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2026 Summer Reading Programs

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Summer break from school means summer reading programs from the local library systems, plus a few other places.

At the time of the publication of this post, the City of San Diego has not officially posted their information; however, I spoke to a librarian at a city library, and they said it would be almost identical to the program offered in years past.  For more information on prior years’ programs and prizes, click here.

Here are a few of our favorite summer reading programs. Unless specifically stated, the programs start on June 1st.

Book It has a summer program where kids can read and earn free personal pan pizzas from Pizza Hut! Book It is the FAVORITE reading program in my house. Parents can enroll their kids for the summer! All logging of reading and prizes is now done on an app. Learn more here.

The County of San Diego Library’s summer reading program starts on June 1st. They have all sorts of prizes for kids and adults.

If you want your family to experience a multicultural world through reading, I  recommend PJ Library.  PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children from birth through 12 years old.

My kids love learning about faraway places and experiences different from their own. The PJ library books have opened their eyes to new holidays, customs, and ways of life.

Read Conmigo provides free books for kids by mail in Spanish and English to children ages preschool to fifth grade. They are only available to kids in CA, TX, and Florida. We used to receive the books, and they are ok, but my kids aren’t interested in learning Spanish. The books were super useful for me in learning to read in Spanish (Beyond what Duolingo teaches).

Barnes and Noble has a summer reading program starting July 1st. More info here.

Dolly Parton has established the Imagination Library, which is available in select regions, and those who live in participating areas can receive one book for their kids every month via mail.

Many of you have told me about Nothing Bundt Cake’s reading program. Books & Bundts is their youth reading program for pre-K through elementary students that celebrates the joy of reading. It’s easy and free with delicious results. Contact your local bakery to see if they are participating and to learn more.

If your kids like Chuck E. Cheese, this offer is great!  When they read every day for two weeks, they can fill out and turn in this calendar for 10 free play points!

2026-Summer Movies for Kids on the Cheap!

Abby H.Leave a comment

One of the kid’s favorite summer activities is to hit up the local theater for a showing of one of their favorite movies.

Big buckets of popcorn, snuck in candy (shhhh), and a drink, and they are ready for 2 hours of fun in the Air Conditioning.

 

Some of the “Usual suspects” have not updated their summer movie programs for 2026. As soon as we get more info, I’ll update.

Landmark Theatres has Family Friendly Films starting June 12, 2026. There are no locations in San Diego County, but there are some in Southern California.

Regal Summer Movie Express usually offers tickets for $2 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, featuring summer movies the whole family will enjoy.

Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark starts June 1, 2026. Bring the kids and enjoy exciting family-friendly big-screen entertainment for just $1.75 (plus taxes) per ticket for each movie.

Lots of smaller theatre chains have also joined this bandwagon! Marcus Theatres, MegaPlex, Epic Theatres are just a few. These theatres do not have locations in California.

Theatre chains that have not published their schedules yet, but in the past have had family/kids movies in the summer:

AMC Theatres has previously had a Summer Movie Camp with tickets starting at $3.oo/each at the box office.

Reading Cinemas usually has the Reel Kids program, with ticket prices reduced to $2/ticket!

UltraStar Cinemas doesn’t have anything posted yet, but they do offer discounts on tickets and popcorn on Thursdays year-round.

Talk Back: What summer movies are you looking forward to seeing?

May and June Upcoming JCP Kid’s Craft Events!

Abby H.

JCPenney hosts a fun craft event in-store for kids on the second Saturday of each month.  They are easy for kids and a fun, free activity. My kids loved these when they were little.

While you are there, make sure to join their Rewards Program. There are a lot of great benefits, and it’s free to join. I do a lot of our shopping at JCP. They are very size-inclusive, have great prices/sales, and support diversity in the communities in which they are located.

In-store events are only where local mandates allow.  All kids must be accompanied by an adult. More details, including participating JCP locations, can be found here.

On May 9th, from 11 am to noon, kids can make and take their very own Mother’s Day Flower Bouquet Craft.

All materials are provided but are only available while supplies last.

Plus, parents get a free 10% off coupon (and it can be combined with other JCP coupons!).

