No question, these are unprecedented times. A lot of us are feeling uncertain, stressed, and to be honest…sick and tired of being cooped up. We get it. But here are over 50 fun and safe activities to do at home during the quarantine…

Live Streams from Zoos & Aquariums 

Nothing says calm, positive energy like animals. Just because these places are closed to the public doesn’t mean you can’t get in a healthy dose of the wild. Zoos and aquariums all over the world have free live streams so you can enjoy these amazing creatures from the comfort of your couch.

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Live cams from the San Diego Zoo: Watch koalas, polar bears, tigers, giraffes, and many more! https://bit.ly/2WL0tLI

Experience the tranquil waters and the animals who live there with live cams from Monterey Bay Aquarium: https://bit.ly/33N7E7B

Chillax in real-time with the Panda Live Cam from the Smithsonian National Zoo: https://s.si.edu/3bvs9If

Go on “safari” with the Cincinnati Zoo (home of Fiona the Hippo!) live on their Facebook page, airing every weekday at 12 pm Pacific Time: https://bit.ly/2UFMYtO

See creatures great and small, from a hummingbird cam to a Bald Eagle’s nest with the wide variety of live nature streams from Explore.org: https://bit.ly/2WJ3nAw

The Elmwood Park Zoo in Pennsylvania is offering Zoo School on Facebook Live on weekdays at 8 am Pacific Time: https://bit.ly/2UALMrM 

The Houston Zoo has live cams in several of their animal habitats, from giraffes and gorillas all the way down to the Leafcutter Ant: https://bit.ly/2UEpYLE

Bonus: The Houston Zoo also has Facebook Live videos on weekdays at 9 am Pacific Time: https://bit.ly/3duAZIh

Wild Earth can take you on a sunrise or sunset safari via their live streams all the way from South Africa: https://bit.ly/2QNbVT1 

Penguins, jellyfish, sea otters, and more, oh my! Check out the live streams from the Georgia Aquarium: https://bit.ly/33LNVF1 

Swim with the fishes (and sharks!) via the live cams from the National Aquarium in Baltimore: https://bit.ly/2UzKw8o 

Tours of Museums and Interesting Places

Whether you’re looking for something educational to share with the kids while they’re home from school, or you just always wanted to see the Louvre, check out one of the many live streams offered by these world-famous locations.  

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Take a virtual tour of the bizarre Winchester Mystery House: https://bit.ly/3dsCUgp 

Tour the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam: https://bit.ly/2xpfFDo 

Go on a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen of England: https://bit.ly/39pKu8w 

Take a tour through time with the British Museum in London, England: https://bit.ly/39eWGbP 

Enjoy several different virtual tours inside the National Museum of Natural History: https://s.si.edu/3dsKJCM 

Explore the Guggenheim Museum in NY with several tours: https://bit.ly/2wu0OYt 

The National Gallery of Art, in Washington, D.C. offers two online exhibits, Fashioning a Nation, and Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting:  https://bit.ly/3bqOnev 

Visit Paris for lunch! Explore the Musée d’Orsay with their virtual tour: https://bit.ly/2Ul8J3f  

Journey to Korea and explore the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: https://bit.ly/2Uj39hN 

Visit the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam via a Google street view from the inside: https://bit.ly/3aqe3YU 

Art lovers can see two exhibits, “Vincent van Gogh’s love life,” and “Which Books did Vincent van Gogh Read?” from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam: https://bit.ly/39ly6Gp 

The titles alone have us curious about two exhibits you can see from The Getty Museum in LA. Check out Heaven, Hell, and Dying Well and Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: https://bit.ly/3anmuE0 

Show some love for the country of Italy when you tour exhibits from Uffizi Gallery in Firenze: https://bit.ly/33K8Msq 

See six different online exhibits, from Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand, in São Paulo, Brazil: https://bit.ly/3brSqHz 

And finally, see the Louvre in Paris, France: https://bit.ly/2WJFcC3 

Ride Disneyland and Disney World Rides–Without Leaving Home!

Bring the Disney magic to your home with virtual rides you can go on again and again. No need to wait! Just hit refresh and you’re at the front of the line again. 

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Splash Mountain https://bit.ly/3dqTeye 

Pirates of the Caribbean https://bit.ly/2QODRpM 

Peter Pan’s Flight https://bit.ly/2y4rXRT 

It’s a Small World https://bit.ly/3aj2zWN 

The Seas with Nemo and Friends https://bit.ly/2JhrUEU 

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway https://bit.ly/2UxNl9Q

The Jungle Cruise https://bit.ly/3akTJYM 

Expedition Everest https://bit.ly/33KcJgV 

Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye https://bit.ly/2xpg9cG 

Free Online Cooking Lessons 

One of the best DIY projects is one you can eat! Tantalize your tastebuds with these free cooking lessons. Just think about how you’ll be able to impress your friends when we can all go visit again…

Chef Massimo Bottura is offering a free nightly cooking lesson on his Instagram page: https://bit.ly/39kez9t 

Learn to bake bread with your kids via King Arthur Flour: https://bit.ly/3dqTE7M 

Delish is offering free daily digital cooking classes for kids at 10 am Pacific Time via Instagram Live: https://bit.ly/2UlCAZw 

Learn how to recreate your junk food favorites like Twinkies, Cheetos, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and more from Bon Appetit Pastry Chef, Claire Saffitz: https://bit.ly/39eH740 

Milk Street is offering their online cooking classes for FREE through the end of April. You’ll learn recipes, and new ways to approach food and cooking: https://bit.ly/33KehY0 

Don’t Forget the Library!

