Long Beach Family

LA County Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 18:19:00 +0000

September 2nd-25th

What's New!

THE IGLOO presented by Groupon

At The Igloo, we dare you to don some skates and take a whirl around the ice. The Igloo features the Polar Ice Rink, a full-service ice skating rink; the Penguin Run, a sledding hill; and the Arctic Promenade which offers a variety of unique products. It's the best place to cool off.

Location: In the Shopping Neighborhood, Expo Hall 9
Time: ALL DAY
Cost: $5 per person includes skating and sledding.
Age: ALL AGES

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Dare to play at this immersive, interactive sports experience. Through interactive devices and unique displays of rare memorabilia our visitors will discover the who, how, when & where of the origins of each of the "Big Six" American Sports: Baseball, Football, Basketball, Soccer, Hockey & Golf.

Location: In the Shopping Neighborhood, Expo Hall 8
Time: ALL DAY
Cost: FREE
Age: ALL AGES

JURASSIC PLANET presented by Danonino

At Jurassic Planet, we dare you to keep your eyes open. Experience LACF's newest adventure where prehistoric creatures once only seen in books & movies now roam the lush hillside of the fairgrounds. Now domesticated, these giants of the Earth forage in the open air and stretch themselves in the sun, enjoying life once again. Enjoy interactive activities and a walking tour through this world of formerly extinct dinosaurs.

Location: Home & Garden Neighborhood
Time: ALL DAY
Cost: Ages 6 and older are $5 per person
Age: ALL AGES

http://lacountyfair.com/

Barnes & Noble Mini Maker Faire & Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 07:35:00 +0000

BARNES & NOBLE
Sponsored Post

We all know Barnes & Noble is a national bookseller, but did you know they’re committed to building all forms of literacy for our children – reading, art and technology? As part of that commitment, they’ve partnered with Make: Magazine to present a Mini Maker Faire at every single Barnes & Noble store across the nation Friday, November 6-8.

Maker Faires are community-based learning events that inspire everyone to become a Maker and connect with people and projects in their local community. Guests ages five and up can experience hands-on learning and making opportunities in creative thinking, art, design, construction, programming, coding, and 3D printing. The Mini Maker Faires will consist of three main areas:

1. The Make Workspace: Attendees will experience the latest technologies in 3D printing, robotics, coding and programming, including: da Vinci Jr. 1.0 3D Printer from XYZprinting, Ozobot, The Slipstream Drone from Protocol, and Meccano Meccanoid from Spin Master.

2. Meet the Makers: Leaders and top brands will discuss the latest trends in designing, building, creating and making.

3. Make & Collaborate: Guests can immerse themselves in the process of ideation, rapid prototyping, circuitry and more. Among the featured products for children are: Electronic Snap Circuits from ELENCO, littleBits, Maker Studio™ from ThinkFun, and LEGO® Bionicle Bricks

Our own local Makersville will be providing fun activities at the Towne Center and Marina Pacifica locations. They will be at the store on Carson St, right off the 605 fwy Friday 3pm+ and on 2nd & PCH Saturday morning.

If you are not in Long Beach, you can contact your local store to find out what special guests are participating during the Mini Maker Faire, or visit www.bn.com/storelocator.

We know its important to keep our children engaged and to expand their minds in new and wonderful ways, and the first-ever Barnes & Noble Mini Maker Faires provide an incredible opportunity for both children and adults to experience creativity and learning in an authentic, hands-on event.

In addition, I have a $50 Barnes & Noble gift certificate for a lucky reader. For a chance to win, send an email to hijola AT yahoo DOT com! A winner will be selected at random at 5pm on Friday, November 6.

Halloween/Day of the Dead events!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 17:01:00 +0000

Boo at the Zoo
Santa Ana Zoo
10/17, 18, 24, 25, 30
A "Merry not Scary" family friendly event where everyone is encouraged to come in costume! One of the safest places for children (ages 2-12) to trick-or-treat for Halloween enjoying goodies from 10 Stations.

Columbia Memorial Space Center
Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24

Spooky Science event is happening next weekend! It's going to be fun, and we're adding a new interactive twist to it this year. You'll have to come down and check it out! We'll also be building a smaller, less scary maze for the young ones.

As always, we'll also have several hands-on activities and cool demonstrations as well. Make sure to come out early for dinner and dessert, as we will have food trucks parked out front.

Event begins at 5:00pm (CMSC members can get in early at 4:00pm!) and ends at 9:00pm.

Lakewood Sheriff Haunted Jail
Friday, October 30
4pm-10pm
Lakewood Sheriff’s station will be transformed into “The Haunted Jail.” The scary jail is built and hosted by station volunteers, Explorer Scouts and Deputies donating their time. Along with a scary jail for visitors 12 and older, there is also a less scary version for younger children.
The event includes public displays from various Sheriff’s Department units. Visitors will be treated to refreshments, treats and glow sticks for sale. All proceeds will benefit the Lakewood Station Fund.
Enter the Haunted Jail on foot through the rear gate of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station (5130 Clark Avenue) from Civic Center Drive. Parking is best on the south end of Civic Center Drive on or near the vacant lot and Angelo M. Iacoboni Library.

