Eco Events in Orange County- Fiesta Del Agua and Butterly House Opening

There are two fabulous events in Orange County that are free and loads of fun for the entire family. The first is sponsored by the Rancho Santa Margarita Water District for its annual Fiesta de Agua Water Education Festival and Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 2. Your family can learn more about the latest water conservation techniques and tools, like synthetic turf, low-water-use appliances and drought-tolerant plants and check out a sample yard.

There will be lots of activities for the kids, including water science experiments, crafts, face-painting, games and entertainment. The “prehistoric” reptile display and show was one of the most popular attractions last year, and the tarantulas, lizards and giant snakes will be back again this year to delight kids and adults alike.

Hot dogs, popcorn and snowcones will be available for the whole family.For the second year in a row, Fiesta de Agua will be held at the District’s Oso Reservoir in Rancho Santa Margarita. This natural setting will provide opportunities for bird watching, guided nature walks and enjoying the outdoors. The festival will be held from 10 am to 2pm.

The second event is one that my daughter has been looking forward to since I first leaned about it. It's the Environmental Nature Center's Butterfly House Opening and Eco Fair. The open house and fair will be held from 10 am to 3pm on Saturday May 2nd. You will be able to explore Orange County's only Butterfly House, which is home to OC native butterflies and nectar plants. There will also be butterfly and caterpillar face painting for the kids and nature scavenger hunts in the Center. You will also be able to buy native host plants to start your own butterfly garden. The fair will also have crafts and eco games. If your kiddos love butterflies- this is a can't miss event.

Environmental Nature Center address is 1601 16th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663, 949-645-8489. For additional information click here.

Giveaway- Debi Derryberry's Baby Banana

I'm always on the lookout for fun children's music and Debi Derryberry's Baby Banana CD is just that. We have been blasting this through our house this past week and the kids love it!! Debi Derryberry is the voice of Jimmy Neutron- Boy Genius and is absolutely super talented. Baby Banana is geared at children 2-6 years old and is tasty blend of calypso, reggae, jazz and folk music. It features her original character Baby Banana and his family in their tropical fantasy world. I've included a clip of Baby Banana so that you call all hear a clip of this very fun CD. Baby Banana will be available May 5th. To read more about her click here. I have a copy of Baby Banana to giveaway. All you have to do is leave a comment- any comment and you are entered . Simple as that and good luck. You have until Sunday night to enter. Good luck!!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique @ Disneyland

I was at Disneyland/California Adventure celebrating a friends birthday when I ran across what is sure to be a favorite of my daughter. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. What is it? Well if you have a daughter it is the stuff that little girls dream of- think Libby Lu- Disney Style!! This is not something that you would do just because- it's definitely pricey- but it would be great as an amazing Birthday Treat. We usually do birthday parties but this year my daughter has requested to lunch at Ariels Grotto in California Adventure and I'm probably going to let her do a package from the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. It's located in Sleeping Beauty's Castle and it's a salon where your little girls are transformed into princesses. Your child will feel like royalty with the help of her Fairy Godmother and Fairy Godmothers-in-training, who will put magical touches on everything from hair and make-up to princess gowns and accessories. Girls 3 years old and above can choose from three hair styles — Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva and Pop Princess — available in three packages: The Coach Package includes hairstyle, shimmering make-up, princess sash, princess cinch sac and body jewels — $44.95, plus tax. The Crown Package includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess cinch sac, body jewels and nail polish — $49.95, plus tax. The Castle Package includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess cinch sac, body jewels, nail polish, princess gown of choice, wand, shoes and portrait package courtesy of Disney's PhotoPass® Service (assorted prints in themed folder). Determined by the choice of princess gown and shoes, price ranges from $195.85 to $205.85. For reservations, please call (714) 781-STYLE or (714) 781-7895. Like I said definitely not cheap but a great birthday party idea!!

Daytrippingmom Giveaway- Jon and Kate Plus 8 season 4,The Wedding

I absolutely love giveaways ~~ This is a great one. I'm a big fan of Jon & Kate Plus 8. I especially love Jon and the kids. They are all so adorable!! I usually review things that you can pop into the DVD player when you are out and about and this is one that the whole family can enjoy. My kiddos love watching The Gosselin family.

