1st Thursday Art Walk- Laguna Beach

My kids love going for long walks in Laguna Beach. They also love taking in all of the different art work displayed at the many galleries the city has to offer. Well I just recently discovered that the two can blend together at Artwalk- Laguna Beach. Artwalk takes place the 1st Thursday of every month. There are over 40 participating galleries and it sounds like a fun night. This would be perfect in the summer months. The ArtWalk is held from 6-9pm. There is a free shuttle to participating gallery locations starting at 6:15 p.m. at the Laguna Art Museum (corner PCH and Cliff Dr.) and Bluebird Center (1590 S. Coast Highway) Shuttles run until 8:45 p.m. For additional information: info@firstthursdaysartwalk.com or call (949) 683-6871

Free Cone Day @Ben and Jerry's today April 29th

Ben and Jerry is celebrating it's 30th birthday today with Free Cone Day. It's not too late to scoop one up today!!

Free Admission to the La Habra Children's Museum

One of my kids favorite places to visit, the La Habra Children's Museum is offering Free Admission on the first Saturday of the Month. The Children's Museum at La Habra recently received generous funding from Target stores to provide free admission to the Museum on the first Saturday of each month. This grant will allow the Museum to provide free, fun and educational family programming to residents of La Habra and surrounding communities for an entire year. Themed activities include music, dance, and visual arts activities and performances for families and children of all ages.

Monday Giveaway

Here's a giveaway to start off your week- I'm giving away a copy of Jennifer Weiner's best selling book Certain Girls- All you have to do is send me an email at mom@daytrippingmom.com
with your name and email address and that's it. Giveaway closes on Wed 9pm PST. Jennifer Weiner will be appearing at the Barnes and Nobles on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica on Thursday May 1st. Perfect for a girls/mom's night out!!

The Getty

The Getty Center/Museum has been around for quite sometime and we finally made it out for a great visit yesterday. I have wanted to visit for years, but something always came up. I woke up yesterday and decided that was it. We were going to visit the Getty and we did. It was scorching hot yesterday but the Getty's location perched above the city and with a great view of the Pacific Ocean provided an ideal setting. It felt at least ten degrees cooler than the rest of Southern California.

I was impressed from the moment we arrived at the Center. There were two very organized lines to lead us into the parking lot. Parking is $8.00 and the only thing that you will have to pay for when visiting the center. We found a spot and headed up to load the tram that would lead us to the museum. Here's a good tip if you don't want to bring a stroller, The Getty provides complimentary use of strollers on a first come, first serve basis. They are located at the Lower Tram Station or at the coat check desk in the Museum Entrance Hall. I noticed that there were quite a few around while we were waiting for the tram and thought I would pass the tip along. The tram was a major hit with the kiddos and was spacey enough to hold the kids in a double front/back stroller. The kids loved the museum from the very start.

The Center is truly breathtaking and there are some many exhibits to take in. While we were deciding what to check out first- the kids started the chant that makes all parents around the world stop dead in their tracks.. hungry.. mommy I'm hungry.. Since the kids were " starving" we decided to have lunch first. We had a fantastic lunch at the Grand Terrace Cafe. The food was unbelievably delicious but a little on the pricey side. The Cafe offers pizza, grilled cheese, and peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches that your kids will love. If you are on a budget or just want to have a picnic I would strongly suggest bringing a picnic basket and having a fun picnic with the family. You can enjoy your picnic on the lawn adjacent to the Central Garden or at any of the Getty Center's public seating areas. Picnic tables and lawns for lounging are located at the Lower Tram Station (T1). The picnic area is open every day until 30 minutes before the Museum closes. We will definitely be bringing a picnic lunch the next time that we visit.

After finishing up lunch we strolled through the museum's Central Garden. The Central Garden, created by renowned artist Robert Irwin, lies at the heart of the Getty Center. The garden is truly breathtakingly beautiful and although the kids loved seeing all of the beautiful flowers and admiring it's beauty I couldn't help but daydream of coming back for a wonderful date night with Daytrippingdad. It truly is a spectacular place. We wanted to take in all of the many exhibits but we were on a little bit of a time crunch and decided to spend a big chunk of our time at the Center's Family Room. The room is quite popular with families and there might be a little of a wait since only a certain number of people are allowed at a time. Here's the deal on the family room- your kids will LOVE it!! It's a great way to learn about art together and play together. You can make a mask or create a sculpture but to be honest my kids loved their bed display the most. It was a replica of a beautifully crafted french bed surrounded with children's art books and we had to literally tear them away from the exhibit. It's a must stop on your visit!!

