Being Savvy: Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers and kids in Long Beach, CA

Museums

Here's Looking at You, Kid

January 13, 2009

My daughter' s fascination with her own body began when she was a baby, and discovered she could chew on her toes. When she was a toddler, she tried to touch and kiss that other kid she saw reflected in the mirror. (I spent a lot of time cleaning off all those smudges.) At three she was obsessed with her shadow, and these days, she's very curious about the inner workings of her body. M y  Read more...

Exploring the Discovery Science Center

January 05, 2009

Toddlers and preschoolers are little scientists, always conducting experiments in their ongoing mission to learn about the world around them. How many blocks can I stack before the tower falls over? What will happen if I pour this cup of milk on my head? How does sand taste? If you want to encourage your child's sense of wonder, head to the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. The fun  Read more...

Weekend Roundup: January 4-5

January 01, 2009

The holiday season is coming to an end, but there are still plenty of fun things to do with the kids this weekend: Feliz Ano Nuevo! On Sunday afternoon at the Museum of Latin American Art , kids can make collages to represent their goals for the new year. The event takes place from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. Admission is free. The Aquarium of the Pacific will be open late this  Read more...

Gifts to Enjoy All Year

December 16, 2008

My daughter's toy box runneth over. We try to limit the toy-buying, but all those birthday and Christmas gifts add up. In the old days I could sneak into her room while she was napping and fill up a bag for Goodwill, but now that she's older, it's harder to persuade her to part with her toys. If you're searching for a gift that won't clutter your house, consider giving your child an  Read more...

Free Days at Southern California Museums

November 24, 2008

It seems like just about everyone is pinching pennies these days. Maybe you are adjusting to life on one income, or your family has been hit hard by the recession. But even if you're broke, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Southern California . We have access to well-stocked libraries, beautiful beaches and parks. We are also within an hour' s drive of many museums, and most of  Read more...

The Weekend Roundup: November 22 - 23

November 21, 2008

Wondering what to do this weekend? Here is a sampling of activities for children in and around Long Beach: Go fishing. El Dorado Park is hosting a fishing derby on Saturday, November 2 from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. The park will lend fishing equipment to kids, free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is $7.00. Make rain . The Aquarium of the  Read more...

The Bowers Kidseum

November 20, 2008

Tuesday, in my ongoing quest to (1) get us out of the house but (2) avoid the smoke-filled air outside, we drove down to the Bowers Kidseum on Main Street in Santa Ana. It took us about half an hour to get there from Long Beach, although there was one harrowing bit when I had to cross three lanes of traffic in two seconds.   The Kidseum is near the Bowers Museum, but it's a separate  Read more...

Top 5 Things to Do in Long Beach on a Rainy Day

October 16, 2008

We live for weekends at the park, but when we wake up Sunday morning to the patter of rain on the roof, we head to the all-ages story time at Portfolio Coffeehouse near Retro Row on 4th and Junipero. Children sit on pillows on the stage and listen to the stories, then create a simple craft. Meanwhile, you can relax on the comfy couches nearby and enjoy a cup of coffee. Another great  Read more...

Four Great Day Trips

October 13, 2008

I don't know about you, but sometimes I find it hard to get motivated to venture out of our little corner of Southern California. Sit in traffic with a cranky kid? No thanks. But I promise, the places in this post are actually worth the hassle. Just don't forget to bring snacks and a Magnadoodle for when you're stuck on the 405.   The La Brea Tar Pits smell like fresh asphalt on a  Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in long beach

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Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

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Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

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Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

The Voice of Being Savvy long beach:
Rachel Orfila

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