Long Beach Family

Weekend events!

2012-02-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

Snow Day & BBQ! Whaley Park
5620 Atherton, Long Beach
Saturday, February 4, 11am-3pm
Free community event presented by LB Parks
Play area, sled runs, bouncers

Third Annual Western Monarch Butterfly Day
Fountain Valley
Saturday, February 4, 10am-2pm
Children and families can learn everything about the California Western Monarch Butterfly and its habitat with an up-close look at the magnificent creatures while they flutter through the Butterfly Garden and inside a netted butterfly enclosure in the park’s Camp Sycamore. Children can help the Butterfly Garden continue to grow by planting native plants in the garden to attract Monarch Butterflies. More than 140 plants will be available for planting on February 4th. Butterfly experts will also be on-site to provide educational information and answer questions about the beautiful and unique specimens. Additional event activities include children’s crafts, face painting, guided nature walks through Mile Square Regional Park’s nature area. Each child in attendance will receive native seeds as a take away to continue to help build safe habitats for Monarch Butterflies and other creatures.

Event Fee: Event is free
Parking Fee: $5 per vehicle
Age: Recommended for ages 4 to 12

Mile Square Regional Park
16801 Euclid
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714)973-6600 or (714)973-3197
http://ocparks.com/milesquare/default.asp?Show=events_2&SubShow

Snow has to fall!

2012-01-17T20:36:00.000-08:00

I know it's been pretty warm in these parts, but it has to rain sometime and if it rains down here in the LA basin, that means there's snow in the mountains.

I'm not sure if we will be able to rent a cabin this year, but I'm starting to make plans for a day trip. I never know where to go just for the day in Big Bear. We are not skiers or intense sledders, so Snow Summit or Alpine Slide are not the best places for us. We just want to find a pile of snow to play in -- is that so hard? Sometimes it is, if you don't know where to go. But I've dug up some info for when the rain & snow begins to fall.

First of all, go to Big Bear on Hwy 38. This is the "back way" and is not so winding.

Check out Whispering Pines Nature Trail just past Angelus Oaks. There is parking and plenty of room for snow play. You can also park alongside the road. The area around Greystone Amphitheatre is also a good spot. And if you love to sled, there is always Alpine Slide.

Holiday fun!

2011-11-24T21:48:00.001-08:00

Living Nativity
Friday - Sunday, December 9-11, 7:30pm-9pm
Come follow the path through many scenes, complete with actors and animals. Enjoy the choirs, musical groups, and refreshments provided by the churches. This 7 church pagaent begins at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, continues to the Neighborhood church, back along Wardlow and St. Lukes, and ends at University Baptist. Each church has additional performances in their sanctuary. 3330 Bellflower Blvd., LB http://www.lbcrc.org/ministry65.cfm

Messiah Sing-Along Concert
First time in Long Beach!
Sunday, December 11, 3:30pm-5:30pm
Belmont Heights United Methodist Church
317 Termino Ave., Long Beach
Child care available, reception following, donations accepted
http://www.belmontheightsumc.org/Ministries/Music/default.aspx

Belmont Shore Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 3, 6pm
The 29^th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade will have over 100 entries including local marching bands,local non-profit groups, floats representing Long Beach and surrounding areas,dignitaries and local personalities. Floats are encouraged to decorate aroundthis year's theme: It's a Green Christmas, Recycle, Reuse andRenew!
Second Street, Long Beach
http://www.belmontshore.org/events.php

Daisy Avenue Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 10, 2011 - 5:00 PM

Come home for the holidays! Bring your blankets, chairs and don’t forget to bundle up. You won’t want to miss one second of the magic! This year’s parade is the largest in many years, with even more entries than last year’s parade which drew 17,000 people. This year features several marching bands and other musical groups amongst some great floats and other entries. We’ll see you on the lane. Be sure to stop by the new Community Tent for hot chocolate and coffee to keep you warm and meet with your neighbors.

The parade runs along Daisy Avenue between Burnett Street and Pacific Coast Highway.

