Redwood Trees in Newport Beach- Always free!

Newport Beach has Redwood Trees? Yes!
These trees were planted in the 1970's by the Environmental Nature Center. They are not as large as the trees you may have seen, but to my children they were giant! The center is located on 3.5 acres of property filled with walking trails and picnic tables. You will forget that you are in Southern California. The ENC specializes in presenting the biodiversity of California. For more information, check out their website at
http://www.encenter.org/.

This center and parking are completely free.
Warning: The center does have Poison Oak! As long as you stay on the path, you should be okay.

Museum of Natural History LA-Free Tuesdays!

If you are looking for free things to do with the kids in southern California, then you should pack a lunch and head to the Museum of Natural History in LA on the first Tuesday of the month. I was a little concerned my toddlers would be too young for this outing but I was wrong. They loved the dinosaurs, mammal exhibit, butterfly pavilion and interactive center for children.

Parking is $8 and they only accept cash. I recommend that you pack a lunch or eat first. They do have a place you can purchase food; however, the menu is limited. For more information, click here. Teachers, active military and USC students get in free everyday.

Grunion are running this week!

This week will be our first attempt at grunion viewing. We have our flashlights and blankets ready and we will be heading to Doheny for the night (there are multiple beaches for viewing). 
The expected runs, according to the California Department of Fish and Game, are Tuesday from 9:45pm-11:45pm, Wednesday 10:15pm- 12:15pm, and Thursday 26th 10:45pm-12:45pm. Since we have never done this before, I recommend that you read about grunion runs by clicking here. You will also find a list of beaches for viewing the run. Good luck!

Pacific Marine Mammal Rescue-Always Free!

If you are looking for free things to do with the kids you should definately check out the Pacific Marine Mammal Rescue in Laguna Beach. It's a red barn off the 133. It is not a large facility but they have many rescued seals and sea lions.They are open everyday from 10-4. Donations are encouraged. We usually donate a few dollars.  You may want to call ahead and ask about their release dates. For directions and hours, check out their website by clicking here.

Discount Tickets to see the "real" Thomas the Train

If your children love Thomas the Train, then you must take them for a ride on the "real" Thomas the Train. We did this last year and the kids keep asking to go back. The train ride takes place at the Orange Empire Railway Museum in Perris.They also have a tent filled with Thomas the Train tables. If you have any train lovers in the family, this is definately worth the visit. My husband was as difficult to pull out as the kids due to his fascination with the old steam trains, trolleys and miniatures.

The prices are normailly $18 for ages 2+, but I found a discount of $4 per ticket if you buy them before Sept 1st. Click here to purchase tickets.

For more information on the event, go the Orange Empire Railway website by clicking here. Food is available for purchase.

Discount Tickets for "A Chorus of Frogs" Exhibit at the Anaheim Muzeo

If you haven’t had the opportunity to see the “Chorus of Frogs” Exhibit at the new Anaheim Muzeo you better “jump” over quickly. The exhibit is leaving the museum on September 12th. They have over 100 live frogs displayed in their natural habitat. Some of the frogs had such amazing colors, it seemed as if you were looking at living artwork.
As a mother of teens and toddlers, it’s often difficult to find a place that makes everyone happy. This is one of those places. Warning: your children may hop around the floor like frogs for about a week! There is also a room for interactive exploration which everyone enjoyed. I found discount tickets through the City of Anaheim. You can find these tickets here. They expire on September 1st. Regular price is $13 per adult and $9 (12 & under). Children under 3 are FREE! Parking was simple and free. For more information, go to their website by clicking here.