Lakewood - various parks
October 31
6pm-8:30pm
Lakewood's traditional Halloween Carnivals are getting set to offer fun and safety for youngsters on October's scariest night. Special carnival activities are scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Biscailuz, Bloomfield, Bolivar, Boyar, Del Valle, Mayfair, Palms and San Martin parks.

Halloween Carnivals feature food and game booths, special contests and prizes for the kids. Use the "Park Finder" at www.lakewoodcity.org/parkfinder to locate which Lakewood neighborhood park is closest to you. "Haunted houses" for little ghosts and goblins to venture inside will be available at Bolivar, Del Valle, Palms and San Martin parks.

Volunteers are needed to run carnival booths and assist with the haunted houses.

Day of the Dead Festival
San Pedro
Sunday, November 1
3pm-9pm

Join us for the 4th Annual San Pedro Dia de Los Muertos Festival in Historic Downtown San Pedro! This event is free to attend. The streets will come alive with art, culture, delicious cuisine & live entertainment. You can enjoy the Sacred Altar Competition & Exhibition, craft vendor booths, a food court, children's stage and play area and main stage entertainment.

California Pizza Kitchen's Next Chapter

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 23:15:00 +0000

New for 2015!

Our family was invited to check out the brand new Next Chapter menu at CPK and were surprised to find the restaurant has been remodeled, as well.

Can you believe I didn't know that the Long Beach Marketplace location has been open for 12 years? Hmmm...that was around the time Rachel was born, so I was a bit busy then. :-)

Of course, I had to start with the Strawberry-Lime Margarita. Very refreshing for the summer, while my sister had the Fresh Strawberry-Mango Cooler. Yum!

The Spinach Artichoke Dip is a staple and doesn't disappoint and then we were ready for our entrees.

I wanted to try the California Fields Salad with fresh watermelon, strawberries, and field greens. Surprisingly not too sweet.

George loved the Maine lobster flatbread.

And finally, we had to try the Butter Cake, not new on their menu, but we asked them to add strawberries. Divine.

George and Rachel had the new S'Mores Pudding, a decadent combination of Belgian chocolate pudding, dark chocolate chunks, double graham cracker and toasted marshmallows. OMG.

The restaurant has been completely remodeled using reclaimed wood and warm colors. CPK is definitely ready for its Next Chapter!

*Disclosure: I was compensated for this post, but the opinions expressed here are my own. -Cindy-

4th of July!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 04:36:00 +0000

Wading Pools/Splash Pads!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 06:26:00 +0000

Lakewood has six parks with wading pools. Good thing LB'ers can join in.
Open 11am-4pm for kids 3-7 years old
Open everyday: Mayfair, Palms
Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Del Valle & San Martin
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, & Sunday: Bloomfield, Boyar
Wednesdays: Boyar, Del Valle, Mayfair, San Martin will be open 5pm-7:30pm

Weekends: all pools open 11am-4pm
http://www.lakewoodcity.org/services/recreation/aquatics.asp

In Cerritos, Liberty Park has a great little splash pad for the toddler set.
You can also cool off at the water play areas at Long Beach Towne Center and the Cerritos Library.

Splash Pad at Sigler Park in Westminster is free and open every day from Noon-5pm starting June 22 to September 7. 7200 Plaza St., Westminister.

And apparently the water was turned back on at Dotson Park in Stanton. Free.
10350 Fern Avenue, Stanton

Atlantis Park in Garden Grove. $2 admission. 13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove, CA 92844

A little bit further is the Lemon Park Spray Pool. 701 S. Lemon, Fullerton

For the older kids, CSULB has open swim hours during the summer: 11am-6pm; $2/person

Buccaneer Bay in La Mirada opens June 21. The family-fun “Buccaneer Bay” combines the excitement of a water park with pirate themed features throughout. Buccaneer Bay features a flowing river channel, three water slides, a children’s interactive play structure, zero-depth beach entry and two spray pad areas. Pirate themed elements include: a marooned ship, a dramatic skull rock, shade canopies that resemble sails, cannon walls, wharf plank benches, and crow’s nests. Open daily in summer 10:30am-5:30pm. $17.95/person, under 48" $12.95. Family Friday Nights 4pm-8pm. $14.95/person, under 48" $10.95.
13806 La Mirada Blvd.
La Mirada, CA 90638
Phone: (562) 902-3191

Spring/Easter Events!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 09:37:00 +0000

Spring Festival - LB

Saturday, April 4

10am-4pm

Mom's Beach House

5839 E. Appian Way, Long Beach

Free admission - activity passes for sale

Giant egg hunt, appearance by the Easter bunny, face painting, bounce houses, and more!

Spring Carnival - Los Al

Egg hunts begin 9:30am

Free!

Saturday, April 4

9am-11am

Little Cottonwood Park

4000 Farquhar Ave., Los Alamitos

Education Celebration!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 19:39:00 +0000

Saturday, 24 January 2015

Where

McBride School 7025 E Parkcrest Street near Los Coyotes Diag Carson St in LB

Education Celebration is the once a year event where you can view all the schools in Long Beach to make your School Of Choice decision. Sometimes people decide to live in a different neighborhood just to be in a school that better fits your child's needs. Each school has a booth where you can talk to people who already attend or teach at that school. 9:00 am to noon Saturday Jan 24 You should find out about the schools around you when your child is 3 years old so you can make decisions. And it's good to see what is available in Long Beach even if your child is much older. 562-997-8307 Please call with any questions.

