Watch CBS News

Best Activities For Kids In OC Over Thanksgiving Weekend

kid thanksgiving
(credit: istockphoto)

Thanksgiving draws family and friends from all over the map. But what do you do with and for the kids after the feasting is over? While much of the nation will be beset by tryptophan hangovers and Black Friday stampeding, you and the family can escape the madness, or add to it if that's your preference, by taking in an art exhibition, ice adventure, stage show or self-guided tour of lights.

100_1108b.jpg
Holiday Theater (Credit, C. Schmidt)

South Coast Repertory, A Christmas Carol
655 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92628
(714) 708-5555
www.scr.org
Dates: November 27, 2015 - December 27, 2015
Make the Thanksgiving to Christmas holiday transition quick and pleasurable with the timeless Dickens classic. Starting on November 27th, South Coast Repertory opens its annual running of "A Christmas Carol." Nothing says Christmas like Tiny Tim, the Cratchits and 19th-century London. And, nothing says "I survived Thanksgiving" like getting the family out of the house the day after, away from the dining table and the TV, for a professional, live performance that will get you in the holiday spirit. The running time is approximately two hours including one 15-minute intermission.

holiday on ice irvine spectrum center holiday on ice
(credit: Irvine Spectrum Center Holiday On Ice)

Irvine Spectrum Center Holiday On Ice
71 Fortune Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 753-5180
www.skatespectrum.com
Dates: October 2, 2015 - February 15, 2016

Are you motivated enough to go to a shopping mall on Thanksgiving weekend with your entire family? If you can't be dissuaded from this pursuit, you may as well go to a mall that has your children in mind. Irvine Spectrum Center's outdoor holiday ice rink will be open all weekend, including Thanksgiving Day, until 11 p.m, where you and your children can skate the day away and feel the holiday spirit! Skate rental, helmets and lessons are available for those interested and in need. For more family-friendly entertainment, Holiday On Ice is located next to the Giant Wheel. It's great family fun!

santa claus christmas
(credit: Irvine Park Railroad)

Anaheim Town Square Kids Fun Zone
2180 E. Lincoln Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 956-3411
www.anaheimtownsquare.com
A few days after Thanksgiving, you should be just about recovered from your turkey dinner, and it might just be a safe time to brave a local shopping center. On the last Saturday of every month, Anaheim Town Square offers free Kids Fun Zone VIP craft events for children. Santa Claus makes his triumphant entrance to the Square this weekend as well (November 29th). Come get an early Christmas photo while treating the kids to some hands-on fun and games. Enjoy special Kids Fun promotions at local vendors. Participation requires a membership card for age verification and receipt of discounts. Sign up online.

Related: OC's Best Places For Family Photos

Sawdust-Facade-300x220
(credit: Sawdust Art & Craft Festival)

Sawdust Art & Craft Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna, CA 92651
(949) 494-3030
www.sawdustartfestival.org
Dates: November 21, 22, 27, 28 & 29, 2015; December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, & 20, 2015
Perhaps you are not mad enough to go to a mall, but still can't wait to get your holiday shopping off to an early start. Laguna's Sawdust Art & Craft Festival delivers traditional holiday shopping warmth and cheer without all of the regrettable holiday shopping headaches and nightmares. The Winter Fantasy festival grounds offer "Southern California's most unique holiday shopping." Translation, shoppers enjoy live entertainment, art classes and demonstrations instead of parking lots full of frustration. Explore the petting zoo, visit and photograph with Santa, shop, eat and redefine your family's holiday shopping tradition.

kid arts craft child thanksgiving
(credit: shutterstock)

Holiday Painting
Color Me Mine
27741 Crown Valley Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 367-9757
www.colormemine.com

Whether you visit the Mission Viejo, Tustin or other location of Color Me Mine during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, your kids will have a blast coloring and painting. Adults can join in on the fun, too! Color Me Mine offers great crafts that your kids can color on to create festive crafts!

Christopher Schmidt is a freelance writer experiencing and espousing the glory that is Orange County. Driven to travel, drawn to sports, spirits and celebrity, Chris' work can be found on
Examiner.com.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.