This past week we took a family trip to Tanaka Farms in Irvine where we tasted some of Orange County’s freshest produce. We came for the watermelon tour, but were pleasantly surprised to be able to try a variety of different fruits and vegetables on the You Pick Tour (I love surprises).
Baby D got the chance to take a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and had a complete blast learning about marine life. Not only was he fascinated by the colorful fish but he also loved watching the scuba divers feeding the fish lettuce, or in the words of Baby D "fishies eating salad". I loved that they had both indoor and outdoor hands-on exhibits.
I'm always on the look out for events and places to take Baby D to. There are the fun and super expensive Disneylands and LegoLands but you don't need to dish out all that money to have fun. Do your research. Whether you're a newbie in the city or have lived there your whole life, chances are you'll find free and low cost things to do with your kids.
Travel Town is Baby D's favorite museum thus far. It's a free railroad museum located in Los Angeles' Griffith Park that has restored trains from the 1920-40s. Your kids will have a blast playing conductor for a day. Here's a little peak from our visit to Travel Town.
If you are local or planning a vacation to the L.A. area check these place out.
California Science Center is a hands-on science and technology museum, with an IMAX 3D theater, Science Fun Lab and most noteably, home of the Endeavor Space Shuttle. Admission to the Science Center is free but there is a small fee to see the Endeavor.
Children's Museum at La Habra in Orange County has a outdoor dinosaur topiary, nature walk and Theater Gallery where kids can get dressed up and take the stage. The museum holds free admission every first Tuesday of the month.
Quick tip: A lot of museums have a free day once a month. Go directly to the museum website or call to find out when it is.
Royal Palms State Beach Tide Pools is located in San Pedro. It's a fun place where your kids can get up close and personal with sea anemones in their natural habitat.
Tanaka Farms is located in Orange County. March through June you can go strawberry picking. July through August you can go watermelon picking. They also have a produce stand to be buy fresh fruits and vegetables to make a healthy dinner at home.
Here are some great resources for children's events and things to do: