Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Locals: Wednesday, October 1st at Skipolini's in Clayton, CA - Highlands Elementary Fundraiser. Please support!...




LOCALS: WEDNESDAY: Highlands Elementary in Concord, CA has a fundraiser night at Skipolini's in CLAYTON (this location only,) October 1st from 4-9:30pm. They will be donating a portion of the proceeds of all sales that present this flyer back to the school. Thanks for your support!

CLICK HERE: to visit Highland's Elementary School website. Print flyer before your dine!

CLICK HERE: for Skipolini's Pizza in Clayton.

Staples Rewards - SHARE with Teachers. Up to $2,000 per classroom, if linked to a Teacher's Account . . .



This sounds too AWESOME not to Share. Who shops at STAPLES? Earn up to $2,000 per classroom. (Example 40 students x $50.00) Teacher must register in advance and Staples customer must link to teacher's account. I'm excited! 


You can search the "find your teacher links" to see if teacher is registered - or please, SHARE with your teacher. It would seem friends and neighbors can help with this one! 

A more realistic estimate is: if a parent spends $500.00 a year at Stapes = $10. x 40 students = $400. Still, nothing to throw into the garbage!

From Staples website:
Reward A Classroom is a great way parents and teachers can work together to keep classrooms stocked all year long.
When parents shop at Staples, they can earn an extra 2% back in rewards for the teacher of their choice every time they shop at Staples. That's on top of the up to 5% back in rewards parents earn as Staples Rewards® members.
Teachers can earn up to $50 from as many as 40 parents each school year. That's as much as $2,000 back in rewards every year.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

FREE Museum, Garden, Zoo Admission October 2014. Play tourist in the Bay Area for Free...



First Full Weekend of the Month is coming soon! Mark your calendars.

The new school year presents a wonderful opportunity for a Museum playdate with new friends! Often, there is a FREE MUSEUM DAY in October 2014, located in a town near you. (Nationwide.) San Francisco, Oakland, Bay Area, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Seattle, Portland, Boston and beyond.

CLICK HERE to find other FREE MUSEUM DAYS in a city near you.


San Francisco Bay Area Museums, Zoos & Gardens:

The Exploratorium is FREE Admission Day to the general public.
Sunday, October 12, 2014

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Saturday, October 4, 2014 and Sunday, October 5, 2014
Saturday, October 4, 2014 and Sunday, October 5, 2014

Saturday, October 4, 2014 and Sunday, October 5, 2014

Saturday, October 4, 2014 and Sunday, October 5, 2014

Saturday, October 4, 2014 and Sunday, October 5, 2014

Saturday, October 4, 2014 and Sunday, October 5, 2014

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

CuriOdyssey - "Community Day" Free Admission to the general public
Saturday, October 4, 2014

Lawrence Hall of Science - FREE Printable Coupon for Child Admission with Adult Admission Purchase. Good thru 2014.

Napa Valley Museum - FREE Family Fun Days, 2nd Saturday of the Month.
Saturday, October 11, 2014 - Day of the Dead Miniature Ofrendas


Saturdays Without Reservations.
Access to the site is by National Park Shuttle only.

The park is closed to visitors Monday through Thursday. Guided tours are only available on Fridays and Sundays at 10 AM & 2 PM. Reservations are required for guided tours of the site. Self-guided tours are offered on "Saturdays Without Reservations" at 10:15 AM, 12:15 PM and 2:15 PM.

As an added bonus, there are special FREE days or Admission Coupons at Botanical Gardens, Zoos, Regional Parks, Swimming Pools, Museums not normally advertised:

San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum (located at Golden Gate Park) - FREE Admission SECOND Tuesday of the month, general public
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Tuesday, October 7, 2014

San Francisco Zoo Coupon - One FREE Child Admission, With One Paid Adult Admission. Expires 12/31/2014. CLICK HERE for printable coupon.
Friday, October 17, 2014

John Muir National Historic Site - FREE Admission 7 days a week! Tour the historic fruit orchards and former home of Naturalist, John Muir.
Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 7pm

Amazing Selection of DAILY FREE Passes through your local Library

CLICK HERE: DISCOVER and GO - Find your County. Entire list of Participating Counties.

CLICK HERE: Contra Costa County Library Discover & Go Partners and Offers.

CLICK HERE: Alameda County Library Discover & Go Partners and Offers.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Mt. Diablo Elementary School in Clayton - After School Enrichment Classes, September and October 2014...

