local event

Upcoming 2025 Upcoming Clothing Swaps

Abby H.

I love clothing swaps- If you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kid’s wardrobes (and my own).

And as always, if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources)  here.

AUGUST 2025

 Thread Bumpin’ Clothing Swap

Saturday, August 2, 2025 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM La Mesita Park 8855 Dallas St · La Mesa, CA

Only the following will be accepted:

  • Clean adult clothes
  • Jewelry
  • Makeup/perfume/beauty goods, accessories
  • Small personal items/decor

All leftover items are distributed to people in need through an NPO.

Crave Community is hosting a clothing swap on August 3rd, from 11am-1pm at San Diego Made Factory 2031 Commercial Street, San Diego, California 92213.

Bring your gently-loved clothes, swap for something new-to-you, and enjoy a welcoming space filled with good vibes and even better company.

More information can be found on their Instagram page here.

Chingona Cambio is hosting their first-ever clothing swap at Chula Vista Bayside Park

999 Bayside Parkway Chula Vista, CA 91910

on August 30th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

More information can be found here.

Tickets may not be available, but according to social media posts by the coordinator of this event, everyone is welcome, regardless of ticketing status.

On 8/16/2025, The Flower Pot is hosting a clothing swap, entry fee is $10. More information here.

 

SEPTEMBER AND BEYOND

In partnership with I Love a Clean San Diego, the San Diego County library branch in La Mesa is hosting a Sustainable Saturday: Clothing Swap on the following dates:

  • Saturday, December 6, 2025 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM La Mesa Branch Library 8074 Allison Avenue La Mesa CA 91942
  • Saturday, September 6, 2025 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM La Mesa Branch Library 8074 Allison Avenue La Mesa CA 91942

Bring one bag of unwanted clothes and accessories (for all ages!) to the library and leave with a fresh, new-to-you wardrobe! Items must be in good condition; no rips, tears, or stains.

I find clothing swaps by joining local area clothing swap groups, both through Facebook and Meetup.

8/5/2025 National Night Out – San Diego County!

Abby H.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 5 at 4pm-8pm

WHERE: multiple locations across San Diego County. For the complete list, click here. 
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is excited to invite you and your family to join us on Tuesday, August 5, for National Night Out—an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations, and the neighborhoods they proudly serve.
National Night Out is traditionally held on the second Tuesday in August. This year’s events will be packed with fun and activities for all ages! Enjoy food, exciting raffles and giveaways, and a wide range of community resources designed to keep you and your loved ones informed. Many of our events will also feature music, performances, and kid-friendly entertainment.
You’ll also get the opportunity to meet members of the specialized Sheriff’s units up close! From the K9 teams and Bomb/Arson Unit to Search and Rescue (SAR) and more, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the tools and talent that help keep San Diego County safe every day.
Whether you want to ask questions, pick up some swag for the kids, or simply say hello, National Night Out is your chance to connect with the deputies who serve and protect your community.

7/11/2025 All-Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair!

Abby H.

It’s time again for the All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair on Friday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Miramar Hourglass Recreation Center – 10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92126.

All activities and resources are available free of charge and open to the public.

Kids of all abilities will love this event, brought to you by the Special Needs Resource Foundation. Below is just a glimpse of what to expect:

Activity stations

  • Prizes
  • Crafts
  • Character meet and greets
  • Family resources 
  • Networking
  • Shopping
  • Games
  • Free parking 

 

Sign up to join us for this amazing day of inclusivity.

Activity stations for kids include favorites: Olaf Snowball Toss, Pokémon Scavenger Hunt, Super Wheelchair Awareness Course, Super Hero City Speedway, Crown-a-Polooza, and more!

Character meet and greets: Say hello to Princess Ariel and other beloved characters at this fun-filled event that the family will love.

Family resources and 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 at our Special Needs Resource Foundation booth.

ShopAble Bazaar: Stop by to browse and buy amazing products and valuable services from business owners with disabilities.

Sensory Time: From 11 to 11:30 a.m., families who need a quieter environment can enjoy the event with just one opening announcement and no music.

4/13/2025 All-Inclusive Day of Play: Starry Night Cinema & Resource Fair!

Abby H.

This event is back and will be an amazing time! The  2nd Annual All-Inclusive Day of Play: Starry Cinema & Resource Fair on Sunday, April 13 from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Corner Zone – 6845 University Ave., San Diego, 92115.

