Happy Halloween

Hope you have a wonderful, safe & fun-filled holiday.... to infinity & beyond!

images courtesy of ana brandt photography

xoxo, K

Make your own Glow Lanterns.

How cool is this? These jars glow just like glow sticks. If we have a little extra time on our hands today I'm definitely going to try & "throw this together". All that is required is a lidded jar, a box of matches, some hydrogen peroxide & a little household bleach. I'm almost positive i have that all sitting around someplace. Already I'm imagining a walkway lined with lots of little glowing jars...

Glow Lantern How To! - The funniest bloopers are right here

xoxo, K

Halloween in Orange County

We've got two days left to celebrate, what do you have planned? Here's a quick list of activities & going-ons happening around Orange County...

Thursday, October 30th:
* Halloween Time at Disneyland
* Mickey's Trick or Treat Party
* The Haunted Cellar, Anaheim
* Saw Live Action Haunted House, Brea
* Knott's Halloween Haunt
* Boot Hill Haunted House, Irvine
* Tanaka Farms
* Treats in the Streets, Orange
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch
* Zoomars Petting Zoo's Old Fashioned Family Pumpkin Patch
* BATS! at the Discovery Science Center

Friday, October 31st:
* Halloween Time at Disneyland
* Mickey's Trick or Treat Party
* The Haunted Cellar, Anaheim
* The Haunting, Anaheim
* Saw Live Action Haunted House, Brea
* Knott's Halloween Haunt
* Knott's Camp Spooky Treasure Hunt
* 13th Annual Haunted Maze, Buena Park
* Pagliacci's Circus, Buena Park
* City of Cypress Halloween Carnival
* Trick or Treat on Main Street, Huntington Beach
* Boot Hill Haunted House, Irvine
* Tanaka Farms
* 2nd Annual Mini Monsters Bash, La Habra
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch
* Zoomars Petting Zoo's Old Fashioned Family Pumpkin Patch
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo
* BATS! at the Discovery Science Center
* Trick or Treating on Main Street, Seal Beach
* Tustin Haunt
* Halloween Howl, Tustin
* Haunt Hotel & Graveyard, Yorba Linda

xoxo, K

Martha's Thanksgiving Workshop

I know, I know, Halloween hasn't even happened yet... but that doesn't mean you can't start thinking about Thanksgiving yet. Starting November 3rd Martha Stewart & her crew, will deliver their best tips & tricks, menu inspirations, shopping lists, crafts & decorations right to your inbox. You definitely don't want to miss out. Sign up HERE.

xoxo, K

Taco Soup

Every year for Halloween I make a big 'ole pot of Taco Soup & cornbread. Although you can cook it on the stove, I prefer to do it up in the crock pot, so it's nice & hot whenever we get done with trick-or-treating...

Taco Soup
2 pounds ground beef
2 cups diced onions
1 can black beans (but you can also use pinto)
1 can kidney beans
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomatoes with chiles
2 cans diced green chiles
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 package ranch salad dressing mix
Corn chips, for serving
Sour cream, for garnish
Grated cheese for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Pickled jalapenos, for garnish

Directions
Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large slow cooker or a stockpot. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles, (& ALL their juices), taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix, and cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a pot on the stove. (Sometimes if there's not enough liquid I'll add some tomato soup as well.) To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them. Top with sour cream, cheese, green onions and jalapenos.

xoxo, K
image via here.

Cute Canary

I may just have to splurge and pick up this darling Canary dress from Shabby Apple for my own baby.

xoxo, C

A Halloween Treat

Here's a halloween treat from Inside a Black Apple (spotted on Oh Dee Doh).

xoxo, C

El Torito

I don't know where I've been, obviously hiding under a rock, but I just found out that Kids Eat FREE on Wednesdays at El Torito. (The small print reads: one free kid's meal from our kid's menu per regular adult entree purchased. Limited to children 12 & under. Not valid with any other offer, discount or coupon. Good for dine in only.) It looks like we might be headed to El Torito this week, I've always loved their cornbread. Find your nearest El Torito location HERE.

