Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 7-1

Activities

July 1-4. Brunswick is giving away a FREE game of bowling to every person in America, every day of the July 4th weekend! July 1st - July 4th. No coupon necessary, just come in for your FREE game each day of the weekend! (I’m guessing shoe rental is not included, but still a good deal!)

July 2. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Every first Saturday of the month). Home Depot's Free Kids Workshop. 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.

July 2. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Latin Sounds in Hancock Park. (Free event every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September). This week: Freddie Ravel at LACMA, in Hancock Park north of the museum.

July 3. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). This week: The Encore Saxophone Quartet with pianist Bryan Pezzone

These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

July 4. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Annual San Fernando Valley Independence Day Celebration at Hansen Dam. This 4th of July Celebration at Hansen Dam is in its 17th year and celebrates “hometown heroes.” Check out gourmet food trucks, music, raffles and prizes, free water slide, kid zone and other entertainment. Take a swim in the 1.5-acre swim lake which is available for use during the day (there may be a small charge for the swimming).The fireworks show is orchestrated with patriotic music.Hansen Dam Recreation Area, 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace.

July 4. 4:30 pm – 10 pm. The FREE festival and fireworks show at Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch includes moon bounces and face painting for the children, an outdoor stage show as well as optional food purchases from over a dozen local food vendors; all capped off with a twenty-one minute aerial fireworks display. Shepherd of the Hills Church , 19700 Rinaldi Street, Porter Ranch, CA 91326. www.theshepherd.org/events/4th-of-july-spectacular

July 4. Concert begins at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:08 p.m. Councilman Dennis P. Zine’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza at Warner Park. Music by Los Angeles Pierce Symphonic Winds and Taylor Made, the James Taylor Tribute Band. 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills. Free event.

July 5. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

July 5. Free day for La Brea Tar Pits and the Natural History Museum.

July 5. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free evening at Kidspace Museum. This museum in Pasadena is a lot of fun for children and normally $10 a person, so this is a great deal! (It offers free admission the first Tuesday of the month from 4-8 p.m.) 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, 91103. (626) 449-9144. www.kidspacemuseum.org.

July 5. 5 p.m. FREE LEGO^® mini model build at the Glendale Galleria LEGO store, the first Tuesday of each month. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. (I brought my 5 year old and he was able to complete the build without a problem). 2148 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, 91210. (818) 549-0733. Make sure to get there early (we arrived around 4:30) and bring snacks and things to do while you wait in line.

July 5. 5:30 p.m. Summer Family Series at Descanso Gardens. For six Tuesday evenings, enjoy family-friendly music, theater and fairies. Bring a picnic (normally not allowed in the Gardens) and get ready for fun. Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. This week: “A Midsummer Night's Eve," presented by Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

July 5-6. 10 a.m. $1 summer movies at select Regal Theatres. Selected G or PG movies start at 10 am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity. KIT KITTREDGE & SPY NEXT DOOR are playing at the Civic Center Stadium 16 in Simi Valley at 2751 Tapo Cyn Road. CATS AND DOGS: REVENGE & SHREK FOREVER AFTER are playing at the Canyon Country Stadium 10 at 18800 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. CHARLOTTE'S WEB &YOGI BEAR are playing at the Grand Palace Stadium 6 at 4767 Commons Way in Calabasas. Here’s the link for the full summer schedule: http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx

July 7. 10:30 a.m. Free Kid's Club at the Northridge Fashion Center in the Food Court. Comedy Magic Show! Jersey Jim brings some of the funniest magic you will ever see. Entertainment the young and old will enjoy. (Thanks to Janice for the deal!)

July 7. 5:30 p.m. Music on the Main jazz series at Descanso Gardens.Gonzalo Bergara headlines a concert of jazz with Gypsy and tango influences. Bring a picnic (usually not allowed in the Gardens.) Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

July 7. 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 bar opens 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! Adults: $10 / Students and Seniors: $6 / Children (3–12): $4 / Children under 3: Free. Purchase membership on-site and enjoy all nine Sizzling Summer Nights for free. This week: Octavio Figueroa and La Combinacion Salsa Band. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027. 323.667.2000.

Coffee Deal

Sonoma Coffee Cafe on Tampa has a free coffee coupon on their website that is good through 7/6. Their coffee is really good, locally roasted and much fresher than average. They also have live music on Friday and Saturday nights and of course free Wifi. (Thanks Rick for the deal!) Here’s a link to the coupon: http://www.sonomacoffeeshop.com/promo/Free%20coffee%20coupon.pdf

Upcoming Events

July 8. 7-9:30 p.m. Keyes Lexus of Valencia has free Jazz and Blues concert series every Friday night thru Aug. 27. This week: Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps. 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!)