And if you've ever wondered about homeschooling, contact Cindy Castro at hijola AT yahoo DOT com or go to http://www.lbhomeschooling.com

Free snowboard/ski season pass for ages 9-11 years!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 02:45:00 +0000

Regional 5th Graders Receive a FREE 2014/15 Season Pass

The beauty of the winter mountains is something to be experienced by everyone and that’s why Mountain High and Toyota have teamed up to offer FREE season passes to regional 5^th Graders in the 5^th Grade Pass Program. Any 5^th Grader from San Diego to Santa Barbara and as far East as Las Vegas is eligible for a FREE season pass valued at $279 anytime he or she visits Mountain High during the 2014/15 season.
The 5th Grade Pass Program encourages kids to stay active in winter. It teaches them new skills, builds overall confidence, and brings families together in an active environment. Each year the 5^th Grade Pass Program introduces thousands of local students and their parents to skiing and snowboarding and provides them with lifelong snow sports skills.

Free 2014/15 Anytime Season Pass

Any Southern California 5^th Grader from San Diego to Santa Barbara is eligible for a FREE season pass for the 2014/15 season. Please note there is a $10 processing fee per pass. No refunds for existing passes or ticket products.

Proof Of Eligibility

Must bring proof of child's 5th Grade enrollment (report card, school ID, or certified letter of intent) to season pass office at time of redemption. Participants must be between the ages of 9 and 11 as of December 31, 2014, to qualify for the 2014/15 5th Grade Pass Program.

Qustions About The 5th Grade Season Pass

Email us or call toll free (888) 754-7878, Ext 2. Office hours are 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. M-F

Sign up at
http://www.mthigh.com/deal/5th-graders-ski-and-snowboard-free

A Long Beach Holiday 2014!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 22:28:00 +0000

Time to plan your holiday calendar!

Until December 23: Marionette show - free - 7pm - 3314 Country Club Drive, Lakewood

December 4: Artist in Residence - Stefan Meyer 11am-8pm - Free

Experience Stefan Meyer's fully immersive room size installation that explores the natural world in a whole new light. Come learn about the possibilities of digital fabrication in the Ralston Family Learning Center, LB Museum of Art

December 6: Winter Wonderland - Snow play! - Los Alamitos - Free

This winter season the Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department and the Los Alamitos Area Chamber of Commerce invite you to attend Winter Wonderland at the Plaza. Held on Saturday, December 6th from 4:00 to 7:30pm at St. Isidore Historical Plaza, Winter Wonderland at the Plaza will feature an area to play in the snow, activities, Santa’s Village, a tree lighting ceremony, refreshments, and entertainment. The event is FREE, so be sure to bundle up and bring your family and friends along to join in the fun!

December 6-7: Victorian Christmas at the Banning Museum - Wilmington - Free

Join us on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as we kick off the holiday season in grand style at the Banning Museum’s Annual Victorian Christmas Celebration and Open House! Due to the generosity of our sponsors, event admission is FREE! Visitors will enjoy period entertainment, tours of the Museum decorated in holiday splendor, refreshments, a children’s craft, a horse-drawn trolley ride between The Banning Museum and Drum Barracks Civil War Museum as well as local food and craft vendors. As a special treat, a Queen Victoria re-enactor will receive guests for the two days and Jolly St. Nick himself will pose for photos with the kids. This year’s event is even more special as we will unveil for the first time a full-size replica of the first Stagecoach Phineas Banning ever built. Imagine posing in front of an actual Banning Coach for your holiday greeting cards! Don’t miss out on the event of the season. No reservations needed.

December 11: Artist in Residence - Stefan Meyer 11am-8pm - Free - LBMA

December 11: Holiday Sing - Cypress - 6pm - Civic Center - Free

Festival style seating, blankets and lawn chairs encouraged. $3 meal provided by YAC (cash only). Visits with Santa, Cookie decorating, Train rides. In case of rain, event will be held at Cypress Community Center.

December 12-14: Prince of Peace Pageant - Wardlow Blvd between Bellflower & Spring - Free - 7:30pm

Enjoy the true story of Christmas with a candlelit outdoor walk. Come follow the path through many scenes, complete with actors and animals. Enjoy the choirs, musical groups, and refreshments provided by the churches. This 5-church pageant route begins at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, continues to the Neighborhood church, back along Wardlow and St. Luke's and our church, and ends at University Baptist. Each church has additional music performances in their sanctuary.

December 13: Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade 6pm

There will be three "groups of carolers" walking around the Island and singing holiday songs by the bridges. Most of the homes in Naples have been decorated for the holidays in accompaniment of the Boat Parade theme. (we have a local competition for best decorated house). Alamitos Bay Marina off 2 Street and Marina Drive offers substantial free parking just over the Davies Bridge from Naples. Mothers Beach off Revenna and Appian Way has some metered parking as well as Beach parking at Bayshore and Ocean Boulevard.

