events

Summer Events for Teens and Tweens at San Diego County Libraries

Abby H.2 Comments

My kids need to get out of the house this summer. Yours might too. I spent a few hours looking up some fun free stuff for teens and tweens at our favorite San Diego County library branches. Both the county of San Diego and the City of San Diego have library branches, but they are not connected.

City of San Diego library events can be found here.

The complete list of County Library events can be found here. 

Here are a few of the events my kids are excited about going to:

 

Lakeside Branch

SLC Teen Afterhours: Laser Tag and Trivia
Saturday, June 14, 2025
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

SLC Teen Afterhours: Art with Miss Wendy
Saturday, July 12, 2025
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Kids SLC: SD Animal Sanctuary and Farm
Thursday, June 26, 2025
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Kids SLC: Super Science Super Show
Thursday, July 17, 2025
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Kids SLC: Critter Encounters
Thursday, July 3, 2025
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Kids SLC: Don’t Try This at Home-Scientific Serenade
Thursday, July 31, 2025
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Santee Branch

Animal show with Zovargo
Friday, August 1, 2025
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
At Mast Park

La Mesa Branch

Construction Club (LEGO club) Ages 4+
Monday, June 2, 2025 meets weekly
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Summer at your Library: Mad Hatter Tea Party
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Teen Backyard Bird Experience
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

 

Casa de Oro Branch

Game Night Unplugged
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (takes place weekly)
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Teen Video Game Hour
Monday, June 16, 2025
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

 

El Cajon Branch

Tween Tuesdays
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Tweens ages 8-13 to explore the RIASEC framework while socializing with other El Cajon tweens. Join us each week for games, music, and a RIASEC-themed activity:

* June 24: Catapult Challenge (Realistic)
* July 1: Make Your Own Slime (Investigative)
* July 8: Mask-Painting (Artistic)
* July 15: Lotería with Prizes (Social)
* July 22: Sharpie Mugs (Enterprising)
* July 29: Bingo with Prizes (Conventional)

 

Rancho San Diego Branch

Tween Craft – Perler Beads
Thursday, July 3, 2025
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Tween Craft – DIY Bags
Thursday, July 17, 2025
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Tween Craft – DIY Shirts
Thursday, July 31, 2025
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

 

As you can see, there are tons of great events going on for free this summer! And if your kiddos are looking for more fun, check out my post about Summer Reading Programs!

Fun, Free, & Frugal Events for Kids & Families in San Diego, CA

Abby H.

With better weather and Spring Break on the horizon for most of us, it’s time to get out of the house and find some fun, free stuff to do!

San Diego is full of fun outdoor adventures. If you are looking for places to take your kids for some hikes or walks, Hidden San Diego has a list of 40 kid-friendly hikes here. Hidden San Diego also has some amazing information about San Diego’s history, locations to explore, and even some creepy lore surrounding America’s Finest City.

If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know about the JCPenney Kids Zone free crafts that occur every second Saturday of the month in selected JCPenney stores.

You probably also know about the Home Depot Kids Workshop, which takes place every second Saturday of the month. However, some stores do one every single week; you just need to check your local Home Depot store to find out.

Did you also know that Lowe’s Hardware store does a similar activity on the third Saturday of each month? 

Lakeshore, the educational store, holds free kids events, including storytime with Pete the cat and sensory events.

If you are in the eastern part of San Diego County, the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College offers free admission on Fridays from 9am-4pm.

While not always free, Michaels offers in-store classes for both Kids and adults. Sometimes, the classes are free, and sometimes there is a class fee (usually $15 or less). Classes run for about an hour, and you need to take something really cool home with you.

The San Diego Craft Collective at Liberty Station has a free class on the first Friday of each month from 5 to 6 PM.

Don’t forget their resident free days at Balboa Park every single Tuesday.

If you’re looking for more fun, free events, check your local shopping center or mall. Parkway Plaza in El Cajon has a free kids event every month. It usually involves a craft and some sort of fun games where you can win prizes. 

Groupon always has discounted admissions to local attractions like Legoland, Birch Aquarium, and indoor trampoline/play places.

 When I find more, I will definitely post more. 

Giveaway: Meal Prep Starter Pack from La Mesa Dream Dinners!

Abby H.6 Comments

I am so excited to share this giveaway with you! I’ve partnered with La Mesa Dream Dinners to give away a Meal Prep Starter kit that contains 4 medium meals (a medium meal feeds 2-3 people, but in our family of 4 it usually feeds all 4 of us with a couple side dishes added) or 2 Large Meals, which feeds 4-6 each.

