Field Trips in Orange County Archives - Page 45 of 46

The Fullerton Airport Children’s Tour, a hidden gem in Orange County

Posted on June 12, 2014 | Filed Under: Family Outings in Orange County, Field Trips in Orange County, STEM, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

THE FULLERTON AIRPORT CHILDREN’S TOUR

The Fullerton Airport Tour (2014)

Our family has a long history of aviation pilots in our family. My grandfather owned a crop dusting business back in the day and my father is a retired commercial airline pilot.

Seven year ago, when Field Trip Boy was born, he got to attend his grandfather’s retirement dinner in San Francisco.

Field Trip Boy At His Grandfather’s Retirement Dinner (2007)

Now when anything related to aviation comes up, we are first on the scene.

This last spring, my children and I went on a field trip with Celebration Education (a homeschool group that I plan field trips for) to the Fullerton Airport in Orange County.

Several of my homeschool friends had been on this field trip before and raved about it. So I decided to set it up for our group of 50 students.

The Fullerton Airport (2014)

The Fullerton Airport is the only general aviation airport in Orange County. It is located three miles from Knott’s Berry Farm and six miles from Disneyland. The airport is completely self-supporting and does not receive any subsidies from the City.

The Fullerton Airport

When we first arrived for our tour, we were greeted by two friendly volunteers, who have been leading tours of the Fullerton Airport for over 20 years. They were very knowledgeable about the history of the airport and took their jobs seriously.

They divided us into two different age groups and our family went with the younger group to see the different aspects of the working airport.

Our Friendly Tour Guide Leading Us In Aviation Games

First we did some aviation games with our tour guide. She showed us the different signs, symbols and flags at the airport and explained what they represented. We also discussed the significance of direction (north, south, east and west) and got to see some airplanes take off and land.

CHP Metro Squadran

Next we visited with the local California Highway Patrol Metro Squadron at their hanger. Their motto is “We Fly Harder!”

CHP Officer Sharing With Our Group

The CHP officer shared with us what they do for a living, which areas of Southern California they covered and how a helicopter might be used in an emergency situation.

CHP Officer Handing Out Stickers To The Students

Afterwards, the CHP officer gave the students a CHP sticker and let them take pictures in front of the helicopter. Our kids were super excited about this part of the tour.

Field Trip Boy & Girl In Front of The CHP Helicopter

Our next stop was a visit with the friendly folks at the Air Combat USA hanger.

Air Combat USA Hanger

Air Combat USA provides the opportunity for an adult to be a pilot for a day in the sky, while flying in a real military aircraft in search of an enemy airplane.

Air Combat USA Military Aircraft

Air Combat USA’s staff invited us to explore their line of military planes and take pictures in one of their smaller play toys…I mean planes!

Air Combat USA Model Airplane

At the end of the tour, our guide who is also a pilot herself, let the kids sit in the cockpit of her personal plane. The kids thought this was “rad” as my son described it.

To learn more about the Fullerton Airport and how to book a tour, please visit http://www.ci.fullerton.ca.us/depts/airport/.

Furthermore, here are a few suggestions when you do so:

1. Please call (714) 738-6323 to set up your tour. Calling works best.

2. Tours are available for all ages from preschool to adults.

3. The tour lasts approximately an hour and a half.

4. The tour is FREE!

5. Strollers are welcome.

6. Safety is very important on this tour, because you are on an open air field.

Enjoy!

Happy Field Tripping,

Jilleen

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored event. All views and opinions are our own.

McKenna’s Tea Cottage in Orange County – Review and Giveaway!

Posted on May 12, 2014 | Filed Under: Family Outings in Orange County, Field Trips in Orange County, Giveaways, Mother's Day | 9 Comments

McKenna’s Tea Cottage Review and Giveaway!

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” – Henry James

McKenna’s Tea Cottage in Seal Beach, CA

Last weekend, my mother and I were invited by the lovely staff of McKenna’s Tea Cottage to come and enjoy their Queen Mum’s Tea.