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 6-10

Activities

June 10. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. This week: Charles Owens Quintet. BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

June 10. 6 to 9 p.m. Free admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Friday Shark Lagoon Nights. The aquarium is free from 6pm to 9pm select Friday nights. Please note that while it is almost every Friday, some Fridays are excluded. Check the dates for availability before you go. Shark Lagoon Nights can be canceled due to poor weather. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.

June 11. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a project. 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. I would recommend trying to sign up online and getting there early. The last time we went there were fewer projects available and people who signed up ahead were given priority.

June 11. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Target Free Family Saturday at the Japanese American National Museum. 369 E. First St., Los Angeles.

June 11. 12 p.m.-7 p.m. Happy Birthday Pasadena at the Pasadena Museum of History. The free day includes music, dancing, entertainment and hands-on activities. www.pasadenahistory.org 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena.

June 11. 3-5 p.m. Christian Performing Arts Center’s Dance Production. $15 for adults, $8 for children. Tickets on sale now 818-921-4430. www.cpacstudio.com Birmingham High School Theatre. 17000 Haynes Street, Lake Balboa.

June 11. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Latin Sounds in Hancock Park. (Free event every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September). This week: Louie Cruz Beltran. Dorothy Collins Brown Amphitheater at LACMA, in Hancock Park north of the museum.

June 12. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). This week: Violinist Phillip Levy and Capitol Ensemble. These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

June 14. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

June 14-15. 10 a.m. $1 summer movies at select Regal Theatres. Selected G or PG movies start at 10 am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON & MARMADUKE are playing at the Civic Center Stadium 16 in Simi Valley at 2751 Tapo Cyn Road. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID & TALE OF DESPEREAUX are playing at the Canyon Country Stadium 10 at 18800 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. MONSTERS VS. ALIENS & THE SPY NEXT DOOR are playing at the Grand Palace Stadium 6 at 4767 Commons Way in Calabasas.

Ongoing Deals

Get a free Father’s Day card from Paper Snaps right now. It even ships free and no coupon code needed. You can personalize the words and add photos! This deal is good until June 13. http://www.papersnaps.com/more-1/fathers-day-greeting-cards.html

Another card company, Card Store, is offering a free card with free shipping! Use code FREECARD when you check out. http://www.cardstore.com/?utm_medium=aff&affid=310&utm_campaign=CJprogram&utm_source=CJ (Thanks to common sense with money for these card deals!)

Here’s a bowling deal Brenda told me about. Children 16 and under get 2 free games a day, shoe rental is not included, from May to September (the dates are on the website).Also there is a plan for 17 years and older, $28 for 4 adults all summer, 2 games a day free, shoes not included. Not bad if you have a participating bowling alley nearby. Check out the details at www.freebowling.amf.com

Interested in a Los Angeles Zoo Membership? I received an email from the zoo today, giving me a code to pass on to anyone interested in a membership. Use this code to get $10 off membership: 11105FFW This code is valid until June 30.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 5-20

Activities

May 19-May 29. Bring in any gently used clothes to the Gap and receive 30% off your same-day purchases through May 29^th! Your donated clothes will be given to Goodwill. You will receive 35% off if you are a Gap Card holder. Looks like a great way to help out a great organization and get new clothes for your kids!

May 20. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. This week: Pianist and recording artist Jon Mayer began his career with the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Sarah Vaughan and Dionne Warwick. As a leader he has been joined by such legendary artists as Ron Carter, Ernie Watts, and Billy Higgins, and his live and studio recordings are staples on jazz stations across the country. BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

May 21. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free Lego Club for Kids at The Burbank Central Library. Open to kids from ages 2-14 and their families! Specially sized larger blocks will be available for toddlers. 110 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, 91502. For more information call (818) 238-5600.

May 22. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). This week: Crossroads Orchestra with Alexander Treger, conductor, performs Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings, Mahler: Adagietto from Symphony No. 5, and Vivaldi: Dual Cello Concerto, RV 531. These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

May 24. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

May 26 (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. King’s Kid’s Building, West Campus, 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, 91405. Call 818-779-8000 for more information.

