Free Museum Days....

Southern California is a great place to live and visit. Several of our museums offer free days, which means that you can have fun without breaking the bank. This year try to visit at least one museum on free admission day. To help you with this plan, I have made a list of some of the most popular places in Southern California to visit.  To have the best experience I recommend that you contact the museum and confirm the dates of their admission free day. Happy Field Tripping! Disclaimer: Please contact the museum to ensure the times and dates are still valid. 

Free Museum Days

The Arboretum of Los Angeles County: Free admission on the Third Tuesday of each month

Autry National Center: Free admission on the Second Tuesday each month

California African American Museum: Free admission daily but parking is $8.

California Science Center: Free admission daily but parking is $8; some exhibits are an extra charge

Claremont Museum of Art: Free admission on the First Friday of the month from 5-8:30 pm

Craft and Folk Art Museum: Free on the First Wednesday of each month

Fowler Museum at UCLA: Free admission daily

Getty Center: Free admission daily but parking is $15

Getty Villa in Malibu: Free admission daily but parking is $15

George C. Page Museum at the La Brea Tarpits: Free admission on the First Tuesday of each month

Griffith Park Observatory: Free admission daily

Hammer Museum: Free admission every Thursday

Huntington Library and Gardens: Free admission on the First Thursday of each month with prior reservation through their website.

Japanese American National Museum: Free general admission every Thursday from 5 to 8 pm and every third Thursday of the month. Also free one Saturday each month. This event is called Target Free Family Days and include entertainment, cooking projects and arts and crafts.

Kidspace Museum: Free Family Night is the first Tuesday of every month from 4 pm-8 pm.

La Habra Children’s Museum: Free admission on the first Saturday of each month.

LACMA: Free admission on the Second Tuesday each month, free after 5 pm daily and on several Holiday Mondays. LACMA also has program for free membership for children (and one free adult guest per child). Here is the link for the NextGen membership form.

Long Beach Museum of Art: Free admission each Friday

Los Angeles Fire Department Museum: Free admission on the only day it is open: Saturdays from 10 am -4 pm

MOCA: Free admission at all three MOCA locations on each Thursday from 5-8 pm

Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton: Free admission daily (Wednesday-Sunday)

Museum of Latin American Art: Free admission each Friday

Natural History Museum: Free admission on the First Tuesday of each month must reserve tickets. "Wells Fargo sponsored Free First Tuesdays
Event Date: This event occurs on multiple dates. Please check the calendar for more information.
Time: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

"Wells Fargo Free First Tuesdays gives Museum visitors free general admission on the first Tuesday of every month (except July and August), and free Museum admission every Tuesday in September. We recommend reserving tickets in advance to guarantee Museum entry and to skip the line, as we experience high attendance on these days. Please note there is a maximum of 8 tickets per reservation."

The Nethercutt Museum: Free admission daily

Norton Simon Museum: Free admission on the First Friday of each month from 6-9 pm

Pacific Asia Museum: Free admission on the Fourth Friday of each month

The Paley Center for Media: Free admission daily

Pasadena Museum of California Art: Free admission on the First Friday of each month

Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology in Claremont: Free admission each Wednesday 02/03/2017 update 

Skirball Cultural Center: Free admission each Thursday

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and ideas are all my own. 

Things to do in OC for free.

Your community is full of things to do with your kids for free. We want to share with you a few  fun free events that happen ever month.  Lake Shore Learning offers Free Craft Saturdays, Lowes Home 

Lake Shore Learning Free Craft Saturday from 11am to 3pm.  Kids love this place. It is so much fun to cut, glue and paste. You can find lots of great educational products for your favorite teacher.

Lowes Home Improvement - Twice a month on Saturday at 10am. Must sign-up in advance. Project changes every Saturday. 

Home Depot-  The first Saturday of the month Home Depot hosts a Kids Workshop. You will be using little hammers and nails to make this cute toy. Great way to teach your child how to follow directions. They will need your help to get this done.

Other places that host fun free events:

Toys R Us  - In-Store events

Stores change their times or supplies run out, please check before leaving.

