Savoring the Last of Summer

Don’t wanna say goodbye to summer? Neither do we. So, we’ve put together a few suggestions to help savor those last blissful hours of August. We’ve also thrown in some thoughts for early September . . . assuming you can break free of the back-to-school frenzy.

TODAY

Honey, they’re shrinking the Science Center. . . . You’ve got until Sept. 6 to play at Costa Mesa’s Launch Pad hands-on science center (Crystal Court, 3333 Bear St., third level) before it is downsized. Many of the displays are being moved to their new, permanent home at the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, due to open this fall in Santa Ana. (Launch Pad is a preview facility for the larger venue; admission to the renovated Launch Pad will be free when it reopens Sept. 21). $5 per person; one accompanying adult free with each paid child. (714) 546-2061.

FRIDAY

There are other family-friendly exhibits around the county, most available for a song. They include “Fantasy in Miniature: The Art of Miniature Models” at the Brea Gallery (1 Civic Center Circle, [714] 990-7730; admission $1 for adults; under 18 free), and “Black Heritage Celebration: Ancestors and African American Art” at John Wayne Airport ([949] 252-5200; admission free, $1 an hour for short-term parking) in Costa Mesa.

The Laguna Niguel Playhouse opens “The Sound of Music” at 7 p.m. Performances continue through Sept. 13 at the troupe’s storefront theater (Laguna Design Center, 23811 Aliso Creek Road, Suite 150; enter at the orange flags). For ages 5 and up. $8-$10. (714) 425-1771.

SATURDAY

Shake, bake and shimmy at two tropical-themed events. The South Pacific Family Festival at the Bowers Kidseum (1802 N. Main St., Santa Ana) includes hula performances and classes by the Hula Halau O Wahineali’i, art projects and stories. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Free with museum admission of $2-$6 (age 4 and younger free), which includes Kidseum’s hands-on exhibits and the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art. (714) 480-1520.

The Garden Grove United Methodist Church (12741 Main St.) hosts a family luau today, 4 to 7 p.m. $15 includes all food and entertainment; kids younger than 10 are admitted free. Advance ticket purchase suggested. (714) 534-1070.

SUNDAY

Soak up some of August’s last rays along with the funky ambience (and perchance, end-of-season deals) at Laguna Beach’s outdoor arts and craft festivals. These are all closing shop: the Festival of Arts (650 Laguna Canyon Road, [949] 494-1145), the Art-A-Fair (777 Laguna Canyon Road, [949] 494-4514) and the Sawdust Art & Craft Festival (935 Laguna Canyon Road, [949] 494-3030).

MONDAY

Mondays and Tuesdays have the smallest crowds at the beautiful, new Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) in Long Beach. The aquarium also offers children’s and family education programs, available with advance registration. $6.95-$13.95. (562) 590-3100.

EARLY SEPTEMBER

The Curtis Theatre (1 Civic Center Circle) in Brea offers a free smorgasbord of family entertainment Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. Entertainers include juggler Chad Taylor (watch for falling cell phones), storyteller-humorist Cary Trivanovich, magician Westy Westenhoffer and Dana Daniels and his “Psychic Parrot” Luigi. Reservations required. (714) 990-7722.

Warm up high school students for English Lit with a preview production of “Ah, Wilderness!” by Eugene O’Neill in Costa Mesa (655 Town Center Drive). Tickets for the Sept. 4-10 previews on South Coast Repertory’s Mainstage start $18 (tickets for the regular run, Sept. 11-Oct. 11, are $28-$45). (714) 708-5555.

Ignite imaginations with storytelling ‘round the campfire. On Sept. 5 and 6, members of the South Coast Storytellers Guild and bold guests, too, perform tales under the stars at O’Neill Regional Park (30892 Trabuco Canyon Road) in Trabuco Canyon. The program is free; parking is $4. (714) 496-1960.

Master sand sculptors re-create American politics’ Fab Four as part of the Labor Day celebration Sept. 5-7 at the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace (18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda). Festivities include traditional American music and dance demos, K-9 Frisbee performances and other police dog demos. $2-$5.95, includes admission to the library’s current exhibit, “My Dearest Partner: Husbands and Wives in the White House.” (714) 993-5075.

Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer entertainment at the local theme parks. Here’s the last chance for shows such as “Snoopy’s America on Ice” at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park ([714] 220-5200) and, in Anaheim, Disneyland’s ([714] 781-4565) “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks show (ends Sept. 6) and Hercules parade (closes Sept. 7).