Upcoming Events

May 28. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Latin Sounds in Hancock Park. (Free event every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September). This week: Costazul. For over 20 years, Costazul has been one of the highlights on the West Coast salsa scene. Founded by brothers Freddie and Johnny Crespo, the group is known for its energetic New York swing sound performed by some of salsa’s finest musicians. Dorothy Collins Brown Amphitheater at LACMA, in Hancock Park north of the museum.

May 28-30. 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free 38th Annual Valley Greek Festival. St. Nicholas Church and its 500 volunteers invite you to enjoy a cultural experience for the entire family with live music, dancing, gourmet food, homemade pastries, cooking demonstrations, children's activities, a Greek market, and a variety of shopping boutiques. Boasting a three-day average of 50,000 guests, the admission-free fundraiser is the largest festival of its kind in the area. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 9501 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91325. (818) 886-4040. info@valleygreekfestival.com

June 11. 3-5 p.m. Christian Performing Arts Center’s Dance Production. $15 for adults, $8 for children. Tickets on sale now 818-921-4430. www.cpacstudio.com Birmingham High School Theatre. 17000 Haynes Street, Lake Balboa.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 4-29

Activities

April 30. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Held in conjunction with the Day of the Child and National Child Abuse Prevention, this open-air street festival is free for everyone. A city block is closed down for the day and filled with music, laughter and color as children and families come together to interact, learn and play. Over 20 activities include: face painting, bubble bonanza, drum-circle, Aztec dancing, climbing wall, crafts for kids, and more. The Echo Center (Formerly the Center for Non Violent Education) provides education and support for all parents and families. For all ages. FREE. Echo Parenting and Education Center, 1226 N. Alvarado St., Los Angeles (Echo Park) (Thanks to Family Finds for the idea!)

April 30- May1. (April 30 10am – 6pm, May 1 10am – 5pm). The free annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books! This event includes celebrity appearances, live music, cooking demos, author reading, an area especially for kids and much more! It will be at USC this year. To locate USC on Yahoo! Maps or similar mapping software, you may use the intersection of Exposition Blvd and S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90089. Parking at the USC campus will be $10. Find out more at http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/

May 1. 9 a.m. Get tickets for March free day for Huntington Gardens. Call 800-838-3006 or get tickets online at http://www.huntington.org/default.aspx.

May 1. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. This week:Young Musicians Foundation Chamber Ensembles perform works by Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorák, Hindemith, Berkeley, and Adrienne Albert’s New York Gardens. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

May 3. Free day for La Brea Tar Pits and the Natural History Museum.

May 3. 5 p.m. FREE LEGO^® mini model build at the Glendale Galleria LEGO store, the first Tuesday of each month. One free per child. This month make a lego flower. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. 2148 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, 91210. (818) 549-0733.

May 3. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free evening at Kidspace Museum. This museum in Pasadena is a lot of fun for children and normally $10 a person, so this is a great deal! (It offers free admission the first Tuesday of the month from 4-8 p.m.) 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, 91103. (626) 449-9144. www.kidspacemuseum.org.

May 3. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

May 5 (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. King’s Kid’s Building, West Campus, 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, 91405. Call 818-779-8000 for more information.

Ongoing Events

Now is the time to register for the free L.A. County Junior Golf Program for the summer. Children 18 and under are welcome. Here’s the link to the form: http://www.lacountyjuniorgolf.com/norsumv1.pdf

Select Wendy’s locations are doing the Frostys keychain promotion again this year. Purchase the keychain for $1 (donated to charity), and get a FREE Junior Frosty (the small kids size). On each returning visit to Wendy’s present the keychain and you’ll get a FREE Junior Frosty with any purchase. Valid at participating Wendy’s for the whole year!

During April, kids eat free at IHOP daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. One free kid’s meal with each adult entrée purchase.

Chipotle is also offering a deal for families in April! On Saturdays and Sundays in April (including Sunday, May 1^st) buy a burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos; get one kid’s meal free! This offer is good in L.A. and Orange County. (Thanks to my friend Mercy for the deal!)

Upcoming Events

On May 6th, you can get free admission to a garden near you! Descanso Gardens is one of the beautiful gardens nearby, in La Canada. Here’s the link. http://www.bhg.com/gardening/celebrate-national-public-gardens-day/

Click on get coupon. Follow the instructions to sign up, then click on ‘Download Now’ to print your Free Admission voucher! (Thanks to Frugal Girls for the deal!)

May 7. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a project. 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.

