Showing posts with label free activities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label free activities. Show all posts

Friday, November 5, 2010

Kristin’s Kickbacks List Week of 11-5

Activities

November 5. 6-8 pm. FREE weekly jazz concerts at LACMA, no reservations required. LA Times Central Court. This week: Theo Saunders Quartet.

November 6. 8 a.m. for light breakfast, 9 a.m. meeting starts. Women N Sync Meeting at The Church on the Way in The Living Room on the East Campus.
Come at 8 a.m. for...
• A light breakfast fare
• Pampering by loving manicurists
• Our “Visitor’s Tea Room”
• A timely message, “But I’m Not Ready For The Palace.”
We’ll worship, pray, honor our school teachers, and enjoy special music. For more information call 818-779-8000. Childcare is available.

November 6. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Home Depot's FREE Kids Workshop to make a kit. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

November 6. 2 p.m. Lego Atlantis Kids Party at local Borders (It will be at the Northridge store. Call your local store to see if they are participating). Join the quest for the Lost City of Atlantis! Check out all of the cool LEGO® items Borders has to offer and play some fun games. Giveaways available while supplies last. Best for ages 8 to 12.

November 6-7. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Burbank Fine Arts Festival. The free event includes the exhibition of 90 artists who will display their original work in Downtown Burbank, as well as live entertainment. 100 San Fernando Blvd. between Magnolia and Olive Ave., Downtown Burbank. www.downtown-burbank.org

November 6-7. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Japanese Festival at Descanso Gardens. Celebrate Japanese arts, crafts and culture in the Gardens. Enjoy a thunderous performance by taiko drummers at noon on Saturday, and don't miss a unique Suiseki stone exhibit in the Minka both days. Van de Kamp Hall will be filled with blooms at the annual Glendale Chrysanthemum Society Show both days, and the Camellia Lounge returns with a special menu. All activities free with admission, fee for food and drinks at Lounge. http://www.descansogardens.org/

November 7. 4-8 p.m. Frozen Crush is having a free sampling of their pumpkin yogurt! All other menu items will be 50% off. This store in the Costco complex at 8850 Tampa Avenue, Northridge, 91324. (818) 882-8486.

November 7. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. This week: Members of the Capitol Ensemble perform Dvorák: Sonatina, Opus 100, and Piano Quintet in A major.

November 9. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall. Theme this week is all about Fancy Nancy and her newest book Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique. We are also having a very special interactive musical puppet show with Miss Brown. She teaches "fancy" words and brings a runner carpet for a "fancy" fashion show...Little girls are encouraged to come dressed "fancy" like Fancy Nancy. There will also be interactive song and dance.

November 10. 11:30-2 p.m. Two Gourmet good trucks will be at the Telesis Credit Union In Chatsworth this week. The Greenz on Wheelz truck serves salads and sandwiches, while the NY Ice Connection truck offers Italian ice. Many friends have recently become interested in the gourmet food trucks that offer good prices on great food. 9301 Winnetka Ave., Chatsworth, 91311.

November 11 (and subsequent Thursdays). 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free Mommy and Me Class at The Church on The Way. For children under 5 years of age. Please bring a snack for your child. Theme this week: Thanksgiving Turkey for Mom. King’s Kid’s Bldg. on the West Campus. 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys. 818-779-8000.

6 Ways to Save on Groceries

1. Shop at less expensive grocery stores, such as Food 4 Less.
2. Check the ads from the stores and see what’s on sale. Stock up when it’s less expensive.
3. Shop less often. Plan meals for a few days or the week. Double a recipe and freeze half of it. Don’t forget to write the date and the name of the recipe on the ziplock bag.
4. Use coupons. Use a website to help you track the best time to use your coupons, such as Coupon Mom or The Grocery Game.
5. Order a food box from The Treasure Box or Angel Food. It’s $30 and is supposed to last for about a week.
6. Keep track of how much you’re spending each month on groceries. Before I started keeping track, I had little idea how much we were really spending on food. After you know how much you’re spending, try the above ideas to save.

Photo Deals

Picaboo has a photo deal right now. Buy A Book or Calendar, Get A Copy Free - Code: BGFTHX. I plan to use this deal with my gift certificate I got from Groupon. I make photo calendars to give out as gifts to my family each year. You can also get 25% off cards. Use code CARD25 at checkout. Both deals expire 11/15.

