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Best Drive Thru Holiday Light Displays in Southern California

Posted on November 7, 2020 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Diego | 6 Comments

Updated for 2020

If you’re looking for something safe to do with your family this holiday season that has proper social distancing in place, then this list of The Best Drive Thru Holiday Light Displays in Southern California is for.  There’s a new way to do the slow-roll-by-lights tradition, and it involves the same pop-up drive-thru that recently concluded the Halloween season.

If you're looking for a fun holiday event for your family this season, then check out The Best Drive Thru Christmas Lights in Southern California!

From drive thru Christmas light displays to drive thru Nativity scenes, SoCal Field Trips has the best events of the season right here.  One piece of advise though; order your tickets now because these drive thru holiday events in Southern California will sell out fast.

Best Christmas and Holiday Drive Thru Light Displays in Southern California

 

Christmas in Color, San Dimas

Load up your friends and family into the van (or car, or truck) and experience Christmas like never before at Christmas in Color in San Dimas!  Drive through acres of more than 1.5 million lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music you’ll hear right through your radio.  

You’ll drive by giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways and more. With so many incredible attractions and acres of land to view, you’ll want to take your time driving through this Winter Wonderland.  And starting at $30 per car, this is sure to become an instant family Christmas tradition.  The price does not increase by the number of people in your car, so the more the merrier!

Christmas Lights, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest

On December 1 through 24, you’ll have the opportunity to drive through Saddleback Church’s campus in Lake Forest and experience a wonderland full of lights, decorations, and music.  Advance free reservations are required at saddleback.com.

Christmas Lights Saddleback Church Lake Forest

Christmas Lights in LA, Pico Rivera

Christmas Lights in LA in Pico Rivera is a mile-long holiday lights drive-through experience that invites SoCal families to celebrate the season in the comfort and safety of their own car.

More than a million lights sparkle along with professional entertainers, candy giveaways, sound effects, food vendors, and photo ops. Featured sections include White Winter Wonderland, Santa’s Boombox, The Polar Express, Battle of the Houses, Santa’s Workshop, and more. 

Christmas Lights in LA Pico Rivera

Dodgers Holiday Festival, Los Angeles

The 2020 World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting a drive-thru Dodgers Holiday Festival, complete with a light show, LED video displays, fake snow and interactive displays honoring the Dodgers World Championship and celebrating the holidays!  Open nightly from Nov. 27 – Dec. 24.

Dodgers Holiday Festival

The Elf on The Shelf, Pomona

This Elf on The Shelf drive thru experience opens on November 12 and runs for eight weeks at the Fairplex in Pomona.  The one-hour drive thru show features a dazzling light spectacle with toy repair workshop, gingerbread villages, and all the sights and sounds of the holiday blended with a touch of high-spirited fun that only Santa’s favorite Scout Elves can deliver.

Tickets start at $24.95 for adults, and $19.95 for kids depending on the time slot you choose.  Everyone over the age of 2 needs a ticket to enter.  Each car will need an Android or iphone smartphone to experience the narration and music that guides you through the experience.

Tickets Elf on the Shelf Drive Thru Holiday Light Show

[Read more…]

20+ Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities in Southern California

Posted on November 1, 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 | 2 Comments

Updated for 2020

It’s that time of year when the holidays are upon us and we tend to focus more on what’s truly important in our lives – spending quality time with our family and friends.  Halloween is over and Christmas is right around the corner.  However, in the meantime, there’s this little unsung holiday known as “Thanksgiving” that also deserves a shout out and little more than a passer-by.

Volunteer Thanksgiving Events in Southern California

Since Thanksgiving is a few short weeks away, it means it’s time for our 8th Annual Southern California Thanksgiving Events Roundup.  Throughout the month of November, there are many holiday inspired events that emphasize the importance of gratitude and thankfulness.  Take a look through our list of upcoming events across the southland and enjoy the season with your family!

Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities in Los Angeles

72nd Annual Pilgrim Place Festival, Claremont  – VIRTUAL

Pilgrim Place is a non-profit retirement community in Claremont and home to more than 350 people who have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others.  The Annual Pilgrim Place Festival normally offers two days of shopping, fun, children’s games and food.  You will find vintage clothing, precious and costume jewelry, baked goods, plants, crafting, household items and more.  Handcrafted items include quilts, stained glass, knitted, sewn, woven and paper-made goods.  Shoppers may meet artists and purchase paintings, sculpture and everyday items directly from the artists.  Attractions include riding the Festival boat and train.  Kids can learn how to reduce, reuse and recycle everyday items at their sustainability and “glue-in” booths.