I have a couple of copies to giveaway of Jon & Kate plus 8 season 4 Volume 1- The wedding. In this season the sextuplets turn 4 and there are trips to Sesame Street Place, San Diego and Maui. The family also looks for a bigger home with room to grow. Jon and Kate also decide to renew their vows. It's a great season of a fun show. The DVD will be released on Tuesday May 5th and available at your local or online retailer.

Here is the good part for my wonderful readers- You have the opportunity of winning this DVD.

All you have to do is leave a comment any comment and you will be entered to win. I will pick a couple of winners at random- using random.org. You have until Saturday to enter the giveaway. I will have 3 or 5 copies to giveaway so please make sure to leave a comment -odds are you will be winning one of the prizes I will be giving away during the next week. Good Luck!!

Kids Rock Music and Nature Festival and Giveaway!!

Edited: I must have been super tired last night and forgot to add that the date of the Kids Rock Music and Nature Festival is Sunday May 17th from 3pm to 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased by clicking on this link. Two winners will win a family four pack worth $50.00- enjoy and stay tuned because I will be giving away a ton of stuff for the next two weeks in honor of Mom's Day!!

I'm always up for great events and hosting a giveaway for this event makes it even sweeter. First let me tell you about this awesome event. The Kids Rock Music and Nature Festival is an outdoor family concert, picnic dinner, and Nature Fair, promising to be an early evening of great music, good food, and hands-on eco-activity at the historic Old Zoo picnic area at Griffith Park.

Featured artist is Tom Freund who will be performing kids music that the whole family will enjoy. Whether gathering seashells, walking the dog or hugging a tree, Freund urges kids to get outside and keep it moving.

The nature fair will feature activity and craft booths for kids of all ages. Kids will be able to dig for dino bones, make their own jewelry and even pet live animals! Bring the whole family to enjoy an early evening of music, nature, and fun in Los Angeles’ most famous park! BRING YOUR OWN PICNIC DINNER and enjoy a night that is sure to be filled with fun.

To purchase tickets for the event click here. Enter the code Daytrip for 20% off ticket purchases.Tickets benefit the Children's Nature Institute which provides free outdoor education to underprivileged children in Los Angeles.

Here is the supremely good part. I have two family packs to give away. All you have to do is leave a comment -any comment under this post- and you will be automatically entered to win. You have until Friday to enter and I will pick a winner using Random.org. Good luck!!

by the way for my previous Elmo winners- the dvd's will be sent out tomorrow- Just received them late on Friday.

Free chicken today and tomorrow

Today, Monday, April 27. Consumers are encouraged to stop by KFC throughout the day on “UNFry Day” and receive a FREE piece of Kentucky Grilled Chicken. It's not too late. Tomorrow, April 28th, El Pollo Loco until 8 PM - TWO free chicken pieces, TWO tortillas, and fresh salsa! Dine-in or Take-out only - which means you can't get it through the drive-thru. Both are one per customer - so send each member of your family to the counter as individual customers. Feed the whole gang for free.

Target Free Family Sundays at the Museum of Latin American Art

I am a serious fan of Target and find any excuse to take a trip to my favorite store. There are many reasons why I love this fantastic store but as a huge fan of the arts- my biggest reason is that Target is a proud sponsor of the arts. Their Family Free days at local museums is an amazing program and it seems that the list of museums they sponsor keeps growing and growing by the month. Here is another one to add to your list. Every Sunday- Target sponsors the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)'s Free Family Day. Every single member of your family can enjoy free admission to the museum and partake in family gallery tours and art projects. It's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and it won't cost you a single penny!! Your family will absolutely love it!! For additional info click here. Museum of Latin American Art- 628 Alamitos Avenue Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone 562.437.1689 Have a great week and stay tuned because this week I will be doing 3 awesome giveaways that you will not want to miss!!

