A little sick..

I usually try to post everyday but things have been kind of crazy these past couple of days. I've had really bad chest pains the past couple of weeks and the pain turned unbearable on Thursday. I decided to head to the ER because it felt like I was having a heart attack. After a couple of tests we found out that my gallbladder is jam packed with stones. I was encouraged by the ER doc to have surgery the next morning but decided against it because I was in the midst of finals and didn't want to leave my hubby dealing with the kids all alone . I'm trying to schedule it for the next week or so. Just wanted to fill you all in on why there were only two posts this past week. I'm feeling a bit better and hoping to feeling way better by next week and start hitting up a couple of places I've been dying to visit- like the railroad museum in Perris, the Sealife Aquarium in Carlsbad and Zoomars in San Juan Capistrano. Here is to a great month!! Hope you all had a great weekend!! P.S. A big I'm sorry to the past couple of winner of my giveaways. I will be sending out the prizes this week for sure. Things have been kind of crazy and I'm trying to get on the ball with things- I promise and stay tuned for a fun giveaway this week!!

NexGen @ LACMA- Free membership and Admission

I'm always on the lookout for Free Museum Days around town and the NexGen program at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)is one that can't be missed. NexGen is a free membership to the LACMA to anyone 17 and under. The NexGen LACMA offers free general admission to the member as well as one accompanying adult. This includes permanent collection galleries and selected special exhibitions. To join, visit the LACMA box office or visit the LACMA website and print out the enrollment offer and send it in. Among the many NexGen offerings are:

• Art Camps
• Art Classes
• Art Tote
• Artwork of the Month
• Children's Audio Tour
• Families & Children in American Art: Online Game
• Family Guides
• Family Days
• Just For Teens

It's a great program and if you have not had the opportunity to visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art- You are missing out!! The LACMA is great for children and trust me they will love it!! For additional information click here- Have fun and explore away!!

Babysitting and Movie Theaters- A perfect combo!!

If you have kids - you know how hard it can be to catch a flick or have a datenight. Babysitters can be hard to come by and can cost an arm and a leg. I was recently tipped off by my hubby of all people( I think he was dropping major hints that we need a movie night) of two movie theaters that offer in-lobby babysitting/play center. The Harkins Movie Theater Chain offers a play center in the lobby and only a few steps away from your auditorium. The babysitting rate is only $6.00 per child and is for children 3-8 that are potty trained. The staff all have background checks and are CPR certified. There are crafts, games and of course movies!! I know that I can't wait until my son turns 3 and I can enjoy a night at the movies with the hubby knowing that the kids will only be a few feet away from me and that babysitting will not cost me an arm and a leg!! The Harkins Theaters are located in Chino Hills and Moreno Valley. The Chino Hills play center location is open 7 days a week and the Moreno Valley is open Mon, Wed,Fri-Sun. For additional information click here.

Things to do this Memorial Day Weekend in Southern California

Wohoo- The long weekend is upon us and there are so many fun things to do this weekend. Here are a few fun ideas that are easy on the wallet and super fun to do with your family. Hope you have a safe and fun Memorial Weekend!! Enjoy!! Saturday May 23,2009 1. Disney Christmas Carol Train Exhibit- Free Admission 2.Los Angeles Fire Fighter Museum in San Pedro and Hollywood- Free Admission 3. Cabrillo Aquarium in San Pedro- $1. Admission for Kids. $5.00 for adults 4. Garden Grove Strawberry Festival- Free Admission 5. US Open of Body boarding- Free Admission 6. My favorite beach!! 7. Environmental Nature Center- Newport Beach 8. California Science Center- Free Admission and a must visit for the kids!! 9. Ocean institute-Dana Point Minimal Admission 10. Griffith Park Observatory- Free Admission Sunday May 24th, 2009 1. Disney Christmas Carol Train Exhibit - Free Admission 2. Free Target Family Day at the Museum of Latin American Art- in Long Beach 3. Garden Grove Strawberry Festival- Free Admission 4. Us Open of Body boarding- Free Admission 5. Griffith Park Travel Town Railroad Museum- Free Admission 6. The Getty- Free Admission 7. Art Odissey @ The Getty Villa- Free Admission 8. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium 9. Round House Aquarium- Free Admission 10. Robots & Us exhibit at the Discovery Science Center Monday May 25th 1. Free Admission to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library 2. Disney Christmas Carol Train Exhibit 3. California Science Center 4.Garden Grove Strawberry Festival 5. Us Open of Body Boarding 6. A visit to Seaside Lagoon.

