Spring Break Ideas that won't break the bank

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!!!

• 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 
• The Boone's Children's Gallery at the LACMA- Free Admission with NextGen membership, which is free and available to kids 17 and under.
• Centennial Farm - Absolutely Free and your kiddos will love learning about farm animals.
• A visit to the Skirball Cultural Center- Free on Thursdays
• Free Admission to the Paleontology Museum in Claremont on Wednesday
• La Brea Tar Pits- Free Admission the first Tuesday of the month- April 6th
• Enviromental Nature Center- Free Daily
• National History Museum of Los Angeles County- Free Admission Tuesday- April 6th (parking is $8.00)
• Kidspace Children's Museum-Free Admission on Family Night Free Admission- Tuesday April 6th (4pm-8pm)
• Griffith Park Observatory- Free Admission
• Travel Town Museum - Griffith Park- Free Admission
• Santa Ana Zoo after 2pm- discounted admission
• Cabrillo Aquarium- Free- A little gem of an aquarium!
• Getty Center- Free Admission -($10 for parking)
• Getty Villa- Free Admission with Reservations ($10 for parking)
• Roundhouse Aquarium- Free
• Fullerton Arboretum- Free
• Dollar Movie Theaters-  $1-$4 throught SoCal

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

Winner of Bubblefest!

Happy Monday!
The winner of the Discovery Science Center's Bubblefest is Aubrey who said... I was looking for something great to do with my son for my birthday and this would be perfect! I have always wanted to visit the Discovery Science Center and my five year old son cannot get enough of bubbles! I showed him the website and he's already jumping out of his seat!

Thank you all for participating and stay tuned tomorrow for the 5 lucky winners of The Squeakquel!

Cinderella at the Irvine Barclay Theatre

If you have a little ballerina at home like I do, then you definitely do not want to miss out on Maple Youth Ballet's, Cinderella at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

Featuring original choreography by Artistic Director Charles Maple, Maple Youth Ballet's Cinderella brings this treasured fairy tale to life with something for everyone. There are the evil stepsisters, the fairy godmother who transforms a pumpkin into a carriage, a handsome prince and the unforgettable ball!

Cinderella
Saturday April 3rd
Irvine Barclay Theatre
For additional info head here.

Orange County Great Park: Movie on the Lawn and Chess at the Park

If you are looking for something fun to do this Saturday night, Grab your blanket, beach chair and picnic and head over to the Great Park's  “Movie on the Lawn.”   Admission and parking are free. Where the Wild Things Are will play on Saturday, March 27^th at 7:30 p.m  

 Movie on the Lawn” is presented as part of “Chess at the Park,” a 3-day free public event at the Great Park centered on the State Scholastic Chess Championships.On Saturday and Sunday afternoon, park visitors will be encouraged to watch, learn, and experience the exciting game of chess. With the assistance of chess aficionados, beginners can take lessons or test their skills in an open play area; while more advanced players can participate in an informal tournament or compete against a chess expert who will play multiple opponents all at the same time. Activities include kid’s crafts, sports activities, chess games and more. 

While you are there sign up to go on the Free Balloon ride. You can have a super fun and free night. 

For additional info head here. 

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel and a giveaway!

Last week the kiddos and I had the opportunity to head over to the Fox Lot for a sneak preview of the DVD release of Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. I can tell you this- We can't wait for next Tuesday's March 30th's release date. The DVD features are fun and well it's just an enjoyable movie for the entire family.

There are many fun features to the DVD, however my favorite has to be "Shake Your Groove Thing! With Rosero" (8:58), which teaches viewers some dance moves to accompany the music. You can also practice these moves with the music video selection. It is a pretty fun DVD.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel will be released on Tuesday, March 30th.

It's giveaway time! I have 5 copies of the Squeakquel to giveaway. All you have to do is leave a comment telling me why you would want a copy and you are entered to win. You can gain additional entries by following me on twitter, Following the Blog or by becoming a fan on Facebook. You have until Monday March 29th to enter. Good luck!

Bubblefest is coming to the Discovery Science Center and a 4 pack giveaway!

Spring is here and that also mean it is time for Bubblefest at the Discovery Science Center. Bubblefest will be at the Discovery Science Center from March 27-April 11. It is a must visit if you have children. We've had the opportunity to visit for the past couple of years and have loved the shows!

