Halloween/Day of the Dead events!

Boo at the Zoo
Santa Ana Zoo
10/17, 18, 24, 25, 30
A "Merry not Scary" family friendly event where everyone is encouraged to come in costume! One of the safest places for children (ages 2-12) to trick-or-treat for Halloween enjoying goodies from 10 Stations. 

Columbia Memorial Space Center
Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24 

Spooky Science event is happening next weekend! It's going to be fun, and we're adding a new interactive twist to it this year. You'll have to come down and check it out! We'll also be building a smaller, less scary maze for the young ones.

As always, we'll also have several hands-on activities and cool demonstrations as well. Make sure to come out early for dinner and dessert, as we will have food trucks parked out front.

Event begins at 5:00pm (CMSC members can get in early at 4:00pm!) and ends at 9:00pm.

Lakewood Sheriff Haunted Jail
Friday, October 30
4pm-10pm
Lakewood  Sheriff’s station will be transformed into “The Haunted Jail.” The scary jail is built and hosted by station volunteers, Explorer Scouts and Deputies donating their time. Along with a scary jail for visitors 12 and older, there is also a less scary version for younger children.
The event includes public displays from various Sheriff’s Department units. Visitors will be treated to refreshments, treats and glow sticks for sale. All proceeds will benefit the Lakewood Station Fund.
Enter the Haunted Jail on foot through the rear gate of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station (5130 Clark Avenue) from Civic Center Drive. Parking is best on the south end of Civic Center Drive on or near the vacant lot and Angelo M. Iacoboni Library. 

Lakewood - various parks
October 31
6pm-8:30pm
Lakewood's traditional Halloween Carnivals are getting set to offer fun and safety for youngsters on October's scariest night. Special carnival activities are scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Biscailuz, Bloomfield, Bolivar, Boyar, Del Valle, Mayfair, Palms and San Martin parks.

Halloween Carnivals feature food and game booths, special contests and prizes for the kids. Use the "Park Finder" at www.lakewoodcity.org/parkfinder to locate which Lakewood neighborhood park is closest to you. "Haunted houses" for little ghosts and goblins to venture inside will be available at Bolivar, Del Valle, Palms and San Martin parks.

Volunteers are needed to run carnival booths and assist with the haunted houses.

Day of the Dead Festival
San Pedro
Sunday, November 1
3pm-9pm

Join us for the 4th Annual San Pedro Dia de Los Muertos Festival in Historic Downtown San Pedro! This event is free to attend. The streets will come alive with art, culture, delicious cuisine & live entertainment. You can enjoy the Sacred Altar Competition & Exhibition, craft vendor booths, a food court, children's stage and play area and main stage entertainment. 

California Pizza Kitchen's Next Chapter

New for 2015!

Our family was invited to check out the brand new Next Chapter menu at CPK and were surprised to find the restaurant has been remodeled, as well.

Can you believe I didn't know that the Long Beach Marketplace location has been open for 12 years?  Hmmm...that was around the time Rachel was born, so I was a bit busy then.  :-)

Of course, I had to start with the Strawberry-Lime Margarita.  Very refreshing for the summer, while my sister had the Fresh Strawberry-Mango Cooler.  Yum!

 

The Spinach Artichoke Dip is a staple and doesn't disappoint and then we were ready for our entrees.






I wanted to try the California Fields Salad with fresh watermelon, strawberries, and field greens.  Surprisingly not too sweet.

George loved the Maine lobster flatbread.

And finally, we had to try the Butter Cake, not new on their menu, but we asked them to add strawberries.  Divine.

George and Rachel had the new S'Mores Pudding, a decadent combination of Belgian chocolate pudding, dark chocolate chunks, double graham cracker and toasted marshmallows. OMG.

The restaurant has been completely remodeled using reclaimed wood and warm colors.  CPK is definitely ready for its Next Chapter!

*Disclosure: I was compensated for this post, but the opinions expressed here are my own. -Cindy-

4th of July!

On the morning of the 4th, join Justin Rudd and his Great American Kids' Bike Parade
10am, registration opens at 9:15am
Enter the beachfront parking lot at the end of Granada Ave.
Free to enter.
The out-and-back, two-mile parade route travels east along the bike path and continues down Bay Shore Avenue to Second Street.  Bring a chair and a cheering section for these youngsters.

Local firework displays begin at 9pm.

Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy.
562-435-3511
view from any shoreline in Long Beach or San Pedro

Joint Forces Training Base
11200 Lexington Dr.
Los Alamitos
714-229-6700
Gates open at 4pm
Free admission, parking $5cash
Adults must have photo ID, minors w/out ID must be accompanied by parent
Arrive by 7:30pm to gain entry
Enter at Lexington Dr.
Food court, vendor fair, kids fun zone (additional fee), military displays, WW II re-enactment
Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged
No alcohol, dogs, fireworks, or motor homes

Party on the Pier
Belmont Pier
562-434-1542
Saturday & Sunday
Live music, food court, art show
$10/adult, kids free

Wading Pools/Splash Pads!

