FBI urges consumers to be aware of privacy risks with internet connected toys.

News that you need to know about toys with cameras, voice sensory and other multimedia capabilities. 

"The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released an article on the privacy risks associated with Internet-connected children's toys. FBI warns that Internet-connected toys may contain "sensors, microphones, cameras, data storage components, and other multimedia capabilities - including speech recognition and GPS options" that may put the privacy and safety of children at risk due to the disclosure of personal information. FBI recommends that consumers read user agreement disclosures and privacy practices for information on how a toy's data may be used."

https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/current-activity/2017/07/17/FBI-Releases-Article-Privacy-Risks-Associated-Internet-Connected

Video source: http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/02/17/515775874/banned-in-germany-kids-doll-is-labeled-an-espionage-device

Public Pools and Water Parks in Southern California.

Pool time! Take your kids to a local public pool or water park to get away from the heat. Southern California offers many opportunities for playing in the water. In this post, you will find Lakes, Splash Pads, Public Pools and Water Parks for every budget. All you have to do is bring your own sunscreen and beach towel. We have put a list together that covers most of Southern California. Please take a minute to look it over. Remember to call ahead to ensure times and dates of operation. As they may change throughout the year.  Disclaimer: Not a sponsored post.

Things you will need to bring with you is: beach towels, sandals, sunscreen, water and snack money. Some locations allow outside food while others do not. Make sure to check their website before arriving. We usually pack a picnic lunch in an ice cooler and then we eat in the car. This helps us save a little money on eating. Some places offer pizza, pretzels and drinks for purchase. 

Important things to keep in mind. It is recommended that you supervise your children during your visit. Smoking is not allowed at any of the facilities. Some water parks charge for parking. Please bring cash for extra activities or food. 

Multiple Locations

Raging Waters Sacramento, San Jose and San Dimas - They offer several locations in Southern California. Please make sure you check their webpage for updates and ticket prices. They offer discounts and special pricing on specific dates. There is a parking charge for this water park. 

Raging Waters, Sacramento
1600 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: (916) 924-3747

Raging Waters, San Jose
2333 South White Road
San Jose, CA 95148
Phone: (408) 238-9900

Raging Waters, Los Angeles
111 Raging Waters Drive
San Dimas, CA 91773
909-802-2200

Orange County
Anaheim YMCA -  240 Euclid St, Anaheim, CA 92802 They offer swimming to the public on Fridays and Saturdays. Fridays 12-2pm: June 16-Aug 4Saturdays 1-5pm: June 17-Aug 5

Knott's Berry Farm Soak City -  8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

Offers a river, (7) water slides and a small beach to play and have fun. Tickets may be purchased online or at the location. 

Buena Park Splash Pad
John Beat Park – 6660 Mt. Shasta Circle
George Bellis Park – 7171 8th Street
Henry Boisseranc Park – 7520 Dale Street
Carl Brenner Park – 7373 San Rafael Dr.
Walter Ehlers Community Center – 8150 Knott Ave.
Larwin Park – 6150 Ball Road
Lindbergh Mini Park – 4th & Stanton Ave.
William Peak Park – 7225 El Dorado Drive
San Antonio Park – 8810 San Francisco Dr.
San Marino Park – 6200 San Rolando Circle
Smith-Murphy Park – 5290 Cameron Driv
Garden Grove Splash Pads -
Garden Grove - 13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove, CA 92844

Irvine 
Boomers Buccaneer Cove - 3405 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612 located off the 405 freeway and Jamboree

The water park is fun for all ages. There are slides and splash pads for everyone to play in the water. The park requires bathing suits and proper attire that include shirts that are tight, non-cotton, form fitting to the body, rash guard or sun protecting shirt, cut top with an appropriate bathing suit bottom. Regular bathing suits are suitable as well. Grommets, rivets, buckles, belts, or metal ornamentation are not permitted. Water shoes can be worn in the Buccaneer Cove area, but are not allowed on any of the water slides.

City of Irvine Aquatic Centers - 4601 Walnut Avenue, Irvine, CA 92604 Recreational swimming is open to all ages and will begin in June. Children 5 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult, one-on-one, in the water at all times. All participants that would like to explore the deep end, use the water slide, diving pool and diving boards will need to pass a swim test. Please inquire at the lobby for more information about the swim test. Cost is $4 per adult and $2 per child.

Monday-Friday 1:15-3 p.m. June 12-Aug. 18

Saturday-Sunday 1-2:30 p.m. June 17 -Sept. 30

Fullerton Splash Pads

Lemon Park, 701 South Lemon, Fullerton 

Downtown Plaza, 125 E. Wilshire Avenue, Fullerton 

Adlena Park, 300 Adlena Drive, Fullerton
Valencia Park, 2425 W. Valencia Drive, Fullerton

Crown Valley Park, 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

San Clemente Aquatic Centers
987 Avenida Vista Hermosa | (949) 429-8797
Facility offers: 50m Competition Pool, 25yd Training Pool, Water Play Structure, Men's & Women's Locker Rooms, Meeting & Event Room, Grass Rental Space

Ole Hanson Beach Club

105 West Avenida Pico
Facility Amenities: 25yd Lap Pool, Teaching Pool, Men's & Women's Locker Rooms, Event Space

Stanton Splash Pads

Harry M. Dotson Park, 10350 Fern Ave. Stanton 
Stanton Central Park, 10660 Western Ave, Stanton

Pioneer Road Park -Tustin, CA offers a community water feature for kids to play and enjoy summer. This in a neighborhood and parking does get full. Please remember to pick-up your trash. 

Sigler Park Splash Pad 7200 Plaza St, Westminster, CA 92683 

Los Angeles 
Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation - They offer year-round pools and activities. Some public pools are only open for the summer. Make sure you check with your local park for dates of operation. Los Angeles includes lakes as swimming adventures therefore this list includes them. 

BANNING POOL - 1450 N. Avalon Blvd., Wilmington, CA 90744
CELES KING III POOL - 5001 Rodeo Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90016
CLEVELAND HIGH SCHOOL POOL - 8120 Vanalden Ave., Reseda, CA 91335
ECHO DEEP POOL - 1419 Colton St., Los Angeles, CA 90026
ELEANOR GREEN ROBERT AQUATIC CENTER - 4526 W Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019
EXPO CENTER - LA84 FOUNDATION/JOHN C. ARGUE SWIM STADIUM - 3980 Bill Robertson Lane, Los Angeles, CA 90037
FREMONT POOL - 7630 S. Towne Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90003
GLASSELL POOL - 3704 Verdugo Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90065
HANSEN DAM AQUATIC CENTER - 11798 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
HEY ROOKIE POOL - 3601 S. Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
HUBERT H. HUMPHREY POOL - 12560 Filmore St., Pacoima, CA 91331
LACES AQUATIC CENTER - 5931 West 18th St., Los Angeles, CA 90035
PECK PARK POOL CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - 560 N. Western Ave., San Pedro, CA 90732
RICHARD ALATORRE POOL - 4721 E. Klamath St., Los Angeles, CA 90032
ROOSEVELT POOL - CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE456 S. Mathews St., Los Angeles, CA 90033
VAN NUYS SHERMAN OAKS POOL - 14201 Huston St., Van Nuys, CA 91423
VENICE HIGH SCHOOL INDOOR POOL - 2490 Walgrove Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066
WESTWOOD POOL - 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Alondra Community Regional Park-3850 W. Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Lawndale, CA 90260
Arcadia Community Regional Park- 405 S. Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006
Athens Park -12603 S. Broadway Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90061
Atlantic Avenue Park-570 S. Atlantic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Belvedere Community Regional Park - 4914 E. Cesar Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Mary M. Bethune Park-1244 E. 61st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001
Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park-120 Via Verde Park Road, San Dimas, CA 91773
Roy Campanella Park-14812 Stanford Ave., Compton, CA 90220
George Washington Carver Park - 1400 E. 118th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area- 32132 Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic, CA 91384
Castaic Sports Complex
Cerritos Community Regional Park
City Terrace Park
El Cariso Community Regional Park
Enterprise Park
Helen Keller Park
Knollwood Pool
George Lane Park
Lennox Park
Loma Alta Park
Everett Martin Park
Mona Park 
Eugene A. Obregon Park
Jesse Owens Community Regional Park
Ruben F. Salazar Park
San Fernando Regional Pool
Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area
Val Verde Community Regional Park
Victoria Community Regional Park
Col. Leon H. Washington Park
Ted Watkins Memorial Park

Splash La Mirada water park - 13806 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, CA 90638

Local water park filled with fun activities. 
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles - 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355.