Daytrippingmom Picks-Things to do in Southern Califoria this weekend-4/25/09-04/26/09

The weekend is upon us and it's most definitely a busy one in Southern California. Here are my top picks of things to do this weekend that are free or pretty darn inexpensive (think less than $10 )and super fun!! Just click on the link for each event and Enjoy!! Have a great weekend!! Saturday April 25th, 2009 1. Los Angeles Times Festival of Books- UCLA Campus 2. Laguna Art Museum Imagination Celebration- Laguna Beach 3. Greening the Earth Day Celebration- Pasadena's Memorial Park 4. Anaheim Angels Baseball Clinic- Angel Stadium of Anaheim 5. Meet the Grunion @ Cabrillo Aquarium- San Pedro 6. Nickelodeon Family Fun Day @ Newport Beach Film Festival- Newport Beach Sunday April 26th, 2009 1. Los Angeles Times Festival of Books- UCLA Campus 2. Earth Day 2009 Celebration- Muth Interpretive Center-Newport Beach 3. Star Eco Station's Children's Earth Day- Star Eco Center- Culver City 4. Sesame Street Presents the Body- Last Day- Hollywood & Highland Complex 5. Baby and Tween Celebration Los Angeles- Los Angeles Convention Center 6. Target Free Family Sundays @ Museum of Latin American Art- Long Beach(free arts and crafts geared for children)

Tiny Oranges and Tanaka Farm Strawberry Tours

I love websites that are both fun and informative and Tiny Oranges is just that. Tiny Oranges is an online lifestyle boutique for today's stylish mom. Providing the lowdown on the juiciest places, spaces, products, services, outings and ideas that inspire. Jennifer, the creator of Tiny Oranges always has the best product and outing reviews of Orange County.She also has the absolute best giveaways!! You must check her site out. She recently featured a review of Tanaka Farms Strawberry Tours in Irvine, that is perfect for a family outing. It sounds like a deliciously good time. To read about Tanaka Farms Strawberry Tour review click here.

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books- April 25-26

If you are looking for something to do this weekend you MUST MUST check out the Los Angeles Times Festival of books. Let give you some info on this seriously "Can't miss event" - The festival is a free public event, and includes exciting author events, storytelling, cooking demonstrations and poetry readings. The Festival of Books also includes nearly 300 exhibitor booths representing booksellers, publishers, literacy and cultural organizations. The outdoor Target Children’s Stage will feature storytelling and readings for children. The Hoy Cultural Stage also features children’s and family-oriented performances for both Spanish and English speakers. There are dozens of booths featuring children’s books, toys and art. In addition, there will be several activities coordinated by educational and cultural groups and costumed characters on the festival grounds. No tickets are required for these events. There is also plenty to do for adults with various prominent authors having question and answer sections, readings, etc... Here is a link to the participating authors- I'm talking big time here- Like Mary Higgins Clark (a favorite of mine). I have actually rearranged my schedule so that I can spend most of the day here with my kids. Tickets are needed for speakers and indoor panels- They are free and you can obtain them by clicking here- Tickets are free and there is only a .75 cent handling fee from Ticket master. I hope you can all make it because this is one of the best events I would venture to say in our country!!

Dates Saturday, April 25 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday, April 26 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location UCLA 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Parking is $9.00

Free shuttle bus services will connect the outlying UCLA parking lots with the main festival entrances.

Laguna Art Museum's Imagination Celebration 2009

I love any excuse to visit Laguna- No kidding- we are there at least once a month. Here is an event that you will not want to miss out and it's located in my favorite city!! The Laguna Art Museum will celebrate be the power of the imagination with "ignite the power of art". The celebration will take place on Saturday April 25th from 11am to 2pm. Prepare the kiddos for a feast of art. Your kiddos will be able to partake in various hands on activities, face painting, musical and dance performances, student and professional art exhibits, refreshments and the traditional 'Art Detective' game!! The best part of this experience is that it is absolutely FREE!! Do not miss out on this fantastic event!! Laguna Art Museum's Imagination Celebration 09 307 Cliff Drive Laguna Beach, CA 92651 11am to 2pm Free Admission For additional information click here

