12 Ways to Entertain the Kids This Summer
School’s out for summer, which means the kids are ready for some summer fun. Lucky for parents, Newport Beach offers a variety of sun-soaked activities that are sure to keep the boredom at bay. Here are 12 fun and easy ways to entertain the kids this summer!
Catch a flick by the sea and enjoy a family night in front of the big screen. Nothing beats a warm summer night on the sand, munching on some popcorn and watching a classic film under the starry night sky. To check out Newport Dunes’ full summer movie schedule, click here.
Location: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
Spend a day by the bay and head to Newport Beach’s iconic Balboa Fun Zone! This family-friendly amusement area is home to a Ferris wheel, old-school arcade, nautical museum and plenty of places to snack. Let the kids play, and then head over to Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill for a slice or Cowafornia Ice Cream for a scoop!
Location: Balboa Village
Surf Camps
Let the kids catch some waves this summer at one of Newport Beach’s many surf camps. Learn to Surf, Newport Surf Camp and Endless Sun Surf School all provide lessons from pros, so your kid can learn from the very best.
Location: varies
The Environmental Nature Center, a non-profit organization located on 16th Street, has offered kid-friendly nature camps since 1977. Kids age four can sign up for the Little Naturalist Camp, while kids ages 9-13 can attend the Science Explorer Camp. Each camp allows little ones to get outside and hang out socially with their peers.
Location: Environmental Nature Center
Once Upon an Island is a magical play space and event venue on Balboa Island that features everything from mermaid entertainment to kids camps and parties! This summer, your kiddo can enjoy the Mermaid Academy, where they’ll enjoy magical mermaid makeovers in the Jellyfish Salon, fun crafts like mermaid snow globes and seashell purses and plenty of outdoor fun on the beach!
Location: Balboa Island
The Newport Dunes Water Park is a floating playground on the Back Bay with towering waterslides and inflatable obstacle courses that’ll keep your little ones entertained all summer long. Think of this gigantic waterpark as your personal babysitter!
Unleash their creative side this summer with a paint party at Timree studio! Timree Gold is an Orange County native, world-famous celebrity artist and the “pioneer of paint parties.” To book yours today, visit www.timree.com/pages/paint-parties.
Location: Timree
This four-day ballet camp at Tutu School Corona del Mar will allow your kids to explore the enchanted and enriching world of ballet. Campers do not need prior ballet experience to participate, but they should be prepared for plenty of leaping, twirling and imaginative adventures!
Location: Tutu School Corona del Mar
Cook with your small fry at ‘Lil Pinkies Up! This cooking school hosts a variety of classes, camps and parties for kids where they’ll learn their way around the kitchen. Don’t miss out on their Eat the Rainbow Cooking Camp happening this summer.
Location: Newport Beach
Summer Activities at The Resort at Pelican Hill
With summer officially here, The Resort at Pelican Hill is gearing up for a season of fun in the sun. Kids can enjoy events like Pee Wee Picassos, Hula Bula Play Time, The Great Room Storytime with Milk & Cookies and more. For more info, check the resort’s activities calendar!
Location: Newport Coast
Bonfire in Crystal Cove
This summer, head to Crystal Cove for an evening on the sand. Snag a fire pit for a family bonfire at sunset; The Beachcomber in the Crystal Cove Historic District offers a variety of bonfire experiences for parties of 10 or less. To reserve your fire pit, visit www.thebeachcombercafe.com/crystalcove/beach-rentals.
Location: Crystal Cove
Sweet Tooth Excursions
Treat the little ones to sweet treats from one of Newport Beach’s classic candy shops. B.Candy in Corona del Mar offers a large selection of sweets, ice cream, baked goods and candy in a colorful environment. If you want to make a day of it, head to Balboa Island for some old-school treats like retro sodas, chocolates, jelly beans and salt water taffy from Balboa Candy.
Locations: Corona del Mar and Balboa Island
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
