Kristin’s Kickbacks: Free and Inexpensive Summer Ideas

Bowling

● Kids bowl free program.  Select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in the Kids Bowl Free program. Children are eligible to register for 2 free games a day, all summer long.  Check out the website to find a participating bowling alley near you! http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

●Brunswick offers free bowling for kids during the summer! Students 18 and younger get one free game of bowling every day in June, July and August when you sign up for the bowling zone on their website.  They will also send you coupons throughout the year for discounted bowling. http://coupons.bowlbrunswick.com/ballpass/

Concerts

● LACMA has several free concerts throughout the summer.  Check their website for more details. http://www.lacma.org/

● Free Concerts in the Park in Santa Clarita at Central Park on Saturday nights at 7 p.m. from July 7 to August 25. 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita.   http://www.santa-clarita.com/arts/concerts/

● Free Concerts in Park at Warner Center Park on Sundays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills.

● Jazz at Descanso Gardens. Enjoy live jazz on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. from June 21-August 23. Concerts are free with paid admission to the Gardens and free for members. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 91011. (818) 949-4200.

● FREE Monday Morning Concerts for Children are back from June 18th – August 13^th at the Madrid Theatre! 21622 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303. 818-347-9938. Show time 10 AM until 11 AM. Recommended for children 6 to 9 years old. Monday Morning Concerts consist of a performance, a brief history lesson on the musical and cultural style being presented, and a question and answer session with the performers. Often children are invited on stage to be part of the experience.

● Thursday night summer concerts at the Autry Museum from 6-9 p.m. July 5-August 30 (across from L.A. Zoo). The taco bar opens at 6 p.m., and the museum and museum store close at 8 p.m. Complimentary dance lessons and a separate dance floor for kids guarantee fun for all! Free for Autry members / $10 for adults, children 3-12 are $4. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, 90027.  http://theautry.org/programs/music-festivals/sizzling-summer-nights

● The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts-Pasadena is proud to present its 10th annual 50 summer concert series. All concerts are FREE to the public beginning June 16 to August 25, Wednesday through Sunday. Enjoy an evening under the stars at Memorial Park in Old Pasadena while listening to quality entertainment ranging from Grammy winners and nominees, to international touring artists, and local favorites! 323-667-2000. http://www.levittpavilionpasadena.org/

Gardens

● Admission to The Huntington is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of every month with advanced tickets.  Get tickets June 1^st for July free day at 9 a.m.  Call 800-838-3006 or get tickets online at http://www.huntington.org/default.aspx. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 91108. 626-405-2100.

● Los Angeles Arboretum.  Free parking.  Admission free on the third Tuesday of the month. 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, 91007. (626) 821-3222.

● 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. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 91011. (818) 949-4200.

Movies

● Free Movies in the Park at Warner Center Park on Saturday evenings from 7-10 p.m., July 14-August 25. All movie start times are at dusk. Pre-feature entertainment begins at approximately 7 PM. 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills.

● $1 movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at the Regal Theatres in Simi Valley, Calabasas and Santa Clarita.  Older G and PG movies.  Check their website for schedule. http://www.regmovies.com/SummerMovieExpress2012.aspx

Museums

● Kidspace Museum in Pasadena—free admission on first Tuesday of the month from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 480 N. Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena, 91103. (626) 449-9144.

● Noah’s Ark at the Skirball Museum.  Free on Thursdays.  Advance tickets required. 2701 North Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90049. (310) 440-4500.

● California Science Center.  Free admission. Open from 10 to 5.  Parking is $8. 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, 90037. (323) 724-3623.

● Getty Museum in Brentwood and Getty Villa near Malibu.  Admission is free.  Villa requires reservations.  Parking is $15. Getty Center is at 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 440-7300. Getty Villa is at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. (310) 440-7300.

● Natural History Museum in Exposition Park is free on the first Tuesday of the month. Parking is $10. 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles. (213) 763-3466.

● La Brea Tar Pits is also free on the first Tuesday of the month. Parking is $6.00 with Page Museum validation (Page Museum parking lot only), $9.00 without Page Museum validation. Be sure to bring your parking ticket into the museum to receive your validation and get $2 off the cost of parking. 5801 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles. (323) 934-7243.

● LACMA is free on the second Tuesday of the month, as well as Holiday Mondays. Parking is now available in the new 6th Street parking garage, located just east of Fairfax Avenue. The charge is $10 and may be prepaid at all Welcome Centers, with credit cards now accepted.  5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles. (323) 857-6000.

