Archive of ‘Fun & Free’ category

Del Mar Racetrack Guide

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Headed to the races this summer?  The last thing you want to do is get stuck in the horrible traffic, usually even the off ramp at Via De La Valle backed up!  Not to mention the price just to park is $10 or $20 to valet.  Instead consider taking the train or the coaster to the Solana Beach Station.  From there you can jump on the free shuttle to the track.  The Del Mar Racetrack Shuttle runs every 15 minutes from the Solana Beach Station to the track.  The shuttle begins at 9:30 am and continues to meet incoming trains and Coasters until 4:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Returning to the Solana Beach Station from the track departs 15 minutes after each race.  The last shuttle leaves the track 45 minutes after the end of the last race except on Saturday because of the concert the last shuttle is at 10 p.m.  For more information on the free shuttle from the Solana Beach Station click here.

I know everyone loves going to opening day… the hats alone are sometimes worth it.  BUT did you know tickets are more than double on opening day?  The least expensive tickets are $4 but on opening day the price jumps to $10 or for Clubhouse seats which are normally $6, go up to $15.  If you are planning on going to the track on opening day be aware they are expecting record breaking crowds this year.

Visit the track on Thursday and purchase the Oggi’s Pizza N’ Ponies Special offer.  For only $11.00, patrons will receive: Stretch Run admission and program ($6.00), Stretch Run reserved seat ($5.00), Oggi’s Personal Cheese Pizza ($8.00), Soft Drink ($3.00) – A $22.00 VALUE, FOR ONLY $11.00 DOLLARS* –50% Savings.  Stop by your local Oggi’s Pizza and pick up a coupon for this great deal!  I recommend the Oggi’s in Encinitas because my brother Josh is the bartender there and he was voted best bartender in San Diego!  Ask him to make you a margarita, his are to die for!

The only other deal I found on tickets it is $39 for 10 clubhouse admission tickets, EXPIRED as of 7/24/11.

Good luck at the races!

FREE things to do this weekend in San Diego

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Friday, July 15

TGIF Jazz in the Park for the next three weeks will be at Poinsettia Park located at 6600 Hidden Valley Road in Carlsbad.  Playing tonight is Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad a latin salsa band.  This is a free concert, event is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for more information click here.

Point Loma Summer Concerts are in Point Loma Park from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Help The Beatles Tribute Band will play tonight, for more information click here.

Saturday, July 16

Summer Movies in the Park is at San Elijo Hills Park, the movie playing is Despicable Me which is rated PG.  This is a free event, for more information please click here.

San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Show at Balboa Park.  Get up close and personal with the State reptile the California Desert Tortoise. There will be animal exhibits, plants for sale, and more.  Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  This is a free event, for more information click here.

Sunday, July 17

La Jolla Concerts by the Sea at Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  This Sunday is Benny Hollman’s Big Band Explosion.  This is a free concert, for more information click here.

Grunion Run at Cabrillo Beach the Grunion Run is a fun activity to do if you haven’t ever held one they feel just like what you would expect a silvery fish to feel like.  You are only allowed to take the Grunion by hand, no holes may be dug in the beach to entrap them. A fishing license is required for persons 16 years and older.  This is a free event if you have a fishing license, for more information please click here.

15
16
17
18		 Fr 9:55 p.m. – 11:55 p.m.
Sa 10:35 p.m. – 12:35 a.m.*
Su 11:10 p.m. – 1:10 a.m.*
Mo 11:45 p.m. – 1:45 a.m.*

Note: The times given for each date reflect the probable two-hour interval during which a spawning run may occur. The second hour is usually better. The best runs normally occur on the second and third nights of the four-night period.



Disneyland Tips

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Disneyland the happiest place on Earth!  We visited Disneyland over a dozen times this year with our season passes, and here is some of what we learned, sometimes the hard way.  The best tips for Disneyland especially for saving money is to bring your lunch!  Bring juice boxes for the kids and lots of water for the adults.  Freeze the water bottles the night before so you can use this as your ice for the day, this will help keep the rest of the food cool.  For younger kids bring lots of snacks like pretzels, crackers, fruit, granola bars and anything they can eat while walking or waiting in a line.  Disneyland has specific picnic areas for you to eat your lunch as well as lockers to store items before and after.

