The Beat Goes On - Win 4 Super Pass Tickets to the Orange County Fair!

Without a doubt one of the highlights of summer for our family is the Orange County Fair. This year promises to be fantastic!The fair will run from July 16 to August 15, Wed-Sunday and will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

FAIR HOURS
July 16-August 15
Wednesday - Friday: noon - midnight
Saturday - Sunday: 10 a.m. – midnight
Open Wednesdays-Sundays.
Admission prices are
$10 for (13-59)
Seniors (60+) $7
Children (6-12) $5
Children under 6 FREE every day

There will be FREE admission and parking from Noon – 1 PM on opening day, Friday July 16th.
Other deals include
SALUTE TO HEROES
FREE admission for active duty military with I.D., Valid all day July 16-August 15.
KIDS FREE THURSDAYS
Kids 12 and under receive FREE admission every Thursday. Valid all day.
SENIORS DAY FRIDAYS
$5 admission for those 60 years or older, plus FREE Ferris wheel & merry-go-round rides. Valid all day Friday. Sponsored by Monarch Health Care
WE CARE WEDNESDAYS

Food Drive
Wednesday, July 21
Noon – 6pm
One FREE admission and one carnival ride per person with donation of five canned food items. Benefits Second Harvest Food Bank and OC Food Bank. Sponsored by Ralphs.
Book Drive
Wednesday, July 28
Noon – 6pm
One FREE admission and one carnival ride per person with donation of one new children’s book or three gently used children’s books. Benefits Orange County public schools with the help of the LA Times Reading By 9 and BookEnds.
Clothing Drive
Wednesday, August 4
Noon – 6pm
One FREE admission and one carnival ride per person with donation of five gently used clothing items. Benefits Goodwill of Orange County.
School Supply Drive
Wednesday, August 11
Noon – 6pm
One FREE admission and one carnival ride per person with donation of one new school supply item valued at $3 or more.

You can also purchase a season pass and enjoy every single day of the fair for one low price. To learn about Super passes head over here.

It is giveaway time! One lucky winner will win a four pack of Super Passes (Season Passes) that will allow you to get in for free every day! All you have to do is leave a comment on what you most look forward at the fair. That's it! Contest runs until Sunday July 4th. Winner will be selected at random on Monday July 5th.

You can gain additional entries by
following ocfair on Twitter
"liking" me on Facebook
Following me on Twitter.

Good luck!

Irvine Park Christmas Train and Giveaway

Our family loves Irvine Park and although it is only the first week of November, we are super excited about Irvine Park's Annual Christmas Time. The train will depart from the brightly-lit Train Station and drop passengers off at Santa’s Village.Christmas Train tickets may be purchased to board the train between 5:00 - 6:00, 6:00 - 7:00 or 7:00 - 8:00 PM -- get in line when it is your time to board the train. Tickets may be purchased online beginning Monday, November 2rd. Visit http://www.irvineparkrailroad.com/ for details. The Christmas Train begins Friday, November 27th.



While waiting to board the train, there are many activities for the kiddos to enjoy in Santa’s Village located next to the train station.



 Story Time with Mrs. Claus

 Christmas Cookie Decorating

 Carnival Games

 Santa Claus Moon Bounce

 Christmas Coloring Corner

 Picture Stands

You can take your own pictures with Santa or you can purchase a picture taken by Irvine Park Railroad. When visiting the Christmas Train, remember to dress warmly, bring a camera and arrive early to avoid crowds.

The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train is open from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the following dates:
November 27th, 28th and 29th
December 4th, 5th and 6th
December 11th – `8th
December 19 and December 20- 2-8pm
December 21st, 22nd and 23rd -5pm to 8pm



The cost to ride the Christmas Train is $8.00 per person. Children younger than 24 months ride free.
The parking for Irvine Regional Park is $3.00 per vehicle on weekdays and $5.00 per vehicle on weekends. Parking for the Christmas Train is free after 5:00 PM.

It's giveaway time! Leave a comment sharing what you are looking forward to this Holiday Season and you are automatically entered to win a family pack of tickets. Here is what you will win - 6 train tickets ($8 each) and 12 activity tickets($4each )= ($98 value!). You have until Sunday November 15 to enter. Good luck!

Little Spirit Christmas in New York Review and Giveaway

It's only in October but lately I find myself singing Christmas songs. I also have found myself watching Holiday movies. One movie that should be added to your list is Little Spirit, Christmas in New York. My daughter absolutely LOVED this movie! The movie features wonderful music and reminds you what Christmas is all about. The movie centers around Leo who moves to a new house in a new city. Not only is Leo trying to adjust to moving to a big city but he soon loses his best bud/dog Romona in Central Park. Leo is determined to find his furry little friend in time for Christmas. Feeling lost and alone, a magical spirit takes him on an incredible adventure and Leo soon learns that this new city isn’t as scary as it seemed – and that the true meaning of Christmas may just be found in the people he meets along the way. Little Spirit Christmas in New York is a wonderful Holiday movie that your entire family will love ! We sure did! It is available for purchase now and would be the perfect addition to your Holiday collection. Three very lucky readers will have the opportunity to win their very own copy. All you have to do is leave a comment and you are entered to win. You have until Sunday night to enter. 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.

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!!

IrvinePark Railroad Easter Extravaganza Winner

Thanks to all of you for entering the Irvine Park Railroad Easter Extravaganza Giveaway. I wish I had enough tickets to give to everyone but unfortunately I only have one 10 pack. I used Random.org to select a winner True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 5 Powered by RANDOM.ORG The winner of the giveaway is comment # 5 Celeste wrote: sounds like the perfect spring activity! I am always searching for something fun to do with my 2 1/2 year old. thank you! Thank you again for entering!! Stay tuned for more fun giveaways!!

