carlsbad Archives - SoCal with Kids

World Oceans Day Beach Cleanup With A Reward From SEA LIFE Aquarium!

May 29, 2013 By socalwithkids Leave a Comment

Help Keep Our Beaches Clean!

Join in a Beach Cleanup with SEA LIFE Aquarium on World Oceans Day, Saturday, June 8th, 2013, and be rewarded for your efforts! SEA LIFE has adopted a beach in Carlsbad, CA, and is looking for volunteers to help clean it up from 8:30am-11:30am.

Give & You Will Receive!

Every Beach Cleanup volunteer will be rewarded with a FREE ticket to SEA LIFE Aquarium, located at LEGOLAND California. This is a great opportunity to educate your kids about the importance of keeping our oceans clean, and a neat way to teach them about volunteer work.
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Filed Under: Beach Cleanup with SEA LIFE Tagged With: carlsbad, families, june 8, ocean, sea life beach cleanup, volunteer, world oceans day

Hands-On Fun and Learning For Kids at Build It Workshops!

April 14, 2013 By socalwithkids

Living in Southern California, we’re very lucky to have an abundance of fun and educational places to take kids. From children’s museums, to parks, to indoor play spaces, there are plenty of options. When I heard about a new place called Build It Workshops, located in Carlsbad, it sounded interesting, so I had to investigate!

What Is Build It!?
Build It, “The Kid Workshop”, is specifically geared towards creative hands-on learning. Their premise is based on using science, technology, engineering, and math, in a fun environment. Instead of leading the kids with building instructions, the employees allow them to use their minds creatively, building however they wish. They are officially listed as a “Makerspace”, where as their website states “is a facility where creativity comes together.”

At the time we visited we paid $12 for the 1st child, $10 for the second for Open Build time. I didn’t pay anything for the baby & I, as non-walkers, plus up to 2 adults per child are admitted for free. Be sure to either call or check their website for current pricing. Also, NO adult is admitted without a child, and NO children may be dropped off and left without a parent or guardian. It is not a child care or daycare center.

Inside you’ll find lots of kid-size tables (think train table style) full of different things wooden planks, castle building blocks, and so much more. I counted 15 tables full of different building pieces, PLUS 5 more just full LEGO! Loads of different options for building, and I’m told that they change it up periodically, and trade out certain pieces for others from time to time.

As well as the tables full of building pieces, general admission also includes building and decorating a cardboard box or similar item. They also offer a “Daily Build”, which is an additional $3-$15, depending upon the item being built. When we visited the Daily Build items were a “Brushbot” and “Scibblebot”, and were reasonably priced as extra items. Our 5 year old son made a “Scribblebot”, which was essentially a little robot with ink markers as legs. Super cool!

As well as the tables full of building pieces you’ll find a long track which the kids can race their LEGO or other vehicles that they put together in the Workshop. Our kids LOVED this, and spent a fair amount of time racing against each other. They even took a video, where they placed my camera on the vehicle and raced it down the track. This was hilarious to them!

Build It is geared toward kids age 3+ to 12 years of age. I can see why the minimum suggested age is at least 3, as some of the building pieces as smaller, and both safer and more appropriate for children of that age. Beware that even though your child may be below age 3, you will still pay an entry fee for them once they walk.

The Environment
When we arrived, the kids and I were each told the rules prior to entering the building area. No running, no blocks in your mouth, no throwing, no sick kids, clean up after yourselves, etc… I loved that they were so good at showing each of us the rules, which were mounted on the wall at entry. Safety is their top priority, and make they make it clear that they are not a playground.

There are seats available for people to sit in and relax, as well as counter space for using a laptop, tablet, or reading. They offer free WIFi, and have cubbies for you to place personal items. I loved the music they were playing, which included the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson, and Cold Play, and found it to be a very relaxing and comfortable environment. The Workshop was very clean and organized when we visited as well.

Snack-Time!
Build It is a nut-free facility, and does not allow outside food inside the facility. They are more than happy for you to enjoy outside food just outside the entrance, at one of their tables. They sell some packaged snacks and beverages at reasonable prices, which you may enjoy inside (or out).

