FAIRMONT FIVE rainy day playdates

I think everyone loves fall. You pull out all of the warm sweaters and boots.  You cuddle up under cozy blankets.  And EVERYTHING is pumpkin flavored!  It also means being a little more creative for playdates because fall can also mean rain. But don't worry, plenty of fun can be had indoors! Here are 5 playdate ideas when rain is threatening:

1. Build a blanket fort. Whether you're 4 or 14 fort building is always fun. Give kids full access to all blankets, chairs, tables, etc. that will be needed for their forts. Building is most of the fun but snack time in the fort is great too.
2. Balloon swatting. For those of us with young boys who have lots of energy, balloon swatting is the perfect solution. Blow up a handful of balloons or let the kids do it themselves. Give them some boundaries and then just let them get all of that energy out keeping the balloons off the floor!
3. Bake cookies. Baking a sweet treat on a cool, rainy day fills the house with wonderful smells and keeps little ones busy. Let the kids help out with measuring, mixing and licking the spoon!
4. Walking in the rain. Put on your rain gear and grab an umbrella because kids love walking and splashing in the rain. Go on a walk down the street or just let the kids play in the backyard with their rain gear on. 
5. Go to the library. If the kids are getting stir crazy then just head to the library. Check your local library's calendar and you can find different story times and fun activities geared for different age groups. Or just let the kids choose a few books and get cozy in a chair.

Image credit: www.campspirit.com

Contributed by: Darcy, Fairmont Private Schools

FAIRMONT FIVE apple picking in oak glen

Romes and Winesaps and Braeburns, oh my! It’s apple season again! You can find these iconic fruits of fall at your local farmer’s market, but it’s so much more fun to harvest them yourself. Consider packing up the family and heading on an apple picking adventure. The little town of Oak Glen, California is just over an hour’s drive from Orange County, but you’ll feel worlds away. Pick your own apples, press a gallon of cider, hike in the San Bernardino wilderness, ride a pony, square dance…and gorge yourself on apple delicacies. Click on the farms below for apple picking and all manner of apple-related fun.

1. Los Rio Rancho
2. Mom’s County Orchards
3. Riley's Apple Farm
4. Snow-line Orchards
5. Willowbrook Apple Farm

Image credit: http://snow-line.com/
Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

FAIRMONT FIVE non-scary diy halloween costumes

It's only September, we know, but the cute Halloween costumes popping up on Pinterest are "screaming" out for a blog post. Halloween is a great excuse to indulge in some good-natured make-believe with your children. Whether it's decorating the house or dreaming up the coolest costume, it's fun to get in the trick-or-treat spirit. We've steered clear of spooky get-ups and found some great DIY costumes for boys and girls to inspire your Halloween creativity. What will you be this Halloween?

1. Raggedy Ann Mother and Daughter (from A Beautiful Mess)
2. Clark Kent/Superman (from The Berry)
3. Sweet Snail (from Oh Happy Day)
4. Alice in Wonderland (from Misha Lulu)
5. Jack in the Beanstalk (from Better Homes and Gardens)

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE celebrating moon festival

Fairmont has a wonderfully diverse student body and we love it when families share their cultural heritage with our students.  On Thursday, September 19 many of our Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese families will be celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. On the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the moon is at its maximum brightness for the entire year—thereby the name Moon Festival. During the Moon Festival, families celebrate by gathering together with family and friends, giving thanks for a good harvest, and praying for prosperity and for a good future (kind of like the traditional American Thanksgiving celebration). 

In Vietnam, the Moon Festival is also the country's Children Day. On that day, Vietnamese children parade around the neighborhood wearing festive clothing. Each child carries a uniquely shaped lantern and greets each other with words of best wishes and of good luck. The tradition is not unlike that of Halloween in the United States, without the "trick or treat" part. Here are some fun ways you can share this holiday with your children:

1. Enjoy a little moon-gazing before bedtime
2. Read Thanking the Moon
3. Craft a Chinese lantern
4. Visit your local China town 
5. Share a mooncake

Image credit: www.angkorcbd.com

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

FAIRMONT FIVE celebrating grandparents day

Grandparent's Day is coming up this Sunday!  Don't let it pass by without giving your kids the opportunity to show their grandparents how much they love them. For a grandparent, just spending time with their grandchildren is special, but it never hurts to sweeten the deal a bit. Here are some of our suggestions for celebrating Grandparents Day.