Riverside

The Cove Waterpark in Riverside - 4310 Camino Real, Riverside, Ca 92509 The park offers water-slides, a toddlers splash zone with a small slide, a river that floats past Riptide Reef Flowrider, Captain's Bay and the Crow's Nest Slides and under a bridge. They have lifeguards on site however you should keep an eye on your children.

General Rules:

• Outside coolers are permitted in the facility once they have been checked and approved. Small coolers are allowed with a $20 fee and large coolers are allowed with a $50 fee. Glass, fast food, and alcohol are prohibited.
• Children 12 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent or adult 18 years or older at a maximum of a 2 children (non-swimmers) per 1 adult ratio.
• Guests must immediately supervise children under 6 years old.
• All guests are required to pay the admission fee, regardless of intention to use the pools or other attractions. Re-entry is permitted with proof of valid admission.
• The Cove Waterpark is a drug and tobacco free park. Drug and tobacco items are not permitted in or around the park.
• The Cove Waterpark is a family friendly facility. Inappropriate behavior, language, or attire are not permitted and will be grounds for refusing admission or removal from the facility without a refund.

Palm Springs
Wet n Wild Palm Springs - 1500 S Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Inland Empire
City of Corona Aquatic program - The city of Corona offers access to swimming at the City Park Pool located on 930 East 6th Street. 
June 11th through August 7th & August 12th - August 27th
Mondays through Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday: 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Recreation Swim will be held on Saturday and Sundays only.
$1 daily, 17 and under & $2 daily, 18 and older
No Friday Recreation Swim, No Recreation Swim July 4th

Splash Pads in Inland Empire

Chino- Monte Vista Park– 13196 Monte Vista Avenue

Chino Hills- The Shoppes at Chino Hills– 13920 City Center Dr. (Right in the middle of the shopping center)

Claremont- El Barrio Park-400 block of Claremont

Memorial Park– 840 N. Indian Hill Blvd.

Wheeler Park– 626 Vista Drive

Colton- Veterans Park– 290 East O Street

Corona- Citrus Park– 1250 Santana Way

Deleo Park-25655 Santiago Canyon Road

Dos Lagos Shopping Center– 2780 Cabot Drive (Right in the middle of the shopping center)

Sycamore Homes Swim Center– 11875 Indian Truck Trail

Eastvale - Cedar Creek Park– 6709 Cedar Creek Road

Dairyland Park– 14520 San Remo

Fontana - Martin Tudor Splash Park– 11660 Sierra Avenue $3/youth, $5/adult

Indio - Cahuilla Park-Located on Hopi Avenue & Golf Center

Dominguez Park-Monroe Street & Crown Way

Dr. Carreon Park-Located on Dr. Carreon Boulevard East of Monroe Street

North Jackson Park– Jackson Street South of I-10

Miles Avenue Park– Miles Avenue in Old Town Indio

Lake Elsinore - Canyon Hill Community Park– 34360 Canyon Hill Dr.

San Diego 

Legoland San Diego Water park -  1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008

The water park offers many fun slides, one river and splash pad for toddlers. 

Frequently asked questions you will want to read before traveling to Legoland. Click here: Legoland San Diego 

Aquatic by Seaworld  - 500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Insider Water Park Tips - Please note that Aquatica San Diego is a family experience, therefore appropriate swim attire must be worn throughout your visit (i.e., no bathing-suite thongs, please). In addition, children in diapers are required to use waterproof protectors. In order to guarantee our guests' comfort and safety, Aquatica San Diego's capacity is limited. Admission into the park may be suspended during the day due to periods of high attendance.
For the latest park operating updates or additional park information you can check our Park Hours page or call 1-800-257-4268.

Ventura

Lake Casitas Water - 1311 Santa Ana Road, Venture, CA 93001 

The Casitas Water Adventure is open during the summer months. The general public can enjoy two distinct water playgrounds. Younger children can play in a multi-level jungle gym with waterfalls, bridges and slides in a lagoon with water up to 18" deep. Parents can relax in a shady spot while the children play, or join their youngsters for a "splashing" good time.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsor post. All information was gathered through city and county websites for each town. Always remember to check weather conditions before traveling. Happy travels. 

Despicable Me 3 is finally here!

