The public is invited to the Aquarium to explore new programming, events, and special contests starting May 26 through December 31, 2023.

 Since opening its doors in 1998, the nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific has connected millions of people from around the world to the beauty and wonder of our ocean planet. The Aquarium celebrates its 25^th anniversary with new programming, events, a photography exhibit, and a short film—all highlighting Southern California’s natural world.

Southern California is home to ocean treasures that rival those around the world. Through its 25th Anniversary Celebration, the Aquarium will highlight this special region in a variety of ways, including announcing new major exhibits opening July 1. Throughout each day of the anniversary celebration, visitors can take in a new short film projected in the Aquarium’s Great Hall next to a life-sized model of a blue whale. During this experience, you can see the Aquarium’s work in saving local species and habitats.

I was able to check out the construction site for the upcoming exhibit and I can’t wait! It is going to be amazing!

On the Aquarium’s second floor, you can explore photography celebrating people’s connections to nature in Southern California. This exhibit will showcase the work of the top ten winners of the Aquarium’s 25^th Anniversary photo contest. Also, during the celebration, the first guest who finds an octopus figurine hidden in a different exhibit each day will win a limited-edition commemorative Aquarium pin. During the summer, the Aquarium’s First Wednesdays guest speaker series, which includes music and a cocktail/social hour, will focus on the theme of connecting to nature. In addition, the Aquarium will launch its new podcast series and will have new 25^th anniversary merchandise in its gift store.

WHEN:           May 26, 2023, through December 31, 2023 – Aquarium’s 25^th Anniversary Celebration

WHERE:         100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 

COST:            Included with general admission / General admission: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $29.95 per child (ages 3-11), $41.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Advance reservations required.

INFO:  (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific (except for my personal opinion).

2ND & PCH is hosting a free Pop-up Kids Club, Pajama Party on Wednesday, May 24 from 10 am – noon on the grand staircase. Kids Club invites all young explorers to dress in their pj’s and enjoy crafts hosted by Able ARTS Work, face painting and balloons, and an interactive performance by special guests followed by meet and greets. 

Kids Club is best suited for ages 2 – 10 years and will take place weather permitting. For additional details, visit 2ND&PCH.com

Credit: 2ND & PCH.

Mothers are welcome to escape to the French Mediterranean for brunch at LouLou, with exquisite cuisine, DJs and live performances. For more information visit loulousantamonica.com/events. 

Spend quality time with your mother in one of the many special classes led by professional chefs at The Gourmandise School. Mothers are welcome to participate in any of the School’s other classes throughout the month or you may purchase gift certificates online at thegourmandiseschool.com. 

The World of Barbie immersive experience also makes for a great way to be with Mom all day –  With interactive installations like the Barbie Dreamhouse, Barbie Camper Van, a fashion studio, salon and more, the day is sure to be filled with memorable fun.

To accompany her experience, Brilliant Earth, Pandora, and Tiffany & Co. are currently offering special pieces mothers will cherish for years to come. Shoppers should also head over to Coach and Louis Vuitton at the center, to check out their impeccable Mother’s Day offerings as well. 

Credit: Santa Monica Place.

Celebrate National Shrimp Day at Rubio’s on Wednesday, May 10, when all Rubio’s shrimp entrées are just $7.99 with a drink purchase for Rubio’s Rewards members. Simply log in to your Rewards account, place your order on rubios.com or through the Rubio’s app, and apply the reward during checkout, or scan the offer QR code at the register.
 
Celebrating their 40^th anniversary this year, all Rubio’s Coastal Grill locations are debuting refreshed store décor and packaging, and offering new dishes highlighting the company’s commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood and the flavors of Baja. For National Shrimp Day, enjoy any of your favorite shrimp dishes including the Baja Chimichurri Red Shrimp Bowl, Grilled Gourmet Shrimp Two Taco Plate and Classic Shrimp Burrito.
 
Rubio’s guests in California, Nevada and Arizona can earn free drinks, desserts, tacos and entrées by joining Rubio’s Rewards. Members can sign up online or through the Rubio’s App, and start earning points toward free food. For more information about Rubio’s Coastal Grill and to view the menu, visit Rubio’s, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Credit: Rubio’s. Some form of compensation was received to post. Information and images were also provided.

 From delicious brunches to outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the events that are sure to make this Mother’s Day special:

Mommy + Me Tea at JW Marriott

• Sunday, May 14th, from 11 am-2 pm
• Mother’s Day tea party in the Serenity Garden, including special activities, crafts & photo memorabilia

Mother’s Day Buffet at Tangerine Room

• Sunday, May 14, from 12-6 pm
• Treat mom to a lovely Mother’s Day Buffet Brunch with live entertainment and a multitude of delicious offerings.