1. Create a family tree together. Have your child interview their grandparents about their siblings and parents. Use photos to make the tree come alive. 
2. Compile a CD or playlist of songs from their youth. Add some of your child's favorite songs too and listen to them together.
3. Plan a movie matinee to watch grandma or grandpa's favorite movie as a family. 
4. Create a poster or giant card titled "Why We Love Grandma and Grandpa." Have the kids list reasons and include colorful illustrations.
5. Make it a tradition. Even if it just means going out to dinner, having a game night, or visiting them at home, find some way to make the day something grandparents and kids look forward to year after year.

Image credit: grandparents.com

Contributed by Darcy, Fairmont Private Schools

FAIRMONT FIVE tips to beat the back-to-school blues

It's back-to-school season!  Don't you just love picking out fresh new school supplies, choosing new backpacks, buying new clothes--it's exciting, right?!  Yes and no.  There's plenty of anxiety that comes along with the start of a new school year, for parents and for children.  As with any big change, it helps to shift gears slowly.  Here are some of our tips for making your transition from summer break to the new school year a little less painful:

1. Plan ahead for the morning rush. We all know mornings are the toughest. Even if you're a morning person, juggling breakfasts and showers and braids...it's enough to push you over the edge. Take some time the night before to prepare.  Have your child lay out his or her outfit for the next day (including shoes and accessories) before bed time. Make sure completed homework and signed permissions slips have been neatly tucked away in your child's backpack. Know what you're making for breakfast and packing for lunch--and stick to the plan. 

2.Transition into the school routine. A few weeks before school starts, start adjusting bedtimes and getting back into a regular routine. For the little ones, make this transition fun by saying "we're going to start practicing for school!". Remind older kids that getting enough sleep really does make you smarter and happier at school--it's scientific fact! Build the back-to-school excitement with school supply shopping, "classroom" playtime themes, bedtime stories about school, playdates with school friends, etc. 

3.Start a unique goodbye ritual. For younger children (and maybe for you), one of the toughest parts about going back to school is saying goodbye. Instead of making goodbyes something to dread, make them special by coming up with a fun goodbye ritual that is unique to you and your kids. It could be a made-up handshake (think Parent Trap) or a whistle or a special hug. Ask your kids for their input and create a unique daily tradition that will make you both smile.  

4.Send a little love. No matter how old your child is, a heartfelt note, compliment or gesture never goes unnoticed. Sending a surprise post-it note message in your child's lunchbox or cutting his or her sandwich in a special shape or even just suggesting a spontaneous after-school ice cream date is a great reminder of how much you care. And the best part? Thinking up these little surprises will help you stay positive amid the back-to-school stress. 

5. Create a homework zone. Organized, designated study spaces are crucial to student success when it comes to homework. Be mindful about providing desk or table space for each child where he or she can work successfully. Some children like privacy, others like background noise, so pay attention to how and where each child works best and create learning spaces accordingly. Set up a routine of checking student's planners and class agendas daily or weekly to make sure assignments are being completed on time. Encourage students to share their homework with you and show you what they've learned. 

We wish all our Fairmont Private Schools families a wonderful, blues-free back-to-school season! 

Image from caglecartoons.com

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

FAIRMONT FIVE last days of summer bucket list

Need to pack a beach vacation into one day? 
Visit Crystal Cove State Park's historic district in Newport Coast where you can drink date milk shakes, eat fish and chips, explore the tide pools and, of course, catch a wave or two.

The older I get the more aware I am of just how quickly time passes. Didn't we just get out of school?!  And now, it's time for back-to-school haircuts.  Not so fast!  There's still plenty of time to get to most of the things on your summer to-do list. Here's my short list to get to before the school bell rings, excerpted from Real Simple magazine's 50 Fun Summer Activities. Hopefully, it will inspire you to seize these last precious days of summer.

