DaytrippingmomDaytrippingmomFamily friendly daytrips,events and travel tips featuring Southern California and beyond Articles
Santa Margarita Water District's Family Fun Day
2008-04-27 07:28:00 If you live in South Orange County this sounds like a fun family outing. You are invited to join the Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) for its annual Fiesta de Agua Family Fun Day water conservation festival on Saturday, May 3rd. New this year, SMWD will host the free event along the shores of its Oso Reservoir in Rancho Santa Margarita. The family-oriented festival is held by SMWD each May to kick off its celebration of National Water Awareness Month.Fiesta de Agua’s new location will provide a beautiful natural backdrop for participants to learn about water conservation and the local environment. Activities, which include water education games, a live reptile show and nature hikes, will be centered at the Boy Scout camp on the banks of the reservoir.What: SMWD Fiesta de AguaWhen: Saturday, May 3rd 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.Where: SMWD’s Oso Reservoir (Directions and map below)Activities for this year’s Fiesta de A...
Universal Studios Hollywood Eco Fair
2008-04-26 09:33:00 Looking for something green to do with with your kiddos? Then head over to Universal Studios TODAY, for their second annual free family friendly eco fair.WHAT: Universal Studios Hollywood hosts its second annual free “Eco-Fair ,” showcasing 30 engaging and educational displays, special guest appearances by Lauren Koslow from “Days of our Lives” and Allen Alvarado from “Flight 29 Down,” an offer of free parking for hybrid vehicles, and a hazardous waste disposal drive sponsored by the City and County of Los Angeles.WHO: Lauren Koslow and Arianne Zuker from “Days of our Lives” and Allen Alvarado from “Flight 29 Down” as well as participating organizations, including Arbonne International, Baldwin Hills Conservancy, Beyond Learning, BioBags, Bell’s Bugs, Buygreen.com, L.A. City and County Departments of Public Works, Eco Totables, Environmental Media Association, G-Diapers, GOOD Magazine, Green Bliss Eco-Spa, Green Clean L.A., GreenIQ.com, Greenopia, Heal the Bay, ...
LA Times Festival of Books
2008-04-25 09:01:00 If your a book lover or better yet if your little ones are - mark your calendar- This one is a must the 2008 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books — Saturday & Sunday, April 26 and 27 — is an event with something for book lovers of all interests and ages. 50+ book/poetry readings100+ author panelsHundreds of book signingsDozens of literary/cultural/musical presentations You can browse among more than 300 booksellers, publishers and book-related exhibitors showcasing every type of literary work — from classics to comics. Bring the kids and explore two fun-filled children’s areas offering storytelling, crafts, costumed characters and lots more activities for the entire family. The Festival of Books takes place on the UCLA Campus on Saturday, April 26, 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday, April 27, 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. Parking is $8.
Baskin Robbins 31 cent Ice Cream Scoops
2008-04-24 10:12:00 Did you know that Baskin Robbins was started right here in Southern California back in 1945 in Glendale? Did you also know that this month your local Baskin Robbins are recognizing America's Firefighters with a special offer? Small ice cream scoops will be just $.31 on April 30th from 5 PM to 10 PM. Don't miss out on this deal. More About: Ice Cream , Cent , Baskin-Robbins , Cream
New House of the Future at Disneyland
2008-04-24 05:28:00 Coming this summer to Innoventions in Tomorrowland at Disneyland will be the “Innoventions Dream Home” an attraction that will remind fans of Walt Disney’s fondness for futuristic ideas. The latest in cutting-edge and inspiring home ideas will be showcased in the Innoventions Dream Home, a 5,000-plus square foot residence featuring integrated digital technology in an immersive “high-tech, high-touch” guest experience."The notion of a Dream Home has deep roots at the Disneyland Resort. Walt Disney was fascinated with the concept of a futuristic home and he introduced concepts at World's Fairs that led to the first "House of Tomorrow" exhibit in Disneyland (1967). Those early versions featured modern conveniences for housewives, but the story line always focused on progress that led to a better way of living. In 1998, Disneyland opened Innoventions, an interactive pavilion featuring what was then considered breakthrough technology: voice-activated computers, high-definitio... More About: Future , The Future , New House
An Evening with Author Jennifer Weiner
