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Sizzling summer

50 ways to spend the day, the Orange County way.

By Tracy BennettPublished: July, 2007

Orange County offers numerous entertainment options for families, from enjoying the waves at a popular beach to checking out the livestock at the annual fair. Here are ideas to help you start planning and to begin your fun. This year's Sizzling Summer Issue focuses on affordable activities for families.

[1] CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK
The three miles of beach are popular with swimmers, surfers, snorklers, scuba divers and families who explore the tide pools and play in the sand. Go at low tide. There is a longish walk from the parking lot (use the restrooms before you hike in). You may want a stroller or wagon.

Open from sunrise to sunset.
Parking: $8-$10
Location: Pacific Coast Highway between
Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach

[2] NEWPORT BEACH PIER
Take a walk down the historic boardwalk located at the Newport Beach Pier. You'll find a collection of unique shops offering everything you need at the beach. Several restaurants are located by the pier, and walking along the boardwalk is always enjoyable.

Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. year-round
Parking: $1/hour metered spaces next to the pier and in the surrounding streets (lots of quarters); limited free street parking across Balboa Boulevard
Address: Off Balboa Boulevard at McFadden Place and Ocean Front Street, Newport Beach
Information: 949.719.6100 or 1.800.94.COAST
Website: newportbeach-cvb.com

[3] HUNTINGTON BEACH
Go to Surf City in the summertime. Huntington Beach's coastline spans eight miles. The Huntington Pier, located at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street, is the longest concrete pier in California. Nightlife for young teens and adults works its way down and around Main Street. During the day, Huntington offers some of Southern California's best beach areas.

Hours: Beaches are open 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
For surf conditions: hbonline.com/surfreport.htm

[4] OAK CANYON
The 58-acre natural park, nestled in the Anaheim hills, offers streams, hiking trails and native wildlife. Throughout the year, family events and fun and educational programs for toddlers are offered. Also located on site is the John J. Collier Interpretive Center, a small museum with animals and regional natural history exhibits.

Summer hours: Open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Address: 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Rd., Anaheim
Information: 714.988.8380
Website: Anaheim.net/ocnc/index.html

[5] LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM
Catch a baseball game or two this summer. Among the
upcoming games:
Angels vs. Athletics (July 23-25)
Angels vs. Tigers (July 27-29)
Angels vs. Twins (Aug. 10-12)
Angels vs. Yankees (Aug. 20-22)

Tickets: Start at $9
Address: 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim
Information: 714.634.2000
Website: losangeles.angels.mlb.com

[6] RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RODEO
The richest two-day rodeo in the nation returns Aug. 25-26 to San Juan Capistrano. The event, presented at the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo grounds, features the top rodeo contestants in saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping and team roping.

Tickets: $20 adults/$10 children (3-12)/
children under 3 free
Address: Located at the intersection of Ortega Highway and Antonio Parkway, San Juan Capistrano
Website: rmvrodeo.com

[7] RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey return July 25-Aug. 5 to Honda Center. This year's 136th edition of the Greatest Show on Earth features human cannonballs, Taba and his tigers, an equestrian educator, several acrobats, aerialists and more.

Tickets: Start at $15
Address: 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim
Information: 714.704.2500
Website: ringling.com

[8] SANTA ANA ZOO
Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the animal sights at the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park. Or, hop aboard the Zoofair Express. The train ride takes guests through the newly renovated and landscaped grounds. Rides are available daily from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For an after-hour option, "Sunset at the Zoo" is presented the first Sunday of each month. The program, offered from 5:30-7:30 p.m., features an evening of Jazz, dessert, train rides and animals.

Admission: $6 general/$3 seniors and children/children
under 3 free
Address: 1801 East Chesnut Ave., Santa Ana
Information: 714.835.7484

[9] KAYAKING AND CANOE TOURS
Get some exercise while you take in the sights of the Back Bay in Newport Beach. You can rent kayaks or canoes by the hour and launch them from the Newport Aquatic Center. Or, arrange a guided group tour in a double-hull outrigger canoe. Weekend kayak and canoe tours are also offered at Shellmaker Island and Newport Dunes.

Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Cost: $12 per hour for a one-person kayak; $18 per hour for a two-person kayak or canoe. (Children must be at least 8 years of age; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Address: 1 Whitecliffs Dr., Newport Beach
Information: 949.646.7725
Website: newportaquaticcenter.com

[10] DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER
The 59,000-square-foot learning center features nearly 120 interactive displays that help visitors unearth the mysteries and dynamics of science. On display through Sept. 9, "The Science of Pirates." Hands-on activities include panning for gold, knot tying and a treasure hunt. The center is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: $12.95 general/$9.95 seniors and children ages 3-17/children 2 and under free
Address: 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana
Information: 714.542.2823
Website: discoverycube.org

[11] CIVIL WAR DAYS
Experience Civil War Days with costumed actors and vivid displays of life in the 1800s. During the program, Huntington Beach Central Park is transformed into a battleground between the Artillery and Infantry with combat, cannon fire and encampments. Other highlights include vendor booths featuring books, period costumes and other items. The free event will be held Sept. 1-2.

Address: 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach
Information: 714.969.8928

[12] MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Mission San Juan Capistrano, the birthplace of Orange County, was founded more than 200 years ago. Visitors can hear the tolling of century-old bells and walk down its time-worn paths while learning about this historic landmark. On the second Saturday of each month, history comes alive during "Living History Day." The event, presented from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., features authentic demonstrations and costumes. And beginning June 23, the mission's signature summer event offers up a picnic setting for you and your friends as well as some great live music - "Music Under the Stars Summer Concerts."

Admission: $7 general/$6 seniors/$5 children ages 4-11/
children ages 3 and under free. Special admission prices apply for
the music series.
Address: 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano
Information: 949.234.1300
Website: missionsjc.com

[13] OC FAIR
The OC Fair takes place July 13-Aug. 5 at the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center in Costa Mesa. The 115th celebration, themed "Cowabunga! The Year of Herefords, Surfers & Sand," features carnival rides, live entertainment, games and more.

 Hours: Noon-midnight Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday and Sunday
Address: 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa
Information: ocfair.com or 714.708.FAIR

[14] FAMILY ARTS DAY
Orange County Museum of Art will offer a free Family Arts Day on July 22. The event, presented from noon-4 p.m., features hands-on art projects and performances. Guests also have the opportunity to view "Mary Heilmann: To Be Someone," on display through Aug. 26. The exhibition features abstract paintings.

Museum hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursdays
Admission: $10 general/$8 students and seniors/children
under 12 free
Address: 850 San Clemente Dr., Newport Beach
Information: 949.759.1122

[15] THE PILGRIM
Take a tour of the replica of the historic Pilgrim tallship (from Richard Henry Dana Jr.'s novel "Two Years Before the Mast") given by docents in authentic costume from the time period.

Hours: The Pilgrim holds an open house most Sundays from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with general admission to the Ocean Institute, $6 general/$4 children ages 3-12/children 2 and under are free
Address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point
Information: 949.496.2274
Website: ocean-institute.org

[16] SAN CLEMENTE OCEAN FESTIVAL
This two-day water event will be presented July 21-22. To include fishing, bodyboarding and bodysurfing clinics, an ocean art show, water competitions, a sand sculpture team competition and more.

Information: 949.440.6141
Website: oceanfestival.org

[17] OCEAN INSTITUTE
Have fun and get educated through exhibits, maritime programs and animal tanks all day on weekends at the Ocean Institute. This summer's featured exhibit is "Weather and Watersheds." The exhibit, presented through the beginning of August, features a variety of learning labs that focus on exploring weather, water cycles and the impact they have on the ecosystem

Participants can also take a 45-minute "behind the scenes tour," which gives guests the chance to tour state-of-the-art labs and see more than 60 tanks of animals, including moon jellies, sharks, sea stars and more. The tour begins at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday and Fridays.

Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. weekends
Cost: Members free/$6 general/$4 children ages 3-12/children 2 and under free
Address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point
Information: 949.496.2274
Website: ocean-institute.org

[18] SPEEDWAY
Speedway racing takes place most Saturday nights at the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center. Racing dates are Sept. 8, Sept. 15, and Sept. 22.

Hours: Gates open at 6 p.m.; races begin at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 general/$10 children ages 13-17/$5 children 6-12/kids 3 and under free
Address: 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa
Information: 714.492.9933
Website: costamesaspeedway.net

[19] KIDSEUM
The recently renovated children's museum, which is a part of The Bowers Museum, provides arts and cultural activities for children and their families. Storytelling, a variety of performances and art classes are just a few of the programs offered.

Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Cost: $5 for adults and children 3 and older/members free
Address: 1802 North Main St., Santa Ana
Information: 714.567.3600
Website: bowers.org/kidseum/kidseum.asp

[20] BOWERS MUSEUM
Explore ancient Egyptian civilization at Bowers Museum during "Mummies: Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt."

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday)
Admission: $17 weekdays and $19 weekends general/$12 weekdays and $14 weekends seniors and students/children under 6 free
Address: 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana
Information: 714.567.3600
Website: bowers.org

[21] BOARDFEST '07
This three-day sports beach festival, presented Sept. 1-3 at the Huntington Beach Pier, will showcase action sports, music, fashion, interactive exhibits with themes of health, beauty, fitness, and charity. Check out the beginning and intermediate surfing clinics, listen to a motivational speaker or one of the live bands.
Cost: Most events are free.
Address: located at Huntington Beach Pier off Pacific Coast Highway
Website: boardfest.com

[22] STREET FESTIVAL
San Clemente Chamber of Commerce presents the Fiesta Street Festival Aug. 12 in downtown. Highlights include three stages of continuous live music, game booths, contests, exhibits, arts and crafts, food and more.

Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Address: Located off Avenue Del Mar
Information: 949.492.1131
Website: scchamber.com/html/fiesta.htm

[23] CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEANUP DAY
Help clear debris from our state's shorelines and coast during the 23rd annual California Coastal Cleanup Day. The event takes place Sept. 15 from 9 a.m.-noon. Call or visit the website for a complete list of participating locations.

Information: 800.COAST.4U
Website: coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd.html

[24] IRVINE REGIONAL PARK
Irvine Regional Park, nestled among a grove of heritage oak and sycamore trees, offers an array of entertainment options. Bicycling trails, fishing, picnic areas, paddleboat rentals and pony rides are among the featured activities. Guests can also "ride a bike" in a pond on an aquacycle and take a train ride through the park at the Irvine Park Railroad.

Hours: 7 a.m.-9 a.m.
Address: 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange
Information: 714.973.6835
Website: ocparks.com/irvinepark/

[25] DRIVE-IN THEATER
For the first time in a decade, Orange County residents are able to enjoy a genuine dose of Americana with the opening of a new drive-in theater in the parking lot at the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center. The theater, which opened in May, operates seven nights a week, except during the annual OC Fair. Movies are shown via a state-of-the-art inflatable movie screen and the drive-in location will accommodate 300 cars.

Address: 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa
Information: star-vu.com

[26] ZOOMARS PETTING ZOO and Bird Park
More than 100 animals are on display for visitors to pet, feed and learn from at ZOOMARS Petting Zoo and Bird Park. The park is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. rain or shine.

Admission: $3 general/$2 children ages 1-12/children under 1 free
Address: 31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano
Information: 949.831.6550
Website: zoomars.com

[27] PROJECT PLAYHOUSE
View a variety of playhouses, from whimsical cottages that look like they have popped from the pages of a fairytale to modern creations brimming with technology, during HomeAid Orange County's Project Playhouse. The 16th annual event, held Sept. 8-Oct. 13 at Fashion Island, features playhouses designed and constructed by Southern California's premier homebuilders. The public can tour the inside of the playhouses during an open house, offered Sept. 8 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Other tours, which allow guests to view the playhouses through the front doors, will be offered on weekends from Sept. 9-Oct. 13.

