Field Trips in Riverside Archives

Where To See Wildflowers in Southern California

Posted on March 5, 2020 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego | Leave a Comment

Even though California is on the verge of another dry winter, it doesn’t mean you can’t catch Golden State blooms up and down the coast and out in the California desert. Peak season for seeing wildflowers in Southern California can vary somewhat from year to year, based on rainfall amount and temperatures. So, it pays to check official websites to get the most updated information.

Where To See Wildflowers in Southern California

Wildflowers are already starting to bloom in certain areas across the state. To help you find the best places to see wildflowers in Southern California, here’s where and when to find them in California’s national parks, state parks, public beaches and gardens this spring—and beyond—super bloom or not.

Just remember proper etiquette is not to touch the flowers, pick them or go into the fields. The flowers are here for everyone to enjoy!

Where To See Wildflowers in Los Angeles

Spring is my favorite time of year to go on a hike with my family and explore the various areas in and around Los Angeles where you can view wildflowers. Now through May is prime time for flower fans like myself. From Antelope Valley all the way down to the coastal shores of Malibu, you can see several species of wildflowers including the California Poppy, Giant Coreopsis and Hummingbird Sage. To enjoy the views, take a look at this round up of 20+ places to see wildflowers in Los Angeles.

Where To See Wildflowers in San Diego

San Diego is a wildflower enthusiast’s paradise! From the annual Flowers Fields in Carlsbad to the beautiful backcountry roads on the way Julian, there are numerous places to stop and enjoy the sprauling wildflower fields in San Diego.

There are also many opportunities to join other wildflower enthusiasts. Check out the ranger-led programs at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park or stop by the visitor center at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. To help you find the ideal location, here is a list of the best places to see wildflowers in San Diego.

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Spectacular Staycation at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa

Posted on March 1, 2020 | Filed Under: Accommodations, Field Trips in Riverside | Leave a Comment

Back in December, I was invited to spend the weekend as a guest of the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, California to help celebrate their “rebirth” as the newly renovated and innovated Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa.

A lot has changed since the last time I visited. The property was given a multimillion dollar design transformation, with dramatic and exciting and innovative renovations to the lobby, guest rooms, corridors, fitness center, pool-area, food and beverage offerings, outdoor landscaping and more. I definitely felt the old Palm Springs retro vibe throughout the resort and loved it!

Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells

One of the first things that caught my eye when I arrived was the colorful seating area full of gorgeous mid-century modern inspired furniture in the lobby, in front of the sparkling grand staircase. Since it was December, I had the added pleasure of enjoying beautiful and whimsical holiday decorations all throughout the property.

Renaissance Esmeralda’s new look included a complete overhaul of the guest rooms. The rooms were given complete floor-to-ceiling transformations as well as new configurations to create a larger selection of suites to choose from.

I absolutely loved my room! The suite featured a whimsical focal wall behind the bed, bright and cheery color palettes and vibrant decor. The bathroom also featured fun details, like teal shelves and nostalgic photo wallpaper. The seating area was so comfy and cute, and they even left a little welcome package for me on the table in celebration of their 30th anniversary.

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19 Space Field Trips for Kids in Southern California

Posted on January 13, 2020 | Filed Under: Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego | 10 Comments

Calling all Space Cadets! 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1……blast off! Southern California is home to numerous Space Field Trips for Kids, where children can learn and explore our outer universe! Whether playing at Moon Park in Costa Mesa to watching the night sky at the Palomar Observatory, children have the opportunity to go more in depth with this topic.

So pick a place and take your child on one of these 19 Space Field Trips for Kids today!

Space Field Trips for Kids in California

California Science Center, Los Angeles

The California Science Center has over 100 hands-on exhibits in their exhibit halls, which makes science concepts easy to grasp and fun to explore for the whole family. All exhibits are free except for traveling exhibits.

Guests who come to see The Space Shuttle Endeavour begin their experience in Endeavour: The California Story, a companion exhibit featuring images and artifacts that relate the shuttle program to California, where the orbiters were built. Following their visit to The California Story, guests are directed to the Samuel Oschin Pavilion to see the Endeavour.

After your all-day science adventure, watch an IMAX film on the science center’s seven-story IMAX. Experience an IMAX movie and get the big picture!

Columbia Space Memorial Center, Downey

The Columbia Memorial Space Center is the only space science learning center in the Los Angeles area dedicated to hands-on robotics and boasts LA’s only Challenger Learning Center. During your visit, you will learn about Downey’s place in the exploration of space flight, from the Apollo capsules to the Space Shuttle Orbiters.

Field trips last approximately two hours and are appropriate for all ages. Included is quality exploration time on their two exhibits floors, an interactive STEM activity, and a programming lesson in the Robotics Lab.