My mom and I enjoying tea at McKenna’s Tea Cottage

This was the perfect opportunity for my mother and I to celebrate Mother’s Day a little bit earlier since she was visiting from out of town.

McKenna’s Tea Cottage in Seal Beach, CA

McKenna’s Tea Cottage is located in the beautiful downtown beach community of Seal Beach, CA. Clean air and crisp wind set the stage for a relaxing afternoon.

McKenna’s Tea Cottage in Seal Beach, CA

Upon arrival, we first ordered tea. I selected The McKenna’s Special Blend Tea and my mom enjoyed a cup of The Manchester Tea. They both had a nice aroma about them.

The Queen Mum’s Tea

The Queen Mum’s Tea includes a traditional pot of tea, handmade scones with Devonshire cream and jam, your choice of soup of the day or a fresh garden salad, assorted sandwiches and a dessert.

Next, we savored a nice selection of sandwiches and scones. I especially enjoyed the egg salad sandwiches and their homemade Devonshire cream. They were delicious.

The Queen Mum’s Tea

In addition to The Queen Mum’s Tea, they offer a variety of freshly prepared sandwiches and quiches to select from.

An afternoon tea party at McKenna’s Tea Cottage

McKenna’s Tea Cottage is open seven days a week. Reservations are highly recommended especially on the weekends. To make reservations, visit http://www.mckennasteacottage.com/home.html

Are you hosting an upcoming bridal or baby shower? May I suggest you consider McKenna’s Tea Cottage as a possible venue. Furthermore, McKenna’s Tea Cottage offers tea parties for children’s birthdays!

A childten's birthday party at McKenna's Tea Cottage

A children’s birthday party at McKenna’s Tea Cottage

Now, I am pleased to introduce you to little Ms. McKenna herself! The inspiration behind McKenna’s Tea Cottage!

McKenna dressed up as a princess!

Little Ms. McKenna would like to invite you to enter our GIVEAWAY for a chance to win “TEA FOR FOUR” at MCKENNA’S TEA COTTAGE in Seal Beach! Total value $108. To enter, please visit a Rafflecopter giveaway !!!

Happy Field Tripping,

Jilleen

DISCLOSURE: This is a sponsored giveaway. McKenna Tea Cottage invited So Cal Field Trips to do a review of their venue. All opinions and points of view are our own. Images used by permission. Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only. No purchase necessary to enter. One winner per household. Everyone has an equal chance to win, however, you must enter to win. A winner will be randomly selected via RaffleCopter and notified via email. No cash value. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected the same way. Several different ways to earn entries. Not liable for unclaimed prizes.

ART CLASS REVIEW: The Ceramics Studio in San Juan Capistrano

Posted on May 1, 2014 | Filed Under: Art, Family Outings in Orange County, Field Trips in Orange County, STEM | Leave a Comment

THE LITTLE POTTER’S STORY TIME & CLAY PLAY CLASS

THE CERAMICS STUDIO IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

During spring break, my children and I were invited by The Ceramics Studio in San Juan Capistrano, CA to come and experience their Little Potter’s Story Time & Clay Play class.

The class is designed for children ages 3.5 – 6 years old.

Field Trip Kiddos Enjoying The Little Potter’s Story Time & Clay Play!

Each week, a member of The Ceramics Studio friendly and fun staff read a different short story to the children. After which, the staff instructs the children in recreating one of the story characters from a lump of clay.

Field Trip Girl Molding Clay @ The Ceramics Studio

Field Trip Brother & Sister Molding Their Bunnies

In two weeks, you return to have your child paint their artwork with glaze for no additional charge. The Ceramics Studio will then fire the pieces for a second time and call you to let you know when they are ready for pick-up.

Field Trip Boy Molding A Bunny

I first learned about The Ceramics Studio from a fellow mom. She said her Sunday school class went on a field trip to the studio and really enjoyed it.

