Friday, April 27, 2012

Spring Celebrations

Finished your spring cleaning? Or just want to celebrate making it through the winter? Apartment Therapy has some recommendations on wines you can get at Trader Joe's to relax and enjoy the imminence of summer: http://www.thekitchn.com/spring-picks-from-trader-joes-wine-selection-169972

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Headless statues, a cross bow and dentures?

Over at SDCoastKeeper, Michelle Yount took note of some of the weirdest things she found washed up on the beach on Coastal Cleanup Day. I think my favorite is probably the waterbed…

What’s the strangest thing you ever found washed up on a beach?

As my first year helping coordinate Coastal Cleanup Day, I have heard a lot of stories about some of the interesting items found during the cleanup. In previous years they have found everything from a port-a-potty to a fencing sword, so I was looking forward to what ‘memorabilia’ this day brought.

Here is a list of some of the most noteworthy:

Beach Umbrella- Oceanside Harbor

Bag of Marijuana- Swamis Beach

Cross bow- University Channel, La Mesa

Drum set- Otay Valley Regional Park

Hindu figure- San Elijo State Beach

Two headless statues- La Jolla Shores

Dentures- Santa Clara Point, Mission Bay

Pepper spray- Dixon Lake, Escondido

Waterbed- Manzanita  Canyon, City Heights

Military badge- Belmont Park

Hood of car- Carmel Mountain Preserve

Set of retainers- Lake Wolford

Pregnancy kit- Dog Beach, Ocean Beach

Spare ribs (initially thought to be human)- Carlsbad State Beach

1971 ID card- Border Field State Park

Telephone pole- Buena Creek, Vista

Mr. Potato Head- Eugene Canyon, Normal Heights

And ironically, The Complete Guide to Environmental Careers- Maple Canyon, Park West

Read more at www.sdcoastkeeper.org.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

10 Most Interesting Places for Children in California

What would you add to this list? Legoland? Something else?

Disneyland Resort

Based in Anaheim, California, the iconic Disneyland Resort (disneyland.disney.go.com), features close to 90 rides and attractions spread out across two theme parks: Disneyland and California Adventure. The bustling Downtown Disney serves as the resort's outdoor entertainment complex, complete with more than 15 restaurants, 20-plus shops and a movie theater.

SeaWorld San Diego

Perched along the shores of San Diego's Mission Bay, SeaWorld San Diego (seaworldparks.com) is a marine animal park with a variety of attractions, including shark, turtle and penguin exhibits. The park also includes shows highlighting sea lions, whales and dolphins, as well as rides that include roller coasters and motion simulators.

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo (sandiegozoo.org) lies inside the sprawling downtown-based Balboa Park. The renowned zoo plays host to more than 4,000 animals and 800 species, including giant pandas, Asian elephants and koalas. The park also offers a 35-minute guided bus tour across the zoo's 100 acres.

Santa Monica Pier

The historic Santa Monica Pier (santamonicapier.org) dates back to 1909. The pier features a 1922 carousel, street performers, and more than 10 restaurants and food vendors. Visitors may ride bikes and fish on the pier as well. The on-site Pacific Park includes 10-plus rides, including a roller coaster and 130-foot-tall Ferris wheel.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Located on the famed Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium (montereybayaquarium.org) offers a host of different marine life, including a 28-foot-tall kelp forest exhibit with leopard sharks and wolf-eels. The aquarium also includes a two-story sea otter exhibit, complete with daily feedings. Additional exhibits highlight Giant Pacific octopuses, penguins and 15 species of seahorses.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk

Originating in 1865, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk (beachboardwalk.com) features vintage rides that include the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster and a 1911 carousel. Additional rides include a swinging pirate ship, haunted castle and a 125-foot-tall freefall ride. Food vendors offer samplings of corn dogs, caramel apples and deep-fried cheesecake.

Pier 39

Located along the San Francisco Bay, bustling Pier 39 (pier39.com) offers nearly 30 eateries, including ice cream, pizza and pretzel shops. The pier also plays host to street performers and an aquarium. On-site booths provide bike rentals, boat rides and Alcatraz tours. Hundreds of sea lions have called the pier home since 1990.

USS Midway Museum

USS Midway (midway.org), a 1945 aircraft carrier, lies in the San Diego Bay. The floating museum features 60 exhibits, including interactive exhibits and short films. The ship also features 25 restored aircraft, including those flown in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. Three flight simulators also sit on board.