Cost: $15 open house/$5 tours
Address: 401 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach
Information: 949.553.9510
Website: projectplayhouse.org

[28] OUTDOOR CONCERTS
Outdoor concerts are offered at several locations this summer. Bring a picnic dinner, chairs and blankets and enjoy Huntington Beach's Concerts in the Park Summer Series at Huntington Beach Central Park. The free series, presented on select Sundays from 5-8 p.m., features a variety of performers, such as the Orange County Wind Ensemble, Bob De Sena Latin Jazz Ensemble and the Los Angeles Police Swing Band.
 
Address: 1777 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach
Information: 714.402.7158
Beginning July 7, Crystal Cove Promenade in Newport Beach will host solo entertainment through July 28. Concerts are presented every Saturday from noon-2 p.m.
Address: Located on Pacific Coast Highway at Crystal Heights Drive in Newport Coast
Information: 949.720.3107
And in Irvine, Woodbury Village Center will begin its Music Series in July. The event, presented July 8-29, offers a variety of musical genres. The program is offered every Sunday from 1-4 p.m.
Address: Located at Irvine Boulevard and Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine
Information: 949.720.3172

[29] FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN
The sixth annual Festival of Children, an immersion in arts, culture and philanthropy, will be presented every weekend during the month of September at South Coast Plaza. The event features more than 50 local charities and Southern California organizations hosting live performances, free workshops, activities and special guest appearances and more.

Address: 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa
Information: festivalofchildren.org

[30] FULLERTON ARBORETUM
Enjoy the 26-acre botanical garden with an ecologically arranged collection of plants from around the world. On select Tuesdays throughout the summer, the arboretum will offer "Arboretum Tuesdays" for families and children. Nature Guides lead children through the grounds on an interactive and educational journey. Upcoming dates are July 10, July 24, Aug. 7 and Aug. 21.

Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Cost: Donation of $2 for tours
Address: 1900 Associated Rd., Fullerton
Information: 714.278.3579
Website: arboretum.fullerton.edu

[31] BALBOA ISLAND FUN ZONE
Besides having the excuse to take the ferry between Balboa Island and the Fun Zone, there is much to see and do. While on Balboa Island you can dine at restaurants and shop, then go across Newport Bay to the Fun Zone to ride on the Ferris Wheel, carousel, to play games and get ice cream.

Hours: Fun Zone, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday. Balboa Island Ferry, 6:30 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Address: Balboa Fun Zone - 600 E. Bay Ave., Newport Beach
Information: 949.673.0408
Website: thebalboafunzone.com and balboaislandferry.com

[32] FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL
Regal Cinemas will offer a Free Family Film Festival at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday at participating Orange County theaters. The festival features select G and PG movies. Seating is limited to capacity and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. While movies vary each week and theater, featured movies include "Ice Age: The Meltdown," "Flushed Away," "Curious George," "Flicka" and "Charlotte's Web." Participating theaters include Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, Anaheim Hills 14, Brea Stadium 22, Metro Pointe Stadium 12, Foothill Stadium 22, Edwards Stadium 21 & IMAX, Ocean Ranch 7 and others.

Information: regmovies.com or fandango.com

[33] ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
Located within Huntington Central Park, Adventure Playground offers a unique play experience for children ages 6-12. Kids can raft on a small pond, navigate a rope bridge, use a cable slide, go down a mudslide and build ropes. Tennis shoes are required. The area is open during the summer from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Cost: A small fee is charged.
Address: Enter from the Central Library parking lot, located off Talbert Avenue in Huntington Beach
Information: 714.536.5486

[34] PEARSON PARK AMPHITHEATER
Pearson Park Amphitheater offers "Just for Kids," a music and entertainment series presented through Aug. 17. The series features an array of genres, including jazz, funk and Spanish dance performed by Kishin Daiko, Sapadilla and the Anaheim Ballet. In addition to music, puppetry and ventriloquist acts, science education will also be highlighted.