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Disney's Train Tour and yes it's Free!!

First off I want to thank all of my readers for the wonderful tips you email me with. I love them and I am so thankful for all of you. I received a couple of emails this week about Disney's Christmas Carol Train Tour. Christmas for Memorial Day Weekend? You bet!! Disney's Christmas Carol Train Tour will be hitting the road with a 40 city train tour extravaganza that will kick off Memorial Day weekend in Union Station in Downtown LA. The four train car interactive experience will feature a 3-D Disney theater featuring clips of the upcoming Christmas Carol film, fun activities, Radio Disney, performances and well a Disney experience. If you are in the area or are looking for something different to do you might want to check this experience. Here is more information about the train tour. Stay tuned for a must-read Memorial Weekend activity guide. There is so much to do this weekend!! You are going to love it!!

Garden Grove Strawberry Festival

I know it's only Tuesday but I'm already looking forward to Memorial Day weekend. I can't wait!! If you are staying in town and are looking for something fun to do with the family make sure to check out Garden Grove's Strawberry Festival. It's taking place this Memorial Day Weekend from Friday May 22nd to Monday May 25th.

There will be carnival rides, games, a parade, live entertainment and of course lots and lots of tasty strawberry treats.

The festival will run on Friday from 1pm to 10pm, Sat and Sun from 10am to 10pm and on Monday from 10am to 9pm. Admission is free!!

For additional information click here

Regal Entertainment Theaters- Free Family Film Festival- Free Summertime Movies

I love this time of year because summer is right around the corner. Summer time to me is all about having fun with the kids indoors and outdoors. My daughter Lauren has only 1 week left of school and I'm starting planing what we will do this summer. I remembered from last year a program that we enjoyed and one that you will not want to miss.It will keep your kiddos entertained twice a week and it is absolutely free. The Regal Entertainment Group who own Edwards and Regal Cinemas are once again offering their summer family film festival beginning on June 16th. It is 9 weeks of free movies for kids and parents. The movies will run every Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 10am during the festival. The seating is first come, first serve- you might want to get there a bit early to make sure you get good seats. It's a fantastic program and I think it's amazing that it's absolutely free!! Click here for a list of participating theaters and start planning your summer!! Enjoy!!

Seal Day @ The Marine Mammal Care Center

The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro is hosting it's 17th annual Seal Day on Sunday May 17th from 11am to 4pm. The center is a hospital for ill, injured and orphaned marine mammals. The open house will feature live entertainment, games, activities, information booths and guest speakers. You will of course also be able to see the marine mammals and meet "Splash" the center's mascot. You can also take a VIP tour and learn about the center and it's mission. The best part is that admission is FREE!!

Marine Mammal Care Center

Fort Mcarthur

3601 Gaffey Street

San Pedro, CA

For additional info click here

A big thanks to reader Jessica for this great tip!

Water Fun at Disney's California Adventure.

We have annual passes for Disney and I like to take full advantage by trying to visit at least once a week. My husband has had passes for over 20 years and I've had one for about 10 years. It's funny how there are many things that one can overlook until you become a parent. One of the areas I always bypassed at California Adventure until I became a Mom was Bug's Land and Flick's Fun Fair. What a difference a couple of years make!! It has become a family favorite and a must visit when we head over to California Adventure.

When we visited last week, my children begged to play in the water area at Flik's Fun Fair, Princess Dot's Puddle Park. I was not prepared at all to let them get soaked but I let them anyway. They had such a great time and I know that we will back this summer often to cool off. There is also another spray area at the entrance to Bug's Land and adjacent to Bountiful Farms that was also a big hit with my kiddos. I believe it's known as the "irrigation station". It is seriously fun and my kids were squealing in delight. The kids had a great time and I'm excited that I won't have to spend money on a pool membership or water park when I can just make the most of my passes and have the kids splash around at California Adventure. I now know to be prepared and bring a couple of towels, sunscreen, bathing suits and a change of clothes. If you are an annual passholder or will be making a trip to California Adventure soon, make sure to take advantage of the water areas with your little ones. They are going to love it!!