This year the annual festival has gone virtual and you can purchase artist creations online all month long!

Big Sunday’s 10th Annual Thanksgiving Stuffing Event, Los Angeles (11/22) – IN PERSON & VIRTUAL

At Big Sunday, they operate under the belief that “everyone has some way that they can help somebody else.”  Each year they collect and pack big bags full of Thanksgiving dinner for thousands of people, including vets; homeless families; women in domestic violence shelters; group homes; low-income families with autistic children; food pantries; schools and more.  They need people to donate food, as well as to pack everything up. 

Big Sunday’s Annual Thanksgiving Stuffing Event is happening online this year, on Sunday, November 22nd from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.  You can watch and cheer them along from home!

Then on Nov. 23 – 25, Big Sunday will need help putting the finishing touches on the bags as well as distributing them.  Financial donations are also greatly appreciated.

Los Angeles Mission, Los Angeles (11/26) – IN PERSON & DONATIONS ACCEPTED

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Los Angeles Mission.  Sign up to volunteer and serve Thanksgiving meals to those who would otherwise go without.  An orientation is required to volunteer for any opportunity at the Los Angeles Mission, including their street events.   Volunteers must be at  least 13 years of age. If you are not able to attend in person, donations may be made online.

Thanksgiving Day Run & Food Drive, La Canada Flintridge (11/26) – VIRTUAL

The Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk has been a local tradition and a community favorite with families, athletes, and community supporters of all types for two decades. The race is professionally timed and normally meets at Memorial Park in La Cañada.  The Kids’ Mile Run is a family fun event geared for children 12 and under. Parents are encouraged to run alongside registered children at no additional cost. Kids will receive a t-shirt before the race and an award as they cross the finish line. 

The Community Centers Thanksgiving Day Food Drive is the largest Food Drive in the Foothill communities.  Canned and non-perishable food is collected during the month of November at locations in La Cañada, La Crescenta and Montrose.  Non-perishable donations are distributed by the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station to local families in need. In 2017, the food collected served over 160 families.

*Because this year is a virtual event and we will not be meeting in the park, you can do the race when it’s convenient for you on a course that you choose!

Gobble Gobble Give, Los Angeles (11/28) – IN PERSON

Gobble Gobble Give delivers food, clothing and toiletries to the homeless in eighteen cities across the country on Thanksgiving morning.  We’ve been doing it for 22 years, feeding more people in more cities every year.

On Nov. 28, help deliver over 30,000 meals to LA residents in need and across the country.  The LA event takes place at the iconic Regent Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, beginning at 8:00 am.

Turkey Trot Los Angeles, Downtown LA (11/26) – VIRTUAL

Join thousands of runners and walkers for the annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles on Thanksgiving morning.  They have a Widdle Wobble, a half-mile kids and family run/walk.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this event supports The Midnight Mission – an amazing 4 Star Charity that offers a path to self sufficiency for those experiencing homelessness. Donate or create a fundraising team during registration and help us reach our goal of raising $50,000, which equals over 33,000 meals.

*This year, the Turkey Trot Los Angeles has stepped up its game and has gone virtual!  

Burbank YMCA Turkey Trot, Burbank (11/26) – VIRTUAL

Run, walk, or push a stroller through Downtown Burbank and participate in the Burbank YMCA Turkey Trot.  100% of the proceeds support the YMCA Financial Assistance Program benefitting community residents.  Enjoy pre-race expo as well as a Kids Fun Zone.

*Due to the County of Los Angeles Health Department guidelines and protocols, we will be hosting this year’s Turkey Trot as a Virtual Race to ensure the safety and well-being of all our participants, staff, and community.  

The Midnight Mission, Los Angeles (11/26) – IN-PERSON & DONATIONS ACCEPTED

Sign up to donate to give Thanksgiving meals to those who will come by for a Thanksgiving meal at The Midnight Mission.  The Midnight Mission offers a path to self-sufficiency to men, women and children who have lost everything.  Their emergency services, 12-step philosophy, job training, education and work programs offer a compassionate bridge to productive lives.  They help remove obstacles to self-sufficiency and provide the accountability and structure that people who are experiencing homelessness need to rejoin their communities.

*If you are not able to volunteer this year, please consider making a donation instead.

