Family Fun at the Orange County Zoo

Family Fun at the Orange County Zoo

As Christmas break gets closer and closer, parents everywhere are scrambling to come up with fun, family-oriented activities that will both entertain and educate the kids. Well, what kid doesn't love a trip to the zoo? The Orange County Zoo has plenty of kid-friendly activities going on this winter. So put the toys back in those toy boxes and head off to the zoo for a day of family fun!

Christmas at the OC Zoo:

• Date: December 20th

• Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

• What's Going On? The OC Zoo is getting into the holiday spirit with this special event. Come and see the zoo animals receive special treats hidden inside Christmas trees. Activities include arts and crafts, face painting and, story time with Mrs. Clause and of course - a visit with Santa himself!
  

• Price: Free with zoo admission ($2.00 per person; ages 2 and under gets in free)
  

Creatures In The Cold - Toddler Class Ages 3-4):

• Date: January 8th

• Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

• What's Going On? Your young ones can come to the zoo and learn all about animals that live in cold climates! Reindeer, polar bears, penguins and much more! The class includes hands-on educational activities as well as arts & crafts.
  

• Price: $5.00 (includes one parent)
  

• Special Instructions: Phone registration is required. Please call Marcy Crede-Booth at (714) 973-6846 for more information and to register for the class! Hurry, as the class fills up fast!

Nose, Toes & Ears - Toddler Class (Ages 3-4):

• Date: January 15th

• Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

• What's Going On Nose, toes and ears - oh my! Learn all about different animals - furry, fuzzy and otherwise! Who has small ears? Who has a big nose? How many toes does a bear have? Arts and crafts and educational activities a plenty!
  

• Price: $5.00 (includes one parent)
  

• Special Instructions: Phone registration is required. Please call Marcy Crede-Booth at (714) 973-6846 for more information and to register for the class! Hurry, as the class fills up fast!

Scales, Feathers & Fur - Toddler Class (Ages 3-4):

• Date: January 23rd

• Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

• What's Going On Learn all about birds, reptiles and mammals and even meet some of these fine feathered and furry friends! The class includes fun, educational arts, crafts and other activities.
  

• Price: $5.00 (includes one parent)
  

• Special Instructions: Phone registration is required. Please call Marcy Crede-Booth at (714) 973-6846 for more information and to register for the class! Hurry, as the class fills up fast!

Free Santa Pictures for Kids in Orange County

Thanks to Claus for a Cause and Rascals to Rebels, just bring your camera and you can take your very own photos of your kids for FREE!

Rascals to Rebels is a specialty children's boutique carrying quality fashions and accessories for your newborn baby up to your "Rebel" at size 12. They offer a convenient play area for your child while you shop. Their toy section includes books, crafts, stuffed animals and educational toys for children of all ages.

Santa will be at the Rascals to Rebels shops in Seal Beach and Huntington Beach for a few more dates this month. He’ll be in HB on the 16th, and then back to Seal Beach on the 19th (all between 3 and 5 P.M.). Expect a little bit of a line; how fast it goes depends on the kids in front of you and how long their lists are. They do have a professional photographer on hand in case you prefer to use her services. Kids also receive a small gift after the photo shoot; babies get small candy canes “for their memory books”.

While the events are totally free to the public, Santa and Mrs. Claus do accept donations, with every dollar received going toward the Breast Cancer Angels organization. So even if your kid goes totally ballistic on Santa’s lap, at least you can say that it was all for a good cause!


Rascals to Rebels, Huntington Beach

7101 Yorktown Avenue, Suite 103

714.374.9937

Rascals to Rebels, Seal Beach

12185 Seal Beach Blvd.

562.598.3900

Enjoy the Holidays at Rainbow Harbor in Downtown Long Beach!

Make holiday shopping painless, entertain the entire family, dine and shop outside amid the fresh ocean air at The Pike at Rainbow Harbor! During the month of December Santa pays a visit to The Pike Marketplace and offers free pictures with a receipt from any Shoreline Village, Aquarium of the Pacific or Pike merchant. Admission to The Pike Marketplace is FREE.

• 
  
  Free Pictures with Santa: Visit Santa at The Pike from 11am-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays during December (December 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20). Receive a free picture with Santa with any valid receipt from The Pike, Shoreline Village or Aquarium of the Pacific.


• 
  
  Free Snow Play: It's Snowing in Long Beach....Play in real snow on the first three Saturdays in December! Children ages 3-11 can frolic in twenty tons of real snow! December 6: 1-4p - Aquarium's front lawn/December 13: 1-4p - Shoreline Village parking lot/ December 20: 1-4p - The Esplanade
  
• 
  
  Shark Lagoon Nights:The public is invited to get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Pacific for FREE during Shark Lagoon Nights. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as sandtigers as well as rays in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon.


