filmdncr's Passport
 

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Member since:
10 January 2011

Icon_superoo_orangeSuperoo '11, '12

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About Me & My Family

Three little girls run amuck in this house, so there are days when we just HAVE to get out and get going somewhere. We love zoos, parks, beaches, and traveling around to visit friends and family. We enjoy finding awesome deals for places that are kid friendly. Taking our three girls with us as we travel around the country is by far our most favorite thing to do.
Our Family's Travel Personality
adventurous, curious, relaxed, energetic, easy_going, artsy
We Just Got Back From
Mammoth Lakes!
Our Favorite Vacation Spot
San Francisco
A Place We'd Love To Visit
Vancouver
Favorite Vacation Memory
After a long day of sledding and climbing through the hills in Lake Tahoe, our family sat in front of the fireplace in our hotel and roasted marshmallows. The soft glow on my girl's faces, mixed with their hazy, tired eyes made the warmth of the fire mean so much more.
Worst Travel Moment With My Kids:
Not realizing how crowded the city bus would be with my girls in San Francisco!! We had to make 4 connections and fold and collapse the stroller at each stop. It was back-breaking, frustrating and a LONG DAY!
Websites I Like:

filmdncr's Lists

Mother's Day ideas for the Inland Empire, CA

My attempt at creating a High Desert Mother's Day list has been broadened to include ideas in the whole IE.  
Take your mom out and show her how special she is!!

1. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Brunch 9:00am-2pm. A bit pricey, but an amazing...
2. Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa
Spa & lunch!! The spa is currently offering a $100...
3. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Brunch & a $25 bonus to use on a future visit:...

Kid Friendly Summer Museum exhibits in Southern California

Looking for a good museum exhibit in SoCal to share with your children?

Look no further than these fantastic museum exhibits.

1. California Science Center
CLEOPATRA: THE EXHIBITION Take advantage of the only...
2. Discovery Science Center
WILDLIFE RESCUE Take a walk on the wild side in...
3. Kidspace Museum
PHYSICS FOREST Opens July 12th with 13 New Exhibits!

Perfect One Week Beach Vacation with Kids to San Diego

Part beautiful city by the bay, part bustling metropolis, San Diego offers kids & families an amazing vacation.  Despite being noted for its "big city size", San Diego boasts over 70 MILES of beautiful beaches just ripe for exploring.  

Top beaches for kids include:
*calm & relaxing Mission Bay
*diverse La Jolla (think beach, cliffs, tide pools, caves & more!)
*funky & laid back Ocean Beach
* Touristy & fun Pacific Beach
* Serene & amazing Coronado Beach
* Artsy Imperial beach (known for the US sand castle competition each summer!)

San Diego offers families the best of two worlds: an amazing beach vacation full of lazy days and discovery, coupled with big city perks, attractions and culture.

Here's your 7-day itinerary to a fun "beach & city" vacation.  

1. Hotel del Coronado - A KSL Luxury Resort
Luxury Hotel Choice- Amazing location, incredible...
2. Omni San Diego Hotel
Moderate, Luxury Hotel Choice- much better prices...
3. Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley
Budget-friendly Hotel Choice- Residence Inn offers...

Family-Friendly Day Itinerary: Las Vegas Strip South

Vegas is certainly the most adult-centered town I have ever been to.  Adult shows, blaring advertisements and X-rated handouts line the strip.  

That being said, thousands of families travel to Vegas each year.  Where should you take them if you happen to be in "Sin City" with kids?

Starting from the Mandalay Bay, this tour takes you through some of the Southern strip's best Family-Friendly activities, in the order that you approach them.

1. Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino
Book your room at the Mandalay Bay; the hotel's...
2. Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort
While in the Mandalay Bay, visit the Shark Reef...
3. Excalibur Hotel Casino
A large under-ground arcade & kid-carnival is...

Family-Friendly Day Itinerary: Las Vegas Strip North

Vegas is certainly the most adult-centered town I have ever been to.  Adult shows, blaring advertisements and X-rated handouts line the strip.  

