Things To Do | SoCal Savvy Mom

Jan 10
2017

SoCal Residents Disneyland is only $50 per day!

Another wonderful reason to live in beautiful sunny Southern California is the special offers from Disneyland this time of year. This has to be the best offer I have ever seen from Disneyland and I am buying! The Southern California Resident tickets include one Magic Morning** early entry to Disneyland park, which provides an extra hour of play on select days before the park opens to the general public.

This amazing offer comes just in time to enjoy amazing experiences at the Disneyland Resort! At Disneyland park, there is the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade on January 20 as well as Star Wars Season of the Force in Tomorrowland. At Disney California Adventure park, guests can join the party with the Lunar New Year Celebration, Jan. 20 through Feb. 5, and the popular Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, March 10 through April 16. ***Wait, what? Wine & Food Festival, guess I know what days I will be going!***

Experience all of these attractions and entertainment, along with other beloved experiences at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, with the 3-day Southern California Resident tickets, available for a limited time. Southern California residents must purchase tickets from Jan. 9 through May 22, 2017. Tickets expire after May 25, 2017, and blockout dates apply. Proof of residency is required for purchase and Theme Park admission. For restrictions, visit http://Disneyland.com/SoCal.

Purchase your 3-day Southern California Resident tickets now at Disneyland.com/SoCal and print them at home!

Fine Print:

* 3-Day Promotional Ticket:
Valid only for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP codes 21000-22999; proof of residency is required for purchase and admission. 3-Day, 1-Park Per Day ticket is valid for admission to either Disneyland® or Disney California Adventure® park each day of validity, but not to both parks on the same day. 3-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® ticket is valid for admission three (3) days to both Disneyland® and Disney California Adventure® park on the same day. Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. Tickets expire May 25, 2017. Blockout days of 4/9/17-4/23/17 apply. May purchase up to 5 tickets per person per day with valid ID. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use. Offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions. Tickets not valid before 1/9/17. Subject to capacity, restrictions and change without notice.

**Magic Morning:
Magic Morning admission allows admission to selected attractions at Disneyland® Park before the park opens to the general public on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. Each Guest must have valid, eligible theme park admission. To enhance the Magic Morning experiences, it is strongly recommended that Guests arrive at least one hour and 15 minutes prior to regular park opening. Magic Morning admission is based on availability and capacity. Applicable theme park, days and times of operation and all other elements including, but not limited to, operation of attractions, entertainment, stores and restaurants and appearances of characters may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to restrictions and cancellation.

Jan 3
2017

Get a Free SeaWorld Preschool Fun Card

by Nicole Connerley

The 2018 Preschool Fun Card may be found here

Sea World San Diego is again offering a Preschool Fun Card free for 2017 to the first 10,000 children to register. After 10,000 there the Preschool Fun Card will be available for purchase for $10. Children ages 3 to 5 may enjoy BIG adventures at the loved theme park Sea World San Diego all year-long!!! This offer is specifically for preschool children to take a field trip to Sea World for FREE. Hurry and sign up now registration ends March 17, 2017. For more information click here

*San Diego and Orange County CA residents only. Valid only at SeaWorld San Diego only for children 5 years old and younger at time of redemption. Unlimited admission through 12/30/2017. Does not include free parking, separately ticketed events or other discounts. Bring Preschool Fun Card Voucher and valid form of ID (a copy of a certified birth certificate or travel passport) to Tickets and Reservations at SeaWorld San Diego. School IDs or children’s security IDs will not be accepted. The SeaWorld Preschool Fun Card offer is not available at the park; advance online registration required.

Offer valid for limited time and subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. Block out dates apply.

What is the SeaWorld Preschool Fun Card?

SeaWorld San Diego is delighted to offer the 2017 SeaWorld Preschool Fun Card. There are 10,000 FREE Preschool Fun Cards on a first come, first serve basis. A $10 Fun Card will be available after that. This Fun Card grants kids ages 5 and younger complimentary admission to SeaWorld San Diego through Dec. 30, 2017.

Who is eligible?

The SeaWorld San Diego Preschool Fun Card is available for kids who are San Diego and Orange County, CA residents and are 5 years old and younger at the time of redemption at the park. 10,000 FREE 2017 Fun Cards are first come, first serve.

My child is 5 this year, turning 6. Am I still eligible?

As long as your child is 5 years of age on or before the date you redeem the Preschool Fun Card for your first visit to the park, your child is eligible.
Do I have to be a San Diego and Orange County, CA resident?