● Did you know your children can get a free membership to LACMA?  NexGen offers free general admission to anyone 17 and under as well as one accompanying adult. To join, visit the LACMA box office or print the enrollment form and mail it in. Here’s the link for the enrollment form: http://www.lacma.org/programs/pdfs/NewEnglishNexGenForm.pdf

Water Fun

● New pool and aquatic center at Northridge Park. 10058 Reseda Blvd. Northridge, CA 91324. 818-709-7475. Call to find out hours and prices, as they do not have a great website. Bring a library card for discounts! 

● Aquatic center in Santa Clarita. $4 for adults, $3 for kids, 2 and under free.  (These were last year’s prices.  Hopefully the same this summer). Family Movie Nights at Aquatic center-- $7 a person, various dates. 20850 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita. 661-250-3766.

● Rancho Tapo Community Park—Water & Climbing Playground.  3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley. (Also known as Lemon Park)

Other Discounts

● Miniature golfing at Castle Park in Sherman Oaks.  Weekend Early Birds $3 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 

● Griffith Observatory.  Open Wednesday-Friday 12 noon to 10 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free admission.

Kristin’s Kickbacks 5-4

Activities

May 4-May 13. 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Starbucks Happy Hour.  You’ll be able to get your Frappucino for 50% off! (Thanks To Frugal Girls for this kickback!)

May 4-12.  Various Mother’s Day crafts events at Michaels arts and crafts store.  Some are free, some require a purchase.  Check out the link for details.  http://www.michaels.com/Store-Events/store-events,default,pg.html

May 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.

May 5. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. CAAM’s Free Annual Celebration of National Children’s Book Week.  There will be celebrity readers, local authors and storytelling, along with live music, art activities and other things for families. California African American Museum. 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, L.A. 213-744-2024. (You probably have to pay for parking, which I believe is $10 now).

May 5 (and every Saturday). 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Make a free craft at Lakeshore Learning Store. There is a store on Devonshire near Balboa and another in Pasadena. Check out their website for more information. (Next week on May 12 the children are making a handprint keepsake that looks cute!) www.lakeshorelearning.com

May 5-6. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sesame Street Live Weekend at the L.A. Zoo.  Bert, Ernie and Grover will be there to take pictures with you.  Admission to zoo: $16 adults, $11 children ages 2-12 (or get a discount on membership using the code below).

May 6. 12 noon-2 p.m. Sunday Afternoon for Kids: All That Can Live ON a Page. Writer/illustrator Lee-Roy Lahey shows kids how to create genre-based comics. Ages 8-13. Free event at the Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 310-305-8418.

May 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.

May 10. 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Participating Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf locations will be selling 12 oz. Cookies & Cream Ice Blended or Mocha Mudslide Ice Blended for just $1 each.  (Note: I have seen a flyer posted on a deal site I follow, but I have not been able to verify it directly.  Hopefully it’s happening near us! I would call ahead before going.)

On May 11th, you can get free admission to a garden near you! Descanso Gardens is one of the beautiful gardens nearby, in La Canada. You need to follow the directions to get a coupon ahead of time. Here’s the link. http://www.bhg.com/gardening/celebrate-national-public-gardens-day/

Ongoing Deals

We are members of the L.A. Zoo.  We received an email with a promo code for anyone who is interested becoming a member. Offer expires June 30, 2012.  You can save $10 on the cost of the membership by using this code:  11203FFW  

Upcoming Events

May 20. 12 noon-5 p.m. MOTA Day!  The five MOTA institutions (Museums of the Arroyo) will all offer a free day of activities and free entrance!  Shuttle service will be provided, offering one way to get to all of the locations. Great interest in MOTA Day is expected, so visitors are advised to arrive early.  For more information, got to www.museumsofthearroyo.com  This includes The Gamble House, Heritage Square Museum, The Los Angeles Police Museum, The Lummis Home and Garden and the Pasadena Museum of History. 