Legoland California October 24th-30th

Lego is running a promotion for VIP Card holders. Two free tickets to Legoland and a $10.00 coupon for up to (6) additional tickets. To get a VIP Card you must go to the Lego Store near you. Then register your card online to get the coupon. The coupon will appear once you register.  Then take your coupon along with your card to redeem your free tickets. Here is the links to both:

How to get a VIP Card for Lego.

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Lego Mini Build

The LEGO Store Monthly Mini Model Build!One day each month you can learn how to build a cool LEGO mini model, and take it home – for free! Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. A new model will be available every month and will be specially themed to that month – ask a Store Associate for details! Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. One free per child. Event is open to children aged 6 to 14 only. Check with your local LEGO Store for dates and times.

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Don't forget that the new series of Lego Mini's is out. My kids love them and they have a ton of fun playing with the characters. It is so much fun guessing which package has which character?

See you at Legoland!!!

Tell your friends and Family about Field Trip Mom

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Here are some fun quotes to get you through life:


Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.”

H. Jackson Brown, Jr. quotes (American best selling writer, author of Life's Little Instruction Book)

“There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.”

Albert Einstein quote “If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Benjamin Franklin quote “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” Gail Devers quotes “Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” You may find more inspiring words on ThinkExist.com

Just Add Water and Watch it Grow 600 %

At the beginning of the summer, I took the kids to the local Dollar Tree store.  he Dollar Store  is a place where everything is under a dollar.  I gave them each $5.00 to spend as they wished.  I wanted to teach  them about money, how it works, tax and appropriate interaction with the cashier.  The lesson was to shop for the best deal and come home with money left over.  My oldest picked (3) items and my youngest child picked (2) two items.  Each paid for their items separately and got change back.  I was very proud that they remembered to stick to their budget.  I myself had grabbed a few things and was excited about my awesome deals.  I got plastic clear dishes, gift bags and some household items.  Overall the shopping experience was a success.

As we drove home, I noticed that the kids were talking about their purchases. They discussed about watering them, taking care of them and how fun it would be.  I thought they were kidding around.  It sounded rather strange that they would water a toy?

We arrived home and parked the car.  The kids immediately jumped out of the car and ran to the bathroom.  The (4) year old grabbed a plastic container and the older one started ripping his toy package open.  I could not believe how excited they were about a plastic toy.   I watched as they both soaked the plastic crab in the water and off they went to play with Legos.

I thought the whole thing was really strange.  Later, at dinner they talked to their dad about how they bought a sea creature that would be large by the end of the day.  I thought they were making up a fun story and my husband did not say much to them about their finds.  He probably thought they were being creative.

Bath time came and off we went to bathe the kids.  Oh my, nine hours later and their was a large sea creature in our bathtub.  It was the plastic toy my sons had purchased at the dollar store.  It had been soaking in water all day long and now it was (3) times as big.

I was a little shocked that it was true.  Just add water and watch it grow 600%.  WOW!!!

All summer long they watered their sea creature (crab) until it started to break apart.  I eventually threw it away but since then we have bought more.  Just Add Water and Watch it Grow was lots of fun.  If you get a chance I suggest you try it at least once.  We have since tried, "hatch a dino egg", "dino watch it grow" and now we have a "sting ray watch it grow". 

Dollar stores are fun and amazing for kids to find creative toys on a budget.  This project was an inexpensive way to teach the value of money to your kids as well as learning about animals and the chemical reactions water has on these toys!!! 

Toshiba Tall Ships Festival-Dana Point, CA

September 9th - 11th, 2011

http://tallshipsfestival.com/2011/
http://www.ocean-institute.org/index2.html

A great event is taking place this weekend at the Ocean Institute sponsored by Toshiba. Some of the events are free. Other events require a small charge. Overall it is a great opportunity to bring history alive. Kids will be in awe of watching real pirate ships and hear the sounds of cannon battles. Remember to pack a snack and lots of water. This is an event that will last all day and all night. Bring sunscreen and your cameras. Get there early to find parking and enjoy the festival. Here is what is  happening this weekend at the Ocean Institute:

Tall Ship and Great Schooner Parade
Tall Ship Cannon Battles!
Sea Chantey Concerts
Annual Richard Henry Dana Charity Regatta
Aboard the Tall Ship Pilgrim!
Hula Connection & Halau Hula Lani Ola

Inside the Ocean Institute*
Live performances by Birdsong and the Eco-Wonders
Cap’n Jack’s School for Scallywags - learn to talk, walk and act like a friendly pirate!
Mural painting
Family-friendly treasure hunts
Pirates! Story time inside the Children's Theater
Live ocean animals (including sea stars, sharks, rays, octopus & jelly fish)
Interactive Exhibits: Come face to face with the myths and legends of the sea!