There's a lot more for families to see and do together. The Family Fun at the Getty brochure, available at the Museum Information Desk and the Family Cart, offers ideas, tips, and clues to make your family's visit an adventure. All family materials and activities are free and most are offered in English and Spanish. You can also ask stop any of the staff (dressed in blue vests) and they will gladly answer your questions and provide useful tips. There are many programs at the center geared specifically for families. The Family Art Lab, Art Adventures for Families, Family Festivals, and Garden Concerts for Kids are just some of the special programs held throughout the year to engage the entire family. For more information, visit the Family Cart, the Museum Information Desk, or check the event calendar. There is also storytelling available on selected Sundays (January–May and October–December): 11:30 a.m. and 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m. Sign up at the Museum Information Desk the day of the program.

I have to be honest, I think the reason why we had not visited the Getty before was because the thought was a bit intimidating. I love taking the kids everywhere but for some reason I was afraid that a museum of art would be too much for them. I was way off base. The Getty provides a great experience for people of all ages and nationalities. It's a cultural wonderland and as we were riding the tram back to the parking lot I couldn't help but start planning our next visit. From now on it will be the first place I take when we have family and friends visiting fro out of town. I would also recommend it as a must visit for everyone in Southern California. If you've yet to experience the Center - run don't walk to The Getty. It truly is a national treasure.

The Getty Museum
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049


Opening Hours The Getty Center site and galleries are open:
Tuesday–Thursday
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sunday
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Closed Monday and on January 1, July 4, Thanksgiving, and December 25.
Admission to the Getty Center is FREE—no tickets or reservations required for general admission. Parking is $8.

For additional information click here

Free Day - Admission to the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens

The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens is offering free admission on the first Thursday of the month. Hours on Free Day are from 10:30 am to 4:30pm. All non-member visitors to The Huntington must have a ticket. Tickets are free and can be requested by calling The Huntington's ticketing agency at 800-838-3006. You may also reserve your tickets online: selecting from two arrival times: morning (10:30 a.m.) or afternoon (1:30 p.m.). A limited quantity will be available the first day of each month preceding the month you wish to visit. (For example, if you wish to visit on October Free Day, you may call for tickets beginning Sept. 1). Please note that Free Day tickets are not available at The Huntington, and may only be reserved by phone or online For additional information click here

Santa Margarita Water District's Family Fun Day

If you live in South Orange County this sounds like a fun family outing. You are invited to join the Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) for its annual Fiesta de Agua Family Fun Day water conservation festival on Saturday, May 3rd. New this year, SMWD will host the free event along the shores of its Oso Reservoir in Rancho Santa Margarita. The family-oriented festival is held by SMWD each May to kick off its celebration of National Water Awareness Month. Fiesta de Agua’s new location will provide a beautiful natural backdrop for participants to learn about water conservation and the local environment. Activities, which include water education games, a live reptile show and nature hikes, will be centered at the Boy Scout camp on the banks of the reservoir. What: SMWD Fiesta de Agua When: Saturday, May 3rd 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Where: SMWD’s Oso Reservoir (Directions and map below) Activities for this year’s Fiesta de Agua are scheduled to include: · Water conservation education · Nature hikes · Live reptile show · Marksmanship demonstrations Fossil displays Bird watching Face painting Scout demonstrations S’mores and campfire songs Kids’ crafts Community exhibitors Firefighters and fire engines Free food and beverages will be provided by the District. Other participating sponsors include The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scout Council of Orange County, City of Mission Viejo and City of Rancho Santa Margarita. For more information on Fiesta de Agua, please visit http://www.smwd.com/. About Oso Reservoir Oso Reservoir is the largest recycled water reservoir in South Orange County and is located in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. The man-made lake is capable of storing more than one billion gallons of recycled water for the region’s irrigation needs and is a critical component to the region’s water supply reliability infrastructure. Directions to Oso Reservoir: From Mission Viejo: Head north on Los Alisos Blvd. After crossing the 241 Toll Road, take an immediate left to “Oso Lake.” Follow the dirt road about half a mile to the parking area. From Ranch Santa Margarita: Drive west on Santa Margarita Pkwy. Turn right onto Melinda Rd. and follow to just before the 241 Toll Road. Turn right to “Oso Lake.” From the 241 Toll Road: Take the Los Alisos exit and drive north. Take an immediate left to “Oso Lake.”

Universal Studios Hollywood Eco Fair

Looking for something green to do with with your kiddos? Then head over to Universal Studios TODAY, for their second annual free family friendly eco fair.


WHAT: Universal Studios Hollywood hosts its second annual free “Eco-Fair,” showcasing 30 engaging and educational displays, special guest appearances, an offer of free parking for hybrid vehicles, and a hazardous waste disposal drive sponsored by the City and County of Los Angeles.