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We hope you are Safe at Home and taking advantage of some much needed time to recharge and reconnect virtually. Since traveling may not be the best idea right now, we want to encourage you to share your #OCPLtravelinglibrarycard as it discovers new destinations around your home. In the next weeks we will be sharing all the #OCPLsafeathome pictures—just send them or tag us with the hashtag #OCPLsafeathome. Where (in your home) will your #OCPL card take you? . . . #ocpl #ocpubliclibraries #orangecounty #safeathome #librarycard #travelinglibrarycard #oc #saferathome #stayhome #librariesofinstagram

A post shared by OC Public Libraries (@ocpubliclibraries) on Mar 25, 2020 at 2:59pm PDT

Get an Electronic library card from the OC Public Libraries and start downloading content such as EBooks, EMagazines, music, and more. 

https://bit.ly/2QKWeeW 

The Internet Archive opened the National Emergency Library allowing you to virtually borrow over 1 million titles, while schools and libraries across the country are closed. https://bit.ly/2wvl9fY 

Free Online Fitness Classes

With gyms closed, many of us are re-inventing our fitness routines. These free online classes can help…you might just find something new you love!

YMCA is offering 60 free fitness classes ranging from Tai Chi to Bootcamp, Barre, Yoga, and more: https://bit.ly/2Ji5Lq2 

Core Power Yoga is offering free classes: https://bit.ly/2QIucRh 

Free at-home workouts from OrangeTheory Fitness: https://bit.ly/2wF1fPr 

Twice daily intense Cardio Dance live stream workouts from 305 Fitness: https://bit.ly/2UDVPw6 

Gold’s Gym is offering free virtual workouts: https://bit.ly/39japhR 

Planet Fitness is offering Facebook Live at-home workouts daily at 4 pm Pacific Time: https://bit.ly/2wDTZTV  

Lifetime Fitness is offering its most popular classes for free on-demand, including cardio classes, yoga classes, strength classes, and more: https://bit.ly/2Jlh2FL  

Art & Cultural Activities 

Art and drawing are perfect activities for when you’re enjoying the great indoors. Hone your drawing skills, take in an opera, or even do a little singing yourself!

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Don’t miss Lucia di Lammermoor, streaming for FREE tonight, March 21. Soprano @anna_netrebko_yusi_tiago sings the title role of Donizetti’s tale of a woman driven to murder and madness. Due to popular demand, we are extending stream time to 23 hours. The opera will be available tonight, March 21, at 7:30PM EDT until tomorrow, March 22, at 3:30PM EDT. This stream will be available, with subtitles, online at metopera.org as well as on all Met Opera on Demand apps, including IOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire devices, Samsung TV, and Roku. Photo by Ken Howard / Met Opera #MetOperaStreams #MetOpera #Opera #LuciadiLammermoor #Donizetti #BelCanto #MetOperaonDemand #MetHD #MeetOpera #NYC

A post shared by The Metropolitan Opera (@metopera) on Mar 21, 2020 at 9:41am PDT

Kids (and grownups too!) can learn to draw cute characters with illustrator Rob Biddulph, with new videos posted every Tuesday and Thursday: https://bit.ly/2WNcU9B  

The Metropolitan Opera is offering daily opera streams: https://bit.ly/2UzLqBO 

Join the OCEvents “Quarantine Karaoke Challenge” Facebook Group and post a video of yourself, or your kid singing a song. Just for fun! https://bit.ly/2Uk8aGS

Kids can take drawing classes via Instagram Live with illustrator Wendy MacNaughton weekdays at 10 am Pacific Time. Classes stay live on her IG stories for 24hrs: https://bit.ly/2UhhgUT 

Take a live stream dance class, or enjoy a dance performance with “Dancing Alone Together.” Multiple activities daily: https://bit.ly/2QL1Nu2 

Kids can take drawing classes with illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka via YouTube. New classes daily! https://bit.ly/2UCCGuv 

Free Virtual Learning

Try your hand at something new, or improve upon your skills in an area you already love. You never know, you could unlock a hidden talent!

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There are hundreds of courses currently available for free if you’re interested in learning something new, such as “Improving Communication Skills”, “Hollywood: History, Industry, Art”, “Wonders of Ancient Egypt’, and more: https://bit.ly/39iLFGw 

How many languages can you say “awesome?” Learn a new language for free with Duolingo, including High Valyrian for all you Game of Thrones fans out there: https://bit.ly/2vOvzqu 

Happy Leap Day, Orange County! In honor of this strange day, we think it’s only fair to get out and enjoy what Orange County has to offer. From sparkling gems to sparkling wine, there’s something for all of you to enjoy.

All Weekend:

• For lovers of sparkly things, the Gem Faire is at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa Friday through Sunday. Peruse fine jewelry, crystals, precious stones, and more from nearly 200 vendors. Tickets and parking required, admission good for all three days. https://bit.ly/3a9s4tj 
• The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival is back! The festival starts Friday 2/28 and runs through 4/21. Attend celebrity chef events, sample California-inspired menu items in the Festival Marketplace, attend seminars and more. Park admission required. http://ocevent.co/1ROHxhh 
• Both Saturday and Sunday have several different Farmers Markets to choose from all over OC! Check out a full list of Orange County weekend Farmers Markets. https://ocevents.co/farmersmarkets/

Saturday:

• The city of San Clemente is celebrating its 92nd anniversary Saturday, 2/29 with a kids’ fishing derby and family-friendly event featuring face painting, crafts, and photo ops. It is also a free swim day for the family, featuring a giant inflatable obstacle course in a warm-water pool. Free to attend. https://bit.ly/384qM1k 
• Old Town Tustin’s Sip & Stroll returns Saturday 2/29 featuring a walking taste tour of Old Town featuring live music, delicious food, award-winning wines, craft beer, and more! Festivities begin at noon. Tickets required. https://conta.cc/3abUsLt 
• Soak up the natural beauty of the OC at the Leap Day Bluff & Beach Sunset Walk on Saturday 2/29 in Crystal Cove, beginning at 4:30 pm. Bring your binoculars, and you might even catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales. Small fee required. https://bit.ly/2VqtifJ 