17th annual Anaheim Children's Art Festival

I can't wait for this weekend. There are going to be some fantastic events in Orange County that are too good to miss out on. One of these events is the 17th annual Children's Art Festival in Anaheim. The art festival will feature 65 hands on art activity booths for the kiddos!! With 65 activities your kids will be busy for quite some time!! The festival will also feature performances featuring music, dances and puppets. You can't go wrong with puppets!! There will also be a chalk painting celebration and contest. The best part is that of course admission and parking is free!! You can't beat free. Anaheim Children's Art Festival Saturday May 16th 9am to 4pm Center Street Promenade Downtown Anaheim For additional info click here.

Free Family Arts Festival @ La Habra Children's Museum and winner of DVD giveaway.

Happy Monday!! I know it's only Monday and the weekend is still a couple of days away. However, I wanted to make sure you mark this date on your calendars. On Sunday May17th the La Habra Children's Museum will host it's annual Family Arts Festival. This year the museum is focusing on it's Ring of Fire exhibit which is fantastic!! This was definitely the highlight of our last trip to La Habra. There will be crafts and cultural performances about the Ring of Fire region. The festival will also feature carnival games, storytelling and face painting. It will be a fun day for all and of course if I'm writing about it you probably already figured out that it's Free!! Admission to the museum will be absolutely Free!! I hope you can all make it!! Almost forgot - the winner of the DVD giveaway is- Kati who said... I love your site. Thanks for telling about all the fun stuff we can do and win. Thank you so very much~ Hope you all had a fantastic Mother's Day weekend!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

I hope you all have a fantastic Mother's Day!! Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!

National Train Day@ Los Angeles Union Station

Did you know that Saturday May 9th is National Train Day? If your family loves trains you will definitely love Los Angeles Union Station's Train Day Event. There will be face painting, live entertainment, a dance party for the kiddos, giveaways, and of course trains, trains and trains. The kiddos will be able to learn all about how train function from the Amtrak employees and engineers. There will be train exhibits and of course the opportunity to see real functioning trains in action!! I just so happen to be in the area earlier in the morning and can't wait to take my kids. This is going to be great. We will probably make a day of it by heading over to Olvera street for some taquitos. Sounds like the perfect day and best of all it's free!!!!!! For additional information click here National Train Day @ Los Angeles Union Station 10am to 3pm 800 North Alameda Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

Imagine You're a Monster at Muzeo in Anaheim

A couple of weeks ago I received a tip from a reader about a great event happening May 16th. Muzeo is a great little museum in Anaheim that is currently having a fantastic exhibition -MONSTERS AND BEASTS: HAIRY, SCARY AND UNLEASHED featuring two exhibits in one – Bizarre Beast, Past & Present and How to Make a Monster: The Art & Technology of Animatronics. They are holding a Kids Free Day on May 16th with programs specifically designed for the little monster lovers. All little “monsters” are invited to a “Muffins with Monsters” breakfast from 10:00a.m. - 12 Noon, then are free to explore the MUZEO’s “Double-Header” exhibition - MONSTERS AND BEASTS: HAIRY, SCARY AND UNLEASHED featuring two exhibits in one – Bizarre Beast, Past & Present and How to Make a Monster: The Art & Technology of Animatronics. “Imagine You’re a Monster” Kids Free Day at the MUZEO will also include monster-themed games, prizes, scary face painting and a specially installed rock-climbing wall. All special activities and exhibits will be open from 12 Noon – 5:00p.m. The MUZEO 241 S. Anaheim Blvd Anaheim, CA 92805 . Up to four kids admitted free with every one full paid general admission ($13) Click here for additional information. This sounds like the perfect event for your little monsters!!

Mother's Day Giveaway- MGM- Laughs, Love and Lyrics Collection

It's giveaway time!! Just in time for Mother's Day I have a gift that is perfect as a gift for Mommies everywhere. The MGM Laughs, Love and Lyrics collection of 3 all time favorite movies. The set includes 9 to 5, The Rose and Hello Dolly. It is a seriously perfect gift for me since I love every single movie in the collection.