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 4-20

Activities

March 17 to April 29. Kidspace guests can adopt a live caterpillar and purchase a caterpillar care kit for $4.00 each at the Busy Bee Learning Store. Kidspace admission cost is not required to purchase a caterpillar and care kit. Children can create their own habitat for their adopted caterpillar, and while caring for it at home, they can watch the magic of metamorphosis as the caterpillar grows, forms a chrysalis, and then emerges as an adult Painted Lady butterfly. Here’s a coupon for $3 off admission. http://readysetgrowla.org/coupons-partners/kidspace.html

April 21. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free Earth Day Expo in Deukmejian Park. The whole family can enjoy nature crafts, exhibits, displays and short hikes, while exploring nature. 3429 Markridge Road, La Crescenta.

April 21-April 22. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Zoo open until 5 p.m.) Earth Day Expo Weekend @ LA Zoo. Join the L.A. Zoo and K-EARTH101 FM for two days of music, entertainment, and education that celebrates California wildlife. Visit the Zoo’s featured animal booths, including harbor seals, California condors, California brown pelicans, California desert tortoise, Channel Island foxes, and bighorn sheep. Have your face painted, create a tie-dye t-shirt, and meet your favorite disc jockey at the K-EARTH 101 FM activity booths. Learn about healthy minds, bodies and living in an interactive family-friendly environment! Receive a FREE activity book and learn to make recycling part of your everyday life.5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027. Free with paid admission to the Zoo. (Or become a member. See code above to save $10 off a family membership!) For more info: http://lazoo.org/calendar/index.html (Thanks to Macaroni Kid for this kickback!)

April 21-22. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.(until 6 p.m. on Saturday). Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC. The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is a free, public festival celebrating the written word. It features vendors, authors and publishers. There is storytelling and performances for children as well. Parking at the USC campus will be $10. http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/

April 22. 12 noon-4 p.m. Free Family Festival at the Pacific Asia Museum. Salute the centennial of Japan’s gift of more than 3,000 cherry trees with a day filled with craft-making, performances, demonstrations and other activities. 46 N. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena.

April 22. 11:30 a.m. Earth Day Celebration. Adults can learn about water conservation, smart gardening, comp9sting and other sustainability topics while kids can enjoy children’s activities or find something to buy at a plant sale. Free. Legacy Park, 23500 Civic Center Way, Malibu, 310-317-1364.

April 26. Pretzelmaker freebie – National Pretzel Day is April 26. Visit your local Pretzelmaker, sing a snippet from a song of or show off your latest dances moves and receive a free soft pretzel (standard salted or unsalted) while supplies last. Don’t want to sing or dance? Just say “National Pretzel Day” to receive your free pretzel. There are stores at the Burbank Town Center, the Sherman Oaks Galleria, and the Fashion Square at Sherman Oaks, to name a few.

http://www.nationalpretzelday.com/

April 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.

Ongoing Deals

We are members of the L.A. Zoo. We received an email with a promo code for anyone who is interested becoming a member. You can save $10 on the cost of the membership by using this code: 11203FFW

Check out the following website to SAVE up to 50%on LA's best arts and culture. Now through April 30, 2012. This includes discounts to Zimmer Children’s Museum, Aquarium of the Pacific, and many more! http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/thearts/#1

Upcoming Events

April 28. 6 p.m. Christian Performing Arts Center’s Spring Concert. Tickets are $10 for adults, free for children ages 6 and under. Features the CPAC singers, guitar classes and solo vocal performances. Hope Chapel, 7930 Mason Avenue, in the city of Winnetka, between Roscoe and Saticoy. (Thanks to Randi for this kickback!)

April 28. 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.

April 28. World City. 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. This performance offers a passage to India with the Ragamala Dance company. Free tickets will be distributed starting at 10 a.m. for the 11 a.m. show and and 11 a.m. for the 12:30 show. Kick Amphitheatre, Disney Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. www.musiccenter.org/worldcity

April 28- April 29. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Heritage Days @ Pierce College. The Civil War springs to life at Pierce Farm Center. Hundreds of re-enactors will recreate the epic conflict of the American Civil War on the broad fields of Pierce College. Visitors will view exciting cavalry charges, artillery barrages, and infantry assaults that were part of America's watershed event, one that transformed a mere union of states into a nation! Pierce College - 20800 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Admission - $8-$12. For more info or to buy tickets: http://www.piercefarmcenter.com/ (Thanks to Macaroni Kid for this kickback!)

