Serrano Creek Park a fun place to play and explore nature.

Right outside of Irvine, California in between homes and businesses, there is a small quiet park. It is filled with large trees and a small creek. The park offers a playground area and facilities which are open to the public. This is a perfect place to have your kids run, jump and explore nature. We often take the kids here to look for butterflies and squirrels. We do not suggest playing in the creek because the water looks a little suspect but it is still visually appealing to the overall scenery. The fallen leaves and branches on the ground could be turned into natures treasures for children to explore. The park connects to Serrano Creek Trail which is approximately 13.3 miles. 

We suggest you bring a picnic lunch or snacks because you won't want to leave Serrano Creek Park. It has some of the most beautiful trees and walking trails. The trees cover you in a gentle shade and protect you from the sun. This park is truly nature in the midst of the city.  You can visit the park at: 25101 Serrano Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Groupon Coupons are here to help you save money.

Groupon coupons are here to help us save money on life's essentials, travel and entertainment. Our family uses coupons to help make our dollars stretch. For us, every dollar matters. We clip coupons, search for promo codes and find deals before we open our wallets. This week, we are using the free Groupon site filled with coupon codes, discounts and special offers. Today, we are using them to save on Back to School Shopping at Target.  Groupon is working with 9,000 retailers to give shoppers over 70,000 discount opportunities. This means there is savings for every style of shopper. Disclaimer: Sponsored Post. #AD

Old Navy, HomeDepot, JcPenny and many more well-known brands are on the Groupon site offering discounts on your next purchase. We recommend reviewing  the complete site to see all of the coupon choices allowing you to maximize your discounts. 

Some of the deals require email sign-up. It only takes a few minutes to sign-up to see the coupons start rolling into your email inbox. With a little time and some planning the savings can be significant. We recommend you try the coupons on your next in-store purchase to see the immediate savings. 

Are you traveling this summer? Review the incredible deals on travel and entertainment on the Groupon Coupon site. Seaworld deals, Orbitz Promo Codes, Ticket Master, Fandango are offering deals and discounts to make your life more adventurous and fun! Saving extra money will you allow you to have even more fun with your family and friends!!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. #AD 

Unplug and reconnect while looking for Blue Whales in Long Beach.

Recently, Aquarium of the Pacific and Harbor Breeze took us out in search of Blue Whales. This was not our first trip and we knew what to expect. The kids and I felt comfortable sailing away on a perfect Tuesday morning. What would happen next was truly unexpected. As we sailed away, my children sat and enjoyed the view. They quietly nestled onto the top deck, smelled the ocean breeze and searched for wild life in the sky and sea. They seemed at peace and connecting with nature. It was weird! They weren't asking a million questions or feeling anxious. Previous trips in search of whales in the Pacific Ocean had not been this quiet. With a very calm demeanor they would look into the vast ocean hoping to high-five a Blue Whale. Ahhhh....after an hour, I realized that they were not connected to the television, cellphone or video game. We were unplugged and reconnecting with our surroundings. It was beautiful to see our children be one with nature. Disclaimer: Sponsored post.

We were excited about just being in the moment with only the sea breeze and the sound of the waves. Family field trips like this one really help to open our eyes to our surroundings. Nature is so beautiful! 

The trip was filled with first moments but unfortunately no Blue Whales this time. We saw for the first time an ocean sun-fish aka Mola. He is a fish that has a strange body. The mouth of the sunfish is small and its teeth are fused together to form a "beak." We had never seen anything like it before. As we continued our search for Blue Whales, we encountered several dolphins feeding and playing near our boat. They were just like curious toddlers, playing and dancing. As we sailed back, the Coast Guard flew low overhead and waved to us! It was really exciting because we had never experienced that before either. Not finding Blue Whales was not disappointing because it was still an unforgettable adventure. We hope to go again soon on another ocean adventure to find whales, dolphins, ocean sunfish and bird life. In the meantime, we will have to hold on to our memories of this great peaceful adventure.

Prices are subject to change. Please visit the sponsor's website for more details http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/visit/prices_hours

