Skates, Trains and Automobiles! Get moving this holiday season with the Fleet Science Center.

  • Lace up your ice skates for a glide session in Winter Paradice.
  • Climb aboard a freight train for an exciting journey across America with Train Time on the Giant Dome screen.
  • Drill and hammer your day away in Take Apart by Studio X. Join us on Saturdays to work on an electric Nissan LEAF. A Studio eXpert will show you how to remove seats and doors and even change a tire.
  • Stop at the North Star Science Store to take more of this joyful experience home. From electric trains and toy cars to STEM projects and fake snow, you can find the perfect gifts for everyone.
  • And more!

Gather your family and friends because you don’t want to miss out on this festive adventure.

Fleet Science Center
1875 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 238-1233
Online: fleetscience.org/events/skates-trains-and-automobiles

Our adorable animal ambassadors can’t wait to spread Christmas cheer at Wild Winter! Sign up for a jolly journey during the event time that will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit thanks to hands-on animal encounters with some of our cozy critters, a cute craft for you to keep, a gift for the little ones, and some personal time with Santa all guided by a member of our cheerful crew. Our excited elves spend all season transforming the Education Pavilion into a winter wonderland, which is filled with more crafts, games, face painting, a cookie decorating station, and more for you and your family to enjoy in addition to your jolly journey.

December 3rd ● 4th ● 10th ● 17th

9:00am – 1:00pm

$60 for 1 ticket (includes 4 people)

Additional individuals $15 each

Helen Woodward Animal Center
6461 El Apajo
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Email: education@animalcenter.org
Phone: (858) 756-4117 ext 318
Online: animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/wild-winter/

Photo by: Birch Aquarium

The magic of the holidays meets the magic of the underwater world at Birch Aquarium during Seas ‘n’ Greetings, a month-long holiday celebration featuring SEAsonal activities for the whole family. From Dec. 1 to 31, Birch Aquarium is transformed into a winter wonderland. Deck the Hall (of Fishes) and get into the holiday spirit every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy fun, festive photo opportunities, plus holiday music, an interactive scavenger hunt and holiday card-worthy ocean views!

All holiday activities are included in admission, which is $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for children ages 3 to 17. Children 2 and under are free. Annual memberships are also available and make great holiday gifts. Reservations must be made in advance for a specific date and time. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information or to book tickets.

For guests looking to get a head start on holiday shopping, Birch Aquarium’s Gift Shop offers a unique collection of ocean themed gifts including toys, apparel, home decor and accessories along with Birch Aquarium and Scripps Institution of Oceanography branded items.

For the first time this holiday season, Birch Aquarium has an online store where ocean lovers across the country can purchase ocean themed gifts.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Online: http://aquarium.ucsd.edu

Photo by: Guy Rhodes

Well, are you coming? The magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns to Southern California this holiday season and tickets are on sale now! Join your favorite characters from the film for an immersive theatrical experience on a real train ride at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA!

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole. Once on board, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and delicious Walkers Shortbread are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book.

Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the trip, characters on each car lead passengers in caroling and onboard entertainment just like in the film! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Trains depart Nov. 24 – Dec. 31.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride
2201 S A St
Perris, CA 92570
Online: https://www.socalthepolarexpressride.com

This winter break, the Fleet Science Center offers weekly STEM camps for kids in grades 1–3. The weekly in-person STEM camps take place at the Fleet and are designed to include a full day of hands-on activities while incorporating the Fleet’s general exhibit galleries.

Kids explore exciting topics including:

  • Space Travelers
  • Maker Mania
  • Toys in Motion
  • Chain Reaction
  • And more!

Pricing

Members $200-$250

Nonmembers $220-$275

Register today!

 

Fleet Science Center
1875 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-238-1233
Online: https://www.fleetscience.org

Photo by: Coastal Roots Farm

After-School Farm Camp at Coastal Roots Farm is year-round! Join us for the winter months.

Teaching kids where food comes from, why it matters, and how they can help change the world.

Farm Camp is especially for K-5th grade “Farmers-in-Training” who like to get their hands dirty, explore nature, create craft masterpieces, investigate science concepts, prepare their own colorful snacks, and more.

Choose from Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday sessions from 1-4pm or 3-5pm time.

Farm Camp fees reflect the Farm’s true cost, but thanks to generous community support, families pick their price and scholarship is available for anybody who needs it, no questions asked.

