events

Free Fun this weekend!

Abby H.

Wow- I’ve been busy this week! I haven’t had a chance to sit down and post all week, but I’ve been trying to post on Facebook and Instagram- so remember to keep up with me there too.

This weekend there will be all sorts of free fun going on! Today is both Free Comic Book Day, and also Cinco de Mayo.

Here are just a few ways to celebrate:

Free Comic Book Day is always the first Saturday in May. Find your local Comic shop that participates here. Most shops have tons of free comics and other fun stuff (like cosplayers who will pose for photo ops with kids. Our favorite shop usually has Batman.)

Cinco_de_mayo_logo1.pngCinco de Mayo- Luckily for us, we’ve got Old Town San Diego State Historic Park close by! Each year, Old Town hosts an amazing festival with music, dancing and art.

If you don’t want to brave Old Town, There is also a festival at Balboa Park,and The Timken Museum will be having a fun, free craft (and the museum is always free to visit).

If you want to avoid the crowds, check out Chicano Park. There are some amazing murals, and it’s close by some pretty tasty restaurants.

And if you are looking for other free fun, The San Diego City Libraries area great place to start. County Libraries may also be having fun stuff too.

Santee has Creative Play ~ Each Saturday from 10:30-11:30 am. Children learn through play! Meet new friends and have fun while developing early learning skills. Geared for ages 5 and under (but they are not strict with it- as long as the kids behave).

La Mesa’s branch library is hosting a Sensory Playtime tomorrow.

 

What kinds of fun events will you be going to this weekend?

Looking for Free Fun? 10 Local Community Events

Abby H.

IMG_20120331_163227We love getting out of the house to have adventures, but, being frugal means that I have to get creative.

Thanks to local publications like The San Diego Reader and San Diego Family Magazine (both are free and available all over), as well as Facebook, we are never wanting for free fun.

Here are our Top Ten Community Events that are for kids and families for Q1 2018:

  1. 1/2/18-1/4/18 Santee Library hosts the most fun, creative events for kids. They are starting the year off with 3 events, January 2-4 in the afternoon.  We are very excited to go to Imagination Day. If you aren’t in East County, check out your local San Diego County, or City of San Diego Library branch. Most branch libraries have fun events for kids after school and during holidays.
  2. 1/6/18 Free Family Fun Fest at the Kroc Center.  The Kroc Center hosts a lot of great programs and events each month. The Kroc Center Free Family Fun Fest – Meet & greet with the San Diego Sockers, sports challenges, arts & crafts, inflatable park, costume dress up, giveaways and more
  3. 1/16/18 Family Read and Play Day. Again the Kroc Center is hosting this event. They host a reading event usually once a month. Sometimes the kids get to take home a copy of the book as well. Family Read and Play day, featuring the book, “Children Around the World” by Donata Montanari.
  4. 1/20/18 Santee Active Life Expo.  From 9am-2pm, some of the free activities include: Watch professional athletes compete, Health & wellness activities, Extreme obstacle courses, Trial fitness classes, Firefighter challenge,  BMX trick shows, Free breakfast (while supplies last), Learn how to race walk
  5. 2/3/18 The Water Conservation Garden over at Cuyamaca Community College offers Free Docent lead tours of the gardens. Tours begin promptly Saturday mornings at 10:00 am in the Plaza. No reservation required. 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West
    El Cajon, California 92019 My kids love this place- There are tons of fun areas to explore and learn all about nature.
  6. 2/6/18 is National Frozen Yogurt Day.  There are no concrete details yet, but in past years Menchie’s and Yogurtland both gave away free froyo. I will for sure be posting more details as they become available.
  7. 2/9/18 is National Pizza Day.  In the past there have been great offers for free slices and free whole pizzas. Sbarro and Pizza Hut usually participate.
  8. 2/13/18 is Shrove Tuesday which means that FREE PANCAKE DAY will be around that time. IHOP is the only restaurant in our area that offers free pancakes.
  9. 2/14/18 is Valentine’s Day. There are usually free events for kids at local libraries.
  10. And finally- Henry’s Birthday is in March. While there are no specifc free events for his birthday, here are my lists of birthday freebies (for kids and adults). Original List and the updated list with some fun new stuff.