• 
  
  The Pike Marketplace: Introducing The Pike Marketplace
  Every Saturday from 11am to 4pm on the grass area at the corner of Pine Ave. & Shoreline Dr. (adjacent to the famous landmark Ferris Wheel).


• 
  
  Live Entertainment: Schedule

Click Here for full Events Schedule

Click Here for Directions and Parking Information

FREE Kids Cartoon Pumpkin Carving Templates

Click here for FREE Kids Cartoon Pumpkin Carving templates, including the Backyardigans, Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer. And for all you old school parents, there are some great Classic Cartoon templates to choose from too, like Popeye, Garfield and Mighty Mouse.

http://www.carvingpumpkins.net/kids/kids.html

FREE Disneyland Tickets on your Birthday!

It's true! Disneyland is giving away FREE tickets for your birthday. Yes, a marketing plan first introduced by Denny's restaurant who used to give away free meals for your birthday. But now, the concept has been upped by Disneyland with free entrance to Orange County's favorite amusement park. Bring the kids to celebrate their birthday along with Mickey, Minnie and all the princesses.

All you have to do is register here at the Disney website and you will get an email reminder two weeks before your kids big day. And for all you annual passport holders, go ahead and register because there are other exciting gifts too.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/disneyland/index?name=CelebrationsDLRFreeOnYourBirthdayPage&bhcp=1

Kidsfaire-Orange County Fair Grounds

The Kidsfaire-America's Family Expo is coming to Orange County. The Kidsfaire is California's Largest Children's & Family Event offering endless family entertainment,6 Stages of Live Character Shows, Acres of rides and attractions, Hundreds of Interactive Exhibits, Childrens Pavillions and Great Resources for your home and family. A place designed for kids of all ages and their families. We had the pleasure of attending this event last year and we had so much fun we plan on going back for more this year.

Click her for more info. on this event:

KidsFaire

October 4-5, 2008

Orange County Fairgrounds

Costa Mesa, CA (click here for directions)

10AM-5PM

Tickets to Kidsfaire; America's Family Expo are sold at the gate. Regular admission is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 2-12. Admission includes all non-stop entertainment and fun family pavilions. Bring a picnic lunch or purchase food at the faire!

*Pick up a Discount ticket at your local McDonalds Restaurant.

Storytime for your kids at BORDERS Bookstores

This Saturday, September 27th from 2-4PM,
BORDERS Bookstores are having a Kids Party! You're invited to bring the family for games, story times, activities and more!

Check out the kids section at Borders!

You'll find a new area devoted to kids graphic novels and manga, plus you'll discover fun toys and games for kids of all ages. And don't miss the weekly story times.

We love taking our kids on a bookstore trip where we always find a great bargain on kids books. See you there.

Bring your kids to watch the Pet Parade TODAY!

Join us for some family fun today at the 12th Annual Laguna Beach Pet Parade & Chili Cook-Off located in South Orange County. There will be an assortment of entertainment provided for children, a pet parade for our furry friends, and a Chili Contest for the cook in your family.


Sunday, September 14, 2008
Noon to 3p.m.
Tivoli Too- Laguna Beach (click here for directions)
Admission: $5.00 (Children under 10 Free)


Call for more information: 949-497-2474

Kids fun @ Irvine Spectrum

The Irvine Spectrum, where the 5 and 405 Freeways meet, otherwise known as the the "Y" is where you can find tons of kids fun. Plenty of kids and baby boutique shopping too.

Most moms love to shop. Kids love to have fun! Combine the two at the Irvine Spectrum where there is more shopping for kids than you can handle, and as much fun for the kids...

The Merry-go-round / Carousel, Ferris Wheel, live entertainment and train rides keep the kids entertained. Not to mention movies, and Mega Arcades like Dave & Buster's for the teens. The in-ground water fountain that spews water from holes in the concrete like oil from our soil is our child's absolute favorite. (Be prepared though and bring a towel, bathing suit and/or an extra outfit for after the water fun).

Here is a list of some of our favorite children's boutique and kid's clothing stores:


Bellini
Phone: (949) 753-0588
Discover the country’s leading design source for juvenile furnishings and accessories. Discover the craftsmanship, safety and style that make a Bellini bedroom an instant classic.


Naartjie
Phone: (949) 450-1439
Naartjie offers unique kids' fashions sizes preemie to 9.


Carter's
Phone: (949) 727-4124
The cutest apparel for infants to toddlers.

Old Navy
Phone: (949) 727-1968
Hip clothing for the whole family.