May 7. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Every first Saturday of the month). Home Depot's Free Kids Workshop. 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.

May 7. 2 p.m. The Throne of Fire Release Party and Pharaoh's Quest LEGO Giveaway at Borders in Northridge (other Borders also participating. Call your local store to see if they are holding this event). Put on your favorite pharaoh gear, brush up on your hieroglyphics and get ready to party with Rick Riordan's The Kane Chronicles and free LEGO's Pharaoh's Quest building set! Space for this event is limited, call the store to RSVP. 818.886.5443. 9301 Tampa Ave., Northridge, CA 91324.

May 10. 4 p.m.-7 p.m. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is giving away free ice blended drinks during their open house! The freebie applies to mocha mint chip, cookies and cream and expresso cream ice blended drink; no substitutions. There’s a limit of one free drink per customer, and it excludes all Ralphs stores, casinos, campus or airport locations.

May 21. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free Lego Club for Kids at The Burbank Central Library. Open to kids from ages 2-14 and their families! Specially sized larger blocks will be available for toddlers. 110 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, 91502. For more information call (818) 238-5600.

June 11. 3-5 p.m. Christian Performing Arts Center’s Dance Production. $15 for adults, $8 for children. Tickets on sale now 818-921-4430. www.cpacstudio.com Birmingham High School Theatre. 17000 Haynes Street, Lake Balboa.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 4-8

Activities

March 19-April 17 (while supplies last). Visit the Busy Bee Learning Store at Kidspace to purchase live caterpillars for $5. Then raise your caterpillars from pupa to chrysalis, and finally into beautiful butterflies by following the directions included with your butterfly adoption kit. We did this last year and it was a lot of fun! Kidspace Museum, 480 North Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91103.

April 9. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a project. 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.

April 9-10. 10am-4pm. Earth Day at the L.A. Zoo! Join the Los Angeles Zoo and K-EARTH101 FM for two-days of festivities that will include recycled crafts, information booths, and K-EARTH DJs. All activities are free to GLAZA members and with paid Zoo admission.

April 10. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Children’s Earth Day at STAR ECO Station. Join the celebration at L.A.'s largest Earth Day event. The eco-extravaganza features eco-friendly giveaways, games, prizes, crafts, fun foods, rescued exotic wildlife, green shopping, environmental heroes & experts, celebrities, and live entertainment. Additionally, STAR ECO Station tours will run throughout the day at a special discounted rate of $5. For all ages. STAR ECO Station. 10101 Jefferson Blvd. Culver City. (Thanks to Family Finds for the idea!)

April 10. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. This week: Members of Musica-Angelica Baroque Orchestra perform music of the Italian Baroque. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

April 12. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

April 14 (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. King’s Kid’s Building, West Campus, 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, 91405. Call 818-779-8000 for more information.

Ongoing Events

It appears that select Wendy’s locations are doing the Frostys keychain promotion again this year. Purchase the keychain for $1 (donated to charity), and get a FREE Junior Frosty (the small kids size). On each returning visit to Wendy’s present the keychain and you’ll get a FREE Junior Frosty with any purchase. Valid at participating Wendy’s for the whole year!

During April, kids eat free at IHOP daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. One free kid’s meal with each adult entrée purchase.

Chipotle is also offering a deal for families in April! On Saturdays and Sundays in April, buy a burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos; get one kid’s meal free! This offer is good in L.A. and Orange County. (Thanks to my friend Mercy for the deal!)

Now through December 31. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Da Vinci Museum Exhibit. This looks amazing! It has more than 60 full-size machines to look at, along with reproductions of his famous artwork. There is also an activities zone with games and crafts. It’s a bit pricey, $18 for adults, $13 for students and $11 for children. Hollywood and Highland Center, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. http://leonardodavincimuseumexhibit.com

I found a coupon for the Da Vinci Museum Exhibit! Here’s a link for $3 off admission. http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/thearts/details.html?offerid=853

Spring Break Ideas  

Looking for things to do with your kiddos? Here are some ideas…

--Los Angeles Arboretum. Free parking. Admission free on the third Tuesday of the month

--California Science Center. Free admission. Open from 10 to 5. Parking is $8.

--Ronald Regan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. Open 10-5, parking is free. Adults are $12, children 10 and under are free. Includes touring interior of Air Force One.

--Descanso Gardens in La Canada. Open daily from 9 to 5. Adults $8, Children 5 to 12 $3, under 5 free. Parking is free. They also have musical events, some of which are free with admission.