Here's the latest deal from Snapfish. Buy one 8" x 11" Personalized Cover Book, get two 8" x 11" Personalized Cover Books FREE, up to 20 pages each! This deal is good for four days only, so order your photo books by November 8. Use coupon 1BOOK2FREE at checkout.

My friend Mercy told me about this site http://www.photobookgirl.com/ It’s “A Guide to Photo Book Reviews, Deals and Tips.” It tells about the latest photo deals out there.

I also like Frugal Girls photo deals at http://thefrugalgirls.com/hot-photo-deals

Ongoing Deals

Anyone who is considering a membership to the Los Angeles Zoo can save $10 on the cost of the membership through December 31, 2010. Use promo code: 11010FFW www.lazoo.org

Get a free download of the Veggie Tales Holiday album The Incredible Singing Christmas Tree from Amazon.com. You can either download each song individually, or if you want the whole album at once, you'll have to download the Amazon mp3 software. Either way, it's FREE! There's no indication of how long this offer will be available.

Upcoming Events

November 14. 4-7:30 p.m. Half Day Marrieds Seminar at the Church on the Way. “Making Difficult Marriages Great and Great Marriages Better!” At just $10 per couple and dinner included, this is a bargain! Childcare is available. For more information call 818-779-8000.

November 20. 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Free performance at the outdoor W.M. Keck Children’s Amphitheatre at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Enjoy a show featuring Red Thunder, celebrating the heritage of the Plains Indians through music and traditional dance. (Tickets for 11 a.m. show distributed beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets for 12:30 show distributed at 11 a.m.).111 S. Grand Ave., L.A., 90012. Tickets are free and distributed on Grand Ave. at 2nd street. http://www.musiccenter.org/events/worldcity.html

November 20. 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. Free admission to the Performing Books presentation. The Performing Books series is a monthly program designed to introduce children ages 4-10 to the performing arts through books. Professional storytellers and artists bring books to life through song, dance, voice and instruments. This month hear Belinda and the Glass Slipper & Belinda in Paris by Amy Young. Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., L.A. http://www.lapl.org/kidspath/events/Performing_Books_flyer.pdf

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 8-13

August 4-15. (Hours vary). Ventura County Fair. 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. www.venturacountyfair.org. Adults $10, children 6-12 $7.

August 13. 6 pm. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA, no reservations required. BP Grand Entrance. This week: Nick Mancini Collective.

August 13. 7-9:30 p.m. Keyes Lexus of Valencia has Jazz and Blues concert series every Friday night thru Aug. 27. This week: Nelsen Adelard. Food & Beverages for sale (No outside food or beverages; no pets allowed.) Activities for the kids. Downtown Valencia in the street on Town Center Drive at McBean Parkway in Santa Clarita. www.valenciajazzandblues.com (Thanks, Kristi!)

August 14. 9:30AM-10:05 or 11-11:45. FREE Kids Rhythm Club Drum Circle. Drum Provided. No reservations needed. Event every Saturday morning at REMO Recreational Music Center, 7308 Coldwater Canyon, North Hollywood, 91605. (1/2 block North of Sherman Way). Journey and explore music making through rhythm, song, and fun activities. Recommended ages for kids: 2 to 12, but all ages are welcome. Parents must stay with children. (Thanks, Diane!)

August 14. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a bug box! The kids get goggles and an apron and a kit to build an item. They use hammers their size and get a patch afterward for completing the project. You can register online.

August 14. 10 a.m. Big!World!Fun! Family Series at the Ford Theatre. This week features Kayamanan Ng Lahi. Dance is a family matter for this Filipino company. Folk dances are passed down to the next generation like stories or mementos. Some of Kayamanan’s youngest members make their stage debuts in this lively demonstration of the deeply-rooted, living culture of the Philippine islands. PRE-SHOW ACTIVITIES START @ 9AM – arrive early to make ribbon streamers – craft project led by the Autry! 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, L.A. One hour-long music, dance and theatre aimed for children ages 4 to 10 and families. Children free, adults $5. Parking $1. Reservations required. To avoid handling fees, call the box office at 323-461-3673. This is outdoors and it’s okay to bring food.

August 14. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE Family Day at the Japanese American National Museum, celebrating the museum’s 25th birthday. 369 E. First St., L.A. This looks like a lot of fun! There will be face painting, a ventriloquist, a magician, and many more activities! Here’s the link for more details. http://www.janm.org/events/2010/08/#14

August 14. 7-10 p.m. Warner Park: Movies on the Green. Movie begins about ½ hour after sunset. This week’s movie is Twilight (PG-13): Outdoor family movies are presented on Saturday evenings through August 28th and are projected on a 30’ screen with digital projection and 7.1 surround sound. 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills.