& on a totally random note, did you know you can buy those fabulous El Torito tortilla strips for your own "home use". & it's cheap! Less than $3 for a big 'ole bag, & they're are so yummy... perfect for soups & salads.

xoxo, K

Old Navy's Freaky Fun Day

Everyone knows that Old Navy is always a steal. (Currently their clearance items are up to 70% off original prices!) But this weekend they seem to be going all out (be sure to click on image to enlarge)... a chance to win your purchase? Treats every hour? Free tees for costumed kiddos? $1 Old Navy logo tees? $1 Halloween tees? $5 costumes? Sounds like things are going to be rock'n at Old Navy this weekend! & special thanks to our reader Sarah for sending us the tip!

xoxo, K

Slow Cooker Secrets

image from Martha of Soy-Ginger Chicken

I love using my slow cooker during the fall and winter because it saves time and provides warm family meals. It was Slow Cooker Week at Dinner Tonight, so be sure to check out all the great recipes. My favorites are the Soy-Ginger Chicken and Beef Stroganoff. If you really adore your slow-cooker you can hop right over to A Year of CrockPotting and she has enough recipes to last you for an entire year.

xoxo, C

Halloween Night

'twas Halloween night, & all through the house
every creature was stirring, including the mouse;
the wall were aflutter with little brown bats,
while hordes of black spiders crept out of the cracks.
by the fire in the kitchen, the witch stirred her brew;
to make it more smelly, she threw in a shoe.

Our favorite new nighttime read, is definitely putting us in the "Halloween Spirit." Marjorie Dennis Murray's Halloween Night is a wonderfully illustrated book detailing the Halloween preparations of a haunted house & all of it's "spooky" inhabitants. Find your own copy HERE.

xoxo, K

J. Crew Fall Sale

The fall sales are starting to pop up. J. Crew just announced that their sale is going on now, both online & in stores. Start shopping HERE.

xoxo, K

Babystlye Costumes now 50% off!

Perfect for last minute costumes, or simply for stocking up on dress-ups... Babystyle costumes are now 50% off! Thanks for the heads up Chandice!

xoxo, K

Disneyland's Rider Switch Pass

If you've ever been to Disneyland, you know that many of the rides have height restrictions, which may prevent some of your younger guests from riding every rides. But don't worry, that doesn't mean YOU have to miss out on any of the fun, Disney has got you covered! This is where Disneyland's Rider Switch Pass (otherwise known as the Baby Swap pass) comes into play. The Rider Switch Pass allows everyone in your party (except the littlest ones of course!) to ride particular attractions that have height restrictions, without you having to wait twice in line...

So how do you get your very own Rider Switch Pass? All you do is go to the cast member who is standing by the Stand By entrance (although if no one is there, go directly to the Fast Pass entrance) & tell them you'd like to take advantage of the Rider Switch Program. They will give you the Rider Switch "Pass" for whoever is waiting outside with the little ones. Whoever in the party is riding the ride first, then gets in the normal stand by line & does the waiting. When the ride is done, they meet up with the remainder of their party. The person who waited outside with the little ones, then takes the Rider Switch Pass & walks directly to the Fast Pass line (no matter what time it is.... that means you can actually come back later in the day, & still walk right through the Fast Pass line with your Rider Switch Pass, allowing you to break it up a little). Going through the Fast Pass line ensures that you only have to wait a few minutes... soon everyone who is tall enough, will have gone on the ride, & it won't take you much longer than if everyone had waited in line together! &, your Rider Switch Pass is good for TWO people! So, if there are enough people in your group: two people can wait outside with your little one, or someone can ride twice!

If you're a more "visual" learner, check out the Rider Switch video made for the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. To view the video go HERE, & scroll through the pages until you see the Rider Switch Video (currently, it is on page 2, but that can always change).