The program is presented Fridays at 7 p.m.
Address: 400 N. Lemon St., Anaheim
Information: 714.765.5274

[35] CAMPING AT DOHENY STATE BEACH
Spend a night or two at one of the best-known campsites in Orange County. It's close to the ocean and a wonderful way to enjoy nature, especially in the warm summer months.

Cost: Campsites begin at $16
Address: 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point
Information: 800.444.7275
Website: dohenystatebeach.org

[36] NATURE NIGHTS
Oak Canyon Nature Center will offer a variety of programs for families during its Summer Nature Nights series. Held in the outdoor amphitheater, the free event may include slides, films, exhibits and live animal demonstrations. The program is offered on Wednesday evenings throughout summer. A guided twilight walk, led by a naturalist, begins at 7 p.m. The program, featuring a guest presenter, starts at 7:30 p.m.

Address: 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Rd., Anaheim
Information: 714.998.8380

[37] BUMPER BOATS AT BOOMERS!
Beat the heat on bumper boats. Each boat comes equipped with a water cannon. Locations include Irvine and Fountain Valley.

Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, noon-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday.
Cost: $5.25 for the driver/$2 for passenger
Address: 3405 Michelson Dr., Irvine, 949.559.8341; 16800 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, 714.842.1111
Website: boomersparks.com

[38] FAMILY FLICKS
Bring your beach chair and enjoy a movie on a giant outdoor screen during Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort's annual "Movies on the Beach" series. Presented Fridays and Saturdays through summer, the free event features blockbuster films such as "School of Rock," "Monster's, Inc." and "Little Rascals." Movies will be projected on a giant 18-foot by 20-foot screen situated right on the sandy shores. Campfires are also available for roasting marshmallows and making s'mores. Movies begin at dusk.

Address: 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach
Information: 949.729.DUNE

For more outdoor flicks, Balboa Performing Arts Theater partners with Quicksilver to present the third annual Family Movie Nite Series at Peninsula Park Field in Newport Beach. The free event begins at dusk and features two surf movie screenings. "Black and White" will be shown July 26 and "Young Gun 3" closes the series on Aug. 23.

Address: Located next to the Balboa Pier, Newport Beach
Information: 949.673.0895

[39] THE SAWDUST FESTIVAL
Stroll along towering eucalyptus trees and tranquil waterfalls within a three and one-half acre canyon setting in search of one-of-a-kind artwork, including paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photographs, sculptures, hand-blown glass and more. Other highlights include art demonstrations, complimentary art workshops, children's art activities, refreshments and live entertainment. This year's festival runs through Sept. 2.

Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: $7 general/$6 seniors/$3 children ages 6-12/ children 5 and younger free
Address: 935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach
Information: 949.494.3030
Website: sawdustartfestival.org

[40] ORANGE COUNTY LIBRARIES
Local libraries will offer a break from the heat and sun and a way to encourage reading during the summer months. Highlights include book clubs, storytimes and teen events at more than 33 Orange County branches. For a complete listing of times, events and branches, visit ocpl.org.

[41] DANA POINT HARBOR
While there are a number of things to do at the harbor, such as kayaking, tide pool exploring, bike riding, fishing, swimming, windsurfing, jet-skiing and boating, many go to relax by the water, shop, dine, or watch the sunrise or sunset.

Cost: Free, unless you wish to take excursions like a cruise to Catalina, rent Jet Skis or go fishing
Address: Dana Point Harbor is located in south Orange County, on the coast and off the I-5
Information: 949.923.2255
Website: danapointharbor.com

[42] BIG CORONA
Consistently rated one of the top family beaches in Orange County, it is also known as Corona del Mar State Beach. Offerings include a snack bar and equipment rental, volleyball, picnic tables, restrooms, showers and fire rings. Out in the water, there is a perfect mix of gentle surf for the youngest kids as well as bigger waves for bigger kids. Parking can be a problem in summer.

