parking reality. Play Map LA is built for that scan: dates, neighborhoods, age notes, and ticket links in one place.
Explore all family-friendly events in Los Angeles and Orange County → · See kids events this weekend → · Browse weekly kids classes →
FAQ
What are the best things to do with kids in Los Angeles and Orange County this summer 2026?
Top picks include free outings like Jazz at LACMA, LA County Beach Movie Nights, Concerts on Canon, TOCApalooza, Spectrum Silent Disco, Rodeo Drive Concours, and Wellness & Waves, plus paid anchors like Knott's Summer Nights, FoodieLand Rose Bowl, Zoo After Dark, and $1 summer matinees at Regal or Cinemark.
What are the best free things to do with kids in LA this summer?
Strong free picks include Jazz at LACMA, LA County Beach Movie Nights, Concerts on Canon, TOCApalooza, Spectrum Silent Disco, Rodeo Drive Concours, and Wellness & Waves.
What are the best toddler-friendly summer events?
Try Wild West Play Date, Choo Choo Revue, AquaBus, an early Beach Movie Night arrival, or a short Wellness & Waves session — one focused activity plus food and home usually beats a two-festival day.
What should we do on a hot afternoon?
Start with the hot summer days: indoor activities section — $1 matinees, the PONYO exhibition, the Experiences collection for indoor play, puppet shows, ballet, NHM, LACMA, or the Aquarium. Save splash pads and lake days for cooler morning hours.
Are Zoo After Dark nights good for young kids?
The Family Fun Area and lawn games work for many families, but evenings include full bars and loud music — sensitive kids or early bedtimes may do better with a daytime zoo visit.
How do I find more events not listed here?
New listings land weekly. Browse the full calendar and filter by your dates — library storytimes, recurring workshops, and neighborhood festivals fill in the gaps between big anchors.
Splash pads, pools, and lagoons for summer
For big pool days, pair this guide with Hansen Dam Aquatic Center (Valley) and Seaside Lagoon (Redondo Beach). For spraygrounds and smaller pads, we put together a full splash pad guide for Los Angeles families (2026) — hours, parking, bathroom notes, and which spots are best for toddlers vs. older kids. Weekday mornings are usually the sweet spot before summer crowds and heat peak.
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How we researched this summer guide
Play Map LA reviewed official venue, city, organizer, ticketing, and event-calendar pages for dates, prices, and family logistics. Toddler fit, effort level, and “worth a drive” notes are editorial judgments based on the published schedule, setting, parking, transit, age rules, noise, heat, and likely visit length; they are not paid placements.
Read our source policy and About page. Found an outdated date, price, or event detail? Report a correction with the event name and an official source.
Published June 18, 2026. Updated on June 18, 2026.
