Long Beach Family

Holiday fun!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:48:00 +0000

Living Nativity
Friday - Sunday, December 9-11, 7:30pm-9pm
Come follow the path through many scenes, complete with actors and animals. Enjoy the choirs, musical groups, and refreshments provided by the churches. This 7 church pagaent begins at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, continues to the Neighborhood church, back along Wardlow and St. Lukes, and ends at University Baptist. Each church has additional performances in their sanctuary. 3330 Bellflower Blvd., LB http://www.lbcrc.org/ministry65.cfm

Messiah Sing-Along Concert
First time in Long Beach!
Sunday, December 11, 3:30pm-5:30pm
Belmont Heights United Methodist Church
317 Termino Ave., Long Beach
Child care available, reception following, donations accepted
http://www.belmontheightsumc.org/Ministries/Music/default.aspx

Belmont Shore Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 3, 6pm
The 29^th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade will have over 100 entries including local marching bands,local non-profit groups, floats representing Long Beach and surrounding areas,dignitaries and local personalities. Floats are encouraged to decorate aroundthis year's theme: It's a Green Christmas, Recycle, Reuse andRenew!
Second Street, Long Beach
http://www.belmontshore.org/events.php

Daisy Avenue Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 10, 2011 - 5:00 PM

Come home for the holidays! Bring your blankets, chairs and don’t forget to bundle up. You won’t want to miss one second of the magic! This year’s parade is the largest in many years, with even more entries than last year’s parade which drew 17,000 people. This year features several marching bands and other musical groups amongst some great floats and other entries. We’ll see you on the lane. Be sure to stop by the new Community Tent for hot chocolate and coffee to keep you warm and meet with your neighbors.

The parade runs along Daisy Avenue between Burnett Street and Pacific Coast Highway.

2200 Daisy Ave., Long Beach

http://www.longbeach.gov/district7/daisyparade.asp

Naples Holiday Boat Parade
Saturday, December 17, 6pm
View the parade from the bridges and along the canals around Naples Island. From the 2nd Street Bridge, Appian Way Bridge and along Alamitos Bay Marina you can also see the larger vessels that don't fit in the canals. Alamitos Bay Marina off 2nd Street and Marina Drive offers substantial free parking just over the Davies Bridge from Naples. Mothers Beach off Ravenna and Appian Way has some metered parking as well as Beach parking at Bayshore and Ocean Boulevard. Streets close at 5pm.
5656 2nd St., Long Beach
http://www.naplesca.com/

Uptown Village Market - A Handmade Marketplace
The Uptown Village Market is THE newest place for artists and creators of well-crafted goods to show and sell their work. 60 vendors. In conjunction with Bixby Knolls First Friday.
Friday, December 2, 5pm-10pm
Saturday, December 3, 10am-4pm
Expo Arts Center, 4321 Atlantic Ave., LB

http://www.uptownvillagemarket.com/

Old Time Christmas Festival at Rancho Los Cerritos
Sunday, December 4, 1pm-4pm
Explore our decorated 167-year-old adobe house, while discovering Mexican and American holiday traditions from the California frontier. Join us for a festive afternoon of old-fashioned holiday crafts, storytelling, joyful music, light refreshments and more. Even Santa is scheduled to appear! A family-themed event including a handbell choir along with a piñata. A $3donation is suggested.
4600 Virginia Rd., Long Beach
http://www.rancholoscerritos.org/2011%20COH%20V2%20Revised%5B1%5D.pdf

Holiday Boutique at Our Lady of Refuge Church
Saturday, December 3, 9am-5:30pm
Sunday, December 4, 8:30am-2:30pm
5195 Stearns St., Long Beach
http://events.presstelegram.com/long-beach-ca/events/show/224416924-holiday-boutique

Picture with Santa
Children can drop off their letters to Santa and have theirpictures taken with St. Nick from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec.10, at the Marketplace Long Beach, located at Second Street andPCH. Shoppers can also enjoy holiday caroling from local choirs and performers.
http://www.marketplacelongbeach.com/archives/4451

Tree Lighting at Good Neighbor Park
Sunday, December 4, 6 p.m.
Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske invites you to a Tree Lighting Ceremony and “Th e Smurfs” movie Featuring a special visit from Santa. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy or piece of sports equipment in support of the Long Beach Fire ghter’s “Spark of Love” toy drive. For more information, call (562) 570-6932.
2800 Studebaker Rd., Long Beach
http://www.longbeach.gov/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=32787