Y’all know I love Dream Dinners. Dinner is on the table in 30 minutes or less, and there is no chopping, measuring, or shopping for ingredients. It’s awesome for us busy folks- I put 1-2 Dream Dinners in the fridge to defrost Sunday night, and we’ve got easy meals for our busiest nights.

With the kid’s extracurriculars and therapies, every day is busy right now. I’m up at 5:45am making breakfasts and lunches, washing dishes, and feeding the kitty. By the time 5pm rolls around, the last thing I want to do is spend an hour plus in the kitchen.

Dream Dinners is cheaper than takeout, healthier, and many times, it’s the same amount of dishes to wash. Yes, I serve takeout on plates and use silverware. I’m not eating Chinese takeout out of the little paper boxes with my hands.

If you are new to Dream Dinners, check out my post here with all the details, and how they compare to other meal kits.

Onto the Giveaway- Enter using the Rafflecopter widget/link (it’s not mobile-friendly) below. For a mobile-friendly entry, click here.

The first and easiest entry is to check out the October Menu here and leave a comment on this post letting me know what you are most excited about trying. Then click ion the Rafflecopter link below and complete the remaining entries!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Fine Print: This giveaway will run from 10/11/2022 until 10/19/2022. A winner will be chosen at random on 10/19/22 and will be notified via email. The winner must reside in the San Diego, CA county area and pick up their prize directly from La Mesa Dream Dinners. The winner’s contact information will be supplied to La Mesa Dream Dinners to coordinate the delivery of the prize.

This contest is not sponsored or endorsed by WordPress, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Comic Con 2022 is Coming!

Abby H.

San Diego Comic-Con will be back in town July 21-24 at the convention center downtown. If you haven’t bought or won tickets (most radio stations give away tickets in the weeks leading up to the event) don’t fret, there are tons of free and cheap events and fun to be had outside Comic-Con in the general Gaslamp area.

There is usually an area between the New Children’s Museum and the Trolley Tracks that is chock full of fun events and demos, and behind the convention center there has been movie and cartoon screenings on the grassy area.

Here are a few events that have caught my attention:

Outside Comic Con has great info on offsite events.

If you want to wear a costume, here are my tips for doing it on the cheap.  We’re not going this year, it’s very hard to navigate with inattentive kids, and really, I don’t feel safe being in crowds that size.

Regardless of your costume status, my recommendation is to wear comfy shoes, ’cause you will be walking a lot! And bring a refillable water bottle. And a snack (protein bars are great!). And a camera (or really, just your phone these days!).

Dream Dinners: Earn Free Dinners & Special Offer for your Friends!

Abby H.

Dream Dinners in La Mesa has a new Meal Prep Workshop program.  This is an exciting new twist on the in-store party and it’s a great opportunity for you to introduce your friends to Dream Dinners and earn fun rewards!

Here’s how it works:
As the host, you attend the workshop for free! You also have the opportunity to earn up to $75 in host rewards!

Your friends pay $50 to attend and learn about Dream Dinners. This includes three pre-prepped medium-size meals, and everyone will get to assemble the Campfire Cobbler Trio, at this private, in-store event with your friends. They’ll enjoy delicious samples of our food. They also have some exciting perks for them if they place an order at the workshop!

Call/Text 619-460-6800 to learn more and schedule your event!
If you’ve never tried Dream Dinners, it is a great meal prep company with locations all over the US. I love Marsi and her staff at the La Mesa Location. When compared to other meal prep/meal plan programs, the prices and freshness are out of this world. For more about why Dream Dinners is tops in my book, check out this post.

In-Person Dream Dinners Workshop: 2/22/22 in La Mesa, CA!

Abby H.1 Comment

I know y’all have been waiting for this in-person event, I know I have!

You’re invited to my Meal Prep Workshop at Dream Dinners! Learn my secret to making easy, homemade meals, taste delicious appetizers and spend some time with friends. You’ll receive three delicious, medium-size meals to enjoy at home with your family for just $50.00.

Plus, you get to create our exclusive Scone Trio. Only available at the Meal Prep Workshops, these delicious scones are a fun baking activity the whole family can help with.

  • Tuesday, February 22, 2022 – 6:00 PM
  • Dream Dinners La Mesa: 5208 Jackson Drive Suite 116 La Mesa, CA
  • RSVP Here, Invite Code is yummy1

There are limited spaces available, and this offer is only available for guests of this event. Reserve your spot today by choosing three dinners from the menu here and completing your order!

If you are coming, please let me know!

1/15/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.
bright boxes

It’s been one helluva week friends! Between phone calls, appointments, and chasing packages all over town, I’m ready for some down time! Let’s dive into Freebies!

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I am not encouraging anyone to go into stores or go out into public. Mask up, wash your paws, stay socially distanced!

