Summer Concerts at the El Dorado Nature Center

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)

Living Nativity

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

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!

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

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

Urban Kids Consignment - Los Alamitos

 http://www.urbankidsconsignment.com/

August 27-29
Friday 10am-7pm
Saturday 10am-4pm
Sunday 10am-2pm

5300 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos (across from CostCo)

Urban Kids Consignment is a four-day event that takes place in Orange County, California. We will be joining together with local families in the area that would like to sell their high quality children’s items at unbelievable discounts to our shoppers. All of our items are in like new condition yet sell for a fraction of their retail value.

Garden Concerts at the Getty Center

LOS ANGELES–The J. Paul Getty Museum presents Garden Concerts for Kids this August, a free outdoor music series for kids and their families in the Getty Center's Central Garden featuring some of the best children's musical artists from across the nation.

Garden Concerts for Kids kicks off this summer with Milkshake on August 7 & 8.  Led by alt-pop and rock veterans Lisa Mathews and Mike Gehl, Milkshake is a band on a mission: to create great rock music for kids. Milkshake's lively attitude and lyrically lighthearted songs have won fans of all ages and will get you dancing with their authentic rock-and-roll spirit.

The following weekend, August 14 & 15, Elizabeth Mitchell and Family take you on a joyous musical adventure with vibrant reinterpretations of cherished American folk and rock songs from the new album Sunny Day. Joined by her husband Daniel Littleton and daughter Storey, Mitchell's lovely vocals and breathtaking arrangements bring a fresh sound to the classics we thought we knew so well.

Closing out the season on August 21 & 22, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Family bring charm and heart to their alt-country music for children and families. Accompanied by her husband Johnny Irion and kids, Guthrie continues the song-making tradition forged by her grandfather Woody and father Arlo, presenting thoughtful, playful music inspired by folk traditions, as well as bright new compositions.

The Garden Concerts for Kids are held in the Central Garden at the Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, from 4-5:30 p.m.   Admission is free, and no reservations are required.  Parking is $15.  For more information visit www.getty.edu or call (310) 440-7300.

4th of July shows!

Celebrate the 4th at these local firework displays. All fireworks begin at 9pm.

Queen Mary
view from any shoreline in Long Beach or San Pedro

Veteran's Stadium
5000 Lew Davis Drive, Long Beach
$10 adults, $7 kids (5-11) and seniors, under 5 free
Buy tickets until 5pm on July 4 at LB Fire Station #19, 3559 Clark Ave. or at the stadium after 4:30pm
Demonstration by the LB Police K-9 and Helicopter divisions
Live band
No ice chests/coolers allowed
Gates open at 5pm, entertainment starts at 6pm
Parking $5

Joint Forces Training Base
11200 Lexington Dr., Los Alamitos
Gates open at 4pm
Free admission and parking
Adults must show ID/children without ID must be with parents
Arrive by 7:30pm to gain entry
Food court, vendor fair, kids fun zone
Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged
No alcohol, dogs, fireworks, or motor homes

Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way

Celebrate Independence Day with the red, white, and blue fish at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Families will be able to witness the ambiance of the Aquarium at night and get a fish-eye view of the City of Long Beach fireworks display. 

The Aquarium will be open until 10:00 p.m. with admission for everyone just $11.95 after 5:00 p.m.

For an additional cost, enjoy a buffet BBQ on the Front Lawn from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Please note that seating for the BBQ is limited and advance reservations are strongly recommended. (562) 590-3100, ext. 0

Harbor Cruise
100 Aquarium Way Dock #2
562.432.4900 
Join Harbor Breeze Cruises for a spectacular fireworks display from the water
in beautiful Rainbow Harbor

Free family activities at the Getty

The Getty Center and the Getty Villa are offering many family-friendly events this summer.

At the Getty Center, join Family Art Stops and get up close and personal with a single work of art in a half-hour gallery experience geared for families with children ages 5 and up. All summer long, Family Art Stops is offered Tuesday-Friday at 2pm and again at 2:30. Sign up at the Museum Information Desk 30 minutes before the program begins. Art Adventures for Families is a one-hour, fun- and activity-filled gallery experience geared for families with children ages 5 and up, offered Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. Sign up at the Museum Information Desk at 1:30pm. The Center also offers Family Art Lab every weekend from 11am-3:30pm, a drop-in art workshop designed to exercise the imagination. Don’t miss the Family Room, open all day long for drop-in hands-on activities highlighting the Getty Center’s collection.

In August, the Getty Center’s Central Garden fills with music every weekend from 4-5pm, with the Garden Concerts for Kids, free performances by some of the best children’s music performers around.

Getty Villa

At the Getty Villa, embark on an Art Odyssey for Families Thursdays and Fridays at 12pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. The Art Odyssey is a 45-minute activity-filled journey through the galleries for families with children ages 5 and older. Sign up at the Tour Meeting Place 15 minutes before the tour begins. The Art Odyssey is also offered in Spanish.