Mark your calendars and plan to go see Despicable Me 3 on June 30^th, 2017. It is the third installment in the Despicable Me film series. The main character, Gru, is a lovable villain who has a great heart.  In the first film, Gru becomes a Dad and learns to love unconditionally. In the second film, he gets married and uses his evil training to do good by joining the AVL (Anti Villain League). In this new Despicable Me installment, Gru is introduced to his twin brother, Dru, which he was separated from at a young age.  Gru is a great character dealing with very real issues including parenting, family and career with a sense of humor.  His approach to dealing with serious villain moments is with a good dance fight. He makes you feel that a good dance fight helps you forget about your troubles. Disclaimer: A big thank you to the movie premiere sponsors and hosts: Universal Pictures, Big Honcho Media, Kellogg Cereal, Yummy Spoonfuls and Bounty. We did not receive any compensation for our review of the movie. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.

The movie delivers great messages throughout the film. Sticking together as a family and loving unconditionally is clearly demonstrated in the film. The humor and valuable moments that Gru and his minions experience are unforgettable. The best part is that it will make you laugh and at times surprise you. I think I spit my soda out by accident in one scene.  It is hard not to laugh as Gru does things that are socially unacceptable with adding his touch of love.

His approach to telling the truth is something to be admired.  I call these moments Gru-isims. I suggest you see all of the previous movies before going to see the new installment to better understand the Gru-isims. This lovable villain is honest in a not so honest way. Let me explain what I mean:

1. Gru parenting rules #3 as a new parent he tries to have order in the house by suggesting these things should not happen: “You will not cry, or whine, or laugh or giggle or sneeze or burp or fart. “  

2. Gru tells it like it is at times and it’s funny not insulting. “Hey, Chillax!”

3. When he is doing villain work with his partner Dr. Nefario, instead of complaining he just says, “Why are you so old.”  Which means you did the wrong thing. 

4. When Gru gets great ideas he will say “Lightbulb!” 

5. Honesty is throughout the movie. When Gru speaks his mind, he usually says, “I like it but not a lot. I don’t like it.”

6. Gru has to explain to his kids that he has been fired. His explanation is “We were invited to not work there anymore.” Translation I was fired.  

The entire time you watch the movie your body will be dancing to the movies sound track. The music is just another part of the movie experience that will have you loving this movie.  It is not unusual to want to dance and sing in the theater as you watch the movie. Go ahead and enjoy being a kid again.   Here is a list of the lasts songs you will experience:

Despicable Me 3 Track listing:

1. Yellow Light – Pharrell Williams

2. Hug Me – Pharrell Williams feat. Trey Parker

3. Bad – Michael Jackson

4. Take On Me – a-ha

5. Papa Mama Loca Pipa – The Minions

6. There’s Something Special – Pharrell Williams

7. Tiki Babeloo – The Minions

8. Freedom – Pharrell Williams

9. Doowit – Pharrell Williams

10. 99 Luftballoons – Nena

11. Into The Groove – Madonna

12. Chuck Berry – Pharrell Williams

13. Fun, Fun, Fun – Pharrell Williams

14. Despicable Me – Pharrell Williams

15. Despicable Me 3 Score Suite – Heitor Pereira

16. Malatikalano Polatina – The Minions

Get out and forget about all your troubles by watching Despicable Me  3.  You will absolutely love the characters, the messages and the music.  The movie is about 1 hour and 36 minutes in length.  Produced by illumination Entertainment and released by Universal Pictures this June 30th. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda and co-directed by Eric Guillon. Writers are Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. The voices of the main characters are Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig and Trey Parker.

Disclaimer: We participated in a media event and we previewed the movie. We did not receive any compensation for our review. Big Honcho Media sent out the invitation to attend the movie on behalf of Universal Pictures. The event was sponsored by Bounty, Yummy Spoonfuls and Kellogg's. Kellogg provided one box of cereal per person, Bounty gave one despicable Me logo paper napkins and Yummy Spoonfuls gave out samples at the movie premiere. We did not receive any compensation for our travel, lodging, dining or cash. All Thoughts and opinions are all my own. 

4th of July Firework displays in Southern California

4th of July is just around the corner. Plan ahead by looking for a local fireworks show. The Los Angeles County Fire Department has a list of places that have legal firework. The list was last updated on June 20th, 2017. Fireworks directory is good from June 30th thru July 9th, 2017. To get more information go to: www.fire.lacounty.gov 

Updated on June 20, 2017 9:35 AM. The information provided is subject to change. Call to FIND A SHOW NEAR YOU 888-654-FIRE (3473)

The Orange County Fire Authority has published the following list of locations for 4th of July Fireworks.  For more information call 714-573-6200

The San Bernardino Fire Authority has published the following list of locations for 4th of July Fireworks.