That being said, thousands of families travel to Vegas each year.  Where should you take them if you happen to be in "Sin City" with kids?

Starting from the Venetian, this tour takes you through some of the Northern strip's best Family-Friendly activities, in the order that you approach them.

1. The Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino
Start your tour at the Venetian hotel; if you are...
2. Outdoor Gondolas at the Venetian
Take a ride on the outdoor Gondolas for a special...
3. Stratosphere Tower - Casino & Resort Hotel
See it all from the top of the Stratosphere! Thrill...

Rides that utilize Fastpass at the Magic Kingdom

In case you aren't familiar, FASTPASS is a completely free service that gets you and your family on the rides much faster!!

The FASTPASS ticket basically holds your place in line for a major attraction, while your party enjoys other activities in the Magic Kingdom.

Disney staff are INCREDIBLY helpful. If you don't understand the system, don't skip out, just ask them and they will give you PLENTY of helpful information and tools.

1. Space Mountain at Disney's Magic Kingdom
2. Splash Mountain at Disney's Magic Kingdom
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney's Magic Kingdom

Rides that use Fastpass at Epcot

In case you aren't familiar, FASTPASS is a completely free service that gets you and your family on the rides at Epcot much faster!!

The FASTPASS ticket basically holds your place in line for a major attraction, while your party enjoys other activities in Epcot.  

Disney staff are INCREDIBLY helpful.  If you don't understand the system, don't skip out, just ask them and they will give you PLENTY of helpful information and tools.

1. Mission Space at Disney's Epcot
2. Soarin' at Disney's Epcot
3. Test Track at Disney's Epcot

Rides that use FASTPASS at Disney's Hollywood Studios

In case you aren't familiar, FASTPASS is a completely free service that gets you and your family on the rides at Hollywood Studios much faster!!

The FASTPASS ticket basically holds your place in line for a major attraction, while your party enjoys other activities in Disney's Hollywood Studios.  

Disney staff are INCREDIBLY helpful.  If you don't understand the system, don't skip out, just ask them and they will give you PLENTY of helpful information and tools.

1. Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios
2. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios
3. Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Rides that Utilize FASTPASS at Disney's Animal Kingdom

In case you aren't familiar, FASTPASS is a completely free service that gets you and your family on the rides at Disney's Animal Kingdom much faster!!

The FASTPASS ticket basically holds your place in line for a major attraction, while your party enjoys other activities in Disney's Animal Kingdom.  

Disney staff are INCREDIBLY helpful.  If you don't understand the system, don't skip out, just ask them and they will give you PLENTY of helpful information and tools.

1. Primeval Whirl at Disney's Animal Kingdom
2. Kilamanjaro Safaris Expedition at Disney's Animal Kingdom
3. DINOSAUR at Disney's Animal Kingdom

River Rafting in Colorado

Tons of snow melts and makes way for incredible rafting trips, from slow and easy to extreme.

1. Noah's Ark Family Rafting
Arkansas River
2. Four Corners Rafting
Arkansas River
3. Wilderness Aware Rafting
Arkansas River

Hot Air Balloons in Colorado

Ready to see the world from new heights?

The general recommended age for hot air ballooning is 7 and up.

1. Colorado Hot Air Balloon Rides
2. Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Flights
3. San Juan Balloon Adventures

Paragliding in Colorado

Really want to fly?
Invest in a paraglide experience:

1. Aspen Paragliding
2. Colorado Paragliding

Zip-lining in Colorado

Looking for a thrill?   Ready to fly??
Head straight to these zip-lining spots in Colorado.

1. Soaring Treetop Adventures
2. Full Blast Adventure Center
3. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Colorado's Scenic Railways

Colorado offers numerous opportunities to sit back, relax and watch amazing scenery roll by while being pampered, entertained or brought back in time at these various railroads.

1. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad Train
Follows the breath-taking scenery through the canyon...
2. Georgetown Loop Railroad
2 mile route with an option to stop in the middle and...
3. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
America's highest & longest coal fired, steam...

Ranch Day Trips in Colorado

Looking for all the fun of horse back riding, fishing, chuck wagon dinners and smores without the price tag of an all-inclusive resort?  Check out these ranches offering day visits.

1. Flying W Ranch
2. Walker Ranch Park
3. 4 Eagle Ranch

Romantic Getaways in New York

Need a kid-free break?  These hotels have what it takes to host your kid-free weekend!

1. THE ST REGIS NEW YORK
2. Mandarin Oriental, New York
3. The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

Romantic Getaways in Southern California

Need a kid-free break?  These hotels have what it takes to host your kid-free weekend!

1. SAN YSIDRO RANCH AN RW RESORT
2. Four Seasons Santa Barbara
3. MALIBU BEACH INN

Romantic Getaways in Northern California

Need a kid-free break?  These hotels have what it takes to host your kid-free weekend!

1. The Ahwahnee
2. The Fairmont San Francisco
3. Hyatt Regency Santa Clara

Romantic Getaways in Oregon

Need a kid-free break?  These hotels have what it takes to host your kid-free weekend!

1. ODYSIUS HOTEL
2. Timberline Lodge
3. SALISHAN SPA AND GOLF RESORT

Romantic Getaways in Washington State

Need a kid-free break?  These hotels have what it takes to host your kid-free weekend!

1. BAVARIAN RITZ
2. Salish Lodge & Spa
3. Lake Quinault Lodge

Sledding and Snow Play in Southern California

SoCal offers quite a few snow play destinations, all within a short trek from the LA area.  These spots are designated (fee based) tubing and sledding attractions with restrooms, ample parking & often boast restaurants & refreshments.

Plan ahead:  check your car, pack extra clothes & blankets, snacks, water and CHAINS!  Call 800.427.7623 for road conditions.

MT. BALDY AREA (45 miles from LA)
Take 210, left on Baseline, Right on Padua, Right on Mt. Baldy Road
Mt. Baldy is a winter sport enthusiast dream, but also offers a fun tubing park as well.  

WRIGHTWOOD (75 miles from LA)
Take 210 East, 15 North, 138 North, 2 West.
With almost no curvy mountain driving, Wrightwood is a must stop for kids who get motion sick.  Plenty of non-official spots for sledding & one giant tubing park nestled in a quaint mountain town make this a great location for families.

RUNNING SPRINGS AREA (80 miles from LA)
Take 210 East to 330 North.
Running Springs is a smaller mountain town but boasts both a dedicated tubing park & a ski-resort tubing combo.  

BIG BEAR AREA (95 miles from LA)
Take 210 East to 330, then 18 East
Big Bear boasts a beautiful lake, inns, resorts, two ski resorts & TWO tubing parks.  

***Numerous "non-official" free spots for tubing are all around  these spots in the Southland Mountains; exercise extreme caution when "going it alone" as numerous severe injuries and even childhood deaths are associated with sledding and tubing accidents each year.***

1. Tubing at Mt Baldy Ski Resort
MT. BALDY Daily tubing in winter Over 42"- $15/2hr,...
2. North Pole Tubing Park
WRIGHTWOOD Open weekends/holidays in winter $20...
3. Snow Drift Tubing Park
RUNNING SPRINGS $12/hour under 36" free...

Chinese New Year 2012: DC Activities

Looking for some family-fun for Chinese New Year?  Head to these events:

1. Washington DC Chinatown
January 29 2-5pm Parade, live music, fireworks...
2. Lakeforest Mall
13th annual lunar new year celebration: Jan...
3. Long Branch Library
This library, and the entire Montgomery County...

Chinese New Year 2012: Portland Activities

Looking for some family-fun for Chinese New Year?  Head to these spots:

1. Lan Su Chinese Garden
Daily Chinese New Year activities Jan 23-Feb 6...
2. Chinatown Gate
Chinese New Year at Chinatown Gate February 4...