2200 Daisy Ave., Long Beach

http://www.longbeach.gov/district7/daisyparade.asp

Naples Holiday Boat Parade
Saturday, December 17, 6pm
View the parade from the bridges and along the canals around Naples Island. From the 2nd Street Bridge, Appian Way Bridge and along Alamitos Bay Marina you can also see the larger vessels that don't fit in the canals. Alamitos Bay Marina off 2nd Street and Marina Drive offers substantial free parking just over the Davies Bridge from Naples. Mothers Beach off Ravenna and Appian Way has some metered parking as well as Beach parking at Bayshore and Ocean Boulevard. Streets close at 5pm.
5656 2nd St., Long Beach
http://www.naplesca.com/

Uptown Village Market - A Handmade Marketplace
The Uptown Village Market is THE newest place for artists and creators of well-crafted goods to show and sell their work. 60 vendors. In conjunction with Bixby Knolls First Friday.
Friday, December 2, 5pm-10pm
Saturday, December 3, 10am-4pm
Expo Arts Center, 4321 Atlantic Ave., LB

http://www.uptownvillagemarket.com/

Old Time Christmas Festival at Rancho Los Cerritos
Sunday, December 4, 1pm-4pm
Explore our decorated 167-year-old adobe house, while discovering Mexican and American holiday traditions from the California frontier. Join us for a festive afternoon of old-fashioned holiday crafts, storytelling, joyful music, light refreshments and more. Even Santa is scheduled to appear! A family-themed event including a handbell choir along with a piñata. A $3donation is suggested.
4600 Virginia Rd., Long Beach
http://www.rancholoscerritos.org/2011%20COH%20V2%20Revised%5B1%5D.pdf

Holiday Boutique at Our Lady of Refuge Church
Saturday, December 3, 9am-5:30pm
Sunday, December 4, 8:30am-2:30pm
5195 Stearns St., Long Beach
http://events.presstelegram.com/long-beach-ca/events/show/224416924-holiday-boutique

Picture with Santa
Children can drop off their letters to Santa and have theirpictures taken with St. Nick from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec.10, at the Marketplace Long Beach, located at Second Street andPCH. Shoppers can also enjoy holiday caroling from local choirs and performers.
http://www.marketplacelongbeach.com/archives/4451

Tree Lighting at Good Neighbor Park
Sunday, December 4, 6 p.m.
Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske invites you to a Tree Lighting Ceremony and “Th e Smurfs” movie Featuring a special visit from Santa. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy or piece of sports equipment in support of the Long Beach Fire ghter’s “Spark of Love” toy drive. For more information, call (562) 570-6932.
2800 Studebaker Rd., Long Beach
http://www.longbeach.gov/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=32787

Rancho Los Alamitos Holiday Open House Tours
Thursday & Friday, December 15 & 16, 1pm-7pm
Strolling carolers 5pm-7pm each eventing
Free admission, reservations required 562-431-3541
Come enjoy the beautifully decorated ranch house and complimentary holiday treats.
http://www.rancholosalamitos.com/events.html

Daisy Avenue Snow Day

Monday, December 26, 2011 - 11:30 AM - 4 PM

Veterans Park - 101 E. 28th Street

The snow is returning to Wrigley, more than twelve tons of it! Join us for a day in the snow, fun games and activities. http://www.longbeach.gov/district7/daisyparade.asp

Holiday Bone-anza at Good Neighbor Park

Saturday, December 3, 9am-2pm

Dozens of vendors, training demonstrations, prize drawings, live music, and gourmet food trucks. This Holiday Bone-Anza festival is to raise funds for a much needed dog park in East Long Beach and to foster the community support necessary to turn this dream into a reality. El Dorado Dog Park will not only provide off-leash playtime for dogs and their owners, but will also be a place to encourage responsible pet ownership and to build community awareness of animal welfare issues through classes and special events.