August 14. 6-8 p.m. Free weekly summer concerts at Simi Valley Town Center. This week: Classic Rock Night - Evyn Charles & the Neverquitters . 1555 Simi Town Center Way, Simi Valley, 93065. (805) 581-1430.

August 14. 5 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at Dorothy Collins Brown Amphitheater at LACMA, in Hancock Park north of the museum. This week: Mongorama. "Mongorama" is a new, 9-piece, latin-jazz ensemble formed by KJazz radio personality Jose Rizo (host of 'Jazz on the Latin Side'), exploring the early Mongo Santamaria charanga-jazz material of the 50's and early 60's. Conga legend Mongo Santamaria, saxophonist Chombo Silva and flautist Rolando Lozano performed an exciting latin jazz sound driven by cuban charanga rhythms and old-school straight ahead jazz. "Mongorama" celebrates this music preserving the "old-school" element , yet refreshing it with a modern perspective.

August 14-15. 4-5:30 p.m. Garden Concerts for Kids at the Getty. Free admission; no reservations required. This week features Elizabeth Mitchell and Family. They perform vibrant reinterpretations of cherished American folk and rock songs from the new album Sunny Day. 1200 Getty Center Dr., L.A., 90049. (310) 440-7300. Parking is $15.

August 15. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. This week: The Lyris String Quartet – Alyssa Park (violin), Shalini Vijayan (violin), Luke Maurer (viola), and Timothy Loo (cello) perform works to be announced.

August 15. 12-1 p.m. FREE Kids Cupcake Decorating Party at Whole Foods in Tarzana. They get to decorate and then eat their cupcake! To RSVP, please email SPTRZ-marketing@wholefoods.com. 18700 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, 91356. 818-578-7840.

August 15. 3:30 p.m. FREE concert for families at Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park, 2230 W. Sixth St., L.A. 213-384-5701. Aaron Nigel Smith, an award-winning guitarist, inspires through music. Open lawn seating. The Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park is located in the northwest corner of the park near the intersection of West 6th Street and S. Park View Street, just west of downtown Los Angeles.

August 15. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. FREE weekly concerts in the park. Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills. This week the group is Blue Öyster Cult, playing hard rock.

August 16. 10 a.m. FREE Monday Morning Concert for children at the Madrid Theatre in Canoga Park. This week looks like a lot of fun! Come join me and my kids if you’re available that day. Admission is first-come, first-served basis. I usually go around 9:30 and bring coins for parking meters. 21622 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303 – 818-347-9938. This week’s concert is:

KIDS OF ROCK THEATRE
These professionals and non-professional dancers are empowered to set and achieve both dance and life goals through community service and activism, volunteer work and mentoring programs. They present an array of dance styles, such as Africa, Flamenco, Jazz, Hoofing and Djembe Drumming.

August 16. 7 p.m. FREE interactive J.A.M. Sessions: Mexicana Footbeats.
Stomp to the heartbeat of Mexico! Learn how to make Mexican rhythms with your feet from the folklorico dancers of Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet. John Anson Ford Theatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, L.A. Reservations recommended. Call the box office at 323-461-3673 to avoid handling fees. Parking is $1.

August 16. Starts at dusk. FREE. Monday Movie Nights at Simi Valley Town Center mall in food court area, some seating, okay to bring chairs. Movie this week is Race to Witch Mountain (PG).

August 16 and August 19. 10 a.m. Free showing of Stuart Little (PG) at The Promenade at Westlake presents the Summer Film Festival! Free family movies at Mann Westlake 8 Theatres, Mondays and Thursdays. Plus, receive a KIDS EAT FREE postcard when you see a movie during the Summer Film Festival. Enjoy lunch at one of The Promenade restaurants listed below, where you will receive a free kids meal with purchase of any adult entree and beverage. 180 Promenade Way, Promenade Mall, Westlake Village, 91362. (805) 379-2299.

August 17. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free admission to Los Angeles County Arboretum. 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA, 91007.

August 17. 6 p.m. Free Kids’ Club at The Commons at Calabasas. 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas. This week come enjoy an educational and fun filled insect show.