Have fun at Disneyland, & be sure to take advantage of the Rider Switch Pass... it's awesome!

xoxo, K

Thanks, Toni

I just spotted at Hush Baby a few delightful baby items from Toni Tierney. All the clothing that I gravitated toward in the store had her cute label. I think it is because she manages to make simple designs more personal and unique by adding bits of vintage fabric or hand painting. The result of her vision is that you fall in love with the pieces she creates.

xoxo, C

Reader Tip: Prehistoric Pets

One of our readers recently emailed us about one of her favorite OC "field trips"... Prehistoric Pets. It sounds like a perfect afternoon outing with the kiddos. I know my little ones would love visiting a reptile zoo... snakes, turtles & geckos, oh my! Stopping by to check out all the reptiles is absolutely FREE. (We LOVE that!) But our reader suggests spending a couple of bucks on a small cup of worms to feed the turtles & then heading over to Ikea for lunch. Thanks for the great tip Chandice! We love hearing from our readers, so be sure to let us know what fabulous things you've "just spotted" in the OC.

Prehistoric Pets
18822 Brookhurst St.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714)964-3525

xoxo, K

Kreepy Kreatures

Papersource has the template to make these adorable Kreepy favor boxes here. Such a simple craft to do with the kids and I am thinking that you could also use the same template to make paper bag Halloween puppets.


xoxo, C

Boo at the Santa Ana Zoo

Starting this weekend, "Boo at the Zoo" comes back to the Santa Ana Zoo. According to their website "This family-friendly costumed extravaganza will bring FUN, SAFE, trick-or-treating in a "Merry not Scary" Zoo atmosphere, with educational programs throughout the evening, and a costume parade. For the older kids, we also offer "Teen Scream," a haunted house filled with thrills and chills. This ghoulish attraction has a separate entrance, but is included with the price of admission."

The night will be filled with live performances, animal presentations, storytelling, fun & games. Tickets are $5 for zoo members, and $10 for non-members (ages 2 & up). You can purchase tickets at the event or online HERE. For more information, go HERE or call (714)953-8555 ext. 12.

Boo at the Zoo, 5:30-8 pm
Saturday, October 18
Sunday, October 19
Friday - Sunday, October 24, 25, 26

1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana
(714)953-8555

xoxo, K

Izze Halloween Packs

These drink are not just Halloween eye candy, but the flavors are delicious! I just spotted cases of the Halloween Packs at Target, so make sure to pick some up for your Halloween party. I heart Izze.

xoxo, C

Family Tree, Ikea style.

I'm currently loving THIS idea using a new spin on the "family tree" to decorate a blank wall. Using framed pictures & wall stickers you can create a wonderful piece of wall art that will honor friends & family both near & far. Perfect for a nursery, child's room, living room, hallway... basically any room with a large blank wall. Find instructions HERE.

xoxo, K

C & K do Halloween Time at Disneyland: Part 2

There's just something magical about Disneyland around the holidays. I don't know what it is... the lights, the decorations, or maybe it's just that Disneyland is the "Happiest Place on Earth" & the holidays tend to be the happiest time of year. But I especially love that the holidays start early at Disneyland. They don't just decorate for Christmas, they also decorate for Halloween & Thanksgiving. During this time of year I could wander around the parks for hours, simply looking at all the decorations.... giant candy corn hanging from the trees, piles of pumpkins, mini jack-o-lanterns hanging from trees, stacks of hay, paper lantern pumpkins, & giant character inspired jack-o-lanterns. Everywhere you look there is something new. And the fun doesn't end with the decorations. Characters are often dressed up, there are Halloween-inspired rides (think Haunted Mansion), crafts & even food (pumpkin pie anyone?).

Last weekend Coleen & gathered up the kids for a weekend of Disneyland magic. We spent Friday at Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party. & a "party" it definitely was. The event is held at Disney's California Adventure Park & requires an additional ticket (even annual pass holders can't get in without a ticket), if you are interested in going, be sure to get your tickets soon, because there are only a limited number of tickets available, & I hear they are going fast. Anyway, because it's at California Adventure you get the typical Disney Park experience... rides, food, but there is also sooo much more!