2800 Studebaker Rd., Long Beach http://www.eldoradodogparkfriends.org/events/

The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 17th at 2:00 & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 18th at Noon and 4:00 p.m.
A cast of more than 200will be accompanied by a full symphony orchestra, children's choir, a live horse, aflying sleigh and on-stage pyrotechnics. $24-$48 Long Beach Terrace Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
http://longbeachnutcracker.com/

A Christmas Carol
Preview tickets $5!
In celebration of the Charles Dickens Bicentennial, LBSC presents a new,original stage adaptation ... featuring scenes rarely--if ever--included onstage or screen. Taken straight from the novel!
Goad Theater, 4250 Atlantic, Long Beach, CA 90807
November 30-December 18, Regular price $10-$20
http://www.lbshakespeare.org/

Knotts Merry Farm
Toys for Tots Drive, December 3-18
Knott's Merry Farm and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will once again be teaming up to provide hundreds of toys for needy families throughout the southland. With a purchase of a $20 gift from one of several merchandise locations in Knott's Marketplace, guests will receive FREE admission to Knott's Merry Farm. Those wishing to bring their own new, unwrapped gift valued at $20 or more, will be given a voucher to purchase a regular Knott's Merry Farm admission for only $20.
http://www.knotts.com/public/admission/prices/deals.cfm

Banning Museum
Saturday & Sunday, December 3 & 4
We are happy to present you with the annual and festive, Victorian Christmas celebration. In addition to tours of the Museum, you will enjoy free transport on a horse-drawn trolley between the Museum and Drum Barracks Civil War Museum as well as specially planned old fashioned activities. Visit the Stage Coach Barn for crafts, enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cider and a visit from jolly St. Nick!
401 East M Street, Wilmington http://www.banningmuseum.org/events.php

EquestFest
Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91506
Friday, December 30, 11am-3pm $15, children under 5 free, parking $5
One of these days we'll get to this highly recommended event.
Festive fun for the entire family! Up close and personal... Meet many of the Equestrians you will see New Year's Day in the 2012 Rose Parade! The is the best family equestrian event of the year. Don't miss it! Watch in awe as these beautiful horses and talented riders perform drills and dances, and demonstrate trick riding and roping. It's the "wild west" brought to life! Stroll through the stables and talk to the riders. Learn about the various tack and the many different breeds. Take advantage of wonderful one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Enjoy ongoing performances, demonstrations and exhibits! There will also be great music as well as food and beverage concessions on site.
http://www.tournamentofroses.com/PasadenaTournamentofRoses/Events/tabid/1482/ModuleID/3601/ItemID/30/mctl/EventDetails/Default.aspx

Holiday Light Exchange
Trade up to ten working strings of old electricity guzzling incandescent holiday lights for ten new energy efficient LED strings. Must be an Edison customer; utility bill or drivers license required.
Wednesday, November 30
7:30am-11:30am, West Annex, 3031 Torrance Blvd, Torrance
1pm-5pm, City Hall Public Works, 340 Palos Verdes Drive West, Palos Verdes Estates
http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_19372849

Holiday Mail for Heroes
Share your appreciation for the sacrifices members of the U.S. Armed Forces make to protect our freedoms by sending a card this season. The Holiday Mail for Heroes mail box is open and ready to receive your mail. Please send all mail to:
Holiday Mail For Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
http://www.redcross.org/holidaymail

Portable North Pole
Send a personal video from Santa! In just a few easy steps, you can create a personalized video from Santa Claus for your children, friends, family members or colleagues you choose, by providing a few details.
http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/home

NORAD Santa Tracker
The program began on December 24, 1955 when a Sears department store placed an advertisement in a Colorado Springs newspaper which told children that they could telephone Santa Claus and included a number for them to call. However, the telephone number printed was incorrect and calls instead came through to Colorado Springs' Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Center. Colonel Shoup, who was on duty that night, told his staff to give all children that called in a "current location" for Santa Claus. A tradition began which continued when the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) replaced CONAD in 1958. Now families can click through to NORAD's Santa Tracker on Christmas Eve to follow his yearly trip around the world.
http://www.noradsanta.org/

And finally, ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas!
http://a.media.abcfamily.go.com/a/media/pdf/25DOC_PGuide_2011.pdf

Happy Holidays everyone!

Children's Harvest Festival!

2011-10-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

We used to go to this every year! Best for kids 3-8 years. Wear your costumes!

Starry Sky, Harvest Moon
Rancho Los Alamitos
Sunday, October 30
11:30am-4:30pm
Refreshments available
Free admission and parking
Park at CSULB Lot 11 for shuttle service
(Palo Verde & Redina Sts.)