Grass Park Activities, Chantey Concert, Art & Craft Show, Food Court, Living History encampments and Vendor area FREE

*Pirate Adventure Pass -
(includes above deck Tall Ship Tours, Brig Pilgrim activities and admission to Ocean Institute)
Members: $6.50 adults, $4.50 / children (2 & under, free)
Non-members: $10.00 adults, $8.00 / children (2 & under, free)
Pirate Adventure Passes include deck tours on all tall ships, activities aboard the brig Pilgrim and admission / activities inside the Ocean Education Center.
Sunset Tall Ships Parade (Friday)

Members: $35 / adults, $26 / children (4-12yrs.)
Non-members: $45 / adults, $34 / children (4-12yrs.)
Parade Escort Cruise (R/V Sea Explorer)

Members: $25 / adults, $20 / children (4-12)
Non-members: $30 / adults, $25 / children (4-12yrs

Inside the Ocean Institute*
Live performances by Birdsong and the Eco-Wonders
Cap’n Jack’s School for Scallywags - learn to talk, walk and act like a friendly pirate!
Mural painting
Family-friendly treasure hunts
Pirates! Story time inside the Children's Theater
Live ocean animals (including sea stars, sharks, rays, octopus & jelly fish)
Interactive Exhibits: Come face to face with the myths and legends of the sea!

You can find out more and see great pictures at their site:

http://www.ocean-institute.org/index2.html

Calico Ghost Town - Yermo, CA

What do you think of when you hear, "Ghost Town."  Calico Ghost Town in Yermo, CA is not haunted at all, but has the memories of the past.  It is called a ghost town because the people that once lived there packed up and moved out.  Calico was a mining town and known to have had the largest silver strive in California's history.  A visit to Calico will remind you of all things "Old West" and "Rich California History".  It is a trip not too far from Los Angeles and well worth the trip. When you arrive you will pay an entrance fee at the gate:  Adults $6.00 and kids over the age of (5) $3.00.
There are many things to see and do, for example, you can go to the Mystery Shack for a fee of $2.00 per person. It is a gravitational spot that defies the law of gravity.  You end up walking like you need a V8. It is very fun and the Sheriff of the town was very funny. This is a must do at Calico. After, you can hike up to the hill and look out to see the amazing view of what once was a town full of miners and cowboys.  From there you run into "Maggie's Mine" located at the bottom of the hill next to the train station.  Maggie's Mine is one of the original mines and the tour allows you to live and feel the life of a California miner.  Persons over 5 years old are $2.00 to join the tour.  Jump on the train for a narrated adventure that shows you the past for $3.00 per adult and $2.00 for kids 5 - 12.  Before you leave don't forget to pan for gold for a small fee of $1.00 per person.

Maggie's Mine is a small look at what conditions were back in 1800 for the miners. It is dimmly lit and the walk is only a short distance.   There are many things to explore and see in the mine.  Keep a watchful eye, there's silver in them hills.  The temperatures inside the mine are relatively cool in comparison to the outside temps.

The best deal is panning for gold were they only charge $1.00 per person.  Compare that to Zoomar's Zoo of $6.00 to $8.00 and it is a real bargain for the family.  Patient is the name of this game....swirl your pan slowly and gently to ensure you capture as many nuggets as you can.  The staff member will train you on the spot to ensure your success.  Overall learning about the wild west and having fun was not that expensive.  Bring water, fruit and trail mix to help keep your costs down and enjoy the entire day.

Wear comfortable closed toe shoes and light clothes for walking and hiking up the roads.   The summer weather can get hot so pack a hat and sunscreen.  My husband and boys wet their hair and shoulders from the water fountain and the breeze kept them cool for the remainder of the afternoon.

Plan on spending 4 - 6 hours on the site.  There is plenty to do and see.  Numberous places to eat on site as well as a couple of eatery's near the freeway. The staff is polite and gentle just like the wild old west.