2008-04-23 07:23:00 I don't usually talk about things to do outside of family events but I figure that every mom needs a good night out every once in a while. My perfect night out usually involves dinner and a stop at a bookstore. Next Thursday, May 1st, best- selling author Jennifer Weiner will be in Santa Monica to promote her new novel Certain Girls, a continuation of her debut best-selling novel Good in Bed. She will be speaking, answering questions, and signing books at Barnes & Noble on the 3rd Street Promenade at 7pm. It sounds like a perfect night to me. Dinner on the Promenade and a great night with Jennifer Weiner. Mark you calendars as this sounds like a great night. See you all there!! More About: Author , Evening
Fullerton Railroad Days 2008
2008-04-19 06:15:00 Fullerton Railroad Days May 3 & 4 2008 at the Fullerton Train Station Corner of Pomona Ave. and Santa Fe St. in beautiful Downtown Fullerton Saturday & Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free Admission Celebrating 100 years of the Fullerton Fire Department Featuring the Fred Gurley Steam engine from the Disneyland Railroad and other fine exhibits Pancake Breakfast starts at 8 a.m. each dayWhere? In the Metrolink parking lot adjacent to the Amtrak/Metrolink Station at the Fullerton Santa Fe Depot in Fullerton, California 92832
LA With Kids
2008-04-14 10:19:00 I wanted to share with you a fantastic podcast/website for families with children. LA With Kids is a Podcast featuring what to do and where to go with your kids in Los Angeles. Podcast Host and mother of twins, Sabrina Weissler, shares her adventures around the City of Angels with her two kids. Click here for her website and here for her latest podcast featuring the Getty Museum.
Legoland - Land of Adventure Expansion
2008-04-09 05:16:00 Just in time for Spring, Legoland California just opened their latest expansion called the Land of Adventure . The highlight of the new area is the Lost Kingdom of Adventure dark ride where riders will take a 1920s-esque off-road vehicle evocative of a Hudson Motor Car touring sedan. During the interactive journey, visitors ride through ancient temple ruins while shooting at animated targets with laser blasters.Adjacent to the hidden ruins, a different adventure awaits with other new rides Cargo Ace and Beetle Bounce. Cargo Ace helps imaginations soar as children become pilots as they board one of eight airplanes and fly up to six feet into the air. Beetle Bounce boosts children to even bigger heights, nearly 15 feet to be exact, as they are launched up one of two towers nearly touching the gigantic LEGO beetles above them. At Pharaoh’s Revenge, children and parents can fire thousands of foam balls at targets and each other in an oasis of fun.Legoland California is curren... More About: Expansion
Upcoming Event- America's Family Pet Expo
2008-04-04 10:02:00 Are you or your kids pet lovers? If you are, then you have to visit America's Family Pet Expo at the OC Fairgrounds. The Expo will feature shows featuring cats, birds, fish & reptiles. Our family had the opportunity to attend two years ago and we loved it. We loved the animal competitions and the petting zoo. If you've been thinking about adopting a dog or cat- there will also be an adoption fair.America's Family Pet Expo - Fri-Sun April 11-13OC Fair and Event Center88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa10am-6pmGeneral Admission is $12Children 6-12 $6.00Children 5 and under are FreeParking is FreeFor addition information click here More About: Upcoming
Anaheim Angels Family Fun Pack
2008-04-02 15:09:00 If you're looking for a fun and inexpensive night look no further. Bring the whole family out for a day of baseball, food and fun! The Angels Family Fun Pack is only $39 for a family of four and is good for Upper View seating areas (or also available for $51 in the Lower View Box)*. The package includes: 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 small soft drinks. There are several great 2008 Angels' home games to choose from: March 27, 29, April 8, 19, 29, 30, May 13, 27, June 15, 30, July 6, 21, August 4, 13 28, 31, September 11, 14. Family Fun Packs can be purchased at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim Ticket Office or click here to purchase online.
San Diego Padres Family Weekends
2008-04-02 14:56:00 If you're a Padres fan you're in luck. The Padres have teamed up with Coca-Cola and offer a great family package. Family weekend games provide an affordable family entertainment option. For any Saturday or Sunday home game (excluding Premium Games) get 4 Upper Reserved tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 Cokes for only $55. You can purchase tickets by clicking here. More About: San Diego , San Diego Padres , Diego
Dodgers Family Pack
2008-04-02 14:55:00 Spring is in the air and that of course means it's time for baseball. The Dodgers and Coca-Cola are once again teaming up to bring you the Family Pack . With Family 4 Packs starting at $70, You get four tickets, four Dodgers Dogs, four cokes! Pricing:Reserve Level $70Lower Reserve Level $80Field Box $175 The Coca-Cola Family 4 Pack is available on select Wednesday and Sunday home games in select locations in the Field Box, Reserve and Lower Reserve levels. You can purchase the pack at the stadium or by clicking here.