Included with general admission to Discovery Science Center are bubble learning stations and the Center's more than 100 permanent hands-on exhibits. At the bubble learning stations, bubble-blowers can also explore the secrets and sciences behind making the biggest and best bubbles including surface tension, elasticity, air pressure, molecular properties and geometric properties.

The highlight of Bubblefest is Bubble Scientist, Fan Yang. Yang has been performing his amazing "Gazillion Bubble Show" in New York City. His show is out of the world and the entire family will love it! My kiddos were squealing in delight throughout the entire show!  To purchase your tickets online and learn more about Bubblefest head here.
 

 It's giveaway time! I have a  four pack of Bubblefest “Super Tickets”  which includes general admission, admission to the bubble show, 4-D movie, DinoQuest and free Taco Bell drink with purchase. These are a $120 value! All you have to do is leave a comment and tell me why you would want to enter. For additional entries you can follow me on twitter, become a fan on facebook or follow my blog. Please leave a comment indicating that you have followed me or become a fan for additional entries. You have until Thursday night to enter. Winner will be announced Friday morning. Good luck!

Winner of Expo tickets and of the Irvine Park Railroad

The winner of the Expo tickets for this weekend are  The Parkers who  said...


Have you picked a winner yet? If not, my husband and son would be SOOOOO excited to go. My son is also OBSESSED with any form of transportation and especially remote controlled. Let's just say he's a Geo-Trax addict! My husband is a car designer so he'd be in heaven as well.

The winner of the Irvine Park RR tickets is Crissy who said...My favorite Easter tradition when I was little was dying eggs. I would tell my mom to buy a ton of them. One year she got the 5 dozen package from Price Club and my sister and I got to decorate all of them! Now that I am a mom, my favorite tradition is watching my daughter find the eggs and her basket. This year I will have a brand new 2 week old baby on Easter! Now THAT is a great Easter gift! ♥
Congratulations and email me at mom@daytrippingmom.com with your info!

RCX Radio Expo and quick Giveaway!

The 2010 RCX-Radio Control Expo will be coming to the Fairplex on March 20-21 and I thought this might be an exciting outing , especially for dads who love their "grown up" toys and kids who love radio controlled boats, planes and cars!

2010 RC EXPO
The world's ultimate radio-control expo presents a dynamic, action-packed event featuring the world's latest and fastest radio control products, such as tanks and boats; planes and helicopters as well as trucks and race cars. Attendees have opportunity to test drive some of the best RC rock crawling trucks on the market on a 1,200 square-foot course, as well as see and try out the newest products on the market.
With tons of excitement for both adults and children, the expo also offers the chance to witness the world's most advanced micro RC drivers competing for a spot in the PN Worlds Championships; hotshot pilots flying everything from micro planes and helicopters with extreme aerobats; pro drivers from across the country competing in the first-ever RCP Rock Crawling Challenge and the world's best nitro racers in trucks and buggies competing on a 10,000 square foot dirt track!

I have a pair of tickets to give away- This will be a quick giveaway- you have until this evening to enter. Winner will be announced tonight! To enter- leave a comment on why you would want to go. 
Have fun! 


For additional info head here.

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza and Giveaway

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Video from Irvine Park Railroad on Vimeo.

Can you believe Easter is right around the corner? I still can't believe it. In our family we have a few Easter traditions and for the past couple of years heading over to the Irvine Park Railroad has become one of them. Last year the kiddos had a blast having their faces painted, looking for eggs and of course riding the train.

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza will run from March 20th through April 3rd. You can ride the train, go on an Easter egghunt (make sure to bring a basket!), meet the Easter Bunny, take pictures and my son's favorite- take a hay ride! We had a blast next year and I can't wait to take them in two weeks.

It's giveaway time! One lucky reader will win a family 10 pack of tickets to Irvine Park Railroad. All you have to do is tell me what your favorite Easter tradition is. I love reading your responses! You have until next Thursday the 18th to enter. Good luck!

To read more about the Irvine Park Railroad head here.

Pinkberry for FREE!

Just had  to share that you can get a 3oz serving of Pinkberry this Friday  for FREE from 5pm to 9pm.