Children’s Discovery Museum

San Jose's Children’s Discovery Museum (cdm.org) features exhibits on a variety of topics, including mammoths, waterways and gardens. The museum offers an art gallery highlighting children's artwork, two performance spaces, a cafe and ample outdoor space for picnics. Visitors can reserve the museum for private parties as well.

Skunk Train

The Skunk Train (skunktrain.com) travels between the Northern California towns of Fort Bragg and Willits aboard restored early 20th century diesel trains. A one-way journey runs along the Noyo River and through redwood forests for 40 miles. The train features themed rides as well, such as the Easter Egg Express, which includes egg hunts, food and games.

Read more http://traveltips.usatoday.com/10-interesting-places-children-california-102443.html

Sunday, April 1, 2012

TONS of Easter events in and around San Diego!

It's amazing how many activities there are in and around San Diego this Easter. Take a look! And be sure to check out http://www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/holiday-happenings for the complete list.
wednesday  |  4


City of San Marcos Family Enrichment Program. Tonight, decorate Easter eggs using crayons, stickers and glitter. 7 pm. $3 per person. To register for activities, call or visit website. San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Dr. www.san-marcos.net; 760-744-9000.


Birch Aquarium’s EGGStravaganza. Learn about marine animals and their eggs, make a shark egg craft and participate in a daily ‘egg hunt’ through the aquarium. Today until April 7, 11 am-3 pm. Free with admission. $9.50-$14; ages 2 & under free. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. www.aquarium.ucsd.edu; 858-534-FISH.


Puppets, Puppets, Puppets! Today until April 8: Benito Bunny’s Great Easter Adventure; Wed.-Fri., 10 & 11:30 am; Sat. & Sun., 11 am, 1 & 2:30 pm. $3-$5. Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, Balboa Park. www.balboaparkpuppets.com; 619-544-9203.


Make Easter Sun Catchers.  Today, 3:30-4:30 pm. Free. Pine Valley Branch Library, 28804 Old Hwy. 80. 619-473-8022.


thursday  |  5


Egg Hunt at Willie Henderson Sports Complex. Plus crafts and a chalk art contest. Today, 5 pm. Free. For ages 3-12. 1035 South 45th St., San Diego. www.sandiego.gov; 619-527-3407. 


friday  |  6


Easter Bunny Teas. Hang out with the Easter Bunny, decorate eggs and join an egg hunt. Today & tomorrow, 2:30-5 pm. $26-$39 plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, visit www.tix.com. The Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Ave., downtown San Diego. www.westgatehotel.com; 619-557-3655. 


Journey to the Cross. Experience a unique retelling of the last hours of Jesus’ life as you take a self-paced walk around a set of interactive stations set up all over the church campus. Tonight, 6-9 pm. All ages welcome. Paseo del Rey Church, 900 Paseo del Rey Blvd., Chula Vista. 619-421-7733.


Egg Mania in Linda Vista. Egg hunts for ages 2-12, and photo ops with a friendly bunny. Today, 3:30 pm. Free. Linda Vista Recreation Center, 7064 Levant St. 858-573-1392. 


Spring Fun. An egg hunt for ages 1-12, face painting, a clown and a party jump. Today, 4-6 pm. Free. Silver Wing Recreation Center, 3737 Arey Dr. 619-424-0465.


Cadman Recreation Center’s Egg Hunt. Today, noon-2 pm. 4280 Avati Dr. 858-581-9929.


Meet the Easter Bunny at Play Town. Today, 11 am-1 pm. Free with admission. $8 per child; adults free. 
858 Jackman St., El Cajon. www.goplaytown.com; 619-447-7529.


Egg-citing Treats at Mountain View Recreation Center. Egg hunts with age divisions, face painting, crafts, games, food and more. Today, 4-6 pm. Egg hunt free; minimal fee for some activities. 641 South Boundary St., San Diego. 619-527-3417. 


Adams Recreation Center’s Eggstravaganza. Egg hunts, prizes and family games. Today, 4-6:30 pm. Free. 3491 Adams Ave., San Diego. 619-235-1149.


saturday  |  7


Children’s Spring Festival & Egg Hunt. Collect treats, then enjoy games and refreshments. Today, 10:30 am-noon. Free. For grades 3 & under. La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Ave., Solana Beach. 858-720-2453.  