L.A. County Junior Golf is a wonderful and free program and signups are happening now for the summer! They are offering summer weeklong program for children 18 and under at various golf courses. It is very well organized, with the children grouped by age and plenty of instructors. My boys (ages 6 & 8) love it! (I got to sit and read a book, so I loved it too!) Here’s a link to the website: http://www.lacountyjuniorgolf.com/applications.htm Click on 2012 Summer Schedule available in February 2012 Northern Section.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 4-13

Activities

March 17 to April 29. Kidspace guests can adopt a live caterpillar and purchase a caterpillar care kit for $4.00 each at the Busy Bee Learning Store. Kidspace admission cost is not required to purchase a caterpillar and care kit. Children can create their own habitat for their adopted caterpillar, and while caring for it at home, they can watch the magic of metamorphosis as the caterpillar grows, forms a chrysalis, and then emerges as an adult Painted Lady butterfly. Here’s a coupon for $3 off admission. http://readysetgrowla.org/coupons-partners/kidspace.html

April 14. 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 14. 11:30 a.m. Bubble Mania at the Chatsworth Library! Free event! Bubble Mania and Company offers interactive educational and entertaining programs on the science of bubbles for children of all ages. The visual presentation is filled with soap bubble creations that mesmerize the audience with creations of shimmering reflections of light, color, and flowing liquid motion.

21052 Devonshire Street, Chatsworth, CA (818) 341-4276.

April 14 -April 15. Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Old Time Scandinavian Dance: 5:00-7:00pm, Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm. Scandinavian Festival 2012. Both days of the Festival are filled with music, dancing, food, lectures, demonstration, vendors and activities for young and old alike. The Viking Encampment and Sami Village will once again be present. Some family activities: Head wreaths, Maypole, Kubb, Croquet, Festival Stage, Food Court, Craft and Food Demonstrations. Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation - 60 West Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Admission: $7 (free for children under 12) For more info: http://scandinaviancenter.org/scandinavian_festival/ (Thanks to Macaroni Kid for this kickback!)

April 17. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. The Reptile Family at Platt Library. Free Event! Lizards, and snakes, and turtles, oh my! Come get an entertaining, educational, and thrilling hands-on look at the wonderful world of reptiles! 23600 Victory Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA 91367.(818) 340-9386.

Ongoing Deals

We are members of the L.A. Zoo. We received an email with a promo code for anyone who is interested becoming a member. You can save $10 on the cost of the membership by using this code: 11203FFW

Check out the following website to SAVE up to 50%on LA's best arts and culture. Now through April 30, 2012. This includes discounts to Zimmer Children’s Museum, Aquarium of the Pacific, and many more! http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/thearts/#1

Upcoming Events

April 21-April 22. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Zoo open until 5 p.m.) Earth Day Expo Weekend @ LA Zoo. Join the L.A. Zoo and K-EARTH101 FM for two days of music, entertainment, and education that celebrates California wildlife. Visit the Zoo’s featured animal booths, including harbor seals, California condors, California brown pelicans, California desert tortoise, Channel Island foxes, and bighorn sheep.Have your face painted, create a tie-dye t-shirt, and meet your favorite disc jockey at the K-EARTH 101 FM activity booths. Learn about healthy minds, bodies and living in an interactive family-friendly environment! Receive a FREE activity book and learn to make recycling part of your everyday life.5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027. Free with paid admission to the Zoo. (Or become a member. See code above to save $10 off a family membership!) For more info: http://lazoo.org/calendar/index.html (Thanks to Macaroni Kid for this kickback!)

April 28. 6 p.m. Christian Performing Arts Center’s Spring Concert. Tickets are $10 for adults, free for children ages 6 and under. Features the CPAC singers, guitar classes and solo vocal performances. Hope Chapel, 7930 Mason Avenue, in the city of Winnetka, between Roscoe and Saticoy. (Thanks to Randi for this kickback!)

April 28- April 29. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Heritage Days @ Pierce College. The Civil War springs to life at Pierce Farm Center. Hundreds of re-enactors will recreate the epic conflict of the American Civil War on the broad fields of Pierce College. Visitors will view exciting cavalry charges, artillery barrages, and infantry assaults that were part of America's watershed event, one that transformed a mere union of states into a nation! Pierce College - 20800 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Admission - $8-$12. For more info or to buy tickets: http://www.piercefarmcenter.com/ (Thanks to Macaroni Kid for this kickback!)