1. Build a sandcastle at the beach
2. Stargaze while lying in the grass
3. Have a picnic in the park
4. Take a last-minute road trip
5. Roast marshmallows over a fire and make s'mores

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE summer boredom busters

The Fourth of July holiday is now behind us and summer is starting to get a little less exciting around our house. Maybe, you're in a summer slump too, and as Dr. Seuss so aptly puts it, "un-slumping yourself is not easily done".  However, with a little effort (yes, kids, it's time to turn off the TV), a little creativity, and a few glue sticks thrown in just for fun, you can get in that summer spirit all over again.  Here are some ideas that have worked for me:

1. Get out and about - I know it's fun to stay in your pajamas all day, but a few days of vegging out and your kids will ready for some serious stimulation.  It's time to load up and go for an adventure! Have you been to Bower's Museum (or their Kidseum), Discovery Science Center or the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific? What about a boat ride to Catalina or a camping trip to Lake Arrowhead? There's so much to do, to see, and to experience before the school bell rings!
2. Plan a party - So what if your kids aren't having a birthday this summer--that's no reason to forgo summer celebrations. Let your kids help you plan a fun get-together for friends complete with special food and games.  Need inspiration for your theme?  How 'bout a summer star-gazing party, a backyard camp-out party, an outdoor movie night, a midsummer night's dream party...
3. Hit the books - Fire up your kids' brains with a trip to your local library or bookstore.  Let them create their own summer reading list or research a topic a week that interests them.  Offer incentives when your kids read a certain number of books or better yet, write about what they are reading in a journal.
4. Give back - Summer is a great time to encourage children to get involved in giving back. Encourage your kids to stage a bake sale or lemonade stand and give the money to a charity they connect with.  Spend some time cleaning out closets and gathering gently used toys and clothing to donate.  Create artwork for a local senior center or write letters to soldiers overseas.
5. Play games - Whether it's planning a weekly Family Game Night or coming up with fun ideas for at-home playdates make sure to make play center stage this summer.  Have you had a teddy bear picnic yet?  What about a superhero water gun fight?  I'm a big fan of old-fashioned outdoor games like sack races and three-legged races.  Hopscotch is another fun, easy game and you can modify it to teach math facts and sight words. 

Need more inspiration?  Check out Fairmont's Art of Play board on Pinterest.

Image from parents.com

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE fun father's day playdates

Father's Day is coming up!  We love dads and appreciate having so many wonderful fathers involved in their children's education.  Here are a few suggestions of fun places to go and things to do with dad on his big day:

1. Nature hike--get out and enjoy the great outdoors together. Find a trail near you by going to LocalHikes and entering your zipcode.
2. Movie--bond over popcorn and a family-friendly flick at your local cinema.
3. Children's Museum--dads are really just big kids themselves, so they'll love a hands-on children's museum like Discovery Science Center or The Bowers Museum's Kidseum.
4. Beach--so cal dads love the beach!  Head over to Crystal Cove State Park for swimming, tide pooling, and sand castle making.  Dad and kids will love the burgers and hand-blended shakes at the Shake Shack or for fancier fare book a reservation at the Beachcomber. 
5. Camping--dad can showcase his outdoor survival skills on a weekend away camping. Check out these last minute camping ideas from Sunset magazine or for something even closer to home pitch a tent in your own backyard!

Contributed by Darcy & Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE get moving for physical fitness month

The President has officially declared May National Physical Fitness month.  Today in America, one-third of all children and two-thirds of all adults are overweight or obese.  It's a serious problem, but taking steps to get healthier is actually lots of fun.  You don't have to overhaul your daily family routine to fit in a little more fitness.  Here are some simple ways to get moving this May:

1. Walk the dog. Fido needs his exercise too, so why not round up the whole family for a brisk trot around the block.
2. Pull weeds. Yard work can be very constructive exercise. Make a game of pulling weeds, raking up debris, and riding in the wheelbarrow.
3. Play hopscotch. Get out the sidewalk chalk and invite the neighbor kids over for an afternoon of hopscotch.
4. Have a hula hoop contest. If you have a few hula hoops collecting dust in your garage, great!  If not, a 30-minute dance party works just as well for showing off those moves.
5. Jump rope. Take it from Rocky Balboa, this is one effective way to get in shape.  Boys love the challenge of jumping rope and girls love the sing-song schoolyard chants.

