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Chinese Lunar New Year/Tet Celebrations in Southern California
2008-02-05 09:11:00
Chinese New Year begins on Thursday February 7th. There are many festivals and celebrations throughout Southern California - Here is a list of the some of the largest festivals in the areaLos Angeles Golden Dragon Parade will take place on Saturday, Feb 9th from 2 to 5 pm in Los Angeles Chinatown. This is the 109th annual Dragon Parade and is a must see. There is premium Grandstand seating available. Tickets are $27 and can be purchased by calling (213) 617-0396The Lunar New Year Festival will also take place on both Sat and Sun from 10am to 8pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. The festival will take place in Los Angeles Chinatown on Broadway and Cesar Chavez Avenues. There will be live entertainment and plenty of food and vendorsMonterey Park Floral Street Fair will be celebrating the Lunar New Year on Sat Feb 9th from 10 am to 8pm and Sun Feb 10th from 1oam to 7pm. The festival will have live entertainment, karaoke, food vendors and plenty of fun. East Garvey Ave in Monterey ...
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Griffith Park
2008-02-04 01:28:00
One of my absolute favorite places to visit in all of Southern California is Griffith Park . I grew up just a couple of miles from the park and spent many days enjoying the park with family and friends. It's the perfect place for families to visit. The park is home to many attractions including the Griffith Park Observatory, Los Angeles Zoo, The Greek Theater, Gene Autry Museum and Travel Town. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite things to do at the park with little ones, that might not be as well known as the above mentioned attractions.One of my favorite things to do inside the park with young children is to pay a visit to the Griffith Park Southern Railroad. The miniature railroad has entertained young and old in the park since 1948. The track stretches for over a mile and takes the rider past pony rides, through a lush green meadow, an old western town and past a North American village.The fun doesn't stop there for little ones. Does your little one love horses? ...

San Diego Natural History Museum
2008-01-30 09:01:00
This gem of a museum is located inside the famous San Diego Balboa Park. Besides the San Diego Zoo, you can also find this museum which is just across the way from the Ruben H Fleet Science Center. The museum is three stories and is full of fossils and animal bones. It is not as large at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History but it is still full of interesting and educational exhibits. There is plenty of interactive displays as well.An exciting feature of the museum is an upcoming temporary exhibit on Pompeii. This will require a separate admission ticket from the general admission to the museum. The normal admission is as follows: Adult $9.00 Senior (62+) $7.00 Active military, youth (13–17), student (with ID) $6.00 Child (3–12) $4.00 Child...

Vietnamese Tet Festival
2008-01-29 09:35:00
Tet, is the most important and popular holiday/festival in Vietnam. It's the celebration of the Vietnamese New Year which this year will be celebrated on February 7th. The largest Tet festival outside of Vietnam is located in Garden Grove and is a great family festival. There will be games, traditional entertainment, contests and plenty of food.The festival will be celebrating the Year of the Rat and is in it's 26th year. I plan on attending and from what I've heard from family and friends it's a must visit if you can. I hope to see you there!! Garden Grove Park9301 Westminster Ave Garden Grove, CA2008 USVA Tet Festival Fri Feb 8 - 2 -10pmSat Feb 9 - 10am - 10pmSun Feb 10- 10am - 0pmAdmission is as followsAdults - $5.00Children 4 ft and under $ 4.00Infants are free

