Things To Do With The Kids This Summer: Drive In Movie Theaters

Southern California Drive-In Fun

Southern California Drive-In Fun

We are about to finish up the school year and I can’t wait! 5 days to go. The kids and I both finish work/school on the same day. I’m planning all of our Summer activities, and this is one that I definitely wanted to add to our What To Do With The Kids Summer Series.

Growing up we would go to the Drive-in theater in La Mirada every Friday. It was soo much fun! I’ve wanted to take my kiddos to the drive-in for some time and finally got around to doing it last year. It was soooo much fun and so cheap! We took the kiddos to the Van Buren Drive-in, which is located in Riverside. Here are some things I learned about heading to the drive in with the family.

Get there early

We got there fifteen minutes before the show started and we wound up missing the previews and a few minutes of the movie. There was a nice long line to get in, and I would suggest getting there at least half an hour to an hour before the show. You can make sure to set up your spot, and not feel rushed. The Van Buren Drive in offers double feature and it really is a great deal.

Bring Cash

Make sure to bring cash to pay for admissions. Most drive in theaters only accept cash.

Make sure to use the restroom before you get there

It is dark and tricky to maneuver around the parking lot in the dark. Make sure the kiddies have used the restroom before you get there and if you need to use them, make sure to use them during the intermission between the first and second feature when the lights are turned on.

Pack lots of yummie snacks/drinks

It was so fun to be able to just pack our dinner and head to the movies. We also packed blankets and pillows. It was great to not have to spend any money on snacks/popcorn. We stopped at the store to pick up licorice and water.

We had a great time and can’t wait to do it again. It was a really affordable night out. It was $18 for a night out for the four of us, plus the snacks we brought from home.  A night out at the regular theater would have been over $50, at least!

Five Drive In Theaters in Southern California

There are Five Drive-in Theaters in So Cal.

  1. Van Buren Drive-in Cinemas – Riverside
  2. Rubidoux Drive-in Theater – Rubidoux/Riverside
  3. Vineland Drive-in Theater – City of Industry
  4. Mission Tiki Drive-in  – Claremont
  5. South Bay Drive-in  – San Diego
  6. Paramount Drive-in – Paramount
  7. Santee Drive-in – Santee

Go out there and enjoy a night at the drive-in. I promise you guys are going to have a great time!!!

Knott’s Summertime Fun!

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All new this summer at Knott’s Berry Farm is the 4-D adventure, Voyage to the Iron Reef. Located at the end of the Boardwalk, this interactive adventure guarantees a new experience on each ride. All ages can enjoy the fun. It’s found in the same building that once held Knott’s Bear-y Tales and more recently, Kingdom of the Dinosaurs. Knott’s continues to bring unique ride experiences that are found nowhere else.

Knott's Iron Reef

Here’s what else you can find this summer at The Farm:

Blockbuster Beagle!…on ice – Charles M. Schulz Theatre

  • Snoopy and his Peanuts buddies “go Hollywood” bringing Walk of Fame glamour, dazzling movie lot escapades and California excitement to a brand new ice show adventure.

Vertical Impact & Vertical Impact Geared Up Show

  • Vertical Impact presents the ultimate blend of extreme stunts with high flying acrobats performing a one of a kind performance perfect for the entire family!

Charlie Brown’s Happy Campers – Camp Snoopy Theatre

  • Join Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy and the world’s most popular beagle, Snoopy in a show that’s sure to make an outdoorsman out of anybody!

Big Band Swingin’ Sundays

  • Jump, Jive & Swing to the sounds of Orange County’s best local Big Bands.

Boardwalk Dance Party – Boardwalk Circle Stage

  • Dance ‘til you drop and wave your hands in the air until you just don’t care with DJ Howly, one of Orange County’s most requested “mixers & spinners”.

Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies – Birdcage Theatre

  • Things get krazy when Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies perform their toe tappin’, knee-slappin’, side splittin’ country comedy show that has Knott’s audiences clamoring for more!

knotts shipwreck

Salsa Bands – Fiesta Plaza Stage

  • Nothing says a party at the Fiesta Plaza stage better than the energy created by some of Orange County’s most popular salsa bands.

The Peanuts Gang – Camp Snoopy

  • A chance to meet and hug one of your favorite Peanuts characters like Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Sally, Schroeder, Franklin, Woodstock, or Peppermint Patty

Calico Saloon Cancan Show – Calico Saloon

What’s a Saloon without a show? Don’t miss the Calico Saloon Show for some good old’ fashioned bar room fun.

knotts-berry-farm

There’s so much more fun to share and I will be bringing you all the information soon. This is just a tease of what you can expect at Knott’s Berry Farm this summer. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll be interested in getting a season pass. That way your summer fun will be endless!

As you can see, there is no end to the fun at Knott’s Berry Farm this summer. Follow Knott’s on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!  Snoopy can’t wait to see you!

Things To Do With The Kids This Summer : Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading

We have 7 days of school and work left. We are definitely counting down the days until we can sleep in and just have fun!

I know the importance of reading (I teach Language Arts) daily. I want to make sure that we continue reading  this Summer and plan on taking advantage of Barnes & Noble’s Summer Reading Program, Imagination Destination. 

The Summer Reading Program will keep your kiddos reading during the Summer and also reward them.Here’s what you have to do. First, have the  kiddos read any 8 books this Summer. Next, record what you’ve read  in this  journal. Finally, bring your completed reading journal to local Barnes & Noble Store and choose a free book  from their year’s  reading selection.

Barnes & Noble stores will also host  weekly storytime during the Summer. Our local store hosts Friday night storytime.  Other stores are offering Saturday Summer camp, crafts, and more! You can find your closest B&N store here. For additional info head here.