Sunday:

• Adventureland Day 2020 (an unofficial themed day at Disneyland) is a day that celebrates the jungles of Adventureland and everything that makes it such a special land for so many guests. Adventureland Day 2019 was held in March of last year and had an amazing turn out for only being its second year. Attendees of this themed day (known as AdventureLanders) dressed in safari wear (think Pith helmets), and went on a treasure hunt, which was planned by the event organizers.  For all the details visit: http://bit.ly/2TaIYlq
• Welcome Spring at the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana on Sunday 3/1 11 – 3 pm. Snack on some free mochi treats as you watch demonstrations in bonsai, taiko, and even candy sculpture! Museum admission required (free for museum members). https://bit.ly/37Ylhkx 
• The OC Food and Wine Festival is Sunday 3/1 from 1 to 5 pm at the Marconi Automotive Museum. Enjoy food from top OC restaurants as well as wine from wineries in Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara. Ticket proceeds benefit charity. https://bit.ly/384tNyG 

Here’s what’s happening this weekend in Orange County. There’s a Noche de Altares (Day of the Dead) festival Saturday in Santa Ana, a Pumpkin Launch is Saturday in Fullerton, the Dapper Day Expo returns to Disneyland, and more!

• Noche de Altares is Saturday 11/2 from 12pm-9pm on Flower St and Santa Ana Blvd. This community Dis de los Muertos celebration will include over 100 altars, live entertainment, face painting, shopping, food & more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2gNoJKn
• Pumpkin Launch is Saturday 11/2 from 10am-2pm on the athletics fields of CSUF in Fullerton. Watch as pumpkins are launched at targets 200-300 feet away. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2QgtzMA
• Dapper Day Expo is all weekend 11/2-11/3 at the Disneyland Hotel. Followed by the fall 2019 Dapper Day on Sunday. Join thousands of other Disney fans as they dress in vintage styles from the bygone era. The Expo is at the Disneyland Hotel Exhibit Hall and admission is required. Dapper Day requires Disneyland Park admission. Traffic and parking will be impacted in the surrounding area. http://bit.ly/2eHjBB4
• Celebrate Day of the Dead at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana on Sunday 11/3, from 11am-3:30pm. Live music, Ballet Folklorico, sugar skull decorating, face painting, and more. Festival is FREE to attend, but admission is required if you want to tour the museum. http://bit.ly/2pxoWFO 
• Jurassic Quest is all weekend at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. Stroll through the Cretaceous period, the Jurassic period, and the Triassic period, and see 80 true-to-life size dinosaurs. Tickets required. http://bit.ly/325jlDR 
• The skating at the Irvine Spectrum opens is now open. Tickets required. http://bit.ly/2CXEEyo
• BlizzCon Blizzard Entertainment’s gaming convention is all weekend 11/2-11/3 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Onsite tickets are sold out but you can still buy a virtual ticket to watch the event at home. Traffic and parking will be impacted in the surrounding area. http://bit.ly/2PJxdlr

There are a ton of Halloween events happening this weekend in OC. The Anaheim Fall Festival and parade is back for another year, as well as a bunch of community Halloween events, and more! Plus you’ll find other non-Halloween weekend events at the bottom of the post.

• Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade is Saturday 10/26 in Downtown Anaheim. Festival starts at 11am, parade starts at 6pm. Games, costume contests, pumpkin patch, food & more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2flcQce
• Boo at the Santa Ana Zoo is Saturday 10/26 and Sunday 10/27, from 5:30-8pm. Trick-or-treating, entertainment, games, costume parade & more. Admission required. http://bit.ly/2xPrmCW
• The Aliso Viejo Fall Harvest Festival is Saturday 10/26 from 10am-12pm in Grand Park. Arts & crafts, games, food drive & more. FREE to attend. http://www.avca.net/events.php
• Worthy Park Before Dark is Saturday 10/26 from 1pm-4pm at Worthy Park in Huntington Beach. Pumpkin carving, games, and more. There is a fee to participate. http://bit.ly/2PlBcUC 
• Fullerton Haunted Walking Tours run through 10/30. Tickets required, call ahead for reservations. http://bit.ly/2jOBxB0
• Boot Hill (OC’s most elaborate Halloween yard display) runs select nights in October, in Irvine. FREE to attend but donations are welcomed and benefit CHOC. http://ocevent.co/1NNxnkD
• Halloween Time at Disneyland runs every night through Halloween. Enjoy costumed characters, Halloween themed treats & more. Admission required. http://bit.ly/2cxXWdU
• Knott’s Scary Farm runs select nights through Halloween. Journey through mazes and scare zones. Admission required. http://bit.ly/2yT1h5J
• Los Alamitos Trunk-or-Treat is Saturday 10/26 from 5-7:30pm at Little Cottonwood Park. Treasure hunts, trick-or-treating, games & more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2ytlDiO
• The OC Halloween Zoo-tacular is Saturday 10/26 from 10am-4pm in Orange. Watch as zoo animals receive treat-filled pumpkins throughout the day. First 100 kids in costume get a free gift. Admission is $2. http://bit.ly/369mZjh
• Mission Viejo’s Hometown Halloween is Saturday 10/26 from 4-7pm at the Community Center. Activities include games, crafts, music, maze & more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2PXvhCw
• Los Alamitos Halloween Carnival is Saturday 10/26 from 6pm to 9pm at the Los Alamitos Race Course. Costume contest, games, & more. Admission is $3. http://bit.ly/2SjzLF1
• Stanton Halloween Festival is Saturday 10/26 from 4pm-8pm at Stanton Central Park. Costume contests, crafts, music & more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2rMhR3c
• The 3rd Annual Spooky San Clemente is Saturday 10/26 from 4pm-7pm at the Community Center. Games, corn maze, magic show, costume contest, and outdoor movie. Activity fee is $5. http://bit.ly/32QdiEG 
• The Dana Point Terrifying 10-Miler, Spooky 5K & 10K, and Super Hero Kids Run is Sunday 10/27 at Salt Creek Beach Park. Registration required. http://bit.ly/33VmYOe
•  OC Boo Ha Ha Haunted Oktoberfest is Saturday 10/26 at the OC Fairgrounds. Enjoy 3 hours of unlimited tastings. Tickets required. http://bit.ly/31OjWtJ 
• The 3rd Annual Newport Beach Halloween Spooktacular is Saturday 10/26 from 4pm-7pm at Grant Howald Park. Trick-or-treating, haunted maze, games, bounce houses, and more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2WfpkVr
• Casa Creepy Haunted House is all weekend in San Clemente. Explore a 1920s themed haunted house and gardens. Suitable for ages 8 and up. Tickets required.  http://bit.ly/32Mz385 