Here's some reviews from other Spectrum visitor's:
http://www.lilaguide.com/reviews/irvine-spectrum-521281.aspx

Our daughter loved eebee as a baby and now Barnes & Noble makes it easier to bring home

Our daughter fell in love with eebee, but we couldn't find the DVDs locally and the eebee doll was sold out, so we settled for the cable on-demand episodes.

But now, eebee videos and doll are now available at Barnes & Noble bookstores:

Visit your local Barnes & Noble or shop online at
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?AUD=JUV&kids=y&WRD=eebee
books

Just like the award-winning on-screen adventures, these interactive books have a heart and soul that playfully engages every baby and every parent with new ideas to discover and share together.

Titles include:

eebee’s BATH TIME adventure, a floating, squirting water play book!

eebee’s ALL ABOUT YOU & ME adventure, a combination book and language game!

eebee’s PEEK-A-BOO adventure, where the action begins right on the cover!

eebee’s LAUNDRY TIME adventure, where soft towels, colorful PJs, and an interactive washing machine combine to equal countless explorations!

eebee’s HAVE A BALL adventure just might be the only baby book with a built-in basketball hoop!

For more information, you can also visit us at www.eebee.com/shop.html.

Reading to your baby helps to build creativity, listening and language skills. Reading also encourages your child to look, point, and interact with you and the world in the book and beyond. Most importantly, it’s simply the sound and rhythm of your voice and having you close that makes reading a joyous adventure for your baby.

The early reviews are in! And here’s what these moms are saying:

“You don’t have to know who eebee is, or already like him, to love these books. The new books, just out from eebee’s adventures, are interactive learning tools, not just books. The books are made out of soft, tactile material to engage the child. The books don’t just show a picture and a word to describe it, they allow a child to actually perform the movement. Motor skills are sharpened and imaginations soar.”
Jillian (age 22 months) and Heidi (mom) eebeediaries: http://eebeediaries.blogspot.com

"My son loves the books,"
411 Mommy (411mommy.blogspot.com)

“These books have been lovingly created to appeal to and nurture the natural inquisitiveness within each young child.”
Josalyn Moran, Vice-President of Children’s Books, Barnes & Noble
doll

PLUS, you’ll find a little surprise only at Barnes & Noble!
The 8” eebee doll, a great size for the stroller and diaper bag!

Visit Barnes & Noble or shop online at
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?
AUD=JUV&kids=y&WRD=eebee.

Take your baby beyond the page with these new eebee’s adventures books!

Take your kids to see Walking with Dinosaurs

The Dinosaurs are coming next week to the Honda Center in Anaheim (formerly Arrowhead Pond). The show start next Wednesday, August 20th and runs through the weekend, Sunday August 24th. Be sure to take your kids to see the dazzling arena spectacle that is a $20-million dollar budget production.

The show includes Tyrannosaurus Rex, Utahraptro, Stegosauras and Brachiosaurus dinosaurs. Here's the official website where you can order tickers online: http://www.dinosaurlive.com/

Great online resource for Kids Education

http://www.education.com/

It's been a busy summer already

Hope your summer with the kids is going great! Apologies for the hiatus but we have been very busy this summer with lots going on. We have plenty to catch up on in the next few weeks to help keep you informed on fun & educational things to do with your kids in Orange County, CA.

We added a new puppy to our family. Haley, a 14 week old Basset Hound / English Bulldog mix. The dog aficionado refer to her as a basset bully designer breed. She is adorable and best of all, a smart, calm dog that is great with kids. So we will begin blogging about raising puppies with kids. Let me tell you, you haven't been challenged until you are potty training a puppy and a two-year old at the same time!

We've spent plenty of time at the beach already this summer, and even went camping at the beach, so we will post a nice camping check list for families with kids and dogs.

Don't forget the OC Fair is going on now at the Orange County Fairgrounds and the Circus is coming town: the Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey circus will be at the Honda Center in Anaheim from July 23rd through August 3rd. And after that at the Honda Center is WALKING WITH DINOSAURS: For 200 million years the Dinosaurs ruled the earth, Now, they’re back roaming the arenas of Americain an extraordinary new theatrical production.

STAY TUNED for more exciting, fun and educational things to do with your kids in Orange County.

FREE Audio Stories for Kids

All kids love stories. Here is a great resource for FREE Audio Stories for Kids: Storynory where Prince Bertie the Frog brings you an audio story every week. Each one is read specially for him by his friend Natasha . But Bertie likes to share - so you can hear them too, ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Explore over 100+ Tales in the Archives

http://storynory.com/

Schools out, kids are home, now what to do them?