Online Registration is still open! Classes begin September and October 2014. Even if you missed the first class, students can still enroll and begin at the second scheduled class. Fantastic opportunities for Mt. Diablo Elementary School students in Clayton, CA to enroll in after school enrichment classes. Choose from Peer Piano, Ninjaneering, Mad Science, After School Hoops, Chess Wizards. No need for parents to pick up your child until 3:20pm. Saves an hour on school pickup, less traffic hassles. We like that idea. Each class meets one day a week. 

CLICK HERE for Online Course Schedule and Availability on the City of Concord Parks and Recreation website. Or, telephone Concord, CA Parks and Recreation directly at: (925) 671-3404.



Monday, September 22, 2014

Lifetouch National School Studios - Discount and Promo Codes are always available...


www.lifetouch.com

Thought parents everywhere will enjoy this: Lifetouch School Photos - lots of options for coupon codes. Search online coupon codes for anywhere from 10%-30% off, plus free additional portraits, and that sort of thing. 

Always new codes available. Retail me not dot com is a great site to start with. They post promo codes for almost every online store out there.

CLICK HERE for their site.

All Smiles! :)

A few promo codes: 10forany, 20for40, 10for40, Freerez, bonus10. 



Thursday, September 18, 2014

Talk Like a Pirate Day - September 19, 2014 - FREE DOZEN Donuts at Krispy Kreme (Nationwide) . . .



We did this last year. Loaded up the car with children dressed as pirates. Kids love a good surprise, they thought it was an early Halloween. Each person can receive a dozen donuts for free. Simple as that.

If you don't "dress like a pirate", only talk like a pirate and you'll receive a single donut for free. Krispy Kreme makes it quite easy to dress like a pirate. Printable props on their website. 

CLICK HERE for Krispy Kreme website and Pirate Info.

Friday, September 19, any buccaneer to enter a participating Krispy Kreme and talk like a pirate gets one FREE Original Glazed® doughnut.  To the landlubber who dares to wear full pirate attire goes a bounty of one FREE dozen Original Glazed doughnuts. Offer good on International Talk Like a Pirate Day, September 19th, only. At participating US and Canadian locations (excludes Puerto Rico; Spartanburg/Anderson, SC; and all CT shops).

Save the date and join our event on Facebook.

Find a Location near you.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Public Swimming Pools, Aquatic Parks, Water Slides Contra Costa and Alameda County (Summer and Fall Update) . . .



Late Summer and Fall 2014 Recreational Swim Hours
Where children can simply splash, swim, slide and have fun!
Public Swimming Pools, Aquatic Parks, Water Slides,
Thursday and Friday Night Swim Events.
Contra Costa County and Alameda County

Many city operated public pools are open year-round for lap or exercise swim for adults. Until late Spring, recreational swim opportunities for children and families are rare. TIP: Clarke Memorial Swim Center / Heather Farm in Walnut Creek offers year-round weekend recreational swimming for children and families.


195 Griffith Lane, Brentwood, CA 94513
(925) 516-5430

Open Thru September 28, 2014
Weekend Recreational Swimming
12pm - 6pm

Water slides - Sure are fun! 


YELP Reviews - Water slide photos on yelp.



Located in Heather Farm Park
1750 Heather Drive, Walnut Creek, CA
(925) 943-5856
Open Year Round - Big +++
Public Recreational Swim
Fall thru Spring Weekends 12pm - 4pm
Summer Weekends 12pm - 5pm

Summer hours begin June 16, 2014
Rec Swim Monday thru Thursday opens at 12:30pm

Our family favorite for a quick afternoon dip, close to home!

YELP Reviews - Photos on Yelp.



Located by the Lindsay Museum 
2771 Buena Vista Ave, Walnut Creek, CA
(925) 943-5861
Recreational Swim Opens June 16, 2014 to Mid-August
Monday thru Thursday pool opens at 12:30pm
Friday opens at 1pm, Saturday and Sundays open at 12pm
YELP Reviews - Photos on Yelp.


3501 Cowell Road
Concord, CA 94518
(925) 671-3480
FALL HOURS open WEEKENDS thru September 28, 2014

YELP Reviews - Photos on Yelp.



1700 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
(510) 544-3085 or (510) 544-3086
Cool, woodsy, shady area of mature trees around the pool.
Pool Open until 6pm
Weekends and Holidays Only
May 24 – Sept. 21
Thursdays and Fridays: 
Jun. 16 - Aug. 22
Lifeguard Hours: 
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

YELP Reviews - Photos on Yelp.

3131 Stone Valley Road, Danville, CA
(925) 314-3400
Monday, June 21 – Friday, August 15
(closed for the July 4 holiday)
Open until 6pm Fridays.
Oak Hill Park and Community Center is a Beautiful woodsy setting, paved trails, ponds, ducks, creeks, play structures.