Enjoy a day of astronomical exploration, storytelling, costume parade, music
and dance as we celebrate Earth’s transitional season of Autumn; a time
when the night sky glows with celestial wonder, animals prepare for
winter and people throughout the world observe the notable occasion of harvest.

- At noon, join the Free to be Me Drum Circle and hail the spirit of the season.- Children come in costume and join the parade at 2:00 p.m.
- Hear stories of Tongva celestial lore told by Craig Torres, Tongva Educator.
- Long Beach’s own Elm Street Band celebrates the Rancho from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Craft celestial lore: Stars with Stories to Tell; Sun, Earth and Moon with Time to Tell.
- Enjoy Creatures of the Night art exhibit presented by St. Joachim School 2nd grade students.
- South Lawn Games presented by BSA Troop 126. (Race through Space: Zoo in the Sky Relay,
Shoot the Moon and Earth’s Run from the Sun)
- Out of This World Games hosted by CSULB Recreation and Leisure Studies students.
- Children and adults join Chef Debbi Dubbs as she demonstrates harvest fare.
- Throughout the gardens experience seasonal crafts and a solar system of fruits and
vegetables sponsored by Melissa’s Produce.

http://rancholosalamitos.com/events/2011_fall_fest/starry_sky.pdf

Wings, Wheels, and Rotors!

2011-10-20T09:43:00.001-07:00

Wings, Wheels, and Rotors is an annual event at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base

Sunday, October 23

9am-4pm

11200 Lexington Drive, Los Alamitos

Military and civilian aircraft (including an F-18 fighter jet & C-17 cargo plane) , helicopters, car show, exhibits, special displays, sky divers, fly-bys. The million square feet of flight line will be covered.

Free flights for kids by the Young Eagles.

Live Music, Food, Beverage, Children's Activities

Adults must present photo id to enter

Entrance and parking is FREE

http://www.wwrexpo.net

LB Fire Department Open House

2011-10-09T22:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 15, 1pm-4pm
All Long Beach Fire Stations

We invite the public to visit our Fire Stations to interact with Fire personnel, learn about fire service careers and get a behind the scenes view of our facilities and emergency equipment. Free smoke alarms are available to the public and will be given out while supplies last.

http://firechannel.org/blog/?p=3208

15th Annual Seal Beach Kite Festival

2011-10-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Southern California's Largest Kiting Event!

Sunday, October 9
Seal Beach Pier
11am-4pm
Free!

The Japan America Kite Festival

Demonstrations and sky-show by Chicago Fire Kite Team!

Free events for children include building and flying their very own kites, catch the tail, and a candy drop from a kite. Japanese festival games, food booths, & cultural activities for the whole family.

See sport kite demonstrations and aerial ballet!

A performance by renowned Taiko Drummers.

Giant show kites!

San Diego Zoo & Safari Park - kids free!

2011-09-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/kidsfree/

Kids free for the month of October at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Safari Park (formerly Wild Animal Park)! No coupon necessary. For ages 3-11. Enjoy!

LA County Fair!

2011-09-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

Besides the animals and carnival games/rides for the kids at the LA County Fair, there are also exhibits on sharks, monkeys, and dinosaurs! Kids 5 and under are free everyday. Go to the end of the post to find discounts for everyone else.

Live Shark Encounter - Following a captivating discussion on shark facts and fiction, a diver plunges into the tank and swims with these intriguing animals. After the diver returns to safety, the audience is invited to come up to the stage and “stare down a shark…”.

The Great White Encounter Exhibit - Have you ever wanted to get up close and personal with a Great White Shark? The Great White Encounter is a unique exhibit where visitors can step into the world of sharks and see a life size replica of a great white shark, as well as several other interesting species of this unique animal.

Under The Sea Adventure - Learn more about other fascinating creatures that reside in the deep blue sea. Visit our tide pool touch tank where you can admire and examine live invertebrates, such as starfish, crabs, and sea urchins. Participate in a variety of fun, hands-on activities that are not only entertaining, but educational as well!

