SoCal Field Trips

Field Trips is our middle name!

Celebrate The Holidays at The Aquarium of the Pacific

Posted on | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Giveaways, Holiday Events | 23 Comments

Celebrate the holidays at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach during their month-long Aquarium Holidays celebration.

Celebrate the holidays at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach during their month-long Aquarium Holidays celebration from December 2 through 24!

Aquarium Holidays features special holiday décor, a display of gingerbread houses, daily Penguin Walks at 10 a.m., shopping, snowfall in the Great Hall, daily screenings of the original cartoon Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a special holiday menu in Café Scuba, and daily appearances by Santa Diver and the Aquarium characters in their holiday outfits.

On weekends the Aquarium will have a snow play area, children’s crafts, and photo opportunities with Santa. Hanukkah storytelling with opportunities to play dreidel will be presented on December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17.

Celebrate the holidays at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach during their month-long Aquarium Holidays celebration.

Aquarium of the Pacific Holiday Schedule

SPARK OF LOVE TOY DRIVE

A toy drive runs daily December 2 through 24 and supports the Long Beach Fire Department Spark of Love Toy Drive. Aquarium guests who donate a new, unwrapped toy – at a $15 value or more – will receive a coupon valid for $10 off adult/$3 off child, up to 4 total admissions.

SNOW PLAY AREA

Play in real snow!  Just get a hand stamp at the exit in order to re-enter the Aquarium.  Weekends 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.  Plaza in Front of the Aquarium (weather dependent)

Celebrate the holidays at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach during their month-long Aquarium Holidays celebration.

[Read more…]

Enter To Win Tickets To The LA Auto Show

Posted on | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Giveaways, Vehicles | 7 Comments

Sponsored

If you’re anything like me, I do a lot of research before purchasing a new car.  I like to ask around and get my family’s opinion on what they drive and why.  I like to look through car magazines and read up on the latest technology and gadgets.  Then my final step is to visit Kelley Blue Book and find out which cars have received a Kelly Blue Book Best Buy Award.

I trust Kelley Blue Book because they are the leader in tracking sale prices from wholesale auctions, independent dealers, franchised dealers, rental fleets, financial institution leases, private party transactions, and more.  Simply put, they follow a trail of transactions across the country and calculate vehicle values based on pricing data and economic conditions.

Kelley Blue Book 2018 Best Buy Award Winners

Just this week, Kelley Blue Book announced the 2018 Best Buy Award winners.  These awards honor the top vehicles in 12 major vehicle categories, as well as an Overall Best Buy of 2018.  It took the editorial team nearly a year to evaluate and test more than 300 new-car models available in 2018.

From there, they narrowed down the potential list of winners to a few dozen Best Buy Award contenders in 12 major vehicle categories.  Finally, they spent weeks testing and evaluating all the finalists head-to-head to ultimately determine the individual category winners and the overall best buy award.

And here are this year’s winners!

Overall Winner – 2018 Honda Accord

The mid-size sedan segment has long been a sweet spot of needs, wants and value and the totally redesigned 2018 Honda Accord is the most appealing car in the category. The Accord’s storied refinement and resale value advantages remain, but the new model now outclasses the competition in almost every meaningful measure.  It also sells for far less than the average new car while providing more features, better fuel economy and a more proven reputation for quality and reliability. Value without compromise is as rare as it is desirable, and it’s why the all-new Honda Accord is their Overall Best Buy for 2018.

[Read more…]

Attend A Test Drive Parenthood Event Nationwide + Giveaway

Posted on | Filed Under: Giveaways, Products | 60 Comments

Sponsored

Learn more about car seat safety at the Test Drive Parenthood events on Sept. 20 at Newport Lexus in Newport Beach and Sept. 21 at South Bay Lexus in Los Angeles.

For years, as I’ve planned field trips for homeschool groups, family members and friends, I’ve had to make sure that I always dot my i’s and cross my t’s.  Taking a group of students on a field trip can either be a dream or difficult, depending upon how well you are organized.

It’s especially important to plan carefully for all contingencies.  For example, I have to make reservations, recruit chaperones, compile all the necessary paperwork, take attendance and arrange transportation to and from the venue.

Many families choose to drive themselves to the venue or use Lyft or Uber to get there.  However, as a field trip coordinator, I worry about their personal safety while on the road.  Southern California is not known for it’s friendly drivers!  Furthermore, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every 33 seconds, one child under the age of 13 is involved in a car crash.

That’s why when my children were younger, I only used Britax car seats.  From the moment they came home from the hospital, I placed them in an infant car seat that had the 5-point harness system.  Later on, I learned that Britax, a pioneer in innovation, actually invented the 5-point harness system.  Today, my daughter continues to use her Britax booster seat, even at 8 years old.

New Britax Endeavours Infant Car Seat

In September, Britax introduced another revolutionary safety item called the Britax Endeavours infant car seat.  The Endeavours infant car seat is designed for safety and mobility.  The anti-rebound bar reduces rebound rotation by up to 30% in the event of a crash.