The Magic School Bus Picks up a Storm @ Discovery Sciene Center

The kiddos and I paid a visit to the Discovery Science Center this past Saturday to check out the seriously fun Bubblefest and to also check out The Magic School Bus Picks up a Storm exhibit. We had such a great time. Bubblefest was of course out of this world( You must take the kiddos when it comes back next year!!) and The Magic School Bus exhibit was so much fun!! My kiddos loved "controlling" the weather on the weather bus and enjoyed creating their own storms and hurricanes. In fact my daughter Lauren loved this a little too much!! They loved playing with many of the hands on areas- one of their favorite things to play with was the Hot Air Balloon Race. They loved being able to send the balloons up in the air by giving them heat. One of the things that we did not have the opportunity to experience that looked like a blast and reminded me of one of my favorite exhibits( in the long gone Los Angeles Children's museum (ahh sweet memories of my childhood) was the Walkerville Weather Center. Here your kiddos can take a shot at being a weather reporter. I hope you all can visit soon!! The exhibit is currently running until May 3rd. For additional information click here

Bowers Kidseum

I had the opportunity to take my kiddos to the Bowers Kidseum a couple of weeks ago and we had a fantastic time!!My kiddos loved it from the very start. The entrance greets you with a cute little drawbridge and I literally had to tear them away to leave and discover the rest of the museum. It's a smaller museum and perfect for the little ones. The museum is designed for kids 1-10 to learn and enjoy the world around them. The first stop on our visit was the tribal instrument area. My kids loved playing with different types of instruments from around the world. They loved playing with all of the different types of drums and other musical instruments. Once they had their fill of music- We headed over to the ethnic masks section. The kids loved trying on all of the different masks and took turns trying to scare me. They also loved the small puppet theater where they tried putting on a show with their masks. One of the biggest hits of our little excursion was the international dress up station. The kiddos loved trying on clothes from different parts of the world and sitting down for a tea party. There is a small section with a table, chair and play foods adjacent to the dress up area. Your kids will love it. We finished our visit by making a kite in the craft area. It was a perfect room set up with all the materials needed to make a craft and a small area to entertain toddlers/infants. It was perfect because after they finished their kites- there was a clean up area- where we were able to wash up and get ready to head home. We had a fantastic time and I know your family will too!! The museum offers a free admission day on the First Sunday of the month- thanks to a generous sponsorship from Target. For additional information click here. Bowers Kidseum 1802 North Main Street Santa Ana, CA 92706 714.480.1520

Hours Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Saturday-Sunday: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Admission

Ages 3 and Up	$6.00
Under 3/Members	Free

Ages 6 and up free with current Bowers Museum ticket stub

Earth Day Events 2009 Southern California

Earth Day - April 22- is right around the corner and there are some fantastic activities that your family can participate to learn more about preserving our precious earth. Here is a list of activities that are educational, free and fun for the whole family this weekend.

Los Angeles County:

• Universal Eco Fair- On April 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the family-friendly "Eco-Fair" takes place in front of Universal Studios Hollywood's main gates as "The Entertainment Capital of L.A." partners with dozens of exhibitors to offer a fun-filled panorama of engaging displays and creative ideas to help "green" our lives
• Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles host Earth Day from 10am-2pm- Saturday April 18th,District administrative offices, 1955 Workman Mill Road, Whittier. There will be face painting,train rides and hands on activities for the kids. Free Shuttle from remote parking lot

Orange County

• Huntington Beach Earth Day Celebration- 10am to 3pm- Disposal Co. facility, located off Warner between Gothard and Beach boulevards. Food, entertainment, community booths, Green Community displays and tours of Rainbow Disposal's modernized facility
• Watershed Task force and The City of San Clemente are co-sponsoring Earth Day San Clemente- Sat April 18th - 10am-2pm at Parque del Mar in San Clemente. There will be live entertainment, children's activities and green demonstrations.