Pinkberry’s newest flavor is here--the refreshing, light and fruity mango. To kick things off of it’s in store arrival, your local Pinkberrys are having special Mad About Mango Happy Hour celebrations this Friday, March 12, 2010 from 5 to 9 p.m.—not only will event customers receive a free 3 oz. MINI serving of Pinkberry’s mango or mango swirl with all the toppings that can fit in the cup, there will also be music, in-store games, and fantastic giveaways that will get you Mad About Mango!



For a location near you head here. The perfect after school/after work treat!

Pigeon Party at the Orange County Performing Arts Center

Last Friday I had the opportunity to take the kiddos to the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s Family Series to watch Stellaluna. It was a really good experience. Sometimes it can be a little challenging to take the kiddos out by  myself, but everything from parking only a few steps away to the seating at the theater was a great!  The family series shows are perfect for children 4-8. They are just the right length  and definitely keep their attention.

The Orange County Performing Arts Center's Family series continues with Pigeon Party March 19 – 21 starring Mo Willems’ Pigeon Party. This lively stage production squeezes all the fun from Willems’ books Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! and The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! into one raucous show full of feathers, laughter and excitement. Featuring everyone’s favorite bird, Pigeon Party includes original music and lots of audience participation which will help decide if Pigeon will drive the bus, share his hot dog, and most importantly, if he can stay up after bedtime.

Each show will include free pre-performance activities such as coloring, games and puzzles, and a reading area with an assortment of children’s books. The fun activities are designed to give families opportunities to spend more quality time together at the Center. The activities will take place one hour before each performance.

Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company’s Pigeon Party is recommended for children ages 4 – 8. Tickets are $18 and they are available online at OCPAC.org, at the Center’s Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling 714.556.2787.
 
For additional info head here.

40th annual CSULB Pow Wow

Happy Monday! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful weekend. I know it is only Monday but I wanted to post about an event this weekend that looks to be fantastic!

California State University, Long Beach’s annual Pow Wow, an American Indian social celebration, returns to the campus’ central quad on Saturday and Sunday, March 13 - 14, 2010. The largest spring event of its kind in Southern California, the Pow Wow at Cal State Long Beach is focused on displaying the university’s strong American Indian presence. Admission and parking are free. It is strongly recommend  to bring folding chairs.

The two-day event, which will feature American Indian dancing, arts, crafts and food begins at 11 AM each day and runs until 10 PM on Saturday and 7 PM on Sunday. There will be contests and inter-tribal dancing, native foods such as mutton and beef stew, Navajo tacos, fry bread and Indian burgers will be on sale at the event, and American Indian vendors will be selling both traditional and contemporary American Indian art.

For additional information head here.

Fun and Free things to do this weekend and Bank of America- Museums on Us

Can you believe that the weekend is here? It is the first weekend of the month and there are a couple of free things to do this weekend that are not only Free but fun for the entire Family. Just a reminder about the Bank of America Museums on us program. It allows one admission per name/names on debit card or credit card. Have fun!


Target Free Admission
Target Free is offering Free admission to La Habra Children's Museum on Saturday
Target Free is offering Free admission to the Bowers and Bowers Kidseum on Sunday. There is a special Persian New Year Celebration!
Target Free Family Day is offering Free Admission to the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach on Sunday

Always Free (except for parking)
California Science Center
The Getty
The Getty Villa

Always Free (including parking)
Griffith Park Observatory
Travel Town Museum
Orange Railway Museum

Bank of America - Museums on us

Bank of America Museums on us - Saturday only - Free Admission with your B of A debit/credit card - Discovery Science Center-Santa Ana
Bank of America Museums on us - Sat & Sun- Muzeo in Anaheim
Bank of America Museums on us - Sat & Sun- Birch Aquarium - La Jolla
Bank of America Museums on us - Sat & Sun- Museum of Latin American Art- Long Beach
Bank of America Museums on us - Sat & Sun- LACMA- Los Angeles
Bank of America Museums on us - Sat & Sun- Autry National Center of the American West- Griffith Park
Bank of America Museums on us - Sat only- Riverside Art Museum
Bank of America Museums on us - Sat & Sun- The New Children's Museum - San Diego

Lantern Festival 2010 at the Chinese American Museum

If you are in the Los Angeles area or will be there this weekend, this is an event that is not to be missed!