Non-Halloween weekend events:

• The VISSLA ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, the world’s largest junior surfing competition, kicks off Saturday 10/26 with a parade along Main Street at 10am. Free to attend. http://bit.ly/2z3ZSaj 
• Fall Corgi Beach Day is Saturday 10/26 from 10am-3pm at Huntington Dog Beach. Watch as corgi dogs participate in costume contests, talent contests & more! FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2D4zpOe
• The Moto Beach Classic is Saturday 10/26 at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach. Enjoy a day of motorcycle racing, live music, custom bike show, vendors, and more. Tickets required. http://bit.ly/2PlAc2O

Here’s a list of 4th of July events in Orange County for 2019, listed by city:

Aliso Viejo:

• July 4th Community Celebration & Fireworks is from 6-9:30pm at Grand Park in Aliso Viejo. FREE to attend. http://ocevent.co/1LZ4woE

Anaheim Hills:

• 4th of July Celebration starts at 7am with a 5k/10k Firecracker Run. Dog show at 9:30am and parade at 1pm. Live entertainment in the evening and Fireworks at 9pm. Multiple locations. FREE to attend. http://ocevent.co/1JrpAEb

Anaheim:

• Disneyland is having a special Fourth of July fireworks show on 7/4. Park admission required. http://bit.ly/2shxSOZ 

Brea:

• 40th annual 4th of July Country Fair starts at 7am with a pancake breakfast in City Hall Park. Fair runs from 10am-3pm. Live music, vendors, food, games & more! FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2rWYkgm

Buena Park:

• Knott’s Berry Farm is having a 4th of July Fireworks show on 7/4. Fireworks start at 9:30pm. Park admission required. http://bit.ly/2sF9SCY

Costa Mesa:

• 4th of July Spectacular: Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles is at 8pm at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa. Evening finishes off with fireworks. Tickets required. http://bit.ly/2I7mZDm
• 3rd of July Independence Day Community Celebration is being held on 7/3 at the OC Fairgrounds from 5pm-11pm, with a pyrotechnics show at 9pm. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2FCmeDS 

Cypress:

• The 32nd Annual “joint city” 4th of July Celebration (Los Alamitos, Cypress, Rossmoor and Seal Beach) takes place at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos at 4pm. Food, entertainment, kids fun zone & more. Fireworks start at 9pm. FREE to attend. http://ocevent.co/1JrCUbG

Dana Point:

• 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza display starts at 8:45pm over the water at Doheny State Beach. Tune your radio to KSBR 88.5 FM to hear the fireworks synchronized to music. FREE viewing & shuttle bus. Popular viewing locations: Heritage Park and Lantern Bay Park.  http://bit.ly/2tms7OF

Fullerton:

• The 30th Annual 4th of July Festival and Fireworks Show starts at 5pm at Fullerton High School Stadium. Activities, food & live music. Fireworks start at 9pm and last for 20 minutes. FREE to attend. http://ocevent.co/1JvA6Nv

Huntington Beach:

• 4th of July activities start on 7/3 with a multi-day festival in Pier Plaza, featuring live music, food and vendors. The 4th of July Parade starts at 10am on 7/4, this year’s theme is “Sweet Land of Liberty”. Fireworks start at 9pm. FREE to attend. http://ocevent.co/1LTFaZq

Irvine:

• 35th Annual Concert on the Green & Fireworks Festival starts at 3pm at the Irvine High School Football Stadium. Live music, activities for the kids, food & more! Fireworks at 9pm. Admission required: http://ocevent.co/293RDwF

La Habra:

• 4th of July Spectacular starts at 4pm at La Bonita Park. Fireworks, kids zone, games, food, live music, & more. Fireworks start at 9pm. Admission Required. http://ocevent.co/29gWm03 

La Palma:

• “Run for Fun” 10K, 5K and Yankee Doodle Dash start at 7:30am. There’s also a pancake breakfast from 7:30-10am and a kids fun zone. http://bit.ly/2r7FtQv

Laguna Beach:

• 4th of July Fireworks start at 9pm and will originate from Monument Point in Heisler Park. FREE. http://bit.ly/2rGHVfz

Laguna Hills:

• 4th of July Celebration starts at 4pm at the Community Center & Sports Complex. Carnival rides, food, music, crafts, face painting & more. Fireworks start at 9:10pm. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2LrG4W6 

Laguna Niguel:

