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7/14/2022 Kung Fu Panda Day at the San Diego Zoo!

Abby H.

To Celebrate the new Kung Fu Panda Series coming to Netflix, head on down to check out the fun at the San Diego Zoo on July 14, 2022.

Celebrate with:

  • face painting
  • photo booth
  • giveaways and more!

And once you get home from the fun, check out the new series on Netflix, launching the same day!

Kung Fu Panda: Dragon Knight

SYNOPSIS: Jack Black returns to KUNG FU PANDA in the new series KUNG FU PANDA: THE DRAGON KNIGHT. When a mysterious pair of weasels set their sights on a collection of four powerful weapons, Po must leave his home to embark on a globe-trotting quest for redemption and justice that finds him partnered up with a no-nonsense English knight named Wandering Blade. Together, these two mismatched warriors set out on an epic adventure to find the magical weapons first and save the world from destruction — and they may even learn a thing or two from each other along the way.

Notable Voice Cast:  Jack Black as Po, Rita Ora as Wandering Blade, James Hong as Mr. Ping, Chris Geere as Klaus Dumont, Della Saba as Veruca Dumont, Rahnuma Panthaky as Rukhmini, Ed Weeks as Colin and Amy Hill as Pei Pei

Executive Producer: Peter Hastings (Captain Underpants TV; Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness) and Shaunt Nigoghossian (Blood of Zeus)

Co-Executive Producers: Chris Amick and Ben Mekler (Kipo)

Animation Studio: DreamWorks Animation

Based on: The popular Kung Fu Panda Film Series

7/15/2022 An All Inclusive Day of Play for Families!

Abby H.

We’ve gone to this event in the past, and it’s always a fun time with great resources.

FREE community event with activities, games, crafts, raffles, shopping, and resource booths for families of all abilities.

Activity Stations for kids including favorites:

  • Light Saber Creation Station
  • Jurassic Photo Op
  • Under-the-Sea Sensory Tent
  • Super Wheelchair Course
  • many more!

Family Resources & Networking  – Resource and service providers will be on-site to speak with parents and offer helpful information. Be sure to pick up a copy of Flourishing Families and San Diego Family at the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego booth.

Sign up for your FREE TICKETS here.

6/25/2022 Zero Waste Fair!

Abby H.

Thanks to our friends at I Love A Clean San Diego, there is a super fun and green event tomorrow.

In partnership with the City of Encinitas, I Love a Clean San Diego will be hosting the seventh annual Zero Waste Fair on Saturday, June 25, 2022, from 10 AM-1 PM.

Our Zero Waste Fair is back in person this year at the EUSD Farm Lab in Encinitas! Come ready to experience a wide array of zero-waste activities, including informative presentations, booths from sustainable companies, and hands-on low-waste DIYs.

This one-of-a-kind event will highlight tips on low-waste living, composting, recycling, sustainable swaps for everyday products, and more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to discover local zero-waste businesses, and win eco-conscious prizes!

To learn more or RSVP, check out the event site here. 

Kids Night Out at Parkway Plaza!

Abby H.1 Comment

Parkway Plaza is back at it with kids’ events!

Gather the kids and take a night off!
Bring them out to Parkway Plaza on the 2nd & 4th Friday of every month for kids’ night out! Craft, dance and play with friends and family in our Channel 93.3 Lounge. Experience the real radio station set up and take family photos at one of the selfie stations throughout the lounge.
The next event is on May 27th!

Feeding San Diego Together Tour: More Free Food In Your Neighborhood!

Abby H.1 Comment

Y’all know I post a list of free food resources monthly, but this one just came to my attention courtesy of Brooke from Saving in the 619.

Feeding San Diego has a Together Tour, where they work with local venues to host drive through food giveaways throughout the month all over San Diego County. No proof of need required!

Every registered attendee will receive about 50 lbs worth of dry goods, fresh produce, and frozen meat protein.

During the event, you will receive valuable resources on how to access other Feeding San Diego distributions close to your home. In addition, our team can provide information about CalFresh, and how to apply.