During the summer the lines are LONG and it is HOT so prepare your children for this ahead of time.  We played a bunch of games with the kids in line like i spy, rock paper scissors, and we sang songs.  Yes, people did stare at us while singing but it kept the kids minds off of the hour plus line we were waiting in for Splash Mountain.  Be aware of the height requirements before entering Disneyland, it helps to prepare kids for what they can and cannot ride.  My son cried the first time we went because he could not go on Thunder Mountain and I felt horrible!  Something to consider when you have children under 40 inches is the switch pass.  This allows one parent to ride while the other holds the “baby” then they switch.  This is so you don’t have to wait inline twice to go on the same ride and saves tons of time.  If there is only one thing you take from reading this please use the FASTPASS!   The FASTPASS is a complimentary service to all park Guests that allows you to enjoy the rest of the Disneyland Resort while your place in line is saved. Check the complete list of FASTPASS attractions here.  It is such huge a timesaver and if you plan your day you can walk on to most rides using it.

Dress your children in something bright that will stand out in a crowd.  It only takes one second for a child to wonder off and in a sea of hundreds of people that can be really scary!  I always put my son in orange, because not too many people wear the color and it just happens to be his favorite.

Disneyland has special offers and discounts from time to time.  Please click here for a full list of Disneyland Specials & Discounts.

Wave Water Park in Vista Tips

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The latest daily deal for the Wave can be found here!

The Wave Water park in Vista is a fun place for families.  The cost for a child or adult over 42 inches tall is $16.95, under 42 inches is $12.95, and children 3 and under are free.  They also have a great happy hour price which is only $9.95 for the last two hours of the day.  Military with a valid ID is $11.95 and a spectator admission is $12.95.  Be aware that the Wave does have rides where you need an inner tube and they do not provide them.   If you have one I would recommend bringing your own if not you may rent a single for $4 or double for $8.

Everyone wants a discount or coupon to The Wave Water park right?  On Monday and Tuesday’s The Wave hosts Splash Away Hunger, which allows you to receive $4 off an adult admission.  Just bring two 8 oz. or larger canned food item to receive $4 off coupon for the Wave Water park.  The dates Splash Away Hunger are available are 6/15, 6/29, 7/13, 7/27, 8/10.

The Wave water park also has Friday Night Splash, the Wave is open extended hours from 4 to 8 p.m. Admission tickets are only $7.95 per person (or a $3.00 upgrade with the same day regular park admission ticket).  They host fun games and competitions for prizes, and discount food is also available.  Another great thing is there is no charge for parking on any day or anytime.

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Legoland Water Park Tips

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When going to the Legoland Water Park go straight there to claim your spot for the day, if you do plan to walk around Legoland save this for after the water park.  Another option is to do this during the busy times at the water park between 1-3 p.m.  When choosing where to sit for the day my opinion is the best spots are closest to the water, this allows you watch your kids without an obstructed view.  If your child is not tall enough to stand in the pools grab one of the life jackets they have around the park for free.  This will help you be more relaxed, your child will feel safe, and help make the lifeguards job a bit easier.  Items to bring to the water park swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, hats, rash guards, goggles, water shoes, drinks and snacks.  If you forget to bring any of these items you may purchase them at the park.

Prepare your children that every two hours they close all pools for a 10 minute break.  During the break is a great time to have a potty break, eat a snack or just a quick rest.  The only area not closed at this time is the Duplo Splash Zoo and it is an especially great area for kids 1-5.  We spend most of our time at the DUPLO Splash Safari which has 3 water slides for toddlers, I have a 4-year-old and he loves this area.  

Inside the water park there is only The Beach Front Grill, the food is a fusion of Mexican/California which options like wraps and burritos.  There are more options for food outside the water park, you may leave and return with the food, but don’t forget to have your hand stamped for re-entry.  Another option is to bring a lunch with you, most days we bring a lunch and have never had an issue.  If you are looking for a healthy option they have great salads at the Garden Restaurant.  An inexpensive lunch is at the Fun Town Hot Dogs located near the Volvo Driving Schools.

Cabana rentals are available for $179 a day or $129 for a half day, if the only thing you are looking for is a semi-private area this is great.  However, you can not see your children from the cabana’s because they are on the outskirts of the pool areas.  Included in the cabana rental price is:  10 drinks (this isn’t Vegas so don’t get too excited) options are juice, water, and soda.  A table with Duplo bricks for play (please note these are not to keep) and a host to help with any water park needs.

For a discount on Legoland tickets click here for a $15 off coupon.

For a FREE child admission with paid adult click here.

Country Club Open House

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El Camino Country Club is hosting a Culinary Tour & Open House on Thursday, July 14th from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.  The Summer Open House is a complimentary event where you will take a culinary tour around the world, allow you to tour the event spaces, sample the chef’s cuisine, view party ideas, and meet the great team of event professionals.  To attend this event please R.S.V.P. to the Event Sales Department at 760.757.2100 ex. 108 or at catering@elcaminoclub.com.

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