Beach. Summer. BBQ. The recipe for a classic Memorial Day of family fun…but what do you do if you don’t have a yard, don’t feel like braving the beach with millions of other Angelinos and tourists, and don’t have any fun party plans.
You are in luck! There are a ton of great, fun and family-friendly things to do this holiday weekend. Here’s our round-up of the top contenders to check out while you ‘check out’ of work for a long weekend of family fun.
1. Topanga Days
Grab your Birkenstocks, put on your best Free People peasant top, slap on some essential oils, ironically braid your hair and head on up to Los Angeles’ hidden little hippie enclave. There is live music from 11-7 every day of the festival, and that’s just the start of the fun. For the kiddos, head to the Fun Zone (tickets required) for bounce houses, slides, games, face painting and tattoos. There are games…and not just for the little ones. We are talking pie eating, apple bobbing, cherry seed spitting, egg russian roulette, musical chairs, three-legged races, sack races, bubble gum blowing contests and more! And of course crafters galore, tons of food and a parade on Memorial Day!
When: May 28-30 (Parade is 8:30am on Monday May 30th)
Time: 10am – 7pm
Where: 1440 N Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Admission: Adults $25/day, Members & Kids (6-12) $15/day, Kids 5 &under Free
*3-day tickets area also available for purchase at a discounted rate
Kids Fun Zone pricing: 3 day pass $50., Sat. only $20, Sun/Mon $25/day, a la carte $5 (discount if you purchase Kid Zone tickets online ahead of time)
Get tickets and more info here!
2. Fiesta Hermosa
With Over 300 artists and crafters, ocean breezes, two stages of live music, charity beer & wine garden, Kiddie Carnival with a 30 foot slide, rides, rock climbing, bungee jumping, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting and games for littles from 3-10 years old, this event is not to be missed. It has happened every year since 1972 and is the largest arts & crafts fair in Southern California.
Note: This event is HIGHLY popular, more than 100k attendees typically come out for the fair. Biking and walking are ideal. There will be shuttle busses running from designated parking garages, in addition to a free bike valet operated by Hermosa Cyclery.
When: May 28 – 30
Time: 10am – 6pm
Where to park: If you aren’t biking or walking, there is FREE parking at Northrop Grumman Parking Lot on the SW corner of Aviation Blvd & 33rd St. in Manhattan Beach
– Free shuttle busses will be running from this parking lot from 7:30am-7:30pm
3. MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street
Ever wanted to hop into a board game and live out your childhood Jumanji fantasy? Well on Sunday, you can play your own real live version of Monopoly in sunny Santa Monica. Main Street from Pier Ave. to Bay St. is morphing into a real life Monopoly game, where visitors will be given “MAINopoly dollars” to exchange for tastings at some of the finest restaurants in the hood. There is even an official “Go Directly to Jail” VIP lounge and Beer Garden. The event is raising funds for both Summer SOULstice and Heal the Bay. Oh, and don’t forget your thimble hat, because Monopoly-inspired attire is strongly encouraged.
When: Sunday May 29th
Time: 3pm-8pm
Admission: Advanced-Purchase Ticket $25, Same-Day Ticket $30, VIP Ticket $40, Kids (5-12) $15
(General Admissions Ticket includes 20 tastings and drink specials)
4. 58th Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
If you were sad to miss last weekend’s Strawberry Festival, or maybe you were able to attend and want more juicy red sticky sweetness in your life, then this is the place to be! There will be food, games, rides, contests, performances, live music, a parade, a 5k, and of course lots and lots of juicy red strawberries! Plus, there will be a slew of celebrities in attendance…full disclosure, the only celeb attendee listed on their website I’ve ever heard of is Snoopy…and he’s a costume character, but the others I’m sure are very talented athletes and actors.
When: Friday May 27th – Monday May 30th
Time: Friday (1pm-10pm), Sat/Sun (10am-10pm), Mon (10am-9pm)
Admission: Free! Unlimited all day rides $30-35
Where: The Village Green, between Euclid St. and Main St. in downtown Garden Grove, CA
5. Kidspace 8th Annual Rubber Ducky Races!
What’s not to love about Kidspace?! It’s honestly one of our favorite local “tot” spots. Not only does it have, splash pads, climbing structures, bikes to ride, dirt to dig in, and killer interactive exhibits to entertain both you and your kiddos, but they just reopened the newly re-vamped Arroyo Adventure where little ones can experience the outdoors in all it’s splendor through interactive gardening, climbing, and adventuring through water and wildlife. AAANNNDD…tis the weekend for the annual Rubber Ducky Races! And, yes, they are exactly what they sound like. Throughout the day, little ones can “race” their rubber duckies down a babbling brook. It’s adorable to watch the swarms of kids chase the ducks as they race down the water stream. Just make sure you bring a change of clothes for the kiddos because they can get wet and messy having fun!
When: every day! (closed Mondays in fall and winter)
Time: 10am – 5pm
Admission: $13/person adults and children, children under 1 are free
Where: 480 N. Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
Whatever you choose to do this holiday weekend, whether it’s getting out of dodge, chilling at home with your loved ones or checking out one of these killer events…be safe, wear sunscreen, and have tons of fun…because now, you can wear white.
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