Visit the website here and find your next local event! From Chula Vista to San Marcos, there are events all over the county all month long, all year long!

The San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering is back!

Abby H.

After a two-year hiatus, the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering is back in action and better than ever! Events include two block parties, interactive classroom learning, a movie night, a recycled art competition, weekly podcasts, a group hike, and much more! “We are so excited to be back this year! This next month is packed with both in-person and virtual events for families in our community,” said Sara Pagano, Managing Director of the Festival. “After a two-year hiatus, more than ever, our annual celebration of all things STEAM is so needed to inspire the next generation to a love of science and art.”

Starting tomorrow, there are tons of fun events for kids of all ages to enjoy through mid-May!

Barrio Logan Science and Art Expo Mercado Del Barrio: 1900 Main Street, San Diego, CA 92113 

  • April 16th 2022, 10:00AM-2:00PM

  • Combining culture, science, and art, the day will include a mix of student competitions, art displays, live exhibits, hands-on STEAM booths, and more!

  • This is a family-friendly environment where curiosity and exploration intersect creativity and culture.

Live Stage Event at Fleet Science Center 10am-2pm

  • Thursday, April 28th, 2022

  • Live stage performances featuring all things STEAM: rockets, reptiles, robotics, and more! Lineup to be announced soon.

North County STEAM Block Party 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Del Mar, CA 92014

  • May 1st 2022, 12:00PM-3:00PM, San Dieguito County Park

  • Join other industry partners and community organizations for a scavenger hunt with a twist.

  • Attendees will receive park maps for a scavenger hunt through the park’s nature trails, along with passport books to visit the booths to win prizes.

  • The day will include a family-friendly band and BYOP (bring your own picnic) if you choose!

STEAM Movie Night Waterfront Park: 1600  Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101

  • May 7th, 2022, 5:30PM-7:30PM. The movie starts at 7:30pm

  • The theme of the night will be “building community with STEAM.”

  • Before the movie starts, attendees will be able to engage with different booths, each with hands-on STEAM activities.

Live Well Trails Challenge Ranger-led hike starts at 10:00AM, at the Birdwatching on the Nature Center Loop at San Elijo Lagoon.

  •  May 7th, 2022 9:00AM

  • Participants will adventure to some of the most popular and picturesque parks in San Diego with the first one being at Nature Center Loop at San Elijo Lagoon.

Classroom Connections  

  • March 15th-May 15th

  • This year the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering will match classrooms at various grade levels with local STEAM industries to cultivate STEAM excitement and provide resources that many classrooms go without.

Stump a Steam Pro Saburo Muraoka Elementary School: 1644 Santa Alexia Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91913

  • Wednesday, May 4th 1-2:30pm

  • Science speed round discussion for 3rd graders to introduce them to a dozen STEAM professionals from different industries.

  • Students will have the opportunity to “stump” the pros to win points for their class.

Weekly “Women Who Inspire” Podcast Through May 10th (All new this year!)

  • Episodes will cover successful women in the science, engineering, and art fields. They will dive into their backgrounds and find out what influenced their career trajectory.

For more information, visit lovestemsd.org or call 858-455-0300 ext. 4152. Connect on Facebook (facebook.com/loveSTEMsd), Instagram (@lovestemsd), and Twitter (@LoveSTEMsd).

Special Needs Family Resources and Fun in San Diego March/April 2022!

Abby H.

I received this from one of the specialists at my kids’ school and thought I’d share. There are so many great events and opportunities coming up for families with special needs kiddos here in San Diego!