Rancho Los Alamitos Holiday Open House Tours
Thursday & Friday, December 15 & 16, 1pm-7pm
Strolling carolers 5pm-7pm each eventing
Free admission, reservations required 562-431-3541
Come enjoy the beautifully decorated ranch house and complimentary holiday treats.
http://www.rancholosalamitos.com/events.html

Daisy Avenue Snow Day

Monday, December 26, 2011 - 11:30 AM - 4 PM

Veterans Park - 101 E. 28th Street

The snow is returning to Wrigley, more than twelve tons of it! Join us for a day in the snow, fun games and activities. http://www.longbeach.gov/district7/daisyparade.asp

Holiday Bone-anza at Good Neighbor Park

Saturday, December 3, 9am-2pm

Dozens of vendors, training demonstrations, prize drawings, live music, and gourmet food trucks. This Holiday Bone-Anza festival is to raise funds for a much needed dog park in East Long Beach and to foster the community support necessary to turn this dream into a reality. El Dorado Dog Park will not only provide off-leash playtime for dogs and their owners, but will also be a place to encourage responsible pet ownership and to build community awareness of animal welfare issues through classes and special events.

2800 Studebaker Rd., Long Beach http://www.eldoradodogparkfriends.org/events/

The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 17th at 2:00 & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 18th at Noon and 4:00 p.m.
A cast of more than 200will be accompanied by a full symphony orchestra, children's choir, a live horse, aflying sleigh and on-stage pyrotechnics. $24-$48 Long Beach Terrace Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
http://longbeachnutcracker.com/

A Christmas Carol
Preview tickets $5!
In celebration of the Charles Dickens Bicentennial, LBSC presents a new,original stage adaptation ... featuring scenes rarely--if ever--included onstage or screen. Taken straight from the novel!
Goad Theater, 4250 Atlantic, Long Beach, CA 90807
November 30-December 18, Regular price $10-$20
http://www.lbshakespeare.org/

Knotts Merry Farm
Toys for Tots Drive, December 3-18
Knott's Merry Farm and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will once again be teaming up to provide hundreds of toys for needy families throughout the southland. With a purchase of a $20 gift from one of several merchandise locations in Knott's Marketplace, guests will receive FREE admission to Knott's Merry Farm. Those wishing to bring their own new, unwrapped gift valued at $20 or more, will be given a voucher to purchase a regular Knott's Merry Farm admission for only $20.
http://www.knotts.com/public/admission/prices/deals.cfm

Banning Museum
Saturday & Sunday, December 3 & 4
We are happy to present you with the annual and festive, Victorian Christmas celebration. In addition to tours of the Museum, you will enjoy free transport on a horse-drawn trolley between the Museum and Drum Barracks Civil War Museum as well as specially planned old fashioned activities. Visit the Stage Coach Barn for crafts, enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cider and a visit from jolly St. Nick!
401 East M Street, Wilmington http://www.banningmuseum.org/events.php

EquestFest
Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91506
Friday, December 30, 11am-3pm $15, children under 5 free, parking $5
One of these days we'll get to this highly recommended event.
Festive fun for the entire family! Up close and personal... Meet many of the Equestrians you will see New Year's Day in the 2012 Rose Parade! The is the best family equestrian event of the year. Don't miss it! Watch in awe as these beautiful horses and talented riders perform drills and dances, and demonstrate trick riding and roping. It's the "wild west" brought to life! Stroll through the stables and talk to the riders. Learn about the various tack and the many different breeds. Take advantage of wonderful one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Enjoy ongoing performances, demonstrations and exhibits! There will also be great music as well as food and beverage concessions on site.
http://www.tournamentofroses.com/PasadenaTournamentofRoses/Events/tabid/1482/ModuleID/3601/ItemID/30/mctl/EventDetails/Default.aspx

Holiday Light Exchange
Trade up to ten working strings of old electricity guzzling incandescent holiday lights for ten new energy efficient LED strings. Must be an Edison customer; utility bill or drivers license required.
Wednesday, November 30
7:30am-11:30am, West Annex, 3031 Torrance Blvd, Torrance
1pm-5pm, City Hall Public Works, 340 Palos Verdes Drive West, Palos Verdes Estates
http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_19372849

Holiday Mail for Heroes
Share your appreciation for the sacrifices members of the U.S. Armed Forces make to protect our freedoms by sending a card this season. The Holiday Mail for Heroes mail box is open and ready to receive your mail. Please send all mail to:
Holiday Mail For Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
http://www.redcross.org/holidaymail