Lakewood  has six parks with wading pools.  Good thing LB'ers can join in.
Open 11am-4pm for kids 3-7 years old
Open everyday: Mayfair, Palms
Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Del Valle & San Martin
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, & Sunday: Bloomfield, Boyar
Wednesdays: Boyar, Del Valle, Mayfair, San Martin will be open 5pm-7:30pm

Weekends: all pools open 11am-4pm
http://www.lakewoodcity.org/services/recreation/aquatics.asp

In Cerritos, Liberty Park has a great little splash pad for the toddler set.
You can also cool off at the water play areas at Long Beach Towne Center and the Cerritos Library.

Splash Pad at Sigler Park in Westminster is free and open every day from Noon-5pm starting June 22 to September 7.  7200 Plaza St., Westminister.

And apparently the water was turned back on at Dotson Park in Stanton.  Free.
10350 Fern Avenue, Stanton

Atlantis Park in Garden Grove. $2 admission.  13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove, CA 92844

A little bit further is the Lemon Park Spray Pool. 701 S. Lemon, Fullerton 

For the older kids, CSULB has open swim hours during the summer: 11am-6pm; $2/person

Buccaneer Bay in La Mirada opens June 21.  The family-fun “Buccaneer Bay” combines the excitement of a water park with pirate themed features throughout. Buccaneer Bay features a flowing river channel, three water slides, a children’s interactive play structure, zero-depth beach entry and two spray pad areas. Pirate themed elements include: a marooned ship, a dramatic skull rock, shade canopies that resemble sails, cannon walls, wharf plank benches, and crow’s nests.  Open daily in summer 10:30am-5:30pm.  $17.95/person, under 48" $12.95.  Family Friday Nights 4pm-8pm. $14.95/person, under 48" $10.95. 
13806 La Mirada Blvd.
La Mirada, CA 90638
Phone: (562) 902-3191

Spring/Easter Events!

Spring Festival - LB

Saturday, April 4

10am-4pm

Mom's Beach House

5839 E. Appian Way, Long Beach

Free admission - activity passes for sale

Giant egg hunt, appearance by the Easter bunny, face painting, bounce houses, and more!

Spring Carnival - Los Al

Egg hunts begin 9:30am

Free!

Saturday, April 4

9am-11am

Little Cottonwood Park

4000 Farquhar Ave., Los Alamitos

Education Celebration!

Saturday, 24 January 2015

Where

McBride School 7025 E Parkcrest Street near Los Coyotes Diag Carson St in LB

Education Celebration is the once a year event where you can view all the schools in Long Beach to make your School Of Choice decision. Sometimes people decide to live in a different neighborhood just to be in a school that better fits your child's needs. Each school has a booth where you can talk to people who already attend or teach at that school. 9:00 am to noon Saturday Jan 24 You should find out about the schools around you when your child is 3 years old so you can make decisions. And it's good to see what is available in Long Beach even if your child is much older. 562-997-8307 Please call with any questions.

And if you've ever wondered about homeschooling, contact Cindy Castro at hijola AT yahoo DOT com or go to http://www.lbhomeschooling.com

Free snowboard/ski season pass for ages 9-11 years!

Regional 5th Graders Receive a FREE 2014/15 Season Pass

The beauty of the winter mountains is something to be experienced by everyone and that’s why Mountain High and Toyota have teamed up to offer FREE season passes to regional 5^th Graders in the 5^th Grade Pass Program.   Any 5^th Grader from San Diego to Santa Barbara and as far East as Las Vegas is eligible for a FREE season pass valued at $279 anytime he or she visits Mountain High during the 2014/15 season.
The 5th Grade Pass Program encourages kids to stay active in winter.  It teaches them new skills, builds overall confidence, and brings families together in an active environment.  Each year the 5^th Grade Pass Program introduces thousands of local students and their parents to skiing and snowboarding and provides them with lifelong snow sports skills.

 

Free 2014/15 Anytime Season Pass

Any Southern California 5^th Grader from San Diego to Santa Barbara is eligible for a FREE season pass for the 2014/15 season.  Please note there is a $10 processing fee per pass.  No refunds for existing passes or ticket products.

Proof Of Eligibility

Must bring proof of child's 5th Grade enrollment (report card, school ID, or certified letter of intent) to season pass office at time of redemption.  Participants must be between the ages of 9 and 11 as of December 31, 2014, to qualify for the 2014/15 5th Grade Pass Program.

Qustions About The 5th Grade Season Pass

Email us or call toll free (888) 754-7878, Ext 2.  Office hours are 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. M-F

Sign up at
http://www.mthigh.com/deal/5th-graders-ski-and-snowboard-free