Bubblefest at Discovery Science Center

Wahoo! It's one of my absolute, most favorite times of the year... that special time of year when Bubblefest returns to the Discovery Science Center's. March 27th - April 11th, 2010 you can discover & explore the magical, amazing world of bubbles. Included with your general admission will be tons of hands-on bubble activities & bubble learning stations where visitors can conduct experiments to determine how to make the biggest bubble, how to have their bubble last the longest or how to touch the inside of a bubble.

& If you still haven't had your fill of bubbles, you can watch international bubble artist Fan Yang's Gazillion Bubble Show. Yang will be performing four bubble shows daily during the Bubblefest (11am, 12:30pm, 2pm & 3:30pm), featuring a bubble carousel, bubbles within bubbles, smoking bubbles, spinning bubbles, bouncing bubbles & bubbles in all shapes and sizes. (Show tickets are an additional fee of $7 per person, after the Science Center Admission & can be purchase online HERE). Care for a sneak peak of Fan Yang's amazing show? Watch this video...

For more information & directions go HERE. (Be sure to check out the daily field trip schedule, so you can plan your trip when the Discovery Science Center is less busy.)

xoxo, K
images via the Discovery Science Center

Just Spotted received no compensation, of any kind, for this post.

Secrets of Circles at the Discovery Science Center

The newest exhibit at the Discovery Science Center (which opens Saturday, January 16th & runs through Sunday, May 2nd) will have definitely have you seeing circles are everywhere... clocks, wheels, doorknobs, even your dinner plate! That's because this newest exhibit will celebrate "the math, science & beauty of such a simple shape & helps children and adults alike to uncover the secrets of the many circles in the world."

In true Discovery Science Center fashion, this newest exhibit will feature tons of hands-on & interactive activities designed so that both kids & adults can learn about the sophisticated mathematical and engineering concepts of circles, in a very fun & very easy way. At Secrets of Circles, I know you (& most importantly your kids) will love... glow-in-the-dark exhibits, lots of spinning objects, playing with a kaleidoscope, building a round arch bridge, shopping the the pretend market for onions, pulleys & all things circular, plus so much more!

With this newest exhibit coming to town, you definitely want to take the time to visit the Discovery Science Center with your kids. & Make sure you don't miss any of the other fabulous exhibits... the Science of Hockey, the Planetary Research Station, or my boy's personal favorite the Dino Quest, just to name a few. The Discovery Science Center is open daily (except Thanksgiving & Christmas Day) from 10am - 5pm. For The Discovery Science Center ticket prices, location & daily field trip schedule go HERE, or buy tickets online HERE.

xoxo, K

p.s. If you attend opening day, Saturday, January 16th be sure to watch (or even join!) the hula hoop competition. Really confident in your hula hooping ability? Register online for the competition HERE.

The Science of Gingerbread at the Discovery Science Center

Just in time for the holidays, The Discovery Science Center presents The Science of Gingerbread, Now - January 3rd 201o. Families will be able to see the scientific background of how ingredients in Gingerbread work together to create a traditional holiday treat. But that's not all... besides the kitchen science activities, be sure to check out the "Science of Snow" stage show, decorating demonstrations & the gingerbread, toy & game displays.

For The Discovery Science Center hours, ticket prices, location & daily field trip schedule go HERE, or buy tickets online HERE.

Feeling a little competitive? "Try your hand at creating a delicious masterpiece out of gingerbread, icing, and other edibles in this year's Annual Gingerbread Competition." Simply bring your entry to the The Discovery Science Center by November 30th, at 4pm. Judging will occur November 30th & December 1st, and the Gingerbread Houses will be on display until January 3rd, 2010. For more information about the Annual Gingerbread Competition go HERE. For gingerbread tips & tricks a la Disneyland's Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Marc Viallet go HERE.

What: The Science of Gingerbread
Where: The Discovery Science Center
When: Now - January 3rd 201o

xoxo, K

This Weekend in Orange County

Wondering what to do or where to go this weekend in Orange County? Then check out one, or two or all of these happening events...