Portable North Pole
Send a personal video from Santa! In just a few easy steps, you can create a personalized video from Santa Claus for your children, friends, family members or colleagues you choose, by providing a few details.
http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/home

NORAD Santa Tracker
The program began on December 24, 1955 when a Sears department store placed an advertisement in a Colorado Springs newspaper which told children that they could telephone Santa Claus and included a number for them to call. However, the telephone number printed was incorrect and calls instead came through to Colorado Springs' Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Center. Colonel Shoup, who was on duty that night, told his staff to give all children that called in a "current location" for Santa Claus. A tradition began which continued when the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) replaced CONAD in 1958. Now families can click through to NORAD's Santa Tracker on Christmas Eve to follow his yearly trip around the world.
http://www.noradsanta.org/

And finally, ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas!
http://a.media.abcfamily.go.com/a/media/pdf/25DOC_PGuide_2011.pdf

Happy Holidays everyone!

Children's Harvest Festival!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:06:00 +0000

We used to go to this every year! Best for kids 3-8 years. Wear your costumes!

Starry Sky, Harvest Moon
Rancho Los Alamitos
Sunday, October 30
11:30am-4:30pm
Refreshments available
Free admission and parking
Park at CSULB Lot 11 for shuttle service
(Palo Verde & Redina Sts.)

Enjoy a day of astronomical exploration, storytelling, costume parade, music
and dance as we celebrate Earth’s transitional season of Autumn; a time
when the night sky glows with celestial wonder, animals prepare for
winter and people throughout the world observe the notable occasion of harvest.

- At noon, join the Free to be Me Drum Circle and hail the spirit of the season.- Children come in costume and join the parade at 2:00 p.m.
- Hear stories of Tongva celestial lore told by Craig Torres, Tongva Educator.
- Long Beach’s own Elm Street Band celebrates the Rancho from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Craft celestial lore: Stars with Stories to Tell; Sun, Earth and Moon with Time to Tell.
- Enjoy Creatures of the Night art exhibit presented by St. Joachim School 2nd grade students.
- South Lawn Games presented by BSA Troop 126. (Race through Space: Zoo in the Sky Relay,
Shoot the Moon and Earth’s Run from the Sun)
- Out of This World Games hosted by CSULB Recreation and Leisure Studies students.
- Children and adults join Chef Debbi Dubbs as she demonstrates harvest fare.
- Throughout the gardens experience seasonal crafts and a solar system of fruits and
vegetables sponsored by Melissa’s Produce.

http://rancholosalamitos.com/events/2011_fall_fest/starry_sky.pdf

Wings, Wheels, and Rotors!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:43:00 +0000

Wings, Wheels, and Rotors is an annual event at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base

Sunday, October 23

9am-4pm

11200 Lexington Drive, Los Alamitos

Military and civilian aircraft (including an F-18 fighter jet & C-17 cargo plane) , helicopters, car show, exhibits, special displays, sky divers, fly-bys. The million square feet of flight line will be covered.

Free flights for kids by the Young Eagles.

Live Music, Food, Beverage, Children's Activities

Adults must present photo id to enter

Entrance and parking is FREE

http://www.wwrexpo.net

LB Fire Department Open House

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 05:57:00 +0000

Saturday, October 15, 1pm-4pm
All Long Beach Fire Stations

We invite the public to visit our Fire Stations to interact with Fire personnel, learn about fire service careers and get a behind the scenes view of our facilities and emergency equipment. Free smoke alarms are available to the public and will be given out while supplies last.

http://firechannel.org/blog/?p=3208

15th Annual Seal Beach Kite Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:41:00 +0000

Southern California's Largest Kiting Event!

Sunday, October 9
Seal Beach Pier
11am-4pm
Free!

The Japan America Kite Festival

Demonstrations and sky-show by Chicago Fire Kite Team!

Free events for children include building and flying their very own kites, catch the tail, and a candy drop from a kite. Japanese festival games, food booths, & cultural activities for the whole family.

See sport kite demonstrations and aerial ballet!

A performance by renowned Taiko Drummers.

Giant show kites!

San Diego Zoo & Safari Park - kids free!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:59:00 +0000

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/kidsfree/

Kids free for the month of October at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Safari Park (formerly Wild Animal Park)! No coupon necessary. For ages 3-11. Enjoy!

LA County Fair!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:29:00 +0000

Besides the animals and carnival games/rides for the kids at the LA County Fair, there are also exhibits on sharks, monkeys, and dinosaurs! Kids 5 and under are free everyday. Go to the end of the post to find discounts for everyone else.

