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Best End Of Summer Family Activities In Orange County

knotts header 610 rollercoaster
(credit: Knott's Berry Farm)

Summer is a time when families often come together, go out, and get active. Summer vacation has a lot to do with it. There's also something about a brightly shining sun that makes people energetic. Even parents, who are so used to their kids running circles around them, seem to be on more equal footing with their little ones. A wide range of activities exist for families in OC, some more easily accessible than others.

Disneyland entrance
(credit: Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort/Getty Images))

Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration
Disneyland
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92803
(714) 781-4636
disneyland.disney.go.com
Date: May 22, 2015 to Sept. 05, 2016

Disneyland has been celebrating its 60th anniversary for over a year now, but it's all coming to an end in September. The Diamond Celebration includes Disneyland Forever (a 14-minute fireworks show), and World of Color — Celebrate! The latter show is 22 minutes of lights, water and images of Disney characters. It's difficult to explain exactly what the World of Color show is, so here is a link to a video of it. All the 60th Anniversary souvenirs and food items will also disappear forever after Sept. 5.

knotts berry farm
(Credit: Knott's Berry Farm)

Knott's Berry Farm Coaster Campout
Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 220-5200
www.knotts.com
Date: Aug. 27, 2016 to Aug. 28, 2016

Coaster Campout is exactly what it sounds like: you camp out for one night at Knott's Berry Farm. Register your family and check in on August 27. Complimentary parking is part of the deal. Stay the night as campers, and eat a continental breakfast the next morning. For both days, you receive admission to Knott's Berry Farm and Soak City. The best part is that 100 percent of the proceeds goes to the Boys & Girls Club of America.

picnic basket
(credit: africastudio/shutterstock)

Movies In The Park
Courreges Park
8664 Rogue River Ave.
Fountain Valley, CA, 92708
www.fountainvalley.org
Date: Aug. 26, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.

Family oriented movies are playing in many Orange County parks throughout the summer. One of the best kid's movies ever released, Disney's “Big Hero 6,” is playing for free in Courreges Park near the end of summer. Bring some folding chairs and blankets to get comfortable while catching a free outdoor show with the family. The environment is particularly good for fidgety kids who can't sit in a typical movie theater for very long.

Related: Bests Staycation Ideas For Families In The Inland Empire

rodeo
(credit: corlaffra/shutterstock)

Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo
30753 La Pata Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
www.rmvrodeo.com
Date: Aug. 27, 2016 to Aug. 28, 2016. Opens Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Orange County is not famous for its rodeos, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to find one. This competitive two-day rodeo isn't just a novelty, it's also a way for parents to expose their kids to a pastime that may not be around much longer. The cowboy way of life may be going extinct, but it still lingers on. California has a history of cowboys and this is an echo of a long ago culture.

oc fair 5k run
(credit: Meryl S./yelp)

OC Fair 5K Fun Run
Orange County Fair
3100 Airway Ave., Suite 104
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(949) 222-3327
www.ocfair5k.com
Date: Aug. 7, 2016 at 8:00 a.m.

Among the many activities at the Orange County Fair is OC Fair 5K Fun Run. Register family members capable of donning some comfortable shoes, and have a good time. This is not an age based run, so kids and adults are allowed to enter. Included with your Fun Run entry is a medal, souvenir timing chip, and a T-shirt. A complimentary ticket to the OC Fair, which will be good for one-time entry until Aug. 14, 2016, is also part of the deal.

Related: Best Places To Throw A Children's Party In OC

Leilani Allmon writes for fun and enjoys sharing her thoughts on the internet. She resides in Murrieta, CA. More of her writings can be found on Examiner.com: http://www.examiner.com/everyday-people-in-anaheim/leilani-allmon
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