Universal Studios Hollywood
2008-01-28 09:01:00
Lucky for us we were spared by the rain gods on January 26th when we visited Univeral Studios Hollywood . Though it was a Saturday, the crowds were light, probably because most people expected rain. Also, late January is a great time to visit most amusement parks because it is off-season.While my husband and I have visited Universal Studios many times in the past, this was the first time for us to venture there with our little ones. When we arrived, one of the first things we found is that Univeral offers an all-you-can-eat pass for $19.99. For children under 48 inches, it is only $9.99. The All You Can Eat Pass is good for 1 entrée, 1 side and 1 dessert every time you go through a food service line at Mel's Diner, Louie's Pizza and Pasta, or the Jurassic Café. You can go through the line as many times as you want. It does NOT include beverages. No sharing, take-out or refunds. You can save even more by buying the pass online. I would definitely recommend this deal if you ...
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Reuben H Fleet Science Center - San Diego
2008-01-25 06:37:00
This past weekend we headed south to San Diego to spend a day at the Fleet Science Center . The museum is part of Balboa Park. I love science centers, and had read that the Fleet Science Center is one of the best. The museum is very hands on, and offers your kids a fun filled day. The Fleet is home to seven exhibit galleries and is home to the world's first, and San Diego's only IMAX Dome Theater.The seven exhibit galleries provide an interactive and self guided learning experience for kids of all ages. SoWatt is a fantastic exhibit where you will learn about ways that we produce energy and learn also about conservation. The Aging of all Ages exhibit, informs the whole teaches the whole family about wellness and healthy lifestyles. My kids favorite exhibit, Kid City, is geared for infants to 6 year olds and is a must if you have young children. It's a very hands on exhibit and it features a grocery store, story area and much more. The gallery of Illusions and Perceptions explo...

Travel Town Museum
2008-01-23 09:02:00
One of my favorite places to visit is Griffith Park. I love so many of it's attractions and it's natural beauty. I grew up only a couple of miles away from the park and have wonderful memories (I learned to ride a bike at the park) of visiting the observatory, hiking and fun picnics. I would have to say that many fun times were spent at the Travel Town Museum . If you love trains or your little ones love trains this is a must stop. It's an outdoor museum with many locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars and cabooses on display. There is of course a train ride that circles around the museum and is a must if you are going to visit. Train Rides are $2.50 for adults and children. There are also Public Play Days on the first Sunday of the month from 1 to 4pm where kids can play with the museum's 400 wooden piece Thomas set. There are also docent guided tours every 2nd and 3rd Saturday of the month. Tours start at 11am. Admission and parking is free!! If you're looking for somet...

Chinese New Year Family Festival
2008-01-22 10:20:00
It might be a bit early to start thinking about what to do this weekend (to be honest, I'm always thinking about the weekend), but I wanted to post about this event because you definitely have to pencil it in to your weekend plans. Chinese New Year is celebrated on February 7th and the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana will kick start the celebration with the Chinese New Year Family Festival . The festival will feature traditional crafts, ceremonies, dance numbers and music. The best part of this fantastic event is that admission is FREE!!Chinese New Year Family FestivalSunday, January 27th11 am to 4pmBowers Museum in Santa Anafor additional info click here

Goofy's Kitchen - Character Dining
2008-01-22 06:50:00
If you are looking for a character dining experience without having to actually go inside Disneyland or DCA, you are in luck. The Disneyland Hotel features a character dining experience at Goofy's Kitchen . If you have never experienced character dining, you and your children will be in for a treat. You are guaranteed to have interaction with many of your favorite Disney characters. The food is good too. At Goofy's Kitchen, the food is served in an all-you-can-eat buffet.Goofy's Kitchen is a great place to throw birthday parties too, so if you are celebrating a big day, be sure and come party Disney-style! Plenty of great choices for kids of all ages, including: Mickey Mouse shaped waffles Omelet made to order Peanut butter & jelly pizza! Goofy's Hot Chocolate Cake Fruit yogurt and yummy toppings Don't forget to bring your cameras to take a souvenir snapshot of your Gawrsh-darn favorite Disney Character Cuisine: American, Vegetarian, Healthy SelectionsPrice: Breakfa...
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Ports O' Call Village - San Pedro, CA
2008-01-21 08:57:00
If you're looking for a fun and free family adventure, hop in your car and head over to Ports O' Call Village in San Pedro . The New England inspired seaside village features many family friendly eateries, gift shops, specialty shops and fish markets. I love stopping by for a bite to eat, and the kids enjoy waving to the passing ships.Ports O’ Call is also the departure point for narrated harbor tours, dinner dance cruises and whale watching excursions. You can enjoy a narrated harbor cruise of the Port of Los Angeles, one of the largest working ports in the world. I think that this is a must if you are planning a visit to the village. In the winter, you can also take a whale watching cruise. I did this a while back and it was a fabulous experience. We were able to see a couple of whales and their calves. It's a must if you visit between January and March.If your family loves fishing, you're in luck. Sport fishing boats leave d...