Live Shark Encounter - Following a captivating discussion on shark facts and fiction, a diver plunges into the tank and swims with these intriguing animals. After the diver returns to safety, the audience is invited to come up to the stage and “stare down a shark…”.

The Great White Encounter Exhibit - Have you ever wanted to get up close and personal with a Great White Shark? The Great White Encounter is a unique exhibit where visitors can step into the world of sharks and see a life size replica of a great white shark, as well as several other interesting species of this unique animal.

Under The Sea Adventure - Learn more about other fascinating creatures that reside in the deep blue sea. Visit our tide pool touch tank where you can admire and examine live invertebrates, such as starfish, crabs, and sea urchins. Participate in a variety of fun, hands-on activities that are not only entertaining, but educational as well!

Mojo's Jungle

It’s a jungle out here at the L.A. County Fair – literally! The hillside above the Flower & Garden Pavilion has transformed into an interactive, living jungle.

• Mojo’s Monkey Mania, home to our jungle ambassador and his friends, explains all there is to know about these intriguing mammals.

• The Australian jungle is explored in Joey’s Outback Hideout. Find out the differences between kangaroos, wallabies and joeys as you watch them play.

• Explore Spike’s Reptile Territory. From snakes and alligators to lizards and turtles, if it walks, slithers or waddles in a reptilian fashion, it will be here to meet you.

• Visit Fiona’s Jungle Perch, where you will find a knowledgeable jungle guide to answer questions on many breeds of birds.

Jurassic Planet

The Bio-Research Facility - Learn all about the Giganotosaurus, Dimetrodon, Saurolophus, Tyrannosaurus, Baryonyx, and many more along your journey through Jurassic Planet.

The Prehistoric Stage - Come see our stage show featuring our very own paleontologist where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about these amazing creatures in our question and answer portion of this show. Five daily shows

Dinosaur Movie Theater - In our movie theater, you will learn about a real dinosaur dig and help solve the mystery behind these interesting creatures from long ago. Seven daily shows

Dinosaurs Descendants Exhibit - Who do scientists believe to be the direct descendants of meat-eating dinosaurs? Live animals including birds, amphibians and lizards help explain the connection between past and present.

Dinosaurs Descendants Show - Grab your field gear and come along on a dino discovery adventure! In this brand new show, our very own Paleo Explorers explain why scientists think birds and dinosaurs are linked. Three shows on weekdays and five on weekends and holidays.

Dinosaur Museum & Store - Learn fascinating facts and see real dinosaur bones on display. You can even purchase your own replica of these creatures.

Fossil Fun - Learn to be a paleontologist as you uncover dinosaur bones from long ago in our new interactive area located just outside Jurassic Planet.

Fossil Prep Lab- Learn to be a dinosaur detective as you watch our skilled paleontologists prepare real dinosaur fossils in our working prep lab.

Discount/free admission!
McDonald's has a $20 coupon for admission and unlimited rides on Wednesdays. Regular weekday admission is $12/adults, $7/kids.

Fair admission is just $5 after 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays; a perfect way to spend an evening. Coupon must be presented to receive discount. To download your coupon, click here.

$5 Kids Meals (+tax) on Wednesdays - Offered at various concession stands after 5 p.m. every Wednesday. Find a complete list of concessionaires at guests services.

Ralphs Food Drive Fridays begin today. Guests must bring five Ralphs private label canned products Fridays for a free Fair admission good that day only, noon- 6 p.m. This is good on 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, and 9/30.

Costco Fair Savings Pack at participating Costco stores for just $54.99, includes four any-day Fair admissions, one parking pass and 44 RCS ride/game tickets. Rides and games require multiple tickets. Click here for a list of participating locations.

Low cost counseling at CSULB

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:46:00 +0000

Did you know there was a low-cost counseling clinic at CSULB? Neither did I. Counseling takes place on campus and costs from $7.50 to $15 a session. Services can be for adults, couples or children. You are counseled by trained MFT interns who have quality supervision. Sessions take place on Monday or Wednesday evenings. They also do assessments for learning disabilities.

http://www.ced.csulb.edu/clinic

The Community Clinic for Counseling and Educational Services has been the setting for affordable counseling, academic intervention, and psychoeducational assessment services for over 40 years.

They are currently recruiting for the early childhood assessment clinic. Children ages 3 to 6 years of age will be assessed on one Saturday, October 8th in the areas of cognition, fine and gross motor skills, communication and early numeracy and literacy. A final report is presented to the parents on a few weeks later.

