san diego

May 2026 Clothing Swaps

Abby H.Leave a comment

I love clothing swaps- If you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kids’ wardrobes (and my own). Now that the kids have grown into adult-sized clothing, I’m always looking for a good swap that will have clothes in all of our sizes.

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.

Here are the May 2026 Clothing Swaps in the greater San Diego, CA area:

The Good Loop hosts clothing swaps in Southern CA frequently, but has nothing currently planned. I recommend following them on Instagram to stay in the know.

Let’s Go Girls SD also hosts clothing swaps frequently. Check out their Instagram page.

2026-Summer Movies for Kids on the Cheap!

Abby H.

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!)

 

Taylor Research Sleep Habits Study- $125

Abby H.

Taylor Research is a research company based in the San Diego, CA area. I have been involved in their studies for over 15 years.

Frequently, they will send out emails requesting referrals for studies that are hard to fill. This is one of those cases.

  • Study Topic: Sleep Habits
  • Study Type: Individual Interviews
  • Study Location: Online (Nationwide)
  • Target Audience: Adults 18+
  • Available Date(s): April 20th – 30th, 2026
  • Session Duration: 1 hour
  • Reward Amount: $125

To sign up, please complete the form here. In the referral box, enter my name Abby Hewes. If you are selected and participate, I may earn a referral bonus!

Please feel free to share this.

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.

April 2026 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 kids’ wardrobes (and my own). Now that the kids have grown into adult-sized clothing, I’m always looking for a good swap that will have clothes in all of our sizes.

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.

April 20th is Earth Day, and to celebrate, there are usually swaps at Earth Day events. I’ve included all of the swaps I could find at Earth Day celebrations across San Diego.

Here are the April 2026 Clothing Swaps in the greater San Diego, CA area:

The Good Loop hosts clothing swaps in Southern CA frequently, but has nothing currently planned. I recommend following them on Instagram to stay in the know.

Let’s Go Girls SD also hosts clothing swaps frequently. Check out their Instagram page.

Free- Wild Wonder Animal Encounter at San Diego Area Libraries

Abby H.

When my kids were little, they loved these events. Honestly, they probably still would be excited about seeing wild animals up close.

Wild Wonders will be visiting 23 San Diego County libraries this summer with their furry friends.

To learn more about Wild Wonders, visit their website.

And don’t forget- Summer Reading Programs from both the City of San Diego and County of San Diego libraries will start in the beginning of June. I’ll post more information as it becomes available.

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).

Early 2026 San Diego 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 kids’ 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.

Here are just a few Q1 Clothing Swaps in the greater San Diego, CA area:

 

The Good Loop hosts clothing swaps in Southern CA frequently, but has nothing currently planned. I recommend following them on Instagram to stay in the know.

Let’s Go Girls SD also hosts clothing swaps frequently. Check out their Instagram page.

Looking for Frugal Fun for Winter Holidays? Check out Neighborhood Light Displays!

Abby H.

This is one of our family traditions, even since Bubs was a baby. My brother and I grew up doing this, too. I’m not sure if winter holiday light displays on residential properties are big in other parts of the country, but here in Southern California, it’s serious business. Some of these houses put the Griswold’s to shame.

Here are our family’s favorite neighborhoods to visit:

East County:

  • Jingle Bell Hill (also known as Pepper Dr. Lights). Solomon Ave./Pegeen Pl. and surrounding area. Off 67 & Bradley. Dec. 8-26, Mon-Th 6-9 pm, Fri-Sun 6-10 pm.
  • 10248 Paseo Palmas Dr., Nicknamed “Tinsel Town”. Dec. 1-25, 5:30-9 pm. Most of the houses on this street are very well decorated with lights and moving displays! They have a Facebook page too!
  •  Starlight Circle, East and West Glendon Circles. Through December 26th, 7-10 pm. This is extremely popular!  Starlight Circle even has a Facebook page! Starlight Circle has gotten so popular in recent years that the neighboring high school has opened its parking lot. You can park your car and walk through.

There are some neighborhoods that we have added to our list this year. Most of them have been around for years, but we have not visited them yet.

  •  Christmas Card Lane in Rancho Penasquitos 9190 Oviedo St, San Diego, CA 92129
  • Christmas Park in Clairemont Jamar Dr & Lana Dr, San Diego, CA 92117
  • Merry-tage Court in Scripps Ranch Merritage Ct & Stonebridge Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92131

And if you are looking for some family fun beyond a car ride and light peeping, Groupon has a few deals on Holiday light events, including Jingle Jets: USS Midway Museum’s Dazzling Holiday Light Display and San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Cruise on Luxury Yacht Peregrine.