Happy Holidays!
We hope NewportMesaMoms.com helped you conquer 2018! We are signing off for the holidays to spend some extra special time with our family, because when you get right down to it, that’s what matters most! But don’t worry, we are looking forward to bringing you lots of new content in 2019, and if you haven’t signed up for our newsletter yet, you might want to do that NOW/HERE . . . hint, hint. Don’t be shy, we’ll be good friends, I promise.
xo, Kristin and All the Moms of The Local Moms Network
Family Fun Thru the New Year
It’s a busy time of year, but nothing says holiday like family time. Here are a few ideas to take you into the New Year:
Snoopy House
A Costa Mesa tradition, available for viewing thru December 23rd only. Peanuts display, live music, train rides and Santa. Click HERE for more details. FREE.
Winter Fest
Now open at the OC Fairgrounds, bring your kids for tube sledding, real snow, bounce houses, ice skating, lights, lights & more lights, a petting zoo, live music, fireworks and more. Open thru January 6th. Santa and his reindeer will be flying over the fairgrounds thru December 24th. There will also be a kid-friendly balloon drop at 6pm on New Year’s Eve (in addition to midnight). Click HERE for more details and links to purchase tickets ahead of time for a reduced price.
Balboa Island
Walk around Balboa Island at night and take in all the holiday lights. This has been a long-standing favorite of ours, but it seems to get better every year! It’s also a wonderful way to include the family dog (admittedly ours was more about the walk than the lights). Consider taking the Balboa Island Ferry over and make a night of it. If you are looking for a yummy and easy place to take the kids for dinner, our personal favorite is Picante Martin’s on Marine Avenue.
The Sweetest Science of the Season
Head on over to the Discovery Cube and explore The Science of Gingerbread, now thru January 6th. The program includes:
- Winter Sleighs – Design, build and zip your very own vehicle through the holiday skies.
- The Elves Workshop – Tinker like an elf, and construct a toy contraption.
- Climate Discovery – It’s Winter somewhere, experiment with Fahrenheit in the So Cal winter temperatures.
- Daily Stage Show “Sweet Structures” – Learn the fundamentals of design and engineering in the kitchen.
- Plus, what’s a holiday season without Cookie Decorating? Stop by the bakeshop for a sweet treat!
For more information, or to purchase tickets, click HERE.
Movie Date
At Starlight Triangle Square Cinemas in Costa Mesa, catch a movie anytime on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when general admission tickets are only $6. Click HERE for address and movie times.
Sender City
Save your walls and take the kids to Sender City instead. Sender City is located inside Sender One Climbing and is an interactive climbing center that is perfect for kids and adults alike. Space is limited so call ahead or make a reservation HERE. Please note, climbers must weigh at least 35 pounds. Open climb fee is $27. **There is a special Toddler Park for those weighing less than 35 lbs. (fee of $10).
Centennial Farm
A three-acre working farm full of fruit, vegetable gardens and livestock. Click HERE for holiday hours.
Get Crafty
Head over to Color Me Mine where you can pick a piece of pottery to paint. Wonderful one-on-one time with your child, or fun for the whole family. Click HERE for details. (Special reduced studio fees Dec. 24th and 31st, with Kids Day on Dec. 26th.)
Go Bowling
At Costa Mesa 55 Tavern and Bowl, enjoy a little friendly family competition. With little ball ramps to help the kids, everyone has a shot at winning. Go on a Wednesday and get 1/2 off bowling (walk-ins only) and select apps and draft beers. Information HERE.
**New Year’s Eve Bowling Packages also available.
Balboa Fun Zone & Ferris Wheel
With our beautiful Southern California weather, there is no need to huddle indoors all winter. Grab the family and head out for a leisurely stroll along the bayside boardwalk of Balboa. First stop, the Ferris Wheel with the best view in town. Then hit the bungee jump, giant swing, or arcade. And don’t forget dessert; frozen bananas and Balboa Bars are calling your name.
For more ideas and places to eat, shop and play, be sure to check out our Resources page on NewportMesaMoms.com. If you are on your phone, click the lines on the top left of the screen to be taken to our menu. We have also listed a few Neighboring Town Favorites if you are wanting to venture out a bit.
HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAYS! WE WILL SEE YOU IN 2019!