December 13: Holiday Living History - Dominguez Adobe - Carson - 3pm - Suggested donation $4/person

This holiday season the Adobe is adorned with lights and holiday decorations. This beautiful event offers fun holiday activities. The event includes tours led by the Dominguez sisters and their friends (no better way to spend the day than learning about the rich history of the area), holiday craft making (perfect gifts to give to loved ones), and music and dancing! Treat yourself to the appetizers and desserts from Mexico and Spain then of course, visit SANTA! Ask him for whatever your heart desires! But don’t forget the holidays are the perfect opportunity to give to those less fortunate, that’s why there will be a toy drive to help our local community. We hope to see everyone there to celebrate this wonderful time of year!

December 16: Free day at South Coast Botanical Garden - Rancho Palos Verdes

The South Coast Botanic Garden, "The Jewel of the Peninsula", is located on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula, located 10 miles south of the Los Angeles Airport in California. Conveniently located to many South Bay communities, this 87-acre Botanic Garden has more than 2,500 different species of plants from as far away as Australia, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa. Popular features include a small lake, Mediterranean Garden, AARS Rose Garden, Water-Wise Garden, Garden for the Senses, Cactus Garden, Children's Garden, Fuchsia Garden, Dahlia Garden, Herb Garden, and Japanese Garden. There is a picnic area located outside of the Garden gates. Free abundant parking available.

December 18-19: Holiday Open House at Rancho Los Alamitos - Free 4-7pm

Enjoy the Yuletide sparkle of the ranch house, the magnificently trimmed tree, mantles and hearths festooned with greens, holiday treats and strolling carolers.
The Ranch house will be decorated and ready for regular tours by Saturday, November 29 and decorations will remain up through Sunday, December 21.

December 21: Family Artmaking Workshop - LB Museum of Art - Free 11am-3pm

Artist in Residence Stefan Meyer will lead this many faceted workshop. Participants will be able to create their own rings using the 3D printer. There will be demonstrations on how to use a 3D scanner, and a table of materials you can use to create your own jewelry from found objects.

Ticket Giveaway for LA Opera's Family Program!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 09:51:00 +0000

Domingo Family Program welcomes all ages to an exotic adventure with "Florencia en el Amazonas"

All aboard for an operatic adventure, as LA Opera's Domingo Family Program welcomes families to explore an exciting river journey along the Amazon River!

On Sunday, November 30, the matinee performance of Daniel Catán's Florencia en el Amazonas will feature themed activities for the whole family to enjoy while learning more about the opera and its fascinating Amazonian setting. The dynamic staging of the opera features a flying river spirit, intoxicating choreography, colorful projected animation and a 42-foot long steamship that rotates on the stage. Domingo Family Program activities are free with ticket purchases, with half-price tickets available for children from 9 to 17 when purchased with an adult ticket.

"I love to see parents and grandparents with their children at the opera," said Plácido Domingo, the General Director of LA Opera. "It’s so important to introduce them early to the joy of the classical arts. From my own experience, I know that when families come to the opera together, it creates a special bond, with beautiful memories that last a lifetime."

Scenes from Florencia en el Amazonas

Pre-show activities begin at 12:30pm in the Fifth Floor Salons of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (located at 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012). Teaching artist Peter Kors will lead enjoyable and inspiring acting workshops that explore themes from the opera and help youngsters understand the elements of theater. Exhibit interpreters from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles will showcase specimens of flora and fauna relating to the opera's setting on the Amazon River. The performance itself will begin at 2pm and will last until approximately 4:10pm.

After the performance, participants will have the opportunity to meet the cast at a special Domingo Family Program reception in the Fifth Floor Salons.

Booster seats are available to help small children get a better view of the performance. Booster seats can be picked up from the coat check stand located on the Grand Avenue side of the main lobby. You can also reserve booster seats in advance to have them waiting in your seating locations when you arrive. To reserve booster seats, simply email Garrett Collins with your seating location at GCollins@LAOpera.org.

Tickets for the November 30 Domingo Family Program performance of Florencia en el Amazonas start at $17 for adults, and are now available for sale in person at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion box office or by phone at 213.972.8001. (No online orders.) Tickets can also be purchased for LA Opera's next Domingo Family Program performance: Rossini's rollicking comedy The Barber of Seville on March 8, 2015.

To enter the giveaway for 2 adult tickets and two child tickets for the November 30th show, please send an email to hijola AT yahoo DOT com with your name & cell phone. Winner will be chosen Tuesday, November 25 at midnight. Good luck!

Logan's Candies - Ontario

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:05:00 +0000

I have heard folks raving about this candy cane making demo for ages, so I was determined to go this year. We went with a homeschool field trip, but families can join a demo in November & December. The calendar is at http://www.loganscandies.com/candydemos.php .

If you want to make an evening of it (and try to avoid the traffic) consider going to Vince's Spaghetti for dinner. It is reasonably priced and can seat large parties with no problem. (Photo by Kohl Tabori)

The demo begins outside the store with the candy maker pouring the hot liquid candy onto marble.

Both colors of the candy cane start out the same, then color is added to the red part.

To make the white part, the candy is pulled over and over again. It's amazing how it turns white when air is mixed in. (Photo by Kohl Tabori)

After the colors are arranged on the candy, the puller cuts off a small length to be bent into shape.

Freshly made candy canes!

Holiday Events 2013!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 17:36:00 +0000

Local holiday events that you don't want to miss!
Cut a virtual snowflake!

