Family events in Kern County, CA

Designed for children ages 3 to 5, this hands-on session invites young learners to explore visual and aromatic activities while engaging with a variety of textures. Through playful exploration, participants can build sensory awareness, strengthen coordination, and practice motor skills.

Magic: The Gathering and Pokemon TCG meetups take place at Bakersfield eSports Center in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Bring a deck, build a new one, or learn the basics, with players of any age and experience level welcome. Table access is 7 dollars per hour or 24 dollars for a four hour bundle, and tables can be shared among players.

The Barony of Calafia celebrates its New Year’s Harvest anniversary with a theme inspired by the Navajo season of Gháájí', meaning half, a time that marks the shift between summer and winter. This moment also aligns with the first new moon and the close of the harvest, and attendees are encouraged to show their harvest best as Calafia’s new year begins. The day includes lysts and both an opening and a closing court at Their Excellencies’ leisure. Adult Event Registration is $25, with a $15 Adult Member Discount. Youth under 18 attend as guests of the Barony. Cash and checks are accepted at gate, and checks should be made payable to SCA Inc./Barony of Calafia. A county fee of $3 per car, cash only, is collected at the park entrance. Combat competitions in Armored, Rapier, Cut and Thrust, and Youth combat will determine the next Baronial Champions. Archery and thrown weapons will not be held at this anniversary, and will instead take place during the Calafia Equestrian Championship in December. Activities feature the Dirty Dozen Largesse Competition, the Taste of Calafia brewers competition, a special mini archery range, and more. Additional details will be shared on the event page as they become available. For the Dirty Dozen Largesse Competition, entrants create twelve coordinated items suitable for largesse, for example a dozen needle books, twelve hats drawn from one or multiple periods, twelve items tied to a specific era, or a dozen children’s toys. Items that normally come in pairs should be submitted as twelve pairs. Each piece should be tagged with the item type, the artisan’s name and province, and be ready to be gifted that day. No documentation is required, and items should not carry heraldry. Voting is by populace token, with a cup placed by each display. After votes are counted, the top entry selects three items from any of the submissions as a prize, then the remaining entrants choose in order of finish, with each entry chosen only once. The other eleven items from each entry are given to Their Excellencies for future largesse. The Taste of Calafia, hosted by the Calafian Brewers Guild in the spirit of the Potrero gathering, welcomes entries that are fermented beverages such as ales, meads, or ciders, or non alcoholic drinks to comply with site rules. Cordials and mixed drinks are not permitted. Each submission should be at least 22 ounces. Organizers ask prospective entrants to share their plans in advance to help anticipate numbers and styles, and questions are welcome. Calafia Archery presents a mini range hosted by Order of the Mark Vigilant Ronan de Bhal as part of a wandering vigil. All ages can try a few shots with suction cup arrows and rubber band bows, no experience required, simply a willingness to have fun. Lunch is prepared by the Willie family clan and its matriarch, offering a modern take on comforting homestyle foods suited to the seasonal change. Vegetarian options will be available, water will be on hand, and participants should bring their own feast gear. A $10 suggested donation supports the meal. Site notes include a damp site policy. Smoking, including vaping, is prohibited on park grounds. Pets are welcome and must remain leashed at all times. Groups from visiting baronies planning to bring a pavilion should contact the event stewards in advance to arrange space. Merchants are welcome with a California seller’s permit and may reach out to the stewards for details. Event stewards are Noble Ádeezbáá, dxʷdəwʔabš nishłį́ Tł’ízídaalchí’í bashishchiin, and THLady Adella Silberfpeil.

Open Gym at CATS Gymnastics offers kids and teens ages 6 and up a safe, supervised space to burn energy, tumble, and build confidence. Participants can flip, practice skills, and test coordination in a padded gymnastics facility with room to spend time with friends and work on new goals. Parents can enjoy a stress-free break while children explore their abilities. Drop-in admission is $15 per session. Punch cards are available, buy 5 sessions and get 1 free, or buy 10 sessions and get 3 free. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.

This family-friendly storytime in Bakersfield is designed for children ages 6 to 11 and features lively read-alouds, catchy songs, and simple movement activities that encourage participation from the whole family. It blends storytelling, music, and motion to keep school-age kids engaged in a welcoming setting.

Spend the day at Duivenvoorden Farms, a local raw milk dairy, and enjoy family friendly fun with complimentary raw milk and cookie samples. Explore more than 40 local vendors and browse the farm store while food trucks serve burgers, sides, brews and cider, iced coffees, soft serve ice cream, and desserts. Mechanical bull rides add to the excitement, and getting there is easy with free parking and a complimentary hayride from the parking pasture. For the comfort and safety of all attendees, dogs are not permitted.

Designed for ages 2 to 6, this sign language storytime features an interactive activity led by educators from NAMI Kern County. Children explore simple signs and visual communication through playful learning that supports early literacy and social emotional development.

This preschool storytime in Bakersfield is designed for children ages 3 to 6. It blends music and movement with activities that build visual literacy and support language development. Children enjoy a playful session that also nurtures social skills.

Designed for ages 6 to 12, this creative session provides plenty of LEGO bricks for building original designs. When finished, participants can showcase their creations in the display case for everyone to enjoy.

Discover what Scouting America offers at a Cub Scout sign-up night at Fremont Elementary. Learn about camping, hiking, and hands-on activities that help young people build confidence and leadership. Attendance is open even if your child does not go to this school. Cub Scouts are for ages 5 to 10, and Scouts BSA is for ages 11 to 18.

Designed for children ages 2 to 5, this early literacy session focuses on letter sounds through songs, storybooks, and hands-on, play-centered activities.

Kids ages 10 to 13 can take part in a structured flag football program at Windsor Park that builds core skills and confidence in a supportive setting. Sessions emphasize fundamentals and teamwork, and all experience levels are welcome. Parents are welcome to watch from the sidelines. A tots option is coming soon.

At Bakersfield eSports Center, players come together for casual, in-person battles across favorites like Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Street Fighter, Guilty Gear, and Smash. Setups are ready so matches begin quickly with local competitors who know their characters and matchups. The atmosphere is friendly and laid back, and participation is open to all ages and all skill levels. It is a chance to take skills practiced at home into a live setting where victories are seen.

A Cub Scout sign-up night at Hort Elementary introduces families to Scouting America and the ways camping, hiking, and interactive activities help youth build confidence and leadership. Learn what the program offers and how to get started. Attendance is open to families even if their child does not attend this school. Cub Scouts are for ages 5 to 10, and Scouts BSA serves ages 11 to 18.

This program in Bakersfield, CA is for ages 2 to 4. Children will enjoy songs, stories, and movement that build early childhood skills.

Children ages 6 to 12 can explore their creativity in a weekly Thursday session that features a new craft or art project each time, with all supplies provided.