Patch Parents: Best Things To Do With Kids In June In California

CALIFORNIA — Although summer solstice isn't until June 20, summertime has already arrived in sunny California with many schools out or out soon for the season.

It isn't hard to plan a family-friendly summer vacation with beautiful beaches, various national parks and thrilling theme and water parks all up and down the Golden State.

There are also plenty of kid-friendly events in June, including California State Parks Week June 11–15 and fee-free day at national parks on June 19 in celebration of Juneteenth. Of course, a variety of summertime fairs and festivals will also take place this month.

Here are some of the best things to do with kids in June in California.

Northern California

Celebrate Juneteenth. The Black Miners Bar Juneteenth Festival is scheduled June 28 at Black Miners Bar recreation area on Folsom Lake. The family-friendly celebration will include various activities, education, food and live music. Festivities include a kids' zone, petting zoo and horseback riding.

Go to the fair. The San Mateo County Fair runs through June 8 at San Mateo County Event Center. The Petaluma Fair will run from June 19-22 at the Petaluma Fairgrounds. Both fairs will feature carnival rides and games, food, livestock, exhibits, live entertainment and more.

Get your fill of crawfish. The Crawdad Festival will take place June 14-15 at Cal Expo in Sacramento. In addition to an array of food, the festival will feature a children designated area with attractions, games, a magic show, face painting and more.

Visit a park. California State Parks Week is June 11–15, with a variety of events scheduled throughout the state. National parks will waive entrance fees for everyone on June 19 in celebration of Juneteenth. It's one of several fee-free days this year.

Central California

Celebrate the olden Days. Old Santa Ynez Days is scheduled June 20-22 in the Central Coast town of Santa Ynez. The event will feature the 60th anniversary of the town's street faire and grand parade. There will be line dancing, a kids area with pony rides, face painters, petting zoo, touch a truck area, games and more.

Eat ice cream and celebrate family at the zoo. Ice Cream Zoofari will take place June 7 at Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Families can enjoy unlimited ice cream samples while strolling the zoo. Selections will include sherbets, frozen yogurt, floats and sundaes. On June 14, join Fresno Chaffee Zoo for Rainbow Family Day. The event, which aims to affirm and support LGBTQIA+ families, will include educational activities, music, art, local food vendors and community resource booths.

Experience the glitz and glamor of Tinseltown under the Big Top. Circus Vargas will bring its tour to Central California. The circus will stop June 13-23 in Santa Barbara, followed by June 27 through July 14 in San Luis Obispo. The two-hour family-friendly show features a variety of acts.

Visit a park. California State Parks Week is June 11–15, with a variety of events scheduled throughout the state. National parks will waive entrance fees for everyone on June 19 in celebration of Juneteenth. It's one of several fee-free days this year.

Southern California

Celebrate Disneyland's 70th anniversary. Disneyland Resort is celebrating seven decades of making magic and special memories this summer. The Anaheim-based theme park's 70th anniversary celebration runs through the summer of 2026, featuring colorful décor, limited-time entertainment, themed food and beverages, collectible merchandise and more.

Experience the glitz and glamor of Tinseltown under the Big Top. Circus Vargas is continuing its tour throughout Southern California. The circus will stop through June 9 in Buena Park. The two-hour family-friendly show features a variety of acts.

Find your new favorite meal. Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week runs through June 8. The event offers 10 days of dining experiences throughout the region's nine-city oasis.

Go to a classic fair. Conejo Valley Days is slated June 19–29 in Ventura County's Thousand Oaks. The fair will feature carnival rides and games, fair food, live music and more.

Go to the fair. The San Diego County Fair kicks off June 11 and runs through July 6 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The fair will feature agriculture, animals, art, exhibits, food, live entertainment, music and rides.

Meet Baby Shark and friends. SeaWorld and The Pinkfong Company, the entertainment company behind Baby Shark, have teamed up to celebrate 10 years of Baby Shark. The characters will be at the San Diego theme park through June 22. The limited-time celebration features Baby Shark-themed experiences, including live character meet and greets with Baby Shark and Pinkfong, as well as an all-new Baby Shark mini-live show, activities, food and merchandise.

Meet beloved PBS characters. The Neighbor Days event series continues at Castle Park in Riverside. On June 1, join Donkey Hodie on a scavenger hunt throughout the park. There will also be character meet and greets and dance parties. Alma's Way Weekend will take place June 7-8. Kids can meet and dance with Alma, plus participate in arts and crafts activities throughout the park.

Play at the Lego Festival. Lego Festival runs through June 8 at Legoland California Resort in Carlsbad. The festival, billed as one of the biggest family celebrations of play, features five interactive festival zones to spark imaginations, including music, dance, creative and chill out zones, as well as a gaming zone featuring Lego Fortnite. There are also seven new Lego characters.

Visit a park. California State Parks Week is June 11–15, with a variety of events scheduled throughout the state. National parks will waive entrance fees for everyone on June 19 in celebration of Juneteenth. It's one of several fee-free days this year.