If you enjoyed this post then we recommend that you visit: http://www.fieldtripmom.com/2016/06/4th-of-july-celebrations-in-southern.html

Saint Paul's Greek Orthodox church hosts, "A Taste of Greece".

Saint Paul Greek Orthodox Church is hosting 39th annual Greek festival titled, “A taste of Greece”. It is one of Southern California's most popular summer events in Orange County. This year, it promises to host approximately 12,000 Greek foodies and local fun loving Southern California residents. Admission to “A Taste of Greece” is $3.00. The event offers fun activities and foods for the entire family. The list of activities include: carnival rides, cooking demonstrations, international boutique store, Greek folk dancing, church tours and lots of delicious Greek dishes for purchase. The church is located in the heart of Irvine, at 4949 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604.

Parking Information: Limited Handicapped Parking is available in the St. Paul’s church parking lot. Additional parking can be found west of St. Paul’s church at the Irvine Congregational Church and Woodbridge Center lots. Off-site parking is provided at the Woodbridge Senior Center located at 20 Lake Road, located on Lake Road between Barranca and Alton. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes: Friday from 5:00 to 9:30 pm Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 noon to 9:30 pm Drop-off is at the front driveway of the church.

Greekfest Operating Hours 

Friday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm 

Saturday, Noon – 10:00 pm 

Sunday , Noon – 9:00 pm 

Greekfest Admission -$3.00 per person, Children under 10 are free, Seniors 65+ are free Saturday 12-5pm

We recommend everyone enjoy the church tour because the inside of their sanctuary is really beautiful. In the middle of the church, do not forget to look up to the stain glass that captures light and reveals its beautiful colors. It is a place of worship so remember to not bring food or drinks inside. Good manners are welcomed.

Church Tour Hours:
Friday 7:00 PM St. Paul’s Church Sanctuary Tour *
Friday 8:30 PM St. Paul’s Church Sanctuary Tour *
Saturday 1:30 PM St. Paul’s Church Sanctuary Tour *
Saturday 3:00 PM St. Paul’s Church Sanctuary Tour *
Saturday 4:30 PM St. Paul’s Church Sanctuary Tour *
Saturday 6:30 PM St. Paul’s Church Sanctuary Tour *
Saturday 8:00 PM St. Paul’s Church Sanctuary Tour *
Sunday 2:00 PM St. Paul’s Church Sanctuary Tour *
Sunday 3:30 PM St. Paul’s Church Sanctuary Tour *
Sunday 5:00 PM St. Paul’s Church Sanctuary Tour *
Sunday 7:00 PM St. Paul’s Church Sanctuary Tour *

* Please meet at St. Paul’s Sanctuary front doors

The festival’s main attraction is “A Taste of Greece”. Traditional Greek food, fun and dance will be in every corner of the festival.  Make sure you visit every single booth to experience a slice of Greece. Please see the list of the foods that will be available for purchase:
Calamari – Greek seafood delicacy with tartar and cocktail sauce.
Chicken – Leg and thigh in delicious Kalama (tomato based) sauce.
Dolomites – Stuffed grape leaves with lamb and beef and served with avgolemono (egg and lemon) sauce.
Greek Pizza - Yummy
Gyro – Lamb and beef blend served in Pita bread with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki, a sauce made with yogurt, garlic and cucumbers.
Keftethes – Greek Meatballs.
Lamb Chops – Greek style seasoning grilled to perfection and served with Seasoned Greek fries.
Loukaniko – Homemade Greek sausage seasoned with herbs and lemon juice sautéed to perfection and served with feta cheese and Kalamata olives.
Loukoumathes – “Greek doughnuts” covered with honey and cinnamon prepared fresh at your request.
Moussaka – Eggplant, meat, cheese filling with creamy Béchamel sauce.
Pastitchio – Greek style lasagna.
Saranac – Fried Greek cheese flamed with Brandy.
Spanakopita – Spinach pie laced with Feta cheese.
Tyropita – Three Cheese Pie.

After you eat a great meal don’t forget to look for delicious pastries such as Baklava and Greek cookies throughout the food court. There will be an assortment of sugary treats for purchase. 