Irvine Park Railroad Celebration
2008-04-01 09:52:00 Make room this Saturday in your calendar for a fun and cheap afternoon with the family. The Irvine Park Railroad will be celebrating their 12th anniversary by rolling back their prices to 1996. There will also be free balloon animals and Irvine Park Railroad balloons. Train rides will be $2.00. There will also be a bounce house, face painting and much more all for 2.00 each!! I hope to see you all there!!Irvine Park Railroad 1 Irvine Park Road Orange, CA 92869For additional information- check out their Website: www.irvineparkrr.com Telephone: (714) 997-3968 Park entry fee is $5.00 per vehicle More About: Celebration
Upcoming Event-Story time at the Orange Conty Zoo
2008-04-01 09:50:00 Saturday 4/5/2008Story Time at the Orange County Zoo!2:00pmThe Orange County Zoo invites children of all ages to join them for story time. Your little ones will learn more about animals and enjoy storytelling under the oak trees!Event Fee: Free with zoo admission ($2.00 per person, ages 2 and under are free)Parking Fee: Irvine Park entry fee: $3 weekdays and $5 weekendsAge: all agesOrange County Zoo1 Irvine Park RoadOrange, CA 92869(714)973-6847 More About: Upcoming
American Girl Place
2008-03-31 10:09:00 My daughter is still a bit too young for this experience but I thought I should write about it because I can't wait until she's a bit older to take her. American Girl Place is located at the Grove in Los Angeles and is a must visit for your girly girl. There are only three locations (Chicago, Los Angeles and New York) and we are lucky to have one in our own backyard.American Girl Place is the perfect place for your princess. You can start out with a fun meal at the Cafe. Eating at the cafe is an experience.The cafe features fine linens,gourmet food and silverware. Dolls are welcomed with special Treat Seats. The menu offers gourmet cuisine for all times of the day. Lunch is $22 per person plus tax, Dinner is $24 per person plus tax and Afternoon Tea is $20 per person and is held every weekend at 4pm. Reservations are strongly recommended for the Cafe.While you are there you can catch a performance of the American Girl Reveu. The show will be playing until A...
Magnificent Mammals- Toddler Program at the Orange County Zoo
2008-03-30 21:35:00 Magnificent Mammals is part of the Orange County Zoo's Toddler /Preschool program. From tiny furry creatures to large furry ones, the little ones will learn all about mammals in this fun class! Class includes hands-on learning and fun crafts. Phone registration is required since this is a very popular class. Event Fee: $5.00 (includes zoo admission for child enrolled in the class and ONE parent)Parking Fee: Irvine Park entry fee: $3 weekdays and $5 weekendsAge: 3-4 years old (parent must accompany child)Orange County Zoo1 Irvine Park RoadOrange, CA 92869(714)973-6847For registration Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714) 973-6846. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo. More About: Program
Tom's Farms
2008-03-28 05:54:00 If you happen to be in the Corona/Lake Elsinore area sometime, make sure to make a pit stop with the family at Tom's Farms . My husband and I lived in Corona for a couple of years and anytime we had friends or family come out and visit we made sure to take them to this little gem. Tom's Farms is nestled in the Temescal Canyon and it first started out as a little produce stand more than 30 years ago. Tom's farms has come a long way from a small produce stand and is now home to a couple of restaurants. My favorite is Senor's Frogs(mmm.. they have the best nachos and breakfast burritos),they are also home to Tom's Olde Fashioned Hamburgers and Patio Pizza.On the weekends you can take the kiddos on a ride on Tom's Farms 1800's steam-propelled train! Tour the property and beautiful countryside, including a trip under an Amish-style covered bridge. The kids will also love the carnival rides, balloon artists, face painting and every one's favorite and o...