Coastal Roots Farm
441 Saxony Rd
Encinitas, CA 92024
Email: hello@coastalrootsfarm.org
Online: https://coastalrootsfarm.org/

Enjoy a unique and relaxing getaway to Terranea Resort, a Southern California coastal paradise featuring luxury accommodations, activities on land and at sea, and incredible outdoor dining options.

Enjoy some fresh air with a variety of recreational offerings, including kayaking, paddle boarding, exploring the local tide pools, guided nature walks, archery, Plein Air painting, and more.

Savor the Southern California sunshine at Terranea’s four pools, including both family and adults-only options. Find tranquility amongst the coastline with an outdoor treatment at The Spa or play a round at Terranea’s award-winning nine-hole golf course. And taste exceptional cuisine at one of Terranea’s many restaurants, each offering al fresco dining with its own unique and delicious menu.

For a truly memorable family tradition, experience Terranea during the holidays, from the perfect Thanksgiving dinner to an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. Celebrate with gingerbread sandcastles, holiday golf, s’mores by the fire, and postcards to the North Pole. The time you spend at this spectacular coastal destination is an experience that you will forever cherish.

A moment spent at Terranea Resort is much like the views—glimmering, picture-perfect, and truly awe-inspiring.

For more information and to experience all that Terranea has to offer, please visit Terranea.com.

Terranea Resort
100 Terranea Way
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Online: https://www.terranea.com/

Photo by: Birch Aquarium

Give the gift of the ocean and save $20 on select Birch Aquarium membership gift certificates through December 25, 2020. 

Aquarium membership certificates make a great experience gift. Members visit all year long and enjoy special discounts, perks, and events—all while supporting Birch Aquarium’s education and conservation initiatives. With this special offer, annual membership certificates start at just $35 (normally $55) and pay for themselves in two visits. The membership begins when the gift certificate is redeemed so no one misses out on any of the fun!

SPECIAL one time offer of $20 off gift certificates for NEW memberships at the Individual, Dual, Family, and Aquarium Associates Levels. Membership gift certificates are available online only and cannot be used for renewals or combined with other offers.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Online: http://aquarium.ucsd.edu

Northern Lights
Beginning November 30th, our 12-acre campus will be transformed into a spectacle of light, hope, and joy after sunset each evening.  Guests are invited to wander along our walkways, taking in the holiday sights and sounds.

The young and young-at-heart will enjoy tunnels of twinkling lights, giant LED Christmas trees, and blow-up figurines of favorite holiday characters. Marvel as lights move to music in a display curated by local Escondido family The Peace’s featured on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight.

On view daily from 4:30 – 9:00 PM.
This self-guided holiday experience is completely FREE and open to all.

December Shows
-DRIVE-IN: COCKTAIL HOUR – SONGS OF THE RAT PACK (SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 @ 7:00 PM  //  STARTING AT $20)
-DRIVE-IN: “A CHRISTMAS STORY” (THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 @ 7:00 PM  //  STARTING AT $25)
-DRIVE-IN: “ELF” (THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 @ 7:00 PM  //  STARTING AT $25)
-DRIVE-IN: A BIG BAND CHRISTMAS (SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 @ 7:00 PM  //  STARTING AT $25/CAR)
-DRIVE-IN: A BIG BAND CHRISTMAS (SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 @ 4:00 PM  //  STARTING AT $25/CAR)

California Center for the Arts
Online: https://artcenter.org/

Photo by: Donna Coleman

The Easiest Way to a Little Homemade Pie

Blue Robin Kitchen kits have everything you need to bake a uniquely flavored, delicious little dessert right in your own kitchen.

We make miniature pie kits so you can bake a pie that’s just the right size for one or two, with no special tools or skills required. All you need is a fork and a little butter (or your choice of alternative baking fat) to make a delicious pie fresh from your own oven.

Kits include a mini reusable pie pan, a “no-roll” crust mix, fruit filling, topping mix, and easy to follow instructions. These kits are prefect for singles or couples, make a great kid’s baking project, and are a perfect gift. We’ve uniquely seasoned every layer including the crust, not like the flavorless pastry you might be used to. Order a kit today and bring a little comfort and joy back to the kitchen.

Blue Robin Kitchen LLC.
Online: https://bluerobinkitchen.com/