Go to Irvine Greek Festival Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/IrvineGreekFestival/
http://stpaulsirvine.org/

Disclaimer: Not a sponsored post. Information was taken directly from Saint Paul Greek Orthodox Church website. All opinions and ideas are all our own.

Southern California Summer Deals 2017

Summer vacation is here. We have found a few bargains on travel, entertainment and dining that we would like to share with our readers. With a family of (4) and a tight budget, we are happy to use coupons, discounts and special offers to make our dollars stretch. Sharing with you today is a small list of coupons and offers we have found useful. Keep reading to find out how to save and have a great summer!!!! #travel 

Albertson's Grocery offers various coupons on the back of your grocery receipt. Each location offers local discounts. Make sure you check the back of the receipt when you shop.

Legoland - Kids Go Free with a paid adult.  Coupon at Subway. You can save up to $90.00

Knott's Berry Farm - save $29.00 on admission.  Coupon at McDonalds

Knott's Soak City - save $8.00 on admission. Coupon at McDonalds

Raging Waters - save $8 weekdays $50 weekends.  Coupon at Carl's Jr. 

Shop Irvine Company offers 30 plus coupons for dining and shopping. http://www.shopirvinecompany.com/special-offers

Regal / Edwards Cinemas offers Summer Movie Express $1.00 Admission on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Check their website for the movie schedule at https://www.regmovies.com/movies/summer-movie-express

K1 Speed - Get 5 races for $75.00 a $33.00 savings or 8 races for $100.00 a $68.00 savings.  See their website for current specials at https://www.k1speed.com/hours-pricing.html

Big Air Tampoline Park offers great rates on Wednesday: http://www.bigairusa.com/laguna-hills/big-deals/

We are working to find you more deals. Please come back and check again for updates. 

Great coupon resource post. 
http://www.fieldtripmom.com/2013/06/12-ways-to-save-this-summer-legoland.html

http://www.fieldtripmom.com/2011/07/5-ways-to-save-at-movies.html

Disclaimer: Remember to always contact the place of business for updates on their discounts and offers. This is not a sponsored post all thoughts and ideas are all my own. 

Downtown Los Angeles - The Broad Museum

The Broad is a contemporary art museum located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Admission is free but you must reserve tickets in advance. The free advance general admission tickets are often fully booked but there is a standby line available at the museum every day.  The museum is closed on Mondays. Tickets through July are now available for advance reservation.  
Visit http://thebroad.org/visit/today for more information and reservations. 

Named after philanthropist Eli Broad, he financed the $140 million building which houses the Broad art collections. The museum offers over 2,000 art pieces in it's collection. Among them include many postwar and contemporary art pieces. This is a must see for anyone who is interested in contemporary art. 

For more information visit them at: http://www.thebroad.org/

The Broad 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Disclaimer: Field Trip Mom is owned by the Bosek family. This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and ideas are all our own. 

Find more things to do on our Facebook: page https://www.facebook.com/FieldtripmomFTM/

Cherry picking family field trip in Southern California.

Let’s go cherry picking this summer. A few weeks ago, I received a reminder that cherries were in season. Our schedule is very tight so I immediately began to plan the best day for us to travel to a local farm. Finding a cherry farm that was open during the Memorial Day weekend was almost impossible. Most of the cherry farms were opening weeks after the Memorial Day weekend or later in the month of June. I had given up when I suddenly found Cherry Hill Farm in Leona Valley, CA, near Palmdale, open for one day only. This was the first time I would be taking the family to go cherry picking and therefore, I did not know what to expect. Saturday arrived; I packed a small picnic lunch and mapped out our destination. The ride was just shy of 2 hours long. The route that we took was the 5 freeway heading north connecting to the 14 freeway exiting San Canyon Rd, turned onto Bouquet Canyon Rd and drove for several miles through The Angeles National Forest. The address of Cherry Hill Farm is 39300 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Leona Valley, CA 93551. 

The drive was far for us however we really enjoyed taking several rest stops throughout the road trip. We arrived right as the doors opened and we were lucky enough to have great weather. The farm charged $20.00 for one bucket per two people. We ended up buying two buckets for the four of us. The kids were excited to pick the cherries. The experience was great because we picked as a family. The trees were full of cherries and were short enough to easily pick to the top of the trees approximately 8 foot tall. Although a smaller farm compared to a few others we passed, there were plenty of trees for all of the families to enjoy. The cherries are sweet and far better off the tree than buying them in the store. The fruit easily separates from the pit and they are so juicy. When picking the fruit, choose the deepest, darkest maroon colored cherries to ensure the best pick. The buckets used to collect your pick can hold 3 to 3.5 lbs of cherries. This farm is an organic farm so the price is well worth it. The farms are a first come first serve basis and crop conditions can change daily. It is important you call or check their website prior to making your trip to ensure the best time for your entire family. Go cherry picking this season!!!