And moving right along into June…

On June 13th, from 11am to noon, kids can make and take a Super Hero Plaque!

All materials are provided but are only available while supplies last.

Plus, parents get a free 10% off coupon (and it can be combined with other JCP coupons!)

 

Be My Neighbor Day 4/18/2026

Abby H.

Join KPBS for San Diego’s fourth annual Be My Neighbor Day on Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at KPBS on the San Diego State University campus, 5200 Campanile Dr., San Diego, 92182.

Be My Neighbor Day is a free outdoor event for young children and families.

Celebrate what it means to be a community helper, just like Daniel Tiger! Join us to learn how even a small act of service can bring immense joy and make a significant difference.

Celebrate National Volunteer Month and Month of the Military Child with our community neighbors who lead efforts to serve others each and every day. Pay it forward, one small act of kindness at a time. Hands-on activities and crafts for the whole family!

For the second year, there will be the GI Film Festival San Diego Military Family Pavilion. The Pavilion will include fun and engaging activities to build a sense of community and belonging for local military families, resource booths hosted by local military family support organizations, and serve as an inviting space that will encourage all attendees to interact and learn about each other as San Diego neighbors.

  • Enjoy story times, live music, and entertainment
  • And of course, visit with PBS KIDS’ beloved friends, Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat!
  • All attendees will receive a KPBS KIDS giveaway, as well as resources on how to continue to serve as a community helper and caring neighbor!

There will be water stations. Driving, parking, and pedestrian directions will be provided in confirmation emails sent prior to the event.

2026 Birthday Freebies!

Abby H.1 Comment

This year, I focused on picking up birthday freebies that I really wanted. And that the kids would like too, because really, I couldn’t eat everything that was offered to me!

For those in CA, TX, NV, AZ, FL, NM, SC, or NC, check out eBirthdayClub. There are TONS of great freebies on this site.

If you live outside the San Diego, CA area, I recommend that you check out the birthday freebie list from MySavings. Their Freebies on Your Birthday list is pretty long. This list has a separate section towards the bottom of the page with Birthday Freebies for Kids, too!!!

Non-food Birthday Goodies:

  • Torrid: Members of the DivaStyle Club will receive $10 off their next purchase of $10+
  • Dave & Buster’s: $10 in free gameplay for those in the D&B Rewards Club.
  • Free goodies at Sephora (It changes every year)
  • DSW Shoe Warehouse: $5 off birthday coupon
  • Hot Topic:  Hot Topic Rewards members receive a $5 coupon for your birthday every year.

  • Bath and Body Works: Download their app and complete the Account Details section with your birthday. You will receive an offer for a free travel-sized item.

Free Food Birthday Goodies:

  • El Torito: A free entree for your birthday.

  • McDonald’s: Download their app and enter your birthdate when you sign up. You can get a free item for your birthday from a list of about 20 options. I chose the large iced coffee so that I could take it home and mix it with my protein shake for breakfast the next morning.

  • Jamba Juice: Download their app and enter your birthdate when you sign up, and receive a free Large Smoothie for your birthday! No other purchase needed. We have Jamba about once a month, so I’m not sure if a previous purchase is required.

  • Sombrero’s Mexican Food: Score a free burrito for your birthday!  

  • Starbucks: Download their app and get a free birthday handcrafted beverage of your choice on your birthday only.
  • Denny’s: Free Grand Slam for your Birthday. They also email out other freebies and coupons.
  • Bj’s Brewhouse: Rewards members receive a free Pizookie for their birthday.
  • Jersey Mike’s: Free Sub for your Birthday! (No matter what you read online, there is no Subway or Submarina birthday Freebies- Those deals are DEAD)
  • Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: When you sign up for a Smile-age Account, you’ll score a free Fro Yo for your B-day!  (I love Menchie’s!)
  • Nothing Bundt Cakes: Join their email list and receive a FREE Bundlet on your Birthday. (look for the link at the bottom of their website)
  • Mary’s Donuts: East County peeps know what I’m talking about! Free drink and TWO Donuts! 
  • Habit Burger Grill’s CharClub: Score a free Charburger on your birthday.
  • Panera: Sign up for MyPanera and get a free pastry or sweet on your birthday.
  • Buffalo Wild Wings: Sign up for Blazin’ Rewards to get six free birthday wings during your birth month
  • Cinnabon: Download their app and sign up for Cinnabon Rewards to get a free iced coffee on your birthday and a free order of BonBites for signing up.