Field Trip Siblings Visiting The Ceramics Studio

The Ceramics Studio is a very cool-looking space to make art with friends and family for all ages. Their rustic industrial barn décor, music system and “Coyote Movie Den” for the little kids make it an awesome place to paint pottery, hand build, sculpt, or throw a bowl on the potters wheel!

The Pottery Wheels @ The Ceramics Studio in San Juan Capistrano

In fact, it’s the only place of its kind – where you can participate in the creation of all types of ceramic arts under one roof.

Field Trip Girl Molding A Bunny

Field Trip Boy’s Creation!

The Little Potter’s Story Time & Clay Play class is offered EVERY THURSDAY from 3:30 – 4:30 pm. The cost is $79 for 4 class sessions or $22 for a single drop-in class.

There is no need to enroll, just on stop in for an afternoon of fun and creativity!

The Party Room @ The Ceramics Studio

While in attendance, I overheard the store owner Melissa tell a group of teens that the adult class was going to the beach soon to fire their own ceramics in the sand. How cool is that!

The Ceramics Studio in SJC

After we finished The Little Potter’s Story Time & Clay Play class, the children selected a piece of premade art work to paint. My daughter selected a cute mermaid and my son picked a scary cobra, of course.

Field Trip Boy Painting His Cobra

Field Trip Boy & Girl Selecting Their Colors To Paint Their Sculptures

Field Trip Girl Painting Her Mermaid

I found the entire process of sculpting, painting and firing a ceramic piece to be a very good lesson in the art of patience.

In fact, when almost everything in our society is instantaneous, The Ceramics Studio offers patrons a chance to step back in time, relax, use their creative minds and explore a new form of art for most people – ceramics!

Field Trip Boy’s Completed Art Work

The Ceramics Studio is located at 31878 Del Obispo Street, Suite 106 in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

They are open:

Tue – Fri: 12:00 – 6:00 pm

Sat: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Sun: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

SUMMER ENROLLMENT is now open for all classes, including summer camps for children.

To learn more about The Ceramics Studio and to view their full schedule of events, please visit www.theceramicsstudio.com.

Coming up soon. The Ceramics Studio is hosting a GIVEAWAY FOR ONE FREE LITTLE POTTER’S STORY TIME & CLAY PLAY SESSION in San Juan Capistrano!

Happy Field Tripping,

Jilleen

Disclosure: This is a sponsored event. SoCal Field Trips was invited by The Ceramics Studio to review their Little Potter’s Story Time and Clay Play class. All opinions are our own. Images are used by permission.

MUSEUM REVIEW: Pretend City’s New Homeschool Days!

Posted on April 26, 2014 | Filed Under: Art, Family Outings in Orange County, Field Trips in Orange County, Homeschool Days, Museums, STEM | 20 Comments

INTRODUCING…

HOMESCHOOL DAYS & FACILITATED LESSONS

FOR HOMESCHOOLERS

When you hear the phrase “pretend city” what comes to mind? A place to play? A place to dream? A place to create?

Pretend City in Irvine, CA is all THAT and so much more!

Field Trip Girl Checking Out At The Bank @ Pretend City

Pretend City is a community which builds better brains through fun, whole body learning experiences and empowers children and their grown-ups to meaningfully connect with and expand their world.

Last Friday, my daughter and I were invited by the museum to come and experience their new HOMESCHOOL DAYS, which are offered on the third Friday of every month.

Field Trip Girl Visiting The Grocery Store @ Pretend City

Field Trip Girl Preparing A Meal @ Pretend City

On Homeschool Days, Pretend City offers a special discounted rate of $9.00 per child or adult to visit the museum. This is especially good for families that homeschool multiple children, homeschool coops and public charter schools.

Homeschool students have unlimited access to Pretend City’s 17 interactive exhibits offering learning through fun experiences. All of their educational exhibits develop foundational math, reading, and science skills, while fostering curiosity and inspiration, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, organization, teamwork, self-confidence and socialization.