Outdoor ice skating rinks in Los Angeles and Orange County
2008-01-20 05:47:00
If you are looking for something fun to do and not typical for Southern California you might want to give ice skating a try. This is something that I've been meaning to post about but just never got around to it. I figured that I better get around to it since both outdoor rinks are on a limited run. There are two outdoor ice skating rinks in the Southland. One is located in Pershing Square in Downtown LA. The other at the Irvine Spectrum. Both rinks end their seasonal run on January 21st.For additional information click here and here.Bundle up and have a great time!!
More About: Los Angeles , Orange , Orange County , County , Outdoor

Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog @ Discovery Science Center
2008-01-19 08:48:00
My kids love watching PBS Kids and of course one of their favorite shows is Clifford the Big Red Dog. If your kids are Clifford fans also, then you have to pay a visit to the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana for their newest exhibit - Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog.The exhibit is specifically targeted to young children ages 2-5. The exhibit transports children to Clifford’s world and creates unique opportunities to engage children in rich educational content that reinforces “Clifford’s Big Ideas”—ten simple, tangible life lessons designed to help young children navigate their world, such as Share, Play Fair and Be Truthful.Some of the highlights of the exhibit are: Riding the ferry to Clifford’s home of Birdwell Island where your children can: Slide down the tail of a colossal nine-foot high Clifford Fill Clifford's big dog bowl with bones using a conveyor belt Find “bone”-ifide treasures at T-Bone’s Beach Visit the Post Office to sort and deliv...

Dollar/Discount Movie Theatres in Southern California
2008-01-18 05:11:00
A night at the movies has become painfully expensive. With prices hovering over $10 a person, it can really put a dent in your pocketbook. Thankfully we have several dollar/bargain theaters in the Southern California area. There are local dollar theaters in the Inland Empire, LA , Orange and Ventura Counties. I searched and searched and couldn't find anything for the San Diego area. If you know of one in the area , please email me so I can add it to the list.We love visiting bargain theaters because they're inexpensive and if the kids became bored and we need to leave, we are only out a couple of bucks. Family films are particularly popular at these type of theaters, so it's usually easy to find something for everyone. We've had a great experience and I'm sure your family will too!!Los Angeles CountyAcademy Cinema - Pasadena - $2 before 6pm, $3 afterCinemark Movie s - Lancaster- $1.75 before 6pm, $2.25 after, $1.25 all day WedRedondo Beach Cinema 3 - Redondo Beach- $3 all daySta...
More About: Dollar , Southern California