Chinese New Year 2012: New York City Activities

Looking for some family-fun for Chinese New Year?  Head to these spots:

1. New York City (Manhattan) Chinatown
LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE Sunday, January 29th 1pm...
2. New York City (Flushing) Chinatown
Lunar New Year Parade February 4th 11am- festival...
3. Sara D. Roosevelt Park
Chinese New Year Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural...

Chinese New Year 2012: Chicago Activities

Looking for some family-fun for Chinese New Year?  Check out these spots:

1. Chinese New Year Parade
February 29th 11:30 AM marching bands, floats,...
2. Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute
This group offers walking tours of chinatown, FOOD...
3. Cai Restaurant
The Lunar New Year Dinner will be hosted on February...

Chinese New Year 2012: Washington Activities

Looking for some family-fun for Chinese New Year?
Head to these events:

1. Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, January 28 11am-4pm FREE Dragon & Lion...
2. Wing Luke Museum of the Asian American Pacific Experience
Explore the exhibit, "New Years All Year Round" now...
3. Chinatown Discovery Tour
Take a family tour of Chinatown to round out your...

Chinese New Year 2012: Arizona Activities

Looking for some family-fun for Chinese New Year?
Head to these events:

1. Tucson Chinese Cultural Center
February 4 11am-3pm Taste of China Festival Kids...
2. COFCO Chinese Cultural Center
January 27-29th Lunar New Year festival more...

Chinese New Year 2012: San Diego Activities

Looking for some family-fun for Chinese New Year?  Head to these activities:

1. Chinese New Year food & Cultural Fair
January 28 & 29 10am-5pm FREE EVENT Food, vendors,...
2. Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater
February 1-5 Chu Chu the Dragon

Chinese New Year 2012: Colorado Activities

Looking for some family fun for Chinese New Year?  Head to these spots.

1. Colorado Springs Chinese New Year Festival
Saturday January 21st 11am-4pm Adults $5, Kids...
2. Great Wall Chinese Academy Chinese New Year Celebration
Saturday, January 21st 12-5pm $10
3. History Museum
Saturday, January 21st 2-3:30pm Crafts, story time...

Where to Ice Skate in Southern California

Head to these fabulous rinks (indoor and out) in SoCal to get your skate on!!
The list starts with seasonal rinks open mostly during the Christmas months, although a few stretch into February.
Further organized by region, check out the permanent spots in LA County, Inland Empire, San Diego County & Orange County.

1. Woodland Hills Ice -Outdoor Ice Skating!
SEASONAL (December-mid February)
2. Ice Skating on the Square
SEASONAL (December-mid January)
3. Ice at Santa Monica
SEASONAL (mid November - mid January)

Chinese New Year 2012: LA Activities

Looking for a way to ring in the Chinese New Year with your family??  Check out these events.  If you are hoping for some amazing Chinese food while not at one of these events, head to my list on authentic Chinese food in LA: http://www.trekaroo.com/list/authentic-chinese-food-in-and-around-los-angeles

1. 113th Annual Golden Dragon Parade & Chinese New Year Festiva
Jan 28 & 29 10am-5:30pm Parade: 1-4pm on Broadway &...
2. Pacific Asia Museum
Lunar New Year Festival January 14th 11am-5pm Free...
3. Huntington Library Art Collection and Botanical Gardens
Chinese Cultural Arts Celebration January 15th...

Authentic Chinese food in and around Los Angeles

Interested in more than Panda Express has to offer??  Check out one of these fabulous Chinese food restaurants in the LA area.

1. Dumpling House
My personal fav, especially for eating New Year...
2. Mission 261
Interesting Decor as it is in an old adoble...
3. Three Family Village Restaurant
Recommended by my good friend Lulu!

Where to eat Christmas Dinner in SoCal (Inland Empire)

Traveling?  More interested in yummy food than a pile of dishes??
Check out these fantastic restaurants in the IE catering to your Christmas dinner wishes.