I’d love to hear about what your favorite free local events are!  Please drop a comment with details and a link!

Ninjas invade Legoland today!

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2017-09-24 at 5.38.26 AM.pngHenry and I went to Legoland yesterday to experience all the fun of Ninjago weekend!

Like any event at Legoland, there are tons of things to keep any little ninja busy!

Screen Shot 2017-09-24 at 5.39.45 AM.pngWe started off the morning by checking out the new LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE Video Game at the WB Family GameSpace. It’s available on all the popular platforms. Henry played by himself and with a few other kids and had a great time exploring Ninjago City as his favorite character (The Red Ninja). You can check out the game too from 10am-5pm today.

Screen Shot 2017-09-24 at 5.39.50 AM.pngNext up, it was time for the LEGO® NINJAGO® MOVIE™ Character Meet & Greet with Lloyd, the Green Ninja! Henry was so excited to take to Lloyd all about his adventures with the Ninjago gang (and Master Wu too). There will be many times available today to meet many different Ninjago character! 10 a.m., 1 1a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.

After riding a few rides, we checked out the Mystery Mosaic LEGO® Build (available from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.). We each got to build a square for the mosaic! It’s very easy, so even the youngest builder can help!

We finished up our day with a quick lunch and the Miniland U.S.A Scavenger Hunt! It was a little difficult, but we did it! It takes and eagle eye to find the ninjas in Miniland U.S.A. and complete your entry form for a chance to win a LEGO NINJAGO prize pack! Available 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

And of course, no trip to Legoland is complete without a goofy photo…

Screen Shot 2017-09-24 at 5.39.59 AM.pngIf you are looking for some family fun, check out Lego Ninjago Day today at Legoland California!

Screen Shot 2017-09-24 at 5.58.22 AM.pngOr if you are looking for something  else to do, the Lego Ninjago movie is out in theatres now! Henry and I saw a sneak preview of it on Tuesday night, and it’s a great movie for your little ninjas.

Henry and I both enjoyed it. It’s full of family fun, discovery and friendship, and of course, a cat laser!

Friday Freebies are back!

Abby H.
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While a flower in your mail box is cute, freebies are better!

I know most everyone likes a good freebie, so I’m bringing back Freebie Friday!!

LEGO Monthly Mini Build – Free LEGO Robot (This one is in store and you have to sign up in advance- it’s super fun!)

Free Subscription to Real Simple, Shape, TIME & More

Possible Free Samples from Healthline & Sampler

Free Small Bag of Select Dog or Cat Food at PetSmart

Free Redbox DVD Rental

Free Sample of Born Sweet Zing Organic Stevia
Free Gold Rush Panning Party with Tryazon (I applied for this one- Henry is obsessed with the Gold Rush!)

Free Subscription to Woman’s Day Magazine

Free Garnier 5sec Optical Blur + Make Cash & More from Toluna

Free LEGO Ninjago Mini Dragon at Barnes & Noble

Free Seventh Generation Disinfecting Spray

101 Free 4×6 photo prints from York Photo

Kroger/Ralphs Free Friday download is a Hormel® Compleats® Microwave Meal (your choice). This makes a great donation for food drives!

For those of you in San Diego, Geppetto’s toy stores are celebrating their 25th Anniversary tomorrow with freebies and a party at each of their locations!

The Santee Historical society is hosting a Children’s Safety faire tomorrow!

Friday Freebie Round Up!

Abby H.

cowboy-with-lasso-clipart-11582.jpeg

 

Yee-Haw! It’s back! I haven’t done a weekly freebie round-up in a while, but there have been too many good ones lately, so I’m bringing it back, complete with cheesy cowboy clipart!

Don’t forget the free admission to Seaworld for active military and veterans too!

Fun Free Easter Events in San Diego!

Abby H.1 Comment

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Looking for some fun this week to celebrate Easter? I’ve been combing the internet looking for some fun to share!

Here are just a few of my favorite free or cheap San Diego Area events! Most are Easter specific, but there are a few that are just good spring fun!