This is a great opportunity to teach your kids about the history of the wild west, mining and how times were difficult for families without the modern conveniences of the I-Phone.  Jump back into the 1800's this weekend and enjoy the wild west.

CAL-Earth Building Homes - Hesperia, CA

Open House Saturday September 10, 2011

On our travels this weekend we found a very unique place. Cal-Earth, unfortunately I was not able to go inside. But it looks interesting. This coming weekend they are hosting an open house for everyone to come and see their facility. If you are in the area or are driving by, I suggest you stop by. I think it may surprise you. If you go, please post a comment.

You may see more pictures on their website to give a better look at their facility.

If you want to know more, here is their link:

http://calearth.org/

What We Do

"Located in the Mojave Desert, Cal-Earth is at the cutting edge of Earth and Ceramic Architecture technologies today. Its scope spans technical innovations published by NASA for lunar and Martian construction, to housing design and development for the world’s homeless for the United Nations. It began as the “project” of the Geltaftan Foundation and quickly became a self-sustaining entity, which merged into a single public nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, Cal-Earth, Inc.
The founding philosophy is the equilibrium of the natural elements of earth, water, air, and fire and their unity at the service of the arts and humanity. The Cal-Earth project has transformed this philosophy through hands-on research into sustainable earth architecture through building and testing life-size prototypes, and by educating the public in environmental arts, architecture, and awareness."
Taken from Cal-Earth homepage.

Mojave River Fish Hatchery - Victorville, CA

This weekend we went to visit Calico Ghost Town. On our way there we wanted to make the most of our trip and visit nearby fun places. On our map we found a Trout Hatchery. It sounded like fun, so we headed off to Mojave State Fish Hatchery.

It is a small facility located behind a community college. It was a little hard to find, but there it was next to the park. You can have a picnic at the park after you visit the fish.

The place is open air and there is no fee. You may buy fish food for .25 cents if you want to feed the fish. The kids watched, learned about fish and what is a fish hatchery. This was their first time visiting a fish hatchery. So I asked what they thought of the place.  One of them said this:

"The humans found eggs that were in danger and decided to bring them here to protect them. The humans will later take them back to the lake or stream once they grow big. They will see their mommies soon. The trout are here just for a few moments, so they stay protected."  It was very interesting to hear their point of view.





Trout's Cycle

This is a bit far from Los Angeles, so you may want to plan other events to go with this trip.

If you want to find out if there is a Fish Hatchery near you go to  CA Fish and Game : http://www.dfg.ca.gov/

Teaching materials: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/caep/curriculum-aids.html

Please email me if you have any questions.

Field Trip Mom

Long Beach - Mud Mania at Rancho Los Cerritos

My family and I had the most fun on Sunday August 21st, 2011. We dressed in our best play clothes and headed to Long Beach to play with mud. Mud Mania event at Rancho Los Cerritos happens only once a year. So we got there early enough to be in front of the line. With our money in hand and our towels in another. We signed up for all the events. Here is a list of what we did that day:

Build a house with mud and bricks
Shell decorating
Paint a Clay wiggles
Make your own fossil
Make a nature crown
Plant a tree with Tree Lovers
Make a clay house
Learn about rocks and stones
Paint your own t-shirt
Crush seashells to coat and cover an Adobe Oven
Race to make a brick from mud
Throw tennis balls with mud
Run and walk in the mud

The entire family got to participate in all the events and got creative. The day flew by so fast that when we finally got to seat under a large tree to listen to live music. Our feet hurt so bad from walking all day long.  As we sat there, we enjoyed watching the butterflies that flew above us. There was the yellow Mimosa Butterfly, Monarch Butterfly and others I had never seen before. The beauty of the ranch is in the fruit trees and rose bushes. It is like a little forest in the middle of a large city. You can feel the history that once lived there. This place holds secrets from the past.  Everyone should go there to sit and listen to the wind run through the trees.