San Diego Zoo/Wild Animal Park - New Membership Deal!!!
2008-01-16 15:22:00
If you've been thinking of becoming a member of the zoological society of San Diego , you're in luck. For a limited time you can take $10 off a new adult membership. That means that you can get a dual membership for only $79 or a single membership for $61 . This is a fantastic deal!!!Benefits of the membership includeUnlimited admission to the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park for one full year 2 free guest passes (over $54 in value)Free Journey into Africa tour at the Park (save $10 each time) Free Skyfari aerial tram at the Zoo (save $3 each time) Four discount guest coupons (a $20 value)Four 2-for-1 Zoo Bus Tour coupons ZOONOOZ® magazine subscription (a $15 value) Monthly member specialsHurry and act soon this offer is only for a limited timeFor additional information click here
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Santa Monica Pier
2008-01-16 10:20:00
One of my favorite places to visit in Southern California is the Santa Monica Pier . I spent many days as a child there and it holds a special place in my heart. The pier has had extensive renovations since then and is now a fantastic place for both young and old to enjoy. I love that my children can now enjoy a new and improved pier. The pier is host to an amusement park, restaurants and retail shops.Pacific Park is the West Coast's only amusement park located on a pier. It is home to six adult rides and six children rides. The park also has carnival games, a food court and a gift shop. The Santa Monica Pier also has a great arcade and a fantastic Carousel. The pier is also home to the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.There are a variety of restaurants ranging from food cart vendors to the themed Bubba Gump Shrimp Factory. You can also rent bicycles and fishing equipment from a couple of shops. One of my favorite things to do is to watch the fishermen bait their hook and reel in ...

California Science Center
2008-01-15 09:20:00
If you grew up in Southern California , you might recall the commercials for the Museum of Science and Industry. I have fond memories of visiting with my family as a child. Well time has been very kind to the museum and it's now called the California Science Center . I've been meaning to visit with the kids for quite some time now and was finally able to make the trip this weekend. We packed a bag Saturday afternoon and headed off for a visit to the Science Center.The Science is Center is located in Exposition Park and is the West Coast's largest hands on science center. It boasts 3 floors, which holds 4 permanent exhibits and a special exhibit gallery which showcases popular exhibits from museums around the world. The four permanent exhibits are The Creative World Exhibit, The World of Life Exhibit, Air and Space Exhibit and the Science court. The first exhibit we toured was The Creative World , which showcases advances humans have made in communication, architecture and transpor...
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Magic Mountain -2008 play pass- pay for one day, get the rest of the year f
2008-01-14 19:43:00
If you are searching for an inexpensive season pass to the most thrilling theme park in Southern California, you're in luck. Six Flags Magic Mountain is offering their 2008 play pass for 59.99- With the pass you will also get 5 free tickets to bring a friend on selected dates. Pass holders also receive a Value Book with over $400 in discounts on food, games, souvenirs and more, plus one FREE admission to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor.For additional information click here
More About: Play , Rest

Sea World Fun Card
2008-01-12 19:46:00
2008 SeaWorld San Diego Fun Card For the cost of a full-price single day admission, you get unlimited visits to SeaWorld for all of 2008. A Fun Card is the best way to enjoy all of SeaWorld’s 2008 events. Return as often as you like for Spring into Night, Summer Nights, a not-too-scary Halloween, and SeaWorld’s Holiday Celebration. Your Fun Card won’t expire until December 31, 2008, but the offer expires April 30. So … don’t wait. Get your 2008 Fun Card today and start the fun. For my review of Sea World San Diego and additional information click here

Universal Studios Hollywood-Buy a day, Get 2008 Free!!
2008-01-11 09:47:00
As I mentioned yesterday in my Disneyland post, this time of year is the perfect time to visit theme parks and also find fantastic deals. Universal Studios Hollywood is offering the buy a day, get 2008 free, which basically gives you an annual pass for the price of a single day admission. As an annual pass holder you will get discounts on admission tickets for family or friends, CityWalk dining discounts and CineWalk discounts. If you purchase online you will not only be able to save time but also receive a coupon book. Don't' miss out on this great opportunity to become an annual pass holder for the price of one day admission. As an annual pass holder I promise you will not be disappointed.
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Knott's Berry Farm- Adult admission only $19.99!!
2008-01-11 09:42:00
Knott's Berry Farm is holding it's 7th annual canned food drive for the Orange County Food Bank from January 7th -February 3rd. Every guest bringing a can food during the drive to the park will get in for the kid's price of only $19.99. That's a savings of $30 dollars!! Bring a can for a day of fun!!! For additional info click here
More About: Adult , Knot , Missi