Right from the moment you walk in the gates, you know you are in for a night to remember. Immediately following entry they hand every member in your party a bag, remember... it is Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party, so just in case you have forgotten something to gather all your goodies in (as I did), they make sure you are taken care of. As you wander throughout the park be prepared to be amazed at all the costumes. Everyone attending the event (including adults) are invited & encourages to dress in their favorite Halloween costume. I saw some of the most incredible costumes, on both kids & adults. I think my boys could have watched the parade of ghosts, ghouls & witches all night long, & gone home happy. But there was so much to do and see at Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party, that we had to get moving.

One thing you definitely want to pick up as you enter is a map/ listing of events. This is your guide for what to do & where to go. The map details where to find the candy treat stations (& don't worry if there's a line.... it moves quickly, & most of the stations have different candy, so you'll want to hit as many as possible!), locations of the music dance parties (be prepared to do the hookey pookey!), craft & activity stations, as well as where you'll find all of the characters for some fantastic photo opps (I don't believe I've ever seen so many characters out & about!). Without the map, you'll be wandering around aimlessly, which isn't that big of a deal, but you might miss out on some of the fantastic things Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party has to offer!

Want a sneak peek of what's in store for you this Halloween Time at Disneyland? Check out this video...

Hope you get a chance to experience this holiday season at Disneyland. My boys loved every minute of it & keep asking when they can go trick-or-treating at Disneyland again.

xoxo, K

Halloween Spooktacular at Sea World

Just down the road from our fair Orange County lies San Diego, home to many incredible things, including Sea World. With Halloween right around the corner, Sea World is hosting their own Halloween Spooktacular. The all new ocean-inspired Halloween event features a Sesame Street Countdown to Halloween as well as a "meet & greet" with Elmo, trick-or-treating, specially themed Halloween shows, and so much more. Sea World's Halloween Spooktacular is happening weekends from October 4th-November 2nd & Halloween.

xoxo, K
image via sea world.

Reader Tip: The Origianl Pancake House

One of our fabulous readers recently emailed us about one of her new favorite restaurants... The Original Pancake House. In her words, the restaurant offers "HUGE pancakes, yummy crepes, omelets the size of your plate, savory bacon, homemade butter, tropical syrup to die for, etc." Yum! Yum! Yum! Thanks for the tip Cathy!

The Original Pancake House
3322 E. Chapman Ave.
Orange, CA 92869
(714)221-8674
M-F, 6am-2pm
Sat & Sun, 7am-3pm

xoxo, K

C & K do Halloween Time at Disneyland: Part I

We finally made it to Halloween time at Disneyland this weekend just in time for all their Halloween fun and I wanted to spotlight our favorite things:

image via flickr

Woody's Roundup was a great place to take the kids for some festive fun and you even get the chance to meet Woody and Jessie. There were crafts, entertainment, and even a petting zoo to get you in the Halloween spirit. My boys loved decorating their own pumpkin cookies and eating all the fun treats.

image via flickr

Jack Skellington has remodeled the Haunted Mansion for a great combination of merriment and fright. I have to admit that my boys were a bit timid on the old haunted mansion ride, but the new additions to the haunted mansion make it fun for all ages.

A great time was had by all: the Halloween treats, activities, and decor at Disneyland truly got us into the Halloween spirit.

xoxo, C

Happy Columbus Day.

Looking for some ideas to keep your little ones busy this holiday? Check out some of these ideas. I know my boys & I will be busy making & racing paper boats, while wearing our newspaper sailor hats.

Paper Birch Bark Canoe
Easy Spyglass Telescope
Columbus Day Coloring Page
Eat Watermelon Boats
Milk Carton Spanish Galleon
Columbus Day Activity Book
Egg Cup Ships
Race Cucumber Boats

Have fun!

xoxo, K
image via flickr.

Orange County Fire Authority Open House

I've got two boys. & they are your typical "boys". They love trucks, playing in the dirt, & playing policeman or fireman. That's why I just know they are going to absolutely LOVE the Orange County Fire Authority's Open House tomorrow. They'll get to meet real firefighter's & explore the home of the Orange County Fire Authority & training center. In addition to the Open House at the OCFA, several other Fire Houses will be hosting their own open houses, for a list of all the locations go HERE.