August 17. 8 p.m. FREE Bluegrass Band concert at the Braemar Country Club. (Every third Tuesday of the month). Come to Braemar on the third Tuesday of every month for an evening of authentic American bluegrass music performed by the best bluegrass bands in Southern California. Admission is free. If you would like to have dinner there, a Pasta Bar complete with Soup, Salad, Pastas, Rolls and Butter, Beverages, and Dessert is available for only $15 inclusive at 6:30 p.m. Braemar Country Club, 4001 Reseda Blvd., Tarzana, 91357. p:818.345.6520.

August 17-18. 10 a.m. FREE summer movies at select Regal Theatres. Selected G or PG movies start at 10:00am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity. The only theatre still featuring the free movies is the theatre in Calabasas. Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie (G) and Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (PG) are playing at the Grand Palace Stadium 6 on 4767 Commons Way in Calabasas.

August 17 & 19. 10 a.m. Free showing of Planet 51 at the Mann Janss Marketplace 9. 255 North Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, 91360. (805) 374-9656.

August 18. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Free Kids’ Club at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks. Come enjoy one of the best ventriloquists in the business. 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., T.O.

August 18. 7 p.m. FREE. Children’s Night at Levitt Pavilion. Rocknoceros performs. This eccentric group plays many different genres. 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena.

August 19. 12 noon to 8 p.m. Free day at Japanese American National Museum. 369 East First Street, Los Angeles, 90012. (213) 625-0414.

August 19. 8 p.m. Free All-Time Favorite Movies Under The Stars! The Grove Presents Movies in The Park. This week is Alice in Wonderland (PG). Bring a blanket (no chairs, please) and have a magical evening at The Grove. The event opens for general grass and bleacher seating at 7:15pm. For early access, and to bypass the line, simply pre-order gourmet picnics from any of The Grove's fine restaurants or purchase gourmet picnics in The Park. Compliment your outdoor movie experience with a delicious meal. Early access begins at 6:30pm. Only The Grove food permitted in The Park, please. 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036. PHONE 323.900.8080.

August 19. 6-9 p.m. Thursday night summer concerts at the Autry Museum (across from L.A. Zoo). See top Latin bands in a fun, casual, energetic setting on the Autry plaza. The taco and drink bar open at 6:00 p.m., and the museum and museum store close at 8:00 p.m. Complimentary dance lessons and a separate dance floor for kids guarantee fun for all! Free for Autry members / $7 for nonmembers. This week: Jose “Perico” Hernandez y Son de la Tierra play the full range of Afro-Cuban music.

Back-to-School Deals

Aeropostale & P.S. Aeropostale {for the kids} are both having a 30% off Friends & Family Sale through 8-15, both in store and online. Aeropostale {use promo code: FFAUG or FFAUGRS } P.S. Aeropostale for Kids {use promo code: FFAUGPS } Here’s the link for the printable coupon if you’re shopping at the store. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4702123&id=57143807607 Thanks, frugal girls! http://TheFrugalGirls.com/

Carters also has a sale right now through 8-16. Save 20% off $25, 25% off $50 or 30% off $75 or more! Sale is both online and in stores. Discount will automatically apply at check out! http://www.carters.com/

There are a lot of back to school sales for school supplies right now. Check out this link Janet sent me for a great chart of sales at various stores. http://www.saveathomemommy.com/2010/08/school-supply-deals-88-to-814/


Upcoming Events

August 21 & 22. 4–5:30 p.m. Garden Concerts for Kids at the Getty, Saturdays and Sundays. Free admission; no reservations required. The summertime tradition returns with another great lineup of kids' music! Don't miss this free concert series in the Central Garden for kids and their families, featuring some of the best children's musicians from across the nation. 1200 Getty Center Dr., L.A., 90049.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Air Show in Ventura August 7 & 8

There will be an Air Show at the Naval Base in Ventura County at Pt. Mugu on August 7 & 8. Free parking AND admission! There will be an air demonstration by the USAF Thunderbirds, aviation equipment on display, a seabee demo, various booths and food vendors. No outside food, water bottles are okay.  Looks like fun!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 7-23

July 23. This Friday, get Black Friday-like deals on hundreds of their most popular items at www.target.com. Only available online.

July 23. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission to Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. (Free 4th Friday of the month). 46 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, 91101.

July 23. 7-9:30 p.m. Keyes Lexus of Valencia has Jazz and Blues concert series every Friday night thru Aug. 27. This week is Jim Gibson. Food & Beverages for sale (No outside food or beverages; no pets allowed.) Activities for the kids. Downtown Valencia in the street on Town Center Drive at McBean Parkway in Santa Clarita. www.valenciajazzandblues.com (Thanks, Kristi!)