Disneyland/Disney's California Adventure 2 for 1-(2fer ticket)
2008-01-10 18:32:00
If you are a Southern California resident and you have been meaning to visit Disneyland or Disney's California Aventure you're in luck!! For a limited time you can visit either park and come back on another day and visit the other park for free!!You can take advantage of this offer until April 24. A single day admission ticket is $66 for guests 10 and up and $56 for kids 3-9 - kids 2 and under are free. If you haven't been in a while this is a perfect excuse to visit.Did you know that this is the best time of the year to visit? The crowds are minimal and you can actually take in a park in one day. Our family loves visiting this time of year because we can usually hop right on to a ride and if there is a wait, it's usually very short. You can maneuver through the park easily with a stroller and there's plenty of room to get great seating at restaurants, benches, etc.. Trust me, as a seasoned Disney pass holder and being married to the ultimate Disney fan - there is nothing worse...
More About: Adventure , Ticket

The Giveaway Continues!
2008-01-10 04:11:00
Due to the overwhelming response, we have decided to extend the deadline to our giveaway.Day Tripping Mom wants to make sure you start the new year with fun adventures. We'll be giving away an Entertainment 2008 book - in the region of your choice.To enter, email the following info to mom@daytrippingmom.com1. Your full name2. Email address3. Tell us your family's favorite day trip!The new deadline is Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 10 AM Pacific Time. Enter now and tell your friends!If you don't win, you can always order one here and get $10 off and FREE Shipping on the purchase of the 2008 Entertainment Book!

Analog TV Converters and You!
2008-01-09 09:01:00
Stay with me on this one because this does apply to you daytrippers. For those of you that might use an analog television set in your cars or even at home, (meaning you need an antenna to tune in regular tv), your days are numbered. That is to say that analog broadcasting will be going away forever after this year.Why do you need a converter, where according to the government website: At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.You will need either a new TV that can received digital signals or else to purchase a converter for your analog TV set. Well the government is issuing up to two $40 coupons to a limited number of households.Get you coupons at this direct link https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspxT he site appe...
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Children's Theatre- La Mirada Performing Arts Center
2008-01-07 10:00:00
Do you want to expose your children to live performance ? If you do, make sure to check out the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts Young Audience program. It introduces children to live theatre and also acquaints kids with proper theatre etiquette. The shows are geared to children 5 years and older. Performances are one hour long with no intermission. Tickets are only 8 dollars or you can subscribe to a 3 show series for 18 dollars. Upcoming performances will be Beethoven's Wig on Feb 24th , Winnie the Pooh on March 30th and Fred Garbo Inflatables on April 6th. For additional information and directions click here.La Mirada Performing Arts Center - 14900 La Mirada BoulevardLa Mirada, CA 90638Box office :562-944-9801 or 714-994-6310Box office hours:Mon-Fri 11am - 5:30pmSat 12 noon - 4pm

Family Friendly Museums in Southern California
2008-01-05 17:46:00
If you live in Southern California - you're well aware that we are in the middle of a downpour this weekend. We've been pretty dry for the last couple of years with just an occasional sprinkle here and there. Well with the rain comes kids that are itching to release some energy but are stuck inside. I was going to post a couple of at home activities that you could do with your kids but decided against it. After some thought I felt that I should post about a great alternative to staying at home or heading over to your local cineplex.If you want your family to have a learning experience and also have fun then head of to one of the many local museums in Southern California.Here's a list of Museums that are family friendlyLos Angeles CountyCalifornia Science Center - Exposition Park, Downtown Los AngelesNatural History Museum - Exposition Park, Downtown Los AngelesZimmers Children's Museum - Wilshire Blvd, Los AngelesKidspace Children Museum - Pasadena, CaliforniaSkirball Cultural C...
More About: Family , Friendly

Day Tripping Mom Giveaway!!
2008-01-04 02:50:00
Day Tripping Mom wants to make sure you start the new year with fun adventures. We'll be giving away an Entertainment 2008 book - in the region of your choice.To enter, email the following info to mom@daytrippingmom.com1. Your full name2. Email address3. Tell us your family's favorite day trip!Giveaway closes Thursday, January 10th at 4pm, PSTGood luck!!!