Students go on a self guided tour of the museum called Play Your Way, which allows students, teachers, and chaperones to explore the museum at their own pace for a two hour period.

In addition to Homeschool Days, Pretend City offers the option to add on a FREE Facilitated Lesson to your visit.

Facilitated Lessons are open to all Homeschoolers ages Preschool – 3^rd grade and occur twice throughout the day.

11:00 am: Pre-K – 1st Grade

3:30 pm: 1st Grade – 3rd Grade

Upcoming Facilitated Lessons include:

May 16: Visual & Performing Arts

Dancin’ in The City is designed as an introduction to dance for children. The class explores movement through music, imagination and creativity. Children also learn beginning tap and jazz moves!

Drumming in the City is an energetic class where children participate in a live drum circle and explore the sounds of percussion instruments from around the world.

June 20: Engineer With Us

The Pretend City STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) lesson is a journey in exploration where students get to test, observe, sort, hypothesize and explore all kinds of STEM concepts while having fun!

July 18: Water Safety & Play

Waterworks Aquatics in Irvine will teach children how to be water safe while participating in summer water activities. Fun and engaging water games and activities are included.

August 15: Dragons Are Not Allowed

Join The Orange County Fire Authority as they guide students through an interactive story time featuring the book, No Dragons for Tea. No Dragons for Tea gives students the opportunity to learn about fire, fire safety, risk reduction, water safety, basic first aid and more. Students may even have the opportunity to meet and greet real firefighters as they explore the fire truck.

Field Trip Girl Playing In The Fire Truck @ Pretend City

September 19: Explore With Us

In Explore With Us, students learn what is means to be a community from the literal meaning of who makes up a community to the abstract meaning of the values and support of the community. They will explore various careers and review how each individual career impacts and influences the way a community works. This is done through an engaging newscast which helps students determine who are the most important community helpers and recognize the interconnectivity of a city and its careers.

Field Trip Girl Learning How To Brush Her Teeth At The Dentist Office @ Pretend City

Field Trip Girl Pretending To Be A Dentist @ Pretend City

Advance reservations are required to attend Homeschool Days and Facilitated Lessons.

Please visit www.pretendcity.org/homeschools to register!

A few tips when visiting Pretend City:

1. It takes approximately two hours to go through the entire museum.

2. You are welcome to bring your own snacks or lunch.

3. In cooperation with Imagination Celebration, Pretend City will host Rock the City Talent Showcase on Saturday, May 3.

The showcase will celebrate the unique artistic expression of each child through a safe and warm environment that promotes self-confidence. www.pretendcity.org/talent-showcase

Coming up tomorrow on www.socalfieldtrips.com!

A chance to win a FAMILY FOUR PACK OF TICKETS TO PRETEND CITY!

Stay tuned to your inbox!

Happy Field Tripping,

Jilleen

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Disclosure: SoCal Field Trips was invited by Pretend City to review their Homeschool Days. All opinions are our own. Images are used by permission.

Paris In A Cup Tea Salon and Cafe in Orange

Posted on April 14, 2014 | Filed Under: Family Outings in Orange County, Field Trips in Orange County | 35 Comments

Used by permission.

Yesterday my friend Leo and I visited the lovely Paris In A Cup Tea Salon & Cafe in Orange. We had a very pleasant afternoon of tea and conversation amongst good friends.

Recently, I wrote a blog post titled The Best Places For A Tea Party in Southern California (https://socalfieldtrips.com/2014/03/19/best-places-for-a-tea-party-in-southern-california) and a friend of mine recommended Paris In A Cup Tea Salon & Cafe for the article. So a few weeks later, I connected with Cheryl Turner, the owner of Paris In A Cup, and set up a time to visit.