Until December 6: Holiday Mail for Heroes - send a card to a soldier
Until December 23: Marionette show - free - 7pm - 3314 Country Club Drive, Lakewood
Until December 24: Have Santa send a personal greeting to your child! - free
Until December 24: Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish for every stamped letter to Santa that is dropped off at special letterboxes in their stores
Until December 25: ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas movies
Until January 4: Festival of Lights, Mission Inn, Riverside - ice skating
Until January 5: CHILL at the Queen Mary - $40/adults, $20/kids
Until February 15: Monarch butterflies in Goleta, CA

December 5: Sound of Music Live - NBC
December 6: Tree Lighting at Nino's - First Fridays Bixby Knolls - 6pm
December 6: Shark Lagoon Nights - Aquarium of the Pacific - free
December 6: Free admission to the Grammy Museum
December 7: Winter Wonderland - St. Isadore, Los Alamitos - free - 4pm to 8pm
December 7: Belmont Shore Christmas Parade - Long Beach
December 7: Snow Day at Drake Park - please donate a canned food to Food Finders - 1pm-5pm
December 7: Yule Ball & Toy Drive - St. Luke's, LB - admission $10 toy/family
December 7: Rancho Los Cerritos - Creation Station: Christmas crafts 1pm-4pm - free
December 7-8: Victorian Christmas - Banning Museum - Wilmington - free
December 8: Winterfest & Christmas Musicals - First Baptist Church, 5336 E. Arbor, LB - free
December 12: Family Art Workshops - LB Museum of Art - free
December 12: Holiday Sing - Cypress - 6pm - free, $3 dinner
December 13: Snow Night! Good Neighbor Park, 2800 Studebaker, LB 5pm-9pm - free
December 13: Shark Lagoon Nights - Aquarium of the Pacific - free
December 13-15: Prince of Peace Christmas pagaent - Long Beach - 7:30pm-9pm free
December 14: Snow Day! Good Neighbor Park, 2800 Studebaker, LB 10am-8pm - free
December 14: Daisy Lane Holiday Parade - 5pm - free
December 14-15: Goodyear Blimp Open House - Carson - suggested donation: toy for Toys For Tots
December 14-15: Dickens Holiday Celebration - Int'l Printing Museum, Carson $18/person, includes lunch
December 14: Free picture with Santa - Shops at Rossmoor, Seal Beach - 2pm to 4pm
December 14: Snow Day! (weather permitting) Balearic Community Center- 1975 Balearic Drive, Costa Mesa 9am-12p – FREE for all!
December 17: Free day at South Coast Botanical Garden, RPV
December 18: Mary Poppins - ABC Family channel 8pm
December 18: Free Shipping Day
December 21: Naples Boat Parade & Caroling - 6pm - free
December 21: Astronomer's Club - Columbia Space Center, Downey - $2, free for members
December 24: LA County Holiday Celebration - downtown LA - free
December 24: Track Santa - NORAD
December 27: Shark Lagoon Nights - Aquarium of the Pacific - free

Where to see lights/decorations:

Naples
Sleepy Hollow, Torrance
Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga

Exploring Your Universe - UCLA

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 00:34:00 +0000

Sunday, November 17, Noon-5pm
Rain or Shine! (In case of rain, all outdoor activities will be moved indoors)
Free & Family Friendly!

http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~outreach/eyu2013.html

This is the most exciting day of science all year in Southern California. They have many activities and demonstrations open to the general public, including outside groups like STAR Eco Station. Activities for all ages include workshops, faculty and graduate student talks, planetarium shows, solar telescope viewing, comet making, weather tours, dinosaur fossils, physics demos, and more!

This event includes participation from Astronomy Live!, the Departments of Physics and Astronomy, Earth and Space Sciences, and Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, the Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, and IEEE. The program was developed by graduate students, faculty, and staff in each of these departments.

DAYTIME ACTIVITIES

Astronomy (12:00 - 5:00 pm) (Court of Sciences unless otherwise noted):
- How the Sun works and solar telescope viewing
- Stellar Evolution
- Bottle Rockets
- Comet Making Demo
- Pocket Solar System and Asteroids
- Constellation Detectives
- Discovery methods for finding new worlds beyond our solar system
- Planetarium Shows (Mathematical Sciences 8th floor): Every half hour starting 12:30 pm! Pick up tickets to planetarium at the Information Booth.

Physics (12:00 - 5:00 pm) (Physics and Astronomy Building - PAB):
- Physics Demonstrations
- Lasers and Optics
- Waves and Vibrations
- Rotational Motion
- Electricity and Magnetism

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (12:00-5:00) (Court of Sciences):
- Exploding Marshmallows--Expand marshmallows using a vacuum pump!
- Can Crushing--See how pressure can crush soda cans!
- Tornado-in-a-bottle--See and create your own vortexes!
- Cloud-in-a-bottle--See clouds being made right before your eyes!
- Portable Weather Station--Talk with experts about conditions and get an updated forecast for the day!

Chemistry (12:00-5:00 pm) (Court of Sciences):
- Find out how to make a bubble bomb for baths
- Find out what floats on top of what... and what floats on top of that!
- Watch food get frozen with liquid nitrogen
- Eat liquid nitrogen ice cream

Summer 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:07:00 +0000

Most of this info is from last year, but I just found out about open swim time at CSULB (thanks RMT!).