Orange County Fire Authority's 3rd Annual Open House
Saturday, October 11th, 2008
9am - 2pm
OCFA Regional Fire Operations & Training Center
Jamboree and Tustin Ranch Road, Irvine (directions HERE)

xoxo, K

Fall Fashion

I want it to be cold, so I have an excuse to buy this cozy outfit from Anthropologie.

xoxo, C

Mummy Dogs

These easy to put together Mummy Dogs from Picky Palate are sure to be a hit for dinner.

xoxo, C

Dole Whips

What's our favorite Disney treat? Hands down winner is the Dole Pineapple Whip & Dole Whip Float. Just thinking about them makes me want to head over to Disneyland. Located just outside the Enchanted Tiki Room , at the Tiki Juice Bar you can pick up refreshing pineapple spears, fresh pineapple juice & frosty pineapple whips and floats. (& for those of you who are lactose intolerant, according to Disneyland's website the pineapple whips are completely dairy-free, so you too can enjoy the yummy treat!) & priced at about $3.50 (give or take a quarter or two), it's definitely one of the more affordable Disney treats. So on your next visit to the "Happiest Place on Earth", grab a Pineapple Whip or Float & think of me. (& if the line is incredibly long, as it sometimes can be, take a peek inside the waiting area for the Tiki Room, they serve customers on both sides. Sometimes we get quicker service on the other side... just a little tip.)

xoxo, K
image via wikipedia.

Trick or Treat in Style

I love the idea of a homemade and original trick or treat container to hold all the candy from Halloween.

Cookie Magazine uses a simple tote bag with decals and reflective tape to make a spooky bag.

Martha creates vintage flair by using a tin pail with old candy wrappers, the result is a container that just makes you want to eat all your candy to make sure you have enough wrappers to make this cute craft.

The bottom line is have fun creating your container and you will be guaranteed a bundle of treats!

xoxo, C

No need to carve, just paint...

I have a confession to make - I hate carving pumpkins. I don't know why, it's just never been my thing. That's why I love Better Homes and Gardens "23 Pumpkins to Paint & Decorate". Pictures, how to's, & lots of ideas. (& the best part of a painted pumpkin in my opinion? Depending on the design you choose, more than likely your pumpkin will be able to serve as decoration for both Halloween & Thanksgiving.)

Happy Painting!

xoxo, K
image via BHG.

Avila's El Ranchito

I've been fighting a cold all week. This weekend I finally had a little energy to actually leave the house. My destination of choice? Avila's El Ranchito, one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. I was definitely craving a big bowl of their Mamá Avila's Soup... it's your basic chicken & rice soup loaded up with chunks of fresh avocado, lots of cilantro, onions, tomatoes & served with warm tortillas. Whenever I'm sick, it's all I can think of. But that's not the only thing that's good, pretty much everything on the menu is delicious. But be sure to check out the menu for your nearest location, because each one is slightly different because they "cater to the community".

We love Avila's because it's definitely a family-friendly restaurant. They always bring out the crayons to keep the kids entertained & the children's menu has both Mexican food choices, as well as basics, like chicken tenders. Plus, because of the hustle & bustle of the restaurant, I'm not usually concerned that if my kids are being a little "louder than usual", that I'll really be interrupting anyone.

Avila's El Ranchito
11 locations throughout Los Angeles & Orange County, for your nearest location, go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via avila's el ranchito.

Tustin Tiller Days

Tustin Tiller Days are here! It's 3 days packed with entertainment & excitement... carnival rides, a pancake breakfast, parade, & a rubber boot race. What more could you want? The festival begins Friday, October 3rd & goes through Sunday, October 5th. For hours, directions & more information, go HERE.

xoxo, K

image via here.

The Perfect Halloween Menu

The Food Network has updated their site and they have wonderful ideas on how to make sure your menu is spooky enough for Halloween.

xoxo, C
image via food network.

The Circus is in Town.

Circus Vargas has set up shop at MainPlace Mall. The show will only be in town a few short days... Thursday, October 2nd - Monday, October 6th, so you better act quickly! For show times & to buy tickets, go HERE. Special thanks go out to our reader Joy for giving us the heads up!

xoxo, K
image via circus vargas.

