Fall is almost upon us, as you can tell by the slightly less hot weather and slightly shorter days… But it’s not too late in the season to enjoy all sorts of fun outdoor Santa Clarita activities with your kids.

Here are my top 5 picks for Family Fun in Santa Clarita this weekend:

Hurricane Harbor

Beating the heat and having fun is super easy, just head over to Hurricane Harbor!

I took my kids recently on one of the hottest days of the summer, and it was still a totally amazing experience. There are plenty of ways to keep cool in the park besides just hitting the slides, like the water feature sections, misting stations, and the occasional overhead splash from an enthusiastic slider. And, of course, the rides are splashy fun for all ages. They are open daily through the end of the month, then weekends only in September, so make sure you go for it and enjoy the coolest of water parks. Visit their website for hours and ticket prices.

Insider tip? Get the Flash Pass; it makes your whole day a breeze.

Youth Sports and Healthy Families Festival

Sometimes your family needs a little motivation to make health and fitness a part of your lives, so visit the Youth Sports and Healthy Families Festival this weekend and get inspired the fun way.

It’s Saturday, August 22^nd, from 10-5 at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex and the free fun includes swimming, lawn games, sports, skate park fun, and activities for all ages. Bring your swimsuits to beat the heat and have a blast. You can find out more details on their website or by calling 250-3756.

Then take the fun you have playing with your family and keep it going year round!

Antelope Valley Fair and Alfalfa Festival

There is no better way to wrap up the summer than a good, old-fashioned festival. So head over to the 77^th Annual Antelope Valley Fair and Alfalfa Festival and get your celebrating done right.

It’s taking place Friday, August 21^st through Sunday, August 30 at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds and you will want to catch the Carnival rides, home arts, livestock, and exhibits. Concerts include Boyz II Men, Babyface, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo 35^th anniversary tour, and more! Visit their website for hours and details.

I can’t wait to go! And don’t get me started on how much I love alfalfa.

Concerts in the Park – Kalimba – The Spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire

It is almost “September,” but “That’s The Way of the World.” So live out your “Fantasy” of seeing Earth, Wind and Fire songs played live, right in front of you at this week’s Concert in the Park.

Saturday, August 22^nd, catch the cover band Kalimba at Central Park. The concert starts at 7pm and you can have your own personal “Boogie Wonderland” if you bring your chairs, blankets, and groove.

Make sure you enjoy this fun concert series before it ends, and “After the Love Has Gone.”

The Gentle Barn’s 16^th Anniversary Party

Everyone loves a “Sweet 16” party, and The Gentle Barn has the sweetest sixteen of all, it’s 16^th anniversary of rescuing animals!

Join the fun on Sunday, August 23^rd from 10 am to 12 noon to enjoy sweet treats, picture photos, face painting, and all the cow hugs you want. It’s only $10 per person and you can get the details online.

How may Sweet 16 parties have cow hugging? Not nearly enough.