• July 4th Summer Concert is from 6-8pm at Crown Valley Community Park. Enjoy music from Undercover Live (Variety and Top 40). FREE to attend.  http://bit.ly/2XAgsgl 
•  The 36th Annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast is from 7:30am-10:30am at Crown Valley Park in Laguna Niguel. http://bit.ly/2ZTgQny  
• 4th of July Fireworks take place at Laguna Niguel Regional Park at 9pm. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2NmBJGl  

Lake Forest:

• 4th of July Parade starts at 10am at the intersection of Toledo Way and Ridge Route Drive. FREE to attend. More info: http://ocevent.co/299w7cR

Los Alamitos:

• The 32nd Annual “joint city” 4th of July Celebration (Los Alamitos, Cypress, Rossmoor and Seal Beach) takes place at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos at 4pm. Food, entertainment, kids fun zone & more. Fireworks start at 9pm. FREE to attend. http://ocevent.co/1JrCUbG

Mission Viejo:

• 4th of July Street Fair starts at 12pm on Olympiad between Marguerite and Melinda. Live music, games, food & more. Fireworks start at 9pm. FREE to attend & FREE shuttle. http://bit.ly/2sIuhH3

Newport Beach:

• 9th Annual “4th of July is for Families” Festival kicks-off at 9am with a Bike Parade and runs until 11:30am in Channel Place Park. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2ZVXPAQ 
• 47th Annual Independence Day Celebration at Mariners Park kicks-off with a parade at 10:30am. Celebration runs until 1:30pm. http://bit.ly/2ZVXPAQ 
• Old Glory Boat Parade starts at 1pm and cruises through Newport Harbor. Events start at 7am with a pancake breakfast, followed by live music, and fireworks at 9pm. Parade viewing is FREE, other events have a fee. http://bit.ly/2ZVXPAQ 
• Newport Dunes “Independence Day on the Back Bay” starts at 9am. Music, food & more. Admission required. Fireworks start at 9pm. http://bit.ly/2K1VPPT
• Newport Beach Fireworks start at 9pm are viewable from Newport Dunes and Balboa Island.

Orange:

• 3rd of July Celebration is WEDNESDAY 7/3 from 4pm-9pm at Fred Kelly Stadium/El Modena High School. Family friendly activities & fireworks. Admission is $7. http://bit.ly/2sIsuBM

Rancho Santa Margarita:

• 4th of July Star-Spangled Spectacular is at the Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club. Entertainment, game, fireworks starting at 9pm. http://bit.ly/2s1C44R

San Clemente:

• Fireworks start at 9pm off the Pier. FREE viewing. http://bit.ly/2KR329O

San Juan Capistrano:

• 4th of July Celebration and Carnival starts at 12pm at the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park. Games, rides, live music, followed by fireworks at 9pm. Carnival also runs through the weekend. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2xnZYcz 

Santa Ana:

• 4th of July Celebration starts at 5pm in Centennial Park. Live music, food, kids zone & more. Fireworks start at 9pm. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2JfPAZP 

Seal Beach:

• The 32nd Annual “joint city” 4th of July Celebration (Los Alamitos, Cypress, Rossmoor and Seal Beach) takes place at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos at 4pm. Food, entertainment, kids fun zone & more. Fireworks start at 9pm. FREE to attend. http://ocevent.co/1JrCUbG

Tustin:

• 4th of July celebration starts at 6pm at the Tustin High School Stadium with live music. Snack bar with drinks & bbq items. Fireworks start at 9pm. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2FLQQD4

Yorba Linda:

• Fourth of July Spectacular starts at 5pm at the Veterans Sports Park. Family activities, live entertainment, kids zone and fireworks. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2Jh2jeD 

There’s a lot of fun things to do this weekend in Orange County. Everything from Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Rancho Days Fiesta in Lake Forest, an International Festival in Aliso Viejo, a Citrus Fair in La Habra, Taste of Orange, Free Comic Book Day, Old Towne Tustin Home and Garden Tour, and more!

• Rancho Days Fiesta is Saturday 5/4 from 11am-3pm at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest. Explore the rich history of Orange County’s Ranchos and Native American tribes. Take part in butter churning, candle dipping, piñata breaking & more! Admission is $5. http://bit.ly/2wMalHx
• The 18th Annual International Festival is Saturday 5/4 at from 10:30am-5pm in Soka University in Aliso Viejo. Entertainment, food, shopping & more! FREE to attend. $10 parking on-site. http://ocevent.co/1T3Ah8j
• The Annual San Clemente Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is Saturday 5/4 from 2pm-6pm in Max Berg Plaza Park. Live entertainment, games, food trucks, and more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2VeAf4C
• The 23rd Annual Old Towne Tustin Home and Garden Tour is Saturday 5/4. Live music, vintage homes and gardens tour, quilt show & more. Tickets required. http://ocevent.co/1WbS8uz
• Anaheim Cinco is all weekend La Palma Park in Anaheim. Carnival rides, games, entertainment, performances, food & more! FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2UYMdKv
• Love ‘Em and Leash ‘Em Dog Day is Saturday 5/4 from 9am-3pm at Carbon Canyon Park in Brea. Events include a Pokey Pooch Hike, Moderate Mutt Hike, Hearty Hound Hike, dog costume contest, dog kissing contest, and more. There will also be rescue dogs available for adoption, vendors, and more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2Y7l5uR
• Fiesta De Mayo Celebration is Saturday 5/4 from 1pm-3pm in the Oak Tree Court of the Outlets at San Clemente. Mariachis, actives for kids, and more. FREE. http://bit.ly/2skYGPE
• La Habra Citrus Fair starts Friday night and runs all weekend on La Habra Blvd. Live music, food, games, carnival rides & more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2qKcfT9
• Mermaids Day 2019 is Sunday 5/5 at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. Join fellow mermaid enthusiasts, merpeople, and sirens, for a themed day that takes you under the sea. Park admission required. http://bit.ly/2UxVvSo
• The OC Running Festival, which includes the OC Marathon, and OC Lifestyle and Fitness Expo is this weekend at the OC Fairgrounds. http://bit.ly/2ZTUFhY
• The Downtown Santa Ana Art Walk is Saturday 5/4 from 6pm-10pm. Food, shopping, performances & more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2sYdu4d
• Free Comic Book Day is Saturday 5/4. Comic book stores all over Orange County are participating including locations in Tustin, Orange, Irvine, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, and Westminster. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2qFQLrx
• The Taste of Orange is Sunday 5/5 from 3-7pm in Old Towne Orange. Tickets required. http://bit.ly/2VKTu57
• The AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) Huntington Beach Open is all weekend. Watch world class athletes compete in beach volleyball. South side of the pier. FREE to attend, however VIP premium seating is available for purchase. http://bit.ly/2pbnYsJ
• Visit one of the many weekend Farmers Markets in OC (some will not be happening on Easter so double check before you go)  http://bit.ly/2BdBcuQ