Lakewood residents are so lucky. They have six parks with wading pools. Good thing LB'ers can join in.
Open 11am-4pm for kids 3-7 years old
Open everyday: Mayfair, Palms
Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Del Valle & San Martin
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, & Sunday: Bloomfield, Boyar
Wednesdays: Boyar, Del Valle, Mayfair, San Martin will be open 5pm-7:30pm

Weekends: all pools open 11am-4pm
http://www.lakewoodcity.org/services/recreation/aquatics/default.asp

In Cerritos, Liberty Park has a great little splash pad for the toddler set.
You can also cool off at the water play areas at Long Beach Towne Center and the Cerritos Library.

Splash Pad at Sigler Park in Westminster is free and open every day from Noon-5pm starting June 18 to September 3. 7200 Plaza St., Westminister.

And apparently the water was turned back on at Dotson Park in Stanton. Free.
10350 Fern Avenue, Stanton

Atlantis Park in Garden Grove. $2 admission. 13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove, CA 92844

A little bit further is the Lemon Park Spray Pool. 701 S. Lemon, Fullerton

For the older kids, CSULB has open swim hours during the summer: 11am-6pm; $2/person

Buccaneer Bay in La Mirada. The family-fun “Buccaneer Bay” combines the excitement of a water park with pirate themed features throughout. Buccaneer Bay features a flowing river channel, three water slides, a children’s interactive play structure, zero-depth beach entry and two spray pad areas. Pirate themed elements include: a marooned ship, a dramatic skull rock, shade canopies that resemble sails, cannon walls, wharf plank benches, and crow’s nests. Open daily in summer 10:30am-5:30pm. $17.95/person, under 48" $12.95. Family Friday Nights 4pm-8pm. $14.95/person, under 48" $10.95. Parents do not need to pay if not going in the water.
13806 La Mirada Blvd.
La Mirada, CA 90638
Phone: (562) 902-3191

Art of the Brick - Glendale

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 17:51:00 +0000

We checked out the new LEGO exhibit at Forest Lawn Glendale. It might seem like a strange place to have an art exhibit, but Forest Lawn has a long tradition of offering educational programs. FL-Glendale also has an art museum where the LEGO exhibit is housed.

Art of the Brick by Nathan Sawaya
http://brickartist.com/
May 21, 2013-July 21, 2013
Forest Lawn Glendale
1712 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA
http://www.forestlawn.com/EventDetails.aspx?ID=245&Park_id=3
Free admission and free parking
Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm

Nathan Sawaya has specialized in creating sculptures out of LEGO bricks. Sawaya’s ability to transform this common toy into something meaningful, his devotion to spatial perfection and the way he conceptualizes action, enables him to elevate what almost every child has played with into the status of contemporary art.

There are about 25 sculptures in this exhibit, ranging from a multicolor peace sign to large crayons with the paper coming off of one. Most of the sculptures are of the human form. A bust removing his face from his head, a boy looking at his reflection in water, a figure in despair.

This is a small exhibit, so don't drive an hour to just see this program. Like I said this location also has an art gallery and the current display "Light and Color" is a collection of remarkable stained glass. There is also an impressive display of bronze statues. And in the Hall of The Crucifixion-Resurrection next door are hourly showings of The Crucifixion and The Resurrection paintings. Walk out the back of the museum for restrooms and an amazing view of Glendale.

But don't stop there. Forest Lawn Glendale is 300 acres and has its own sights. Check out the mosaic of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 13ft tall statue of George Washington. There are, also, white swans on the lake. Of course, many famous people are interned at Forest Lawn. The mega famous like Michael Jackson are behind locked gates, but you can see the final resting places of such stars as Jimmy Stewart and Elizabeth Taylor.

And since you're already in Glendale, perhaps get a bite to eat at Americana at Brand. This is a mall designed by the same firm as the Grove in LA. I recommend the Granville Cafe on Brand Blvd outside of the mall proper.

Is someone in your family a science fiction fan or loves old bookstores? Remember those old bookstores that used to be in every city? Well, there's still one left in Glendale. Mystery & Imagination is at 238 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203. http://www.yelp.com/biz/bookfellows-mystery-and-imagination-glendale

If you're not tired, yet, you can end the day at the Griffith Observatory which is about 10 minutes away.

May Events

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:39:00 +0000

Until May 19: Renaissance Pleasure Faire - Irwindale - weekends only - adults $17.50

April 27, 28, & May 5: Ramona Pagaent - Hemet
April 27: Children's Day - El Dorado Park - free
April 28: National College Fair - Anaheim
May 4: Free Comic Book Day - participating comic shops
May 4: Turtle & Tortoise Show at El Dorado Nature Center - $7/car
May 5: Rossmoor Community Festival - Rush Park
May 11: National Train Day - Union Station Downtown LA
May 16-17: Anatolian Festival - Costa Mesa
May 17-19: LeaLA (ReadLA) - Spanish book festival - LA Convention Center- free
May 18: Armed Forces Day parade - Torrance
May 21: Free day at South Coast Botanical Garden, PVP
May 21-July 21: Art of the Brick - Forest Lawn, Glendale

March Events

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:57:00 +0000

March 19: Free day at South Coast Botanical Garden,PVP
March 19: Return of the Swallows - Mission San Juan Capistrano - $10/adults
March 21-23: FIRST Robotics Competition - Long Beach Convention Center - free to the public
March 23: Penelope Lane Boutique - Seal Beach - $1
March 27-30: LBCC Plant Sale - PCH campus
March 30: Spring Carnival & Egg Hunts - Little Cottonwood Park - Los Al

December highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 22:15:00 +0000

Once Halloween is over, we start thinking about the holidays. Here are some wonderful local events that you don't want to miss!