--Getty Museum in Brentwood and Getty Villa near Malibu. Admission is free. Villa requires reservations. Parking is $15. (Closed on Mondays).

--Miniature golfing at Castle Park in Sherman Oaks. Weekend Early Birds $3 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Kids 4 and under free with paid adult.

--Griffith Observatory. Open Tues.-Friday 12 noon to 10, Sat. and Sun. 10-10. Free admission.

Upcoming Events

April 16. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Earth Day Festival at Descanso Gardens. General $8. Senior/Students $6. Children (5 to 12 years) $3. Guild members and children under 5 free. Enjoy a day filled with educational activities, music and entertainment for all ages. Activities for kids include Ladybug Land, which features ladybugs in all stages of their life cycle, ladybug puzzles, ladybug parachute games and a make-and-take ladybug craft. Children’s activities will be on the Main Lawn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also, the Moo Doo Puppets will perform “Earth Day Safari” at 11 a.m. on the Main Lawn.The Mobile Homeboys will return to Descanso to perform their distinctive blend of country, rock, roots and bluegrass music. Showtime is 1 p.m. in the Under the Oaks Theater. Also on the Main Lawn: Patina will offer a barbecue menu for purchase with locally grown food from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Main Lawn. There is ample free parking.

April 22 - April 24. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Big Bunny’s Spring Fling at the Los Angeles Zoo. This event features bunny related crafts and activities including the Be-A-Bunny Ear Craft and Funny Bunny Face Painting. Children can also pet bunnies and plant their own carrot seeds to take home. In addition (for a nominal fee), Big Bunny will be available for souvenir photos. 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027. (323) 644-4200.

June 11. 3-5 p.m. Christian Performing Arts Center’s Dance Production. $15 for adults, $8 for children. Tickets on sale now 818-921-4430. www.cpacstudio.com Birmingham High School Theatre. 17000 Haynes Street, Lake Balboa.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 3-25

Activities

March 19-April 17 (while supplies last). Visit the Busy Bee Learning Store at Kidspace to purchase live caterpillars for $5. Then raise your caterpillars from pupa to chrysalis, and finally into beautiful butterflies by following the directions included with your butterfly adoption kit. We did this last year and it was a lot of fun! Kidspace Museum, 480 North Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91103.

March 26. 2 p.m. LEGO fun at Borders bookstore! LEGO Racers is the ultimate LEGO experience for kids who love to build and play with cars. Receive a free LEGO racer and have some LEGO-building fun! Space is limited, call the store for details. First come, first served. Borders at the Northridge Mall, 9301 Tampa Ave.,Northridge, CA 91324. (Call to see if your local store is participating).

March 26. 2 p.m. Free Magic Show at the Granada Hills Library. Magic Workshop to follow at 3 p.m. for ages 8 and older. Limited space for workshop. Sign-up at the Reference Desk. 10640 Petit Avenue, Granada Hills. 818-368-5687.

March 26. 2 p.m. Dave Kinnoin: Gorilla Feet. A popular local performer will present rain forest-themed music. Free. Mark Taper Auditorium, Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles. 213-228-7250.

March 27. 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: Pianist Joel Fan performs Ernesto Nazaret: Vem CÁ, Branquinha, Tango for Piano; Heitor Villa-Lobos: Alma Brasiliera; Margaret Bonds: Troubled Water; Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major, Op.110. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

March 29. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

March 31 (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. King’s Kid’s Building, West Campus, 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, 91405. Call 818-779-8000 for more information.

Ongoing Events

Now through December 31. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Daily. Da Vinci Museum Exhibit. This looks amazing! It has more than 60 full-size machines to look at, along with reproductions of his famous artwork. There is also an activities zone with games and crafts. It’s a bit pricy, $18 for adults, $13 for students and $11 for children. I’m keeping my eye out for a deal on this! If you find one, please let me know. Hollywood and Highland Center, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. http://leonardodavincimuseumexhibit.com

Upcoming Events

April 22 - April 24. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Big Bunny’s Spring Fling at the Los Angeles Zoo. This event features bunny related crafts and activities including the Be-A-Bunny Ear Craft and Funny Bunny Face Painting. Children can also pet bunnies and plant their own carrot seeds to take home. In addition (for a nominal fee), Big Bunny will be available for souvenir photos. 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027. (323) 644-4200.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 3-18

Activities

March 17-20. Give and Get is here! Get 30% off your purchase at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society gets 5% of what you spend! (Not valid online). Here’s the link to the coupon: http://gap.p.delivery.net/m/p/gap/gcan/gpjump.asp?p=bp/lls.html

If you don’t make it shopping this weekend, this coupon is good for Old Navy for 30% off your entire purchase through March 24^th. http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/info.do?cid=62414

March 19. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Huge used book sale at Mid Valley Regional Library. Children’s books are generally 25 cents each! 16244 Nordoff Street, North Hills. 818-895-3650.