The Community Clinic offers counseling, psychoeducational assessment and tutoring (academic interventions for struggling students) services to children ages 6 through 17, and developmental assessments for children ages 3-6. The Community Clinic is a primary training site for the School Psychology, School Counseling, and Reading/Language Arts and Mathematics Education Master's Degree Programs while providing comprehensive educational and psychological services to children at a moderate cost. Services at the Clinic are provided by graduate students under the supervision of faculty in the College of Education. Clients are accepted for services twice yearly (September and February) with the addition of the Early Childhood clinic in early November. At the end of the services, parents receive a progress report detailing assessment results and suggestions for further interventions.

Affordable, professional counseling services for adults and families is offered at the Community Clinic in Long Beach, CA. Individual and couples therapy are provided by advanced graduate students in Marriage and Family Therapy, under the supervision of licensed University faculty. Potential clinic clients will be invited to participate in a 50 minute intake session that will determine suitability for clinic services.

Daycare

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:56:00 +0000

Here are some recommendations from other moms:

Jacqueline Asbury, Asbury Family Childcare,
LIC# 198016247, 562-508-6061

Roxanne Townsend, licensed home daycare
562 673-9851

Deanna Green, licensed home daycare
562-920-0275

Park Church Preschool (formerly known as Singing Fountain)
Audrey Bill
562.430.6570
3655 N Norwalk Blvd
Long Beach 90808

July events!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 04:32:00 +0000

In case your family enjoys Wild Rivers in Irvine, it will be closing for good at the end of this summer. :-(

A great website to check out everything going on in Long Beach is 100daysofsummer.org

Finally, be aware that the 405 freeway will be completely CLOSED between the 10 and 101 freeways during the July 16-17 weekend. This is really unprecedented and probably a good weekend to stay close to home.

Places to cool off besides the beach…Sigler Park in Westminster has a splash pad for kids which is free and open every day from noon-5pm...Another splash pad in Stanton at Harry Dotson Park, 10350 Fern Ave...Lakewood (scroll to bottom for info) has wading pools for little ones 3-7 at 6 sites…and there is Buccaneer Bay in La Mirada - go here for $2 off.

And now for all the goings on in our fair city!
Now: Adventure Playground is open; Aquarium of the Pacific discounted summer nights
June 25: Port of Long Beach 100 Birthday Celebration
June 25: Party with Julius and Paul Frank, Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood
June 25: Great American Backyard Campout
June 27-September 1: Movies in the Park
June 28-July 27: Long Beach Municipal Band Concerts in the Park
June 28: $1 summer ice-blendeds at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
June 28, July 12, & July 26: Family Nightlife Walk ($4)– El Dorado Nature Center – 7pm – RSVPs required
June 30, July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28: Food trucks at St. Isidore, Los Al - 5pm-9pm

July 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29: LB Museum of Art - free every Friday
July 1, 15, & 29: Family Campfire ($3) - El Dorado Nature Center - 7pm - RSVPs required
July 2: Independence Day with Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, & John Adams at the International Printing Museum in Carson
July 2: Pirate Invasion, Belmont Pier
July 2: Fireworks preview and family festival, Rainbow Harbor
July 4: July 4th Bike Parade for kids, Granada Ave.
July 4: Independence Day fireworks shows: Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base ($5 parking) & along the shoreline - Long Beach
July 4: Fireworks show at Veteran's Stadium - $5/person
July 6: Deadline for LA County Fair entries – just need to send in the form; actual entries are delivered on July 23.
July 6, 8, 13, 15: Storytimes in the Garden – Rancho Los Alamitos – 6-9 years
July 6: LBSO Instrument Petting Zoo - El Dorado Library - 2pm
July 7 & 21: Summer Concerts at the Nature Center – 6:30pm

July 9: Long Beach Street Food Fest - Rainbow Lagoon
July 9: Bixby Knolls Dragster & Car Show
July 9: Health Fair - free bone density, stroke, & cholesterol screenings - 4401 Atlantic Ave. - free refreshments, prize drawings - 9am-1pm
July 10: DanceFest 2011 - Center Theatre - Free
July 11-15: Video game design camp – gee!
July 11-15: Harry Potter marathon at the Block in Orange

July 15-August 14: OC Fair
July 15: Get into the OC Fair for free - Noon to 1pm only on the first day
July 16-17: 405 Closure from the 10 to the 101
July 16: New Dinosaur Hall opens at the Natural History Museum
July 17: Origami Festival – CSULB
July 17: 50th anniversary at Der Weinerschnitzel - 61 cent hot dogs
July 19: Free day at South Coast Botanical Garden - Palos Verdes Peninsula
July 21: LBSO Instrument Petting Zoo - Dana Library - 3:30pm