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Extravaganza and10 Ticket Giveaway!!

I love the Irvine Park Railroad. In fact everyone in my family is a big fan. Easter is fast approaching and The Easter Bunny is coming to the Irvine Park Railroad. The Easter Extravaganza starts on Saturday the 28th. On Saturday, March 28th through Saturday, April 11th, Irvine Park Railroad will hold its annual Easter Eggstravaganza. Children and adults can ride the train through beautiful Irvine Regional Park. And, children ages 2 through 12 can participate in an Easter egg hunt. Each egg will be filled with candy or a prize. Easter egg hunts begin daily at 10:00 AM and tickets may be purchased to participate in an egg hunt at a specific time. Please bring an Easter basket for each child that will be participating in the Easter egg hunt. Irvine Park Railroad will also offer Easter baskets for sale. Below are some of the activities offered. Easter Egg Hunt 1 Ticket per Child

Weekends:

Ages	Times
2 – 4 years	10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00
5 – 7 years	10:30, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30
8 – 12 years	11:30, 1:30, 3:30

Weekdays: Times: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00

*Ages will be separated appropriately.

Moon Bounce 1 Ticket per Child Weekends: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Weekdays: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Children can enjoy 15 minutes of jump time in the bounce house. This is an activity children of all ages enjoy as they tumble, jump, and hippity hop with excitement.

Hay Ride 1 Ticket per Person Weekends: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Weekdays: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm The hay ride has fast become a favorite activity for both children and adults. Take a 15-minute ride through Irvine Regional Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery… including beautiful Spring flowers, oak trees sprouting new growth, baby wild life, lush green meadows, and more.

Picture Stands FREE for All Visitors Weekends: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Weekdays: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Use your own camera and take pictures at one of the many Irvine Park Railroad picture stands located throughout Locomotive Loop. Pictures are sure to create lasting memories of family and friends this Easter season.

Carnival Games 1 Ticket per Child Weekends: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Weekdays: CLOSED With 1 ticket, children can try their luck at two carnival-style Easter games. That’s a lot of fun AND two chances to win a prize.

Face Painting 2 Tickets per Person Weekends: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Weekdays: CLOSED Always a favorite activity for children of all ages, a skilled face painter will turn a child’s face into something creative and fun… a bunny rabbit, chick, Easter egg, or other imaginative expression of Easter time.

Most activities are one ticket and each ticket is $4.00. Food will be available for purchase or if you can bring a blanket and picnic with the family on the beautiful grounds. We always make a full day of it by visiting the OC Zoo($2.00 admission- great deal) and enjoying a pony ride or two. I can't wait to take my kids and I'm hoping you will too!! Almost forgot- I'm giving away a 10 pack of tickets, a $40.00 value, compliments of the Irvine Park Railroad, for one lucky reader and their family to enjoy. All you have to do is leave a comment- any comment and you will be automatically entered to win. Winner will be chosen on random on Wednesday night. Good luck!!

Winner of Elmo DVD giveaway!!

Happy Monday!! I wish I could give everyone a copy of Elmo's new DVD but unfortunately I only have only one copy to giveaway. The winner of the giveaway is comment #1 as selected by Random.org and that's Jean who wrote I'd love to enter. We love Elmo over here!! Jean email me at mom@daytrippingmom.com with your info. We will be doing another great giveaway this week- stay tuned!! We will also be doing another Elmo DVD giveaway next week. If you didn't win this time hopefully you will next time.

Elmo and Friends : Tales of Adventure Giveaway!!

We are big fans of Elmo in our home. In fact he's a superstar in my son's eyes. If your kiddos are fans of Elmo and Friends you are going to love Elmo's new DVD release- Tales of Adventure. The DVD has three stories overflowing with clues, heroic monsters and plenty of music. Your kiddos will cheer Elmo on as he races against the clock in Elmo's Amazing Alphabet race. Your kiddos will love to help Big Bird in the Adventures of Little Big Bird and Telly in the Golden Triangle of Destiny. All of this and much more in this great DVD. I have one copy to giveaway. All you have to do is leave a comment and you are entered to win. Simple as that!! So leave a comment and make sure to check out this fun DVD. Your kiddos will love it!! I will select a winner using Random. org on Sunday the 15th. You have until Sunday evening to leave a comment. Good luck!!

Australia Giveaway and Review

I love giveaways!! I'm sure you all do too!!It seems that I usually find myself only giving away movies for the kiddos on this site ,but not today.. You are in luck. Let me tell you about what I have in store for you grownups. I have a couple of copies of the beautifully shot and pretty amazing movie in my opinion- Australia. It stars - the hunkiest man on the planet- Hugh Jackman and the lovely Nicole Kidman- How can you go wrong with the combo? It's directed by Baz Lurhman- who directed one of my favorite films(Moulin Rouge). It's a feast on the eyes and it's a great movie to watch when the kiddos are fast asleep. It's absolutely romantic and you will fall in love this movie. You will be swept away. I could keep gushing on and on about it but see for yourself. Australia will be released on DVD today March 3rd- make sure to buy or rent a copy. You will not be disappointed!! Enter the giveaway by leaving a comment on this post.. any comment. I will pick a couple of lucky winners next Sunday evening. Please leave a comment and enter to win a copy of this great movie!!! Good luck!! P.S. You have until Sunday night at 7pm to enter!!