Free Family Nature Walks

The Children's Nature Institute hosts Free Family Walks at various LA Parks. The walks led by the Nature's Institute Volunteer Walk leaders are two hours long and filled with fun and educational activities. Children will search for animal homes and hideaways, listen for animal activity, mimic the sounds of nature, sing songs, smell and touch plants, learn how to treat plants and animals respectfully, learn about colors, shapes and sizes in nature and so much more! Activities vary from site to site and from docent to docent, so every Family Nature Walk is a unique experience!Family Nature Walks are scheduled year-round, on weekdays and weekends, at numerous kid-safe sites in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Many sites are stroller accessible. Reservations are required!! To view upcoming walks and make reservations click here.

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!!