http://www.rancholoscerritos.org/visitor.html

Important Dates In The History Of Rancho Los Cerritos

2000-3000 BC	Native Americans live on lands that become Rancho Los Cerritos. Little is known about these peoples, however, eleven cogged stones from this period were discovered at Rancho Los Cerritos in 1930.
500-1769	Tongva people (Gabrielino Indians) live on lands later known as Rancho Los Cerritos; village of Tibahangna said to be north of present ranch house.
1769	First Spanish settlement in California at San Diego
1771	Mission San Gabriel founded
1781	El Pueblo de Los Angeles founded
1784-90	Spanish soldier Manuel Nieto receives land encompassing about 300,000 acres; this is reduced to 167,000 acres
1804	Manuel Nieto dies; his land is inherited jointly by his four surviving children
1821	Mexico achieves independence from Spain in 1821, California comes under Mexican rule
1834	Mission lands are secularized and the missions are closed
1834	Nieto’s land is formally divided into smaller ranchos. Daughter Manuela de Cota receives the 27,000-acre portion known as Rancho Los Cerritos
1834-35	Manuela and husband Guillermo Cota build a small adobe on the Rancho Los Cerritos for their family.
1843	John Temple purchases Rancho Los Cerritos from the Cota family in December 1843 for $3,000
1844	John Temple builds the present two-story Monterey-style adobe as headquarters for his cattle-ranching operations, and stocks the land with as many as 15,000 head of cattle
1846-48	Mexican-American War
1848	California becomes a U.S. territory
1848	Gold is discovered in northern California
1849	The Gold Rush begins
1849	Benjamin Flint comes to California to seek his fortune in the gold fields
1850	California becomes a state
1851	Thomas Flint and Lewellyn Bixby arrive in the gold fields
1852-53	John Temple successfully defends his title to Rancho Los Cerritos before the U.S. Land Commission
1852	Jotham and Marcellus Bixby, brothers of Lewellyn Bixby, arrive in the gold fields
1853	Benjamin and Thomas Flint, and Lewellyn Bixby, form Flint, Bixby & Co. and bring sheep to California
1861-65	Civil War
1862-64	Period of severe floods and droughts in southern California that devastate the cattle industry
1866	John Temple sells Rancho Los Cerritos to Flint, Bixby & Co.
1866	Jotham Bixby and his family move to Rancho Los Cerritos to manage Flint, Bixby & Company’s sheep ranching operations
1869	Jotham Bixby buys a half interest in Rancho Los Cerritos and forms J. Bixby & Company
1874	Jotham Bixby buys an interest in Rancho Palos Verdes
1877	Reverend George Hathaway, Jotham Bixby’s father-in-law, and sister-in-law Martha Hathaway move to Rancho Los Cerritos
1878	John Bixby, a cousin of Jotham and Lewellyn Bixby’s, leases Rancho Los Alamitos
1881	Jotham Bixby and his family move to Los Angeles
1881	J. Bixby & Company, together with John Bixby and I.W. Hellman, purchase Rancho Los Alamitos
1881	Jotham Bixby provides lease with option to buy of 4000 acres to William Willmore for the founding of a town, Willmore City, and agricultural community
1884	William Willmore is unsuccessful in promoting his town, but the Long Beach Land and Water Company purchases his option and renames the town Long Beach
1884-85	Jotham Bixby family moves back to Long Beach and builds a home on Ocean
1887	Long Beach is incorporated
1897	7,000 acres of Rancho Los Cerritos lands sold to Senator from Montana; later becomes Lakewood
1906	1440 acres of Rancho Los Cerritos lands sold; City of Bellflower founded
1930-31	Rancho Los Cerritos is remodeled by Llewellyn Bixby, Sr. for a family residence
1942	Llewellyn Bixby, Sr. dies
1955	Rancho Los Cerritos is acquired by the City of Long Beach and opened to the public as a museum
1970	Rancho Los Cerritos is placed on the National Register of Historic Properties and is also designated a National Historic Landmark
1979	Rancho Los Cerritos is designated a City of Long Beach Historical Landmark
1988	Rancho Los Cerritos is designated State Historic Landmark No. 978

My first field trip.

My first field trip was very exciting.  I received a field trip slip to take home.  I was so nervous because I wanted to go.  I knew my parents would say, "no" if it involved money.  We were on a tight budget and the answer to everything was "no".  As I gave the paper to my mom, I felt scared. I wanted to go very badly that I did not make a big deal out of it.  As I handed the permission slip to my mom, I remember saying "My teacher said I had to go".  What a big lie!  My teacher did not know my home life and did not care about me.  She was busy with all the other kids that had moms who volunteered.  She barely called on me or made an effort to get to know me.  It was okay because I was afraid of her anyway! She yelled all the time. A field trip would mean she would yell less. Yeah!