Classes
If your kids have an interest in LEGO Robotics or Scratch Programming they might be interested in the classes offered at the Workshop. The classes are an additional fee, and are taught over several sessions. They sound both fun and educational!

Birthday Parties
Build It offer scheduled birthday parties. They do not allow do-it-yourself birthday parties during open build hours. Be sure to call and check if they have any scheduled parties at the time you wish to visit, as they may be closed to accommodate a party.

Junior Builder Club
If you find you love it, Build It you might want to have your child become a Junior Builder Club member. Membership includes free general entry, free Daily Builds, discounts on classes, and other members-only perks. Ask them about it, or check their website for details. (Be sure to ask abut details, as the membership details could change.)

The Employees
I spoke with Rudy, the owner for quite a long time when we visited. He’s a father of two himself, and was very friendly and good with the kids that I noticed him interacting with while we were there. His employee, Jeremy, was also very good with the kids, and personable as well. Both commute quite a distance to and from the Workshop, and seem to both love and take pride in what they do!

All in all we loved Build It! Our daughter had just as much fun as our son, and I think many of her girl friends would love it as well. I’m sure we’ll be back again, and again. You can find Build It Workshops online at this LINK. Perhaps we’ll see you there!

Filed Under: Build It Workshops Tagged With: build it, carlsbad, fun, indoor play, kids, learning, lego, san diego, the kid workshop

The LEGOLAND Hotel ~ A Dream Getaway For LEGO Lovers

April 5, 2013 By socalwithkids

The LEGOLAND Hotel, located RIGHT next to LEGOLAND California, in the Carlsbad area of San Diego, is the first of its kind to open in the Nation! We were invited to check out this fabulous hotel prior to opening to the general public, and have lots of info to share with you!

Being the LEGO-loving family that we are, we had been anticipating the opening of this hotel for over a year, and what an INCREDIBLE hotel it is! It’s absolutely fabulous! It’s the most kid-friendly hotel that we’ve experienced, with small details and extras throughout, that make it a child’s dream hotel.

When you arrive, you’re greated by a giant LEGO clock tower with a huge smoke-blowing dragon made of 350,000 LEGO bricks! Inside the hotel lobby, behind Check-In, you’ll see a wall made of 5,000 LEGO Mini Figures, with a bicycle riding LEGO man cycling across it. A large LEGO dragon centerpiece adorns the entry with a LEGO stream that leads up to the incredible LEGO Pirate Ship Play Area filled with more LEGO, a fun chalk board and more.

The Guest Rooms
This fabulous family friendly hotel has 250 guest rooms. Each of the guest rooms include two separate sleeping areas and two TVs! The adults have a Queen size bed in their sleeping area, and the kids have a bunk bed with a pull-out trundle bed in theirs. Each guest room sleeps up to 2 adults and 3 kids and features LEGO models to match the theme of the room.

The beds are comfortable, and each room has a coffee maker, and a safe. We slept well, and didn’t hear any noise from either the hallway or surrounding rooms. Although we co-slept with our baby, Pack-In Plays are available by request, on a first come, first serve basis.

The guest rooms are available in either Pirate, Kingdom, or Adventure theme. Even the bathrooms go along with the room’s theme! Rooms are available in regular or Premium Theme, with the Premium Theme rooms having more decorative LEGO elements. The kids and I had the opportunity for a private tour of each of the styles of rooms, and loved them all. Some of the rooms even have a small patios, and/or a view of the Pacific Ocean, so if this is something that appeals to you, ask about it at the time of booking.

Every room has hidden surprises, including clues that lead to an in-room treasure chest. Follow the clues to find the chest, and inside you’ll find a prize! This is one of the many things our kids were really excited to do!

Even the bathrooms are LEGO theme, from the shower curtain, to the LEGO models on the walls! We love that they provide a stool in the bathroom for the kids, as well as a trainer seat on the toilet, perfect for little bums!

Bricks Family Restaurant
Bricks Family Restaurant is located inside the hotel, and serves breakfast and dinner. Outside guests may also dine at the restaurant. Both meals are buffet style, with a child-size buffet area, as well as adult buffet service.

