Credit: Segerstrom Center for the Arts

One of my all time favorite musicals is coming to Southern California. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is coming to the Segerstrom Center for The Arts, January 14th to the 19th. 

I love a good musical and having watched Beauty and the Beast with my kiddos at least fifty times, I know every song by heart. Listening to any of the songs from the show makes me smile from ear to ear. The Broadway musical is coming to town for a week and if you haven’t watched it before, now is your chance. I have to admit that I really hope I can score some tickets and take my daughter. She loves the movie and I can’t wait to take her to the show!

Tickets start at $29 . The show will play from Tuesday, January 14th to Sunday, January 19th. For additional info or to purchase tickets head here.

Are you looking for some fun things to do with the kiddos during this winter break? My kids have another week off and I decided to dust off this post I wrote a couple of years ago. I updated the info/links and these 10 places are still my favorite cheap-o places to visit. Have fun exploring!!

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. Make sure to get a reservation and check out the Endeavor Space Shuttle.
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.  It’s a great alternative to the movies.
6. Griffith Park Observatory. We love this Los Angeles landmark. It’s fun, educational, and the kids have a great time. The best part is that our entire family can visit and spend one amazing day and not spend a dime. Yes, admission is FREE!
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 2 are free, kids 3-12 are $5  and adults are $12. For less than 20 bucks you can treat your family to an incredible day and learn a thing or two.

9. Santa Ana Zoo in the afternoon. Did you know the Santa Ana Zoo offers reduced admission   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.

Credit: Sharp Seating

Ever wonder what happens to the floats after the Rose Parade? If you couldn’t make it to the parade and you are itching to take a close and personal look at the beautiful floats, head over to the end of the Rose Parade route, and be prepared for a breathtaking display.

After every Rose Parade, the floats are parked along Sierra Madre and Washington Blvds in Pasadena and exhibited for visitors to walk by and see in close detail the design and workmanship that goes into these floats. Visitors are able to walk within a few feet of the floats and appreciate for themselves the creativity and the imagination of the floral displays.  The Showcase of Floats will be on display until 5pm on January 2nd. The hours for January 2nd, are 9am to 5pm. The disabled and senior citizens are able to access from 7am to 9am. Tickets can be purchased at the venue until 3pm.

Here are some tips to make your visit to the Showcase of Floats as enjoyable as possible

• Street parking near the event is very limited. I would strongly recommend to park at one of the park and ride lots and take a shuttle to the floats. Shuttle service will be available from three locations in Pasadena. Guests using shuttles enter the event through a priority line. Shuttle fare is $3 per person round trip, and children five and under ride free.
• There are three park and ride lots. One is located at the Rose Bowl- North Arroyo Blvd and Seco St. Parking lot H- The Rose Bowl lot will only be available on January 2nd. The second location is at Pasadena City College-1570 E Colorado Blvd(enter off Del Mar blvd. near corner of Hill St). The third location is at the Community Education Center – 3035 E Foothill Blvd(enter Foothill Ave, West of Sierra Madre Villa).
• General admission is $10 . Children 5 and under are free. Cash and credit cards are accepted
• Hours are as follows: Jan. 2, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (senior citizens and disabled visitors)Jan. 2, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.* (general admission)* ticket sales and guest admittance end at 3:00 p.m., venue closes at 5:00 p.m.
• Bring plenty of water. There is a lot of walking involved and it will definitely come in handy.
•  Be prepared for a magical experience!! You will be amazed by the breathtaking beauty and detail of each float.

For additional info head here. Happy New Year!!!