July 23-25. Old Navy. High school and college students and teachers receive 25% off their entire purchase, this Friday through Sunday only. Students—show your college or high school ID to receive your discount. Teachers, show your school ID or pay stub to receive yours. (Looks like Old Navy is going to do a uniform sale next week, for the younger kids).

July 23-25. Kids eat FREE at participating IKEA stores. Choose any 3 kids sized items, value $2.49. No adult purchase necessary.

July 24. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Multiple family garage sale in Simi Valley. Olympic St. Neighborhood Garage Sales, near the corner of Royal and Sequoia. Clothes for all ages/gender, toys, furniture, books, collectibles, video games, baby stuff, scrap booking supplies, and much, much more!

July 24. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a UFO! The kids get goggles and an apron and a kit to build an item. They use hammers their size and get a patch afterward for completing the project. You can register online.

July 24. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. National Day of the Cowboy and Cowgirl at the Autry National Center (across from L.A. Zoo). Free with museum admission: Adults: $9, children (3-12): $3.

July 24. 7-10 p.m. Warner Park: Movies on the Green. Movie begins about ½ hour after sunset. This week’s movie is: Nanny McPhee (PG). Outdoor family movies are presented on Saturday evenings through August 28th and are projected on a 30’ screen with digital projection and 7.1 surround sound. 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills.

July 24. 6-10 p.m. Dive in Movie at Rancho Simi Community Pool in Simi Valley. Movie “Toy Story” starts at 8 p.m. $3 per person, bring blankets or chairs. 1765 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley.

July 25. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at Los Angeles County Museum of Art. These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. This week: “Homage to Schumann.” iPalpiti Artists Perform: Fantasiestücke Op. 88 Romanze & Duet, Ahnung (new discovery from Kinderszenen) – US Premiere, Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 47 – Andante cantabile, Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 44.

July 25. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. FREE weekly concerts in the park. Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills. This week the group is the Los Angeles Pierce Symphonic Winds. In this concert they will present many patriotic and memorable pieces saluting the many men and women who serve our country in the military both here and abroad.

July 26. 10 a.m. FREE Monday Morning Concert for children at the Madrid Theatre in Canoga Park. Admission is first-come, first-served basis. I usually go around 9:30 and bring coins for parking meters. 21622 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303 – 818-347-9938. This week’s concert is: L.A. PIERCE SYMPHONIC WINDS
The Los Angeles Pierce Symphonic Winds are among the growing number of nationally recognized and critically acclaimed community bands in the United States. Since their founding in 1983, the L.A. Winds have become a leading force in southern California's cultural community. As a result of their annual tours throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe, audiences all over the globe have delighted in the L.A. Winds' eclectic programs.

July 26. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. FREE McDonald's 7-ounce iced mocha or an 8-ounce hot mocha. No purchase is necessary. Free every Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until August 3 at participating stores.

July 26. Starts at dusk. FREE. Monday Movie Nights at Simi Valley Town Center mall in food court area, some seating, okay to bring chairs. Movie this week is “G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra.”

July 26 and July 29. 10 a.m. Free showing of The Cat in the Hat (PG). The Promenade at Westlake presents the Summer Film Festival! Free family movies at Mann Westlake 8 Theatres, Mondays and Thursdays. Plus, receive a KIDS EAT FREE postcard when you see a movie during the Summer Film Festival. Enjoy lunch at one of The Promenade restaurants listed below, where you will receive a free kids meal with purchase of any adult entree and beverage. 180 Promenade Way, Promenade Mall, Westlake Village, 91362. (805) 379-2299.

July 27. 10 a.m. AMC Summer Movie Camp will be offered at 10 a.m. each Tuesday morning this summer at participating theatres, from June 15 through August 10. This week the movie is Kung Fu Panda (PG). Each ticket is $1 and all admission and concession proceeds will benefit two AMC charities, Variety – The Children’s Charity and the Will Rogers Institute. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. Tickets for each week will be on sale approximately one week prior to the scheduled show date.

July 27. Enjoy Shakespeare's beloved comedy "A Midsummer Night's Dream" under the stars at Descanso Gardens in the Under the Oaks Theater. Seating is also available on the Main Lawn. Bring picnics and blankets (not normally allowed in the Gardens) and enjoy the Bard’s work in the twilight hours. Ages 12 and older. Free with admission. $8 adults, $3 children 5-12. (If you’re interested, call for the time. I saw conflicting times for this event). 818-949-4200.