About to go crazy with all the kids home for summer? Having a list of fun things to do with the kids can be a great help. Here are some fun ideas of things to do with and for the kids this summer break.

Summer Fun
Library Reading Programs. Many libraries offer great reading programs for the summer. Many also have craft days, discussion groups, and parties. Get your kids in on the fun! Watch for sign up times in your area. If you don't want to get out, check out these ideas of activities you can do with your kids. There are several craft projects for your older readers.

Orange County Public Library
http://www.ocpl.org/

Get together with another family. Find another family with kids that range in the same age bracket as your kids. Host a child(ren) from the other family one afternoon and on another day have your children go to their house. This will give one mom a chance to get things accomplished without the kids or at least take a nap!


Walk for Charities. Get the kids involved with an activity that not only promotes physical well-being, but also the importance of helping others. During the summer are many opportunities to walk for various charitable events.

Giving Children Hope - be part of the GCH's very first Walk-a-Thon
http://www.gchope.org/walking-with-hope.html

Lessons or sports? How about swim lessons? Dance? Soccer? Art? This will teach the kids skills and give you a break. Here's a list of youth sports leagues:
http://www.dmoz.org/Sports/Basketball/Youth_and_High_School/Leagues/

Scouting. Scouting can be a great activity with plenty of learning and fun. There may be day camps available as well as over night activities.

Orange County Scouts website
http://www.ocbsa.org/site/c.khKQIWPBIoE/b.2627577/

Cultural Activities. Get the kids excited about learning about their culture. Many ideas can be found in this article: Focus on Culture.

Cultural learning website with lesson for teaching kids
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSLAOCICountriesandCulturesIdeas18.htm

Crafts. Family Crafts guide, Sherri Osborn, has literally hundreds of craft ideas to keep your kids busy for three summers!

Fun Kids Arts & Crafts
http://familycrafts.about.com/

Life books. What a great time to focus on updating or completing the children's lifebooks. Working on their lifebooks may be a learning activity that they may be able to do with little help, depending on the age of the child, from you.

http://adoption.about.com/cs/legalissues/g/lifebook.htm

Day Camps. YMCA offers a great kid's day camp.

YMCA of Orange County
http://www.ymcaoc.org/branches/noc.php

Take your kids on a bike ride

We love going on bike rides as a family. We have the trailer setup & the child seat which fits behind mommy's and/or daddy's seat. We usually cruise down the boardwalk at either Newport Beach or Huntington Beach. Today we decided to do something a little different and enjoyed the bike trail around Newport back bay. It's quiet, safe to take your kids and flat! Don't forget to protect your kids noggin and be sure to put a child helmet on their heads.

Here's a nice map that shows the trail:



For more great fun outdoor activities in Orange County, CA visit the Kids Fun Factory website.

Sesame Street - always a great go-to

Father's Day events in Orange County

Just in time for Father's Day, the Newport Beach Breakers of World Team Tennis have launched the "Dad Pack."

The package includes two matches: Newport Beach Breakers vs. St. Louis Aces (featuring Anna Kournikova) on Wednesday, July 16th and Newport Beach Breakers vs. New York Sportimes (featuring John McEnroe) on Tuesday, July 22nd. This package will only last through Father's Day, so if your Pop loves tennis, then this is the gift for him. Package cost is $75.

Other matches this season include:

July 5th vs. Kansas City Explorers (Bank of America Jr. Night)
July 10th vs. Springfield Lasers (Featuring Lindsay Davenport)
July 13th vs. Washington Kastles (Featuring Serena Williams)
July 14th vs. Sacramento Capitals (Free Women's Clinic with Tracy Austin)
July 21st vs. Boston Lobsters (Featuring Martina Navratilova)

Other Ticketing options include, Full Season General Admission and Full Season Club Box. For more info and to order tickets click to: http://www.newportbeachbreakers.com/teams/index.aspx

For more great gift giving ideas for Father's Day and other fun stuff to do with Dad in Orange County visit the Kids Fun Factory website.

Take your kids to the ballgame this summer

Anaheim Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Angels is a fun place to take the kids to enjoy some great Angels baseball and so much more. We enjoy taking our daughter to the ballpark for all the fun kids events, promotions and activities too.

We try and take in as many McDonald's Family Sunday games as we can for the fun and exciting Angels activities in the Family Picnic Zone. Tickets start as low as $12 for adults and $5 for kids. Kids fun stuff include sports games: virtual batting & pitching games, arts and crafts, and Ronald McDonald himself.

More McDonald's Family Sunday info

Family Fun Pack is another great Angels baseball promotion for families with a few kids. You can bring the whole family out for a day of baseball, food and fun! The Angels Family Fun Pack is only $39 for a family of four good for Upper View seating areas (or also available for $51 in the Lower View Box).*

The package includes: 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 small soft drinks.