YELP Reviews - Photos on Yelp



147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA
(925) 682-7830
Public Recreational Swim Hours begin Saturday May 24, 2014
Friday Night Family Swimming in 2014:
June 20, July 18, Aug. 22, 6:00–9:00 pm

FALL HOURS: Until September 14, 2014.

YELP Reviews - Photos on Yelp.



Martinez, CA: Rankin Aquatic Center Martinez
100 Buckley Street
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 370-6451
Hot Summer Nights Pool Open Evenings Selected dates.

CLICK HERE: City of Martinez WEBSITE for Public Recreational Swim hours.
A family favorite, close to home for water splash fun!

YELP Reviews - Photos on Yelp.



Prewett Family Water Park Antioch - (Closed for the Winter)
4701 Lone Tree Way
Antioch, CA 94531
(925) 776-3070
Opening Day May 24, 2014

YELP Reviews - Photos on Yelp.



Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark, CA 94560
Station Rd
Get Directions
(510) 578-4620
Aquatic Center opens in April 2014 - INDOOR Facility!
Friday NIGHTS INDOOR swimming available April thru August 2014.

CLICK HERE for Operating Hours and info.

YELP Reviews - Photos on Yelp.



9900 Broadmoor Drive, San Ramon, CA
(925) 973-3240
Fall Hours: Open Thru September 28, 2014


YELP Reviews - Photos on Yelp.



40500 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 494-4426
Open May 2014
SNEAK Peek $5.00:
Open Saturday May 17, 2014 from 2-5pm
Fun looking Twisty Water Slides! +++
CLICK HERE: 2014 Operating Schedule.

YELP Reviews - Photos on Yelp.



Robert Livermore Community Center Pools
4444 East Ave., Livermore, CA
(925) 373-5700
For Pool Hours, call (925) 373-5702 (then press 4)
Public Recreation swim hours began May 3, 2014
Saturday and Sundays 12pm-6pm.
Zero entry pool with water feature and fantastic water slide.

YELP Reviews - Photos on Yelp.


1765 Adams Lane
Brentwood, CA 94513
Parks & Recreation
(925) 516-5444
City of Brentwood website indicates there are three parks with water features.

**Special Note: As of August 1, 2014 - City of Brentwood, CA website indicates this water spray ground has been closed. CLICK HERE for that information: http://www.brentwoodca.gov/gov/parks/default.asp

May be best to telephone City of Brentwood directly to confirm operating hours. Many of the "free" water park features operated by this and other California cities can be unexpectedly closed due to drought and water restrictions. Something to consider.

YELP Reviews - Photos on Yelp.


Meadow Homes Spray Park Concord
1351 Detroit AvenueConcord, CA
(925) 671-3366
Admission is Free to everyone.


May be best to telephone City of Concord directly to confirm operating hours. Many of the "free" water park features operated by this and other California cities can be unexpectedly closed due to drought and water restrictions. Something to consider.


Solano County
181 East J Street, Benicia, CA 94510
(707) 746 - 4286 

Yelp Reviews - Photos on Yelp.



Napa County
100 California Drive., Yountville, CA
(On the Veterans Home Property)
(707) 944-4908
June 7 - August 12
Recreation Swim  (all ages)
12:00pm - 4:00pm 
Tuesday-Sunday

FREE Museum Admission - California Academy of Sciences: Sunday, September 14, 2014 . . .


California Academy of Sciences Free Admission

All guests receive free admission on:

Mark your calendars and plan a family outing...

EXPLORE The Academy: Just one ticket lets you explore the aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, rain forest, 40,000 live animals and engaging exhibits all housed beneath a living roof.

FREE Museum Tickets / Admission for Sunday, September 14, 2014.

Regular Price General Admission for a Family of 4 is $130.00.
$130.00 reason to go on a free day! Need I say more?

From http://www.calacademy.org/visit/ "The Academy is free to everyone on selected Sundays throughout the year. Admission is on a first-come, first served basis, and early arrival is recommended due to the likelihood of high demand. Please note that final entry to the museum on free days is 4:00 pm."

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Celebrating a Birthday Soon? FREE $30.00 at Benihana and FREE $30.00 at Kobe Japan...


Happy Birthday!  Celebrating a birthday soon?

FREE $30.00 certificate at Benihana, you must sign up in advance. Good for use during your birthday month. http://profile.benihana.com/registration/

FREE $30.00 certificate at Kobe Japan in Pleasant Hill, must sign up in advance: http://www.kobejapanrestaurant.com 


Monday, September 8, 2014

September 2014 - FREE: Mad Science Shows, Tutu School, Origami, Lawrence Hall of Science Motion Festival, Read to a Dog And More...