  • UCSD is hosting a free virtual Autism Resource Webinar. This Webinar will cover sleep disturbances in Autism and strategies that may help! Zoom webinar will be held on March10th from 4:00-4:30.
  • FREE accessibility mornings at the New Children’s Museum. Museum will open an hour early to provide a sensory-friendly experience in a quieter setting. March 12th from 8-9 am. You are welcome to stay for the day as well!
  • San Diego Padres Behind the Scenes Event. Padres is partnering with the Autism Society of San Diego, on March 13th from 11am-2pm. Families will get a guided tour through the ballpark!
  • RACE FOR AUTISM 5K! celebrate autism awareness with either a 5k or a 1-mile family fun walk throughout balboa park. April 2nd, 5k begins at 7:25 and then 1 mile run at 8:30. register at raceforautism.org.
  • Autism Accessibility Mornings at the Fleet Museum. Families will benefit from a low sensory experience and can enjoy the exhibit galleries in a quieter setting and a special IMAX film screening (lights on and lower volume. Free ticket for one guest and one chaperone. March 19th from 9:00-10:00, Imax film at 10:00.
  • San Diego Seals Stair Climb. San Diego Seals, professional lacrosse team, is raising awareness for Down Syndrome on March 19th! Stair climb begins at 3pm, dinner is at 5pm and the game begins at 7pm at the Sports Arena.

Spring Kids Concerts At Del Mar Highlands

Abby H.

When my kiddos were little they loved Hullabaloo! It’s such a great family-friendly local band.

Just in time for warmer weather, Del Mar Highlands Town Center has Hullaballoo kids’ concerts happening Thursdays at 10AM (upstairs, near Cinepolis and family favorite Sammy’s). Bring your kids out for a FREE, fun sing-along morning jam session in the upper plaza.

Hullabaloo dates are:

  • Thursday, March 3rd @ 10am
  •  Thursday, April 7th @ 10am
  •  Thursday, May 5th @ 10am
  •  Thursday, June 2nd @ 10am
  •  Thursday, July 7th @ 10am
  •  Thursday, August 4th @ 10am

Perfect for your little littles!

February is Fun for Seniors at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

Abby H.

If you have a senior in your life and you want to send them on a frugal adventure, check out this sweet deal!

The kids posing with Jefferson’s Sloth

During the month of February, all visitors age 65 and older receive free admission to the Safari Park. Enjoy the sights on an Africa Tram, see the platypuses and other Aussie species at Walkabout Australia, wander through Tiger Trail, take a stroll around Mombasa Lagoon, and relax with refreshments on the patio at Kijamii Overlook. There’s a world of sights to see—all at the Safari Park!

For more information about Seniors Free, check out the Seasonal Events section of our FAQ page.

Seniors 65+ must present valid photo ID at turnstiles for free entry. Parking is not included.

My kids love the Safari Park, and while we are waiting for our tax refund to renew our zoo/safari park membership, this deal is definitely a must-do for anyone over 65!

The kids love Meerkats.


Some frugal tips for visiting your local zoo/animal park (These are all true for the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, your local parks may differ)

  • Bring your water bottles, and fill up at the drinking fountains/filling stations all over the park.
  • Pack your own snacks/lunch. There are tons of picnic/eating areas all over the parks.
  • Bring some cash for 1 treat/toy/souvenir. With cash, you have a firm budget.
  • If you are a zoo/safari park member, you may get a discount in the shops/restaurants (check online).

Parents Helping Parents: Behavior Resources at Home Class

Abby H.

download.jpgOn February 22, 2022, the Santee School district is presenting a behavior training with a “Make it, Take it” for behavior resources at home.

Visual Schedules: Children benefit from increased structure and predictability. Help take the stress out of your daily routine by providing
your child with a visual schedule.

Behavior Contracts: Contracts help keep kids on track and reduce family battles. Let us help you create one for your home!

Zones of Regulation: Help teach your child how to identify how they’re feeling and then utilize a co teach them about self-control.

Positive Reinforcement: Learn how to shape your child’s behavior with positive discipline. This will help to reinforce behaviors we want to increase in the home.

Santee’s Behavior Team Come meet Santee’s behavior team and find helpful strategies to implement at home. You’ll leave with individualized strategies and resources that you can begin implementing right away. You’ll have access to three team members to help you create individualized systems for your child! Listed above are just a few of the strategies you’ll go home with!

This event is free- If you have any questions, or wish to RSVP, contact the school district office at (619) 258-2300

Date & Time: 2/22/22 9:30am-11am
Location: Santee School District 9625 Cuyamaca. Santee, CA 92071