Here are some offers that I did not include because I feel like they are a Freebie with a catch:

  • Dairy Queen: You must download their app and use it to make a purchase at least 30 days before your birthday. When you download the app, make sure to complete the section where it asks for your birthday.
  • Red Robin: You must spend at least $10 during the previous year to receive their birthday freebie.
  • Edible Arrangements: You must spend at least $29 during the prior year to receive their birthday freebie.

Places I read online that gave freebies, but I did not receive:

  • Dunkin’: I’m not a big Dunkin’ fan, so I was not upset to find that I did not get a free coffee or an offer with a % off for my birthday.

There are tons of other birthday freebie lists, but they may include offers that are not available here or may include stuff that I don’t consider worth it (like the Aveda “freebie”- pay $10 and receive a product valued at $23+… No thanks.)

Another deal that everyone and their mama goes nuts about is Benihana Japanese Restaurant – a complimentary meal up to $30 when you purchase an Adult meal at Regular Price (You must sign up for The Chef’s Table club). This used to be a FREE meal, no strings attached, but it has changed to basically a BOGO. That’s a no-go for me, but it may still get you excited.

I have not included Ulta in my list because you have to make a purchase the year previous (and it needs to be a certain amount- I’ve been told different amounts by various Ulta Employees, anywhere from $5-$50), so for me, that’s not a freebie. If I have to buy something to receive something, that’s a BOGO deal.

Remember to read the fine print for these offers. Most of them are for adults, ages 18+ (19 in some states). Some offers require the coupon/offer to be printed out, and for some, you can just show your phone.

 

 

Parents To Be: Free Breast Pump Resource!

Abby H.

This is a great offer for parents!

Most (if not all) insurance companies provide free breast pumps to mom to be, but navigating the insurance system to get one can be daunting.

Aeroflow Breast Pumps is here to help! Sign up and receive FREE Aeroflow  Breast Pump through your insurance.

It’s super easy:

  • Provide your insurance information to discover breast pump coverage.
  • Aeroflow verifies coverage and submits the required paperwork.
  • Pick a Top-of-the-Line Breast Pump.

That’s it! Pretty Sweet, right?

To get started, click here.  And if you know any mamas-to-be, please share this post with them!

Tryazon- Jasey’s Toy Chest Party

Abby H.

I’ve been a fan of Tryazon for about 7 years. It’s an amazing company that works with manufacturers of toys, games, food, and recreational/sporting goods. Manufacturers supply their goods to consumers to try out and review for free.

The kids and I have received toys, games, craft kits, and art supplies to test and have fun with.

Right now, Tryazon has a fun toy sampling opportunity to apply for!

Bring home toys built for magical moments and a lifetime of memories with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, from Jasey’s Toy Chest! Jasey’s Toys Chest believes in joyful learning through toys that create open-ended play. The brand was created in loving memory of their son Jasey, who filled their home with creativity and adventure. Now they create sustainable toys that are built to last and spark learning, creativity, and connection. Explore the endless possibilities with Jasey’s Toy Chest!

They have 100 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack for free with a variety of toys from Jasey’s Toy Chest to share with friends and family!

Learn more and apply here: https://www.tryazon.com/jaseys-toy-chest-party/

My Laundry Favs: More than Good Smells.

Abby H.

Clean laundry is more than good smells.

Stain removal, like removing the deodorant residue on the underarms of shirts, can lead to a buildup.

Removing smells from body oil and dead skin flakes. Pretty gross!

Using the right kind of detergent, laundry booster, sand tain removal – These can all be hard to figure out.

These days, it’s three of us, plus the cat, but I do one load of laundry a day, sheets and blankets weekly. It’s a lot of work. Thankfully, I have a system worked out.