Contra Costa County Library locations in many cities host wonderful (Free) family entertainment, such as Science Shows, Live Theatre, Magical Puppet Shows, Appearances by Famous Authors, other fun, educational, after school and preschool programs.

Best tip of our childhood years - visit the library website DAILY to find recently added programs. www.ccclib.org. Below are handy links to the performers' websites - sure to spark your enthusiasm and mark your calendars! 


CLICK HERE for Contra Costa County Library Events Calendar.
Please Confirm Dates and Times on the Library Website.

Just a few to pique your interest:

MONDAY, September 8, 2014: ARF's All Ears Reading®
Downtown Branch - Walnut Creek, CA Library at 4:00pm

MONDAY, September 8, 2014: Tutu School Goes to the Library
Ygnacio Valley Branch - Walnut Creek, CA Library at 3:30pm
An event filled with music, dancing, twirling and leaping! Learn about a beautiful ballet story read by a real-life ballerina! There will be artwork and coloring, and everyone goes home with a special treat fit for a prince or princess. 

TUESDAY, September 9, 2014: Mad Science - Crazy Chemistry
Danville, CA Library at 4:00pm
The Danville Library welcomes back Mad Science of Mount Diablo to kick off the school year! The audience will be amazed when the Mad Scientist uses an array of chemicals to make color changes and melt a head. They will watch as the Mad Scientist creates an extra hand, to help with some of the more complicated experiments, including making a science genie come out of his bottle. An explosion of foam will help to end this event and leave the audience cheering for more! Registration not required. Suitable for ages 5 and up. Sponsored by the Friends of the Danville Library

TUESDAY, September 9, 2014: Origami by Charles Esseltine
Martinez, CA Library 3:30pm

TUESDAY, September 9, 2014: ARF's All Ears Reading®
Ygnacio Valley Branch - Walnut Creek, CA Library 4:00pm (registration required)

TUESDAY, September 9, 2014: ARF's All Ears Reading®
Lafayette, CA Library 3pm (registration may be required)

WEDNESDAY, September 10, 2014: Julian Sterling's Magic Show
Pinole, CA Library 7pm

WEDNESDAY, September 10, 2014: ARF's All Ears Reading®
Lafayette, CA Library 3pm (registration may be required)

WEDNESDAY, September 10, 2014: PAWS to Read
Orinda, CA Library 3pm (registration may be required)

THURSDAY, September 11, 2014: Appearance by Author, Marissa Moss 
Lafayette, CA Library 6:30pm - 8pm
Join us as we kickoff this year's Lamorinda Kids Read, featuring Marissa Moss and her newest book, Mira's Diary: Bombs over London. Stop by the library beginning Sept. 2 for a free copy and pick up the activity guide. Join us for a month full of fun events. A Lamorinda Kids Read! event. Read the Book! Join the Fun!

SATURDAY, September 13, 2014: Lego's Creator Club
Pleasant Hill, CA Library 2pm
Drop in to our weekly meet-up of creative builders. Make anything you choose with our HUGE collection of bricks. Advanced builders can invent and program their own robots with our Lego Mindstorm EV3 kits. New themes and challenges every Saturday.

TUESDAY, September 16, 2014: Appearance by Penny Warner, Author, Crack The Code
Moraga, CA Library 4pm
Meet the author of the Code Busters Club adventures. Learn how to create and decipher secret codes using Morse Code, Sign Language, Semaphore Code, Caesar's Cipher, and more. Meet the author and join the club! Signed copies of the author's books will be available for purchase. A Lamorinda Kids Read! event. Read the book! Join the fun!

TUESDAY, September 16, 2014: Tutu School Goes to the Library
Downtown Branch - Walnut Creek, CA Library at 4pm
An event filled with music, dancing, twirling and leaping! Learn about a beautiful ballet story read by a real-life ballerina! There will be artwork and coloring, and everyone goes home with a special treat fit for a prince or princess. 

THURSDAY, September 18, 2014: Lawrence Hall of Science Motion Festival
Lafayette, CA Library 6pm - 8pm (must Register in Advance)
Explore the ups and downs of gravity & motion through creative experiments! Investigate what makes objects travel distances. Have fun designing a roller and watch it go! Let's get moving!! Ages 5+/Free! Register at ccclib.org or call 925-385-2280


CLICK HERE for Contra Costa County Library Events Calendar.
Please Confirm Dates and Times on the Library Website.

CLICK HERE for MOBILE WEBSITE of the Contra Costa County Library Events Calendar