My mother took the permission slip and looked at me with a sad disappointed look.  She asked how much it would cost for this trip.  I told her it was free. She just needed to sign the permission slip.  She looked embarrassed, but signed it, right next to the big "X".  What a relief.  For the first time I would get to go with the class and be like the other kids. 

The Los Angeles Zoo was a field trip that made a world of difference to me.  On the day of the field trip, I got up extra early.  I got myself dressed and walked the (3) miles to my school.  At the age of (7) seven, I was very independent.  I knew to get up and go to school on time.  I was the first in line to get my free breakfast at school.  I had dressed in yellow this morning because I was so happy.  As everyone started to line up, I noticed the room moms, active parents and new parents lining up with us.  I realized that parents were coming with us. I suddenly became aware that I did not have my parents with me.  I told myself that it did not matter.  I was going to the Zoo.  I would see animals I had only read about in books.  I would be with my best friend Susan Kim.  Her parents were not coming either.  So it would be Susan and I holding hands at the Zoo. We had each other.

Los Angeles Zoo 

The Zoo turned out to be so much fun.  We walked and talked about the different animals that they had at the zoo.  The elephants were the most funny because they took a big poop when we arrived.  The entire class laughed and giggled.  Some of the kids were shocked at the size of the poop?  The sound that it made when it hit the ground was loud and scary.  For weeks, our class talked about this moment.  

Lunch was fun too because the teacher brought brown bag lunches from the cafeteria for all of us.  We all got to have a picnic and enjoy the zoo grounds. What a treat to eat in a different place other than school.  It was a beautiful day. One of the things I enjoyed the most was the teacher was not yelling.  She seemed more free spirited then her usual self. 

The bus ride home our entire class was full of energy and ready to tell our parents what had happened at the zoo.  It felt as though the ride home was long and we were never getting home.  My friend Susan and I were the first ones to jump out off the bus.  Her mother picked her up and off she went.  I walked home and waited for my parents to come from work.  Three hours later, I told my zoo stories to them.  We all had a good laugh.

Backyard Learning - Bugs and Lizard

This week we started to say good bye to summer and began learning about bugs. We took to a friends backyard and explored the gardens to find the creatures that live near us. To our surprise they were willing to be photographed with us.  Here is what happen:

A baby lizard made himself available to the kids in the backyard. He jumped on Issac's leg and would not let go.  Issac was able to calmly bring him inside the house to show us what he had found. Of course, I jumped and screamed like a little girl. But soon realized I was the adult. So I quickly escorted the lizard outside to be free. But the (4) boys playing outside want to get to know him more. So I began to discuss the lizard. How long was his tail. How did his skin look and feel. Why was he a sun worshiper. What do baby lizards eat?  Each boy held the lizard and asked questions. Until someone set him down and the baby lizard ate an ant in front of the boys. Then it was decided that it was time to let him go. But it was lots of fun for the boys to have held a lizard for a little while.

Then came the grasshopper. He was tricky. He jumped from place to place and would not let the boys catch him.  Watching the boys try to come up with the plan to out smart the Grasshopper was pretty cute.   Here he is before jumping off....

He was later spotted in his home which is the  Oregano planter. Can you spot him?

Playing in the backyard was lots of fun for the boys. They had hoped to find a ladybug, but not this time.

 Books that you can read to your kids to help them understand Bugs. They both have great pictures and kids love to hear the stories. Use a fun voice when you read it with them. Have fun reading and learning along side your kids.

Field Trip Mom

A Letter for you...