Meet the Easter Bunny, and hunt for Eggs at Lake Murray Playground this Friday, the 14th! I am sponsoring this event. We’ll have lots of fun for all kids!

Spring Eggstravaganza in Santee. This is a very busy and very popular east county event! It features continuous egg hunts for ages 8 & under, pony rides, crafts, inflatables, petting zoo, carnival rides and games, and more. April 15, 9 am-3 pm. Ride/activity tickets $1 each (cash only). You can park outside the lakes and walk in, otherwise entrance to the park is $6/car. Santee Lakes, Lake 5, 9310 Fanita Pkwy *Get there early to avoid the rush. We used to go when Lil’ Man was smaller to this event, but there are just too many people for us.

If you are going to be in Mission Valley, check out the free monthly craft at the Lakeshore Learning store! For ages 3 and up 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 15 at 7510 Hazard Center Drive (San Diego)

Grossmont Center, La Mesa is hosting an egg hunt for all ages, costumed characters, face painting and a train display. Free event. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April 15.

A lot of the Rec Centers around San Diego are hosting events on Saturday. Here are just a few!

FREE Spring Egg Hunt at Adams Recreation Center. Egg scrambles, face painting, crafts, music and more. April 15, 10 am-12:30 pm. Bring a basket. 3491 Adams Ave., San Diego. http://www.sandiego.gov; 619-235-1149.

FREE Egg Hunt at Morley Field Sports Complex. Also, games, arts and crafts, egg toss, sack races and cake walks. April 15, 9:30 am-noon; egg hunt at 11 am. 2221 Morley Field Dr., San Diego. 619-525-8262.

FREE Eggs & Goodies at Pacific Beach Recreation Center. Egg hunts plus a 40-foot obstacle course, a bounce house, arts and crafts, and face painting. April 15, 1 pm. Returned eggs will qualify participants for special goodie bags. 1405 Diamond St. For details, call 858-581-9927.

FREE Torrey Hills Egg Hunt. Also, crafts, music, jumps and face painting. April 15, 9-11 am. Torrey Hills Community Park, 4262 Calle Mejillones, San Diego. 858-552-1687.

Louis A. Stelzer County Park, Lakeside 10 – 11 a.m. event April 15 at 11470 Wildcat Canyon Road, 619-561-0580. There may be a $3 parking/park entrance fee per vehicle.

 

Weekend Fun On the cheap!!

Abby H.

file4361308158952If you are looking for some fun on a budget, we have compiled a list of national retailers with hands-on workshops, classes and free in-store events for this weekend and many more that are coming soon.

Share this fun,money-saving list with your friends and family. And, if you know of any others to include, please let us know! It is always best to call ahead and make sure that your local store or retailer is participating to avoid disappointment.

 

 

 

bank of america museums on usFree Museum Entrance for Bank of America customers: Saturday, July 4th and Sunday, July 5th  Bank of America’s Museums on Us is offering free admission to more than 150 museums nationwide for Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card holders along with a photo ID. For more information about Museums on Us, visit: http://museums.bankofamerica.com.

Barnes & Noble  in store events: July 1st – July 31st  In store events include Throwback Thursdays, Time Travel Weekend, DC Comic Days (July 8-12), Minions Fun (July 17th), Star Wars Saturday (July 18th), Dr. Seuss Spectacular (July 28th & 31st) and more. Find the times and participating Barnes and Noble stores here.

Home Depot Kid’s Workshops: Saturday, July 4th from 9 AM – noon (Our local HD offers them each week, yours may too, call ahead to verify) Kids make and take a Minions Scooter plus get a free orange apron. Get more information and register online here.

Bowling for Kids all Summer: Kids Bowl for Free all summer at select bowling centers. Get two free games for each child, every day, all summer long. She rental is not included. Check to see what nearby bowling alleys are participating here.

Family Movies for $1:  During the Summer Participating Regal Cinemas, United Artists, & Edwards Theaters offer 9 weeks of family movies, rated G or PG, for just $1 on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings at 10 AM. You can see the schedule, starting dates and movies here on the Regal website.