Leo at Paris In A Cup Tea Salon & Cafe

Paris In A Cup is a French themed Tea Salon located in Historic Old Towne Orange. It is an escape for those of us needing a little get-away. Inspired by old movies, especially those with a Paris theme, owner Cheryl has successfully brought Paris to Southern California.

Used by permission.

If I could describe Paris In A Cup in one word it would be elegant! From the moment we arrived to the end of our visit, everything and everyone was top notch. When we entered the cafe, we were greeted by a friendly hostess who escorted us to our beautiful table in the corner of the salon. Cheryl’s niece was our waitress and pleasantly answered all of our questions about the menu.

Used by permission.

From the menu, Leo and I decided to order a variety of dishes to expand upon our palette of French cuisine. We settled on the Juliette and The Marie Antoinette.

The Juliette includes a crock of their well known baked potato soup and a full sandwich of shaved turkey, cucumber and Gruyere cheese. It was served warm with a drizzle of honey-Dijon dressing on a toasted croissant.

The Juliette

The Marie Antoinette includes a pleasant arrangement of scones with crème and jam, a cup of French onion soup, four assorted tea sandwiches, a petite salad vert and finishes with petit fours. The most pleasing part of The Marie Antoinette was how they served the French onion soup in a beautiful tea cup.

The Marie Antoinette

Scones with crème and jam

My favorite item from the menu was the chicken salad sandwich on a croissant. It was so delicious that I ordered one for my husband to go.

For tea, I selected the Passion Berry Iced Tea and Leo selected the Orange Dulce by Mighty Leaf.

Enjoying tea together at Paris In A Cup in Orange, CA

What’s unique about Paris In A Cup is that they carry their own line of teas made exclusively for their salon and cafe. There was a significance difference between the quality of the tea I savored at Paris In A Cup and the tea I can buy at my local grocery store. Paris In A Cup’s tea is above par. I enjoyed it so much that I bought some tea for my mom for Mother’s Day.

Savoring Paris In A Cup’s Orange Dulce Tea

Another marked difference between Paris In A Cup and other tea shops is that Paris In A Cup has a professional chef on staff and his culinary skills are noteworthy.

For dessert, Leo and I enjoyed the Petit For Plate that displayed a beautiful arrangement of delicatessens. The plate included a 3 Citrus Lemon Tart, Strawberry Cheese Cake and a Chocolate Ganache Edible Chocolate Cup.

Petit For Plate

After finishing our tea, Leo and I visited Paris In A Cup’s boutique at the front of the store.

Paris In A Cup’s Boutique

They had a lovely selection of gifts, French gourmet chocolates and more. My friend Leo purchased a bag of rainbow colored pasta in the shape of the Eiffel tower for her children. Hence, Leo is from France.

Eiffel Tower Pasta From Paris In A Cup

They also have an online store where you can peruse their wide variety of teas and gifts.

A few additional notes about Paris In A Cup:

1. They are open Wednesday – Sunday.

2. They host tea parties for young women ages 13 and up.

3. I recommend Paris In A Cup for a mother daughter outing for girls ages 8+.

4. Weekends are their busiest time. Advance reservations are recommended.

5. Paris In A Cup is having a special Mother’s Day event at their salon on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11. To make a reservation, please visit http://parisinacup.com/mothersday2014.html

GIVEAWAY TIME!

TEA FOR FOUR GIVEAWAY! Used by permission.

TEA FOR FOUR GIVEAWAY! Picture used by permission.

Paris In A Cup is hosting a GIVEAWAY for TEA FOR FOUR at their salon in Orange.

To enter for your chance to win visit at a Rafflecopter giveaway !!!

For more information about Paris In A Cup Tea Salon & Cafe please visit www.parisinacup.com.

Happy Field Tripping,

Jilleen

Disclosure: SoCal Field Trips was invited by Paris in A Cup Salon & Cafe to write a review. All opinions are our own. Images are used by permission.

© Jilleen Butler and SoCal Field Trips, 2013 – Current. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jilleen Butler and SoCal Field Trips with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.