Here's the good part- You can pick up this awesome collection from your nearest retailer or you can win it here. All you have to do is leave a comment and your email if possible and that's it!! You are entered to win. If you've been a previous winner you can also enter. Good luck and you have until Saturday afternoon to enter. Three winners will be chosen at random. Lots and lots of luck to all of you!!

Environmental Nature Center- ENC- Newport Beach

I had the opportunity to visit the Environmental Nature Center this past weekend and had to share some of the highlights of our trip to this little gem. The Environmental Nature Center or ENC is located in Newport Beach and a great place to take your kiddos to learn about nature. The ENC is home to three and a half acres of land that are dedicated to learning about our beautiful surroundings. The center is home to 15 plant communities that range from a fresh water marsh to a redwood forest. It's a great place to take the kids for a little hike and enjoy listening to birds and taking in the beautiful plants and flowers. My kiddos loved walking along the trails and pointed out every single bird, insect and plant out to me. They had a blast walking around. It's a nice place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The center is also home to a butterfly house. We had a great time walking around and taking a look at the various butterflies that were flying around(just a bit of a warning- your 4 year old might talk about their adoration for butterflies but when they are face to face with one might change his or her mind). We just kind of stood around and observed the caterpillars and the different types of butterflies. The butterfly house is open during spring/summer. After checking out the butterfly house and walking around the trails we headed inside the center to check out their exhibits. They have a small section with books, coloring pages and a place for the kids to relax and enjoy. There is also a snake exhibit. My daughter loved it. My two and a half year old son HATED it. I made a mistake of picking him up to observe a snake that just happened to be striking against the glass and well that was that. My son started screaming and ran out to the parking lot and refused to come back inside. Thankfully we had checked out most of the center before our snake experience. It's a great place to take the kiddos to explore nature. I will definitely coming back. There are a couple of different events planned each month. There is a full moon walk coming up on Friday May 8th that sounds like a great one for the family. Check out their event section on their site for some great programs and events that are coming up. Almost forgot. The Environmental Center is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm. Admission is free but donations are always welcomed. For additional info click here. Environmental Nature Center- ENC 1601 Sixteenth Street Newport Beach, CA 92663

Winners of Giveaways!!

It's giveaway winner time. I wish I could give everyone something..but unfortunately there are only a limited # of prizes so here goes.. for the family 4 pack to Kids Rock Music festival- the winner selected by Random Integer Generator Here are your random numbers:12 9 Timestamp: 2009-05-04 04:34:32 UTC the winners are- hannafamilyest2000 said...who commented thank you so much for sharing all of the family friendly and free destinations so-cal has to offer.It has helped me take my family places we would have never been able to afford and cortissia said... Hey, Please consider us the McNeals would love to attend this event. It sounds like a lot fun. Thanks for the heads up. Please email me at mom@daytrippingmom.com- you just have to email me - the tickets are etickets and they will be emailed to you. now for Debi Derryberry's Baby banana- I only have 1 copy- the winner is as selected by Random.org-Here are your random numbers:11 Timestamp: 2009-05-04 04:43:43 UTC the Weinstein Family who commented We just saw her at the Book Festival last weekend Please email me mom@daytrippingmom.com with your info- address so that I can send that out asap. Lastly I have 3 winners for the Jon&Kate plus 8 giveway- the three winners as picked by Random.org are Here are your random numbers: 8 7 1 Timestamp: 2009-05-04 04:55:18 UTC are Catherine said... Great family fun ideas and giveaways! You are amazing! :) aww Thanks Catherine!! Morales Mama said... Thank you for the great giveaways you always do! I love this site, I used almost of your suggestions to plan our spring break.Thanks!!! and Janette said... I am a total fan of Jon and Kate plus 8. This would be so fun to win! Please email me at mom@daytrippingmom.com with your info so that I can send these out asap. Thanks again and stay tuned for a great week of giveaways celebrating mommyhood!!

Museums on us- Free Museum admissions first weekend of the month

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

Also a friendly reminder that the La Habra Children's museum is free today the first Saturday of the month and that the Bowers Kidseum is free tomorrow Sunday!! Enjoy!!