July 22: Capture the Wind Festival and Youth Beach Day – Granada Beach
July 23: Take entries to LA County Fair - Pomona
July 25: Multiple Intelligences Parent Info Meeting – gee!
July 25: GlowMoms - Dance party for the mom set - $15 before 7/21

July 30-31: Civil War Re-enactment – El Dorado Park
July 30: Shakespeare by the Sea – King Lear – Rossmoor/Los Alamitos – Rush Park
July 31: Shakespeare by the Sea – Much Ado About Nothing – Rossmoor/Los Alamitos – Rush Park

Summer Concerts at the El Dorado Nature Center

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 30 May 2011 17:42:00 +0000

Thursday, July 7
6:30pm-8pm
$3/adults, kids 12years+, under 12 free!

El Dorado Nature Center
7550 E Spring St
(562) 570-1745

Enjoy a sunset picnic by the lake with some of SoCal's local musicians. Bring low chairs or blankets and an earth-friendly picnic dinner. Gates open at 6:30pm, and the concert will begin at 7:00 pm.

For more information, please visit our website or call (562) 570-1745 or e-mail us at lbparks@longbeach.gov.

More dates:
Thursday, Jul. 14 (6:30pm—8pm)
Thursday, Jul. 21 (6:30pm—8pm)
Thursday, Jul. 28 (6:30pm—8pm)
Thursday, Aug. 4 (6:30pm—8pm)
Thursday, Aug. 11 (6:30pm—8pm)
Thursday, Aug. 18 (6:30pm—8pm)

Garden Grove Strawberry Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Sat, 28 May 2011 16:30:00 +0000

A Memorial Weekend tradition.

THE GARDEN GROVE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ITS 53^rd YEAR!
The Festival is held at the Village Green, between Euclid and Main Street Streets in downtown Garden Grove, CA

MAY 27-30, 2011

Friday (11am to 10pm)
Sat & Sun (10am to 10pm)
Monday (10am to 9pm)
Admission is Free!
Carnival Ride Ticket Bargains Available
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival

Spring Camp at The El Dorado Nature Center!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Spring Break Workshops
April 25 - April 29
Join us for vacation fun at the Nature Center!
7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach

K-1st 9:30-11:30am
2nd-4th 1-3pm

Fee is $10 per class. Topics include:
• Mud Mania
• Potions, Lotions and Strange Plant Notions
•Weaving and Wearing
• Butterfly Bonanza
• Birds, Blooms and Bees

More information

Living Nativity

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 18:20:00 +0000

Portraits of Prince of Peace
A free Christmas Pageant for all

December 10, 11 & 12
Nightly from 7:30pm to 9pm
5500 block of Wardlow Road to Bellflower Blvd.
Free parking

Enjoy the 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.

Sponsored by: LB Christian Reformed, St. Cornelius, St. Luke's, Truett Memorial, University Baptist, and Calvary Chapel.

Knott's Merry Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:24:00 +0000

Buy a toy, get admission to the park
December 4-19

Knott's Berry Farm

8039 Beach Boulevard

Buena Park, CA

Knott's Merry Farm and the US Marine Corps Reserve team up to provide hundreds of toys for needy families throughout the Southland. Guests who purchase of a $15 gift from one of several merchandise locations in Knott's Marketplace receive free admission to the park.

Those wishing to bring their own new, unwrapped gift valued at $15 or more are given a voucher to purchase a regular Knott's Merry Farm admission for the discounted rate of $15.

Buy one, get one free at Starbucks!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:14:00 +0000

http://www.starbucks.com/share/#/redcups

Buy one holiday drink, get one free. Nov 18-21, 2-5p.m.

The Nutcracker

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:15:00 +0000

Long Beach Ballet

The Terrace Theatre
Long Beach Performing Arts Center
3 Performances Only

Saturday, December 18 2pm
Saturday, December 18 7:30pm
Sunday, December 19 2pm

Tickets 877-852-3177
Also available through Ticketmaster
$46-$20
When you call, use coupon code 2489 for a discount.

Advent Calendars...

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:49:00 +0000

...or Christmas/Holiday Countdown calendars. Our tradition has been to get the Trader Joe's chocolate advent calendar. It's one or two dollars and Rachel still loves it. However, around Thanksgiving time, I start to see amazing advent calendars other moms are making. By then, though, there usually isn't enough time to put something together. Soooo...here is my roundup of some great calendars I found. From super easy even the kids can do them to super cute that I wish I could do one day. Take your pick and spend November cutting, sewing, and/or pasting. :-) Happy Holidays!