Mojo's Jungle

It’s a jungle out here at the L.A. County Fair – literally! The hillside above the Flower & Garden Pavilion has transformed into an interactive, living jungle.

• Mojo’s Monkey Mania, home to our jungle ambassador and his friends, explains all there is to know about these intriguing mammals.

• The Australian jungle is explored in Joey’s Outback Hideout. Find out the differences between kangaroos, wallabies and joeys as you watch them play.

• Explore Spike’s Reptile Territory. From snakes and alligators to lizards and turtles, if it walks, slithers or waddles in a reptilian fashion, it will be here to meet you.

• Visit Fiona’s Jungle Perch, where you will find a knowledgeable jungle guide to answer questions on many breeds of birds.

Jurassic Planet

The Bio-Research Facility - Learn all about the Giganotosaurus, Dimetrodon, Saurolophus, Tyrannosaurus, Baryonyx, and many more along your journey through Jurassic Planet.

The Prehistoric Stage - Come see our stage show featuring our very own paleontologist where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about these amazing creatures in our question and answer portion of this show. Five daily shows

Dinosaur Movie Theater - In our movie theater, you will learn about a real dinosaur dig and help solve the mystery behind these interesting creatures from long ago. Seven daily shows

Dinosaurs Descendants Exhibit - Who do scientists believe to be the direct descendants of meat-eating dinosaurs? Live animals including birds, amphibians and lizards help explain the connection between past and present.

Dinosaurs Descendants Show - Grab your field gear and come along on a dino discovery adventure! In this brand new show, our very own Paleo Explorers explain why scientists think birds and dinosaurs are linked. Three shows on weekdays and five on weekends and holidays.

Dinosaur Museum & Store - Learn fascinating facts and see real dinosaur bones on display. You can even purchase your own replica of these creatures.

Fossil Fun - Learn to be a paleontologist as you uncover dinosaur bones from long ago in our new interactive area located just outside Jurassic Planet.

Fossil Prep Lab- Learn to be a dinosaur detective as you watch our skilled paleontologists prepare real dinosaur fossils in our working prep lab.

Discount/free admission!
McDonald's has a $20 coupon for admission and unlimited rides on Wednesdays. Regular weekday admission is $12/adults, $7/kids.

Fair admission is just $5 after 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays; a perfect way to spend an evening. Coupon must be presented to receive discount. To download your coupon, click here.

$5 Kids Meals (+tax) on Wednesdays - Offered at various concession stands after 5 p.m. every Wednesday. Find a complete list of concessionaires at guests services.

Ralphs Food Drive Fridays begin today. Guests must bring five Ralphs private label canned products Fridays for a free Fair admission good that day only, noon- 6 p.m. This is good on 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, and 9/30.

Costco Fair Savings Pack 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.

Low cost counseling at CSULB

2011-09-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

Did you know there was a low-cost counseling clinic at CSULB? Neither did I. Counseling takes place on campus and costs from $7.50 to $15 a session. Services can be for adults, couples or children. You are counseled by trained MFT interns who have quality supervision. Sessions take place on Monday or Wednesday evenings. They also do assessments for learning disabilities.

http://www.ced.csulb.edu/clinic

The Community Clinic for Counseling and Educational Services has been the setting for affordable counseling, academic intervention, and psychoeducational assessment services for over 40 years.

They are currently recruiting for the early childhood assessment clinic. Children ages 3 to 6 years of age will be assessed on one Saturday, October 8th in the areas of cognition, fine and gross motor skills, communication and early numeracy and literacy. A final report is presented to the parents on a few weeks later.

The Community Clinic offers counseling, psychoeducational assessment and tutoring (academic interventions for struggling students) services to children ages 6 through 17, and developmental assessments for children ages 3-6. The Community Clinic is a primary training site for the School Psychology, School Counseling, and Reading/Language Arts and Mathematics Education Master's Degree Programs while providing comprehensive educational and psychological services to children at a moderate cost. Services at the Clinic are provided by graduate students under the supervision of faculty in the College of Education. Clients are accepted for services twice yearly (September and February) with the addition of the Early Childhood clinic in early November. At the end of the services, parents receive a progress report detailing assessment results and suggestions for further interventions.