Admission

PACKAGE	ADULT	CHILD (3-11)	SENIOR (62+)
General Admission | BUY NOW	$29.95	$17.95	$26.95
General Admission + Behind-The-Scenes Tour(Ages 7 and up only) Enjoy the Aquarium, then discover what goes on behind the scenes! Now you can see it all in a one hour guided tour. | BUY NOW	$42.95	$33.95	$39.95
General Admission + Blue Whale and Sea Life CruiseJoin naturalists and experts from the Aquarium of the Pacific for an ocean voyage in search of the largest animal on the planet—the blue whale. | BUY NOW	$59.95	$42.95	$56.95
General Admission + Harbor TourTour the Long Beach/Los Angeles Harbors with Harbor Breeze Cruises for a 45-minute narrated cruise around one of the most active ports in the world. | BUY NOW	$40.95	$22.95	$35.95
General Admission + Queen Mary/Diana Exhibit AdmissionAs a special incentive to our visitors who would enjoy experiencing both the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Queen Mary, we offer a combined ticket package. This special offer is available for advance purchase by calling our Aquarium ticket office at (562) 590-3100 or by purchasing online. Tickets may also be purchased at the Aquarium and/or the Queen Mary. Queen Mary combo ticket not available 2/13/15-2/15/15, 6/12/15-6/16/15, 7/4/15, 9/4/15-9/7/15, 11/26/15, 12/24/15-12/25/15 and 12/31/15. | BUY NOW	$57.90$44.95	$34.90$28.50	$55.00$44.95
General Admission + Los Angeles Zoo AdmissionVisit the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and the Los Angeles Zoo for one great price. Please note that tickets are redeemable for up to one year from purchase date. | BUY NOW	$47.95$40	$28.95$27	$41.95$39
General Admission + Natural History Museum AdmissionVisit the Aquarium and the Natural History Museum. | BUY NOW	$40.95$33	$19.95$17	$34.95$29
General Admission + Los Angeles Zoo & Natural History Museum AdmissionsVisit all three attractions and save. Please note that tickets are redeemable for up to one year from purchase date. | BUY NOW	$60.95$50	$34.95$31	$51.95$46

Add-On Packages

Add on a Behind the Scenes Tour and/or a 4D film to any of the ticket packages above. Add on package must be added at time of purchase.

OPTIONS	GENERAL PUBLIC AGES 7+	MEMBER AGES 7+
Behind the Scenes Tour(Ages 7 and up only) Enjoy the Aquarium, then discover what goes on behind the scenes! Now you can see it all in a one hour guided tour. Add on package must be added at time of purchase. |  PURCHASE ADD-ON	$19	$15
4D filmWatch a 4D film in our Ocean Theater. Add on package must be added at time of purchase. | PURCHASE ADD-ON	$3	$2

Aquarium/Battleship IOWA Combo

PACKAGE	ADULT 12+	CHILD (6-11)	TODDLER (3-5)
General Admission + Battleship IOWA AdmissionVisit the Aquarium and the Battleship IOWA for one low price. Please note that tickets are redeemable for up to one year from purchase date. The Iowa combo is not available on Thanksgiving and Christmas. | BUY NOW	$43.90 to $49.90$35.95	$29.90$25.95	$17.95$15.95

Aquarium Members

OPTIONS	ADULT	CHILD (3-11)	SENIOR (62+)
General AdmissionYou will need to register and log in to your Aquarium Member Community in order to buy discounted tickets online. | BUY MEMBERSHIP NOW	FREE	FREE	FREE
Behind-The-Scenes Tour(Ages 7 and up only) Enjoy the Aquarium, then discover what goes on behind the scenes! Now you can see it all in a one hour guided tour. | BUY NOW	$15	$15	$15
Gray Whale WatchEnjoy a 2 to 2.5 hour voyage out in the open Pacific in ocean in search for one of the world’s longest migrating mammals. | BUY NOW	$25	$15	$20
Blue Whale and Sea Life CruiseJoin naturalists and experts from the Aquarium of the Pacific for an ocean voyage in search of the largest animal on the planet—the blue whale. | BUY NOW	$45	$25	$35
Harbor TourTour the Long Beach/Los Angeles Harbors with Harbor Breeze Cruises for a 45-minute narrated cruise around one of the most active ports in the world. | BUY NOW	$12	$6	$10

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 Drive

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
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

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 -31320 North Castaic Road, Castaic, CA 91384
Cerritos Community Regional Park -19700 S. Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90701
City Terrace Park -1126 N. Hazard AvenueLos Angeles, CA 90063
El Cariso Community Regional Park -13100 Hubbard Street, Sylmar, CA 91342
Enterprise Park -13055 Clovis Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90059
Helen Keller Park -12521 S. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90044
Knollwood Pool- 12040 Balboa Boulevard, Granada Hills, CA 91344
George Lane Park-5520 W. Avenue L-8, Quartz Hill, CA 93534
Lennox Park-10828 S. Condon Ave., Lennox, CA 90304
Loma Alta Park-3330 North Lincoln Ave., Altadena, CA 91001
Everett Martin Park-35548 N. 92nd Street East, Littlerock, CA 93543
Mona Park - 2291 E. 121st Street, Compton, CA 90222
Eugene A. Obregon Park-4021 E. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063
Jesse Owens Community Regional Park-9651 S. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90047
Ruben F. Salazar Park- 3864 Whittier Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90023
San Fernando Regional Pool-208 Park Ave., San Fernando, CA 91340
Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area-15501 East Arrow Highway, Irwindale, CA 91706
Val Verde Community Regional Park-30300 West Arlington Road, Val Verde, CA 91384
Victoria Community Regional Park-419 E 192nd Street, Carson, CA 90746
Col. Leon H. Washington Park-8908 S. Maie Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90002
Ted Watkins Memorial Park-1335 E. 103rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90002 

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.