There are several great 2008 Angels' home games to choose from.

Family Fun Packs can be purchased at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim Ticket Office and here online.

Check the kids promotions calendar for other great kids & family events:

$3 Kids and Teens
$3 Tickets available for select Upper View seating areas for fans, ages 2-18. Tickets can only be purchased on day of game at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim Ticket Office during regular business hours and prior to game time.

Kids Run the Show 6
Angels' fans ages 5-18 will get the opportunity to participate in various game day activities. Register for a chance to win one of many Angels' baseball fantasies such as honorary bat kid, guest PA announcer, guest radio broadcaster and more. Look for the entry form at angelsbaseball.com in the coming months.

& EVEN MORE KIDS EVENTS
Rally Noodle Photo
Fourth of July Fireworks
Chone Figgins Mesh Kids
Kids Run The Bases Angels
Poster giveaway
Camp Halo
Bobblehead character giveaways

See you and your kids at the ballpark. For more fun stuff to do with kids in Orange County visit The Kids Fun Factory.

Costa Mesa Fish Fry is coming this weekend

The COSTA MESA-NEWPORT HARBOR LIONS CLUB Fish Fry is coming to Costa Mesa this weekend, May 31 - June 1, 2008. Some of the events listed include: Carnival, Prizes, Food, Games, Entertainment, Beauty & Baby Contest.

Event Map

You can definitely find us there with our daughter this weekend for sure!

COSTA MESA-NEWPORT HARBOR LIONS Fish Fry History

For more fun stuff to do with your kids in Orange County visit The Kids Fun Factory.

Upcoming Events : Orange County : Costa Mesa / Newport Mesa / Newport Beach

COSTA MESA-NEWPORT HARBOR LIONS CLUB Fish Fry

May 31 - June 1, 2008

Event Webshttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifite: http://www.cmnhlions.com/fishfry/index.html


Carnval Rides open at 11:00 a.m.

Saturday - MAY 31 Sunday - JUNE 1

12:00/2:00 Davis All star Band/Choir 12:00/12:30 CMHS Cheerleaders

2:00/3:00 8 Ways To Sunday 12:30/2:00 Mighty Jam Band

3:00/3:30 Wanda Dance 2:00/3:00 Baby Contest

3:30/4:00 Raffle 3:00/3:30 Raffle

4:00/5:00 Star Light Theater 3:30/5:00 3rd Degree Blues Band

5:00/6:00 open 5:30/---- Latin Themed Band

6:00/----- Latin Themed Band 8:00 Raffle

8:00 Raffle

Happy Memorial Day

It's a beautiful day in Orange County, CA.
A great day to take your kids outdoors, to the park, swimming pool or to the beach. We rode our bikes with the child seat from Newport Beach to the Balboa Beach pier. We enjoyed a nice lunch at Ruby's at the end of the pier. Kids love eating at Ruby's Diner -- especially when you get a great seat overlooking the ocean at the end of the pier.

Most importantly be sure to take the time to teach your children what Memorial Day is really all about; paying respect to our veterans. Here's a read on Returning Meaning to Memorial Day by U.S. News.

Happy Memorial Day, hope you and your family had a great one!

Memorial Day Weekend : Fun things for kids in Orange County

For something fun to do with your kids in Orange County this Memorial Day Weekend visit the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival.

Lots of funs stuff for the kids: Kids Rides, Kids Activities, Child Celebrity guest appearances.

Our favorite is the BERRY BERRY BEAUTIFUL BABY PAGEANT FOR BABIES 3 MONTHS TO UNDER 3 YEARS.

MAY 23-26, 2008

Friday (1pm to 10pm)
Sat & Sun (10am-10pm)
Monday (10am to 8:30pm)
Admission is Free!
Click here for directions

Kid Rides
Badlands 4x4
Bear Affair
Bees
Clown Glass
Cobra
Dragon Wagon
Elephants
Free Fall
Goliath Slide
Kiddie Bumper Boats
Kite Flyer
Lolly Swings
Raiders
Silver Streak
Survival Island
Toon town
Tug Boats
Wave Runner

For more fun stuff to do with your kids in Orange County visit The Kids Fun Factory.