LEGOLAND - Model Mom Club
2008-03-25 08:49:00 The Legoland Model Mom Club is a weekly activity group that meets every Thursday. The Model Mom club membership is a one year pass valid on Thursdays only for only $59.00. Moms, Dads, Grandparents and caregivers with children 4-years of age and under qualify to purchase a Model Mom Pass. There are weekly activities that start at 10:30am. The 1st Thursday of the month is a Stroller Stride Fitness Walk. The 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month are for playgroups and Specialist visits are for the 3rd Thursday of the month.Some of the benefits of the Model Mom Club Membership areAdmission to LEGOLAND on Thursdays only Free parking included on Thursdays only 20% discount at all restaurants (does not include snack carts) on Thursdays only Special discounts and invitations to Park events on Thursdays only Free subscription to LEGOLAND newsletter. Free subscription to LEGO Magazine for Child membershipChildren 2 and under are always free at LEGOLAND. Children 3-4 will need to have a chi...
Whale Watching
2008-03-24 08:36:00 If you are looking for something fun and adventurous to do with your children during their holiday break you need to give whale watching a try. Spring is California Grey Whale season and also the perfect time for a seaside excursion. My friend just took her two kiddos this past week and they were able to see a pod of dolphins and a couple of Grey Whales and their babies. I'm hoping to take my kids this week. Dana Wharf Sports fishing runs trips daily. Tickets are 29.00 for adults - children 12 and under are 19.00-Seniors/military are 24.00- kids 2 and under are free. Tuesdays are 2-for 1. Parking is free. For additional information click here More About: Watching , Whale Watching
Happy Easter
2008-03-23 22:40:00 We here at daytrippingmom.com hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter and a fantastic Spring. With the warmer weather at hand, we look forward to more exciting outings with our tots. You will read all about them here! More About: Happy
FREE Orange County Easter Egg Hunts
2008-03-11 06:00:00 San Juan Capistrano Date: 3/22/2008 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cost: FREE Location: Historic Town Center Park31852 El Camino RealSan Juan Capistrano , California 92675 Rotary International and the City of San Juan Capistrano will host an Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 2-12 on Saturday, March 22nd at 9:00am-Historic Town Center Park located at 31852 El Camino Real in San Juan Capistrano.The event is free for children ages 2-12. Festivities include a marionette show, bounce house, egg coloring, face painting and concludes with the Easter Bunny who will lead everyone in a hunt for candy eggs. For more information call (949) 493-5911. Click here for event flyer.Yorba LindaDate: 3/22/08Time: 11:00 AMEgg-Citement HuntFree Event for Children Ages 2 to 7Be sure to bring a basket to hold all the goodies you collect. One adult per child, please! The event will be held at the Community Center in case of rain. Arrive early because this event fills up with people fast. ... More About: Orange , Orange County , County
Orange County's Great Park Balloon
2008-03-03 09:01:00 Once this free attraction reopens, you will want to make sure to bring your kids. It is temporarily closed pending some additional inspections.The Great Park Balloon is the largest tethered helium balloon in the country. It is environmentally safe, non-polluting and totally silent. The balloon is tethered to the ground with a steel cable and is never in a state of free flight, making it fun for all ages. Balloon riders will soar between 250-400 feet above the surrounding landscape, enjoying a bird's eye view of the transformation of the retired air station into the first great metropolitan park of the 21st Century.There are NO age, height, or health restrictions. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult and babies must be held in a parent’s arms – strollers are not permitted on the gondola but may be left next to the balloon queue. Hours are 10:00am to 3:00pm, Thursdays & Fridays 9:00am to 3:00pm, Weekends (Flights are subject to winds and... More About: Orange
Warner Bros VIP Tour - for older kids
2008-02-29 09:01:00 With the writers strike now over and many shows going back into production that means prime time on the studio tours to catch stars in action. Unlike Universal, who see millions of tourists each year, only about 120 people a day discover the Warner Bros tour. It's surprising more people aren't aware of it. But don't come looking for an amusement park attached, this is strictly a studio tour. This really is a VIP tour. You are taken in a group of 10 and driven around in a golf cart. This tour originally began as a way to show some Very Important People around the studio back lot. Eventually, Warner's decided to expand the VIP tour to include members of the public as well. The tour begins at a small visitors center where you check in and get your tickets.Before the tour, guests are shown a 15-minute film chronicling the history of Warner Bros Studios.Then it's out to the carts again, to settle back for the tour. The trams seat only two across, so everyone has a good view as you ... More About: Kids , Tour
Disneyland Princess Fantasy Faire
2008-02-25 09:01:00 If you have a daughter, no doubt she is enchanted with the Disney Princess es. My soon-to-be three year old loves them, especially Cinderella. We have had our annual passes to Disneyland for years, but it was not until this weekend that we experienced, a relatively new attraction at Disneyland, the Princess Fantasy Faire. It's held at the Fantasyland Theater, where the Snow White musical was held a few years ago. This has been a huge hit with visitors since it opened in October last year and it was easy to see why.First of all, The Princess Fantasy Faire is layed out into several sections. There is a Meet and Greet section, a Craft section, a Dress-up and Makeup section, Storytelling, and the Coronation. I will now tell you about each area.The Royal Coronation The Royal Coronation runs several times a day. The times are listed on the daily entertainment guide as well as at the entrance to the fair. This portion takes place on the stage and the floor below. The first part of the cere...