The kids loved being able to walk up to the buffet to serve themselves, and talk about YUM!!! The food was absolutely delicious! We’re not talking greasy buffet, we’re talking fresh fruit and veggies, a large assortment of main course meals, and lots of beverage options. When we dined at dinner they offered items such as roast turkey with stuffing, fish, carne asada with rice and beans, salad, (the most delicious) macaroni and cheese, chicken, and SO much more. Breakfast included omlettes made to order, pancakes, French toast, salmon, scones, and SO MUCH MORE. I didn’t hear a complaint from anyone.

Mini’s Cafe
Mini’s Cafe is located near the large Pirate Ship play area, above Check-In. They offer an assortment of beverages including coffee, water, juice, etc… They also offer delicious cafe-style goodies such as muffins and scones. It’s a great place for a light snack in between meals. I had a cafe mocha, which was delicious.

Skyline Lounge
Skyline Lounge is adjacent from Bricks Family Restaurant. This lounge offers lunch and dinner options, and serves the poolside area. One of the Hotel Concierge tells me “The Carne Asada Fries are the bomb!”. Here you’ll also find a large assortment of adult beverages.

The Pool
The hotel has a heated pool with cabanas, lounge chairs, and poolside restaurant service. It has a super cool incline, perfect for you to easily sit with a tot and cool off, even if he/she isn’t ready for a full swim. The total pool depth is 5ft. Guests may enjoy “Swim Up Movies” poolside on Friday and Saturday nights during peak season.

Entertainment
Live entertainment, including interactive play, and storytime, is available nightly for the kids at the Castle Play Area, near Mini’s Cafe. There was a fun kids dance party with current popular music when we stayed, which really got the kids moving! It was too cute watching them! LEGO character sightings are also common in Bricks Family restaurant, something our 5 year old and baby LOVED!!!

The Extras
The hotel is CHOCK full of fun extras including…
• A Disco Elevator with music and pulsating lights, a mirror ball, and sound effects on each floor.
• An animated Whoopie Cushion on the 1st floor, just outside the elevator. Another fave of the SoCal Kids!
• LEGOS, LEGOS, everywhere!!! More than 3,500 LEGO models throughout the hotel, made out of more than 3 million LEGO bricks!
• Talking mirrors in the 1st floor Guest Restrooms. Turn on the water to wash your hands, and you’re greeted by a fun saying!
• Neat tables inside Mini’s Cafe and Skyline with LEGO pieces under the glass. Hubby and I thought they were neat!
• Entry to the select rides and attractions within the Park before it officially opens!

Hotel Store
A small hotel store is located inside the Lobby, full of things you may have accidentally left behind such as a phone charger, sunscreen, or other such items, as well as souvenirs, cold drinks, and snacks.

Fitness Center
A fitness center is located on the 1st floor.

LEGO Event Room
A LEGO Event Room is located on the 1st floor, which can occupy up to 120 people banquet style.

Reservations
Reservations may be made by calling 877-LEGOLAND, or by visiting www.LEGOLANDHotel.com.

All in all the LEGOLAND Hotel is an incredible hotel and perfect place for a family to stay either when visiting the Parks, or simply for a fun getaway. If you and or your family love LEGO, this is THE place to come and stay. It’s a LEGO lover’s dream, a kid’s paradise, while still completely inviting for the adults as well. Perhaps we’ll see you there!

*******For more images and insider info from our trip the the LEGOLAND Hotel, please check out our Instagram feed. Link at the top right of the page. Thanks!*******

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Many, many thanks to LEGOLAND for inviting us to stay and experience the LEGOLAND Hotel first hand. We believe many of our readers would love to stay and experience the hotel, and we are so happy to have first hand knowledge to share with them. Our opinions are our own.

Filed Under: LEGOLAND Hotel Tagged With: carlsbad, family, fun, hotel, kids, lego, legoland, san diego, socal, travel, vacation

Our Incredible Nature Week

March 10, 2012 By socalwithkids

Exploring Tidepools in Del Mar

This past week we had an incredible time discovering nature. Our adventures included a trip to the San Elijo Nature Center, a hike at Torrey Pines State Reserve, Tidepooling in Del Mar, a Mommy & Me Class at SEA LIFE Aquarium, and simple things like making a stop above The Flower Fields, to catch a glance of their beauty.

