More fun things to do during the holiday break that are free or cheap!

Hooray !!! It looks like rain will be leaving us tonight/tomorrow and a little sunshine will be heading our way! ! I can’t wait to take the kids somewhere. They have been going stir crazy and are ready for some exploring. 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.

Kids Free in October at the San Diego Zoo and Zoofari Park

There are so many fun activities and fun events this month and one that I have blogged about before and have to mention again is Free Admission at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Wild Animal Park.

The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoofari Park will offer free admission to both parks for children during the entire month of October. If you have been wanting to head out to either park this is the month to do it! You can bring as many kiddos as you would like and they will all be FREE!

It is a great deal and a perfect Halloween Treat for the family!

Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum

Orange County isn’t the only home to free train rides on the weekends. The Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum offers fun and free train rides to the public. It’s located in Griffith Park and is a must if you have little railroad enthusiasts. There are train exhibits that everyone will enjoy and every Sunday the museum operates 7½” gauge model trains for the general public free of charge from 11 am – 3 pm (weather permitting). except for the Sunday before Memorial Day and the first Sunday in October. The gate is open from 10:45 am to 3 pm. Train rides begin at 11 am. The museum is home to Walt Disney’s Barn. It’s the actual barn that was in Mr. Disney’s backyard in Holmby Hills, California. The barn is where Walt , who was a member of the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum had his workshop and ran the switches for his home railroad. The barn is open on the third Sunday of each month and features displays of Disney, LALS and railroad related memorabilia. Guided tours are provided by members of the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society. The museum and railroad are open every Sunday weather permitting from 11am to 3pm and admission and train rides are FREE of charge. For additional information click here.

Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum
5202 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, California 90027