1. Bin 189
Although their website doesn't specify offerings,...
2. Castaway Restaurant
A romantic little restaurant on the hill in San...
3. Gyukaku
A different sort of Christmas dinner, but full of fun!

Where to eat Christmas Dinner in SoCal (Orange County)

Traveling?  More interested in yummy food than a pile of dishes??
Check out these fantastic restaurants in the OC catering to your Christmas dinner wishes.

1. 6ix Park Grill
10am-3pm. Adults $54, kids $22, 6 and under-free!
2. Andrea at Pelican Hill
Christmas dinner being offered; no menu options...
3. Bucca di Beppo
Have a fun and casual family Italian Christmas.

Where to eat Christmas Dinner in SoCal (Los Angeles)

Traveling?  More interested in yummy food than a pile of dishes??
Check out these fantastic restaurants in LA catering to your Christmas dinner wishes.

1. Locando Del Lago
Saturday the 24th & Sunday the 25th Prices start at...
2. Olivero at Avalon Hotel
Christmas dinner prix-fix menu, $54. For...
3. Melisee
For a fantastically indulgent Christmas eve dinner,...

Winter in Venice (at The Palazzo & Ventian Las Vegas)

Headed to Vegas for Christmas?
Choose the Prestige Package at the Palazzo for an amazing Winter Wonderland full of activities.

1. Ice Skating on the Strip (at the Venetian)
Daily skating sessions from 11am-11pm. Sessions book...
2. Holiday Spectacular Light Show
Shows start every hour on the half from...
3. Canyon Ranch SpaClub
Seasonal offerings include a Winter Solstice Massage,...

Family Christmas Activities in LA (and surrounding areas)

Need some help ushering in the festive mood?  Who needs snow & frigid air?? LA has some awesome Christmas activities that are sure to get you feeling the holiday spirit with your families!

1. Beverly Canon Gardens
Visit this green space in Beverly Hills on December 3...
2. Two Rodeo Drive
"Sparkle 90210" Thursdays and Fridays in December....
3. Terranea Resort
This resort has a ton of holiday fun planned: elf...

Central California Valley Christmas Tree Farms

If you love the idea of getting a fresh Christmas tree straight from the earth, but envision "Christmas Vacation" nightmares of hours of hiking and sap getting in your way, stop by one of these fantastic fresh & oh-so-much-easier Christmas tree farms!

1. Hillcrest Christmas Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch
Open Daily 10-5 from Thanksgiving to Christmas....
2. Silvertip Tree Farm
No restrooms on the lot & no credit cards accepted.
3. Santa's Forest
Free candy canes, coffee, garland & boughs;...

Southern California Military and Veterans Museums

Veteran's Day should be more than just a fun day off from school!!  If you are a parent who is interested in sharing some history and insight into what our veteran's have done for our country, look no further than these museums. There are TONS to choose from in Southern California, no doubt one is close to where you live.

1. Veterans Museum and Memorial Center
Children 12 and under are free for this museum...
2. Drum Barracks Civil War Museum
The only remaining Civil War building still standing...
3. Fort Tejon State Historic Park
A mostly outdoor display, part of the state park...

Pacific Northwest Military and Veterans Museums

Veteran's Day should be more than just a fun day off from school!!  If you are a parent who is interested in sharing some history and insight into what our veteran's have done for our country, look no further than these museums.

1. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Get in a real Navy Submarine!! Touch & see the real...
2. Puget Sound Navy Museum
The last Saturday of each month offers families a...
3. Naval Undersea Museum (Keyport Museum)
The museum states that they have a lot of educational...

Illinois Military and Veterans Museums

Veteran's Day should be more than just a fun day off from school!!  If you are a parent who is interested in sharing some history and insight into what our veteran's have done for our country, look no further than these museums.

1. Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial
This site functions more as a monument to the fallen...
2. All Wars Museum
A museum in a small space, packed with over 5,000...
3. Korean War National Museum
A very well designed and funded museum full of...

New York Military and Veterans Museums

Veteran's Day should be more than just a fun day off from school!!  If you are a parent who is interested in sharing some history and insight into what our veteran's have done for our country, look no further than these museums.

1. New York State Military Museum
Current exhibits focus predominantly on the civil war.
2. Cradle of Aviation
This museum is VERY hands on. Veteran's day this...
3. New Windsor Cantonment
This is where George Washington and his army spent...

Arizona Military and Veterans Museums

Veteran's Day should be more than just a fun day off from school!!  If you are a parent who is interested in sharing some history and insight into what our veteran's have done for our country, look no further than these museums.

1. Arizona Military Museum
Learn about Arizona's involvement in wars from...
2. 390th Memorial Museum
A tribute to the 390th airmen that served in WW2....
3. Fort Bowie
Fort Bowie is mostly an outdoor monument that serves...

Thanksgiving Dinner (without stress) in Arizona

Interested in enjoying a lovely Thanksgiving Dinner without all the stress, chaos, time and energy??  Check out these restaurants, from the simple to the fancy, that offer meals on Thanksgiving for your family.
I will continue to add in restaurants as their menus and offerings appear, so be sure to check back often.

1. Bobby's Restaurant and Jazz Lounge
APPETIZER Choice of SHRIMP COCKTAIL LOBSTER...
2. Prado Restaurant and M Bar
Join Prado for an extraordinary 4-course Thanksgiving...
3. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
Talavara Restaurant will be offering an incredible...

Where are the Disneyland Characters???

Do your kids want to meet all their favorite Disney characters??  Wonder where they are located in the park?? Check here.  (also, at the end of Main Street is an information booth with ride times throughout the park- they have ALL the pertinent information about what characters will be where at what time- ask them, they are super helpful!)

The characters are also plentiful at parades and the numerous character dining experiences (but that's another list!)

Be sure to bring (or buy) a notebook & felt tip pen to begin your autograph collection.  

As mentioned below, there are even apps now that help you find the characters!!  Check it out: http://www.trekaroo.com/traveltips/tip/disney-vacation-resources-iphone-and-android-mobile-apps  

1. Mickey's House - Disneyland
Mickey is ALWAYS through his house, through his...
2. Minnie's House - Disneyland
Minnie typically stands in front of her house to meet...
3. Disney Princess Fantasy Faire - Disneyland
The Disney Princess are ALWAYS here (check map as...

Spooky & Scary Halloween in the Inland Empire

If you are looking for a good scare in the Inland Empire, be sure to check out these spooky places.  Please be sure to check out the websites and get information on what age is appropriate for your kiddos; most of these places seem pretty frightening!!

1. Calico Ghost Town
The Ghost Haunt runs the last two weekends of October...
2. Crossroads Riverview Park
This event venue goes all out for Halloween and this...
3. Los Angeles County Fair
The Fairplex hosts, "Nightmare at Scareview Farms"...

Fall leaves in Southern California

Despite what you might believe, there are a few great spots to see the Fall leaves in Southern California.  Check them out for a day trip in late October and you won't be disappointed.

1. Riley's at Los Rios Rancho
The entire community of Oak Glen really gives off a...
2. Julian Train & Gold Mine Tour
As with Oak Glen, the community of Julian (located in...
3. Mount San Jacinto Wilderness State Park
The small town of Idyllwild has only locally owned...

Rides that offer "Rider Swap" at California Adventure

At California Adventure with a small child who can't (or doesn't want to) ride a particular ride??  Still want to ride the ride for yourself?  

Enter "Rider Swap" where you and the rest of your party get to ride the ride without waiting in line two times!!

Check with an attendant near the entrance or exit to find any special instructions on a particular ride.

