Thanksgiving Break with Kids in South OC: November 21–29, 2026
Published Nov 13, 2026
Many South Orange County schools take Thanksgiving week off, which leaves a few long days to fill before and after the big meal. This guide covers the nine days from Saturday, November 21, through Sunday, November 29.
Each event below has its own South OC Kids listing, and we checked every date and price against the organizer’s own page on November 11. Half-day camps run Monday through Wednesday, Thursday brings a kids’ fun run, and the weekend after Thanksgiving is when the holiday season gets going.
Three-day break camps, Monday to Wednesday
These camps run November 23–25, so kids get three structured mornings or days while parents work. Most are in Aliso Viejo and are booked through the city’s online catalog; spots are limited, so register early.
Minecraft Engineering Using LEGO Materials Mini-Camp — Aliso Viejo
Monday–Wednesday, November 23–25 · 9 a.m.–noon · Aliso Viejo Ranch · Ages 6–11 · $165
Play-Well TEKnologies leads a Minecraft-themed LEGO building camp with a trained instructor. Listed in the City of Aliso Viejo Fall 2026 guide.
Cooking and Chem Kidz Camp — Aliso Viejo
Monday–Wednesday, November 23–25 · 9 a.m.–4 p.m. · Aliso Viejo Ranch · Ages 5–10 · $345
A full-day option from Parker-Anderson Enrichment: cooking in the morning and chemistry experiments in the afternoon, with lunch supervision (pack a labeled lunch). The morning and afternoon halves are also sold separately as Cooking Camp ($170) and Chem Kidz Camp ($155). The provider notes it is not recommended for kids with severe allergies.
Draw Your Own Comic Camp — Aliso Viejo
Monday–Wednesday, November 23–25 · 9 a.m.–noon · Aliso Viejo Ranch · Ages 7–10 · $155
Kids create a comic from start to finish: characters, a simple storyline and panel layout.
Fall Variety Camp — Aliso Viejo
Monday–Wednesday, November 23–25 · 8 a.m.–1 p.m. · ClubSport Aliso Viejo · Ages 5–12 · From $275
Renaissance ClubSport plans a cooking day, a Minute to Win It game show and a day of autumn activities and crafts. The city guide also lists noon–5 p.m. and full-day options.
Thanksgiving Baseball Camp — Aliso Viejo
Monday–Wednesday, November 23–25 · 9 a.m.–1 p.m. · Woodfield Park · Divisions 6U–12U · $325
JL Baseball’s three-day fundamentals camp, led by Coach Jeff LaRue, is open to boys and girls of all skill levels.
Wednesday, November 25: free afternoon outings
Jr. Ranger Adventure: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park — Laguna Beach
Wednesday, November 25 · 3–4:30 p.m. · Nix Nature Center · Designed for ages 8–12 · Free program, $3 parking
An OC Parks program where kids explore nature with their senses and earn a Jr. Ranger badge. Kids under 18 need a parent or guardian. Register ahead; hot weather or muddy trails can cancel it.
LEGO Build Day — Rancho Santa Margarita
Wednesday, November 25 · 3:30–4:30 p.m. · Rancho Santa Margarita Library · All ages
The library provides the LEGO bricks, and kids bring the ideas.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner — Lake Forest
Wednesday, November 25 · 5:30–7:30 p.m. · Arbor Christian Fellowship · Free
A church’s annual free community Thanksgiving dinner with a holiday meal, prayer, fellowship and free groceries. Families are welcome.
Thursday, November 26: Thanksgiving Day
Kids’ 1-Mile Gobble Wobble — Dana Point
Thursday, November 26 · 10:30 a.m. · Dana Point Harbor · Ages 2–12 · $25
The kids’ run at the 49th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot. It is not timed, and registration includes a T-shirt, finisher medal and race bib. It goes ahead rain or shine.
The weekend after Thanksgiving: holiday kickoffs
Tidepool Hike — Dana Point
Friday, November 27 · 2–4 p.m. (also Nov. 21, 22 and 25) · Ocean Institute · Ages 4 and up · $18 per person
Ocean Institute naturalists guide a walk through the tidepools. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes.
Hikari: Festival of Lights — Irvine
Opens Friday, November 27 · 5–9 p.m. (last entry 7:30) · Tanaka Farms · Kids 3–12 from $18
Tanaka Farms lights up for the holidays from November 27 through December 27, Wednesday to Sunday. Kids’ tickets are $18 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $23 Friday to Sunday, and weekend parking is $12 per car.
Sawdust Winter Fantasy — Laguna Beach
Friday–Sunday, November 27–29 (also Nov. 21–22) · 11 a.m.–7 p.m. · Sawdust Art Festival grounds · Youth $5.50, under 5 free
A holiday art show and makers market in Laguna Canyon. Adult tickets are $12.50.
Special Lego Club: Lego Make and Take — Laguna Beach
Saturday, November 28 · 3–4 p.m. · Laguna Beach Library
Kids build a LEGO creation and take it home.
Santa’s Arrival and Lighting Celebration — Mission Viejo
Sunday, November 29 · 3–6 p.m. · Mission Viejo City Hall · All ages · Free
Activities and live entertainment run from 3 to 5:30 p.m., and Santa arrives on a fire engine at 6 p.m. to turn on the city’s holiday lights.
Plan your break
Book camps first, because they have limited spots. Then add one free outing midweek and one holiday event over the weekend. Prices above are what the organizers list; parking, food and extras may cost more.
Want more ideas? Our November guide lists every kids activity on South OC Kids through the end of the month.
Event details can change. Confirm details with the provider before leaving home. Prices are what the organizers listed on November 11, 2026.