Archive of ‘SoCalSavvyMom’ category

Kids Free in October at San Diego Museums

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The San Diego Museum Council is bringing back by popular demand an amazing program for families.  Based on its huge success in the first three years, Kids Free in October, is back for a fourth year inviting families to enjoy free kids’ admission to more than 30 museums across San Diego County with an adult ticket purchase.

The breakdown:

  • The coupon allows up to TWO CHILDREN 12 and UNDER to get in FREE with one paid adult.
  • The ticket does not apply to special events, special exhibits or field trips.
  • Can not combine with any other promo/discount/coupon/offer.
  • Valid during the month of October only 10/1/14 – 10/31/14.
  • You must provide the PRINTED the coupon, which may be found below.

To take advantage of the offer, download the free coupon from the website for each museum you wish to visit in October.

Visit the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla and see the living tide pools.  The U.S.S. Midway is a fun floating museum that children love!  One of the most popular in San Diego is the Ruben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park and it too is free for children during the month of October.   For the full list of museums participating in Kids Free in October click here.

Kids are also free to the San Diego Zoo & Safari park during October for more information read our post about it here.

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San Diego Kids Expo 10/18 – 10/19

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The San Diego Kids Expo & Fair is a fun family event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and is something children will love! All throughout the event there are fun things to do like a 200’ long Zip Line and a Euro Bungee where 4 kids can jump on trampolines and do flips safely.  We did the bungee on our trip to Vail and my son loved it so much he did it twice!  If you have little ones you can check out the Tumble Gym Bus, which is a rolling indoor gym or jump in the inflatable jumpies. 

Fun activities at the San Diego Kids Expo & Fair include: Zip Line, Human Hamster Balls, Water Rollers, Laser Tag, Xorbing Balls, Parachute Rocket, Coconut Climb, Paint Ball, Euro Bungy, Grand Central Raceway remote contral cars,Trackless Train, around the entire KIDS ZONE Inflatable Jumpies and Slides.  Outdoor KIDS ZONE activities cost between $5 – $10 each except the following:  Jumpies and slides for young children cost $5.00 for an all day wristband to all jumpies and slides.  You can pay with cash or debit/credit card at the ticket sales booth.

Reasons we LOVE San Diego Kids Expo & Fair children 12 and under are FREE!  Adults are only $8, and may be purchased ahead of time here.  The show runs Saturday, October 18th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 19th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  SoCal Savvy Mom is happy to offer a giveaway for a family four pack of tickets to San Diego Kids Expo & Fair.  To be entered into the giveaway simply leave a comment on this blog post, on facebook, or on twitter.

We can’t wait for the San Diego Kids Expo & Fair and hope to see you there!

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Summertime in Vail

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Family travel a passion for our family!  The past two summers we have visited Vail and Beaver Creek. We were lucky enough to be in Vail during the Oktoberfest celebration this summer.  Vail Oktoberfest is a family affair, with events my parents, my brothers and I and the kids enjoyed. The event is free and open to the public. This year we watched Klement’s Bratwurst Eating Contests (I think the winner ate 11) and the Stein Lifting and Keg Bowling.  My aunt raved about Keg Bowling and wanted my cousin Chelsea and I to do it.  We tried to sign up but it was already full.  Which was a good thing because kegs are heavy and let’s be honest we are girls and not strong enough to knock over 10 kegs.  After the bratwurst eating contest and keg bowling we took the gondola to the top of Vail Mountain.

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If you plan to have a beer or two while at Oktoberfest I recommend purchasing the official Vail Oktoberfest mug, it is only $20 and it is a great memento of your trip.  There is no money exchanged it is all tokens, we purchased about $50 of tokens for beer and food and it was plenty for my cousin and I.  My brothers no doubt went through more tokens than Chelsea and I due to their advanced beer drinking skills.
vail group beersIf you are adventurous you may attempt to hike up Berry Picker Trail there is no charge for this but advise allowing at least 2-3 hours.  We had too many people with different ages to attempt the hike.  The gondola ride to the top is beautiful with views of mountain peaks and wildflowers as far as you can see.  Children 4 and under are free, 5-12 year olds are $7 and adults are $28 per person. We always go to the top of Vail when we visit, the view is just as amazing year after year.  Below is a picture of my cousin and I at the top of Vail last summer.

top of vail w chelsAfter the gondola ride to the top of Vail the Adventure Ridge awaits you.  To access Adventure Ridge via the Eagle Bahn Gondola, you must purchase a lift ticket.  Aside from the most incredible views you will ever see there are fun activities for all ages at over 10,000 ft! My son loves the climbing wall, (pictured below) he did it three times!  My niece loved the rebound trampoline she did it twice.  There are also pony rides, miniature golf, kids zip line and low ropes course.

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If your children would like to do multiple activities I would recommend purchasing the adventure ridge action pass.  With the pass you may choose three activities from pony rides, climbing wall, rebound trampoline, miniature golf, or disc golf for only $25.  The adventure plus pass allows up to four activities for only $35.  We regretted not purchasing the adventure action pass because our kids loved all the fun activities.  We have already started looking forward to next year.

