Field Trips In Ventura Archives

7 Free Microsoft YouthSpark Summer Camps For Kids

Posted on April 20, 2018 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Diego, Field Trips in Santa Barbara, Field Trips In Ventura | 3 Comments

Did you know that Microsoft retail stores nationwide offer several free technology summer camp for kids called YouthSpark? YouthSpark Camps get kids of all ages coding, creating games and apps, and having a blast in the process.

Participants learn the latest technology from Microsoft while making new friends, completing creative projects, and gaining new skills that prepare them for the future.

The camps are appropriate for children ages 6 and up. Each store hosts a different camp depending upon the age and interest level of your child. Every camp participant under 17 years of age must also provide a signed Participation Agreement and remain in the Microsoft Store for the duration of the event.

Here is a list of YouthSpark Summer Camps for 2018.

2018 Microsoft YouthSpark Camps For Kids

Each camp – from programming robots to speak to filming, editing and premiering a movie – was developed by experts in the field and with input from Microsoft store associates, all dedicated to equipping students with the digital skills they need to succeed when they pursue any career.

Make Your Own Movie With 3D & Mixed Reality

This camp provides students with access to Microsoft’s latest 3D drawing and movie-making technology. From character development and storyboarding to shooting and editing, students learn how to create their own movie and are encouraged to invite friends and family to their Microsoft Store hosted movie premiere at the end of the camp.

Ages: 8+
Duration: Four 2-hour sessions

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Bristol Farms Free Field Trip For Students

Posted on April 2, 2018 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Diego, Field Trips in Santa Barbara, Field Trips In Ventura | 2 Comments

Last April, I shared with you 4 Grocery Store Field Trips For Kids in Southern California. In 2015, I also led a field trip for 12 kids and their parents to Bristol Farms in Newport Beach, California. We received an exclusive tour of the store and learned about the inner workings of how a grocery store is run and operated. It was fascinating, even for this mom who has been grocery shopping for her family for years.

Upon arrival, we were kindly greeted by Assistant Store Manager, Suzanne. Suzanne gave us a brief history of Bristol Farms and how the upscale grocery store chain opened its first store location in Rolling Hills Estates, California, in 1982. Their vision of combining the service and food quality of a corner grocer, butcher and baker together was a huge success. Now Bristol Farms operates fifteen stores, twelve in Southern California, and one in San Francisco. The fourteenth and fifteenth stores operate as Lazy Acres Market in Santa Barbara and Long Beach.

The first stop on our tour was a visit to the quick meal counter. Here you can order Chinese food, pizza, sushi, sandwiches and many other items to go.

At this department, each child got to sample a piece of pepperoni pizza. Delicious!

Next, we moved onto my favorite part of the store – the bakery! Cookies, cake, and muffins galore!!! My children were especially enamored with the cherry cheesecake. Thankfully, Mr. SoCal Field Trips wasn’t with us or we would have gone home with the Espresso Chocolate Truffle Cake!

At the bakery, the kids received a free sugar cookie from one of the resident bakers.

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30+ Discount Movie Theaters in Southern California

Posted on February 15, 2018 | 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, Movies | 1 Comment

This post may contain an affiliate link.

Are you looking for an inexpensive activity to do with your kids? How about taking them to a discount movie theater in Southern California? Several movie theaters across Southern California offer discount admission prices. In the summer, children and their parents can get in for as low as $1 per person, while other theaters in the area offer year-round discount tickets starting at $1.75 per person. What a deal!

Another way to take advantage of discount movie prices is to purchase a Fandango movie gift card. Movie gift cards are perfect for any occasion including birthdays, thank yous, congratulations and more.

Quick Link: Fandango movie gift card

Here’s a complete list of all the discount movie theaters in Southern California from Los Angeles to San Diego for your enjoyment!

Discount Movie Theaters in Southern California

Los Angeles Discount Movie Theatres

New Beverly Cinema, Los Angeles – $8.00 admission for double features

All shows are double features and your ticket admits you to both films. General admission is $8.00 for adults / $6.00 for children under 12.

Regency Theatre Norwalk 8, Norwalk – $2 on Tuesdays

On Tuesday admission is only $2.00 per person. Matinees the rest of the week, starting before 6:00 pm, costs $2 per person. All other times admission is $3.

Regency Theatre Valley Plaza 6, North Hollywood – $1.75 on Tuesdays / Sundays

On Tuesday & Sunday admission is only $1.75. All other times it is $3.50 per person.

Regency Theatre Academy Cinemas, Pasadena – $2.50 matinees

Matinees starting before 6:00 pm costs $2.50 per person. All other times admission is $3.50.

Simi Valley 10 Cinemas, Simi Valley – $5.95 matinees

All matinees are $5.95 per person. Evening admission is $7.95 for adults / $5.95 for children.

Valley Plaza 6, North Hollywood – $1.75 on Tuesdays / Sundays

On Tuesday and Sunday admission is only $1.75 all day for everyone. Regular admission is $3.00. Not only are tickets inexpensive, but the concession prices can’t be beat! An all beef hot dog is only $1!

