Below are some of my picks for fun things to do in Irvine this summer.
Irvine Summer Camps for Kids
The City offers a wide variety of fun and educational camps for kids. Check them out here.
Take the Family to Wild Rivers Waterpark
There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than splashing around in a pool. Wild Rivers offers more than 20 acres of excitement with over 20 exhilarating water slides and attractions, offering something for everyone — from heart-racing thrill rides to a relaxing lazy river and a dynamic wave pool.
Summer Movie Deals at Irvine Theaters
A number of Irvine movie theaters are offering summer deals. Starting June 1, Regal has matinee movies at 11am for as low as $1 on weekdays. There are three Regal movie theaters nearby: The Irvine Spectrum, University Town Center, and Edwards Marketplace. More info on the summer movie deals can be found here.
Explore Irvine’s Stunning Open Space Preserve
Whether you are on your own or with a group, Irvine has some amazing hiking and biking trails. Here are some of my favorites:
Family-friendly walk through Quail Hill Trail
Bommer Canyon Hike
Peter’s Canyon hiking (beware of crowds on weekends)
For a longer hike, check out Black Star Canyon
There are elevated hikes around Turtle Rock and French Hill
If you prefer walking through neighborhoods, try the trails near Hicks Canyon
There’s great biking along the Jeffrey Open Space Trail
Join RunOC Wednesday nights at Jeffrey Open Space Trail
Take a guided hike with Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Visit their website here.
Enjoy One of Irvine’s Live Entertainment Venues
Watch an Orange County Soccer Club match at the Great Park’s Championship Stadium. The next home game is scheduled for July 11th. Review the full schedule here.
The Irvine Barclay Theatre offers first-rate entertainment (music, dance, plays, and lectures). More info here.
The City of Irvine will host a number of free outdoor concerts and movies. More info here.
Enjoy a comedy night at the Irvine Improv at the Spectrum Center, with tons of popular comedians coming scheduled this summer. More info here.
Try New Restaurants & Happy Hour Deals
This summer, I encourage you to check out Irvine’s ever-expanding food choices. Here are a few of my favorites:
Plan dinner out at Din Tai Fung at the Irvine Spectrum. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time!
Try out Eureka‘s Happy Hour at University Town Center, Monday thru Friday from 3-6pm.
Visit the newly remodeled restaurant The Terrace at Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course. (Enjoy your meal on their spacious patio.)
If you’re a sushi fan, be sure to try Sushi Rev in The Marketplace.
Grab a coffee at Wall Writers Coffee just outside the Irvine Spectrum
Order pizza and stuffed garlic knots at Mr Moto Pizza
Visit Bosscat Kitchen & Libations for Happy Hour, served daily from 3-6pm.
Each week, we publish food reviews. Check them out on Smith’s Picks Instagram page here.
- Smith’s Picks: Things To Do This Summer in Irvine - June 3, 2026
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