We’ve had hard and or mineralized water in our area, so I use the following:

Scent Booster. I use the Arm & Hammer brand. I avoid fabric softeners as they are waxy and can leave a film on your clothing that can capture dirt and dead skin flakes.

Laundry detergent. Right now, I am using Arm & Hammer liquid detergent. Some people prefer powder. I prefer Arial for powder. It cleans very well and does not have an overwhelming scent.

Stain Removers. There are many types of stain removal products; some are general-purpose, and there are also some that remove stains based on the type of stain.

  • For blood stains, I use this Carbona Stain Remover. It works better than saliva and hydrogen peroxide.
  • For general stains, I use Spray and Wash 
  • For greasy stains, I use a combination of Blue Dawn and a little bit of rubbing alcohol, scrubbed with a toothbrush. This really helps get grease stains out.
  • For General whitening/stain removal boosting, I add 1/4 cup Biz and 1/4 cup Oxyclean to my wash. Biz is great for overall stain removal. These two products cannot be used in conjunction with bleach products.
  • For my whites: I use bleach. This is usually only on my towels and sheets.

I do not use dryer sheets.

Beyond Laundry:

To maintain my washing machine, I clean it up once a month with these tablets. We don’t have a dog, but a couple of us have longer-ish hair, and Fiona the cat loves to shed. Another thing that helps keep your washing machine smelling fresh is leaving the lid open when it’s not in use. And wiping down the gasket inside the lid once a week.

I maintain my dryer by cleaning the lint trap after every load, and using a brush like this one in the lint trap about once a week. We get the dryer vent cleaned once a year. It is a little costly ($100), but it really cuts down on the time the dryer needs to dry the clothes, and it reduces fire risk in our home.

We also use cloth laundry hamper bags on a hanging system (similar to this one) in my closet. I wash those bags approximately once a month. And for the hard plastic laundry baskets, I wiped them out with a disinfecting wipe about once a week.

And as for all of the hangers, I use a hanger rack like this one.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is free for Seniors in February

Abby H.

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!

Parking is not free ($25), but the Safari Park is an awesome day-long adventure.

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).

1/11/26 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgMeal Prep and Meal Planning is back for 2026!

I prepped Taco bowls for my work week lunches, I’ll taco home made guac and tortilla chips with me as well.

I’ll post the taco bowl recipe this week. They are super good (I had one yesterday for lunch).

I also cut up a lot of fruit for the week- I’ve found if it’s grab and go, the kids and I are more likely to eat it,

To keep my grocery budget down, I shop at Aldi (using Instacart, I wrote about how to do it here), our local Grocery Outlet, and use cashback rebates that offer a lot of 100% back (I wrote a post about some of my favorite apps here).

I hit up Aldi on Saturday and restocked a lot of pantry staples- canned tomatoes in various forms, several types of beans, and rice. I also picked up corn tortillas, cheese, and bread. We go through a lot of bread because my oldest has a sandwich every day for lunch. I was out the door for $74.13, just under my budget of $75.00.

Breakfast: The kids tend to eat cereal, a bagel, or an MBS (Mrs. Bear Special) each morning for breakfast. I usually have a proffee and a slice of toast with goat cheese and spicy honey.

Lunch: M-F I pack myself and the kids’ lunches. I bring 5 lunches to work on Monday and stash them in the fridge. I pack the kids’ lunches each night before bed, except for the cold stuff and ice pack- those I put in when I get up in the morning. This week, my lunch is taco bowls.

Dinner: This week, dinners are pretty simple. I’m easing back into meal planning in 2026, and not planning any complicated dinners that involve a lot of steps.

If there is something that one of the kids ends up not liking, they can have a sandwich or a fruit and yogurt smoothie.

  • Sunday:  Homemade Soup (thanks mom!), and homemade bread. The big kid had a smoothie.
  • Monday: Mac n’ Cheese, Meatloaf, and Fruit

  • Tuesday: Breakfast for Dinner (Waffles, Eggs, & Fruit)

  • Wednesday: Skillet meal- Maybe Chicken Tetrazini

  • Thursday: Chicken strips, mashed potatoes, fruit smoothies

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza and whatever leftover fruit is hanging around.