Here are the rides that participate:

1. California Screamin' - Disney California Adventure
Disney did a good thing bringing a few thrill rides...
2. Grizzly River Run - California Adventure
3. The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure

Rides that offer "Rider Swap" at Disneyland

At Disneyland with a small child who can't (or doesn't want to) ride a particular ride??  Still want to ride the ride for yourself?  

Enter "Rider Swap" where you and the rest of your party get to ride the ride without waiting in line two times!!

Check with an attendant near the entrance or exit to find any special instructions on a particular ride.

Here are the rides that participate:

1. Autopia - Disneyland
If you have a little one interested in cars, they...
2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Disneyland
I have such fond memories of riding this as a child...
3. Gadget's Go Coaster - Disneyland
The young thrill seeker will probably enjoy this...

Rides that utilize fastpass at Disney's California Adventure

In case you aren't familiar, FASTPASS is a completely free service that gets you and your family on the rides at DCA much faster!!

The FASTPASS ticket basically holds your place in line for a major attraction, while your party enjoys other activities in California Adventure.  

Disney staff are INCREDIBLY helpful.  If you don't understand the system, don't skip out, just ask them and they will give you PLENTY of helpful information and tools.

1. California Screamin' - Disney California Adventure
FASTPASS distribution located just outside the...
2. Grizzly River Run - California Adventure
FASTPASS distribution located on the north side of...
3. Soarin' Over California - California Adventure
FASTPASS distribution located just southwest of the...

Rides that utilize fastpass at Disneyland

In case you aren't familiar, FASTPASS is a completely free service that gets you and your family on the rides at Disneyland much faster!!

The FASTPASS ticket basically holds your place in line for a major attraction, while your party enjoys other activities in Disneyland.  

Disney staff are INCREDIBLY helpful.  If you don't understand the system, don't skip out, just ask them and they will give you PLENTY of helpful information and tools.

1. Autopia - Disneyland
FASTPASS distribution located just south of the...
2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Disneyland
FASTPASS distribution located just south of the...
3. Indiana Jones Adventure - Disneyland
FASTPASS distribution located on the West side of the...

High Desert, California Summer Fun List!

Need something fun to do this summer in the HD??

Check out some fantastic free/low cost options.

If you plan it right, this list gives you something to do most every day of the week:
Mondays: (Lift) Playgroup/Cinemark 16
Tuesdays: Michaels Crafts
Wednesdays: Cinemark Jess Ranch
Thursdays: Sunset Concert Series/Michaels Crafts
Fridays: Bowling/Library series (can be any day!)
Saturdays: Movies in the Park/Michaels/Home Depot/Lowes

1. Civic Center Park
The Sunset Concert Series runs Thursdays from June 23...
2. Hesperia Civic Market and Street Faire
Movies in the Park runs Saturdays from June 11th-...
3. Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch Library
This branch, as well as the Hesperia, Victorville and...

Trip Guide for Grand Canyon and Flagstaff with Kids

Headed to the Grand Canyon/Flagstaff area for a non-winter vacation.  Here are some good ideas for some nature inspired fun for the whole family!
Note: If at the Grand Canyon, START your day talking to the ranger about kid's activities at Verkamp's Visitor Center.  

1. Verkamp's Visitor Center
START your grand canyon tour here!!
2. Grand Canyon Railway
Looking for a super fun way to spend the last 60...
3. Grand Canyon Rim Trail
The main trail on the south rim of the canyon. Flat...

Inland Empire Farmers Markets

My kids LOVE a good farmers market.  From the produce samples to just taking in the outdoor air, they love every bit and I can often go without paying a cent (unless I buy veggies!!)
Here's a list of the IE's markets, many of them (the first five in particular) are associated with free live entertainment and are an even better free option for a summer evening.  
Many of the markets are seasonal, so check the information.  If you have another market I missed, let me know and I will add it to the list.

1. Lake Arrowhead Farmer's Market
2. Redlands Market Night
I used to live in the Redlands area and would often...
3. Hesperia Civic Market and Street Faire
This market is really great because not only do I get...