The Villa also offers ArtQuest!, a family drop-in program, weekends from 11am-4pm. Parents and children can play the Mysteries of Ancient Art game in the galleries and do fun art-making activities in the Outer Peristyle, such as mosaic-making and painting in the style of fresco. The Family Forum is also open all day for drop-in hands-on play and engagement for young and old.

Admission to the Getty Center and Getty Villa is always free. Parking is $15. Advance, timed tickets are required

Daddy and Me Day

Isn't this the cutest thing ever?

Saturday, June 19th - Three fun, Father/Child activities!

Portrait @ Vangie Ogg Studio
12-12:45pm :: Stop by Vangie Ogg Photography (and Pixie Toys) for a quick and fun Daddy & Me portrait shoot. Your 4x6 Professional photo will be delivered in person at Averyboo Arts around 2pm. 3930 Atlantic Ave • (562) 715-1692

Drum Circle @ Jammin' Music
1:00-1:30pm :: Enjoy this time to connect & nurture your bond through music. 3972 Atlantic Ave • (562) 490-0222

Craft @ Averyboo Arts
1:40-2:10pm :: You & your child will decorate a frame to house your special Vangie Ogg photograph. A variety of materials will be available; light refreshments served.
3908 Atlantic Ave • (562) 912-4800

only $40 per Father/Child pair; additional child $9
Must Pre-register with Averyboo Arts, call (562) 912-4800

Centennial Aviation Day

June 12 - Aviation Day
11am-5pm
Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum - Carson
Free
Parking at Cal State Dominguez Hills, Lots 1 & 2, $5
There is no parking at the museum

In 1910, Dr. Gregorio Del Amo, the husband of Susana Dominguez, arranged for the Rancho to become part of aviation history. In that year, the 1st International Aviation Meet in America was held on the Rancho. The Meet lasted for 10 days and provided the first opportunity for people on the West Coast to see an airplane in flight. Aviation pioneers such as William Boeing, William Randolph Hearst, and Glenn Martin (Lockheed-Martin) attended and others were inspired to develop the aviation industry in Southern California.

Aviation Day: On June 12, 2010 it will be Aviation Day at the Rancho. This event is intended to honor and celebrate the opening day of the 1910 Air Meet. There will be a static car and plane display, tethered balloon rides (fee), children activities, parachuters, food vendor row, museum row, tours of the Adobe and vintage dancing including audience participation and “Cake Walk.” There will be reenactors on hand to portray different aviators, important people from 1910 such as Dick Ferris. Plus you must come out and try our featured and authentic 1910 box lunch. It is not to be missed!

Parking for Aviation Day will be in Lots 1 and 2 at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills. Air conditioned luxury shuttles will transport people to and from the Museum every 15 minutes.

$1 movies at Marina Pacifica

2010 Summer MovieCamp®

Looking for a cool getaway for gobs of kids this summer? Bring them to AMC Summer MovieCamp and enjoy the magic of movies! Summer MovieCamp will be offered at 10 a.m. each Tuesday morning this summer at participating theatres, from June 15 through August 10. At only $1 admission, it’s an affordable option for summer fun for families and groups. All admission and concession proceeds will benefit two AMC charities, Variety – The Children’s Charity and the Will Rogers Institute.

We will also offer KidsPack™ concession combos for $4 – more than 30% off the regular price.*

Advance tickets will be on sale starting June 8 at 215 participating AMC theatre locations and online. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and shows will begin at 10 a.m. Tickets for each week will be on sale approximately one week prior to the scheduled show date.

June 15 - Shrek The Third
June 22 - Imagine That
June 29 - Monsters vs. Aliens
July 6 - Madagascar
July 13 - Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
July 20 - Hotel for Dogs
July 27 - Kung Fu Panda
August 3 - The Spiderwick Chronicles
August 10 - "surprise mystery title"

Avatar at the El Dorado Archery Range

Avatar screening - PG13
Friday, May 28 - 7pm
$5 admission per car includes movie and popcorn
El Dorado East Regional Park
Archery Range is on Spring St. across from the Nature Center entrance

Free movies at Regal Theatres

June 22-August 11: Free Family Film Festival
Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10am
Regal Theatres: Long Beach Town Center

Regal has proudly offered this free summer fun since 1991. Oh, did we mention that it’s FREE! Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity. The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer. Tickets for the 2010 Free Family Film Festival are exclusively available at select theatres’ box office on the day of the show.

06/22/2010 Horton Hears A Who - DP (G)
06/23/2010 Night At The Museum II - DP (PG)
06/29/2010 Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs - DP (PG)
06/30/2010 Where The Wilds Things Are - DP (PG)
07/06/2010 Monsters Vs. Aliens - DP (PG)
07/07/2010 Paul Blart: Mall Cop - DP (PG)
07/13/2010 Hotel For Dogs - DP (PG)
07/14/2010 Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs - DP (PG)
07/20/2010 Tale Of Despereaux - DP (G)
07/21/2010 The Spy Next Door - DP (PG)
07/27/2010 Pirates Who Don't Do Anything - DP (G)
07/28/2010 Shorts - DP (PG)
08/03/2010 Charlotte's Web - DP (G)
08/04/2010 Imagine That - DP (PG)
08/10/2010 Kit Kittredge: American Girl - DP (G)
08/11/2010 Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel- DP (PG)
08/17/2010 Space Chimps - DP (G)
08/18/2010 Aliens In The Attic - DP (PG)

Movies in the Park this summer!