Affordable, professional counseling services for adults and families is offered at the Community Clinic in Long Beach, CA. Individual and couples therapy are provided by advanced graduate students in Marriage and Family Therapy, under the supervision of licensed University faculty. Potential clinic clients will be invited to participate in a 50 minute intake session that will determine suitability for clinic services.

Daycare

2011-08-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some recommendations from other moms:

Jacqueline Asbury, Asbury Family Childcare,
LIC# 198016247, 562-508-6061

Roxanne Townsend, licensed home daycare
562 673-9851

Deanna Green, licensed home daycare
562-920-0275

Park Church Preschool (formerly known as Singing Fountain)
Audrey Bill
562.430.6570
3655 N Norwalk Blvd
Long Beach 90808

July events!

2011-06-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

In case your family enjoys Wild Rivers in Irvine, it will be closing for good at the end of this summer. :-(

A great website to check out everything going on in Long Beach is 100daysofsummer.org

Finally, be aware that the 405 freeway will be completely CLOSED between the 10 and 101 freeways during the July 16-17 weekend. This is really unprecedented and probably a good weekend to stay close to home.

Places to cool off besides the beach…Sigler Park in Westminster has a splash pad for kids which is free and open every day from noon-5pm...Another splash pad in Stanton at Harry Dotson Park, 10350 Fern Ave...Lakewood (scroll to bottom for info) has wading pools for little ones 3-7 at 6 sites…and there is Buccaneer Bay in La Mirada - go here for $2 off.

And now for all the goings on in our fair city!
Now: Adventure Playground is open; Aquarium of the Pacific discounted summer nights
June 25: Port of Long Beach 100 Birthday Celebration
June 25: Party with Julius and Paul Frank, Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood
June 25: Great American Backyard Campout
June 27-September 1: Movies in the Park
June 28-July 27: Long Beach Municipal Band Concerts in the Park
June 28: $1 summer ice-blendeds at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
June 28, July 12, & July 26: Family Nightlife Walk ($4)– El Dorado Nature Center – 7pm – RSVPs required
June 30, July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28: Food trucks at St. Isidore, Los Al - 5pm-9pm

July 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29: LB Museum of Art - free every Friday
July 1, 15, & 29: Family Campfire ($3) - El Dorado Nature Center - 7pm - RSVPs required
July 2: Independence Day with Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, & John Adams at the International Printing Museum in Carson
July 2: Pirate Invasion, Belmont Pier
July 2: Fireworks preview and family festival, Rainbow Harbor
July 4: July 4th Bike Parade for kids, Granada Ave.
July 4: Independence Day fireworks shows: Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base ($5 parking) & along the shoreline - Long Beach
July 4: Fireworks show at Veteran's Stadium - $5/person
July 6: Deadline for LA County Fair entries – just need to send in the form; actual entries are delivered on July 23.
July 6, 8, 13, 15: Storytimes in the Garden – Rancho Los Alamitos – 6-9 years
July 6: LBSO Instrument Petting Zoo - El Dorado Library - 2pm
July 7 & 21: Summer Concerts at the Nature Center – 6:30pm

July 9: Long Beach Street Food Fest - Rainbow Lagoon
July 9: Bixby Knolls Dragster & Car Show
July 9: Health Fair - free bone density, stroke, & cholesterol screenings - 4401 Atlantic Ave. - free refreshments, prize drawings - 9am-1pm
July 10: DanceFest 2011 - Center Theatre - Free
July 11-15: Video game design camp – gee!
July 11-15: Harry Potter marathon at the Block in Orange

July 15-August 14: OC Fair
July 15: Get into the OC Fair for free - Noon to 1pm only on the first day
July 16-17: 405 Closure from the 10 to the 101
July 16: New Dinosaur Hall opens at the Natural History Museum
July 17: Origami Festival – CSULB
July 17: 50th anniversary at Der Weinerschnitzel - 61 cent hot dogs
July 19: Free day at South Coast Botanical Garden - Palos Verdes Peninsula
July 21: LBSO Instrument Petting Zoo - Dana Library - 3:30pm

