Fullerton Arboretum



A couple of days ago I made a visit to the Fullerton Arboretum with my almost three year old daughter Lauren. I’ve been meaning to visit for quite some time and finally got around to doing it this week. The Arboretum is adjacent to the Cal State University Fullerton campus and it’s a great little place to visit with kids. My daughter and I were both fascinated by the variety of plants and flowers.

The Fullerton Arboretum is the largest botanical garden in Orange County and is home to more than 4,000 plants. It’s a beautiful and tranquil place to sit and enjoy the view if you’re alone. Here’s the nitty gritty if you are planning a visit with kids of any age. It’s a great place for the little ones. Bring a stroller and you will love strolling the grounds and taking in all of the beautiful flowers and plants. My little one loved all of the ducks, rabbits and even a resident chicken roaming the grounds. If you have older kids they might enjoy bringing a camera for an afternoon of photography, a scavenger hunt centered around finding different flowers and plants or just sitting down on a bench and enjoying the beauty of the gardens.

The Fullerton Arboretum is open every day of the year except New Years Day, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day—and for occasional special events. The hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. each day.

Special extended hours are planned for the summer months. During July, the Arboretum will close at 8:00 p.m., August 7:30 p.m. and September 7:00 p.m. Check the website before making a special visit to confirm the hours of operation the day you wish to visit.

For additional information click here

Fullerton Arboretum
1900 Associated Road
Fullerton, CA 92831

Ocean Institute



This past weekend the temperatures soared near 100 degrees in Southern California. I knew that if we headed to the coast we would get much needed relief from the scorching heat. Our family decided that it would be the perfect weekend to visit the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

The Ocean Institute is an educational facility that is open to the public only on the weekends. On weekdays the center is exclusively used by students and educators. The Institute is not really a museum or an aquarium, it’s more of a hands on marine educational center. Call it what you want, this gem is a must visit for your family.

My children loved the institute from the moment they walked through the doors. The kids marched straight to the tide pool exhibit and had the opportunity to touch starfish and sea cucumbers. They loved learning about the different sea life that is found in our local tide pools . They also had a special craft area set up for the kids that was also a big hit with my daughter. My son was in love with the remote operated vehicle display. My husband and I couldn’t tear him away!! My husband loved the octopus and jellyfish display. I was intrigued because I had never seen any close up. My personal favorite was being able to touch starfish and sea cucumbers. The cucumbers feel like squishy sponges!! The Institute also offers story time for the little ones a couple of times a day.

I loved the individual attention that we received from the Institutes’s staff. Everyone was very friendly, provided us with valuable information and answered all of our questions. I love that the center caters to people of all ages. Whether your family is made up of toddlers or teenagers or anything in between, everyone will find something of interest at this great place. We paid a visit to the Institute on Saturday, however if you visit on a Sunday, you will be treated to look on board the Ocean Institutes’s historic brig Pilgrim, which hosts unique Living History programs based on the book Two Years Before the Mast. If you’re looking for something to do that is fun and educational make sure to plan a visit to The Ocean Institute in Dana Point. You will not be disappointed.

Ocean Institute
24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
Dana Point, CA 92629
Phone:(949) 496-2274
Fax: (949) 496-4296

Hours
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am-3:00pm (for public entry; administrative offices are open for extended hours)

Admission
Members: Free
General Admission (13yrs +): $6.50
Youth (3yrs – 12yrs): $4.50
Kids (2yrs and under): Free

For additional information click here

Fairy Party at the Pasadena Museum of History

I was scouting for events for this upcoming weekend when I came upon this one that has to be a must for many of you. The Pasadena Museum of History will be hosting their 4th annual Fairy Party on Thursday May 22nd from 6 to 8pm. Children and their parents are transported to a magical fairy land. Kids are invited to attend in fairy costumes or comfy pjs. There will be crafts, games, storytelling and kid friendly tours of exhibits. There will also be opportunities in the Museum’s gardens and refreshments. Tickets are $12 per child and accompanying adult or $10 for members of the museum. Reservations are required

Pasadena Museum of History

470 West Walnut Street ~ Pasadena, CA 91103 ~ Ph 626.577.1660

For additional information click here