We have "light pollution" here in the Inland Empire, so it's pretty hard at any time in the night to see stars. Without going to the desert, or up to the mountains, now you can see them at the San Bernardino Valley College Planetarium. Twice a month from September to April, the planetarium is open to the public for one hour shows. The shows begin at 7pm, with doors opening at 6:30. Reservations are available in this 57seat planetarium, but no late seating is offered. Each month a different show is offered including Horrors of the Universe, Meet the Moon, Star Tales, and The Christmas Star. During our 3rd grade field trip, I asked which star or planet the scientists hypothesize was the star in the Nativity Story. I was told they believe Jupiter and Venus aligned to make an amazingly bright light. These are cool things to learn and the shows go into more details.
Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students/seniors, and $1 for children 10 and under.

A visit to the "wine country" should include seeing the Wolf House. It's strangely beautiful and incredibly eery, but a sight to behold. All that remains of the Wolf House (Jack London's dream home that burned down before he ever spent a night in it), is the foundation, a few chimneys, and some outlines of walls, but one can see how magnificent it was. My kids love to circle around it and point out the indoor pool and pick which room would have been theirs. After spending some time there, we then find some more hiking trails. Jack London State Park is a good place to introduce kids to hiking. The trails are relatively easy and they end at cool places like lakes or redwood groves, or as stated before-the Wolf House. Definitely a must do and see and the town of Glen Ellen where the park is located is sweet and small and fun to explore as well.

This is a happy park. When I am visiting my hometown, this is always one of our stops. Our day consists of getting huge, delicious sandwiches at Sonoma Cheese Factory in the square. (We used to start the day at Train Town, but sadly, my kids are too big for that now.) At the Cheese Factory, we happily walk around and sample all the cheeses. We take our sandwiches to the park and the kids run around. There are two jungle gyms...one for the little guys, and one for the big kids. There is also plenty of grass to get some energy out. Last time i was there, the roses were blooming and we spread out our blankets on the grass and enjoyed a nice breeze. There is also an ice cream shop in the square and plenty of art galleries to introduce your older kiddos to art appreciation. I love Sonoma.

This isn't a stereotypical park. There isn't a play structure. There aren't swings. But what there is, is loads and loads of imaginary play opportunities. The stage in the rose garden allows a dance party, plays, or just plain silliness. There is an electrical outlet so often my playgroup brings a boom box and lets the kids have a go at their best dance moves, or freeze dance too. There are upper and lower orange tree groves that are great for exploring. Please don't pick the oranges. they belong to the Redlands Conservatory who are trying to keep the orange population in Redlands (that is nearly extinct). There is also a full stage where they have full theatrical plays and that's even MORE fun to perform on. And if they are done with that, running through the rows of chairs keeps them entertained. I also use Prospect to shoot family pictures, so there are many great photo ops. Next door is Kimberly Crest that is not open often, but you can stroll around the castle on the paved roads. There are bathrooms near the small stage and a few easy trails to get your kids used to hiking.

My 5 year-old loves the Civil War. When he was four the Redlands Library had a book sell and he use his quarter to buy a (Golden book, no less) of the Civil War. Often times after reading time at the library, if we are lucky enough to find it open), we step into the Lincoln Shrine to look at beautiful paintings of the time of Lincoln. There's also memorabilia that sucks my son in and he doesn't want to leave. This is a very tasteful, well rounded display of the man of Lincoln. It is small, but worth seeing. The outside of the building has beautiful quotes etched into the building that I love to read and re-read to my son, in hopes that the fascination of the Civil War will lead to the understanding of the importance of it one day. And that would be a great lesson.