Garden Grove Strawberry Festival: Event Website

Wii Fit for kids

The Nintendo Wii Fit, a excercise and fitness game for the Nintendo Wii game console was released this week. It comes with a ton of games and a Balance Board.
Just a few of the games for kids are: Soccer Heading, Ski Slalom, SKi Jump, Hula Hoop and Basic Step (similar to the Dance Dance Revolution game)

Like most of the games on the Wii game console, it gets your kid up off the couch and excercising. There are also some great fitness and aerobics games for parents too:
Yoga, Strength Training and Aerobics

Unless you pre-ordered they are hard to get your hands on one. But, if you can, the Wii Fit is a great game for kids and parents too.

http://www.nintendo.com/wiifit/launch/

The Circus is in town - Orange County

Remember going to the Circus as a kid. This was always top of the list of fun things to do on my all time childhood favorites.

The Circus Vargas is in town, the stop for Orange County is at the Westminster Mall. You can see the big top from the 405 freeway. The show runs from May 15th through the 26th before heading off to Ventura. There is a schedule of shows all days of the week with varying times from the afternoon to the evening - plenty of options to bring the kids regardless of their nap schedule

For information on the circus visit: http://www.circusvargas.org/

For more fun stuff to do with your kids in Orange County visit The Kids Fun Factory.

Boutique shopping in Huntington Beach

Hush Baby has some of the cutest clothes and accessories. We love to shop for unique outfits for our daughter at Hush Baby. The store is located in the Bella Terra mall in Huntington Beach, Ca.

They feature designer brands starting at newborn through 6T and also offer maternity and mommy and me clothing. They have diaper bags, bath products, car seat/high chair covers, jewelry, day planners and much more.

Our favorite thing though is the story time!
Story Time - Every Tuesday from 11 - 12
Enjoy story time with The Story Lady's Magic Book. Your children will enjoy storytime with a creative twist and facing painting. Stories will include a little of everything: classic fairytales, old favorites, new finds and seasonal themes told with Story Lady's bunny and favorite puppets every Tuesday 11:00 am - 12:00 pm.

And the bonus: you can enjoy 10% off all purchases during story time!


Hush Baby
http://www.hushbabyhuntingtonbeach.com/
7777 Edinger Ave
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
United States
(714) 892-2121


Here's a link to a map

For more kids boutique shopping ideas and more great fun stuff to do with kids, check out The Kids Fun Factory.

Camp Newport Expo

From the day our daughter was born we have dreamt about her surfing in Newport & Huntington Beach. She loves watching the animated movie Surfs Up and surf documentaries always grab her attention. Every chance we get we take her to the beach and she points out the surfers. Being only two, we have to settle for the excitement and helping her stand on her kick board in the pool is closest were getting to her surfing this summer.

But if you are lucky enough that your kids is just a few years older, then you should check out the Camp Newport Expo this Saturday, May 17 at 10:00a to 2:00p at Newport Coast Community Center, Newport Beach, CA.

Discover how your child can turn dreams into reality this summer. Meet camp directors, ask questions, and enroll in a drawing for a free week of summer camp.

Check it out here: http://www.campnewport.com/

For more kids outdoor sports ideas and more great fun stuff to do with kids, check out The Kids Fun Factory.

Balboa Island Artwalk

The Balboa Island Artwalk is this Sunday, May 18 9:00a to 5:00p at South Bayfront, Balboa Island, Balboa Island, CA

The Balboa Island Artwalk is the premier showcase for talented local artists and marks the start of the Island's summer season. Celebrating its fourteenth anniversary, this fine art show features over ninety artists displaying paintings, jewelery, sculpture.

We try and expose our child to as many different types of art we can to stimulate her creativity.

Event Web Site

For more kids Arts & Crafts ideas and more great fun stuff to do with kids, check out The Kids Fun Factory.

Take your kid on a boat ride

We took our child out on a cruise through Huntington Beach Harbour and had a blast. We rented an electric Duffy boat out of Sunset Beach and cruised around the harbor for hours. The boat is super easy to drive and makes for a relaxing cruise with beautiful views of million dollar mansions and yachts.

This was a great family outing and highly recommend looking into it for any families that love spending time on the water. Pack a lunch and make a picnic out of it.

For more great family outing ideas and more great fun stuff to do with kids, check out The Kids Fun Factory.

Celebrating Mother's Day

How we celebrated Mother's day:

We started the morning with a walk on the Huntington Beach pier down to Ruby's Diner for some decent, inexpensive breakfast overlooking the ocean. Kids love this 50's diner-style restaurant. Then we spent some time shopping for mommy at the stores on main street. Followed with some nice old fashioned fun in the sun by the pool and barbecuing hot dogs. To finish things off we went to In N Out for dinner.

For more fun kids stuff visit The Kids Fun Factory

Happy Mother's Day to all mommies.