July 22: Capture the Wind Festival and Youth Beach Day – Granada Beach
July 23: Take entries to LA County Fair - Pomona
July 25: Multiple Intelligences Parent Info Meeting – gee!
July 25: GlowMoms - Dance party for the mom set - $15 before 7/21

July 30-31: Civil War Re-enactment – El Dorado Park
July 30: Shakespeare by the Sea – King Lear – Rossmoor/Los Alamitos – Rush Park
July 31: Shakespeare by the Sea – Much Ado About Nothing – Rossmoor/Los Alamitos – Rush Park

Summer Concerts at the El Dorado Nature Center

2011-05-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 7
6:30pm-8pm
$3/adults, kids 12years+, under 12 free!

El Dorado Nature Center
7550 E Spring St
(562) 570-1745

Enjoy a sunset picnic by the lake with some of SoCal's local musicians. Bring low chairs or blankets and an earth-friendly picnic dinner. Gates open at 6:30pm, and the concert will begin at 7:00 pm.

For more information, please visit our website or call (562) 570-1745 or e-mail us at lbparks@longbeach.gov.

More dates:
Thursday, Jul. 14 (6:30pm—8pm)
Thursday, Jul. 21 (6:30pm—8pm)
Thursday, Jul. 28 (6:30pm—8pm)
Thursday, Aug. 4 (6:30pm—8pm)
Thursday, Aug. 11 (6:30pm—8pm)
Thursday, Aug. 18 (6:30pm—8pm)

Garden Grove Strawberry Festival

2011-05-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

A Memorial Weekend tradition.

THE GARDEN GROVE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ITS 53^rd YEAR!
The Festival is held at the Village Green, between Euclid and Main Street Streets in downtown Garden Grove, CA

MAY 27-30, 2011

Friday (11am to 10pm)
Sat & Sun (10am to 10pm)
Monday (10am to 9pm)
Admission is Free!
Carnival Ride Ticket Bargains Available
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival

Spring Camp at The El Dorado Nature Center!

2011-03-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

Spring Break Workshops
April 25 - April 29
Join us for vacation fun at the Nature Center!
7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach

K-1st 9:30-11:30am
2nd-4th 1-3pm

Fee is $10 per class. Topics include:
• Mud Mania
• Potions, Lotions and Strange Plant Notions
•Weaving and Wearing
• Butterfly Bonanza
• Birds, Blooms and Bees

More information

Living Nativity

2010-12-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

Portraits of Prince of Peace
A free Christmas Pageant for all

December 10, 11 & 12
Nightly from 7:30pm to 9pm
5500 block of Wardlow Road to Bellflower Blvd.
Free parking

Enjoy the story of Christmas with a candlelit outdoor walk. Come follow the path through many scenes, complete with actors and animals. Enjoy the choirs, musical groups, and refreshments provided by the churches.

Sponsored by: LB Christian Reformed, St. Cornelius, St. Luke's, Truett Memorial, University Baptist, and Calvary Chapel.

Knott's Merry Farm

2010-12-02T07:24:00.000-08:00

Buy a toy, get admission to the park
December 4-19

Knott's Berry Farm

8039 Beach Boulevard

Buena Park, CA

Knott's Merry Farm and the US Marine Corps Reserve team up to provide hundreds of toys for needy families throughout the Southland. Guests who purchase of a $15 gift from one of several merchandise locations in Knott's Marketplace receive free admission to the park.

Those wishing to bring their own new, unwrapped gift valued at $15 or more are given a voucher to purchase a regular Knott's Merry Farm admission for the discounted rate of $15.

Buy one, get one free at Starbucks!

2010-11-16T14:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.starbucks.com/share/#/redcups

Buy one holiday drink, get one free. Nov 18-21, 2-5p.m.

The Nutcracker

2010-11-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

Long Beach Ballet

The Terrace Theatre
Long Beach Performing Arts Center
3 Performances Only

Saturday, December 18 2pm
Saturday, December 18 7:30pm
Sunday, December 19 2pm

Tickets 877-852-3177
Also available through Ticketmaster
$46-$20
When you call, use coupon code 2489 for a discount.