American Girl Place

My daughter is still a bit too young for this experience but I thought I should write about it because I can't wait until she's a bit older to take her. American Girl Place is located at the Grove in Los Angeles and is a must visit for your girly girl. There are only three locations (Chicago, Los Angeles and New York) and we are lucky to have one in our own backyard. American Girl Place is the perfect place for your princess. You can start out with a fun meal at the Cafe. Eating at the cafe is an experience.The cafe features fine linens,gourmet food and silverware.

Dolls are welcomed with special Treat Seats. The menu offers gourmet cuisine for all times of the day. Lunch is $22 per person plus tax, Dinner is $24 per person plus tax and Afternoon Tea is $20 per person and is held every weekend at 4pm. Reservations are strongly recommended for the Cafe.

While you are there you can catch a performance of the American Girl Reveu. The show will be playing until Apr 13. Tickets are $30 per person. You can of course shop for an American Girl Doll and her accessories. The great thing about American Girl Dolls is that you can find a doll that looks just like your princess and have fun shopping for a new friend and all of her accessories. You can even find matching outfits for your girl and her doll. There are special packages available that offer a great deal. You can finish your day off with a visit to the Doll Hair Salon. At the Salon dolls will be s a fresh new look—from a pretty ponytail flip to bunches of braids.

Your girl gets to choose her favorite hairdo, then watch as the magic happens or pick her doll up later. You can even add a Pampering Plus package to make her doll shine. Prices range from 10 to 20 dollars for styling.

You can make sure that your little princess will love spending a day at American Girl Place.

American Girl Place

189 The Grove Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90036

• Mon–Fri: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Sat: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Sun: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

For additional info click here

Magnificent Mammals- Toddler Program at the Orange County Zoo

Magnificent Mammals is part of the Orange County Zoo's Toddler/Preschool program. From tiny furry creatures to large furry ones, the little ones will learn all about mammals in this fun class! Class includes hands-on learning and fun crafts. Phone registration is required since this is a very popular class. Event Fee: $5.00 (includes zoo admission for child enrolled in the class and ONE parent) Parking Fee: Irvine Park entry fee: $3 weekdays and $5 weekends Age: 3-4 years old (parent must accompany child) Orange County Zoo 1 Irvine Park Road Orange, CA 92869 (714)973-6847 For registration Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714) 973-6846. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo.

Tom's Farms

If you happen to be in the Corona/Lake Elsinore area sometime, make sure to make a pit stop with the family at Tom's Farms. My husband and I lived in Corona for a couple of years and anytime we had friends or family come out and visit we made sure to take them to this little gem. Tom's Farms is nestled in the Temescal Canyon and it first started out as a little produce stand more than 30 years ago. Tom's farms has come a long way from a small produce stand and is now home to a couple of restaurants. My favorite is Senor's Frogs(mmm.. they have the best nachos and breakfast burritos),they are also home to Tom's Olde Fashioned Hamburgers and Patio Pizza.

On the weekends you can take the kiddos on a ride on Tom's Farms 1800's steam-propelled train! Tour the property and beautiful countryside, including a trip under an Amish-style covered bridge. The kids will also love the carnival rides, balloon artists, face painting and every one's favorite and old fashioned Carousel.

They also have animals on display. This is a big hit with the kids. I remember taking my niece when she was a lot younger and she loved watching all of the different farm animals and sometimes even catching a glimpse of a deer or two. If you can visit on a Saturday the kiddos will be entertained with a magic show. The shows take place every Saturday at noon and 2pm at the Carousel Stage.

Moms and Dads, you will love the different shops. There is a wine and cheese shop - which is home to the best baked bread in the area. I can't rave about it enough!! It's delicious. There is also Wine Tasting daily from 11am to 6pm- You can have 3 tastes for only $1.00. There is also of course a produce shop with the freshest produce in town. There is also a home furnishings store which is great to browse.