Eggs, Eggs, Eggs! Plus arts and crafts, face painting, inflatable jumpers and egg decorating. Today, 10 am-noon. Egg hunt starts at 10 am. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before event time and meet in the gym of Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Dr. 858-552-1658.


Spring Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes. Continuous egg hunts for ages 8 & under, a petting zoo, pony rides, carnival rides, crafts, bunny photos and more. Today, 9 am-3 pm. Activity/ride tickets $.50 each; cash only. 9310 Fanita Pkwy. www.santeelakes.com; 619-258-4100, ext. 201.


Egg Fever in Ocean Beach. Age-specific egg hunts, face painting and astro jumps. Today, 10 am-noon. Robb Field Athletic Area, 2525 Bacon St. 619-531-1563. 


Encinitas Easter Egg Hunt Festival. Crafts, jumps, face painting, games, prizes and 23,000 eggs! Also, get a sneak peek of their summer programs and meet class instructors. Today, 10 am-1 pm. Free. Ecke Sports Park, 278  Saxony Rd. 
www.encinitasrecreg.com; 760-633-2740. 


Spring Party with Bunny at San Diego Botanic Garden. Kids, ages 2-6, make spring crafts, parade through the garden, and take part in a bunny hunt and picnic. Today, 10-11:30 am & 11:30 am-1 pm. $15 per child. Pre-register online. San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. www.sdbgarden.org/seeds_wond.htm. 


North Clairemont Recreation Center’s Spring Egg Hunt. For ages 12 & under. Also, crafts, balloons and face painting. Today, 9 am-noon. Egg hunt free; nominal fee for other activities. 4421 Bannock Ave. www.sandiego.gov; 858-581-9926. 


April Pools Day. This free water safety event and expo includes free swimming lessons, a lifeguard demo, an underwater egg hunt and more. Today, 9 am-noon at Washington Park Pool, 501 N. Rose St., Escondido & 1-4 pm at Las Posas Pool, 1387 Borden Rd., San Marcos. For details, visit www.ace.escondido.org or www.san-marcos.net.  


Poway Egg Hunt. Pancake breakfast, age-specific egg hunts, relay races, jumps, crafts, photos with Benny and Bonnie Bunny, and games. Today, 8 am-1 pm. Breakfast $4; other activities free. Poway Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Dr. www.poway.org; 858-486-1441.


Kroc Hop Bunny Drop. Get hoppin’ with egg hunts, the Easter Bunny, rock climbing, carnival games, a bounce house, snacks and more. Today, 10 am-1 pm. Free. The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 6845 University Ave., San Diego. www.kroccenter.org. 


PQ Spring Egg Hunts. Today, 10 am. Free. Peñasquitos Creek Park, 8021 Park Village Rd.; South Village Park, 14756 Via Azul; Rolling Hills Park, 11082 Carlota Dr. & Ridgewood Park, 12604 La Tortola. For details, call 858-538-8198 or 858-538-8131. 


Breakfast & Easter Egg-stravaganza in Coronado. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, crafts, a visit with the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt. Today, 9 am. $9-$11 (tickets are limited; call for details). From 1-3:30 pm, egg hunts for different age groups, a life-sized Candyland game, carnival games and more. Egg hunts free; fee for some activities. Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way. 619-522-7342. 


EGGStravaganza Spring Festival in Carlsbad. Hop in and get the most out of Easter with an egg scramble, music, crafts, games plus a Fun Zone with a chance to “soak the bunny!”   Today, 10 am-1 pm; egg scramble, 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Free admission; activity cards $5. Poinsettia Park, 6600 Hidden Valley Rd. www.carlsbadca.gov/parksandrec; 760-434-2843.


Free Crafts for Kids at the Lakeshore Learning Store: Fun Bunny Basket. For ages 3 & up. 11 am-3 pm. Hazard Center, 7510 Hazard Center Dr., San Diego & 702 Center Dr., San Marcos. www.lakeshorelearning.com; 619-297-8494 or 760-504-0292.