San Diego

• Earth Day Fair 2009- Balboa Park- 10am to 5pm- Sun April 19th- It is the largest eco fair in the world and is billed as the world's largest free environmental fair. This amazing event has it all over 200 hundred exhibitors, green demonstrations, two live entertainment areas, a designated children's pavilion and much much more!! for additional info click here

Have a great and adventuresome weekend!!

Musical Circus at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium

There are so many free and wonderful upcoming events that I'm going to try to post up. One of the very best ones is the Musical Circus at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday April 18th. The Padena Symphony will present a FREE storytelling concert featuring Diane Ferlatte. It begins with a musical "petting zoo" at 8:30am which is followed by the storytelling perfomance at 9am. The event is geared for the 10 and under crowd. It's a great way to start your Saturday and it's free!! For additional information click here.

Creatively Fun Family Day at the Sawdust Art Festival

I always try to find any excuse to head on over to Laguna Beach. I absolutely love Laguna and the city's renowned Art Festivals. On Saturday the Sawdust Festival will present the Creatively Fun Family Day which sounds like a treat for the whole family . Entrance to the festival allows your kiddos to participate in unlimited hands on art activities!! Some of the activities featured are:

• Ceramics Booth
• Childrens’ Art Spot
• Sawdust Studio plus..
• Painting with Doug Miller
• Recycled Critters with Reem Khalil
• Glass blowing demonstrations with John Barber & Christopher Jeffries!

The Sawdust Art Festival’s, “Creatively Fun Family Day” highlights local performance groups and musicians including: Ghungaroo Indian Dance from Soka University, singer/songwriter Brooke Ramel, and the Laguna Community Concert Band! (more entertainment TBA)

I love great deals and this event is most definitely a good deal. Admission to the Family Day includes unlimited art projects and crafts and is $2.00 for children 5-13 , $4.00 for adults and children under five are of course free. You can also opt for a family four pack for $10.00. So basically for the price of one ticket to your local cineplex- your entire family can enjoy a day of arts and crafts. You can't beat that!!

I'm going to stop in for an hour or two. If you see me there stop by and say hello!!

Date: Saturday, April 18th Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Place: Sawdust Art Festival935 Laguna Canyon RoadLaguna Beach 92651

Metered parking is available along Laguna Canyon Road with complimentary parking on Frontage Road courtesy of the City of Laguna Beach.

psst... I would make a day of it with a stop at main beach and then head for some yummie desert at Scandia Bakery on Forest Avenue. It's a must stop when you visit Laguna!!

For additional information click here

Family Pet Expo- OC Fairgrounds

My kiddos are absolutely bonkers about dogs. They practically beg me to stop the car every time they see a cute one down the street. I'm sure many of you can totally relate. If your family loves furry creatures just as much as mine does- make sure to check out America's Family Pet Expo at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

We visited the year before last and had a great time. We loved taking in the different demonstrations- they had everything ranging from agility competitions to a dog fashion show. We loved it all - from the shows and exhibits to a fantastic adoption drive. Our family had a super good time and I bet yours will too.

America's Family Expo will run this upcoming weekend- April 17th-19th at the OC Fairgrounds

Show Prices are as follows:

General Admission - $12.00

Seniors 60 & over - $10.00

Children 6-12 - $6.00

5 yrs and Under - FREE

You can save $2.00 by purchasing your tickets online.

For additional information click here

I'm heading over there this upcoming weekend and hope you can too!!

Winners of Elmo Goes Green

Hope you all had a very happy Easter!! It's Monday and the best way to start off the week is by posting the winners of last week's giveaway. The winners as selected by random.org are Random Integer Generator Here are your random numbers:1 2 16 Timestamp: 2009-04-13 07:15:25 UTC Random.org selected comments- 1,2 and 16- The comments were left by kcubed, Catherine and Cristin Thanks again for entering and stay tuned for another Elmo giveaway this week!!

