Pasadena Symphony's Musical Circus

If you read my page on a regular basis then you are probably well aware that I'm always on the lookout for fun and free things to do with my kids. I found something that is not only fun and free but also educational. The Pasadena Symphony offers a monthly FREE program designed for kids 10 and under. The Musical Circus begins at 8:30 am with a musical "petting zoo" of orchestra instruments. The kids are able to touch tables full of every instrument imaginable. The "petting zoo" is followed by a concert that is geared for the little ones. The concerts range from classical to folk music. The concerts are usually held on Monday mornings at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. For additional info click here.

Star Eco Science Center- A Great Zoo Alternative in LA

If you are looking for something to do with your kids off the beaten path in LA- Look no further you have found it at the Star Eco Science Center. It's a great non-profit wildlife rescue and educational rescue that gives abandoned or illegal exotic animals a new home. The tours usually last about an hour and give your kiddos hands on experiences with some of the reptiles. There is also a cool little show, fantastic information about the environment and ecosystems. It's a great place to teach your little ones about great wildlife and the best part is that you won't have to travel far-only to Culver City. The Star Eco Science Center is open to the public year round on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm and Friday from 1pm to 5pm. Admission is $8.00 for Adults, Children $6.00, Seniors $7.00 and infants in strollers are free. For additional information click here Star Eco Science Center 10101 W. Jefferson Blvd Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 842-8040

Children's Theater in Los Angeles-Saturday Scene at the Geffen Playhouse

If you are looking to expose your little ones to live theater- you have to check out The Geffen Playhouse Saturday Scene. On Select Saturdays between September and May The Geffen Playhouse will showcase children's theater classics and world class music. The shows are geared for children of all ages. All shows start at 11am sharp. On Saturday Sept 27 The Playhouse will be offering a preview of the upcoming season with a family fun day. Sample the incredible showcase of live theater and musical entertainment. No need to pack a snack, they will take care of everything, even much needed coffee for mom and dad. You can also subscribe for the season at this event. For a list of shows and for additional information and tickets click here.

Geffen Playhouse and Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater 10886 Le Conte Ave. Los Angeles, California 90024

click here for door to door directions

Centennial Farm at the OC Fairgrounds Revisited

The Centennial Farm at the OC fairgrounds is open year-round and has free admission (except during the fair when your fair admission also admits you to the farm area). The farm is located just do the left of the main entrance to the fair as well as being just outside the rear entrance to the Pacific Amphitheater. The Centennial Farm is a real working farm. They have cows, chickens, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and other animals. You can get up close and pet many of them. There are live demonstrations during the week. Call (714) 708-1619 for schedule information and hours of operation. Now through September 21st the farm is open 7 days a week from 9 AM to 4 PM. Here are some fun farm activity sheets that you can download: http://www.ocfair.com/ocf/centennialfarm/Docs/Farm%20Booklet.pdf

Travel Town Museum Revisited

One of my favorite places to visit is Griffith Park. I love so many of it's attractions and it's natural beauty. I would have to say that many fun times were spent at the Travel Town Museum. If you love trains or your little ones love trains this is a must stop. It's an outdoor museum with many locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars and cabooses on display. There is a train ride that circles around the museum and is a must if you are going to visit. Train Rides are $2.50 for adults and children. There are also Public Play Days on the first Sunday of the month from 1 to 4pm where kids can play with the museum's 400 wooden piece Thomas set. There are also docent guided tours every 2nd and 3rd Saturday of the month. Tours start at 11am. Admission and parking is free!! I Travel Town Transportation Museum 5200 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Operations: (323) 662-5874

The Museum is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed Christmas Day.

La Habra Children's Museum Revisited

The museum is located in the City of La Habra. It's a couple of blocks north of Imperial Ave on Euclid Ave. It's located on the grounds of Portola Park. The museum is small but it will keep your children entertained for a couple of hours at least.

My daughter's favorite thing to do there is play in the mini market. They have a little mart set up with a register, shopping baskets, carts and plastic produce. They have a carousel that runs every half hour for children under 6 and in the same room a real OCTA bus that the kids can horse around in. There is a stage/dress up area that is a big hit with the preschoolers and also a preschool play room which contains a tree house, kitchen , dolls, toy area and a storytelling corner with many books. There is also a real caboose that you can board and explore.