Westside Thanksgiving Community Dinner & Celebration, Los Angeles (11/26) – DONATIONS ACCEPTED

This non-profit organization has over three decades of tradition serving the community a wonderful free sit-down Thanksgiving dinner.  During the celebration, they also provide free haircuts, blankets, clothing, hygiene kits, medical, optical, and dental services, vaccination, a resource fair, and a children’s carnival.  The Celebration relies entirely on donations from the local community.  Families can get involved by volunteering, donating food and/or clothing or making a financial donation.

*While we can’t gather and cook and eat and celebrate this year, we can still be grateful and share our blessings with our neighbors.  We’ll be gathering gift cards and blankets to distribute to needy people in the community.  We need your help!  The easy safe way to help is by donating on line. Your donation will be used for gift cards this year.

[Read more…]

2020 Best Halloween Events in Southern California

Posted on October 1, 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, Field Trips In Ventura | 11 Comments

This post contains affiliate links.

Here in Southern California, Halloween is not over and fall fun abounds!  So let’s get right to it and share with you The Best Family Friendly Halloween events and fall festivals taking place across the southland this season.  Prices and dates vary.  Please visit individual websites for full details.  Happy Fall!

Check out this list of 40+ family friendly Halloween events and fall festivals in Southern California.

Family Halloween Events in Los Angeles

Halloween at Descanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge (all month long in October)

Throughout the month of October, join us for Halloween at Descanso!  Guests are invited to safely wind their way through socially-distanced, pumpkin-themed displays in the most popular sections of Descanso Gardens.  Halloween activities includes a Pumpkin house and children’s hay maze, wooden jack-o-lanterns, a pumpkin arch and and pumpkin mandalas.

Children 14 and under are invited to wear their costumes – and masks – as they explore and enjoy autumn in the Gardens. The Kitchen at Descanso will have a variety of warm, fall-inspired drinks and soups available, along with such seasonal favorites as caramel corn and churros.

Advance admission is required for non-members and can be purchased here.

Halloween at the Arboretum, The Arboretum, Arcadia (all month long in October)

Experience the spooky side of the LA Arboretum throughout the month of October by exploring our Ghoulish Gardens path!  While engaging in a safe, self-guided tour of our creepier collections, guests are invited to learn about trees that strangle other plants, the ingredients in common witches potions, flowers that are pollinated by bats, and other fun, eerie plants while winding their way through the garden.  

Fun for adults and children alike, guests exploring Ghoulish Gardens on October 31st are encouraged to wear costumes to the Arboretum.

Stranger Things: The Drive-Into Experience, Los Angeles (10/7 – 10/31)

This Stranger Things-themed experience will bring the Netflix series to life with an hourlong adventure that transports visitors to Hawkins and the Starcourt Mall circa 1985.  And as the name implies, you’ll be able to take it all in from the safety of your own car.  The experience will take groups of 24 cars at a time through a world of tunes, mullets and monster hunts including sets complete with actors in costume and special effects.  Not recommended for children under 13.

The Gentle Barn’s Halloween Experience, Santa Clarita (9/21 – 10/11)

This is a whole new exciting way to experience The Gentle Barn, and be able to dress up, get candy from our safe cast members and see all of the Halloween themed decorations around The Gentle Barn. 

This new drive-thru experience will take you behind the scene to areas of our California property that is normally not open to the public. Starting with a tour of our Sun Chlorella: Healing Center in Agua Dulce, just 10 miles up the road. Then down to the main Gentle Barn property, and ending with you casting a wish in our wishing well.

Nights of the Jack, King Gillette Ranch, Calabasas (10/1 – 11/1)

Their new extended driving trail will feature thousands of hand-carved and illuminated Jack O’ Lanterns as attendees make their way around King Gillette Ranch. Immerse yourself in an instagrammable Halloween wonderland and experience what everyone is talking about!  Ticketed event.

Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween, Heritage Square Museum, Los Angeles (10/2 – 10/5)

Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween returns!  And this year we’re taking our annual Halloween event on the road – literally! … Cause, even ghosts need to stay socially distant.  It’s an outdoor immersive experience all behind the wheel of your car! Drive-thru (if you dare) the worlds of “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “Hocus Pocus”, “Ghostbusters” and other spooktacular surprises filled with games, performances and prizes! And the best part is that it’s free!

THE BITE LA: Halloween Food Crawl and Creature Safari, Legg Lake, Los Angeles (all month October long)

This unique twist on the drive-thru/drive-into haunted attraction offers a delectable Halloween food crawl that snakes its way around eerie Legg Lake, includes 8 Bites, campfire dessert, fall-favorite warm beverage and immersive entertainment that guests can enjoy from the safety of their own vehicle.