That's Entertainment - the book
2008-01-02 09:01:00
I hope you all had a wonderful new year's day. To start off your New Year right, I have to tell you about a gift given to me by my DH for Christmas. It's the Entertainment book of coupons. You may have had a high schooler peddling this to you as a fundraiser, but these books are really worth it. My sister bought one last year and we used several of her coupons. After using just a couple of 2 for 1 coupons, this book pays for itself. We used a buy one, get one coupon for Todai last year. That place charges $25 per person for their sushi buffet. Just that meal alone made the book worth it.The book is published regionally, so you will find tons of coupons for things in your area. We have the Orange County book and it includes local theme parks, restaurants and even fast-food discounts. I am considering getting a book for LA and the Inland Empire for our travels. This comes in so handy for saving money on your day trips with the kiddos. It also turned out to be the most pr...
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Rose Parade-Showcase of floats
2008-01-01 09:34:00
Ever wonder what happens to the floats after the Rose Parade ? or you couldn't make it to the parade and you are itching to take a close and personal look at the beautiful floats -head over to the end of the Rose Parade route and be prepared for a breathtaking display. After every Rose Parade, the floats are parked along Sierra Madre and Washington Blvds in Pasadena and exhibited for visitors to walk by and see in close detail the design and workmanship that goes into these floats. Visitors are able to walk within a few feet of the floats and appreciate for themselves the creativity and the imagination of the floral displays.Here are some tips to make your visit to the Showcase of Floats as enjoyable as possible1. Street parking near the event is very limited. I would strongly recommend to park at one of the park and ride lots and take a shuttle to the floats. Shuttle service will be available from three locations in Pasadena. Guests using shuttles enter the event through a prior...
More About: Oats

New Year's Eve at Disneyland/DCA
2007-12-31 15:01:00
If you're still scrambling for something fun to do with your kids to ring in the New Year- look no further. Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure will both be hosting New Year's Eve events.Like any event at either theme park - rest assured that it will be fun, safe and enjoyable for kids of all agesNEW YEARS AT DISNEYLANDWhere: 1313 S. Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, 92802When: 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., Dec. 31Admission: $66 and upDon't miss: New Year's celebrations and countdowns will be held throughout the park including a Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing Party featuring the Eric Ekstrand Ensemble, performances from Ellis Hall and the Truth, The Side Street Strutters, Doug Legacy and the Zydeco Party Band and El Soul, DJ Steve Shanahan, 'Believe...In Holiday Magic' fireworks, a 'New Year's Eve' Fireworks Spectacular will welcome the New Year at midnight and more.click here for more infoNEW YEARS AT DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTUREWhere: 1313 S. Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, 92802When: 10 a.m. to 1 a...

Rose Parade Viewing Tips
2007-12-31 08:57:00
If you are thinking of heading out to Pasadena to view the 2008 Tournament of Rose s Parade - here's a list of tips to make it a fun and comfortable experience1. Layer up- The high for New Year's Day is supposed to hit a high of 76 degrees- but it is very chilly at night and in the early morning. Dress in layers so that you can easily remove a layer or two when it starts to warm up. If you're bringing little ones I would also bring scarves, gloves and mittens.2. Overnight camping is permitted only on the night before the parade. Do not arrive before noon the day before the parade.3. If you plan on camping - bring plenty of blankets, sleeping bags and pillows. You are also allowed to bring a small barbecue. You may not bring tents or start any form of bonfire.4. If you are camping be prepared for a sleepless night. I've camped out a couple of times with my family and didn't sleep a wink. The crowd also gets a bit rowdy. I really wouldn't recommend camping out if you have small ch...
More About: Tips , Viewing