  • Activity Stations
  • Movie Screening Area
  • Giveaways & Crafts
  •  Family Resources
  • Networking
  • Shopping,
  • Games & more!

And as the sun sets, an outdoor screening of a family movie (title to be determined) will be shown on a large outdoor screen! Bring your chairs and blankets!

For tickets and to learn more, visit their website. 

Upcoming JCP Kid’s Craft Events!

Abby H.

Are you heading to the mall on 3/8/2025? Check out this fun, free craft from JCPenney’s.

Visit the Kids Zone inside JCPenney and kids can crate this cute rainbow mobile.

Parents/Adults score a 10% off coupon, which can be combined with another coupon. JCP Coupons can be found here.

April’s Craft is a cute foam finger puppet collection. April 12, 2025.

JCPenney hosts a fun craft event in store for kids on the second Saturday of each month.  They are easy for kids, and fun, free activity.

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.

9/29/2024 SANTEE MUSIC ACADEMY Santee Kids Make Music Day (Free!)

Abby H.

September 29th Santee Music Academy is hosting a free Kids Make Music Day!

Santee Music Academy has all sorts of fun times planned!

And you can enter to win a free month of music lessons!

If your kids are interested in attending, RSVP here.

Need Help with Back to School Supplies?

Abby H.

The Larry Himmel Neighborhood Foundation is here to help!

For the past eight years, they have been hosting our annual Back-To-School Haircut Drive, where kids aged 18 and under can enjoy:
Free haircuts
Free school supplies
Free food
Tickets to local attractions throughout San Diego County

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 9am – 1pm (Last haircut starts at 12:30pm)
Location: Skyline Church (11330 Campo Rd, La Mesa, CA 91941)

For more information, check out their Facebook Page. 

SMOAC is hosting a FREE BACKPACK GIVEAWAY on 8/3/2024. More info can be found here.

Free School Supplies is a website with listings by state of charities and non-profits that provide free and low-cost school supplies.

If you are a military family, check out Operation Homefront. They have Back-to-School Brigade events all over the country.

 

5/22/2024 Full Spectrum Soccer Clinic at Santee Sportsplex!

Abby H.

If you have a friend or family member with social, emotional, of physical special needs ages 5-20, this event looks like a great night out!

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 6-8pm at the Santee Sportsplex there is a Full Spectrum Soccer Clinic.

The event is free, however, the Sportsplex does have a $3 per 18+ entrance fee.

For more information, check out the graphic on this post. I found this information via email from my kids’ school. Googling the contact name and phone number didn’t give me any additional information or a website, so I’m unsure which organization sponsors this event.

Local Event: Boys & Girls Clubs of East County: Community Health Fair

Abby H.

The Grossmont Healthcare District is sponsoring a FREE Community Health Fair on May 2nd. We’ve gone to these events in the past and last time I won a free set of pots and pans.

These events have great information, resources, and freebies for the whole family.

Come to the Health Fair to learn about community health & wellness, and resources, and enjoy a meal! Don’t miss this FREE family event:

  • Taco cart dinner
  • Haircuts for children
  • Eye screenings
  • Self-care kit for children
  • BGC STEM Activities
  • Info from local health & wellness professionals…and more!


When: Thursday, May 2 | 5-7 PM
Where: Brady Family Clubhouse (7600 Junior High Drive, La Mesa, CA 91941)
Contact: Brandie Warren 619.440.1600 ext. 303 or brandie@bgcec.org

4/13/2024 All-Inclusive Day of Play: Starry Night Cinema & Resource Fair!

Abby H.

We’ve gone to this event in the past, and it’s always a fun time with great resources. This year, the All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair includes a movie under the stars!

Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 5-9 pm at The Salvation Army Kroc Center Field – 6753 University Ave., San Diego, CA  92115

Activity booths include:

  • Light Saber Creation Station
  • Underwater Nemo Sensory Tent
  • Olaf Snowball Toss,
  • Wizarding World Station

Parents can connect with helpful resource services and providers, gaining valuable insights and family support.

And as the sun sets, an outdoor screening of the family favorite film Finding Nemo will be shown on a large outdoor screen! Bring your chairs and blankets!

For tickets and to learn more, visit their website.