Fun things to do with the kiddos during the holiday break!

Winter break is coming up and that means there are going to be kiddos(and parents!) at home looking for things to do! Here are a couple of suggestions that will entertain your kiddos and are either free or not very expensive.I posted this list last year for winter break. It’s an oldie but goodie!
1. The California Science Center. I can’t rave enough about this wonderful place. It is at the top of the list in my book for something to do in So Cal that is fun, different and oh did I mention that it is absolutely FREE!(all you have to do is pay for parking). Pack a lunch or splurge a little and enjoy Mcdonald’s on the first floor of the museum.
2. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium- While it is is not the Aquarium of the Pacific or Scripps, it is a great little aquarium that has the most amazing staff and some fun exhibits.The Aquarium is absolutely FREE and parking is a $1 an hour
3. The Getty Museum and Getty Villa- These two beautiful jewels sit perched on a hill with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. Both are FREE to the public and while many of you may be thinking- no way- my kiddos would be bored out of their mind, think again! My kiddos had a blast on our last visit and they have a fun kids area that your kiddos will never want to leave!
4. Enviromental Nature Center– pack a good pair of shoes and enjoy a fun hike on the center’s trail. Also stay a bit to explore the Center. It’s a fun little place your kiddos will enjoy. Did I mention it’s FREE?
5. Zimmer’s Children’s Museum– In my opinion one of the best children’s museums in the area. The theming is out of this world and not very crowded. While the museum is not free, admission prices are reasonable($5 for kids and $8 for adults) It’s a great alternative to the movies.
6. Hit your local dollar theater. We love the dollar theatre. It’s fun, cheap and the kids have a great time. The best part is that our entire family can catch a flick and get some treats for less than $10! You can’t beat that!
7. Travel Town Museum– a family favorite. This little train museum is pretty darn cool and admission is absolutely free. Make a day at Griffith Park by bringing some toys and have some good old fashioned fun playing in one of the many playgrounds or by taking a little hike.

8. Natural History Museum– Los Angeles. Love Night of the Museum? well you will definitely love the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. Your family will fall in love with this amazing museum and the best part is that although it does not offer free admission- admission prices are pretty darn reasonable. Children under 5 are free, kids 6-12 are $2 and adults are $9. For less than 20 bucks you can treat your family to an incredible day and learn a thing or two. I love it!
9. Santa Ana Zoo in the afternoon. Did you know the Santa Ana Zoo offers half price off after 2pm? We love the Santa Ana Zoo and it has one of the best play areas. It’s shaded, there is a snack bar and a play area for the tiny tots and another for the older ones. We love sitting in the aviary and having a few moments of peace and quiet. It’s a fun little place that my family loves!

10. La Habra Children’s Museum– This great little museum is a perfect place to let your kiddos romp around. There are hands on exhibits, a preschool playroom, a train car to explore and much much more. Admission is $7 a person and children 2 and under are free of charge.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade: One of my Favorite Christmas Tradition and tips

Are you ready to really swing into the holiday spirit?? Looking for something that is fun to do and absolutely free?? The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is celebrating it’s 103rd year and better than ever. Watching the parade is one of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions. The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a definite must see. The parade begun today and ends on Sunday December 18th. The parade starts off at Bay Island at 6:30pm and ends there at approximately 9:30.

Just a couple of tips to make your evening as enjoyable as possible.

1. Dress warmly. I forgot to bring gloves last year and I will make sure not to forget them this year. I also will remember to bring a blanket for each of my kiddos.

2. Arrive as early as possible. Traffic is horrible and arriving early will assure you a spot and less congestion.

3. Be prepared to pay for parking. Whether you are parking in one of the state lots to an improvised private lot make sure to bring at least 10 dollars for parking. If you want to save on parking make sure to bring good walking shoes and park a little further away from the bay area.

4. Bring something warm to drink . We bring something warm to drink and lots of fun treats!

5. Some of the best viewing spots are the Balboa Peninsula/Ferry area and Balboa island. You can’t miss at any of these two spots.

6. If you would like to view the parade in luxury many of the waterfront restaurants along the parade route have dinner/viewing packages. Check to see if your favorite restaurant is offering a deal.

7. check out this website for additional information. I know that your family will enjoy this as much as my family does!! I promise!!!

It is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. I hope it becomes one of yours too!

Universal Studios Hollywood Grinchmas Celebration!

: Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood!

I love this time of year! There are so many wonderful events going on about town. Yesterday I packed the kids and my mom in the car and we headed up to Universal Studios for the first day of Grinchmas! This special holiday celebration featuring everyone’s favorite Grinch will take place this weekend and daily December 17th through January 1st.

Entering Grinchmas Land!

Grinchmas Time at Universal Studios Hollywood is fun for the entire family. You will be able to play in real snow, experience the Whoville Celebration as the Whos in Whoville come to life in the backlot and gather around the Grinchmas Tree for celebrity readings of Dr. Seuss how the Grinch stole Christmas every night, plus experience the magic of the tree lighting ceremony.

Gather around the Grinchmas Tree

We had a great time yesterday at Universal Studios Grinchmas Celebration. The kids loved every minute of it and of course it was a bit of a struggle on our way out, because they did not want to leave!