City of Chino Youth Museum

Credit: City of Chino

Did you know that the City of Chino has a children’s museum? Neither did I! I learn something new about Southern California every day. The City of Chino’s Youth Museum opened it’s doors in 1999 and is home to a fun and interactive museum that your little ones will enjoy. It is also a very inexpensive outing since admission is only $3 for kiddos and free for adults! Makes for a fun day out with the family.

Credit: City of Chino

The museum has several interactive exhibits including a science exhibit, a community/town exhibit and many fun hands on opportunities for the kiddos to play their hearts out.

Credit: City of Chino

The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. First Friday of the month the museum offers a special fun and free event offers free entertainment, refreshments and more from 3pm to 5pm.

The Chino Youth Museum is located at 13191 6th Street in Historical Downtown Chino. For additional info head here.

Navy Week in LA – Free Tours of Aircraft Carriers and Navy Boats

Have you heard of Navy Week LA? Los Angeles Navy week allows residents to learn all about the Navy’s mission and also be able to meet members of the US Navy. Los Angeles Navy Week 2011 takes place July 25th to July 31st.

The public will be able to board and tour four navy vessels including the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier. There will also be demonstrations, live entertainment and more. There will be free parking and shuttles to the aircraft carrier from the Los Angeles World Cruise Center in San Pedro. The only catch is that kiddos have to be 8 years old and over. I would love to attend this but my little ones are still a little too young. Cameras are allowed but remember that there will be tight security and you will be subject to security checks. Also adults should remember to bring photo id.

If you have a kiddo or kiddos that would love to tour a real life aircraft carrier and other US Navy Vessels make sure to mark down this on the calendar and plan an outing to San Pedro next week.

For additional info and hours head here.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Cheetah Run and Summer Safari

Cheetah Run

Last week I had the opportunity to visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with the kiddos and we were in for quite the treat! We’ve been members of the San Diego Zoo on and off for the past few years and after this last visit I renewed my membership again because I love the place so much!

Summer Safari Fun!

Summer is the perfect time to visit The San Diego Zoo Safari Park as the park is currently hosting Summer Safari, an African Extravaganza, daily until August 21st. Summer Safari features Ethiopian Acrobats, Animal Encounters, crafts for the kiddos and my family’s absolute favorite, the African Extravaganza Party. My kiddos danced and hula hooped until they wore out.

Ethiopian Acrobat

: African Extravaganza Party

: The Kiddos and the “Lion”

One of the newest and most exciting additions to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the Cheetah Run. The Cheetah Run is located near Lion Camp and Balloon Safari, is a unique experience. During Cheetah Run, the spotted and lightning quick animal races on a straight 330-foot-long track that allows the cheetah to really stretch its legs and reach an astounding speed: 0 to 70 miles per hour in just 4 seconds while chasing a mechanical lure attached to its favorite toy.

The Run

The Cheetah Run takes place daily at 5pm and is an experience like no other. It is amazing to see a Cheetah in action. It will honestly take your breath away. My kiddos were perfectly still and oohing and aahing throughout the experience. You definitely want to experience it for yourself.

: Running from o to 60 miles in seconds!

At an additional cost, you can experience the VIP area and be in for quite the treat. You will be able to interact with some of the trainers, have a fun animal encounter and have the absolute best views of the Cheetah Run. My kiddos had a blast watching and being able to take pictures with the guest animal and trainer(I”m sorry but for the life of me I can’t remember what this animal is called. All I know it’s the elephant’s closest relative)

My son enjoying the animal interaction presentation

After the run, the cheetah is brought to the VIP area and you can ask questions of the trainers and take some pretty cool pictures. It is a one of a kind experience because you are so close to the cheetah, you can actually hear it lick and purr. It was way cool!

Shiley, who was absolutely amazing to look and hear close up!

After the Cheetah Run we headed over to the African Tram Safari for a view of the animals. The kids and I loved every minute of it. We actually were able to catch the after birth of a Somali Wild Ass. It was one of the highlights of our day! The African Tram Safari experience is included with admission and it is definitely a must do!

The Views on our African Safari Tram Experience

It was an incredible experience and can’t really put into words how much I absolutely love the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. If you have not visited in a while or have ever visited, now is the perfect time to visit with so many fun activities going on.

To learn more about the San Diego Zoo Safari Park head here.