Whichever calendar you choose, you will need to figure out the "gift" for each day. The tradition has been a chocolate or trinket, but more and more people are using simple activities the whole family can enjoy.

Here are some examples: read a holiday story, make hot chocolate, send cards to grandparents, make cookies, see holiday lights, visit Santa, make gingerbread men/women, decorate the tree, make gift tags, sing carols, go ice skating, make a popcorn garland, watch a holiday movie, make an ornament, write letter to Santa, put on a play, make luminarias, hang mistletoe, stargazing, etc. You get the idea.

And now to our calendars!

A simple paper chain can be used as an advent calendar. Make 24 loops and have your children tear one off each day. It's so easy, the kids could make it over Thanksgiving weekend. You can write the activity on the inside of each loop. Making one out of fabric with velcro would be great to keep for next year.

Fabric Chain

A super easy cardstock calendar. Cut out rectangles and fold them in thirds. Write the activity inside and seal with a sticker. Hang them from a ribbon with clothespins or on a garland like here:

Cardstock calendar

A basic calendar could be made of felt and have pockets to hold small toys, candy, or activity cards.

Felt calendar

This one is made of paper, but I think I'd rather do it in fabric so that it would last until next year:

Paper wall calendar

Felt stockings

Baby socks or mittens

This is a unique one.

Calendar in a box

This is also different -- you could really use any container.

Matchbox calendar

A printable calendar.

Of course, calendars can get quite elaborate and I would love to make this one day:

Fabric Envelopes

Scarium of the Pacific

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:35:00 +0000

Trick or Treat at the Aquarium!
Saturday and Sunday, October 23 & 24 9am-5pm

Free for all children under 11 years old in costume with this coupon.

Discover the creatures lurking in the depths of the Scarium of the Pacific -- a spooktacular educational Halloween even for the whole family.

Enjoy special Halloween programs, including the annual children's costume contest, the creepy coloring contest, magic shows, spooky storytelling, kooky crafts, eerie animals in the Great Hall, and much more.

The LA County Fair!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:40:00 +0000

Farm animals, fried twinkies, and carnival rides, yes. But the county fair, also, has a California heritage square, doll-making, and moving dinosaurs!

LA County Fair
Pomona
Open Wednesdays-Sundays until October 4
Find various promotions for discounts here.
Under 5 is free!

For directions and more info, click here.

Urban Kids Consignment - Los Alamitos

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 06:14:00 +0000

http://www.urbankidsconsignment.com/

August 27-29
Friday 10am-7pm
Saturday 10am-4pm
Sunday 10am-2pm

5300 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos (across from CostCo)

Urban Kids Consignment is a four-day event that takes place in Orange County, California. We will be joining together with local families in the area that would like to sell their high quality children’s items at unbelievable discounts to our shoppers. All of our items are in like new condition yet sell for a fraction of their retail value.

Garden Concerts at the Getty Center

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:55:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES–The J. Paul Getty Museum presents Garden Concerts for Kids this August, a free outdoor music series for kids and their families in the Getty Center's Central Garden featuring some of the best children's musical artists from across the nation.

Garden Concerts for Kids kicks off this summer with Milkshake on August 7 & 8. Led by alt-pop and rock veterans Lisa Mathews and Mike Gehl, Milkshake is a band on a mission: to create great rock music for kids. Milkshake's lively attitude and lyrically lighthearted songs have won fans of all ages and will get you dancing with their authentic rock-and-roll spirit.

The following weekend, August 14 & 15, Elizabeth Mitchell and Family take you on a joyous musical adventure with vibrant reinterpretations of cherished American folk and rock songs from the new album Sunny Day. Joined by her husband Daniel Littleton and daughter Storey, Mitchell's lovely vocals and breathtaking arrangements bring a fresh sound to the classics we thought we knew so well.

Closing out the season on August 21 & 22, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Family bring charm and heart to their alt-country music for children and families. Accompanied by her husband Johnny Irion and kids, Guthrie continues the song-making tradition forged by her grandfather Woody and father Arlo, presenting thoughtful, playful music inspired by folk traditions, as well as bright new compositions.

The Garden Concerts for Kids are held in the Central Garden at the Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, from 4-5:30 p.m. Admission is free, and no reservations are required. Parking is $15. For more information visit www.getty.edu or call (310) 440-7300.