Babystyle Costumes 20% off

My babies are too big for the adorable costumes at Babystyle, but they are a great deal when you combine the 20% off and free shipping offer just in time for Halloween.

xoxo, C
image via babystyle.

October 2008 Calendar

Halloween is a month-long celebration here in Orange County. With so many Halloween inspired activities & events we found it easier to list them all separately. So, for Halloween bashes & haunted houses, be sure to check out THIS list.

October 1st:
* Storytime at Pirates Cove, Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 10-11 am. Stories, crafts, music & seasonal fun geared to the pre-schooler. (reservations required. 949-673-7863, ext. 105)
October 2nd:
* Fitness Hike, 9-11am, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
October 3rd:
* Tustin Tiller Days, carnival rides, craft booths, food & entertainment at Columbus Tustin Park.
October 4th:
* Kids Workshop, a FREE kid-friendly "How-To Clinic", at your local Home Depot, 9am & 12pm. This month's project is a whistle fire truck.
* Tustin Tiller Days, carnival rides, craft booths, food & entertainment at Columbus Tustin Park.
* Kidsfaire - America's Family Expo
* Oktoberfest, 11am-5pm, Ladera Ranch
* Astronomy Program, 8-9:30pm, Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park
October 5th:
* Tustin Tiller Days, carnival rides, craft booths, food & entertainment at Columbus Tustin Park.
* Kidsfaire - America's Family Expo
* Orange County Children's Book Festival
* Sunday Morning Nature Walk, 8:30-9:30am, Caspers Wilderness Park
October 6th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
October 7th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
October 9th:
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Find out what animals live on this continent. Registration required: (714)973-6846.
October 11th:
* Annual Orange County Fire Authority Open House, 9am-12pm
* Signs of Life Hike, 8:30-11am, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
* The Knack Free Family Event at your local Michaels store, 10am-p3m. The great pumpkin event.
* Heritage Festival & Parade, car show, crafts fair, food booths, kids games & more. Tri-City Park, Placentia.
October 12th:
* Sunday Morning Nature Walk, 8:30-9:30am, Caspers Wilderness Park
October 13th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
October 14th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
October 16th:
* Glue & Go Costumes for Kids, Yorba Linda Public Library
October 17th:
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn about bats, cats & spiders and make spooky crafts. Registration required: (714)973-6846.
* Silverado Days, parade, food, game booths. William Peak Park in Buena Park.
October 18th:
* Silverado Days, parade, food, game booths. William Peak Park in Buena Park.
October 19th:
* Sunday Morning Nature Walk, 8:30-9:30am, Caspers Wilderness Park
* Silverado Days, parade, food, game booths. William Peak Park in Buena Park.
* Community Nature Day, hikes, games & nature crafts. Rancho Sonado, Silverado.
October 20th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
October 21st:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
October 24th:
* OCPAC presents The Sippy Cups, a family-friendly rock concert experience.
October 25th:
* OCPAC presents The Sippy Cups, a family-friendly rock concert experience.
* Aliso Viejo Fall Harvest Festival, 10am-2pm
October 26th:
* Sunday Morning Nature Walk, 8:30-9:30am, Caspers Wilderness Park
* Family Fun Walk, 10:30-11:30am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center
* OCPAC presents The Sippy Cups, a family-friendly rock concert experience.
October 27th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
October 28th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
October 29th:
* Toddler Time, Nocturnal Nightlife, 10:30-11:15am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center
October 30th:
* Fitness Hike, 9-11am, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn about bats, cats & spiders and make spooky crafts. Registration required: (714)973-6846.
October 31st:
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn about bats, cats & spiders and make spooky crafts. Registration required: (714)973-6846.

* Make sure to check out all the local Halloween Events HERE.

Kids Free Days at the Zoo

During the entire month of October, children ages 3-11 visiting the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park will receive FREE admission. Special thanks to our reader Heather for giving us the heads up!

xoxo, K
image via San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park.