March 19. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Family Festival at the Getty Center.1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles. Free admission, parking is $15. The whole family can discover the richness and beauty of the ancient empires of India, Japan, and China as well as the recent explosions in artistic creativity. Experience traditional Chinese opera, listen to Chinese folktales told by a master storyteller, and be dazzled by the amazing music and dance of these vibrant cultures. Includes hands-on activities for the kids. Here’s a link to check the schedule: http://www.getty.edu/education/kids_families/programs/center_family_festival.html

March 19-April 17 (while supplies last). Visit the Busy Bee Learning Store at Kidspace to purchase live caterpillars for $5. Then raise your caterpillars from pupa to chrysalis, and finally into beautiful butterflies by following the directions included with your butterfly adoption kit. We did this last year and it was a lot of fun! Kidspace Museum, 480 North Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91103.

March 20. 6 p.m. Marrieds Meeting at The Church on the Way. Come enjoy fellowship with other married couples. Childcare is available!

March 20. 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: Pianist Andrew Brownell performs Clementi: Toccata, Opus 11 and Sonata in B-flat, Opus 24, No.2; Mozart: Variations on a Theme of Paisiello, K.398; Beethoven: Sonata in B-flat, Opus 22. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

March 22. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

March 24 (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. King’s Kid’s Building, West Campus, 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, 91405. Call 818-779-8000 for more information.

Upcoming Events

April 22 - April 24. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Big Bunny’s Spring Fling at the Los Angeles Zoo. This event features bunny related crafts and activities including the Be-A-Bunny Ear Craft and Funny Bunny Face Painting. Children can also pet bunnies and plant their own carrot seeds to take home. In addition (for a nominal fee), Big Bunny will be available for souvenir photos. 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027. (323) 644-4200.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 3-4

Activities

March 4- March 6. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. L.A. Kids Consignment Sale. This twice-yearly consignment sale is the largest in L.A. with over 50,000 items. You probably want to leave the kids at home for this one if you can. 50% off most things left on Sunday. 157 W. Providencia Ave., Burbank.

March 5. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Every first Saturday of the month). Home Depot's Free Kids Workshop. 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.

March 5. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free 15^th Anniversary Celebration at the Mid Valley Regional Branch Library. Includes music by Monroe jazz band, bubble mania and Zumba! 16244 Nordoff Street, North Hills. 818-895-3650.

March 5. 2 p.m. Read Across America. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with storytime, games and crafts at your local Borders book store (I would call and confirm your store is participating).

March 6. 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 United States Army Chorus, under the direction of Major Dwayne Milburn, performs works by Gounod, Wagner, and Foster, together with popular standards and traditional favorites.

March 8. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall. This week will be about time.

March 9. Free single serving of Panda Express Golden Treasure Shrimp! Here’s the coupon: http://www.pandaexpress.com/PX/Facebook/Images/GTS_Coupon_030911.html

March 10 (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. King’s Kid’s Building, West Campus, 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, 91405. Call 818-779-8000 for more information.

Upcoming Events

March 19. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Huge used book sale at Mid Valley Regional Library. Children’s books are generally 25 cents each! 16244 Nordoff Street, North Hills. 818-895-3650.

April 22 - April 24. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Big Bunny’s Spring Fling at the Los Angeles Zoo. This event features bunny related crafts and activities including the Be-A-Bunny Ear Craft and Funny Bunny Face Painting. Children can also pet bunnies and plant their own carrot seeds to take home. In addition (for a nominal fee), Big Bunny will be available for souvenir photos. 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027. (323) 644-4200.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 2-18

Activities

February 18-19. Used Book Sale at Granada Hills Branch Library. Feb.19: 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 20: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Inside in the Community Room) Granada Hills, CA 91344.

February 20. 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 Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra, Case Scaglione Music Director & Conductor, performs Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras no.5, Schoenberg: Ode to Napoleon Bonaparte, and Copland: Appalachian Spring.