We discovered that the humming bird that nested at our house last year is back for another year of nesting. We spotted a high jumping grasshopper, and admired a ladybug we found at the playground above the beach in Del Mar. We had a wonderful time adventuring with Michele, & her family, from Fun Orange County Parks.com. All in all, it was a great week discovering nature.

Most every day in SoCal could be an incredible time to get out and discover the natural beauty that surrounds us. Many of these opportunities are free, & can be found as close as our own backyards or neighborhood parks. What are your plans or ideas to discover nature? Give us some good ideas, and perhaps we’ll see you there!

: San Elijo Nature Center

: Nature Walk @ San Elijo Lagoon

: San Elijo Lagoon

: San Elijo Nature Center

: Grasshopper

: Torrey Pines Lodge

: View at Torrey Pines

: Torrey Pines Lodge

: View at Torrey Pines

: Huge Crabs @ SEA LIFE

: Exploring SEA LIFE Aquarium

: Admiring A Ladybug

: Tree Climbing @ The Beach

: Exploring Tidepools in Del Mar

: View of The Flower Fields

Filed Under: Incredible Nature Week Tagged With: carlsbad, del mar, explore, family, kids, nature, san diego, san elijo, socal, torrey pines

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® ~ A Yearly Spring Tradition!

March 7, 2012 By socalwithkids

The Flower Fields

Visiting The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is absolutely one of our favorite Spring family outings! Our son talks year-round about going there, and how he can’t wait to go back. If you’re not familiar with all there is to do and see, other than viewing a beautiful sea of ranunculus, you must read on! I’ll inform you of the fun you have in store for your visit!

The Flower Fields are a place of beauty, magic, and splendor. They’re a fun place for people of all ages. There’s a lot to do, including a tractor ride with an audio history about the location, Santa’s Playground, a sweet pea maze, rose garden, gem panning, an “artists” garden with a pond and birds, and so much more. If you visit on a weekend you might hear a band play, or attend on the day of a Special Event.

Passport Stamping

When children enter, they receive a Flower Fields Passport. Kids look for specially numbered wooden posts, and stamp their fun little booklet with the corresponding number from the posts. Once they have all their stamps, they can take the passport to the gem panning area for $1.00 off gem mining.

The Flower Fields allow strollers, and you might want to bring one if you have a little tot. Be sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and wear comfortable walking shoes. You might want to bring a light jacket as well, as the fields are just above the Pacific Ocean, and there’s often a nice breeze. You can bring food and beverages to enjoy at designated tables for eating. They have fresh lemonade for sale, and I believe they sell other food items on certain days of the week.

Sweet Pea Maze

Designate a good 3 or more hours for your visit. Most activities within The Flower Fields are included in the price of admission, but the gem panning and tractor are a bit extra. Buy your tractor tickets prior to entering the gates. You can pay your gem panning fee at the panning station (you ~may~ need to pay with cash). Parking is free, and you can either buy your admission tickets online, or at the ticket booth. Also, it tends to be less crowded on weekdays.

Something to keep in mind, is that the fields are never all in full bloom at once. They bloom in patches. From my personal experience, I’ve found many of the flowers tend to be blooming around April, but it varies each year, depending upon the weather, time of planting, and other factors. You can call 760-431-0352 x3 for current blooming conditions.

The Flower Fields are located at 5704 Paseo Del Norte, in Carlsbad, CA. They’re open daily, from 9am-6pm from March 1, 2013 – May 12, 2013. This year is the first year in a decade and a half that the Flower Fields have changed their color patterns, and we’re excited to see the new look! Click HERE for more information about the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch®. Perhaps we’ll see you there!

Update: This post was published in 2012, but updated with 2013 dates. Have fun at The Fields!