Outside of OC but worth the drive…

• Renaissance Pleasure Faire starts this weekend in Irwindale and runs through 5/19. Live performances, jousting, shopping, food, and more. Admission required. http://bit.ly/2uPUtoh Ticket discount: http://bit.ly/2Vp8DFJ

There are 13 things to do this weekend in OC, including 2 free car shows, a boat show, TikiLand Day at Disneyland, a film festival, garden show, pet expo, music festival and more!

• TikiLand Day is Sunday 4/28 at Disneyland. Join fellow tiki enthusiasts for a day of tiki fun, tiki fashion, 30+ art drops from tiki artists, Tropical Treasure Hunt with pin prizes for the first 1000 guests to complete the hunt, meetups, group photos, and more. No cost to participate but must have admission to Disneyland. http://bit.ly/2Pyt8xD
• The 32nd Annual Seal Beach Classic Car Show is Saturday 4/27 from 9am-3pm on Main Street. 550 cars on display! FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2HREDPv
• The 22nd Annual “Doheny Wood” woodie car show is Saturday, 4/27, 8am-3pm at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. Nearly 200 woodies on display. FREE to attend. State Beach parking fees apply. http://bit.ly/2IYYZ9q
• The Newport Beach Film Festival starts runs through 5/2. The films are fantastic and there’s truly something for everyone. Tickets required and vary in price. http://bit.ly/2JvZp4a
• The NSSA Surf Competition is all weekend at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. Viewing is FREE. http://bit.ly/2IWdZVG
• The California Wine Festival is Saturday at Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point. California’s best wineries, top chefs, live music and more. Tickets required. http://bit.ly/2ZDOvm3
• Taste of Aliso Niguel is Saturday 4/27 from 6pm-11pm at the Laguna Design Center in Laguna Niguel. 30+ restaurants, beer and wine tasting, live music & more. Tickets required. http://bit.ly/2pnrRwo
• The 30th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show “At Home in the Garden” is all weekend at South Coast Plaza. Garden vendors, garden displays, seminars, and more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2HzItt0
• America’s Family Pet Expo is all weekend at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. Pets to adopt, products & more. Admission required. http://ocevent.co/23LEYZc
• “Back to the Beach” music festival is all weekend at Huntington State Beach, featuring Blink 182, The Used, Goldfinger, Reel Big Fish, and more. Tickets required. http://bit.ly/2KjqXuP
• The 46th Annual Newport Beach Boat Show is this weekend at the Lido Marina Village. Admission required. http://bit.ly/2prH4hX
• Taste of Huntington Beach is Sunday 4/28 from 12pm-4pm at the HB Sports Complex. Tickets required. http://bit.ly/2oO9Mpt
• It’s the final weekend of the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival in Buena Park. Enjoy over 75 boysenberry inspired dishes, drinks, and more. Park admission required. http://bit.ly/2Gnqy8g
• Visit one of the many weekend Farmers Markets in OC (some will not be happening on Easter so double check before you go)  http://bit.ly/2BdBcuQ

Outside of OC but worth the drive…

• Renaissance Pleasure Faire starts this weekend in Irwindale and runs through 5/19. Live performances, jousting, shopping, food, and more. Admission required. http://bit.ly/2uPUtoh Ticket discount: http://bit.ly/2Vp8DFJ

Car show, spring carnival, Earth Day celebrations, food, wine, and brews festivals, and much more this April 13-14 weekend in OC:

