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Best Things to Do for Kids in
Los Angeles in July 2026
July 4th Fireworks Spectacular with the Beach Boys
Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Hills
Thursday - Saturday, July 2 -4, 2026
I'm picking up good vibrations: The Beach Boys team up with the LA Phil for its annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. And - have mercy! - they are joined by special guest John Stamos. Together with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor Thomas Wilkins, and a sky full of fireworks, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers make it a huge July Fourth at the Bowl. Website
Anime Expo
DTLA
Thursday - Sunday, July 2 - 5, 2026
Anime fans and industry members head to the LA Convention Center for Anime Expo, an annual celebration of Japanese pop culture. Anime Expo features panels, performances, and opportunities to get up close with favorite anime stars. The website has more info on Anime Expo's activities and events, including gaming, cosplay, concerts and more. Website
Redondo Beach Summer Music Festival 2026
Redondo Beach
Starts Thursday, July 2, 2026
The free concerts on Redondo Beach Pier come with an added bonus: the chance to see the sun set over the ocean. Thursday night concerts feature tribute bands. Website
Santa Monica 4th of July Parade
Santa Monica - FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Main Street Santa Monica hosts its annual Fourth of July Parade. Neighbors, kids, bicycles, creative teams, marching bands, and civic-minded groups are all invited to march, and everyone is invited as spectators. 2026's parade marks the 100 year anniversary of Route 66. Website
Bob Blumenfield's July 4th Extravaganza
Woodland Hills - FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Enjoy a free concert by Doctor Wu, a Steely Dan tribute band, followed by a fantastic fireworks display in Woodland Hills. Food and retail vendors are also present. All the fun takes place at Warner Center Park. This free event draws a crowd upwards of 40,000 people every year. Parking costs $25. Website
Marina del Rey July 4th Fireworks
Marina del Rey - FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Marina del Rey's annual fireworks are one of the best free displays in the city. The show commences at 9pm and lasts about 20 minutes. This display is launched from a barge off of the marina's South Jetty. The 10-minute fireworks show can be seen from all over the Marina, the loudspeakers with the corresponding soundtrack are set up at Burton Chace Park and Fisherman's Village. Website
America’s Block Party at the LA Memorial Coliseum
Exposition Park
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Chris Stapleton,The Smashing Pumpkins, Chaka Khan, and Anthony Ramos headline a grand celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, "America’s Block Party benefiting Giving 4th,” hosted by Queen Latifah The day starts off at 3pm in Block Party Village with free food, drinks, face painting, games and giveaways, followed by the headline show, fireworks, and a drone spectacular - all benefiting Giving 4th, a new tradition created to make July 4 an annual day of charitable giving in America. Website
Gloria Molina Grand Park's Summer Block Party
DTLA - FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
With renewed purpose and spirit, Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Summer Block Party: Celebrating L.A. Culture & Community descends on Downtown LA in the “park for everyone.” Featuring an electrifying lineup of homegrown DJs curated in partnership with KCRW Summer Nights: Black House Radio, Discos Rolas, and many others. The Block Party also includes poignant art exhibits showcasing L.A.’s diverse communities, interactive activities presented by community organizations, food trucks, a dazzling drone show with more than 700 drones, and more. Website
Last Chance to See the Tar Pits (until 2028!)