: Flower Fields Smile

: Old Tractor

: Flower Fields Entry

: Secret Garden

: Flower Fields Path

: Passport Stamping

: Tractor Ride

: Gem Panning

: The Flower Fields

: Tractor Sign

: Colorful Flowers

: Wooden Sign

: Sweet Pea Maze

: Sweet Pea Flowers

: The Flower Fields

: Smelling Spring Flowers

: Flower Fields

: Spring Flowers

: Santa’s Playground

: Ranunculus Flowers

: Santa’s Playground

: Tractor Ride

: Smelling the Daisies

: Pollen Nose

Filed Under: The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch Tagged With: carlsbad, family, flower fields, fun, kids, san diego, spring

Mommy & Me Under the Sea at SEA LIFE Aquarium!

January 31, 2012 By socalwithkids

SEA LIFE Aquarium, located in Carlsbad, is starting a brand new Mommy & Me program starting February 1st! Mommy and Me Under the Sea will be a fun, interactive journey for you (mom or dad) and your little one(s) to learn about ocean habitats, and experience it with other families. This staff-led program includes a tour, play activities, mini creature exploration and a weekly craft.

The cost for the program is just $35 for one parent and one child on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays for one month. There are three different sessions to choose from on either day, and parking is FREE! Additional children are just $10 each per session, and LEGOLAND Resort Members have the opportunity to upgrade for just $20 per session as well. Click HERE for session times and weekly topics.

This new program is a great way for you and your little one(s) to participate in a fun, educational, and affordable Mommy & Me program. The aquarium has set a limit of just 10 children per session, and reservations are required. Call 760-438-5346 to reserve your spot. Perhaps we’ll see you there!

Filed Under: Mommy and Me Under the Sea Tagged With: carlsbad, educational, family, fun, kids, mommy and me, parents, sea life aquarium

World Oceans Day at Carlsbad’s SEA LIFE Aquarium

June 2, 2011 By socalwithkids

Carlsbad’s SEA LIFE Aquarium is celebrating World Oceans Day from 10am-5pm on Saturday, June 4th, with a “Seussian” Celebration! Young guests will be treated to fun and educational hands-on activities throughout the day. This special event includes crafts, two underwater readings of Dr. Seuss books by divers dressed in “Seussian” attire, and more.

Not familiar with SEA LIFE Aquarium? It’s a unique aquarium that incorporates LEGOS into their theme. Check the link below for more info about this awesome destination. Click HERE for a post with pictures from one of our recent trips to SEA LIFE Aquarium. Perhaps we’ll see you there!

Website: SEA LIFE Aquarium
Twitter: @SEALIFEAquarium

Filed Under: SEALIFE World Oceans Day Tagged With: carlsbad, family, fun, kids, sealife aquarium, socal, world oceans day

PlayWerx

May 23, 2011 By socalwithkids

PlayWerx is a drop-in indoor play place for kids, located in the Carlsbad area of San Diego, California. They have a huge play structure which includes a ball pit, slides, swings, and lots of opportunities for jumping and climbing. The structure also has a toddler area designated for little ones up to 24 months. In addition to the play area, they also have a cafe with free WiFi, and lots of children’s books, as well as some magazines for the adults to enjoy.

Socks are required, so be sure to bring them along. Check the link to their website for more info. Perhaps we’ll see you there!

Website: PlayWerx
Twitter: @Playwerx
Facebook: Playwerx on Facebook

Get a FREE full-color guidebook with the purchase of a Go City Card or Explorer Pass

Filed Under: PlayWerx Tagged With: carlsbad, play, playwerx, socal

Museum of Making Music

May 22, 2011 By socalwithkids

The Museum of Making Music is located in the Carlsbad area of San Diego, California. Check the link to their website for more info. Perhaps we’ll see you there!

Website: Museum of Making Music
Twitter: @MuseumMaknMusic

Get a FREE full-color guidebook with the purchase of a Go City Card or Explorer Pass

Filed Under: Museum of Making Music Tagged With: carlsbad, kids, museum of making music, socal

LEGOLAND

May 14, 2011 By socalwithkids

LEGOLAND is a theme park in the Carlsbad area of San Diego, California. If your kids like LEGOS, this theme park will be like a dream! They have rides, play areas, shows, and much more!

Website: LEGOLAND
Twitter: @LEGOLAND_CA

Get a FREE full-color guidebook with the purchase of a Go City Card or Explorer Pass