L.A. County Junior Golf is a wonderful and free program and signups are happening now for the summer! They are offering summer weeklong program for children 18 and under at various golf courses. It is very well organized, with the children grouped by age and plenty of instructors. My boys (ages 6 & 8) love it! (I got to sit and read a book, so I loved it too!) Here’s a link to the website: http://www.lacountyjuniorgolf.com/applications.htm Click on 2012 Summer Schedule available in February 2012 Northern Section.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 4-6

Activities

March 17 to April 29. Kidspace guests can adopt a live caterpillar and purchase a caterpillar care kit for $4.00 each at the Busy Bee Learning Store. Kidspace admission cost is not required to purchase a caterpillar and care kit. Children can create their own habitat for their adopted caterpillar, and while caring for it at home, they can watch the magic of metamorphosis as the caterpillar grows, forms a chrysalis, and then emerges as an adult Painted Lady butterfly. If you can’t go on the free day (April 3, 4:00 to 8:00pm) then here’s a coupon for $3 off admission. http://readysetgrowla.org/coupons-partners/kidspace.html

April 6-April 8 -10 a.m.-4 p.m. Big Bunny's Spring Fling @ LA Zoo.

Big Bunny’s Spring Fling brings fun activities and entertainment for Zoo visitors! Entertainment includes Jim Gamble’s Puppet Show, children’s songs with Dan Crow, and a visit with the Spring Fairies. Bunny related activities include an educational Bunny Discovery Zone, and bunny ear making crafts. 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027. Admission to Big Bunny is free with paid admission to the Zoo. Face painting and Big Bunny photos are available for a nominal fee.

For more info: http://lazoo.org/calendar/index.html

Many parks are having egg hunts. I have listed a few. Check your local parks for an event near you!

April 7. 10 a.m. Third Annual Splash & Dash EGG HUNT at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center. Ages 10 yrs and under. An aquatic egg hunt - collect floating and submerged eggs to redeem for fun prizes. Parent participation is encouraged for the younger age groups. Participants will be invited to enjoy a private swim time with their families immediately after the egg hunt. Please note that a parent must accompany all small children, and are encouraged to swim with their child. Life jackets are available at no charge.*FREE ADMISSION.* There is no fee for this event, but participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable, or canned food items with them to be donated to the Santa Clarita Food Pantry.

April 7. 12 noon-3 p.m. Egg Hunt and more at Mid-Valley Regional Branch Library. 16244 Nordhoff Street. 818-895-3650. Bring your own basket. All ages welcome. Moon bouncer, cookie decorating, egg hunt at 2:30. Snacks provided.

April 7. 1:30 p.m. Annual Easter Egg Hunt @ Los Encinos State Historic Park. Join the Los Encinos Docents Association at Los Encinos State Historic Park, on Saturday, April 7, 2012, starting at 1:30 P.M., for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. In addition to the Egg Hunts for ages from toddlers to 10, there will be traditional games, a blacksmith, and old-time music, tours of the historic adobe and performers in period costume. Please bring your own baskets.

The Egg Hunts will be grouped as follows:

1:30: 2 and under in the Corral.
2:00: 3-4 years old 2:30:
5 years and up in the Orange Grove

16756 Moorpark St., Encino, CA 91436.

Intended for families with toddlers to age 10. Admission is FREE. Donations of any amount are welcome to KEEP LOS ENCINOS OPEN. (Thanks to Macaroni Kid for this kickback!)

April 10. 6 p.m. Free showing of The Muppet Movie, rated PG, at the Mid-Valley Regional Branch Library. It’s okay to bring your own snacks. 16244 Nordhoff Street, North Hills, 91343. 818-895-3650.

Ongoing Deals

Check out the following website to SAVE up to 50%on LA's best arts and culture. Now through April 30, 2012. This includes discounts to Zimmer Children’s Museum, Aquarium of the Pacific, and many more! http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/thearts/#1

Upcoming Events

L.A. County Junior Golf is a wonderful and free program and signups are happening now for the summer! They are offering summer weeklong program for children 18 and under at various golf courses. It is very well organized, with the children grouped by age and plenty of instructors. My boys (ages 6 & 8) love it! (I got to sit and read a book, so I loved it too!) Here’s a link to the website: http://www.lacountyjuniorgolf.com/applications.htm Click on 2012 Summer Schedule available in February 2012 Northern Section.