The schedule is not on the LongBeach.gov site, so I'm posting it here. Also, I'm looking forward to the new website: http://www.100daysofsummer.org . Sounds fun!

Movies in the Park sponsored by Signal Hill Petroleum

Bring a picnic dinner and blankets or chairs and see free movies under the stars beginning at dusk. Call (562) 570-3150 for more information.

06-28 Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel - Will J. Reed Boy Scout Camp 4747 Daisy
06-30 Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel - Stearns Champions Park
07-03 Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel - Somerset Park

07-07-10 Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - Coolidge Park
07-09-10 Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - Signal Hill Park 1986 Jessie Nelson Circle

07-12-10 Monsters Vs. Aliens - King Park
07-14-10 Monsters Vs. Aliens - Recreation Park
07-16-10 Monsters Vs. Aliens - Bixby Park

07-19-10 Astro Boy - DeForest Park
07-21-10 Astro Boy - Pan American Park
07-23-10 Astro Boy - Silverado Park

07-26-10 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - Admiral Kidd Park
07-28-10 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - Wardlow Park
07-30-10 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - Chavez Park

08-02-10 Aliens in the Attic - 14th Street Park
08-04-10 Aliens in the Attic - Whaley Park
08-06-10 Aliens in the Attic - Scherer Park

08-09-10 Planet 51 - Drake Park
08-11-10 Planet 51 - Cherry Park
08-13-10 Planet 51 - Heartwell Park

08-16-10 The Princess and the Frog - Ramona Park
08-18-10 The Princess and the Frog - Orizaba Park
08-20-10 The Princess and the Frog - McBride Park

08-23-10 Up - Signal Hill Park, 1986 Jessie Nelson Circle.
08-25-10 Up - College Estates Park
08-27-10 Up - Houghton Park

08-30-10 How to Train Your Dragon - Veterans Park
09-01-10 How to Train Your Dragon - El Dorado Park

Queen Mary free for military

Celebrate Memorial Day at the Queen Mary this May! The Queen Mary is offering free General Admission to all U.S. Military personnel, both active and retired, over Memorial Day weekend. General Admission includes a self-guided tour and the Ghosts & Legends Show. The offer is valid Saturday, May 29 through Monday, May 31, 2010.

“As the Queen Mary has a history that includes military service, it is only fitting that we provide veterans and active military members the chance to experience the ship and all it has to offer,” said Queen Mary General Manager, Uwe Roggenthien. The Queen Mary served as a troop carrier for five years during World War II so is herself, a military veteran.

Weekend activities include two song and dance tributes, Salute to America and WWII Swing Time Review, performed on the Sun Deck Stage each day, a balloon artist, magician, face painter, juggler and more.

Military personnel must provide their military ID during normal attraction operating hours - 10am to 6pm - to receive free General Admission. Parking not included.

While on board, guests can take one of the many guided tours including the Behind-the-Scenes and Historic World War II Tours and discover even more about the Queen Mary. Additional tours are sold separately. Also available are a variety of shops, seven restaurants and lounges and several exhibits. Finish off your day in the 1930’s-style Art Deco Observation Bar, as you enjoy a spectacular ocean and skyline view of Long Beach.

Get $50 worth of organic veggies for $25!

We did this last month and it was so easy. Go to spud.com and enter GREATPERKS. Your shopping list will auto-fill, but you can make changes. Besides lots of wonderful veggies, they also carry other grocery items.

Deliveries to the Long Beach area occur every other Wednesday. When you've placed your order, you will get your delivery date.

No worries -- you can change your order up to 2 days before delivery. Stay close to home on that day as they leave your order on your doorstep. They do have cold bags for dairy products, though.

Click here to check it out.
Offer is good till May 31st and only for new customers.
http://www.spud.com

Intro to Felting Class

This sounds like so much fun and look at this cutie!

Tuesday, March 23, 7-9pm
Maple Village School, 4017 E. 6th St., LB
$25 plus $10 materials fee
RSVP to Mary at 213-703-7729 or maryvangeffen@gmail.com

Bubblefest!

March 27 - April 11, 2010
Daily Show Times:
11:00am • 12:30pm • 2:00pm • 3:30pm

Float your way to Discovery Science Center for Orange County's most astounding spring break bubble spectacular! It's good, clean fun for the entire family as Bubble Scientist Fan Yang brings his Mega-Bubble Show to Southern California.

Discovery Science Center
714-542-2823
2500 North Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Ticket Prices:
General Admission + Bubblefest show ticket
Adults $19.95
Kids (3-17) $16.95

Click here for more info.