Join the mom's networking network

Check out our Kids Fun Factory blog

Mother's Day in Orange County

Remember Mom this weekend with something just for her. The Philharmonic House of Design is still happening and it's a great day of discovery plus a fun boutique, caf� and lectures. Or sashay on over to the Honda Center to hear Michael Bubl� sing. For a relaxing brunch try 21 Oceanfront, Sapphire, Palm Terrace and any of the Culinary Adventure restaurants. Or head to Laguna for a spa getaway at the Surf and Sand Resort, The Balboa Bay Club & Resort or my favorite place the St. Regis Spa Gaucin and truly indulge. Heavenly!!! more

For fun things to do with kids in orange county visit thekidsfactory.com

California Strawberry Festival May 17 - 18

KIDS Ride FREE in Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to the 25th Annual California Strawberry Festival
http://www.strawberry-fest.org/information/information-amtrak.html

One of the Premier Outdoor Festivals in the Nation
A tribute to the tasty fruit that wears its seeds on the outside, the 25th Annual California Strawberry Festival gets underway May 17 and 18, 2008 at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard (3250 South Rose Avenue).

With live musical entertainment, over 300 Arts & Crafts, 50 food booths with yummy berry favorites, gooey contests, the Strawberry Promenade, Star Berry Hunt, Strawberryland For Kids, and more, it’s the perfect celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage with proceeds benefiting more than 40 Southland charities.

Hours:

Saturday, May 17: 10:00a.m. to 6:30p.m.
Sunday, May 18: 10:00a.m. to 6:30p.m.

Strawberry Meadows of College Park
3250 South Rose Avenue
Oxnard, California

Admission
$12 Adults
$5 Youth (Ages 5-12)
$8 Seniors (55+)
$8 Active Military and Dependents with ID
Children 4 and under are free

http://www.strawberry-fest.org/information/information-main.html

Strawberry Express Shuttle
Take the FREE Strawberry Express. Get off the freeway, park and ride our shuttle.

Keeping it real, teaching your kids about organic fruits and vegetables

Keeping it real, teaching your kids about organic fruits and vegetables

http://www.tanakafarms.com/

Tanaka farms located in Orange County offers tours of their fields year round. Right now you can take the Strawberry tour.


Bring your kids for an exciting adventure which includes:

*A guided Wagon Ride around the farm

*See how different fruits and vegetables grow

*Taste different fruits and vegetables

*Pick and eat your very own STRAWBERRIES

Strawberries, Strawberries, Strawberries
Starting our Strawberry tours in 1998 we started something in the heart of Irvine that some people still may not know that exist. Something elders remember from there childhoods but young kids have never experienced. Some place to pick your very own strawberries right off the vine. Nothing taste better than a vine ripened Tanaka Farms Strawberry. On this 1 hour tour, we will experience a tractor pulled wagon ride around the farm, see different fruits and vegetables growing, we will get to taste some fruits and vegetables, and at the very end we will get out and pick our very own strawberries. Nothing beats the excitment of kids trying to find the biggest strawberries and then dripping the juice all over themselves. The pictures speak for themselves. Along with the fun and excitment it is also a great learning experience for the kids. We will teach you the difference between a fruit and a vegetable and I bet the parents will even be amazed as well.
So come join the for Strawberry Tours that run from March-June. Don't miss out on the fun. For Group tours and reservations please call 714-968-6588.

http://www.tanakafarms.com/Strawberry_Tours.html

Santa Margarita Water District's Family Fun Kids Day

source: daytripping mom

If you live in South Orange County this sounds like a fun family outing. You are invited to join the Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) for its annual Fiesta de Agua Family Fun Day water conservation festival on Saturday, May 3rd. New this year, SMWD will host the free event along the shores of its Oso Reservoir in Rancho Santa Margarita. The family-oriented festival is held by SMWD each May to kick off its celebration of National Water Awareness Month.

Fiesta de Agua’s new location will provide a beautiful natural backdrop for participants to learn about water conservation and the local environment. Activities, which include water education games, a live reptile show and nature hikes, will be centered at the Boy Scout camp on the banks of the reservoir.

What: SMWD Fiesta de Agua
When: Saturday, May 3rd 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: SMWD’s Oso Reservoir
(Directions and map below)

Activities for this year’s Fiesta de Agua are scheduled to include:

· Water conservation education
· Nature hikes
· Live reptile show
· Marksmanship demonstrations
Fossil displays
Bird watching
Face painting
Scout demonstrations
S’mores and campfire songs
Kids’ crafts
Community exhibitors
Firefighters and fire engines

Free food and beverages will be provided by the District. Other participating sponsors include The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scout Council of Orange County, City of Mission Viejo and City of Rancho Santa Margarita.