I often look in the mail with the hope that someone has sent my kids or me a letter. Thank God my mother-in-law still believes in writing. She often sends us care packages and letters. Her letters talk about her weather and what is happen in her community. My kids enjoy the fun stories and sometimes share them with their friends and teachers. Like the time their grandparents wrote about the snow and the deer in their home. That was the topic of conversation for months. Now they ask to visit the snow all the time. I feel that the art of writing letters is slowing dying. It does make me sad to know that no one writes letters as much, because I won't get to read, save or put great letter on a frame to remember. So I decided to do something about it.  Today I am asking everyone who reads this post to please write someone you love a letter. Here is my letter to you:

Dear Friend,


I would like to say thank you for being so supportive of my blog. Without you it would be very hard to have made it this far. It really warms my heart when I know that I am sharing my experiences with you. Your response to my ideas and stories has been great. I really enjoy all the support that you have given me through Facebook friends, Meetup and Twitter.  My hope is to inspire you to explore the community you live in with your family and friends.  In doing so, you will find that there are wonderful people living right next door to you.


Field Trip Mom Blog will visit  hidden treasures and well known places for families, caregivers, grandparents and educators.  I will help you find the child like beauty of exploring amusement parks,oceans, state parks, towns and even your own backyard. After you will see that you are a great listener, teacher and playmate to your child. Continue to follow me, together we will make this community a better place for children. I look forward to a future with happy children and more great adventures.


Sincerely,


Alma

“You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow  the unexpected to happen.”

Paulo Coelho quote

Pomona, CA - Los Angeles County Fair 2011 - Fairplex

 Opens September 3rd - October 2, 2011 at the Pomona Fairplex

Los Angeles is one of the largest cities in the United States with 3,792,621 people living here. So when the fair comes to town it is a must see.  Comfortable shoes are a must!
It is located in the city of Pomona. Nearby cities are Diamond Bar, Covina and Chino Hills. It's main freeway access is the (10) Interstate highway.  The best advice is to arrive early and bring lots of snacks and water. Have a plan as to what you want to do first and where you want to eat. Once you get there and see the great places, your plan may become blurry.  Here is a checklist of things you might want to bring:

• Camera
• Water
• Fruit Snack
• Hat, sunscreen
• Sun Glasses
• Child like imagination
• Fun comfortable clothes
• Print Map on the LA Fair website: http://www.lacountyfair.com/2011/planyourvisit/admission_promotion.asp
• Pre-purchase tickets (Costco) Costco Fair Savings Pack Available beginning Aug. 15 at participating Costco stores for just $54.99, includes four any-day Fair admissions, one parking pass and 44 RCS ride/game tickets. Rides and games require multiple tickets. Click here for a list of participating locations.
• Review the food locations online http://lacountyfair.com/2011/eatshop/ViewFoodVendors.asp
• Discounts:

  Opening Labor Day Weekend, Saturday, Sept. 3-Monday, Sept. 5 Admission Opening Weekend Saturday, Sept. 3-Monday, Sept. 5 $1 admission 10 a.m.-1 p.m. only 1 p.m. to closing $17 (ages 13+) 1 p.m. to closing $12 (ages 6-12) Beverage 22oz. soft drinks, just $1 at all food & beverage stands, 1-4 p.m. Ralphs Any-Day TicketG0 to any participating Ralphs grocery store beginning Aug. 22 to purchase admission tickets for just $10 for adults and $6 for ages 6-12. Presented by Ralphs. Each Ralphs adults and child any-day admission ticket comes with an exclusive unlimited ride carnival wristband offer (purchase required, restrictions apply)

The first thing you will do once you arrive is find parking.  Know that you will find a spot and that there are shuttles to take  you to the gate. Continue on your fun jouney and head to the gate. You won't have to wait long because you have pre-purchased the tickets. You may need to grab a map, if you forgot to print it at home.

Second head to your favorite event or show first. Make sure you check the times for attractions, competititions, concerts and show. Plan around your favorite event times to maximize your fun. Be flexible and on time. So you get seating or a good view of the event. Most of all have fun and enjoy yourself. Try to see all the fun exhibits that people have worked so hard to put together. My favorite is the Family Fun Days.

Who has the most talented or artistic family at the 2011 L.A. County Fair? Which family can create the best Pumpkin Boat or Recycled Castle? Enter one of our Family Fun Day competitions and get the whole family involved in something creative.

Family Portrait Painting
Family Recycled Robots
Family Pumpkin Boats
Family Talent Show
Family Pumpkin Decorating Contest



By the way you sometime see TV stars walking in the crowds at the fair. So hope to see you there this weekend.

Field Trip Mom