Bunny Train. See April 1. 


sunday  |  8


Easter Brunch at the Zoo. Spend a delightful day at the San Diego Zoo and enjoy a sumptuous brunch buffet at the Treetops banquet room of Albert’s Restaurant. Today; continuous seating, 11 am-3 pm. $18.95-$39.95 plus tax and gratuity. Call for reservations. Balboa Park. www.sandiegozoo.org; 619-557-3964.


Sunrise on the Shore. Usher in the joy of Easter at this service hosted by New Venture Christian Fellowship. Today, 7:30 am. Free. Pier Amphitheatre, 200 N. The Strand, Oceanside. www.newventure.org; 760-721-7777. 


Easter Sunday Worship at Foothills United Methodist Church. Traditional worship service at 8:30 am & contemporary worship service at 10:30 am. Includes kids’ activities. Free. Call for more details. 4031 Avocado Blvd., La Mesa. www.foothillsumc.org; 619-670-4009. 


Egg Hunt & Festival at San Diego First Assembly. Petting zoo, face painting, carnival games, Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny, thousands of eggs and free candy! Today, 8:30 am. Free. Families are welcome to attend the Easter Celebration service at 10:45 am. 8404 Phyllis Place, San Diego. www.sdfa.org; 858-560-1870. 


Easter Celebration at The Del. Today, don’t miss their special holiday brunch options, egg hunts, crafts and Easter Bunny visits. For details and brunch reservations, call or visit website. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. www.hoteldel.com; 619-522-8490.


Champagne Brunch at The Westgate Hotel. Made-to-order omelets, fresh seafood and desserts, plus a fun moment with the Easter Bunny. Today, 10 am-3 pm. $25-$59. Call for reservations. 1055 Second Ave., downtown San Diego. www.westgatehotel.com; 619-557-3655. 


Easter Sunrise Service at The Flower Fields. Today, 6:30 am. After the service, get a free breakfast (for the first 500) and stay to revel in the beauty of Carlsbad’s popular attraction. 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad. www.theflowerfields.com; 760-431-0352. 


Champagne Brunch Cruise by Hornblower Cruises & Events. Breathtaking views, a brunch buffet, entertainment and photos with the Easter Bunny. Today, 11 am-1 pm. $35.40-$59 plus tax, service charge and landing fees. Boarding at Grape St. Pier, 1800 N. Harbor Dr., downtown San Diego. www.hornblower.com; 619-686-8715. 


Pine Hills Lodge Easter Brunch. Culinary treats and an egg hunt await guests. Today, 9 am-1 pm; egg hunt, 11 am. $10.95-$15.95; $5 for a high chair. Call for reservations. 2960 La Posada Way, Julian. www.pinehillslodge.com; 760-765-1100. 


Be Amazed! Family Easter Services. Learn just how amazing God is in fun and imaginative ways during these pint-sized, 40-minute services. Today, 9:30 & 10:30 am. Free. San Carlos United Methodist Church, 6554 Cowles Mountain Blvd., San Diego. www
.sancarlosumc.org; 619-464-4331, ext. 307.


Balboa Park’s Easter Sunrise Service. Musical performances and a special Easter message by Rev. Paul Cunningham of the La Jolla Presbyterian Church. Today, 6:30 am. Free. Spreckels Organ Pavilion. 858-454-7324.


Easter Fun Time at Carlsbad Premium Outlets. Crafts and coloring, a bounce house, prizes and visits with the Easter Bunny (1-2 pm). Today, 12:30-2:30 pm. Free. 5620 Paseo del Norte. www.premiumoutlets.com/carlsbad. 


USS Midway Museum’s Safari Zone Easter Fest. All-you-can-eat breakfast, an egg hunt, safari derby races, an exotic animal show and more. Today, 10 am-2 pm. Breakfast: $20-$39; other activities free with museum admission. For details, visit website. 910 N. Harbor Dr., downtown San Diego. www.midway.org.


Life Christian Church Easter Service & Egg Hunt. Today, come to an EGG-cellent celebration featuring a live concert during the Easter Sunday service at 10 am, followed by a huge hunt for 50,000 candy-filled eggs that the Easter Bunny left behind! Noon; registration, 8:30-11:30 am. Free. 1132 N. Melrose Dr., Vista. www.theeasteregghunt.org; 760-439-3300.


NOTE: Things change, especially this holiday season. That’s why we’ve included phone numbers and websites when available. Since most activities require advance reservations or have limited space, don’t forget to call first to confirm dates, times and admission prices.

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