Freebies:

Free Human Rights Equality Sticker
Free #AdaptAtHome Fitness Kit for Those with Disabilities
Free Back to the Roots Mini Mushroom Kit
Free Raising Cane’s Box Combo
Free Bundoo Bundles Sample Box
Free Pizza at 7-Eleven
Free CovCare PPE Samples
Free Sample of Sol de Janeiro Hair Repair Treatment
Free Samples of Vital Performance Supplement Products
Free Catit Stainless Steel Flower Fountain
Free Core Bar at Walmart
Score FREE Children’s Board Books in English & Spanish
Free NFL Fan Packs
Free Johnny Rockets Burger for Joining & On Your Birthday
Free Special K Keto Friendly Bars Chatterbox
Free Hello Lovely! Biotin Hair Gummy Vitamins
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Sample of SkinCeuticals Serum
Possible Free ZoZu Natural Hydrating Papaya Facial Sheet Mask
Banfield Pet Hospital – Free Office Visit & Consultation
Free SmartyPants Multivitamins Chatterbox
Free Lane Bryant Gift Card Giveaway
Free pH Balance Skincare Skin Moisturizing Duo

 

Deals:

3 Barrel Curling Iron Wand ONLY $29.99 (Reg $40)
Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap Fresh Breeze 6-Pack ONLY $5.88 Shipped
Microfiber Sheet Sets ONLY $9.74 at JCPenney (Reg $26)
Home Expressions Velvet Plush Blanket ONLY $17.24 (Reg $40)
Insignia 6-Slice Toaster Oven Air Fryer ONLY $69.99 (Reg $150)
Buffalo Plaid Sherpa Slippers ONLY $16.99 Shipped (Reg $45)
16 Clif Bars ONLY $14.48 Shipped with Coupon
Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer ONLY $28.99 Shipped
Disposable Face Masks 50-Piece ONLY $4.59 Shipped at Amazon
Dash Vegetable Mandoline ONLY $29.99 Shipped (Reg $50)
Cosmetic Case Organizer ONLY $19.98 (Reg $30)
Blackout Curtains ONLY $9.99 at JCPenney
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron ONLY $13.99 (Reg $27)
Bath Towel Room Essentials ONLY $1.80 at Target
Clorox Disinfecting Cleaning Wipes 3-Pack $11.37 Shipped
Target has Coupon for 50% Off Shoes for the Whole Family

Free Backpacks and School Supplies for 2020!

Abby H.

10997200_1551314338450648_5653174165881717305_nThis article contains location specific giveaways- for nationwide info, scroll to the bottom of the article.

For the past few years the great folks over at SMOAC have been doing an incredible service to the Eastern San Diego County school kids by offering free backpacks and school supplies.

And this year is no different! This year, they are hosting a drive-thru style event at two locations:

  • Rio Seco School 9545 Cuyamaca Street or Pride Academy 9303 Prospect Ave (Both in Santee)
  • August 16, 2020
  • 10AM until supplies run out
  • Kids must be present in the car
  • 1 backpack per child
  • This will be a contactless delivery event- Please Print the form here and complete it per the directions.

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And for those of you not in the immediate area, there are all sorts of other free school supply and backpack giveaways going on.

Boost Mobile is giving away backpacks and school supplies. More info is here. In San Diego County, there is 1 Boost Mobile in Oceanside that is participating.

Operation Homefront is having giveaways for military families on bases all over the US. Here is a list for 2020.

Rentacalc does free giveaways for backpacks, graphing calculators and protractors! You can learn more and enter to win here.

3/6/2020 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

bright boxesThis weekend we’re doing prep for Big Kid’s 9th Birthday Party. I’m looking forward to some tasty Ice Cream Cake next Saturday!

I’m stoked to get this weekend kicked off with a grip of freebies and cool deals.

 

 

In-Store/Events:

Deals:

 

 

Put the FUN in Fundraising with Uptown Jungle!

Abby H.

86723436_2767364806686857_2639936442016464896_o.jpgWhen you’ve got kids, fundraising is part of life. Wrapping paper, candy, cookie dough are just a few of the things that kids have to peddle these days.

If you are looking for a new fundraiser, check out Uptown Jungle!

Uptown Jungle provides a fast and easy way for groups, schools, churches, teams, and nonprofit organizations to raise some serious cash, just for playing around and having fun.

You keep 35% of your group’s admissions! Having done a lot of fundraising in my time, that is a great return.

There are two ways to fundraise:

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Uptown Jungle is a great place for kids of all ages to play! With a special tots area for littler kiddos, you can rest assured that your littles will be safe and have fun. Bigger kids can bounce, run, climb and explore safely. And parents who don’t want to play can chill in the parents lounge. Oh yeah, there is free WiFi.