Have you visited your public library lately?
2008-02-20 04:00:00 Sure there are lots of books to check out and read with your kids, but the library has many more things to do other than reading books. Our library here in Yorba Linda has all sorts of free events for young children. One of activites is called "Laptime." Children ages 0 to 2 and an adult can share stories, rhymes, puppets, fingerplays and music activities. Best of all, this is free. The library requires that you sign up and gives Yorba Linda residents first priority. For children 3 to 5, the library has a similar activity. These last for 30 minutes and are held once a week. Our library even has a family time where the whole family is invited for a 45 minute activity on Saturdays. Check with your library to see what fun they have waiting for you.Yorba Linda Public Library Orange County Public LibrariesLos Angeles Public LibrariesSan Diego County Libraries
Glendale Centre Theatre- Children's Shows
2008-02-19 07:45:00 The Glendale Centre Theatre will kickoff their 2008 Children's season with Rapunzel. The show will play from March 1st through June 2008 on Saturday mornings only. Saturday Matinees start at 11am. Ticket prices are $11 for chidren 12 and under and $12.50 for adults. For additional information click here.
Free Admission to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
2008-02-13 08:10:00 The Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace will celebrate Presidents' Day by offering free admission. The library will be open on Presidents' Day from 10am to 5pm. There will be live music, free cherry pie to the first 100 guests and much more. It's a perfect place to visit with school age children. I've actually visited the library with my two toddlers and they loved touring the helicopter exhibit and the grounds. It's only one of two Presidential Libraries in the state and I'm very lucky to live in the same city as this gem. This would be a great opportunity if you've yet to visit this Southern California treasure.Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace18001 Yorba Linda BlvdYorba Linda, CA 92886For additional information click here More About: Free
Legoland - California
2008-02-12 06:25:00 We are lucky to have one of the four Legoland parks right here in Southern California . Closer than Sea World, Legoland is only a two-hour drive south of Los Angeles in Carlsbad.This park is very much oriented to young families. There are plenty of things for the entire family to do, and children from infants to teenagers will easily enjoy themselves here.Our visit on February 9th was met with great weather and no crowds. The longest wait for us was at lunch because the pizza oven had broken down. The lines for the rides were no more than 10 minutes long. I was impressed at the size of Legoland. The park is easily a full day experience. There is no way we could have done everything on our single visit there. The off-season hours on Saturday are 10 AM to 5 PM. Considering that the target audience for the park is young families, one can understand the limited hours.A fantastic feature at the park is a brochure at the entrance called "What to do when you're 2" which gives tips on th...
Fun Free places to visit with kids in Southern California - Part 1
More articles from this author:2008-02-08 08:50:00 I'm always on the search for fun stuff to do with my family. I've been doing some research and here's the first of a three part series of fun things to do with kids in Southern California that are free or almost free. They include museums, aquariums, shopping districts, etc... Click on the link for my review or link. Enjoy!!! California Science Center - Exposition ParkTravel Town Museum - Griffith ParkThe Getty Center - Los Angeles/BrentwoodCabrillo Marine Aquarium - San PedroSanta Monica Pier Aquarium- Free for children 12 and underSanta Monica PierThird Street Promenade - Santa MonicaRedondo Beach PierCentennial Farms - Costa Mesa/OC FairgroundsDowntown Disney - AnaheimCitywalk - Universal CityPorts O'Call - San PedroPacific Marine Mammal Center - Laguna Beach More About: Kids , Places , Part 1, 2, 3, 4 |



