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!!!

1. California Science Center – Exposition Park
2. Travel Town Museum – Griffith Park
3. The Getty Center – Los Angeles/Brentwood
4. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium – San Pedro
5. Santa Monica Pier Aquarium– Free for children 12 and under
6. Santa Monica Pier
   
7. Third Street Promenade – Santa Monica
8. Redondo Beach Pier
9. Centennial Farms – Costa Mesa/OC Fairgrounds
10. Downtown Disney – Anaheim
11. Citywalk – Universal City
12. Ports O’Call – San Pedro
13. Pacific Marine Mammal Center – Laguna Beach

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 area:

1. Los 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) 617-0396
2. The 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 vendors
3. Monterey 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 Park, between Alhambra and Garfield.
4. San Gabriel Valley Lunar New Year Parade and Festival will be held on Feb 16th. The event is a combined effort of the cities of Alhambra and San Gabriel. The parade will take place at 11 am and the festival will

Orange County

1. Tet Festival Garden Grove – One of the largest Tet festivals in the the world. The festival will take place on Fri Feb 8th from 2-10pm, Sat Feb 9th from 10am to 10pm and Sun Feb 10th from 10am to 9pm. Garden Grove Park- Admission is $5 adults and $4 children.
2. Little Saigon Tet Parade will be held on Sat February 9th from 10am to 12pm on Bolsa Avenue in Little Saigon, Westminster

San Diego County

1. 2008 Chinese New Year Fair in San Diego- Feb 16th and 17 from 10am to 5pm- Admission is free of charge. Third Avenue and J street.
2. San Diego Tet Lunar New Year Festival– The festival will be held in Balboa Park – A fantastic festival for the whole family. Entertainment, food and plenty of fun. Fri Feb 8th from 4pm to 10pm , Sat 9th from 10am to 10pm and Sun 10th from 10am to 8pm. Admission is $5 for adults , $4 for children. Located on corner of Park Blvd and Presidents Way.

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? If they do (what kid doesn’t right?), you’re in luck because there are also great pony and horse rides. They are located next to the railroad at the front entrance to the park on Los Feliz Blvd. Ponies and horses give the little ones safe and secure rides around a track. Your kiddos can also ride in a covered wagon ride if their heart desires.

Once you’ve had your fill of ponies and trains head over to the the center of the park for a fantastic ride on the Griffith Park Merry – Go – Round. The carousel has been a part of the park since 1937 . It’s a great ride and boasts 68 horses and everyone of them is a jumper.

Bring a picnic basket, some snacks and you have the recipe for a perfect day with your family.

The Griffith Park Railroad is open everyday of the week from 10am to 4:30pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm on weekends. Train rides are 2.50 each

Pony rides are open from Tue-Sun from 10 am to 4pm. Rides are 1.50 and are for children ages 1-10- with a weight limit of 100 pounds.

Griffith Park Carousel is open on weekends throughout the year and everyday in the summer. Open from 10am to 5pm. Griffith Park Carousel ticket prices are $1.50 per ride.

Almost forgot to mention, make sure to bring cash and sunscreen.