Fun Things to Do in Orange County This Weekend

Children between 5 to 12 years old are invited to show off their favorite animals in the annual Kids' Pet Parade at San Juan Capistrano, Calif. (Courtesy of Performance Production Services)

Family Day Out

Families with kids of all ages are invited to the Bella Terra outdoor shopping mall for a maker’s market day filled with one-of-a-kind items, family-friendly tunes, and a dance party out on the green. Festivities include special appearances from Mickey and Donald Duck.

Bella Terra Mall at 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach. Saturday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free. For more information.

Family Hike in Black Star Wilderness Park

Enjoy an afternoon family hike in Black Star Canyon, part of Orange County Park’s “Irvine Ranch Open Space.” Hike along a flat trail and cross a dry creek while watching for red-tailed hawks and mule deer.

Organizers say the hike will average 3 to 4 miles round trip at an “easy” pace. Comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes are recommended, and guests are encouraged to bring a water bottle.

Black Star Wilderness Canyon Park at 12247 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado. Sunday, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free. For more information.

‘Super Saturdays’ Story Time

Each Saturday, families are invited to the Santa Ana Civic Center for storytime fun, where kids will be exposed to early learning skills through play, sound, and movement as organizers share stories, songs, and rhymes.

The event also encourages a life-long love of reading and promotes bonding between family members.

26 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana. Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Free. For more information.

Kids Pet Parade and Expo

Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to show off their favorite animals in the annual Kids’ Pet Parade at San Juan Capistrano. Awards will be given for best household pet, best exotic pet, and more.

Sign-up starts at 10 a.m., with the parade commencing at noon. Judging will follow the parade, with one winner invited to be in the city’s Swallows Day Parade on March 21.

All pets must be leashed, haltered, or caged, and an adult must accompany children. Entry is free.

Children between 5 to 12 years old are invited to show off their favorite animals in the annual Kids' Pet Parade at San Juan Capistrano, Calif. (Courtesy of Fiesta Association)

In addition to the parade, there will also be an Animal Rescue Expo where attendees can learn how they can adopt, foster, and volunteer to help animals in need.

Los Rios Park at 31831 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano. Saturday, 12 p.m. Free. For more information.

Art Lab for Kids: Make Your Own Emoji

Apple will be hosting a class for kids to explore how to draw their own emoji using the Procreate app on iPads with an Apple Pencil. Kids will learn fun ways to create their own emoji as well as how to draw colorful faces and objects, with an emoji they’ll be able to take home. Devices will be provided.

Apple Fashion Island at 1113 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach. Friday, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. To register.

Hearts and Heroes 5K Marathon

Families and athletes are invited to participate in the 5th Annual Hearts & Heroes 5K marathon to raise money for foster children in need. The race begins at Grace OC Church, following a course to Yorba Regional Park and Santa Ana Trail. Pancake breakfast and a free t-shirt are included with registration, with proceeds benefitting local foster children in Orange County.

8095 E. Crystal Dr., Anaheim. Saturday, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sign-up is $35.

STEAM for Teens and Tweens

Students grades 6 to 12 are invited to explore the secrets of DNA with biology experts from Chapman University.

Participants will discover genetics and gene expression by extracting DNA from different fruits, before investigating how differential gene expression contributes to different phenotypes, or simply put: how living things look and behave. Registration required.

Orange Public Library and History Center (Main Branch) Community Room at 407 E. Chapman Ave., Orange. Saturday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. To register.