December 1: Belmont Shore Christmas Parade - Long Beach
December 1: Penelope Lane Boutique - Old Ranch Country Club - Seal Beach - $1 admission (kids free)
December 1-2: Victorian Christmas - Banning Museum - Wilmington - free
December 1-25: ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas movies
December 2: CHN Holiday Bazaar - Anaheim Community Center - 250 E. Center St. - 2pm-6pm
December 5-9: Journey to Bethlehem - Manhattan Beach - free
December 7: First Fridays - Bixby Knolls
December 7-9: Portaits of Peace outdoor Christmas pagaent - Long Beach - free
December 15: Family Art Workshops - LB Museum of Art - free
December 18: Free day at South Coast Botanical Garden, RPV

October events!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 16:26:00 +0000

October 1-31: Kids free at San Diego Zoo, Safari Park & SeaWorld (ages 3-11)

October 5: First Fridays - Bixby Knolls
October 12: Indiana Jones exhibit opens at the Discovery Science Center
October 13: Los Angeles Latino Book & Family Festival - CSU Dominguez Hills
October 13-14: Battle of the Old Woman's Gun reenactment - Dominguez Adobe - Carson - free
October 14: Japan America Kite Festival - Seal Beach - free
October 14: Readers Festival & Middle Ages - Mission Viejo - free
October 16: Free day at South Coast Botanical Garden, RPV
October 21: Family Art Workshops: 3D Postcards - LB Museum of Art - free
October 21: Autumn Sea Fair - Cabrillo Aquarium - San Pedro - free
October 24-31: Pirate Ship in Seal Beach - corner of Heather & Fir - free
October 27: Zombie Walk - Marina Green - Long Beach
October 28: Haute Dog Howl'oween Parade - Belmont Shore
October 28: Children's Harvest Festival - Rancho Los Alamitos - free
October 28: Wings, Wheels, & Rotors - Los Alamitos - free admission
October 30: Space shuttle Endeavor exhibit opens - California Science Center

Dinosaur Train at the Natural History Museum!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 16:40:00 +0000

http://www.nhm.org/site/activities-programs/dino-train

Saturday, August 11

All aboard! We’re celebrating Dinosaur Train’s BIG BIG Dinosaurs Week airing on PBS SoCal with a special premiere of a BIG BIG Dinosaurs episode. Come and join Buddy for an amazing NHM adventure!

Hours

Members only
7:30 am - 9:30 am
The NHM Grill will be open early for breakfast.
General admission
9:30 am – 3 pm (Museum is open until 5 pm)

Activities and Schedule

Free with Admission

7:30 am – 3 pm (Members only from 7:30 - 9:30 am)

Catch the premiere of a BIG BIG Dinosaurs episode.
Take your photo with stand-up figures of Buddy and the train.
Watch an NHM Dinosaur Encounters performance (first-come, first-served seating).
Explore the new Dinosaur Hall and the rest of the Museum.
Join PBS SoCal’s Nature Trackers Club.

Limited Capacity; First Come, First Serve

Meet and greet with Buddy
7:30 am – 2:30 pm (Members only from 7:30 - 9:30 am)

Meet Buddy and pose for a photo or just give him a big hug!
Due to Buddy's popularity and limited capacity, we anticipate long wait times.
Because of high demand, limited quantities of Raptor Passes are available for members at the Patron Family level and higher.

Live Performances of Dinosaur Train’s Craig Bartlett and His Band at: 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, and 12 pm (Members only at 8am and 9am)

Watch Craig Bartlett and his band perform the show's music live!
Limited quantity of timed-tickets available at the door for 10 am, 11 am, and 12 pm shows.
NHM members, reserve your timed-ticket now!

Local camping!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 17:13:00 +0000

Maybe this is your little ones' first camping trip, maybe you're not a seasoned camper. Don't worry, there are local camping spots that make the trip a bit easier.

One place is Rancho Jurupa Park in Riverside. This is easy camping for those that want the experience, but not into roughing it. Rancho Jurupa has a nicely maintained campground with many amenities and close to town. And since it's only 50 miles away, you can pack up in the morning and make the 2pm check in.

Rancho Jurupa allows tent camping, trailers, and RVs. There is electricity and water located at each site. Be sure to get a spot with a tree. The online reservation system has photos for each site to make it easy. BTW, we like site 40.

The campground has a water play area for the kids and a fishing lake. The small store is open at 7am if you want to take an early morning walk for a cup of coffee. The bathrooms and showers are clean and not very busy since half the campers have RVs.

And when you're ready to come home, it's only an hour to your doorstep and you have plenty of daylight to unpack.

Rancho Jurupa Park is located one mile west of downtown Riverside, near the junction of the 60 & 91 fwys.

For more information, go to Rancho Jurupa Park.