And Coming Soon…

Free National Park Entrance: August 25th – National Park Service Birthday Find out the list of participating parks (over 405 of them) There is only 1 in San Diego. 

Lego Stores Free Model Build. Usually held monthly in stores, kids ages 6 to 14 can build from a small, easy to assemble kit. Contact your closest LEGO® Store here for details.

Be sure and check out your local library (San Diego County Library event website) and parks and recreation departments for free programs and events right in your hometown!

 

Thanks to Lori at More with Less

 

Fun, Free Weekend Activities

Abby H.

file4361308158952If you are looking for some fun on a budget, we have compiled a list of national retailers with hands-on workshops, classes and free in-store events for this weekend and many more that are coming soon.

Share this fun,money-saving list with your friends and family. And, if you know of any others to include, please let us know! It is always best to call ahead and make sure that your local store or retailer is participating to avoid disappointment.

 

 

 
Free National Park Entrance:  April 18-19th  opening weekend of National Park Week  Find out the list of participating parks (over 405 of them)
Barnes & Noble Saturday, April 18th at 11 AM Story time featuring Aqualicious plus related activities at many B&N locations. Most stores have free toddler story time, NOOK events, hands-on learning events and author events – find the times and participating Barnes and Noble stores here.

home depot workshops for adultsHome Depot Workshop for Adults

Saturday, April 18th from 10 AM to 11:30 AM – Organic Gardening

Sunday, April 12th from 1 PM to 2:30 PM – How to Install a Toilet

You can pre-register online here.

 

 

whirly twirly windwill Lakeshore LearningLakeshore Learning Store

Saturday, April 18th from 11 AM-3 PM and a few locations offer crafts every Sunday.

Kids make and take a Whirly Twirly Windmill Craft. Get more information here.

 

williams sonoma free jr chefsWilliams-Sonoma Free Technique Classes for Kids

Saturday, April 18th at 10 AM

Junior Chef: Baking Bundts – kids will learn to prepare different flavors and sizes of Bundt cakes with three different glazes. The Jr. Chef’s class is suitable for kids ages 5-13.

 

williams-sonoma free techniques classWilliams-Sonoma Free Technique Classes for Adults

Sunday, April 19th -contact your store for class time

Coffee Techniques Class: Be your own Barista and learn brewing methods and discuss various roasts and grinds that affect your finished drink. To reserve a spot, and find out specific class times, contact your closest store right here.

 

And Coming up in a few weeks:

Earth Day/Month Events in San Diego

4/21/15 at 11 AM: Pottery Barn Kids Decorate biodegradable flower pots and plant seeds for Earth Day. Call your local PBK store here for a reservation.

5/2/15: Free Comic Book Day.  Find participating stores here.

5/2/15 from 9 AM to 12 PM: Home Depot Workshop for Kids Kids Learn How to Build a Picket Fence Photo Frame ~You can pre-register online here. (Some Home Depot locations do a kids workshop each week, no pre-registration required)

5/8/15: Free Admission to National Public Gardens. A favorite annual events just in time for Mother’s Day. Find Gardens Near You

5/9/15 at 10 AM Lowe’s Build and Grow Kids make and take a Mother’s Day Planter. Register at the website here.

5/10/15 at 10 AM: Pottery Barn Botanical flower arranging. Get more information and RSVP here.

5/18/15: Free Art Museum Day. Many art museums will be offering free or discounted admission. Find our more information here.

Lego Stores Free Model Build. Usually held monthly in stores, kids ages 6 to 14 can build and binoculars. Contact your closest LEGO® Store here for details.

And one of my favorites…Bowling for Kids all Summer: Kids Bowl for Free all summer at select bowling centers. Get two free games for each child, every day, all summer long. She rental is not included. Check to see what nearby bowling alleys are participating here.

And Starting in June: Family Movies for $1 During the Summer Participating Regal Cinemas, United Artists, & Edwards Theaters offer 9 weeks of family movies, rated G or PG, for just $1 on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings at 10 AM. You can see the schedule, starting dates and movies here on the Regal website.
Be sure and check out your local library (San Diego County Library event website) and parks and recreation departments for free programs and events right in your hometown!

 

Thanks to Lori at More with Less