Riverside Live Steamers- Free Train Rides

We love train rides!! I'm always on the lookout for anything to do with trains. I received a tip from a reader about the Riverside Live Steamers. The Riverside Live Steamers offers free train rides to the public on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. The Steamers run operate at Hunter Park in Riverside. For additional information click here Hunter Park 1496 Columbia Avenue, Riverside, California (951) 683-9628

Free Admision to the Autry National Center of the American West

I think by now you have all noticed that I absolutely love discovering beautiful Southern California on almost next to nothing. I love love free things!!! Last week I posted about my family's trip to The Autry National Center of the American West. We had such a great time. I hope you all can visit soon - because your family is going to love it!! I wanted to share with all of you that The Autry offers free admission the second Tuesday of every month!! I hope you can all take advantage and visit this amazing place. You are going to love it!! I promise!! For additional information click here.

Free Tours/cruise of the Port of Long Beach- Free 90 minute Boat Ride

I received an email from a reader about a tip that I could not wait to post up. Starting in May the Port of Long Beach is offering Free 90 minute narrated port tours . The up and close tours will run from May to October of 2009. All you need to do is to go to this website and make a reservation- That's it and it's absolutely free. I already made my family's reservation and will be taking the tour in May- I can't wait!! Reservations Tours will be posted two months in advance, on the first work day of each month at 8 a.m. For example, the September cruises will be posted and reservations made available at 8 a.m. July 1. Click on the "Reserve Seats" button below to make a reservation. If the tour is full, and zero seats are available, click the "Standby" button to be added to the standby list. Those on the standby list will be notified if a seat becomes available. Directions and Parking The tours depart from and return to Shoreline Village in downtown Long Beach. The boat departs from Dock 9, next to Parkers' Lighthouse restaurant. Click here for directions. Aboard the boat, validation is provided for a reduced parking rate at Shoreline Village ($1 for the first two hours with validation, and $2 for each additional 20 minutes).

Spring Break Ideas for families in Southern California that are free or almost free

I've had a couple of friends and readers ask me- What can I do with my kids this Spring Break that won't cost me an arm and a leg? I've come up with a simple itinerary of a fun filled week with places/events that are free or are almost free. You will love every single place and like I mentioned other than parking, gas and food it will be absolutely free or super reasonable!!! Enjoy!! Monday 4/6/09

• California Science Center/Air Space Exhibits - Free Admission(parking is $8.00 and there is a McDonald's on the ground floor of the Center)
• OC Zoo- Pack a picnic!! $3.00 Irvine Regional Park admission- Admission is $2.00
• Centennial Farm

Tuesday 4/7/09

• La Brea Tar Pits- Free Admission Tuesday
• National History Museum of Los Angeles County- Free Admission Tuesday (parking is $8.00)
• Kidspace Children's Museum-Free Admission on Family Night (4pm-8pm)
• Reuben H Fleet Science Center San Diego- Free Admission Tuesday
• Natural History Museum of San Diego- Free Admission Tuesday

Wednesday 4/8/09

• Griffith Park Observatory- Free Admission
• Travel Town Museum - Griffith Park- Free Admission
• Santa Ana Zoo after 2pm- discounted admission
• Cabrillo Aquarium- $5 adults, $1 children

Thursday 4/9/09

• Getty Center- Free Admission -($10 for parking)
• Getty Villa- Free Admission with Reservations ($10 for parking)
• Roundhouse Aquarium

Friday 4/10/09

• Free Shark Lagoon Nights @ Long Beach Aquarium
• Atlantis Play Center
• Fullerton Arboretum
• Sesame Street Presents the Body@ Hollywood and Highland

I hope you have a great Spring Break and may you all have a Great Easter or Passover. Enjoy!!