• The 25th Annual Orange Plaza Car Show is Sunday 4/14 from 8am-3pm, in Old Towne Orange. More than 400 pre-1976 Street Rods, Custom and Classic vehicles will be on display. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2Gd6Yg8
• The Sugar Plum Arts & Crafts Festival is all weekend in Buena Park at the Buena Park Downtown Mall. Shop for holiday themed craft items from vendors. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2IpL4Js
• Movie in the Park: Enjoy Incredibles 2 at Hurless Barton Park in Yorba Linda on Saturday 4/13. Movie begins a dusk. FREE to attend http://bit.ly/2G9aubq
• San Clemente Micro-Brew Fest is Saturday 4/13 from 12pm-5pm at Left Coast Brewing Co. in San Clemente. Admission required. http://bit.ly/2o9wa12  
• Dapper Day Expo is all weekend at the Disneyland Hotel. Followed by the Spring 2019 Dapper Day on Sunday 4/14. Join thousands of Disney fans dressed in vintage styles from the bygone era. The Expo is at the Disneyland Hotel Exhibit Hall. Dapper Day requires Disneyland Park admission. Traffic and parking will be impacted in the surrounding area.http://bit.ly/2eHjBB4
• Record Store Day is Saturday 4/13. Support your local record store and find exclusives available only on Record Store Day. http://bit.ly/2GjMF1N
• Laguna Niguel Bunny Bonanza is Saturday 4/13 from 9am-12pm at Chapparosa Park in Laguna Niguel. Activities include crafts, games, face painting, visit from the Easter Bunny, and more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2D7nu0n
• The Newport Beach Mayor’s 5th Annual Egg Race is Saturday 4/13 from 10am-12pm at the Civic Center. Games, egg races, bounce houses, face painting, and more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2UBoRzt
• The San Juan Capistrano Spring Eggstravaganza is Saturday 4/13 from 10am-12pm at Los Rios Park. Egg hunts, petting zoo, face painting, games, and more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2VMJOnH
• There’s a Mother Earth Beach, Creek, and Park Cleanup at Doheny State Beach on Saturday 4/13 from 9am to noon. Meet at the lifeguard headquarters and bring gloves and a trashbag. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2Gewdi3
• San Clemente GardenFest is Saturday 4/13 from 8am-2pm at the Community Center. Plant sale, garden flea market & more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2UXCTri
• San Clemente is celebrating Earth Day on Saturday 4/13 from 10am-2pm at Parque Del Mar. Beach cleanup at 8:30am, followed by educational displays, arts & crafts, and more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2X7Ok0g
• There’s a San Clemente Earth Day Beach Cleanup on Saturday 4/13 from 8am-10am. Meet at Pier 7. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2Z8xcsN Easter Eggcitement and Spring Carnival is Saturday 4/13 from 10am-1pm at Kraemer Park in Placentia. Easter egg hunts, crafts, storytime, visit from the Easter Bunny, and more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2KyNg44
• The City of Mission Viejo is celebrating Earth Day on Saturday 4/13 from 8am-12pm at Cordova Park. Help plant new landscape at the park. Free hotdogs and ice cream while supplies last.  FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2XeLwP1
• CoastCon returns to OCC in Costa Mesa on Saturday 4/13. Enjoy a day of anime, manga, and Japanese culture. Attend panels, workshops, do some shopping and more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2GV9nP9
• Attend a Luau at Soka University in Aliso Viejo. Ka Pilina Ho’olokahi 10th Annual Luau is Saturday 4/13 from 5-8pm. Buffet, live performances and more. Tickets required. http://bit.ly/2UYsjTU
• “Behind the Picket Fence” Vintage and Handmade Marketplace is Sunday 4/14 at the Heritage Museum in Orange County in Santa Ana from 9am-3pm. Shop from over 70 vendors. Admission required. http://bit.ly/2P6RMoV
• Knott’s Boysenberry Festival continues this weekend and runs through 4/28 in Buena Park. Enjoy over 75 boysenberry inspired dishes, drinks, and more. Park admission required. http://bit.ly/2Gnqy8g
• The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival continues this weekend and runs through 4/23. Celebrity chefs, culinary demos, seminars, special food items & more. Park admission required. http://ocevent.co/1ROHxhh
• Visit one of the many weekend Farmers Markets in OC (some will not be happening on Easter so double check before you go)  http://bit.ly/2BdBcuQ

Outside of OC but worth the drive…

• Renaissance Pleasure Faire starts this weekend in Irwindale and runs through 5/19. Live performances, jousting, shopping, food, and more. Admission required. http://bit.ly/2uPUtoh Ticket discount: http://bit.ly/2Vp8DFJ

If you’re looking for a way to make your day at Disneyland even more magical, then check out these Top 5 Themed Days at Disneyland.

These family friendly days have been created by diehard Disney fans as a way for like-minded fans to gather, and have fun. Although these fan created themed days are considered “unofficial Disney days”, their popularity has not gone unnoticed by Disneyland, and Disney fans alike.

Dapper Day

Dapper Day is the most well known of all themed days, and is celebrated twice yearly.  On Dapper Day thousands of Disney fans dress in vintage styles from the bygone era. In recent years Dapper Day has become a weekend event with a 2 day Dapper Day Expo at the Disneyland Hotel, in addition to their in park activities. Park admission is required and there is a nominal fee to attend the expo.

Dapper Day Spring 2019 is 4/13-4/14 Disneyland. http://bit.ly/2eHjBB4

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A post shared by DAPPER DAY Designs & Events (@dapperday)

TikiLand Day

The highly anticipated inaugural TikiLand Day is Sunday, April 28th, 2019. TikiLand Day is being produced by the creators of Adventureland Day and is being touted as a day of tiki fun, tiki fashion, tiki art, and escapism. Dress in your favorite Hawaiian shirt and join your fellow tiki fans for a sing-a-long at Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Dole Whips at the Tropical Hideaway, a treasure hunt for the lost tiki, “Art Drops” (by some of Southern California’s most popular tiki artists), or enjoy a cocktail at Trader Sam’s…no matter what you choose, it’s sure to be a day filled with Aloha!

TikiLand Day 2019 is Sunday 4/28 at Disneyland. http://bit.ly/2IsV4BO

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One of the activities at TikiLand Day on Sunday, April 28th, is our Tropical Hideaway Social. Grab a Dole Whip, take a selfie with Rosita, and rub elbows with tiki friends old and new. For event RSVP and more info click the link in our @TikiLandDay IG profile.

A post shared by TikiLand Day (@tikilandday) on Apr 6, 2019 at 11:57am PDT

Mermaids Day

Mermaids Day is in its 4th year and gathers mermaid enthusiasts, merpeople, and sirens, for a themed day that takes you under the sea. While Disneyland does not allow adults to wear costumes, with a plethora of mermaid scaled skirts and seashell bra shirts, your only limit is your imagination. This year they’re having a mergoth theme so you can take your outfit to an interesting place or keep it classic.

