Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

If you are looking for a place to take the kids for a beautiful walk and if they love Koi fish boy do I have a place for you. The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the Cal State Long Beach Campus is a beautiful place to spend an hour or two or even an afternoon.

The kiddos will enjoy feeding the colorful Koi. You can purchase Koi food for 25 cents per handful. You will want to bring a container from home to hold the food.

It’s a great place for your kiddos to wonder around and enjoy the beauty of the garden.

Here’s the best part admission is absolutely free.

Tuesday through Friday: 8:00a.m to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Closed : Mondays and Saturdays
Admission is FREE
The Garden will be closed to the public from noon on
December 24, 2008 through January 24, 2009

EBM Japanese Garden
Cal State University Long Beach
Long Beach, California

Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center- Free


I’m going to make it my special mission to bring to you at least once a week a post about a place where you can take the kiddos for free and sure to be a good time.
This week you have to check out the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center in the Newport Beach Back Bay.
This 10,000 square foot educational facility has been built into the side of one of the bluffs on the north side of the Bay. It offers panoramic views of the Bay yet is nestled so unobtrusively that few people are aware that the Interpretive Center is there.

Visitors learn about life in and around an estuary and why Upper Newport Bay is such an important estuary. The knowledge and understanding gained here will give people an even greater appreciation of the Bay when they take guided walking and water tours or explore the Bay on their own.
Watch the award-winning “Saltmarsh Seasons” in the Ray and Elsa Watson Theater. This innovative short film has different wildlife scenes shown simultaneously on three separate screens. Or check out the live reptile and amphibian displays in the classrooms. The classrooms are also open to the public when programs are not being conducted in them and your kiddos will be able to play around and make themselves at home.

The center is home to exhibits and a butterfly garden. The center also offers a program for 2-5 year olds every Wednesday from 10;30 am to 11;15 am with storytime and activities. This program is 5 dollars per child

There is also a program for 5-8 year olds- basyside buddies- every other Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:40 pm. The program features crafts, hands on activities and nature walks.

The center is open from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Find out about Program and Events. For more information, call (949) 923-2290.
The best park like I said is that this place offers free admission and free parking. Can’t beat that!!

Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center
2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949)923-2290

Los Angeles County Museum of Art- Free Admission on MLK

I’m all about doing free things. I’m sure you all are too!! If you are looking for something to do on Monday to celebrate Dr. King’s birthday why not try a visit to the LACMA(Los Angeles County Museum of Art). Thanks to a generous contribution from Target(one more reason why I love Target- they are sponsors of several local museums),visitors of all ages are invited to a free day at the museum featuring live performances, tours, and self-guided activities.
The museum will be having special performances and family friendly activities.
Make sure to check out the children’s special audio tour designed specifically with your little ones in mind. I hope you can enjoy a day at the museum and remember that free admission at the LACMA will be held every holiday Monday. Enjoy!!

Portraits at LACMA
Monday, January 19 | 12–8 pm | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Enjoy free admission all day with activities from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Discover the varied portraits in LACMA’s collection—from ancient to contemporary—through gallery activities and tours and take in a live music performance by Musicàntica on the plaza.

P.S. You still have time to enter the giveaway- just leave a comment!!