DaytrippingMom's picks (things to do this weekend)April 4-5

Here are some of my favorite activities for this weekend. Almost all of the activities listed are free or almost free!! Enjoy!! Saturday April 4, 2009 1. Target Free Saturday Admission to La Habra Children's Museum 2. Earth Day Celebration at Bolsa Chica Wetlands 3. A visit to the Cabrillo Aquarium 4. Sesame Street Presents the Body @ Hollywood & Highland 5. Cherry Blossom Festival in Little Tokyo 6. 1oo Hours of Astronomy @ the Griffith Park Observatory Sunday April 5, 2009 1. Target Free Sunday Admission to Bowers Kidseum and Bowers Museum 2. Free Admission to the San Bernardino County Museum 3. A visit to the Travel Town Museum @ Griffith Park 4. 100 Hours of Astronomy @ The Griffith Park Observatory 5. A visit to the California Science Center 6. Cherry Blossom Festival in Little Tokyo 7. Irvine Park Railroad Easter Extravaganza Don't forget to take advantage of Bank of America's Museums on us free admission this weekend and remember that you have until Tuesday to enter Daytrippingmom's Elmo goes Green DVD giveaway.

Museums on Us - Repost - Free Admision with Your Bank of America Credit Card or Debit Card

I posted this last year but I think I will post it at the beginning of the month to remind everyone of this fantastic event, this weekend! Have you noticed a trend with my posts lately? I'm currently obsessed with museums and free admissions. I have to share with you another great find. Museums on us is a fantastic program that rewards Bank of America cardholders. Any card from Bank of America gives you free admission to over 70 museums. nationwide. Museums on us offers free admission to the select museums on the first weekend of every month - and that means this post comes just in time for this weekend. Here is a list of the participating museums in the area. Enjoy!! Los Angeles County Autry National Center of the American West Museum of Latin American Art- Long Beach Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art Orange County Discovery Science Center- Santa Ana- Only on Saturday Laguna Art Museums- Laguna Beach San Diego Birch Aquarium at Scripps California Center for the Arts- Escondido Riverside Riverside Art Museum For additional info click here

Elmo Being Green Giveaway and Review

I think I might have mentioned this before but I will repeat myself again - We are absolutely crazy about Elmo in our home. He is the cutest and furriest creature ever created!! Elmo will be turning Green just in time for Earth Day -April 22nd .Elmo Being Green is a new 45-minute special DVD that will be released on Tuesday April 7th. Join Elmo and The Sesame Street Gang as they learn all about being green.

Elmo and Abby pitch in to help Mr. Earth host Sesame Street's first Earth-a-Thon. Mr. Earth teaches Elmo and Abby how "it can be easy being green" by recycling, re-using, and conserving water and energy. But things get out of control when Abby, in her desire to help Elmo be more "green,” accidentally turns him the color green and can't remember how to change him back!

My family had the opportunity to watch this last week and we absolutely fell in love with it. I loved that not only was it fun to watch, it was the perfect learning tool to educate my kiddos about Earth Day and the simple things we can do to help take care of our beautiful planet. I just know that you will feel the same way about this great DVD. Elmo Being Green will hit shelves on April 7th.

I am happy to share that I have a couple of copies of Elmo Being Green to giveaway. All you have to do is leave a comment under this post- any comment and you are automatically entered.You have until 9pm on Tuesday April 7th to enter. The winners will be chosen at random using random.org. Good Luck!!

Orange County Calendar of events

This is for all you Orange County parents. Collen and Kelly of Just Spotted have a fantastic calendar for the month of April. It gives a day to day of local events in Orange County. I think it's a fantastic resource and I wanted to pass it along. Thank you Collen and Kelly for the great calendar!!

Day out With Thomas the Tank and Friends

Do you have train enthusiasts in your family? Are your kiddos fans of Thomas the Train and Friends? If you love trains this is a must attend event. Day Out with Thomas is an exciting way for children and grown-ups to enter the world of Thomas & Friends. The event provides an opportunity for kids to ride on board a train led by Thomas and have their pictures taken with Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of Thomas' Railway.

Your kiddos will enjoy a 25 minute train ride along with storytelling, face painting, live music and building with Lego Duplo Bricks.

We are in luck because there will be only two stops in the Southern California area. There is a stop in April in Fillmore and one in August in Perris.

Day out with Thomas will be at Fillmore and Western Railway Company on April 17-19 and April 24-26.

Tickets are $18 (No charge for children under 24 months that sit on lap.). It is strongly recommended that you order your tickets online ahead of time since this is a VERY popular event. For additional information click here. Thanks to reader Cristin for the tip!!