Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Fun & Frugal Things to do in L.A. with your family!

 Here is a list of Frugal (& Free) Things to do in L.A. area! Me and my family will be going there so my Husband can go through some training for 2 whole weeks! When I get back I will give you my own review of some of these places!:) Because sometimes places say "kid friendly" or seem like they would be fun with little ones but then turn out to not be too great for smaller children or not as fun for older children! So look for my review the middle of August and if you have anywhere you would like to share or have a review of any of these places please comment below!

Most of my information came from the following links:
  •  http://discoverlosangeles.com
  • http://www.uptake.com/california/orange.html
1. Go to the Beach--Laguna Beach, North Star Beach & Newport Beach
Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Point Fermin is often overlooked by visitors. But the 37-acre park and its coin-operated telescopes offer some of the best views along the coast, while the 1874 lighthouse makes for picture-perfect photo-ops. Picnic, go for a jog, or just sit and lose yourself. 500 West Paseo Del Mar

2. Visit a Garden or Park-- 
Beverly Gardens Park:
Beverly Gardens is a 22 block, 1.9 mile linear park stretching from Doheny Drive to Whittier Drive along the north side of Santa Monica Boulevard.
Other features of the park, many of which are historic, include:
  • Cactus Garden
  • Rose Garden
  • Wilshire Electric Fountain
  • Doheny Fountain
  • Decomposed granite jogging and walking path
  • Arbors
 
Coldwater Canyon Park:

This park has two small picnic areas with two tables each.  The Park also has two play areas, a water feature, and shaded arbor.  Picnic areas may be reserved for use seasonally.
For more information, call (310) 285-6820
Coldwater Canyon Park
1100 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210


Grijalva Park

  • 368 North Prospect, Orange, California, United States
  • Playground park

Hart Park

  • 701 S. Glassell, Orange, California, United States
  • Oldest but not outdated! Huge!




Orange County Zoo

  • 1 Irvine Park Road, California
  • Phone:
    Located in the Irvine Regional Park, the Orange County Zoo is home to a variety of species of animals that are indigenous to the southwest including mountain lions, foxes and black bears. It's just $2 for admission for visitors two and older, but don't forget an extra few dollars for the parking at this Orange, California regional park. 
      
    • 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, California
    •  Irvine Regional Park, nestled in a grove of Heritage Oak and Sycamore trees, houses a variety of wildlife.Santiago Creek divides the park, and a pond with stone-work waterfall and foot bridge is at its center.

     

Belmont Park

  • 4536 East Via Escola Ave., Orange, California, United States
  • A beautiful park designed by Venture 2 consultants, where Anthony Mendoza was the lead Landscape Architect on the project. This park is located in the hills of Orange in a very affluent neighborhood. Playground

Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Point Fermin is often overlooked by visitors. But the 37-acre park and its coin-operated telescopes offer some of the best views along the coast, while the 1874 lighthouse makes for picture-perfect photo-ops. Picnic, go for a jog, or just sit and lose yourself. 500 West Paseo Del Mar

HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS, & BOTANICAL GARDENS $$$
1151 Oxford Rd.
San Marino, CA  91108
Phone: 626.405.2100
Fax: 626.405.9211
www.huntington.org
An oasis of art and culture on 207 acres. Explore breathtaking gardens, new Children’s Garden, Tropical Conservatory, Chinese Garden, four art galleries and a library, showcasing collections of rare books. Bookstore, English Tea and group tours.

Summer Hours

Monday10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WeekdaysWeekends
Adults$20$23
Seniors (age 65+) $15$18
Students (age 12-18,
or with full-time student I.D.)
$12$13
Youth (age 5-11) $8$8
Children (under 5)freefree
Groups (15 or more) $11 (per person) $14 (per person)
Membersfreefree

Kind of pricy but if you can get tickets for the free day or get a membership if you live close then I'm sure it's well worth it! 

Free Day

Admission to The Huntington is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of every month with advance tickets. Hours on Free Day are 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

3.  Museums!--A List of FREE ones here!

Children's Museum at La Habra

  • 301 South Euclid Street, La Habra, CA, 90631
  • Phone:
    La Habra Children's Museum Children's Museum on S. Euclid St in La Habra, CA is in the Beach California section(s) Museums and Other General Government Support. The map of La Habra Children's Museum Children's Museum shows the approximate ... more on Beachcalifornia.com 
     Admission
    Children & Adults              $8
    La Habra residents           $7
    Children under 2               Free
    Members                            Free
  • Hours
    Tuesday -  Friday, 10 am - 4 pm
    Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm
    Sunday, 1 pm - 5 pm
    Fridays open at 9 am for CMLH Members

    Target Free First Saturdays
    On the first Saturday of every month admission is free from 10am – 5pm, sponsored by Target.
  • Eating Facilities
    There is no restaurant at the Museum, however snacks and water are available for purchase. The Museum is located in Portola Park, which features picnic tables and a playground. There is an array of restaurants within driving distance of the museum. Ask your friendly admissions clerk for a list of local eateries in the area.

4.Visit a Zoo--

Orange County Zoo

  • 1 Irvine Park Road, California
  • Phone:
    Located in the Irvine Regional Park, the Orange County Zoo is home to a variety of species of animals that are indigenous to the southwest including mountain lions, foxes and black bears. It's just $2 for admission for visitors two and older, but don't forget an extra few dollars for the parking at this Orange, California regional park.

Santa Ana Zoo

  • 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone:
The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is a place to play, a place to learn and a place to spend time with your family.
5. Visit an Aquarium--

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

  • 3720 Stephen White Drive, Los Angeles, California
Phone:
Both children and adults will enjoy viewing sea creatures of the ... more on TripAdvisor 
Aquarium HoursTuesday through Friday - 12 noon to 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday - 10 am to 5 pm
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas

They have a tide table for Cabrillo Beach on there site.
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is open year-round and operates on a suggested donation of $5 for adults and $1 for children and seniors.

 



Monday, July 16, 2012

Summer Fun in the Sun!

Whether your child is 10 years or 10 months old there are many ways to enjoy the outdoors! But don't forget your Sunscreen and hats!
Here is a list of fun things to do with the whole family! 

  1. Visit your local Zoo--Google where your local Zoo is.
  2. Community Events--Look at your towns Chamber of Commerce webpage. They usually have lots of summer events and places to see a lot of times for free!
  3. Visit a local garden--If you have a College or University near you alot of times they will have greenhouses or gardens you can visit. Either for free or a small fee.
  4. Go to a local park---There are water parks, city parks, state parks, and national parks all around you! Many you may not have even known about! So go online and search for your local parks and rec!
  5. Play a game! Here is a great website with TONS of ideas for games indoors and outdoors for the whole family! Family Fun
  6. Want to do something fun indoors? Try doing a craft together. There are tons of ideas online HERE and all over Pinterest and the web!
  7. Anything with Water--Seems like just about every child and adult loves to beat the heat by cooling off in the water! Find a creek, river, public pool, or water park near you or get a cheap little kiddy pool or sprinkler at your local store to throw in the backyard to help beat the heat! 
  8. And no activity would be complete without good food and good company! You can grab some great recipes all over the internet for refreshing lemonades, fruit creations, light salads, grilled meats& chilling desserts! So grab your family or a friend and enjoy the summer! :)

Fundraising!

School will start before we know it and with that comes fundraising for your schools, sports teams, cheer leading squads, churches or for a good cause! Jordan Essentials can help! They have fundraising using our best selling and most unique product the Lotion Bar! If you would like more information on how you can do this great fundraiser for your group or cause please message me!