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Oceanside Harbor Days Sept 27-28

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This weekend on September 27-28, 2014 the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce present Oceanside Harbor Days at the Oceanside Harbor. The FREE family-friendly event will feature arts and craft exhibits, great food and fun activities for the entire family. The event is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.oceanside harbor days 1

Two fun filled days of sun, sand, and surf provide a great experience for fun activities for all ages.   New this year is the Sandcastle competition, you will not want to miss the Entertainment Stage with live music, there will also be Arts & Crafts. The Food booth areas will not want to be missed, and my personal favorite is the Nail ‘n’ Sail Competition, where people make a boat and then try and see if it floats across the harbor!  It is really fun seeing which boats make it and which boats sink!

Parking – There is free parking in downtown Oceanside at the Oceanside transit parking garage located at Cleveland Street & Seagaze Drive.  Free shuttle on the double decker busses is at the North County Transit Center.  Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

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Medieval Times

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Have you ever been?  There is a full list of special offers for our readers that may be found by clicking here.

Last week I was able to experience a very special behind the scenes tour of Medieval Times.  Redha, the horse trainer, took us around the stables and let us meet the horses.  Medieval Times has around 30 horses that preform in the show.  Redha explained their daily grooming and training routines. Most of their horses are born and raised on a ranch in Texas, and once they are mature enough, they move to their new home to perform in the tournaments.  You can tell the horses are well loved.

IMG_2367We were also able to meet Jesse, the head knight. He showed us the arena where the tournament is played. Jesse explained the weapons that are used in the show.  They are REAL!  The knights train 5 hours daily before the live tournament.  Safety is the number one priority, and since the weapons are real, they practice, practice, practice! Although, most of is choreographed, the weapons used during fighting are real weapons.   The knights train for months before they are able to to preform in the live tournaments.

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As soon as you enter the castle the entire ambiance changes.  The decor and costumes are so real it’s as if you stepped back in time.  The staff does an amazing job at making you feel welcome and making it such a magical experience for the whole family. As you walk in, you are given a team color, ours was blue.  The color you are seated in is also the color of the Knight you are cheering for to win.  Before entering the arena, you have a chance to order drinks, take your seat, and watch as people are Knighted.  If it is your birthday, or it is a special occasion, let them know (before you arrive) because you will get called and the king will “Knight” you.  As the doors open up to the arena, I was surprised to see that every seat in the house has a terrific view.  We took our seats and were excited for the tournament to begin!  Who will win?

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As it beings, we are introduced to the Knights of the Realm who will be fighting in the name of Honor and Chivalry. Thrilling theatrics, heart pounding battles with real swords, and elctrifying jousting  all for the sake of being honored by the King and Queen.  During the games, dinner is served.  A feast fit for a king! Delicious roasted chicken, garlic bread, yummy tomato bisque, spare rib, and a roasted potato, and for dessert, the castles pastry.  Vegetarian options available. Did I mention you don’t get utensils to use.

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During the tournament, cheering on your Knight is the best part.  Kids are really enthusiastic cheering their team waving the colored flags, catching the roses thrown in the crowd, and booing the opposing teams.  Each Knight chooses a “queen” of his color and passes her a sash.  Then, the winning Knight chooses a Queen of Love & Beauty. She will be crowned and referred to as “your majesty” What a thrilling moment for one lucky girl!!

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After the show is over, the cast are very gracious and come out to take photos with everyone.  You get a chance to mingle with them and see their costumes up close.

Overall this was a truly amazing experience.  We loved every moment of it.  Everyone was entertained and enchanted.

If you join the Knights Court on their website you can go for free on your BIRTHDAY!

For the most up to date specials and discounts offered visit the website here to check it out and buy tickets.  When you visit please let us know your experience and we will share!

Giveaway to BooMont Park Fall Festival at Belmont Park

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SoCal Savvy Mom is hosting a giveaway for a family 4-pack to BooMont Park Fall Festival & Haunt! Leave a comment on this post to be entered into the giveaway. Fall is just around the corner and we can not wait!  Fall is such a fun time of year with the weather changing and of course Halloween.  Back for the second year Belmont Park will host BooMont Park Fall Festival & Haunt every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October.  The BooMont Manor Haunted House is a must see!  The famous roller coaster turns into the spooky coaster.  There will be a zombie laser tag, superhero zip line, rockwall, pumpkin patch, costume contests and I saved the best for last TRICK or TREATING!

All of the fun starts every Friday, after 5 p.m and all day on Saturday and Sunday.   The free trick or treating times vary – Fridays from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. and from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

BP_Header_BoomontParkFree Trick-or-Treating
Fridays | 6:30-7:30pm
Saturdays & Sundays | 1:30-2:30pm & 6:30-7:30pm

Boomont Manor Haunted House
From the makers of the Scream Zone and The Haunted Hotel,
this scary maze is sure to bring out the chills and thrills of the season!
$6 per person | Recommended for ages 7-12 years

Zombie Laser Tag
A Halloween spin on your favorite game!
Zombie creatures join you on this adventure-packed three flour maze.
$8 per person | $20 unlimited

The Spooky Coaster
The Giant Dipper roller coaster transforms into a ride of chilling dips and turns!
$6 per person | Must be 52″ to ride

Pumpkin Patch & Painting
Pick out your perfect pumpkin to style your way
Pumpkin pricing varies by size; painting is free

Superhero Zip Line & Rock Wall
Dressed to save the day? Receive half off Zip Line & Rock wall play!
Superheros must be between 50-250lbs to participate

Costume Contests
Every Saturday at 5pm. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners score Belmont prize packages!

 

 

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