The Lantern Festival 2010 (LF’10) will take place on  Saturday, March 6, 2010, noon – 7pm. It is a fun, unique and Free event that is perfect for the entire family. The festival will spotlight a colorful re-creation of a traditional Chinese village street fair animated with a newly expanded selection of arts and crafts workshops and features, an exciting line-up of cultural stage

Lantern Festival 2010 is a departure from most other street event celebration for Chinese New Year asthe focus is on education and discovery rather than just entertainment. The festival’s program presents the visiting public with hands-on opportunities to learn and appreciate the history, traditions and customs of thisChinese holiday through a variety of enriching activities and performances.

Some of the activities include  Chinese calligraphy, Chinese paper-cutting, origami, facing painting and the festival’s signature lantern-making booth, will all be presented free to the public. Workshops new to this year’s event include
Chinese fan-making, Chinese zodiac metal etching, and tiger puppet making to celebrate the Year of the Tiger.

ADDRESS
425 N. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(The cross street is Arcadia)
Saturday March 6th, noon-7pm.

For additional info head here.

Winner of Irish Fair tickets!

Happy Friday! The winner of the irish festival is 20 fingers 20 toes..who said...We'd also love to go to the Irish Festival! My husband and I both are both of Irish heritage and try to teach our twins about our ancestry everyday. Our Irish pride shines! We got married on St. Patrick's Day, 2007 and our wedding had an Irish theme. We honeymooned in Boston and had a great time exploring all the Irish pubs and the Irish Heritage Trail.


Please email me asap with your name and info! Thanks for participating.

Reminder: Free Shark Lagoon Nights at the Aquarium of the Pacific

If you are looking for something to do with your family that is FREE and absolutely fun, look no further! The Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting Shark Lagoon Nights, every Friday night, from 6pm to 9pm.

The public is invited to get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Pacific for FREE during Shark Lagoon Nights. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as sandtigers as well as rays in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon. There will also be live entertainment and fun for the entire family.

This is the perfect outing for a fun Friday night. For additional information head on over here.

Stellaluna at The Orange County Performing Arts Center

My kiddos love the book Stellaluna and when I heard that it was coming to the Orange County Performing Arts Center, I couldn't wait to share.

Stellaluna will play Friday, March 5th, at 7pm.

Saturday, March 6th, at 1pm and Sunday, March 7th at 1 and 3pm.

Stellaluna is a baby bat that  is separated from her mother. She lands in a nest of birds and her whole world is turned upside down. This adaptation of the book, tells the story of Stellaluna's journey to behave like a good bird should and find her true self amongst friends of a different feather. It is one of our favorite books and this play is specifically designed for kiddos aged 4 and up.

Audience members will have the special opportunity to meet the author of Stellaluna, Janell Cannon, after the performances March 6 and 7. Cannon will be available to sign copies of her books and meet with fans. Epiphany Books will be onsite with copies of Cannon’s books for sale: 20 percent of sales will go towards supporting the Center’s Family Series. Friday evening ticketholders are welcome to return during the weekend to have their books signed by Cannon.

Additionally, each show will include free pre-performance activities such as coloring, games and puzzles, and a reading area with an assortment of children’s books. For Stellaluna, the Center is partnering with O.C Parks to create specially-themed activities about bats and birds. These fun activities are designed to give families opportunities to spend quality time together at the Center. The activities will take place one hour before each performance.

Stellaluna is recommended for children ages 4 and up. Tickets are $18 and they are available online at OCPAC.org, at the Center’s Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling 714.556.2787.
For additional info head here.

Frogs: A Chorus of Colors: A live frog exhibit at MUZEO

My son loves frogs. If he could catch one a day, he would be a happy boy. You can imagine how excited he was when I took him a few weeks back to Frogs: A Chorus of Colors, a live frog exhibit at MUZEO in Anaheim. There are over 150 live frog exhibits on display and my boy was in frog heaven!

 

 There are 15 live habitats and 12 interactive stations. It was interesting to learn about the different types of frogs and their habitats. My son was in a frog wonderland. It was hard to get him to budge from one area to the next!  We had a fantastic time. If you have little explorers you are definitely going to love this exhibit. I mean we literally could have stayed there for hours just watching all of the different varieties of frogs. 