Activities

March 17 to April 29. Kidspace guests can adopt a live caterpillar and purchase a caterpillar care kit for $4.00 each at the Busy Bee Learning Store. Kidspace admission cost is not required to purchase a caterpillar and care kit. Children can create their own habitat for their adopted caterpillar, and while caring for it at home, they can watch the magic of metamorphosis as the caterpillar grows, forms a chrysalis, and then emerges as an adult Painted Lady butterfly. If you can’t go on the free day (April 3, 4:00 to 8:00pm) then here’s a coupon for $3 off admission. http://readysetgrowla.org/coupons-partners/kidspace.html

March 29-April 1. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. California Kids Consignment Sale. 25327 Avenue Stanford, Valencia, CA 91355. http://www.calkidsconsignment.com/index.html Shop at the Calkids consignment sale to find toys, clothing, shoes, books, furniture, strollers, play equipment, infant items,nursery items, maternity items, decor and more. Everything you need for baby, kids, and maternity at 50-90% off retail. Many items will be 50% off on April 1.

March 31. 2 p.m. Free showing of Hugo, rated PG, at the Mid-Valley Regional Branch Library. It’s okay to bring your own snacks. 16244 Nordhoff Street, North Hills, 91343. 818-895-3650.

March 31. 2:00 PM - 9:45 PM - Public Star Parties @ Griffith Observatory.

Free public star parties are held monthly with the assistance of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society and the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers at the Griffith Observatory from 2:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. They are a chance for the whole family to look at the sun, moon, visible planets, and other objects, to try out a variety of telescopes, and to talk to knowledgeable amateur astronomers about the sky and their equipment. Please be aware that the astronomers and telescope demonstrators must cut off the line for each telescope to enable all viewing to be completed by 9:45 p.m. Hours for telescope operation are not the same as for the building (which closes at 10:00 p.m.) 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027. For more info: http://www.griffithobservatory.org/pstarparties.html or (213) 473-0800 (Thanks to Macaroni Kid for this kickback!)

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

April 2. 3 p.m. Magic show at the Mid-Valley Regional Branch Library. 16244 Nordhoff Street, North Hills, 91343. 818-895-3650.

April 3. 5 p.m. Join in the FREE LEGO® Store Monthly Mini Model Build!
Visit your local LEGO Store on the first Tuesday of every month and you can learn how to build a cool mini model, and take it home – for free! Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. This week build a LEGO Seagull. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. See store for more details. Glendale Galleria, Phone: (818) 549-0733

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

April 3. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free evening for Kidspace Museum. 480 N.Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103. (626) 449-9144 www.kidspacemuseum.org. You may want to bring a change of clothes for your kids. They have a fun stream and water features the children can play with.

Ongoing Deals

Check out the following website to SAVE up to 50%on LA's best arts and culture. Now through April 30, 2012. This includes discounts to Zimmer Children’s Museum, Aquarium of the Pacific, and many more! http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/thearts/#1

Upcoming Events

Many parks are having egg hunts. I have listed a few. Check your local parks for an event near you!

April 7. 10 a.m. Third Annual Splash & Dash EGG HUNT at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center. Ages 10 yrs and under. Bring your little ones to collect eggs with prizes in the water slide pool. After you make a splash, stay to play in the heated water. Please note that a parent must accompany all small children, and are encouraged to swim with their child.

Life jackets are available at no charge.*FREE ADMISSION.* There is no fee for this event, but participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable, or canned food items with them to be donated to the Santa Clarita Food Pantry.

April 7. 12 noon-3 p.m. Egg Hunt and more at Mid-Valley Regional Branch Library. 16244 Nordhoff Street. 818-895-3650. Bring your own basket. All ages welcome. Moon bouncer, cookie decorating, egg hunt at 2:30. Snacks provided.

April 7. 1:30 p.m. Annual Easter Egg Hunt @ Los Encinos State Historic Park. Join the Los Encinos Docents Association at Los Encinos State Historic Park, on Saturday, April 7, 2012, starting at 1:30 P.M., for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. In addition to the Egg Hunts for ages from toddlers to 10, there will be traditional games, a blacksmith, and old-time music, tours of the historic adobe and performers in period costume. Please bring your own baskets.

The Egg Hunts will be grouped as follows:

1:30: 2 and under in the Corral.
2:00: 3-4 years old 2:30:
5 years and up in the Orange Grove

16756 Moorpark St., Encino, CA 91436.

Intended for families with toddlers to age 10. Admission is FREE. Donations of any amount are welcome to KEEP LOS ENCINOS OPEN. (Thanks to Macaroni Kid for this kickback!)

April 6-April 8 -10 a.m.-4 p.m. Big Bunny's Spring Fling @ LA Zoo.