Photo from letsmove.gov

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools 

THE FAIRMONT FIVE motherhood quotes

In honor of all of the loving, hard working, patient, beautiful...amazing mothers out there (many of whom are also teachers here at Fairmont), we wanted to share some of our favorite quotes about motherhood.  We hope you will take advantage of Mother's Day this Sunday to honor the women in your life who have helped you become the person you are today.  And if you're a mother yourself, give yourself a pat on the back for us.  You are your child's first and most important teacher and have an incredibly important and difficult job.  Kudos to you!

1. A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.  ~Tenneva Jordan
2. All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.  ~Abraham Lincoln
3. Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother. ~ Lin Yutang
4. The mother is the one supreme asset of national life; she is more important by far than the successful statesman, or business man, or artist, or scientist. ~ Theodore Roosevelt 
5. There was never a great man who had not a great mother, it is hardly an exaggeration. ~Olive Schreiner

Image from webclipart.about.com

Contributed by Darcy, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE benefits of summer school

The last day of school--it's something kids look forward to all school year long (even if they secretly love to learn).  Students, teachers and parents yearn for the slightly less structured days of summer.  There are no tests to study for, no special projects to complete at the last minute, and no homework for the dog to eat!  The tricky thing about summer is that as soon as the last school bell rings, kids brains begin to suffer from what is known as "summer learning loss".  

Did you know that students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months?  When you compare standardized test scores for tests taken at the end of the school year and the same test taken at the end of summer--there's a significant dip in student achievement.  Summer brain drain is a fact, but it's not inevitable.  

Studies also show that quality summer programs keep the learning going all year long and can actually boost a child's academic achievement and confidence by the start of the new school year.  Here are five good reasons to consider summer school for your child:

1. Extra practice and review of key concepts in reading, writing and math helps reinforce academic skills and fill in any gaps in your child's education over the past year.
2. The smaller class sizes often available in summer school classes allow for more one-on-one time between teachers and students.  Children may feel more confident speaking up and asking for help in areas where they just don't "get it".
3. Kid's brains actually don't need "downtime" from learning.  The steady stimulation that summer school provides is much more beneficial to your child's brain development than, say, hours of unstructured time watching TV or playing video games.
4. The slower more relaxed pace of summer school allows kids to "play" at learning, discovering new areas of interest and ways of solving problems.
5. Summer school helps children build confidence in their academic abilities and a little confidence can go a long way to helping your child succeed in the coming school year.

Find out more about Fairmont's summer programs including day camp, summer school and enrichment programs by visiting www.fairmontsummerprograms.com.  Save 10% on summer school and summer camp if you enroll by April 30th!

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE teachers share secrets for good kid behavior

Here at Fairmont, we believe our teachers are superheroes!  And when it comes to super powers, our early childhood educators have some of the coolest skills. Our ECE teachers can predict meltdowns and stop temper tantrums with a single bound.  They seem to bring out the best in children without yelling or resorting to bad behavior themselves.  Just how do they do it?  Here are a few of their secrets for handling some of parents’ toughest challenges:

1. Solving separation anxiety--Begin each day with a positive outlook.  Take time to talk about the day before you leave for school. Try asking your child simple questions about their daily routine.  “When you are at recess what is your favorite thing to do?”  “I noticed your classroom has some great toys.  What will you play with today?”  Children develop confidence and security by following a routine.  When it is time to leave your child, always say good bye. Give them a hug and send them on their way. Do not linger or keep coming back--this sends the message that something is wrong.  Don’t panic if your child starts to cry.  Have confidence in your child's teacher.  Once a youngster has mastered a daily routine they will be confident and content at school.
2. Positive parenting--I have seen time and time again that children respond better to praise than punishment.  When parents and teachers keep things positive, they see better results.  Children want to feel that pat on the back even more than a reward.  Keep everything positive!
3. Using age to your advantage--"Age Advantage" is using a child's age as a motivation.  For example, "When you are four you will be able to do X.”  “When you are five you can do X."  Also, it can work the other way around, for example: "Now that you are four you no longer need X,” or "Five year-olds don't do X."
4. Mood matters--We have learned through teaching, as well as through parenting, that children will feed off your mood. If you are calm, they are more apt to be calm as well.
5. You're in charge--Being a parent is wonderful, but it comes with responsibility.  Parents are responsible for making decisions for their children. Children need guidance on what is in their best interest. Children are not capable of making those choices.  Parents need to teach that there are consequences for good and bad behavior. Acknowledge when a child makes the right choice and have appropriate consequences when poor choices are consistently made. One hundred percent consistency is imperative and possible. This is where “mean what you say and say what you mean” comes into effect.