Yes. We want to offer our neighbors who are 5 and younger unlimited access in 2017 to all that our parks have to offer. This gives local residents the chance to experience all of the wonderful family-friendly attractions at SeaWorld San Diego.

How long is the SeaWorld Preschool Fun Card valid for?

The pass is valid through Dec. 30, 2017. With block out dates of May 29 and December 31, 2017.

What are the deadlines for this promotion?

Registration for FREE and $10 Fun Card must occur online by March 17, 2017.

You must bring the Preschool Fun Card E-Voucher, along with the proper identification, to the Tickets and Reservations counter at SeaWorld San Diego no later than COB on March 31, 2017 in order to take park in this promotion. (more…)

Nov 1
2016

Coaster Holiday Express, Ride the Train with Santa 2016

by Nicole Connerley

Tickets for the 2018 Coaster Holiday Express are here!

Families can take a ride on a magical holiday train with Santa, Mrs. Claus and friends on Saturday, December 10. North County Transit District’s Coaster Holiday Express is a specially decorated train ride that features photo opportunities with Santa and classic carol singing for children of all ages. Each 65-minute Holiday COASTER Express ride travels non-stop and roundtrip from Oceanside to Solana Beach. The ride is recommended for families with children between the ages of 3 and 10. Be sure to bring your camera for tons of photo opportunities throughout the train ride.

Last year we had so much fun taking our son on the Coaster Holiday Express, see picture above. It is only $10 per person this year with departure times of 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. from the Oceanside transit center. Please note tickets are NOT available day of and it will SELL OUT AND FAST! Tickets may be purchased on Thursday, November 3rd in person at a transit center or online here.

Saturday, December 10

Trains departing from Oceanside Transit Center at 10am, 12pm & 2pm

Visit with Santa Claus, his merry elves and the beautiful ice queen & snow princess while singing along with carolers

On-sale date: Thursday, November 3

Tickets: $10 per person (limit 10/person)

Purchase tickets online (link available at 8am on 11/3/16) or at the Oceanside Transit Center (205 S. Tremont St, Oceanside), open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

To purchase tickets after November 3 (up to 10 may be purchased at a time) please click here.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR THE HOLIDAY EXPRESS

* Passengers must present a ticket to board the COASTER Holiday Express

* Every person must have a ticket (including children of all ages)

* The Holiday Express is recommended for families with children between the ages of 3 & 10

* Do not bring food, beverages, strollers, or bicycles on board the train. Water & small snacks okay.

* Total trip time is approximately 65 minutes

* The trains depart ON TIME. As this event is usually sold out, we will not be able to accommodate late arrivals. Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before your departure to find parking.

* The Holiday Express will operate rain or shine.

coaster-holiday-express-flyer-2016-768x994

Oct 31
2016

Safe Trick or Treating Halloween 2016

by Nicole Connerley

Halloween is today, Happy Halloween! Do you have a tradition? Do you love trick or treating in your neighborhood? I love the idea of trick or treating at a shopping center or mall because it feels safer. I am always worried about children on Halloween and being struck by a car, this almost happened to us last year! The driver of the car got an ear full from myself and the other parents with us. This year we will be trick or treating at one of the events listed below. Of course my child and probably yours too LOVES Halloween because of the candy, which is another reason I love this, I know who the candy is coming from. We always end our night watching Charlie Brown as our family tradition. Have a very save Halloween!

Carmel Mountain Plaza Halloween Trick or Treat – Children 12 and under dressed in costumes are invited to trick-or-treat at participating stores from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Parents can enjoy live music with the 80’z All-Stars, or kids can enjoy balloon art, and more! Register near Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or Reading Cinemas and receive a Free treat bag, while supplies last.

Carlsbad Premium Outlets Halloween Trick-or-Treating – From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. costumed children escorted by their parents are invited to trick-or-treat at Carlsbad Premium Outlets on Halloween. Participating merchants will distribute wrapped candy and treats adding to the fun, for more information click here.

The Shoppes at Carlsbad – Halloween Trick-or-Treating at the Shoppes at Carlsbad (formerly Carlsbad Mall) trick or treating begins at 2 P.M. next to the elevator on level one. Some retailers will be participating (while supplies last). Look for a Pumpkin in their window, also have a list available at the candy table.

CORONADO – From 3:30-5:30 pm on Halloween, local merchants on Orange Avenue provide a great night for the little ones by passing out candy and other gifts!

Chula Vista Village Walk Trick or Treat – Village Walk merchants will provide free treats for children ages 12 and under dressed in costume and accompanied by an adult. Two registration areas, one by HSBC bank and one near the children’s sandbox area next to T.J. Maxx, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for more information click here.