February 21& 22. Kids Eat Free at Chili’s restaurants on February 15th, 21st and and 22nd with the purchase of any adult entree. Kids 12 and under. 2 free kid’s meals per adult entree purchased. Not valid with any other offer or discount. I would call first to make sure your Chili’s is participating. I went on the 15^th with my boys, paid for my meal and got both of theirs for free! Love a good deal! Here’s a copy of the flyer. http://Chilis.fbmta.com/members/ViewMailing.aspx?MailingID=23622344753&MemberID=23632270583

February 22. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

February 24 (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. King’s Kid’s Building, West Campus, 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, 91405. Call 818-779-8000 for more information.

February 24-27. Valley Kids Consignment Premiere Event. Friday and Saturday, 9am-7pm, Sunday February 27th 2011 (50% off) 9am-5pm. 9660 Cozycroft Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311.

Upcoming Events

February 26. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a project. 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.

March 1. 5 p.m. FREE LEGO^® mini model build at the Glendale Galleria LEGO store, the first Tuesday of each month. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. ( I brought my 5 year old and it was no problem). 2148 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, 91210.(818) 549-0733. I attended this for the first time last month and it was a lot of fun! Make sure to get their early (we arrived around 4:30) and bring snacks and things to do while you wait in line.

March 1. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Free pancakes at IHOP! Receive one free short stack per person, no purchase necessary. Donations go to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 2-4

Activities

February 4. 6 to 9 p.m. Free admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Friday Shark Lagoon Nights. The aquarium is free from 6pm to 9pm select Friday nights. Please note that while it is almost every Friday, some Fridays are excluded. Check the dates for availability before you go. Shark Lagoon Nights can be canceled due to poor weather. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.

February 4. 4 p.m.-6 p.m. FREE Michaels' Kids Workshop. Come and make a Free Valentine's Candy Photo Holder! This workshop is intended for children 3 and older.

February 5. 9 a.m. (Light breakfast at 8 a.m.) Women N’ Sync at The Church on the Way, East Campus, Living Room. Monthly gathering for the women at TCOTW. Guests welcome! Childcare available. Call 818-779-8085 to reserve childcare.

February 5. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Every first Saturday of the month). Home Depot's Free Kids Workshop. 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. This month, make a heart shelf!

February 5-6. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Snow Days at the Zoo. Areas affected will be the habitats for the Zoo's American black bear, Sumatran tigers, North American river otters, giant otters, Asian elephants, and snow leopards. This is a “cool” and rare opportunity to view these creatures playing and exploring in a snowy winter wonderland. Adults are $14, kids 2-12 are $9. The Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles.

February 6. 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: Cellist Guido Schiefen and pianist Eric Levan. In celebration of the Bicentennial of Liszt’s birth in 1811, Cellist Guido Schiefen and pianist Eric Levan perform the complete cello / piano works of Franz Liszt.

February 8. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

February 10 (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. King’s Kid’s Building, West Campus, 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, 91405. Call 818-779-8000 for more information.

Ongoing Deals

50% Off at Barnes and Noble

$10 for $20 Worth of Toys and Games, Books and More at Barnes & Noble

http://www.groupon.com/deals/barnes-noble-national-division?utm_medium=afl&utm_campaign=2784074&utm_source=rvs

• Offer is available through 10 PM (Pacific Time) Monday 2-7-11. Quantities are limited, so the deal may end before that time.
• Expires Apr 10, 2011

• Limit 1/person. Limit 1/trans. Valid in-store or online. Valid on sale items. Groupon value reduces by $10 on 4/11, except where prohibited. Groupon issued by Barnes & Noble Marketing Services LLC. See full terms.
• See the rules that apply to all deals.

Check out this blog my friend Josie told me about. http://womanfreebies.com/ It has info about all kinds of free samples you can send away for. You can also sign up to get emails sent to you highlighting the best of the blog ideas.

During the month of February, all regular footlong sandwiches at Subway are $5!

Upcoming Events

February 12. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free weekly crafts at Lakeshore on Saturdays! On the 12th, your child can make a Valentine's Day Bouquet.

February 13. 6 p.m. $25 per couple. Marrieds Valentine Dinner at the Church on the Way in the Living Room, East Campus. Come to a wonderful dinner with special musical guests and touching stories and child care for birth through 6^th grade. Call 818-779-8095 for more information.