Friday, November 6th:
* Holiday Boutique at Newport Height Elementary School, 10 am - 4pm. FREE admission, 29 vendors selling unique gifts for the holidays.
* Wild Tales at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Story telling fun. After the story, learn more about the natural history of the bay through crafts and nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-7.
* Irvine Lake Trout Opener
* Stuart Little at the Laguna Playhouse
* Spooky Science at Discovery Science Center

Saturday, November 8th:
* FREE admission to the Discovery Science Center with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Holiday Mini Family Portrait Sessions in the Park, 9am-9pm, Huntington Beach Central Park. Session cost is $100 for 3o minutes (plus 2 5x7 prints and 2 high-resolution digital files). Contact Mark Tripp to schedule.
* Bolsa Chica Wetlands Tour, FREE tours begin every 15 minutes from 9 - 10:30 am.
* Kids Workshop, a FREE kid-friendly "How-To Clinic", at your local Home Depot, 9am-12pm. This month's project is a tile trivet.
* GSROC Family Pet Day Extravaganza. 11am - 3pm, Pittsford Park: 21701 Pittsford Dr., Lake Forest, CA. The perfect day out for your family & your favorite 4-legged friends.Lots of booths including face painting, pet adoption & even a pet whisperer.
* Harvest Faire Boutique, Noon - 4pm, 27102 Foxborough, Aliso Viejo, CA
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Kids "War Games" at the Muzeo 12-4pm
* Target FREE First Saturday at the Children's Museum at La Habra, 1:30-3:30pm. Face painting, crafts & stilt walkers.
* Irvine Lake Trout Opener
* Stuart Little at the Laguna Playhouse
* Hawt on Yelp Special (50% off select spa & salon services)
* Ice Skating at the Spectrum
* Spooky Science at Discovery Science Center

Sunday, November 8th:
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art
* Irvine Lake Trout Opener
* Kids "School of Soldiers" & Crafts at the Muzeo 12-4pm
* Stuart Little at the Laguna Playhouse
* Hawt on Yelp Special (50% off select spa & salon services)
* Ice Skating at the Spectrum
* Spooky Science at Discovery Science Center

Now that you've got your weekend covered, need to plan the rest of the month? Check out the Just Spotted Calendar. Chock full of stuff to do & places to go! Want to list your very own event in the Just Spotted Calendar? Just submit your event information HERE.

xoxo, K

This Weekend in Orange County

Looking for something fun to do with the family? Need to get the kids out of the house? Check out this list of some of my favorite weekend happenings. (To see the entire list of weekend to-dos, go HERE.)

Friday, October 2nd:
* Tustin Tiller Days
* Wild Tales at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Story telling fun. After the story, learn more about the natural history of the bay through crafts and nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-7.

Saturday, October 3rd:
* Orange County Fire Authority Open House, 9am - 2pm
* FREE Story time & crafts, 10-11am at Lakeview Learning Center: come meet the author of the new book "Baby Lauren and Theodore"
* 10th Annual Kidsfaire
* Tustin Tiller Days
* FREE admission to the Discovery Science Center with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Target FREE First Saturday at the Children's Museum at La Habra, 1:30-3:30pm. Face painting, crafts & stilt walkers.
* Kids Workshop, a FREE kid-friendly "How-To Clinic", at your local Home Depot, 9am-12pm. This month's project is a firehouse bank

Sunday, October 4th:
* Mighty Rubber Ducky Derby at Wild Rivers Water Park
* 10th Annual Kidsfaire
* Tustin Tiller Days
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Target FREE First Sunday at the Bower's Museum & Kidseum

xoxo, K

This Weekend in Orange County

Looking for something fun to do with the family? Need to get the kids out of the house? Check out this list of some of my favorite weekend happenings. (To see the entire list of weekend to-dos, go HERE.)

Friday, September 4th:
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza Kick-Off & Mommy & Me Tea (11 am)
* Orange International Street Fair

Saturday, September 5th:
* FREE admission to the Discovery Science Center with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Target FREE First Saturday at the Children's Museum at La Habra, 1:30-3:30pm. Face painting, crafts & stilt walkers.
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Orange International Street Fair

Sunday, September 6th:
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Target FREE First Sunday at the Bower's Museum & Kidseum
* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Centennial Heritage Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Orange International Street Fair

xoxo, K

75¢ Admission to the Discovery Science Center

This weekend (Saturday July 25th & Sunday July 26th) kids 14 & younger, who are accompanied by a paying adult Schools First FCU Member will get into the Discovery Science Center for just 75¢. (Woot! Woot! That's a savings of more than $9 off the regular admission price!)

Even if you aren't a Schools First FCU Member, you'll want to check out the Discovery Science Center one of these days. Their current exhibits are amazing! My boys love the Science of Hockey, Robots & Us and Smokey Bear & Woodsey Owl: Home Sweet Home.