Encinitas Safe Trick or Treat – Along a stretch of South Coast Hwy 101, from Encinitas Blvd. to K street, will transform into Pumpkin lane from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will be decorated with elaborately carved pumpkins at different viewing locations. Downtown businesses generously participate and join in the fun. Don’t miss the kids zone where children can enjoy games, music and activities at The Lumberyard Courtyard. Downtown merchants hand out candy in a tranquil, safe setting where tricksters of all ages have loads of fun. For more information click here.

Flower Hill Promenade (Del Mar) Stop by for a Halloween bash that caters to children of all ages as well as their doting parents, Flower Hill Promenade will host its annual Trick-or-Treating event. Kids dressed as princesses, pirates, witches, superheroes and any other Halloween character you can imagine can run from store to store filling their baskets with treats and candies galore, parents can meander through Del Mar’s premier open-air shopping, dining and entertainment center collecting goodies of their own. Meanwhile, parents: feel free to drop into your favorite shops to treat yourselves. Pink Soul boutique will be gifting “Mommy Treat Bags” while kids overflow their Halloween bags.

Grossmont Center on October 31st come in your best Halloween costume and trick-or-treat through over one million square feet of stores, restaurants and eateries. Bring your family to a safe place to trick-or-treat this October for a Halloween to remember. The event will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Westfield UTC Mall-O-Ween – Stop in for some fun trick or treating with participating retailers at UTC. From 3 p.m. to 7p.m., select retailers will be participating with in-store “carnival” festivities and bounce back deals available for you to use through the weekend. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., more mall retailers will be joining on the festivities, distributing candy for trick-or-treating and Plaza Unplugged performer, Ryan Brolliar, will be joining us in Palm Plaza for musical entertainment! For more information click here.

Oct 5
2016

Howl-O-Ween Helen Woodward Animal Center

by Nicole Connerley

Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Day OCTOBER 30th 9 a.m. to 1p.m.

Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family day includes animal interactions, face painting, crafts, access to the Mansion of Mystery, and pumpkin picking.

NEW this year: trick or treat stations, a magical maze, plus costume and pumpkin decorating contests. The people with the cutest animal-themed pumpkin and/or animal-themed costume will win 10% off of Thanksgiving or Winter Critter Camp! REGISTER NOW!

REGISTER NOW!

When: October 30th 9am-1pm
Cost: $13/child, $5/adult

Family Day Schedule
9:00-9:20- Snake
9:20-9:40- Sheep in Costume
9:40-10:00- Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
10:00-10:20 Alpaca in Costume
10:20-10:40-Snake
10:40-11:00- Sheep in Costume
11:00-11:20: Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
11:20-12:00 Alpaca in Costume
12:00-12:30- Dog in Costume
12:30-1:00 Costume & pumpkin contests

*“Mansion of Mystery” Excursions Leaving every 20 minutes beginning at 9:00am*

Howl-O-Ween Harvest

Howl-O-Ween Harvest is the perfect program for your fall field trip! The lessons can be customized to compliment California Common Core & Next Generation Science Standards for K-4th while providing a unique opportunity to meet some of our “spookier” animals. Also, for the first time in Howl-O-Ween Harvest history, they can bring this program to your classroom! Call at (858) 756 4117 x318 or e-mail education@animalcenter.org to book your adventure!

With hands-on animal interactions, a mini pumpkin patch, and team-building activities in our Mansion of Mystery, this program is also great for play groups and scouts! You can wear your costume or just enjoy our animals in theirs but either way it’s sure to be a howlin’ good time.

Howl-O- Ween Harvest Information:

Ages: Toddlers, preschools, K-5th
When: Time slots available from October 1st-31st
Cost: $13/child ($75 minimum onsite, $150 minimum offsite)
*Parent chaperones are admitted free for the purpose of supervising children. The chaperone to child ratio is 1:5. Extra chaperones are $5 each.
To Book Your Adventure: Contact at (858) 756-4117 x 318 or education@animalcenter.org

Sep 30
2016

Kids Free Month Starts 10/1/16

by Nicole Connerley

The San Diego Museum Council is bringing back by popular demand an amazing program for families. Based on its huge success in the first four years, Kids Free in October, is back for a fifth 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.

kids free

* The coupon allows up to two children 12 and under to get in FREE with one full-price paid adult. Children must be accompanied by the adult during the visit. This coupon cannot be used for specially ticketed events, Maker Faire San Diego, special exhibitions/exhibits, field trips or group visits. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value. Coupon is valid October 1-31, 2016.