Mermaids Day 2019 is Sunday 5/5 at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. http://bit.ly/2UxVvSo

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A post shared by @mermaidsday

Black & White Day

Black & White Day is getting ready to celebrate their third event in May. Fans dress in their favorite black and white attire and head to Disney’s California Adventure to celebrate Disney’s classic black and white cartoons, as well as Oswald the Rabbit (who was the first Disney character to feature in it’s own series). They’re also having a Disney animator as a special guest at the event.

Black & White Day 2019 is Sunday 5/19. http://bit.ly/2IdMwiS

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A post shared by Oswald The Lucky Rabbit (@oswaldtoonhistory)

Adventureland Day

Adventureland Day is a day that celebrates the jungles of Adventureland and everything that makes it such a special land for so many guests.

Adventureland Day 2019 was held in March of this year and had an amazing turn out for only being its second year. Attendees of this themed day (known as AdventureLanders) dressed in safari wear (think Pith helmets), and went on a treasure hunt, which was planned by the event organizers. AdventureLanders were in good company as Disneyland brought out characters from Disney’s Tarzan to add to the fun.  

The next Adventureland Day will be in March of 2020 at Disneyland. http://bit.ly/2Z7LqKs

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You should have seen what we spotted while on safari! Adventureland Day 2019 captured by corespondent @tiki_miller_

A post shared by AdventureLand Day (@adventurelandday) on Mar 4, 2019 at 12:56pm PST

Fat Tuesday is next week! Just because you’re not down in The Big Easy, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some Mardi Gras fun. Orange County has some great options to get you in the Mardi Gras spirit. Below are 10 ways to celebrate Mardi Gras in Orange County.

Get a fresh baked King Cake

Porto’s Bakery in Buena Park is baking up traditional King Cake with cream cheese filling, only available through 3/5.

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A post shared by Porto's Bakery & Café (@portosbakery)

Party at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen

Fat Tuesday is back at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen! The fun celebration includes a crowning of the King and Queen for the day, as well as specialty menu items, mini king cakes and lots and lots of beads!

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Happy Fat Tuesday y'all! Come celebrate with us!!

A post shared by Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (@rbjazzkitchen) on Feb 28, 2017 at 5:54pm PST

Enter a Crawfish Eating Contest

Hot N Juicy OC is bringing back their crawfish eating contest! Show up before 6pm on Tuesday, March 5th to register, or just come by anytime that evening to enjoy the drink specials! For more information, check out the events page here.

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A post shared by Hot N Juicy OC (@hotnjuicyoc)

Visit Bourbon Street

Head down to Bourbon Street, Bar & Grill of course, in Downtown Fullerton for a Mardi Gras celebration with food, drinks and live music from DixieDelics and DJ Barbosa. The party begins at 4pm on March 5th.

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A post shared by Bourbon Street Fullerton (@bourbonstreetdtf)

Get some Mardi Gras inspired desserts

French’s Bakery is a great place to grab an authentic King Cake for your at-home Mardi Gras celebration. They also have delicious Mardi Gras decorated tiered cakes and cupcakes too!

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#kingcake Fat Tuesday is next WEEK ! #cakes #cakesbydaniel #neighborhoodbakery #CupcakeTuesday #bakery #handmade #mardigras #cake #instacakes #socalbakeries #fattuesday #frenchsbakery #costamesabakery #irvine #irvinefood #purpleyellowgreen

A post shared by French's Bakery (@frenchsbakery) on Feb 8, 2018 at 12:53pm PST

Take a trip to New Orleans Square

What better place to get into the Mardi Gras spirit than New Orleans Square in Disneyland? Check out the larger-than-life decorations, grab a Mickey beignet and a mint julep and maybe even catch a performance from the Jambalaya Jazz Band!

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The festive New Orleans Square. One of my favorite areas

A post shared by Lala (@lalacali_) on Feb 25, 2019 at 9:44am PST

Eat some NOLA-inspired food

Grab some authentic, live Louisiana crawfish or one of the other great Cajun combo meals from The Fire Crab in Garden Grove. No need to wait until Fat Tuesday, they have great specials every day!

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A post shared by The Fire Crab (@thefirecrab)

Take the kids to their very own Mardi Gras party

Kids can celebrate Mardi Gras too at Pretend City in Irvine! On Tuesday, March 5th, Pretend City is hosting their own family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration with fun themed activities, King Cake tasting and a Mardi Gras Parade!

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The party is starting! We are celebrating #MardiGras all day at @pretendcity! Stop by to show off your spirit like this adorable family! #pretendcity #learnthroughplay #buildbetterbrains #childrensmuseum #ocmuseum #kidfriendly #ocevents #thingstodoinoc #ocfamilies #ocfamily #educationalplay #ocfun #orangecounty #mardigrascelebration #familyfriendlymardigras

A post shared by Pretend City Children's Museum (@pretendcity) on Feb 13, 2018 at 10:18am PST

Catch some beads

Head to Campus Jax for Super Fat Tuesday, featuring $5 hurricanes, delicious cajun food and live music from 6pm to 10pm on Tuesday, March 5th.

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Jack's 28th Annual Live Crawfish, Alaskan Crab, and Shrimp boil comin Tuesday the 18th! Oh boy!! #localknowledge #CampusJAX

A post shared by Campus JAX (@campus_jax) on Apr 9, 2017 at 10:56am PDT

Enjoy a Mardi Gras Happy Hour

Celebrate Mardi Gras at On The Hook in Newport Beach on March 5th! Guest can enjoy Happy Hour all night long including $1 oysters, and great drink specials and try out their new Cajun Tacos!

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A post shared by On The Hook (@eatonthehook)