For more information on Fiesta de Agua, please visit http://www.smwd.com/.

About Oso Reservoir
Oso Reservoir is the largest recycled water reservoir in South Orange County and is located in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. The man-made lake is capable of storing more than one billion gallons of recycled water for the region’s irrigation needs and is a critical component to the region’s water supply reliability infrastructure.

Directions to Oso Reservoir:

From Mission Viejo: Head north on Los Alisos Blvd. After crossing the 241 Toll Road, take an immediate left to “Oso Lake.” Follow the dirt road about half a mile to the parking area.

From Ranch Santa Margarita: Drive west on Santa Margarita Pkwy. Turn right onto Melinda Rd. and follow to just before the 241 Toll Road. Turn right to “Oso Lake.”

From the 241 Toll Road: Take the Los Alisos exit and drive north. Take an immediate left to “Oso Lake.”

For more great ideas of fun stuff to do with your Orange County kids visit http://www.thekidsfactory.com

Catalina Island - A Great Vacation from Orange County for Kids

Catalina Island, just 26 miles - a 45 minute boat ride on the Catalina Express, is a great place to take Orange County kids for vacation. The short trip makes for a great day trip, weekend getaways or even longer.

We recently took our child to Catalina Island for the weekend and had a wonderful time. The weather was beautiful, the people are warm and friendly, and there is so much to do: snorkeling, biking, hiking, boating, miniature golf, video arcade, movie theater and much more.

For more great ideas of fun stuff to do with your Orange County kids visit http://www.thekidsfactory.com

Newport Beach Pier & Boardwalk

We love to walk and ride bikes on the boardwalk in Newport Beach near the pier.

For other fun stuff to do with kids in Newport Beach visit thekidsfactory website.

2008 Smile! Youth Expo

Friday, April 25, 2008 - Sunday, April 27, 2008
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
OC Fair and Event Center
Fairgrounds Costa Mesa CA
Description: The 2008 Youth Expo will be featuring 20,000 square feet of space with exhibitors offering summer and family activities, education resources, schools, camps, and more! Also OC Parenting will be hosting the 2nd Annual Spelling Bee competition and Cutest Kid Cover Contest! Call 714-771-7454 X106 for more info. Or visit www.parentingoc.com

Kids in Orange County

The kidsfaire Orange County, CA

This past weekend we brought our kid to the kidsfaire held at the Orange County fairgrounds. Lot's of exhibits and fun things to do with the kids.

http://www.thekidsfaire.com/index2.htm

information and resources for orange county kids

This looks like a great source for information and resources for orange county kids:
http://www.orangecounty.net/html/fun_kids.html

Orange Coounty fun for kids

Another helpful directory on the Fun things to do with kids in Orange County: http://www.arestravel.com/orangecounty/fun_for_kids.php

The Kids Fun FACTORY - fun things to do with kids in Orange County, CA

The kids fun factory is a collection of Orange County kids community events & services, educational information, fun stuff do with your kids around the OC, where to buy kids clothes, toys & furniture, and an assortment of online resources dedicated to enriching your child's creativity.

visit http://www.thekidsfactory.com/

La Petite Academy - Talking and Listening to Parents

La Petite Academy

Unlike many child care centers, we are committed to working and communicating with parents. By partnering with you, we can give your child exactly what he needs to become a successful lifetime learner. We like a good, honest, old-fashioned, face-to-face conversation and follow-up.

http://lapetite.com/public/100/how-we-communicate.jsp

The Kids Fun Factory - an online collection of things to do with your kids in orange county

Here is a link to a website: thekidsfactory.com, which is a collection of fun activities to do with your kids in Orange County, CA.

Kobe Bryant lives with his kids in Orange County

Kobe Bryant along with his wife and two kids reside in beautiful, sunny Newport Beach behind the orange curtain, better known as Orange County.

http://www.stockteam.com/hbpress17.html

Authentic Angels Jersey from the early 1990's for sale

An ebay auction is selling an Authentic Chuck Finley Angels Jersey from the early 1990's for sale on eBay!

Nintendo Wii - Great fun for kids and parensts alike

After our gymnastics class organized at the local city recreation center. We are getting together with family to celebrate Grandpa's birthday. And of course, we are bringing along our Nintendo Wii for the kids and adults alike to have a fun time.

There will be swimming in the pool, and horseshoes out back, but all will gather together to join in to play Wii Sports. If you haven't checked out this video game console, it's affordable at $249 and worth every cent. Mario Kart Wii & Wii Fit comes out next week and we can't wait. Wii Fit is a great indoor exercise program.

thekidsfunfactory

fun things to do with kids in orange county

fun things to do with kids in orange county