The BITE is open select dates throughout October.  There is no age restriction for this event, but there will be a few frightening creatures lurking about.

[Read more…]

Kids Free San Diego in October

Posted on September 29, 2020 | Filed Under: Field Trips in San Diego | 5 Comments

This post contains affiliate links.

Every October the San Diego Tourism Authority invites families to experience Kids Free San Diego.  During the entire month of October, kids ages 12 and under get to eat, stay and play for free (with paid adult admission) in this beautiful part of California!  Enjoy more than 90 partner offers—as well as warm fall weather without the summer crowds.

For example, normally an adult admission price to such places as SeaWorld San Diego costs $93.99.  But with Kids Free San Diego families can take advantage of discounted deals at more than 100 participating partners and plan an ultimate family getaway.  There’s big fun waiting for kids, with savings that parents will love.  Explore below and plan your perfect trip to San Diego this October!

Take advantage of Kids Free San Diego in October when kids eat, stay and play for free throughout all of San Diego!

Kids Free San Diego Restaurants

Numerous San Diego restaurants are participating in Kids Free San Diego!  For example, get one child meal free per paid adult meal in any of Loews Coronado Bay’s dining establishments or get a one free kid’s combo meal per paid adult meal (maximum of two kids per paid adult entree) at Galaxy Taco in La Jolla.

Kids Free San Diego Activities

Hundreds of local entertainment venues are offering outstanding kid deals during the month of October too.  Here’s just a small sample of what I found online.

  • Kids Ride Free with Hornblower Cruises – Kids cruise free on any 1 or 2 hour daily Harbor Cruise in San Diego. Valid with purchase of 1 adult ticket. Each adult ticket allows up to 2 children to cruise free.
  • Kids Fish Free at H&M Landing – Kids fish for free at H&M Landing with a paid adult.
  • Kids Go Free to Mission San Luis Rey Children 12 and under receive free entry with a paid admission of at least one accompanying adult at the Mission San Luis Rey. Valid for 2 children per paid adult.
  • Kids Go Free to the Japanese Friendship Garden – Children age 12 and under receive free entry with the paid admission of at least one accompanying adult at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Valid for 2 children per paid adult.

[Read more…]

Where To See Fall Leaves in Southern California

Posted on September 17, 2020 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego | 25 Comments

Where To See Fall Leaves in Southern California

As a native of Northern California, I truly miss the seasons up north.  Especially in the fall, when the weather is crisp, and the leaves are turning gorgeous shades of red, orange and yellow.

Now as a resident of Southern California, I have to travel a bit further to see the autumn leaves and take in the cooler weather, but it is still humanly possible!   

With most So Cal locals living near the coast, we have to travel to a leaf peeping area at just the right time of year or we miss the foliage.  Luckily for us though, fall color starts in August at around 10,000 feet and drops elevation by elevation at a rate of 500.  So by late October, early November, fall foliage is peak in Southern California.

Where To See Fall Leaves in Southern California

Here is a list of Southern California’s favorite leaf peeping spots which vary in elevation, time of peak and when colors are at their most intense.

 

Fall Foliage in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, Los Angeles

At the LA County Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, sour gum, chinaberry, Jerusalem thorn, eastern redbud and maples fill with yellow, golden, orange and crimson colors in late October, early November.

Whittier Narrows Recreational Facility, South El Monte

Nearly every ecosystem, from swamps, to forest, to desert, is naturally represented at the Whittier Narrows Recreational Facility, where the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo Rivers diverge.  Stop by the ranger station any day from sunrise to sunset for information on the plant and animal life that inhabit this nature reserve.Nature Scavenger Hunt

Stoddar Peak, Near Mount Baldy

If you’re looking for fall colors in Southern California and some nice views on a clear day without a ton of work, one great choice is Stoddard Peak located right below Mount Baldy.  The hike itself is just over 6 miles and just under 1,000 feet in elevation.  Mount Baldy is located off the 210 freeway at Baseline exit.  You do need to purchase a National Forest Adventure Pass to park anywhere.

Fall Foliage in Riverside / San Bernardino Counties

Aspen Grove in San Gorgonio Wilderness, Near Big Bear (currently closed)

Per SoCalHiker.net, “Just a short distance from Big Bear we found the southernmost aspen grove in California.  The quaking aspen (populus tremoloids) are readily identified by the disc-like leaves about the size of a silver dollar.  The slightest breeze sets these leaves in motion, leading to that ‘quaking’ effect.  It’s beautiful to see and a delight to the ears.”

[Read more…]

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