Special thanks to our reader Pattie, for sending us the tip! Keep those tips coming!

xoxo, K

Science of the Circus at the Discovery Science Center

Did you know the circus is coming to town? Yep! Yep! It will be here from July 15th - July 26th, but more on that later. Today I want to tell you about an event happening at the Discovery Science Center this Saturday, June 27th (which just so happens to be my birthday, in case you were wondering). Anyway, THIS event sounds like it's going to be awesome...

What makes clowns such talented jugglers, unicyclers and stilt walkers? Is it the big red nose? Nope! Believe it or not, it's an understanding of basic science principles that make them pros at these challenging, wacky stunts!

Runaway with the circus on June 27th as Discovery Science Center and Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey presents Science of the Circus! Each 30-minute presentation will feature circus tricks and stunts along with the scientific principles at play behind each skill. Real circus clowns will demonstrate how these scientific principles play a major role in their performances and enable them to put on unique and thrilling shows.

Think you can master the science of The Greatest Show on Earth? Test your skills at scarf juggling, bubble tricks, and balancing objects during each show!

Show Times are Saturday, June 27th at 11 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm, & 3:30 pm. & While your at the museum be sure to check out the latest exhibitions: Robots & Us and Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home.

xoxo, K

Discovery Science Center

Big things are happening at the Discovery Science Center. If you haven't been in awhile, now is definitely a good time to pack up the kids & go! There is sooo much to see & do...


The Magic School Bus exhibit is still in town, at least until May 3rd. Based on the best-selling Scholastic books and the ever-popular television series, visitors will discover all about weather through this hands-on learning experience.


Just recently, a brand new exhibit has opened at the Discovery Science Center, brought to you by the Anaheim Ducks, NHL & USA Hockey... the Science of Hockey. "Experience the colder side of science as we explore physics, physiology and flying pucks! No helmets required, but the icy interactives aren't for rookies! Exhibition highlights include a Zamboni Machine, Penalty Box and Broadcast Booth, and more!" While exploring the hockey exhibit you can experience what it's like to really be "in the game". Practice being the goalie & the shooter, test your reaction times & skating skills, and don't forget to step inside the broadcast booth to record your own play-by-play. This is one exhibit you don't want to miss!


& Finally, one of the Discovery Science Center's most popular exhibits is returning... Bubblefest. April 4th - 19th, you can discover & explore the magical world of bubbles. Lots of hands-on bubble activities will be going on. You'll "learn the secrets and sciences behind making the biggest and best bubbles". & If you still haven't had your fill of bubbles, you can watch international bubble artist Fan Yang's Mega Bubble Show. Yang will be performing four bubble shows daily during the Bubblefest, featuring a bubble carousel, bubbles within bubbles, smoking bubbles, spinning bubbles, bouncing bubbles & bubble s in all shapes and size. (Show tickets are an additional fee after the Science Center Admission, adults: $12.95, children 3-7 $9.95).

For ticket information & directions go HERE. (Be sure to check out the daily field trip schedule, so you can plan your trip when the Discovery Science Center is less busy.)

xoxo, K
images via the Discovery Science Center

The Magic School Bus at the Discovery

If you haven't had a chance yet, be sure to check out the Discovery Science Center's latest exhibit The Magical School Bus Kicks up a Storm. As the website says "the bilingual, hands-on traveling exhibition is based on the best-selling Scholastic books and the ever-popular television series. The exhibition is designed for children ages 5-12, parents, caregivers and teachers. Visitors can become immersed in the weather exhibition in a uniquely Scholastic's The Magic School Bus way by visiting Ms. Frizzle's Classroom, climbing aboard the bus itself - transformed into a Weather Observatory - or visiting the Walkerville Weather Center. Through these three interactive environments, visitors can explore the water cycle and its relation to weather, and how influences from air, heat, water and land combine to create weather."

For ticket information & directions go HERE. (Be sure to check out the daily field trip schedule, so you can plan your trip when the Discovery Science Center is less busy.)

xoxo, K
image via Discovery Science Center

The Science of Gingerbread

The Discovery Science Center of Santa Ana has a festive scientific exhibit for the holidays, The Science of Gingerbread. Families will be able to see the scientific background of how ingredients in Gingerbread work together to create a traditional holiday treat.

xoxo, C