To see Fairmont's ECE teachers in action, check out this new video.

Image from photobucket

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE fairy tale summer

This year, Fairmont's summer program has taken its inspiration from fairy tales.  From Jack in the Beanstalk to the Princess and the Pea, we let our imaginations take us far, far away on a journey to a world compete with knights-in-shining-armor, fire-breathing dragons and, of course, princesses.  

The story of how Fairmont Private Schools came into being back in 1953 is a kind of fairy tale.  There was a humble schoolteacher with a big dream.  He worked  long and hard and found lots of other great teachers along the way who shared his dream.  Sixty years later and Fairmont Private Schools is now educating bright, imaginative, courageous kids in Southern California and all over the world.  It's a happily-ever-after story that continues this summer at Fairmont Private Schools.  

Whether you enroll in our incredible summer program or create your own DIY summer camp at home, we think you'll love these five fairy tale activities, for more inspiration head to Fairmont's Once Upon a Time Pinterest board.

1. Fairy wand tutorial
2. Mini-crown craft
3. Crystallized "dragon" eggs
4. Monster slime recipe
5. Red riding hood snack

Image from weheartit
Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE saving for college

This tax season my thoughts have been drifting to the not-so-distant future when my three children will be college-aged and ready to leave home (tears).  Along with the anxiety of knowing they are growing up way too fast is the scary thought that it will cost a small fortune to send my kids to college.  Much as I would like to avoid the thought, I decided to uncover my eyes and leap into cyberspace for an education on saving for college.  Here are some resources I found helpful:

1. A Get-Real Guide to Saving for College
2. Guide to College Savings Plans
3. The Best 529 College Savings Plans
4. College Saving Calculator
5. 10 Smart Tips for College Fund Savers

Image from parents.com

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

FAIRMONT FIVE valentine's day science experiments

This Valentine's Day gather up the conversation hearts, Skittles and pop rocks and have some fun with these sweet science experiments.

1. The Ups and Downs of a Relationship – Candy Heart Soda Dance
2. Skittles and M&M’s Letter Float
3. Pop Rocks Expander
4. Skittles Color Mix
5. Love Potion

Image from No Time for Flash Cards
Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE playdate ideas for all ages

Every child (and parent) loves a playdate. But even when a friend comes over, those dreaded words, "we're bored" will probably still be said at least once. Here are five playdate ideas to keep the boredom at bay.

1. For your preschool age playdate try playing Sit-Down Dance: Start some child friendly music and when the music is paused the kids have to scramble to find a seat (the floor counts). Someone can always find a seat so no one ever gets out. You can also invite some stuffed-animal dance partners to join in.

2. If your child is a little older try a Nerf gun playdate where everyone brings their favorite Nerf gun. But before the fun starts set ground rules such as no shooting others in the face, and have clear boundaries where shooting is allowed. Have plastic cup towers set up with action figures perfect for shooting down or just let them loose in the backyard. Be sure to have time-outs for finding Nerf bullets and reloading. 

3. Get ready for Valentines Day by having a valentine making playdate. Set up your table with paper, scissors, glitter, glue, stickers and anything you would want to put on your valentines. Encourage kids to bring special craft supplies that they would like to share. 

4. With our beautiful weather, an outdoor playdate is almost always possible. Get out in the sunshine with a scavenger hunt. Have the kids create their own list or find inspiration here.  

5. Create an "I am..." board. Older kids will love making collages about themselves. Get out your stack of old magazines and have the kids cut out and glue pictures and words that describe them or what they want to be. 

