Patch Parents: Last-Minute CA Summer Bucket List For Families

Summer may be winding down, but there's still time to fit in one more beach day, one more road trip, and one more unforgettable family adventure.

Across California, beaches are calling, county fairs are still taking place, theme parks are hosting seasonal celebrations, and zoos are staying open late. Whether you have a free weekend or just a day to spare, these last-minute adventures can help you make the most of the remaining weeks of summer before the school year starts.

Catch Summer-Only Entertainment

Several California attractions extend their hours during the summer with special shows and nighttime events. Many theme parks offer seasonal performances that aren't available the rest of the year.

SeaWorld San Diego's Summer Spectacular features an all‑new summer drone show, Ocean of Dreams, as well as evening entertainment. The theme park's popular summer concert series often goes viral for its enthusiastic crowds.

Legoland California Resort recently launched its Lego Festival, bringing interactive play zones, live entertainment and hands-on building activities to the Carlsbad theme park through Aug. 30. This year's festival features Music, Creative, Chill-Out, Thrill and Play zones.

Celebrate Disneyland's 70th Anniversary

The Happiest Place on Earth is in the Golden State. One of California's biggest summer draws is Disneyland Resort's 70th Celebration, featuring anniversary décor, entertainment, nighttime spectaculars and returning fan-favorite experiences. The milestone year celebration continues through Aug. 9.

Cool Off At A Water Park

Beat the heat by floating a lazy river, tackling winding water slides or splashing through a wave pool at destinations like Great Wolf Lodge, Legoland California Water Park, Raging Waters or Sesame Place San Diego.

Discover World-Class Museums

From art and pop culture, to natural history and science, California's museums offer something for everyone. Families can explore hands-on exhibits at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, learn about the state's history at the California Museum in Sacramento, see the retired NASA Space Shuttle Endeavor at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, and climb aboard the legendary USS Midway Museum in San Diego.

The Fleet Science Center in San Diego's Balboa Park recently opened new galleries, renovated spaces, and a new cafe following the museum's first major renovation since the late 1990s.

Enjoy A Staycation Or Weekend Getaway

From sprawling water parks and lazy rivers to beachfront playgrounds, Lego castles and safari adventures, many California resorts make the hotel the main attraction. See more: Water Parks, Lazy Rivers, Wild Animals And Lego Castles: 15 CA Hotels That Are The Vacation'

Escape Into Nature

Trade screens for scenery with a family hike through Yosemite National Park or a tram ride above the desert on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Stand beneath some of the world's tallest trees in Redwood National and State Parks or take a scenic drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Even a short nature outing can become a lasting summer memory.

Experience A County Fair

Summer and county fairs go hand in hand. Families can enjoy carnival rides, animal exhibits, live entertainment and deep-fried treats at fairs before they wrap up the year. Among ongoing and upcoming events, Orange County Fair ends Aug. 16, while Ventura County Fair opens July 29 and runs through Aug. 9. Napa Town & Country Fair takes place Aug.6-9.

Meet Animals From Around The World

California's zoos and aquariums offer memorable wildlife experiences for all ages. Visit the giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo, explore Elephant Valley at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park or watch playful sea otters at Monterey Bay Aquarium.

In California, you can see wildlife in the wild, too. See the sea lions at Pier 39 in the Fisherman's Wharf. Visitors can also see sea lions at La Jolla Cove in San Diego.

Ride A Historic Boardwalk Attraction

Head to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to ride the historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, play classic arcade games and enjoy oceanfront attractions that have entertained families for generations. If you're further south, head to San Diego's Belmont Park, which is celebrating its 101st birthday. The oceanfront amusement park has its own Giant Dipper, arcade and attractions.

Ride A Roller Coaster

No California summer is complete without a trip to one of the state's iconic theme parks. Spend the day meeting favorite characters, conquering thrill rides or exploring immersive lands at destinations like Disneyland Resort, Legoland California Resort, Knott's Berry Farm, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, SeaWorld San Diego, Six Flags Magic Mountain or Universal Studios Hollywood.

Legoland recently opened Lego Galaxy, the Carlsbad theme park's newest land. The main attraction, Galacticoaster, is the park's first new roller coaster in 20 years.

Six Flags Magic Mountain recently opened Looney Tunes Land, which reimagined the park's family area.

Spend The Day At The Beach

Some of California's best summer memories don't require a ticket. Build sandcastles, explore tide pools, take surf lessons or end the day with a beach bonfire where permitted.

Take A Scenic Day Trip

Board the Pacific Surfliner for a coastal train ride, hop on the Balboa Island Ferry in Newport Beach or spend the day exploring Catalina Island. Sometimes the journey is just as memorable as the destination.

Whether your family checks off one adventure or a dozen, there's still plenty of time to make the most of the season. Many attractions continue offering extended summer hours and special events through August and Labor Day weekend, making now the perfect time to hit the road and create a few more memories before the school year begins.

Patch Parents is written by Patch Editor Kristina Houck, a mom of three boys. Have a story idea? Email kristina.houck@patch.com.

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