 

Frogs: A Chorus of Colors will be on display from now until September 5, 2010 at Muzeo. My family loves visiting MUZEO. It is a smaller museum but their exhibits are top notch!This one definitely lives up to our past experiences. I also love its location in the new revamped area of Anaheim. There are a couple of cute little shops and the fountains around the museum are a big hit with my kiddos. They could just run and play around the courtyard for hours. 

I hope you have the time to check this exhibit out! You are going to love it! 

MUZEO

241 S. Anaheim Blvd

Anaheim, 92805

                                               10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 7 days a week
                                                         
                                                                        Admission:
                                               Adults $13, Children $9, under 3 are FREE!
                                                To learn more head here.

Irish Fair & Music Festival at the Pomona Fairplex and Giveaway!

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner and the Irish Fair & Music Festival will be coming to the fairplex in Pomona this weekend.

Bring some luck o' the Irish home and usher in St. Patrick's Day properly this year with the Irish Fair & Music Festival! Celebrating its 8th year, the Irish Fair & Music Festival is one of the largest festivals of its kind in Southern California.

Families will love the Leprechaun Village with "winner-every-time" games, a storybook stage, petting zoo and pony rides. You can also learn more about historic Ireland as you explore the Ancient Irish Village depicting a 16th century village faire or celebrate the rich Irish culture with sheepherding demonstrations or an Irish dog show.

The Festival also provides a fun way to try authentic Irish dining with bangers and mash, fish and chips, corned beef sandwiches and shepherd's pie! Finally, "jig" it all off with eight stages featuring true Irish music.

Fun Fact: Special this year, all attendees with the last name "Murphy" will get in FREE! (Valid ID required)
For everyone else:
Children, 11 and under are FREE!
$18.00 - General Admission$16.00 - Seniors, age 55 & over$16.00 - Students, with valid student ID$28.00 - 2-Day Pass

 

To learn more about the festival head over here. 

 

I will be giving away a pair of tickets - You have until tomorrow night to enter. All you have to do is let me know why you would want to attend the Irish Festival and what you love about St. Patrick's Day. Winner will be chosen at random! 

Good luck!

Ocean Beach Kite Festival

The 62nd Annual Ocean Beach Kiwanis Kite Festival and Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Ocean Beach in San Diego. This event offers free kite making with instruction for all children. All materials are provided.
Prizes are awarded for best decorated kites, by age category.

This fun and Free  family event will have  entertainment and Lunch is free for children, donation for adults. Carnival rides and a craft fair are also part of the event.

This free family event is the oldest community kite festival in the United States, now celebrating its 62nd year. This is a third-generation event – people who attended as children are now bringing their children and grandchildren.

Kiddos  are taught how to make kites, using a unique design which is guaranteed to fly. All materials are supplied. Award judging is at 1 PM, and any handmade kite can be submitted – not just kites made at the Festival.

After awards are presented, all participants march in an informal parade along Santa Monica Ave. to the beach, where they can fly their new kites. The Kite Festival is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Beach and the Ocean Beach Recreation Center.

The schedule is:
Kite making is available all morning, 9 AM to 12:30 PM
Kite judging: 1:00 PM
Parade: 2 PM
Craft fair/street fair: 9 AM to 4 PM
Location: Ocean Beach Recreation Center and Ocean Beach Elementary School
4726 Santa Monica Avenue at Sunset Cliffs Blvd., Ocean Beach

Dana Point Festival of Whales

It might be a little rainy this weekend but even with a bit of rain you have to check out Dana Point's Festival of Whales which takes place this weekend March 6th and March 7th and also the weekend of March 13th and 14th. This is the 39th year of this great festival.

 The incredible 5000-mile migration of the majestic California Gray Whale from Alaska to Mexico begins in December and continues through March. During this peak season, 40 - 50 whales pass by Dana Point each day, using the Dana Point Headlands 200-foot cliffs near the harbor as a landmark to check their migration path. Dana Point offers some of the best whale watching along the California Coast.

There will be a street fair, parade, lectures at the ocean institute, free fishing clinics for the kiddos on Sundays, entertainment and of course whale watching. It's a great event that the entire family will enjoy.

To learn more about the festival and events head here.