Image from Tiny Prints

Contributed by Darcy, Fairmont Private Schools 

THE FAIRMONT FIVE quotes to commemorate mlk day

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is remembered today as an American hero who fought for civil rights and freedom for all.  We celebrate his legacy with some of his most powerful words:

1. The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.
2. The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
3. An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
4. I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.
5. Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.

Image from bio.com

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE family resolutions

It's a new year and plenty of people are already hard at work making their resolutions a reality. I have a few personal resolutions (lose those last few stubborn pounds of baby weight, read more, exercise...) but when you're a mom, there's no changing your life without changing the life of your family.  I love the opportunity a new year affords to take stock of things and begin, again, at the tough work of being the best mom I can be. I'm planning to channel this resolution-making energy into some doable goals for me and my family in 2013.  Here are some tips I found helpful from Dr. Phil for making my list of Family Resolutions:

1. Take inventory and prioritize. If you want to turn chaos into harmony and rhythm in your household, you have to be willing to challenge everything. Nothing is sacred. You may have to change your lifestyle, rearrange your schedule or drop some of your commitments in order to fully benefit your family. Are your children involved in too many activities? Are you so busy you never have time alone with your spouse? Ask yourself what's really important to you and your family.
2. Learn to delegate. Oftentimes, mothers take it all on themselves when their children are old enough to lend a helping hand. You can't do everything. It's admirable, but not realistic. Divide up the labor and responsibilities so you're not so worn out all the time. Give your kids specific tasks that they can each be responsible for. Your kids will appreciate it. It'll make them feel helpful and you'll have more to give them in return.
3. Create family rituals. Plan something fun for everyone to look forward to. Pick one night a week for game night. It's the time to de-stress, decompress, relax and have fun together without the TV on or the phone ringing. Do your children like to bake? Bake something new every week. Find special things to do every holiday or birthday. Your kids may roll their eyes, but their ears still work and they'll be grateful for the time together. 
4. Make each child feel special. Make a commitment to have "dates" with each of your kids. Find one thing you can do that's unique to each child that you don't do with the other kids. Know that you are very important to your children. The time you spend with them is vital to who they become as adults. 
5. Nurture your relationship with your spouse. One of the most important things you can do for your children is to take care of their mom and dad. Don't stop being friends and lovers because you've become parents. Schedule in date night for just the two of you. Remember why you fell in love in the first place. 

Image above from Design Sponge: New Year’s Resolution from Sierra of Poppies & Posies

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE educational winter break activities

Winter break is a much needed time for kids to let their minds and bodies relax from the everyday school grind. But if you want to make sure your children stay alert and engaged, here are five places to visit that are both fun and educational.

1. Laguna Beach Art Walk

Visit beautiful Laguna Beach the first Thursday of every month and enjoy a free walk through the town's galleries with Main Beach in the background. Arrive between 6pm and 9pm and a shuttle bus will pick you up from the Laguna Art Museum.

2. Discovery Science Center 

Head to the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana to really get your "hands on" some science! Have a blast with more than 100 science exhibits that you can actually touch. Hours during winter break are 9am-6pm and children (ages 3-14) are $12.95 and adults (ages 15+) are $14.95. There is also a yearly family membership for $99.

3. Fullerton Arboretum 

The Fullerton Arboretum is the largest botanical garden in Orange County. It boasts 26 acres with 4,000 unique and unusual plant species from around the world. Enjoy its ponds, streams, and wildlife together as you walk and enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful oasis in the city. Visit 7 days a week 8am-4:30pm.

4. Angel Stadium Tour 

For some sports fun take the Angel Stadium Tour. Get behind the scenes and visit the Angels dugout, visitors clubhouse, the press box, and dugout suites. Call in advance to make a reservation. Kids cost $3 and adults $5. 

5. Santa Ana Zoo 

It's always fun to go to the zoo. And we have one right in our backyard. The Santa Ana Zoo focuses on the animals and plants of Central and South America and is known for its extensive primate collection with over a dozen species from around the world. It is open daily from 10am-4pm and costs $10 for adults and $7 for kids.

Contributed by Darcy, Fairmont Private Schools