New Boeing Rocket Lab opens at Discovery Science Center

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:03:00 +0000

From the Discovery Science Center:

Boeing Rocket Lab: Grand Opening July 2 @ 1:00pm

Blast off with Discovery Science Center as they celebrate the opening of Boeing Rocket Lab- the first exhibit inside the giant cube! Be the first to experience a simulated rocket launch INSIDE the Cube when it opens to the public at 1:00pm. It’s a must-do to kick-off your family's Fourth of July weekend!

It’s out of this world fun at Discovery Science Center’s new, permanent, exhibit, Boeing Rocket Lab. Discover your inner astronaut. Boeing Rocket Lab is designed for kids (and kids at heart) who love all things space, and want to learn about the science of space, rockets, and engineering.

Activities Include:

Blast Off Zone
Lifted high inside DSC’s giant 8,000-square foot cube hangs a real Delta Rocket RS-68 booster engine – set to simulate its own launch! The Boeing RS-68, developed by Rockedyne in 1995, is a liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen powered rocket engine that is used in the Delta IV launch vehicle family.

Once inside the Cube, look up into the booster engine and press the launch button to trigger the countdown: 3… 2… 1… BLAST OFF! Surrounded by video screens, blasts of fog, and state-of-the-art sound effects, prepare to experience a rocket launch like you never thought possible.

Nozzle Chamber
When a rocket launches, where does the cloud of smoke come from and how does it help the rocket leave the ground? In order to launch, a rocket engine throws a mass of gas out in one direction in order to get a reaction in the opposite direction… up.

In the Nozzle Chamber, experiment with the size of a nozzle opening in a combustion chamber, simulating the acceleration of gases as they leave a rocket. Manipulate the size of the opening to change the force of the gases, thereby increasing or decreasing the thrust of a rocket.

Rocket Fuel Station
At the Rocket Fuel Station, learn about the chemistry behind different kinds of rocket fuels used by the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL). Find out why the Delta IV RS-68 booster engine uses a mix of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen – and what happens when they combine.

Then, use your knowledge to answer a series of questions. Each correct answer initiates part of the launch sequence. Can your knowledge carry you all the way through to blast off?

Rocket Launch Station
Now that you’ve fueled up, time for the launch! At the Rocket Launch Station, launch your imagination to new heights as you learn about propulsion and launch compressed air and water rockets on a controlled path.

Experiment with the rockets to discover the optimal ratio of water to air and compete against one another to see whose rocket can launch the highest! Watch out... you may get wet!

4th of July shows!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:26:00 +0000

Celebrate the 4th at these local firework displays. All fireworks begin at 9pm.

Queen Mary
view from any shoreline in Long Beach or San Pedro

Veteran's Stadium
5000 Lew Davis Drive, Long Beach
$10 adults, $7 kids (5-11) and seniors, under 5 free
Buy tickets until 5pm on July 4 at LB Fire Station #19, 3559 Clark Ave. or at the stadium after 4:30pm
Demonstration by the LB Police K-9 and Helicopter divisions
Live band
No ice chests/coolers allowed
Gates open at 5pm, entertainment starts at 6pm
Parking $5

Joint Forces Training Base
11200 Lexington Dr., Los Alamitos
Gates open at 4pm
Free admission and parking
Adults must show ID/children without ID must be with parents
Arrive by 7:30pm to gain entry
Food court, vendor fair, kids fun zone
Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged
No alcohol, dogs, fireworks, or motor homes

Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way

Celebrate Independence Day with the red, white, and blue fish at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Families will be able to witness the ambiance of the Aquarium at night and get a fish-eye view of the City of Long Beach fireworks display.

The Aquarium will be open until 10:00 p.m. with admission for everyone just $11.95 after 5:00 p.m.

For an additional cost, enjoy a buffet BBQ on the Front Lawn from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Please note that seating for the BBQ is limited and advance reservations are strongly recommended. (562) 590-3100, ext. 0

Harbor Cruise
100 Aquarium Way Dock #2
562.432.4900
Join Harbor Breeze Cruises for a spectacular fireworks display from the water
in beautiful Rainbow Harbor

Twilight Trilogy at the Pike

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:32:00 +0000

I know alot of moms like these movies. Put the kids to bed and stay out all night with your favorite vampire (or werewolf)!

The Twilight Trilogy

One night only, Tuesday, June 29^th, see all 3 films for one price at Cinemark Movie Theatres! Twilight at 7:15pm, New Moon at 9:30pm and Eclipse at 12:01am!!!