Mother’s Day Dinner at THE RANCH Restaurant

• Sunday, May 14th, from 2-9 pm
• Take Mom out to a luxurious dinner with a special Prix Fixe menu in honor of Mother’s Day

Other great choices:

Pali Wine Co. Packing District

• Sunday, May 14th, from 1-8 pm
• Celebrate Mom with a specially curated 4-pour wine flight paired with chocolate-covered strawberries

Paint & MOM-osas 

• Sunday, May 14th, from 2-5 pm 
• Tickets include a 2-hour paint session, supplies, photo op, two complimentary mimosas, charcuterie & refreshments

Makers Hive Mother’s Day Market

• Saturday, May 13th, from 1-7 pm
• Features arts and crafts for the kiddos, photo ops, and delicious food
• This family-friendly event is completely free and promises good vibes and fun times!

Credit: visitanaheim.org

Farm Sanctuary, the world’s first farm animal sanctuary and advocacy organization, is hosting Family Day, an event celebrating mothers, fathers, and caregivers of all species! 

WHAT: Family Day is a rare opportunity for guests to experience the love and companionship that farmed animals share with their families. 

The event will include: 

• Open Sanctuary Time with rescued cows, pigs, goats, and other farmed animals
• Vegan High Tea with a variety of sweet and savory vegan delights
• A create-your-own mini Garden Station and a complimentary Farm Sanctuary keepsake mug to take home
• Special storytime and book signing with celebrated author and illustrator of vegan books for kids, Ruby Roth

WHEN: Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Farm Sanctuary, 5200 Escondido Canyon Road, Acton, CA 93510

WHY: Many people are unaware of the emotional and social lives of farmed animals, and Family Day aims to change that by showcasing the animals’ lifelong bonds.

HOW: Guests can purchase tickets here. 

Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents the heavily anticipated return of the Beckman Arts & Science Family Festival on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm. This free family event is supported by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, and is a celebration of the connections between arts and science. The festival will be 3 hours in length and will feature performances and an assortment of engaging activities for the entire family. Visitors can expect to experience workshops, exhibits, roaming engagement, and performances by Doktor Kaboom, Circo Etero, Dancing Storytellers, and The Alley Cats.

The festival will feature engaging exhibits, workshops and hands-on activities presented by community organizations including Santa Ana Zoo, Shared Science, Kids@Science, Crystal Cove Conservancy, Girl Scouts of Orange County, Girls Inc. of Orange County, Irvine Public School Foundation, Columbia Memorial Space Center, Bytes and Bots, Brain Builders STEM Education, OC STEM initiative, Environmental Nature Center, Orange Coast College Astronomy, Science Heads Inc., Newport Bay Conservancy, Urban Workshop, Mesa Water District and Kaiser Permanente.  

The festival will also feature a building area, a designated space for creative play, featuring Segerstrom Center’s oversized building kits. (Imagination Playground, Rigmajig, and Panelcraft builder sets)

Food will be available for purchase at George’s Café on-site, and at food trucks Cali Delight (https://www.calidelights.net/, INSTA @CALIDELIGHTSTRUCK) and Kala (https://www.kalatruck.com/, INSTA @KALA_TRUCK).

Credit: Segerstrom Center.

The County of Orange and OC Parks invite you to experience the annual Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest on Saturday, May 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event celebrates the history of the rancho and Native American cultures through hands-on activities, music, dancing and more in a family-friendly atmosphere. 

Rancho Days Fiesta will feature activities for all ages including exhibitors, vibrant performances, crafts, piñata breaking and more. Folklórico and Native American dancing will be showcased, along with Charro horse riding and roping demonstrations. The historic buildings at Heritage Hill Historical Park will be open for tours, courtesy of the Amigos de la Colina docents.

“We look forward to another year of celebrating Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill Historical Park,” said Donald P. Wagner, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “This event is a wonderful way for guests of all ages to learn about and commemorate the rich history of Orange County.” 

Heritage Hill Historical Park represents distinct eras in the early development of Saddleback Valley and the town of El Toro. Experience the excitement and activities of the rancho era with OC Parks at Rancho Days Fiesta. Pets are welcome outdoors only on leashes no longer than six feet. Admission and parking are free.

May 6 – Rancho Days Fiesta 

Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Website: https://ocparks.com/events/rancho-days-fiesta

Contact: (949) 923-2230

Credit: OC Parks.