July 27-28. 10 a.m. FREE summer movies at select Regal Theatres. Selected G or PG movies start at 10:00am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity. Tickets for the 2010 Free Family Film Festival are exclusively available at select theatres’ box office on the day of the show. Curious George (G) and Monsters Vs. Aliens (PG) are both playing at the Civic Center Stadium 16 in Simi Valley and the Canyon Country Stadium 10 on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG) and Surf's Up (PG) are playing at the Grand Palace Stadium 6 on 4767 Commons Way in Calabasas.

July 28. 2-2:45 p.m. and 3-3:45 p.m. FREE. Blue Submarine presents Lifestyles of the Slimy & Squishy at the South Pasadena Library.
2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Preschoolers through 1st graders, 3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. 2nd graders and older. To teach children about ocean ecology, the Little Blue Submarine encourages children to experience marine life up-close and personal with live tidepool animals, specimens, and colorful puppets. Sea stars, whales, sharks, and octopus are just some of the animals featured. 1100 Oxley St., South Pasadena.

July 28. 11 a.m. FREE. Kids Club at the Sherman Oaks Galleria. Dance to The Happy Crowd’s cheery tunes. 15301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks.

July 28. 4-6 p.m. FREE. Milk the Moment Tour at The Americana at Brand. Kids can have a “milk mustache” photo taken with Handy Manny and learn about milk facts, activities and contests. www.whymilk.com 889 Americana Way, Suite 330, Glendale.

July 28. 7 p.m. FREE. Children’s Night at Levitt Pavilion. Musician Charlie Hope. Melodic, interactive and sing-able - you’ll find an opportunity to stomp your feet. 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena.

July 29. 8 p.m. Free All-Time Favorite Movies Under The Stars! The Grove Presents Movies in The Park. This week is Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PG-13). Bring a blanket (no chairs, please) and have a magical evening at The Grove. The event opens for general grass and bleacher seating at 7:15pm. For early access, and to bypass the line, simply pre-order gourmet picnics from any of The Grove's fine restaurants or purchase gourmet picnics in The Park. Compliment your outdoor movie experience with a delicious meal. Early access begins at 6:30pm. Only The Grove food permitted in The Park, please. 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036. PHONE 323.900.8080.

July 29. 5:30-7 p.m. Jazz at Descanso Gardens. “The Evolution of American Jazz” concert series on Thursday evenings will feature top local talent performing on the new earthen stage on Descanso’s Main Lawn. Bring a blanket to sit on and a picnic supper (normally not allowed inside the Gardens), and settle back to savor music from some of SoCal’s finest jazz artists. Concerts run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. through August 12. Concerts are free with admission to the Gardens and free for members. This week, Kristin Korb plays “California cool” jazz.

July 29. 6-9 p.m. Thursday night summer concerts at the Autry Museum (across from L.A. Zoo. See top Latin bands in a fun, casual, energetic setting on the Autry plaza. The taco and drink bar open at 6:00 p.m., and the museum and museum store close at 8:00 p.m. Complimentary dance lessons and a separate dance floor for kids guarantee fun for all! Free for Autry members / $7 for nonmembers. This week enjoy Los Compadres. The group is made up of eight individuals with the same goal: to have fun playing music. Formed in 2007 by a collection of long-time friends and colleagues, Los Compadres brings with them a classic sound with a new approach. Mixing original arrangements with some old-school classics, Los Compadres is guaranteed to make you dance all night long.

Ongoing Deals

Enter to win a coupon for a free M&M’s! The game doesn’t tell you if you won or not so make sure to play daily to increase your chances. Here’s the link: http://www.mms.com/us/couponsweepstakes/

Here’s a great site to find where kids eat free. Very easy to use and nice layout. http://www.kidseatfor.com/

Many friends have recently become interested in the gourmet food trucks that offer good prices on great food. Here's the site where you can track all the latest tweets in one place and see where you'd like to go next to sample some outrageously good food. (Thanks to my awesome husband for this kickback!) www.findlafoodtrucks.com

Vistaprint has an offer for 250 free business cards when you pay $5.67 for shipping. That ends up costing 2-cents a card. A friend of mine made some to hand out to new moms she met to arrange play dates. Easier than writing out your contact information every time! You can choose from 45 designs and enter your own text. Offer expires Sunday, July 25, 2010. www.Vistaprint.com