Columbia Space Memorial Center Field Trip

credit: The Downey Patriot

For 5th grade and up, the center offers a field trip to their Challenger Learning Center. Here students are transformed into scientists, engineers, and researchers on a simulated space mission, complete with mission control and spacecraft. Advance reservations are required for groups of 16-36 participants per mission.

The center also hosts a club called Columbia Astronomers for kids that meets the third Saturday of every month at 7 pm. Kids and parents are invited to expand their knowledge of the universe, share their love for the night sky, and talk all things astronomy. Following every monthly club meeting, telescope viewing is set up in front of the Columbia Memorial Space Center.

Columbia Space Memorial Center Field Trip For Kids

credit: Columbia Space Memorial Center

Discovery Science Cube OC, Santa Ana

We have been to Discovery Science Cube OC on numerous occasions. One of my daughter’s favorite exhibits is the Planetary Research Center. Here students can view the earth on a suspended, animated globe from a completely unique vantage point. Explore weather patterns, observe historic storms and relive catastrophic earthquakes and observe flight patterns around the globe as lights soaring across the night sky.

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2020 Chinese New Year Celebrations Near Los Angeles

Posted on January 11, 2020 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego | 1 Comment

Celebrated for thousands of years in various countries around the world influenced by Chinese civilization, the Lunar New Year remains one of the world’s most celebrated holidays. 2020 marks the Year of the Rat, the first of all zodiac animals. In Chinese culture, rats are seen as a sign of wealth, surplus and luxury.

This year’s Lunar New Year falls on Jan. 25, based on the appearance of the new moon. The holiday climaxes with the Lantern Festival, which falls on Feb. 8, 15 days after the new moon.

The celebration of Chinese New Year is a festive, colorful, loud, and incredibly fun holiday to enjoy, even if you aren’t Chinese. So, check out this list of the Best Lunar New Year Celebrations in Southern California and mark the special occasion by attending one with your family.

Best Lunar New Year Celebrations Near Los Angeles

Lunar New Year Festival, Monterey Park (Jan. 11 – 12)

The city of Monterey Park will ring in the the Year of the Rat with this annual 2-day festival. Over the course of five blocks of downtown L.A. streets, festivalgoers will enjoy everything from Asian cuisine, carnival rides, art, lion dances and much more. Admission is free.

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Venice Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library, Venice (Jan. 15)

Listen to a story, make a paper lantern, and learn the easy brush painting technique of sumi-e as you celebrate Chinese New Year at the library. Snacks provided. All ages welcome.

Lunar New Year Red Envelope Giveaway, Citadel Outlets, Los Angeles (Jan. 15 – Feb. 16)

Citadel Outlets will be honoring the ancient Chinese “Red Envelope” gifting tradition January 15 – February 16, by giving away red envelopes filled with gift cards and center promotions at the Customer Service Center. The tradition, symbolizing good luck and well wishes for the New Year, is a gift meant to express appreciation for the center’s wonderful shoppers and visitors from all over the world.

credit: Universal Studios

New Year Celebration Traditional Chinese Music Festival at Bonita Center For The Arts, San Dimas (Jan. 17)

Acclaimed musicians from China and the US will be performing at this event to celebrate the 2020 New Year concert. The concert will be held at Bonita Center of the Arts on Jan 17th from 7:00 – 9:30 pm. Tickets available online.

9th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration in Beverly Hills at Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills (Jan. 18)

The Chinese New Year celebration in Beverly Hills showcases traditional craftsmanship, performing arts and culture. The 2020 Chinese New Year event will be divided into three parts: a variety show, a “Jing-Jin-Ji” photo exhibition and a cultural heritage crafts display and demonstration.

The variety show will feature performance groups from Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei with Chinese acrobatics, martial arts, folk dance, traditional music, Peking opera and more. The cultural heritage crafts display and demonstration will include Chinese culture painting and folk arts. During the VIP reception, guests can engage in a ceremonial tea service and paper cutting demonstration, while enjoying folk music and elaborate Peking Opera costumes.

Chinese New Year Celebration at Granada Hills Branch Library, Granada Hills (Jan. 18)

Come learn about traditional Chinese Music and Culture from musician Jie Ma. All ages are welcome. Free.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Lincoln Heights Branch Library, Lincoln Heights (Jan. 18)

Celebrate the Year of the Rat at the library while you learn more about the Chinese zodiac and make your own calendar to take home. Children of all ages are welcome. Free.

2020 Lunar Year Celebration at The Americana at Brand, Glendale (Jan. 19)

Celebrate the Year of the Metal Rat with lively performances, gourmet food, and cultural activities on The Green. This event is complimentary and open to the public from 2:00 – 5:00 pm.

Chinese New Year Spring Couplets Writing at Los Angeles Central Library, Los Angeles (Jan. 21)

Join us for a Chinese New Year Spring Couplets writing program. Free for all ages.

Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood, Hollywood (Jan. 23 – Feb. 9)

Celebrate the Year of the Rat during Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood. Join Po and Tigress from DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda in Po’s Village and savor Asian dishes at Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop. Meet Hello Kitty, Illumination’s Minions in traditional Chinese attire and Mandarin-speaking Megatron from TRANSFORMERS. Plus, enjoy fun activities, live entertainment and more.

Midnight Temple Ceremony at Thien Hau Temple, Los Angeles (Jan. 24)

LA Chinatown kicks off the Year of the Rat at Thien Hau Temple where attendees can experience traditional incense burning, make offerings to deities, watch traditional lion dancers, and witness 500,000 firecrackers in action.

Chinese New Year: Shanghai Nights at the Queen Mary, Long Beach (Jan. 25)

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2020 aboard the majestic Queen Mary! Chinese New Year: Shanghai Nights will celebrate the Year of the Rat with traditional Chinese culture, cuisine, and exhilarating entertainment. Located in the beautiful Grand Salon, this limited seating buffet dinner and show will be a feast for the senses surrounded by stunning decor.

Performances by Wushu Shaolin Entertainment will include Chinese Martial Arts, Dragon and Lion Dances, Ribbon Dances, Face Changer, and more. Chinese New Year: Shanghai Nights offers two seating times – 4pm and 8pm – with a variety of ticket options for your party.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica (Jan. 25)

Celebrate the Year of the Rat! Join us for traditional cultural performance, arts & crafts, and enjoy special offers from participating stores & restaurants at Santa Monica Place.

Lunar New Year on the LA Waterfront at Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Jan. 25)

Join the Port of Los Angeles in celebrating Lunar New Year on the LA Waterfront. This free cultural festival offers free parking and free admission, with live entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting, and more.

Lunar New Year Festival at USC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena (Jan. 25)

Join us for our annual Lunar New Year festival celebrating the Year of the Rat! Enjoy free admission to the galleries, live performances, art making workshops, food trucks, and more!

Chinese New Year Celebration at Citadel Outlets, Los Angeles (Jan. 25 -26)

Citadel Outlets is thrilled to welcome good fortune and joy in the Year of the Rat with vibrant, family-friendly celebrations for both the local community and Los Angeles-bound travelers. Live dancers will perform a variety of exotic lion dances, folk dances, traditional songs, drum ceremonies tai-chai displays and more.

Enjoy take-home art from calligraphy and watercolor artists, festive red and gold lanterns, twinkling lights and an authentic 17-ft Chinese pagoda decorating Center Court.

Chinese New Year Kung Fu Show at Shaolin Wushu Center, Los Angeles (Jan. 25 – 26)

Enjoy a Chinese New Year Kung Fu Show featuring Master Hu Jianqiang, Zhang Yaowen. All tickets include a raffle, red envelopes for kids and dinner after the show.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles (Jan. 26)

There is a Kung Fu demonstration, magic show, acrobatic performances, lion and dragon dances, craft stations and more. Admission is free.

Chinese New Year Gala 2020 at Almansor Court, Alhambra (Jan. 26)

Enjoy a holiday buffet banquet, VIP Speaker, cultural activity booths, spectacular performances, raffle prizes and more! Ticketed event.

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Best Places To Play In The Snow Near Los Angeles

Posted on January 4, 2020 | Filed Under: Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego | 25 Comments

Southern California’s winters range from sunny beaches to snowy mountain tops. In under 2 hours, you can drive from anywhere in SoCal to the mountains to play in the snow. So whether you’re headed to the San Gabriel Mountains or San Bernardino Mountains for the day, here is a list of the best places to play in the snow near Los Angeles.

Best Places To Play In The Snow Near Me

Idyllwild

Idyllwild is a cozy little mountain top community located above the San Jacinto Mountains in Riverside County. The village itself is quaint and beautiful, especially during the winter time. It does snow in Idyllwild, but there is no snow skiing allowed. Therefore, it’s typically not as crowded as other mountain communities such as Wrightwood or Big Bear.

Best Places To Enjoy The Snow in Southern California

photo credit: Mark Buckawicki

Mt. Baldy

You can easily get to Mt. Baldy in 1 hour and 30 minutes from anywhere in Orange County. My favorite part about Mt. Baldy is that you don’t have to go very far up the mountain to find the snow. My children and I like to go half way up and then stop on the side of the road to play. We also prefer to bring our own snow sleds.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a wonderful way to go up the mountain, enjoy the view of the valley and play in the snow at the top. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway starts at Valley Station and travels more than 5,800 feet up to Mountain Station in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. There’s plenty to do once you reach the top including snow shoeing and cross country skiing.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Big Bear

Big Bear is a unique mountain resort surrounded by the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and cross-country skiing. The drive to get to Big Bear is fairly quick too. It’s about a 1-3 hour drive from any major city in Southern California. Other fun activities in the area include visiting the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, the Big Bear Discovery Center and inner tubing at Big Bear Snow Play.

photo credit: John Murphy