Fireworks!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 07:13:00 +0000

On the morning of the 4th, join Justin Rudd and his Great American Kids' Bike Parade
10am, registration opens at 9:15am
Enter the beachfront parking lot at the end of Granada Ave.
Free to enter. 2012 is the 9th year for this event.
The out-and-back, two-mile parade route travels east along the bike path and continues down Bay Shore Avenue to Second Street. Bring a chair and a cheering section for these youngsters.

Local firework displays begin at 9pm.

Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy.
562-435-3511
view from any shoreline in Long Beach or San Pedro

Joint Forces Training Base
11200 Lexington Dr.
Los Alamitos
714-229-6700
Gates open at 4pm
Free admission, parking $5
Everyone over 16 years old must bring ID
Arrive by 7:30pm to gain entry
Two entrances: Lexington Dr. & Orangewood Ave.
Food court, vendor fair, kids fun zone (additional fee), military displays, WW II re-enactment
Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged
No alcohol, dogs, fireworks, or motor homes

Lakewood Block Party happens on the Saturday before July 4th
Parking lot south of the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library.
4pm-9pm, some activities require tickets
Family fun, a rockin' good time and a professional fireworks show return to Clark Avenue and the Lakewood Civic Center on Saturday, June 30th. The block party includes fun for kids and families. The family fun zone features a giant slide, obstacle course, bouncers, rock climbing wall, and pirate ship.

Party on the Pier
Belmont Pier
562-434-1542
Enjoy live music, a fish fry and BBQ, beer and wine gardens, boat rides on the shoreline.
Reserve seating for fireworks in advance.
$20/adults; $10/kids

Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
562-590-3100
Enjoy the aquarium at night and get a fish-eye view of the Queen Mary fireworks.
Guests can choose special combo tickets to enjoy admission to the aquarium plus
an Independence Day BBQ buffet.
Special discounted hours only 5pm-10pm: $14.95/person
4th of July BBQ: Enjoy the aquarium from 9am-10pm
Dinner 6-8pm $37/adult
Advance reservations required for dinner
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org

Harbor Breeze Cruise
This year Harbor Breeze Cruises will be hosting two fireworks events.
July 3rd features fireworks from the LB Firefighters Memorial Assoc. and July 4th will feature fireworks from the Queen Mary, as well as other local shows.
100 Aquarium Way Dock #2
Join Harbor Breeze Cruises for a spectacular fireworks display from the water
in beautiful Rainbow Harbor
7:30pm-10pm
$30
http://www.2seewhales.com

AND there will be fireworks on Tuesday, July 3rd:

Long Beach Firefighters Memorial Association
The Alamitos Bay Yacht Club
7201 East Ocean Blvd
$25/adults (dinner included)
Kids 10 years old and younger are free
Menu: Tri-tip, chicken, drinks are extra
Live entertainment

Time to Cool Off!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 04:02:00 +0000

Lakewood residents are so lucky. They have six parks with wading pools. Good thing LB'ers can join in.
Open 11am-4pm for kids 3-7 years old from June 16 to September 3.
Open everyday: Mayfair, Palms
Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Del Valle & San Martin
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, & Sunday: Bloomfield, Boyar
Wednesdays: Boyar, Del Valle, Mayfair, San Martin will be open 5pm-7:30pm on Wednesdays
(June 29-August 29).
Weekends: all pools open 11am-4pm May 26-September 30

In Cerritos, Liberty Park has a great little splash pad for the toddler set.
You can also cool off at the water play areas at Long Beach Towne Center and the Cerritos Library.

Splash Pad at Sigler Park in Westminster is free and open every day from Noon-5pm starting June 18 to September 3. 7200 Plaza St., Westminister.

Atlantis Park in Garden Grove. $1 admission. 13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove, CA 92844

A little bit further is the Lemon Park Spray Pool. 701 S. Lemon, Fullerton

Buccaneer Bay in La Mirada. The family-fun “Buccaneer Bay” combines the excitement of a water park with pirate themed features throughout. Buccaneer Bay features a flowing river channel, three water slides, a children’s interactive play structure, zero-depth beach entry and two spray pad areas. Pirate themed elements include: a marooned ship, a dramatic skull rock, shade canopies that resemble sails, cannon walls, wharf plank benches, and crow’s nests. Open daily till September 3rd. 10:30am-5:30pm. $17.95/person, under 48" $12.95. Family Friday Nights June 29-August 17 4pm-8pm. $14.95/person, under 48" $10.95.
13806 La Mirada Blvd.
La Mirada, CA 90638
Phone: (562) 902-3191

Summer Fun!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 00:51:00 +0000

I just updated the calendar above. See? ^

Lots of fun in the LBC this summer: movies in the park, movies on the beach (Jaws, anyone?), $1 movies at the Towne Center. Besides movies, the South Coast Botanical Garden is free every third Tuesday of the month. Okay, you're asking, 'What's in our neck of the woods?' The Pirate Invasion hits Belmont Shore June 30-July 1. There is free Shakespeare By the Sea in Long Beach, Lakewood, and Rossmoor. The Origami Festival is at the Japanese Gardens at CSULB on July 15. And the first ever OC Mini-Maker Fair is July 14! And lots more, so get out your planners/iPhones. :-D