Big Bunny’s Spring Fling brings fun activities and entertainment for Zoo visitors! Entertainment includes Jim Gamble’s Puppet Show, children’s songs with Dan Crow, and a visit with the Spring Fairies. Bunny related activities include an educational Bunny Discovery Zone, and bunny ear making crafts. 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027. Admission to Big Bunny is free with paid admission to the Zoo. Face painting and Big Bunny photos are available for a nominal fee.

For more info: http://lazoo.org/calendar/index.html

April 10. 6 p.m. Free showing of The Muppet Movie, rated PG, at the Mid-Valley Regional Branch Library. 16244 Nordhoff Street, North Hills, 91343. 818-895-3650.

L.A. County Junior Golf is a wonderful and free program and signups are happening now for the summer! They are offering summer weeklong program for children 18 and under at various golf courses. It is very well organized, with the children grouped by age and plenty of instructors. My boys (ages 6 & 8) love it! (I got to sit and read a book, so I loved it too!) Here’s a link to the website: http://www.lacountyjuniorgolf.com/applications.htm Click on 2012 Summer Schedule available in February 2012 Northern Section.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 3-23

Activities

March 17 to April 29. Kidspace guests can adopt a live caterpillar and purchase a caterpillar care kit for $4.00 each at the Busy Bee Learning Store. Kidspace admission cost is not required to purchase a caterpillar and care kit. Children can create their own habitat for their adopted caterpillar, and while caring for it at home, they can watch the magic of metamorphosis as the caterpillar grows, forms a chrysalis, and then emerges as an adult Painted Lady butterfly. If you can’t go on the free day (April 3, 4:00 to 8:00pm) then here’s a coupon for $3 off admission. http://readysetgrowla.org/coupons-partners/kidspace.html

Saturday March 24. 8:45 - 10:15 a.m. WellSpring church will be having it's monthly Children's Clothing Exchange. It is open to the community and offers parents a chance to exchange clothes their children have outgrown for other kids clothing. We have sizes ranging from infants to small adults. We have pants shirts, dresses, shoes, and jackets all lightly used. How it works: Bring your lightly used kid's clothing (no holes please) to the exchange and then have a look through our supply and pick other lightly used clothing for your immediate needs. Our helpful volunteers will assist you any way they can. Please no undergarments (socks, underwear, etc.). While clothing donations are accepted and appreciated, they are not mandatory to participate. Don't have any clothes to exchange this time, no problem. Come by and pick the clothes that you need, no charge. We will never turn you away. WellSpring Church (enter through our parking lot) 11451 Woodley Ave., Granada Hills, Ca. 91344. We are at the corner of Woodley & Rinaldi.

Ongoing Deals

Check out the following website to SAVE up to 50%on LA's best arts and culture. Now through April 30, 2012. This includes discounts to Zimmer Children’s Museum, Aquarium of the Pacific, and many more! http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/thearts/#1

Upcoming Events

April 3. 5 p.m. Join in the FREE LEGO® Store Monthly Mini Model Build!
Visit your local LEGO Store on the first Tuesday of every month and you can learn how to build a cool mini model, and take it home – for free! Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. This week build a LEGO Seagull. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. See store for more details. Glendale Galleria, Phone: (818) 549-0733

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

April 3. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free evening for Kidspace Museum. 480 N.Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103. (626) 449-9144 www.kidspacemuseum.org.

Saturday, April 7

City of Santa Clarita proudly hosts:

the third Annual

Splash & Dash EGG HUNT!

Santa Clarita Aquatic Center

Event starts at 10:00 am Ages 10 yrs and under.

Bring your little ones to collect eggs with prizes

in the water slide pool. After you make a splash,

stay to play in the heated water.

Please note that a parent must accompany all small children,

and are encouraged to swim with their child.

Life jackets are available at no charge.

*FREE ADMISSION

*There is no fee for this event, but participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable, or canned food items with them to be donated to the Santa Clarita Food Pantry.

L.A. County Junior Golf is a wonderful and free program and signups are happening now for the summer! They are offering summer weeklong program for children 18 and under at various golf courses. It is very well organized, with the children grouped by age and plenty of instructors. My boys (ages 6 & 8) love it! (I got to sit and read a book, so I loved it too!) Here’s a link to the website: http://www.lacountyjuniorgolf.com/applications.htm Click on 2012 Summer Schedule available in February 2012 Northern Section.