Places to Go

Let the creative juices flow and paint ceramic keepsakes that will last a lifetime. Choose from more than 1,000 pottery pieces, including giant mugs, plates, statues and more. Paint with more than 65 glazes. Pieces will be fired in kilns on the premises and taken home to enjoy. scientific facts while creating artwork inspired by master artists.

This 2-acre, fenced, off-leash park is the perfect destination to play with the family pup. The park offers a double-gated entrance, trees, benches, doggy water dispensers, restrooms and dog waste bags. The park is open Wednesday through Monday from dawn to dusk and is closed Tuesdays for park maintenance.

Every Sunday in the parking lot of The Camp shopping center (across the street from The Lab), there is live music, baked goods, produce, crafts and vendors. Hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission and parking.

Every Friday night, Orange Coast College hosts some of the greatest films in the Fine Arts Building's theater, Room 119. A discussion group with film experts follows the movie. The screening begins at 6:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Parking is free after 5 p.m. in Lot C on Merrimac Street.

Held from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Orange Coast College's campus in the Adams parking lot is the Saturday and Sunday swap meet. A variety of goods, from food and flowers to apparel and crafts, is available. Admission and parking are free.

The Orange County Market Place, America's most unique swap meet, is a celebration of food, fun, value and entrepreneurial spirit, and has become the centerpiece of the outdoor shopping experience. The Orange County Market Place hosts more nearly 1,000 merchants and encompasses more than 20 acres of selling area. There is ample free parking and preferred parking for a nominal fee.

In addition to hosting family-friendly shows and events, The Center offers free tours of the facility every Wednesday and Saturday. The tour takes visitors through the backstage areas, dressing and rehearsal rooms, and also offers a glimpse of its magnificent lobby. Visitors learn about the background of The Center's architecture and sculpture, as well as other art pieces that reside inside.

In addition to a variety of arts programs and an impressive youth orchestra, the Pacific Symphony offers a family series of concerts held at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

South Coast Plaza has something for everyone. Families can enjoy the jungle atmosphere while dining at the Rainforest Café; kids (and adults) can ride on the merry-go-round; and there is an abundance of fabulous shopping for the whole family!

Located across from the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center, this 15,000-square-foot, free outdoor skate park has ramps, rails, steps and slopes for skaters of all ages, ranging from beginners to experts. Elbow and knee pads, and helmets are required. Hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m.