Address: Located off Pacific Coast Highway on Ocean Avenue near Marigold

[43] MAIN BEACH
Laguna's Main Beach is where the city meets the surf. At one end are tide pools and rocks for climbing. There are also places to play basketball, volleyball and to inline skate. And when it's time for a change of pace, walk into town to view a collection of stores and to find some of Orange County's best restaurants.

Address: Located off Pacific Coast Highway at Highway 138. (Bring quarters for metered parking, which is everywhere.)

[44] TOSHIBA TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL
On Sept. 8-9, the Ocean Institute in Dana Point will host the largest gathering of tall ships on the West Coast. Visitors can enjoy maritime displays and presentations, Polynesian dancers, sea-chantey concerts,
an interactive pirate encampment, dramatic sunset cannon battles and explore the historic tall ships.
 
Information: 949.496.2274
Website: tallshipsfestival.com

[45] SURF SPOTS
The Quiksilver Young Gun surfers, an elite group of up-and-coming surfers from around the world, named Trestles, Salt Creek and 54th Street as the best places to surf in Orange County.

Trestles: Located at the intersection of Christianos Road and El Camino Real in San Clemente, the waves here make even the worst surfer feel like the best.
Salt Creek Beach: The wave conditions at this beach in Dana Point offer great conditions for tube rides and peaks for longer rides. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy.
54th Street: The waves here breaks super quick, allowing for any condition from short hollow tube rides to long lefts and rights. On 54th Street on the Newport Peninsula.

[46] THE BLOCK AT ORANGE
Aside from dozens of the great names in retail, live entertainment is offered every Friday through Sunday night. In addition, the shopping center offers the free family program, Muggsy's Meadows on select days. The program, geared for children ages 0-12, features various hands-on activities.

Hours: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. every Friday through Saturday
Address: 20 City Blvd. West, Orange, at the intersections of the
I-5, 22 and 57 freeways
Information: 714.769.4001
Website: theblockatorange.com or muggsysmeadow.com

[47] BANK OF THE WEST BEACH GAMES
Spread across 12 acres in Surf City and in the water, events include the Honda U.S. Open Surfing, skateboarding, BMX, FMX and beach volleyball competitions. Other highlights include 80 exhibits, athlete autograph signings, dance contests, DJs, live music and prize giveaways. The event takes place July 20-29 in Huntington Beach.

Cost: Free
Website: usopenofsurfing.com

[48] 'AMERICAN IDOL'
This one may cost a bit more but will be a hit with "American Idol" fans. The top 10 finalists from this year's show will perform July 22 at Honda Center.
 
Tickets: $42.50-$72.50
Address: 2695 K. Katella Ave., Anaheim
Information: 714.740.2000

[49] SHIPLEY NATURE CENTER
Shipley Nature Center, located in Huntington Central Park, has 18 acres of nature trails, native habitats and wildlife. Other highlights include an interpretive center, which features exhibits on history, Native Americans, conservation and wildlife.

Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Address: Located off Cliffview Lane, Huntington Beach (Parking is available at 17829 Goldenwest St.)
Information: 714.842.2772

[50] IRVINE SPECTRUM CENTER
In addition to movies, shops, restaurants, entertainment, games and more, the Irvine Spectrum Center will offer a free summer concert series. The program, presented by Tilly's, begins July 21 and continues at the Giant Wheel Court on select days through late August. The series, geared for a teen and college audience, begins at 6 p.m.

Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Address: 71 Fortune Dr., Irvine. Located between the 405 and 5 freeways
Information: 949.753.5180
Website: shopirvinespectrumcenter.com

Tracy Bennett is a OC Family Magazine's calendar coordinator. Do you have a favorite family summer outing? Let us know: ocfamily.com and click on Feedback.

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