Cherry Parade in Leona Valley is this June 3rd, 2017 start time is 10am.

List of farms that are open for the season 2017 and other places you should visit that are nearby. Please call to confirm that they are not sold out before traveling.

http://www.upickcherries.com/index.htm - Opens May 30th 

https://www.facebook.com/WhalleysOrchard/ - Opens June 3rd in Little Rock, California 

http://www.cherryhillfamilyfarm.com/ - Closed for 2017 

U -pick cherries 7651 EAst Ave U, Little Rock, California. (no website. We drove by it and saw the sign.)

http://www.myleonavalley.org/CHERRY_PARADE___FESTIVAL.html

https://www.facebook.com/Joshuatreecollective/

http://charliebrownfarms.com/

Disclaimer: Not a sponsored post. All thoughts and ideas are all my own. 

Southern California Family Field Trips for May

Family field trip opportunities are abundant in the month of May throughout Southern California. The list of adventures that are waiting for you and your family include blue berry picking, discovery of over a million bug species and even an Italian festival. 

Blueberry picking at Temecula Berry Company farm is now open. They are open from 8 AM until 6 PM.  Enjoy the sunshine and beautiful rows of blueberry bushes while capturing some incredible family photos.  The freshly picked berries will be a family favorite.  Visit their website at: http://www.temeculaberryco.com/

Temecula Berry Company is located at 39700 Cantrell Road Temecula, CA 92591

The Temecula Berry Company is a pick-your own blueberries farm. Walk up to the little red barn and get a cute bucket for picking. Make sure to apply sunscreen and bring water because it gets super-hot out in the field. Once you pick your desired amount of blueberries, bring your basket back to the pay station. Only wash the ones you are going to eat as the washing speeds up the aging process and your berries will spoil faster. The farm only takes cash and they do not allow eating while in the fields. The experience will leave your family with a full belly of yummy blueberries. It is a great road trip adventure for our family.  Prices are subject to change, please check the website frequently for more information.

Bug Fair 
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007
https://nhm.org/site/activities-programs/bug-fair

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has an extraordinary Bug Fair, May 20th and 21st. Over 50 vendors will have hundreds of species of insects on display and for sale. Interact and enjoy a hands-on experience with research and collection staff members while enjoying live animal presentations. Adult admission is $12.00 and kids 3-12 are $5.00. This admission price does not include the Butterfly Pavilion which is an additional $5.00 per person.  There are other exhibit options to choose from, visit their website for additional information. Make sure you arrive early because it does get really crowded and busy. 

Photo credit IMadonnari 

Old Santa Barbara Mission 
2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Italian Festival - http://www.imadonnarifestival.com/
Old Mission Santa Barbara will host a fun street chalk painting festival during the Memorial Day Weekend, May 27th - 29th. Walk around and experience colorful chalk paintings by local artists. The festival is named after Italian street painters who traditionally depicted the Madonna. This event raises funds for the Children's Creative Project, a nonprofit arts education program. 

Find more events and field trip ideas on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FieldtripmomFTM/?fref=nf

Disclosure: Not a sponsored post. To ensure a great adventure always check the website and or vendor for hours of operation. 

What Is Free Comic Book Day?

Free Comic Book Day happens every year on the first Saturday of May. Participating comic book stores across the US will be giving away special comic books while supplies last. This popular event is geared towards getting new and existing readers into local stores. We attend almost every year and it helps to get the kids excited about reading. While it is a free event, once you are inside the store you won't be able to resist buying a few comics. 

Wondering what is a comic book? Comic books are considered an American Art form. The start of this art form began in the 1930's. Many people around the world collect them. Throughout the years comic books expanded their genres and categories. There is almost something for everyone like Hello Kitty, Superman, The Simpson's or Horror stories. 

Find a participating comic store: http://www.freecomicbookday.com/StoreLocator

Get more information by going to Freecomicbookday.com 
http://www.freecomicbookday.com/Article/116108-FCBD-Site-FAQs#Q14

Disclosure: Not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.