san diego

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!

Free Food Resources for March 2022(San Diego County)

Abby H.

The spring is bringing many new and improved free and low-cost food options around San Diego County!

Keep in mind there are still supply chain issues, so there may not be a lot of food at some distributions, especially those that serve a large portion of the community.

I recommend showing up a little early with a bottle of water and a book and waiting in line. Time passes quickly in these lines, and it’s a great time to learn from others about community food options. Remember to socially distance and follow local masking regulations.

You can find resources here for Central and East County, and Here for North County.

Our friends at Faith Chapel are super ahead of the game and sent out information regarding their 2022 food distributions early on in the year.

If you are located outside San Diego County, call 211. If you are not familiar with 211, here is their website and it can point you in the right direction.

San Diego Food Bank Distributions for March 2022 can be found here. Enter your address (or just your zip code) and the map will show you all of the distributions in your area or closest to you. You can filter by the days of the week to find food when you are available. If there is an income requirement/limit to participate, each location/listing will say such.

Neighbor distributions are intermixed with the San Diego Food Bank Distributions, however, they have no income requirements, and you come as you are. These Distributions are primarily fruits & veg, however, some locations may also distribute canned goods, dairy, and bread.

Super Pantry Locations can be found here (this listing is countywide). The San Diego Foodbank website also has resources for Diaper banks, free food resources for seniors, and more.

All kids in public school K-12 in the State of California are eligible for free breakfasts and lunches at school. More information can be found here. 

If you know of other resources, please leave a comment! And feel free to share this post with anyone you may know in need.

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

Free Food Resources for February 2022(San Diego County)

Abby H.

A new year means new opportunities to find free food resources in San Diego County.

Keep in mind there are still supply chain issues, so there may not be a lot of food at some distributions.

You can still find resources here for Central and East County, and Here for North County.

Our friends at Faith Chapel are super ahead of the game and sent out information regarding their 2022 food distributions early on in the year.

If you are located outside San Diego County, call 211. If you are not familiar with 211, here is their website and it can point you in the right direction.

San Diego Food Bank Distributions for February 2022 can be found here. Enter your address (or just your zip code) and the map will show you all of the distributions in your area or closest to you. You can filter by the days of the week to find food when you are available. If there is an income requirement/limit to participate, each location/listing will say such.

Neighbor distributions are intermixed with the San Diego Food Bank Distributions, however, they have no income requirements, and you come as you are. These Distributions are primarily fruits & veg, however, some locations may also distribute canned goods, dairy, and bread.

Super Pantry Locations can be found here (this listing is countywide). The San Diego Foodbank website also has resources for Diaper banks, free food resources for seniors, and more.

All kids in public school K-12 in the State of California are eligible for free breakfasts and lunches at school. More information can be found here. 

If you know of other resources, please leave a comment! And feel free to share this post with anyone you may know in need.

$300 Online Paid Opinion Study ~ San Diego County Residents aged 21+ needed

Abby H.

This popped into my inbox last night really late and I knew that some of you have availability and might qualify for this upcoming study.

Not everyone who fills out their information will be selected.

San Diego, CA ~ San Diego County residents aged 21 and older are needed for a 1-day online opinion study being held on Thursday, February 3. The group runs from 9:00am – 5:00pm PST. In addition to the online focus group, it will be necessary for you to complete a Zoom test session. To thank you for your time, you’ll receive $300 for participating. Please note, this is an online video group, so you’ll need a desktop or laptop with a working camera, microphone, speaker, and Zoom capabilities to participate.
  • Please click here to see if you qualify.
  • Location: Zoom (Online)
  • Incentive: $300
  • Date(s): Thursday, February 3
  • Time(s): 9:00am-5:00pm PST

 

Free Food Resources for January 2022(San Diego County)

Abby H.

A new year means new opportunities to find free food resources in San Diego County.

Keep in mind there are still supply chain issues, so there may not be a lot of food at some distributions.

You can still find resources here for Central and East County, and Here for North County.

Our friends at Faith Chapel are super ahead of the game and sent out information regarding their 2022 food distributions early on in the year.

If you are located outside San Diego County, call 211. If you are not familiar with 211, here is their website and it can point you in the right direction.

San Diego Food Bank Distributions for January 2022 can be found here. Enter your address (or just your zip code) and the map will show you all of the distributions in your area or closest to you. You can filter by the days of the week to find food when you are available. If there is an income requirement/limit to participate, each location/listing will say such.

Neighbor distributions are intermixed with the San Diego Food Bank Distributions, however, they have no income requirements, and you come as you are. These Distributions are primarily fruits & veg, however, some locations may also distribute canned goods, dairy, and bread.

Super Pantry Locations can be found here (this listing is countywide). The San Diego Foodbank website also has resources for Diaper banks, free food resources for seniors, and more.

All kids in public school K-12 in the State of California are eligible for free breakfasts and lunches at school. More information can be found here. 

If you know of other resources, please leave a comment! And feel free to share this post with anyone you may know in need.

Free Food at Faith Chapel throughout 2022!

Abby H.2 Comments

Pastor Josiah emailed this morning with some great news to share!

Faith Chapel will be having free food distributions on the 1st & 3rd Mondays throughout 2022 at 10:00am.

Faith Chapel
9400 Campo Rd.
Spring Valley, CA 91977

This is a drive-thru-style event, so you don’t have to leave your vehicles. The types of food vary, but in the past, there has been milk, cheese, eggs, canned goods, seasonal fresh produce, shelf-stable dry goods (beans, pasta, etc.).

In addition to free food, there is also a boutique open to be shopped at during these distribution times. Everything in our boutique is FREE and available to any guests that come through. You can find everything from clothes to household furnishings, kitchenware, toys, etc.

To speed up the food lines, please RSVP here. 

ADA Foundation: Give Kids A Smile Program!

Abby H.1 Comment

This came into my email from the kid’s school yesterday.

Dental screenings, sealants, and fluoride varnish at no cost to families! Dental sealants and fluoride varnish are a safe and painless way to help present cavities. This program is for children 1-18 years of age at participating offices from February 14 – March 7, 2022. To find out more information, click here.

These services are done by appointment only. Find a list of participating dentists here.