WHO: Lauren Koslow and Arianne Zuker from “Days of our Lives” and Allen Alvarado from “Flight 29 Down” as well as participating organizations, including Arbonne International, Baldwin Hills Conservancy, Beyond Learning, BioBags, Bell’s Bugs, Buygreen.com, L.A. City and County Departments of Public Works, Eco Totables, Environmental Media Association, G-Diapers, GOOD Magazine, Green Bliss Eco-Spa, Green Clean L.A., GreenIQ.com, Greenopia, Heal the Bay, Healthy Child Healthy World, Hollywood Beatification Team, Images and Trademarks, International Bird Rescue, L.A. Conservation Corps, LADWP, Lucky Earth, Nestle Waters, Pixxlz.com, Reuseniks, Sheraton, Soaptopia, TreePeople, Verde Bag, Verde Paperie, Vetraceuticals, Vy & Elle and the Studio City knitting yarn emporium La Knitterie Parisienne.


WHEN: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Free Eco-Fair – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – at theme park main entrance
Mobile Collection – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Universal Studios Hollywood – Universal Globe Fountain at main entrance
to theme park. (100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City , CA 91608 )

I'm going to be taking my family to this event tomorrow and will also be taking in a screening of the Little Mermaid Sing-A-Long at El Capitan. I can't wait to see this!! I will post my review tomorrow. Hope to see you there.

LA Times Festival of Books

If your a book lover or better yet if your little ones are - mark your calendar- This one is a must the 2008 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books — Saturday & Sunday, April 26 and 27 — is an event with something for book lovers of all interests and ages.

• 50+ book/poetry readings
• 100+ author panels
• Hundreds of book signings
• Dozens of literary/cultural/musical presentations

You can browse among more than 300 booksellers, publishers and book-related exhibitors showcasing every type of literary work — from classics to comics.

Bring the kids and explore two fun-filled children’s areas offering storytelling, crafts, costumed characters and lots more activities for the entire family.

The Festival of Books takes place on the UCLA Campus on Saturday, April 26, 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday, April 27, 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. Parking is $8.

Baskin Robbins 31 cent Ice Cream Scoops

Did you know that Baskin Robbins was started right here in Southern California back in 1945 in Glendale? Did you also know that this month your local Baskin Robbins are recognizing America's Firefighters with a special offer? Small ice cream scoops will be just $.31 on April 30th from 5 PM to 10 PM. Don't miss out on this deal.

New House of the Future at Disneyland

Coming this summer to Innoventions in Tomorrowland at Disneyland will be the “Innoventions Dream Home” an attraction that will remind fans of Walt Disney’s fondness for futuristic ideas. The latest in cutting-edge and inspiring home ideas will be showcased in the Innoventions Dream Home, a 5,000-plus square foot residence featuring integrated digital technology in an immersive “high-tech, high-touch” guest experience.

"The notion of a Dream Home has deep roots at the Disneyland Resort. Walt Disney was fascinated with the concept of a futuristic home and he introduced concepts at World's Fairs that led to the first "House of Tomorrow" exhibit in Disneyland (1967). Those early versions featured modern conveniences for housewives, but the story line always focused on progress that led to a better way of living. In 1998, Disneyland opened Innoventions, an interactive pavilion featuring what was then considered breakthrough technology: voice-activated computers, high-definition TVs, smart-cars and satellite broadcasting.

The intent was not to predict the future, but to let people play with emerging technologies and imagine how those technologies might enhance everyday life. The precursors to the Dream Home enabled people of all ages to experiment with interactive devices, games and exhibits, demonstrating both the fun and the significance of modern innovations."

While this will harken back to the famous House of the Future from the 70s, it will be entirely housed indoors, inside Innoventions. Innoventions has always been a kid-friendly location. It is well air-conditioned, which is great for the warm summer months. There are always plenty of hands-on exhibits to be found there.

An Evening with Author Jennifer Weiner

I don't usually talk about things to do outside of family events but I figure that every mom needs a good night out every once in a while. My perfect night out usually involves dinner and a stop at a bookstore. Next Thursday, May 1st, best- selling author Jennifer Weiner will be in Santa Monica to promote her new novel Certain Girls, a continuation of her debut best-selling novel Good in Bed. She will be speaking, answering questions, and signing books at Barnes & Noble on the 3rd Street Promenade at 7pm. It sounds like a perfect night to me. Dinner on the Promenade and a great night with Jennifer Weiner. Mark you calendars as this sounds like a great night. See you all there!!

Fullerton Railroad Days 2008

Free Admission

Celebrating 100 years of the Fullerton Fire Department
Featuring the Fred Gurley Steam engine from the Disneyland Railroad and other fine exhibits

Pancake Breakfast starts at 8 a.m. each day

Where?