I have made a day trip out of this by bringing a picnic lunch and letting the kids loose on the park's playground. I love this place and hope you enjoy it too. La Habra Children's Museum301 South Euclid Street, La Habra, CA 90631

Phone: 562-905-9793

Admission is $6 per person while 2 and under are free. It's closed Mondays and open from 10 am to 4 pm Tue-Fri, Sat from 10-5 pm and Sundays from 1-5 pm. Closed all major holidays.

Rest and Relaxation

While Daytrippingmom takes a week off for vacation, please enjoy a series of our "best of" posts these next few days. Don't forget your sunblock.

Los Angeles Conservancy Family Tours

One of my favorite buildings in Los Angeles is Union Station and I've always wanted to tour it to learn more about it's history. I'm in luck, the Los Angeles conservancy offers walking tours of various historic parts of Los Angeles (there is a great tour of downtown LA that I can't wait to take) and it now offers a tour especially designed for kids 7-12 and their families. The 45 minute tour geared for kids explores Union Station through it's beautiful shapes , colors and connection to trains. The tours are held every 4th Saturday of the month at 11 am. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5.00 for children 12 and under and Conservancy members. This sounds like a great way to spend your Saturday. For additional information click here.

Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo

Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo - San Juan Capistrano

August 23-24, 2008

This annual Orange County rodeo is the self-proclaimed richest 2-day rodeo in the nation. The Rodeo features saddle bronc, bareback, steer wrestling, calf roping, tie down roping and bull riding. It sounds like it will fun for the family and all ages.

It will be held at 30753 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 kids ages 4-10, younger are free. Gates open at 2 PM on Saturday and 11:30 AM on Sunday.

Tickets are available at the following locations:

Swallows Inn – San Juan Capistrano Hennessy's Tavern – Dana Point American Horse Products – San Juan Capistrano Boot Barn – Lake Forest Ortega Tack & Feed – San Juan Capistrano

Los Angeles Maritime Museum

There are so many places that I love or would love to visit in Southern California and this is at the top of my list. The Los Angeles Maritime Museum is the largest Maritime Museum in California. It's home to more than 700 ship and boat models, navigation equipment and an operating amateur radio station. The museum is currently home to 5 exhibits that are sure to be a hit with your family. The current exhibits on display are 20,000 jobs under the sea, Neptune's Favorites, USS Los Angeles, Caught, Canned and Eaten and The Long Beach Earthquake 1933. My children love ships and anything that is related to sea life and if you or your kids love ships this place is a must. The best part is that the museum is free for children, $1.00 for Senior Citizens and Youth and $3.00 for adults. Here's an insider tip that will delight the kiddies- take a spin on the Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Red Car line. With a stop in front of the maritime museum- this 1920's era trolley - is a must ride. Fare is $1.00 for everyone with children 6 and under free. The fare is collected on board and is good all day for unlimited rides. I will be doing a more extensive review of the trolley and museum next week. If you're looking for something fun and inexpensive to do this week look no further, you've found it!! Open Tues-Sat 10am to 5pm Sunday from noon to 5pm Los Angeles Maritime Museum Berth 84 Foot of 6th Street San Pedro 90731 For additional information click here

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

My daughter Lauren loves any form of sea life. She loves everything that is found in the sea, from seaweed to seals. I've been meaning to take her to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center and I'm hoping Saturday will be the big day. The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a non profit organization in beautiful Laguna Beach, that is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals stranded along the Orange County coastline and to increase public awareness of the marine environment through education and research. The center is a great place for field trips - You can book one in advanced if you have a large enough group or you can just drop by any day from 10 am to 4pm. Admission is free but donations are strongly encouraged. From what I've read and heard from friends, you probably don't want to take your infant or toddler. This is better suited for the preschool and older crowd. I can't wait to give this place a try and hope to write a review in the coming days ahead but with summer winding down I figured this would be a great place to visit and cool down.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center 20612 Laguna Canyon Road Laguna Beach, California, USA 92651

(949) 494-3050 phone (949) 494-2802 fax info@pacificmmc.org Open everyday from 10 am to 4pm Admission is free for additional info click here

Free Movie Monday at OC Performing Arts Center

Hairspray - the Musical Movie. Stars John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken and Queen Latifah. Rated PG. 2007, 1 hour, 57 minutes Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs or other easily portable items on which to sit, with set-up beginning at 5:30 p.m. Assorted candies, beverages and popcorn will be available for purchase. The Newport Beach Film Festival will present a collection of short animated films prior to the main feature, which will begin at dusk. Guests may bring their own snacks and picnic suppers. The best part, it's FREE.