The dog days of summer are officially here, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun. Squeeze in more memory-making moments before you head back to school or plan for some family time after the hustle and bustle has set in. Either way we’ve got you covered with the best things to do with kids in Los Angeles and the South Bay this month.
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The Best Things to Do With Kids in August
Ventura County Fair
Aug. 3 – 14
Smaller and often less crowded than the LA and OC Fairs means, this is the perfect place for families with young kids. You’ll find all the traditional fairway attractions, livestock, live music, and vendors, plus an ocean breeze. A ride to the top of the Ferris Wheel is worth it alone, just for the gorgeous ocean view. Opening day admission is just one dollar until 5 p.m., and Aug. 5 is Kids Day, when visitors under 12 get free admission.
International Surf Festival
Aug. 3 – 7
Do your kiddos love to hit the waves? Head to Manhattan Beach for the 59th International Surf Festival. In addition to watching the surfing championships, there are several other exciting events including paddle boarding, volleyball, sand castle building, and so much more.
Back to the Future With the LA Phil
Aug. 5 – 6
Pack a picnic and follow Marty and Doc back to good old 1955. Accompanied by the LA Philharmonic, you’ll definitely feel like you’ve travelled to a whole different time and place watching this classic on screen at the Hollywood Bowl.
The Actor’s Gang Free Shakespeare In the Park
Aug. 6 – 28
For the 15th year, the Actor’s Gang invites families and fans of the Bard to pack a blanket and head to the park for a silly, family-friendly version of a Shakespeare classic. This year’s performance, As Boo Like It!, features performances every Saturday and Sunday in August at 11 a.m. The shows are free, but early registration is recommended.
Movies on the Green
Aug. 6 – 27
The best way to see a family movie in the summer is outside! Pack a picnic and a blanket and head to the Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills to check out some family favorites including Encanto and Cruella. Shows begin at dusk.
Getty Garden Concerts for Kids
Aug. 6 – 21
The Getty Center Garden Concerts for kids are finally back this summer with a line-up of some of the top kids’ music bands in L.A. Kicking off the three-show series is Grammy Award-winning The Lucky Band. Concerts and Getty admission are free, but timed entry reservations are required to attend.
Tchaikovsky Spectacular With Fireworks
Aug. 12 -13
Nothing says summer quite like a dinner picnic at the Bowl, which is why we have yet another Hollywood Bowl event at the top of our list. If movies aren’t your jam, then a symphony with a fireworks show is definitely sure to be a hit with young music buffs.
Wings Over Camarillo Air Show
Aug. 20 -21
This huge air show features over 80 aircraft, including antique, experimental, and WWII fighters, bombers, and transports, performing several well-known aerobatic routines. On ground exhibits make the planes accessible to the public during the show. Explore the aircraft, snap pictures, and get a chance to ask the pilots questions. Kids five and under are free.
CicLAvia – Meet the Hollywoods
Aug. 21
Grab your bikes and go for a cruise through the streets of Hollywood. CicLAvia is once again taking over a Los Angeles neighborhood for a day of cycling and this time the car-free event runs a six-mile course through West Hollywood, East Hollywood, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Fiesta La Ballona
Aug. 26 – 28
This long-running annual Culver City festival always guarantees a good time. Rides, games, a petting zoo, tasty eats, live music, and more await.
Looking for more fun things to do with kids before summer is over? If Check out our guides to day trips near Los Angeles and the South Bay.
Featured photo: Eric Chan via Flickr