In the Metrolink parking lot adjacent to the Amtrak/Metrolink Station at the Fullerton Santa Fe Depot in Fullerton, California 92832

LA With Kids

I wanted to share with you a fantastic podcast/website for families with children. LA With Kids is a Podcast featuring what to do and where to go with your kids in Los Angeles. Podcast Host and mother of twins, Sabrina Weissler, shares her adventures around the City of Angels with her two kids. Click here for her website and here for her latest podcast featuring the Getty Museum.

Legoland - Land of Adventure Expansion

Just in time for Spring, Legoland California just opened their latest expansion called the Land of Adventure. The highlight of the new area is the Lost Kingdom of Adventure dark ride where riders will take a 1920s-esque off-road vehicle evocative of a Hudson Motor Car touring sedan. During the interactive journey, visitors ride through ancient temple ruins while shooting at animated targets with laser blasters.

Adjacent to the hidden ruins, a different adventure awaits with other new rides Cargo Ace and Beetle Bounce. Cargo Ace helps imaginations soar as children become pilots as they board one of eight airplanes and fly up to six feet into the air. Beetle Bounce boosts children to even bigger heights, nearly 15 feet to be exact, as they are launched up one of two towers nearly touching the gigantic LEGO beetles above them. At Pharaoh’s Revenge, children and parents can fire thousands of foam balls at targets and each other in an oasis of fun.

Legoland California is currently open Thursday through Monday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Longer hours kick-in at the end of May.

Upcoming Event- America's Family Pet Expo

Are you or your kids pet lovers? If you are, then you have to visit America's Family Pet Expo at the OC Fairgrounds. The Expo will feature shows featuring cats, birds, fish & reptiles. Our family had the opportunity to attend two years ago and we loved it. We loved the animal competitions and the petting zoo. If you've been thinking about adopting a dog or cat- there will also be an adoption fair. America's Family Pet Expo - Fri-Sun April 11-13 OC Fair and Event Center 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 10am-6pm General Admission is $12 Children 6-12 $6.00 Children 5 and under are Free Parking is Free For addition information click here

Anaheim Angels Family Fun Pack

If you're looking for a fun and inexpensive night look no further. Bring the whole family out for a day of baseball, food and fun! The Angels Family Fun Pack is only $39 for a family of four and is good for Upper View seating areas (or also available for $51 in the Lower View Box)*.

The package includes: 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 small soft drinks.

There are several great 2008 Angels' home games to choose from: March 27, 29, April 8, 19, 29, 30, May 13, 27, June 15, 30, July 6, 21, August 4, 13 28, 31, September 11, 14.

Family Fun Packs can be purchased at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim Ticket Office or click here to purchase online.

San Diego Padres Family Weekends

If you're a Padres fan you're in luck. The Padres have teamed up with Coca-Cola and offer a great family package. Family weekend games provide an affordable family entertainment option. For any Saturday or Sunday home game (excluding Premium Games) get 4 Upper Reserved tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 Cokes for only $55. You can purchase tickets by clicking here.

Dodgers Family Pack

Spring is in the air and that of course means it's time for baseball. The Dodgers and Coca-Cola are once again teaming up to bring you the Family Pack. With Family 4 Packs starting at $70, You get four tickets, four Dodgers Dogs, four cokes!

Pricing: Reserve Level $70 Lower Reserve Level $80 Field Box $175

The Coca-Cola Family 4 Pack is available on select Wednesday and Sunday home games in select locations in the Field Box, Reserve and Lower Reserve levels. You can purchase the pack at the stadium or by clicking here.

Irvine Park Railroad Celebration

Make room this Saturday in your calendar for a fun and cheap afternoon with the family. The Irvine Park Railroad will be celebrating their 12th anniversary by rolling back their prices to 1996. There will also be free balloon animals and Irvine Park Railroad balloons. Train rides will be $2.00. There will also be a bounce house, face painting and much more all for 2.00 each!! I hope to see you all there!!

Irvine Park Railroad 1 Irvine Park Road Orange, CA 92869

For additional information- check out their Website: www.irvineparkrr.com Telephone: (714) 997-3968

Park entry fee is $5.00 per vehicle

Upcoming Event-Story time at the Orange Conty Zoo

Saturday 4/5/2008 Story Time at the Orange County Zoo! 2:00pm The Orange County Zoo invites children of all ages to join them for story time. Your little ones will learn more about animals and enjoy storytelling under the oak trees! Event Fee: Free with zoo admission ($2.00 per person, ages 2 and under are free) Parking Fee: Irvine Park entry fee: $3 weekdays and $5 weekends Age: all ages Orange County Zoo 1 Irvine Park Road Orange, CA 92869 (714)973-6847