Mid-Wilshire
Through Monday, July 6, 2026
If you want to see the Tar Pits, better get a move on or your chance to visit the LA landmark will be history. (For the next two years, that is). Website
Lil' Ranchers Summer Program
The Leonis Adobe Museum, Calabasas
Tuesdays, starting July 7, 2026
The Lil' Ranchers Summer Program at the Leonis Adobe Museum offers fun rotating activities with a different theme each week. Kids can feed sheep and goats, make crafts with museum guides, enjoy live music, hear stories in the 1880s adobe house, and partake in various other rancho-themed activities, such as learning to throw a lasso like a real Vaquero! Website
South Bay Greek Festival
Redondo Beach
Friday - Sunday, July 10 - 12, 2026
Opa! The South Bay Greek Festival offers a weekend of Greek music, dancing, and food. Website
Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Presents The Greatest Show on Earth
Anaheim
Friday - Sunday, July 10 - 19, 2026
The circus is in town! The Greatest Show on Earth returns to Anaheim's Honda Center, bringing all the thrill and spectacle of a classic circus. Over 65 performers representing 17 countries bring their talents into the arena, including aerial and acrobatics feats, world dance, music, and comedy, and jaw-dropping thrills. No animals are used in The Ringling Brothers shows. Website
Marina Del Rey Summer Concert Series 2026
Marina del Rey - FREE
Starts Saturday, July 11, 2026
The Saturday evening concerts at Burton Chace Park feature symphonic sounds and headliners from popular music. The waterfront park makes a lovely setting for a picnic; bring your blanket and low-back chairs and don't forget your jackets (it can get pretty chilly at night!). The series opens with a screening of Encanto accompanied by a live to film performance by the Marina del Rey Symphony. Website
45th Lotus Festival
Echo Park - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, July 11 -12, 2026
Every year the Lotus Festival highlights a different Asian or Pacific Island country to promote and educate the community about the country and its culture. This year, the event celebrates the people of Sri Lanka. Families enjoy the dragonboat races, children's area, food court, lantern launches, handcrafted artwork, and more. Website
CCPT Children's Theatre in the Park: The Wizard's Workshop
Culver City - FREE
Opens Saturday, July 11, 2026
Culver City Public Theatre's annual children's production in the park is performed on Saturdays and Sundays from July 11 to August 2. This year's production is The Wizard's Workshop, based on the story of the classic ballet, Coppelia. Website
Central Library Centennial Festival
DTLA - FREE
Saturday, July 11, 2026
The Central Library is turning 100! The entire day at the library is packed with fun, family-friendly activities and special performances. The day starts with a ribbon cutting at 10am. Website
LA Soundscapes at The Ford
Hollywood
Sunday, July 12, 2026
The Ford's LA Soundscapes is inspired by LA’s culturally rich neighborhoods and communities. Each LA Soundscapes family event features a pre-concert activity and participatory artmaking. The season opener is a celebration of first peoples and place. Families are invited to hear songs and stories from generations before, and celebrate contemporary Native expressions through music, poetry, and dance. Website
Orange County Fair
Costa Mesa
Starts Friday, July 17, 2026
The Orange County Fair is back, and this year's theme is "Your Adventure Awaits!" Highlights of the fair include animals, tons of food, carnival rides, art exhibits, and more. Carnival ride tickets are $1 each, and unlimited-ride wristbands are available for $50 on select days at the fair. Website
Plumeria Festival 2026
Arcadia
Friday & Saturday, July 17 - 18, 2026
The Los Angeles County Arboretum celebrates all things plumeria. Guests can enjoy guided tours of a grove of more than 100 plumeria plants on Tallac Knoll and experience the sweet scent of the colorful flowers. Website
COAST 2026
Santa Monica - FREE
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Santa Monica wraps up its World Cup activations with the return of a local favorite: COAST, Santa Monica's Open Streets event. This massive open street takeover transforms Santa Monica into a giant pedestrian festival spanning from the Promenade and LA Metro stations, across to Ocean, Colorado, Arizona, and the iconic Pier as the entire city comes together for one final celebration. Website
San Diego Comic-Con
San Diego
Thursday - Sunday, July 23- 26, 2026
Genre fans of every ilk make the pilgrimage down to San Diego for fandom's ultimate party: San Diego Comic-Con. The 4-day event celebrates comic books, movies, TV, video games, anime, action figures, and cosplay. Fans get to rub shoulders with stars and creators, in intimate panel discussions and presentations in giant halls, on the packed exhibit floor, and in autograph sessions. Many come dressed in costume; many more take pictures of the Storm Troopers, Avengers, Star Trek cadets, and KPop Demon Hunters in their midst. Website
Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival
Long Beach - FREE
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Dragon boats—long, sleek, and powered by many rowers with oars—are raced competitively in events like the Asian Games. Families can see their beauty and majesty, and watch the power and vigor of the athletic oarsmen at the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival. A schedule of races will be found on the website as the event approaches. Website
Ventura County Fair
Ventura
Starts Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Ride 'em, Cowboy! The "country fair with ocean air" is back for 11 days of magic for summer 2026. Kids can ride the many carnival rides and play games on the midway, watch the Alaskan pig races, meet some animal friends at the petting zoo, tour the livestock areas, and more. Website
International Surf Festival
Manhattan Beach - FREE
Wednesday - Sunday, July 29 - August 2, 2026
Hang ten in Manhattan Beach for the International Surf Festival. The three signature events for the festival are the Judge Taplin Lifeguard Medley Relay, the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim, and the Charlie Saikley Six-Man Volleyball Tournament. Other events include a surfing contest, a body surfing contest (great for kids), a beach run, paddleboard races, a dory race, and other youth events. Website
Annenberg Community Beach House Sunset Picnic
Santa Monica - FREE
Thursday, July 30, 2026
The Annenberg Community Beach House welcomes guests to picnic as the sun goes down. Website