Vintage Theaters Los Feliz 3 Cinemas, Los Angeles – $6.50 bargain matinees

Los Feliz 3 has been around since 1934 and is an imitate and cozy experience which is perfect for a date night. Bargain matinees before 5 pm cost $6.50 per adult. Children under 4 not admitted except on Wednesday for the Me & My Parents matinee.

Orange County Discount Movie Theaters

Anaheim Hills Cinema City, Anaheim – $6.00 on Mondays / Tuesdays

Admission is only $6.00 all day for everyone on Mondays and Tuesdays.

AMC CLASSIC Woodbridge 5, Irvine – $4.99 matinees

Enjoy premium cinema at an affordable price, along with delicious and refreshing concessions. Tickets prices are $4.99 before 4 p.m. and $6.99 after that for adults / $4.99 for 2-12 years old.

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20 Restaurant Field Trips for Kids

Posted on January 22, 2018 | 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 Santa Barbara, Field Trips In Ventura | 13 Comments

Field trips give students educational experiences away from their regular school environment. Popular field trip sites include zoos, nature centers, community agencies such as fire stations and hospitals, government agencies, local businesses and science museums.

But what about a field trip to your local restaurant? A restaurant field trip can awaken the desire in a child to try new foods, pursue a previously unconsidered career or spark a new interest or passion in cooking. Restaurant field trips not only provide alternative educational opportunities for children, but also benefit the local businesses that they visit.

Here is a list of 20 Restaurants in Southern California and nationwide that offer field trips for students including homeschoolers, school groups and scout troops.

If you want to set up a tour, you need to contact the individual restaurant location in your area and ask to speak with the general manager directly. Since most of the restaurants on this list are franchised own, some owners may offer a tour, some may not. It is completely up to the individual owner if they want to offer group tours. So all you can do is call and ask!

Cost also varies. Some restaurants offer a behind-the-scenes tour along with a child-size meal for a flat fee, while others offer a completely FREE experience. Just be sure to ask about the cost when you call.

Most of all have fun and enjoy the educational experience with your students!

20 Restaurant Field Trips for Kids

Auntie Anne’s (Nationwide)

Want to roll and twist your very own pretzel? Auntie Anne’s offers Pretzel Field Trips at select locations. They make sure the content of the program matches the age and interest level of your group. During a tour, learn the history of pretzels and how Auntie Anne’s came to be, roll your own pretzel with real dough and enjoy a delicious, hot, golden brown Original Pretzel & Lemonade.

Applebee’s (Nationwide)

Bring your group to take a “behind the scenes” tour of your local Applebee’s restaurant, learning about different staff positions and duties, food safety, following a recipe and more! Students, teachers and chaperones alike will then enjoy a delicious lunch in the dining room.

Designed for Grades K-5, students pay just $5 each (incl. a Grilled Cheese or Chicken Finger Kid’s Meal & Kid’s Ice Cream Sundae) and chaperones pay $8 each (incl. a choice of any Pick ‘N Pair lunch combo and a fountain beverage) and the teacher receives the same adult lunch on us!

To commemorate their experience, each student will receive a certificate naming them a “Junior Applebuddy” with an attached coupon to return for a FREE Kid’s Meal on their next visit! Restaurant tours are generally available Tuesday – Thursday mornings. To determine a location’s availability or schedule a tour, please contact the General Manager at your local Applebee’s restaurant.

Benihana (Nationwide)

Benihana offers a fun cultural experience for children! Groups sit together at a special table with a grill in the middle and are given a few different meal options. The manager then shares a little bit of history about the restaurant and then lets the chefs run the show! The chefs are very entertaining and funny. At the end, children receive a free meal certificate to come back again.

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Get Free Admission To The National Parks in California

Posted on January 4, 2018 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in San Diego, Field Trips In Ventura | Leave a Comment

Do you like to travel or discover new places to explore? Mark your calendar each year for the free entrance days to all of California's 28+ National parks, monuments and sites. #hiking #travel

Mark your calendar now for the 2018 free entrance to all of California’s 28+ National parks, monuments and sites located right here in our own state. Recently, The National Park Service announced the entrance fee-free days for 2018 including:

January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

April 21: First Day of National Park Week

September 22: National Public Lands Day

November 11: Veterans Day

Free National Park Days 2018

Here is a complete list of all the Nationals Sites in California to enjoy with your family over the coming year!

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco

Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US built fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the history making 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock—gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare.

Castle Mountains, Barstow

Castle Mountains represents some of the most unique elements of the Mojave Desert. Nestled between the Nevada state line and Mojave National Preserve, the nearly 21,000 acres of Castle Mountains boasts Joshua tree forests, unbroken natural landscapes, rare desert grasslands, and rich human history. This intriguing area provides serenity and solitude from nearby metropolitan areas.

Death Valley National Park, Death Valley

Most of the year, this vast and rugged expanse of eastern Californian desert is brutally hot, but visit in winter or early spring, you’ll find a surprisingly beautiful and vibrant place. First-time visitors are often awestruck by the desert’s vivid colours. The park has nine campsites and several air-conditioned lodges, including the historic Furnace Creek Inn.

Fort Point, San Francisco

From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point defended the San Francisco Bay following California’s Gold Rush through World War II. Its beautifully arched casemates display the art of 3rd system brick masonry and interacts gracefully with the Golden Gate Bridge.

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