February 24-27. Valley Kids Consignment Premiere Event. Friday and Saturday, 9am-7pm, Sunday February 27th 2011 (50% off) 9am-5pm. 9660 Cozycroft Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311.

March 1. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Free pancakes at IHOP! Receive one free short stack per person, no purchase necessary. Donations go to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.

Kristin’s Kickbacks List Week of 12-17

Activities

December 17. 11 AM to 12 PM. Borders Northridge is hosting a children's (ages 12 and under) holiday craft time. We will be making greeting cards and/or decorations and listening to holiday stories.

December 17. 6:30-8 p.m. Free Music Center Holiday Sing-Along. Bundle up and sing along around the stars. Sing along with live musical accompaniment. Lyric sheets provided. Tickets are distributed at 6 p.m., while supplies last. One ticket per person to those waiting in line. Seating capacity is limited. 135 N. Grand Avenue, Downtown L.A. Parking available in the Music Center garage for $9. (213) 972-3660. www.musiccenter.org

December 18. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a project. 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.

December 18-22. 7 p.m.-9 p.m. "Back to Bethlehem" is a FREE community event held at The Church at Rocky Peak in Chatsworth, CA. Travel back in time and interact with villagers in our outdoor re-creation of the town of Bethlehem. Participate with town merchants and craftsmen. Avoid the Roman centurions and tax collectors! See for yourself an overworked innkeeper, excited shepherds, three mysterious travelers, angelic visitors and a young couple with a newborn baby. Back to Bethlehem is a Christmas event for the whole family! Closed in the event of heavy rain or heavy winds at the time of the event.

December 19. 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: NEC pianist Lu Shen performs Schumann: Symphonic Etudes, Opus 13, Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Opus 75, and Peixun Chen: Autumn Moon on Calm Lake.

December 21. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall. Theme this week is winter.

December 21. 7:30 p.m. FREE. Family Songs and Sing-along for the Holidays. Songs, stories and sweet at this family-friendly night around the campfire. Temescal Gateway Park, 15601 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades. 310-454-1395.

Ongoing Deals

December 17- December 24. Old Navy Deal (in-store only). They have Men’s and Women’s Techno Hoodies on sale for $15 (normally $29.50). Techno Hoodies include built-in earbuds and is machine washable. It works with most MP3 players and mobile phones. Sounds like a fun gift!

Glen Ivy Spa 25% Off!
http://www.glenivy.com/store/product.php?productid=54&cat=9&page=1
For those of you who like the elegance of the Glen Ivy Spa, you can now get gift cards for any of their locations at 25% off. Purchase a gift card worth $100 for only $75. Hurry, this offer ends December 20th.

December 13-January 9. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Science in Toyland at the California Science Center. In this exhibit, kids can play games while learning science concepts, like how to make bridges stronger or why tops spin. FREE! 700 Exposition Park Dr., L.A.

Upcoming Deals

December 24. 3-6 p.m. L.A. County Holiday Celebration. A free holiday show with singing, dancing and music groups (wristbands are required for entry). You can also enjoy it from home on KCET-TV, KCET.org or KPFK 90.7 FM. Parking is also free. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Although no tickets or reservations are necessary, wristbands are required for entry. Wristbands will be handed out, one per person, starting at 11:30 a.m. Seating is first come, first served. Once a wristband is obtained, attendees will not have to wait in line. When all wristbands have been distributed, standbys will be tracked in order of arrival and admitted if seats are vacated.

Photo Deals

Snapfish has a great deal going on. Right now you can get 100 FREE 4" x 6" mail-order prints with any $5 purchase! Just use coupon MERRY1213 at checkout by 11:59PM PST December 19. Taxes and shipping are not included. www.snapfish.com

Discount Movie Theatres

Regency Valley Plaza 6

6355 Bellingham Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91606

(818) 760-8400.

Simi Valley 10 Cinemas
http://www.simivalley10.com/
Matinee: $3.00 Evening: $3.75
Box Office: (805)526-4329
1457 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley CA, 93065

Academy Cinemas - Pasadena
1003 E. Colorado Blvd
At Colorado & Catalina
Pasadena, CA. 91106
626-229-9400
http://www.regencymovies.com/main.php?theaterId=8
Matinee Admission $2.00 Films starting at and before 6pm
Evening Admission $3.00 Films starting after 6pm

Wednesday Night Special! Movies starting at 6 PM and later are a great deal for you and a buddy! You and a companion get 2 admissions, 2 popcorns and 2 sodas for only $10!