There is always great live entertainment on the weekends. There is also a craft show every weekend. The weekend is obviously the most popular part of the week to visit Tom's Farms so plan accordingly. You will be guaranteed plenty of fun!!!

Tom's Farms

23900 Temescal Canyon Road
Corona, CA 92883

951.277.4422

Located at Interstate 15 and Temescal Canyon Road.

Hours: Mon. - Sunday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

For additional info click here

LEGOLAND - Model Mom Club

The Legoland Model Mom Club is a weekly activity group that meets every Thursday. The Model Mom club membership is a one year pass valid on Thursdays only for only $59.00. Moms, Dads, Grandparents and caregivers with children 4-years of age and under qualify to purchase a Model Mom Pass. There are weekly activities that start at 10:30am. The 1st Thursday of the month is a Stroller Stride Fitness Walk. The 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month are for playgroups and Specialist visits are for the 3rd Thursday of the month.

Some of the benefits of the Model Mom Club Membership are

• Admission to LEGOLAND on Thursdays only
• Free parking included on Thursdays only
• 20% discount at all restaurants (does not include snack carts) on Thursdays only
• Special discounts and invitations to Park events on Thursdays only
• Free subscription to LEGOLAND newsletter.
• Free subscription to LEGO Magazine for Child membership

Children 2 and under are always free at LEGOLAND. Children 3-4 will need to have a child membership or a one day ticket. Proof of child’s age is necessary in the form of a copy of an official birth certificate at the time of purchase.

Model Mom Club Memberships are not available online and must be purchased at the Park on Thursdays only. For more information on this program, please call (760) 438-LEGO.

Whale Watching

If you are looking for something fun and adventurous to do with your children during their holiday break you need to give whale watching a try. Spring is California Grey Whale season and also the perfect time for a seaside excursion. My friend just took her two kiddos this past week and they were able to see a pod of dolphins and a couple of Grey Whales and their babies. I'm hoping to take my kids this week. Dana Wharf Sports fishing runs trips daily. Tickets are 29.00 for adults - children 12 and under are 19.00-Seniors/military are 24.00- kids 2 and under are free. Tuesdays are 2-for 1. Parking is free. For additional information click here

Happy Easter

We here at daytrippingmom.com hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter and a fantastic Spring. With the warmer weather at hand, we look forward to more exciting outings with our tots. You will read all about them here!

FREE Orange County Easter Egg Hunts

San Juan Capistrano

Date: 3/22/2008 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Cost: FREE

Location: Historic Town Center Park
31852 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano , California 92675

Rotary International and the City of San Juan Capistrano will host an Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 2-12 on Saturday, March 22nd at 9:00am-Historic Town Center Park located at 31852 El Camino Real in San Juan Capistrano.

The event is free for children ages 2-12. Festivities include a marionette show, bounce house, egg coloring, face painting and concludes with the Easter Bunny who will lead everyone in a hunt for candy eggs. For more information call (949) 493-5911. Click here for event flyer.

Yorba Linda
Date: 3/22/08
Time: 11:00 AM

Egg-Citement Hunt
Free Event for Children Ages 2 to 7

Be sure to bring a basket to hold all the goodies you collect. One adult per child, please! The event will be held at the Community Center in case of rain. Arrive early because this event fills up with people fast.

Location: Hurless Barton Park, 4601 Casa Loma Ave, Yorba Linda
Contact: Community Center - (714) 961-7181

ANAHEIM

The Easter Bunny will be the featured guest at Light of the Canyon's annual Easter Egg Hunt from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 16 at Sycamore Park in Anaheim Hills.

The community is invited to participate in the free egg hunt, have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny, play games and get lunch at the In-N-Out Burger stand.

There will be prizes, crafts and games for all ages.

Sycamore Park is at 8268 Monte Vista, Anaheim Hills. For more information, call the church office at 714-283-4633 or visit the Web at www.lotc.org.