Learn more about car seat safety at the Test Drive Parenthood events on Sept. 20 at Newport Lexus in Newport Beach and Sept. 21 at South Bay Lexus in LA.

[Read more…]

The Gospel Brunch at The House of Blues Anaheim

Posted on | Filed Under: Field Trips in Orange County, Giveaways | 5 Comments

The new House of Blues Anaheim is pleased to introduce a reimagined Gospel Brunch experience each Sunday of the month. A new Southern inspired soulful menu features signature brunch dishes and live action carving and omelet stations. The electrifying, uplifting and unprecedented gospel show is unlike any other brunch experience available. Gospel Brunch is perfect for families, visitors and special celebrations.

Famous for being home to Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks, Anaheim, CA is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.  

Last weekend, when my two nieces flew down from the Bay Area, I wanted to take them to a fun venue that would make their Orange County experience memorable.  My choice was the House of Blues Anaheim.

Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues Anaheim

Anyone looking for a jammin’ good time is welcome to attend the Gospel Brunch on Sundays at the House of Blues Anaheim.  There, original gospel artists take the stage in front of an audience craving spirit-filled music and southern hospitality.

The new House of Blues Anaheim is pleased to introduce a reimagined Gospel Brunch experience each Sunday of the month. A new Southern inspired soulful menu features signature brunch dishes and live action carving and omelet stations. The electrifying, uplifting and unprecedented gospel show is unlike any other brunch experience available. Gospel Brunch is perfect for families, visitors and special celebrations.

Many bands play at the House of Blues Anaheim, but what appealed to me most was the Gospel Brunch with the group, Firm Soundation, performing.   Since 2001, Firm Soundation has ministered to audiences of different nationalities, cultures, races, and religious beliefs.

The new House of Blues Anaheim is pleased to introduce a reimagined Gospel Brunch experience each Sunday of the month. A new Southern inspired soulful menu features signature brunch dishes and live action carving and omelet stations. The electrifying, uplifting and unprecedented gospel show is unlike any other brunch experience available. Gospel Brunch is perfect for families, visitors and special celebrations.

[Read more…]

How I Saved Big On My Los Angeles Vacation (and You Can Too!)

Posted on | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Giveaways, Leisure | 22 Comments

Sponsored

Are you looking to save money on your vacation to Los Angeles? Then check out these Top 5 Los Angeles Vacation Discounts from hotels to theme parks to travel discount cards and more.

If you’re planning a vacation to Los Angeles, you’re probably looking to save some money without having to sacrifice your fun or comfort.  For sure, you’de like to keep more cash in your pockets and less in the hands of others.

That’s why I’ve teamed up with Reserve Direct to put together an ideal Los Angeles family vacation just for you!  I selected 3 of my favorite Southern California theme parks, a historical hotel and a special entertainment discount card that will save you both time and money.

Best Theme Parks in Los Angeles

Universal Studios Hollywood

Are you looking to save money on your vacation to Los Angeles? Then check out these Top 5 Los Angeles Vacation Discounts brought to you by Reserve Direct.

Universal Studios Hollywood​ is an ideal theme park for families, especially if you enjoy movies like Harry Potter. Unlike other theme parks in the area, 90% of Universal’s rides are virtual, not the traditional rollercoaster-type ride, and they’re all movie-themed.

In 2017, the most popular attraction is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Suitable for all ages, this intriguing world of both magic and mystery, includes the village of Hogsmeade, the engine of Hogwart’s Express, Hogwart’s Castle, and the incredibly fast-moving ride “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”.

Two other not-to-miss attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood are the Special Effects Show and Jurassic Park – The Ride. If your child dreams of becoming a stuntman or stuntwoman one day, then watching the Special Effects Show is a must do. During the show, audiences are taken on a comical behind-the-scenes tour of many special effects, like Foley work, horror make-up and stunt person action.

Are you looking to save money on your vacation to Los Angeles? Then check out these Top 5 Los Angeles Vacation Discounts brought to you by Reserve Direct.

And then there’s my personal favorite, Jurassic Park – The Ride, which is a thrilling river raft adventure based on the movie Jurassic World. Here, you’ll see dinosaurs in their natural jungle habitat and hold on tight as you narrowly escape a 50-foot T-rex as your raft makes an exhilarating 84-foot plunge to safety. For sure, this ride was built for thrill seekers!

LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA

Are you looking to save money on your vacation to Los Angeles? Then check out these Top 5 Los Angeles Vacation Discounts brought to you by Reserve Direct.

Second up on the list of the best theme parks in Southern California, is LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA​. Located within the coastal community of Carlsbad, California, LEGOLAND is ideal for children ages 2 – 12 years old. Since they cater exclusively to youngsters with rides and attractions, parents are just along for the fun!

[Read more…]