Lowe's Build and Grow

This is probably one of the best hidden and FREE things for the kids to do every other Saturday morning (a little breather, right?). The Lowe's hardware stores do what's called a Lowe's "Build and Grow" clinics. They're "little" projects that you and you child can do together at participating Lowe's hardware store. We've done four projects so far which range from cute little golf practice holes, treasure chest, helicopter and just a couple days ago, a power boat ("rubber band" powered that is..)

The beauty here is that they, Lowe's, supply EVERYTHING..no joke..down to the work vest and goggles..which you get to keep. So far everything has been completed with just a hammer (they supply a mini-hammer) and I expect things won't change. It's easy right?! All the kid has to do is "bang" away, and it does get noisy with 50 mini-hammers banging at once.

Here are the projects we did over so far:



You also get a certificate and a really nice embroidered patch for the respective projects completed. The patches rock!



The quality of the projects are fantastic (I read the packaging and looks like they are made in Irvine, not some mass production warehouse place overseas) and everything you need is all pre-packaged down to the mini blueprints, wood and tiny nails (..imagine IKEA, but on a much smaller scale) and fit.

Each project takes no longer than maybe 15 minutes to complete, but some took a little than expected..like the treasure chest which took 30 minutes (4 hammer job)..but some were as quick as 5 minutes..or maybe it's better to say "1 hammer" job (5 minutes).

Tips:

1. Sign up online. A must! It's your guarentee that a project package will be saved for your child when you bring in the printed waiver form from your computer. Each Lowe's gets only 50 kits per project day, and they go like hotcakes the day of..not kidding.

2. Get there a little early. It seems many parents try to jump in (why not? I would too if I saw all this fun), but firsts dibs go to the folks that signed up first. (Caveat/NOTE TO LOWE's: depending on which store assistant is helping out makes ALL the difference! When they're distributing the project kits in an orderly fashion things are good, when they just open the boxes..well..imagine an unattended free bread line in some third world nation..it get's..well..crazy).

3. Bring a little hammer (unless you get there early to grab one, otherwise you're going to have to play the waiting game..and you know how that goes with the little ones..like the "are we there yet?" routine.).

All in all, it's a super fun time for free..and you can't beat that in today's economy.

KidSpace

The KidSpace Children's Museum is beautifully tucked away in Pasadena right across from the Rose Bowl. We've been here once, a few years back, but looks like they've made quite a few additions from what I remember. One thing I really appreciate here is the access to plentiful and easy parking. I, and I'm sure the rest of you toddler-toting parents, for one can't give enough praise on parking lot design..and this place has easy access from any spot.

There are also some nice parks right before you enter so you can have a picnic before or after. We decided to get the 6-month Permit to Play membership (for four family members). If you don't opt for the membership, it's $10 per adult or child (free for children 12 mos./under). As you can see if a family of four goes twice, well after that it's all gravy. Everyone here is extremely nice and patient and it's big enough for kids to be kids and run and play around.

This tree house is actually two levels, the first level is underground and connects to this above level.







One of the coolest tri-cycles tracks around.


"I come in peace"..I thought it was a space alien, but I think it's a bug.

This one looked like something straight out of a movie..to funny.


Make sure you bring an extra set of dry clothes and your Crocs/slippers as I guarantee you will not be able to strip your kids from this fantastic water play set.


One of my favorite things about the KidSpace Museum is that there alot of trees, plants and streams around. This one in particular provided a perfect canopy for the kids playing beneath.






One of the better wall climbers. This one is actually kind of advanced as it gets pretty high and has nooks and cranny where kids can wedge their hands and toes. My son here was trying to pendulum his right hand over to grab that finger hold..it's very well padded below.


My daughter was calling this the "Beanstock"..but it looked like just vines to me..another addicting playground set at the KidSpace.


We had a great time and ended up going to Little Tokyo after wards for dinner. They do sell snacks and P&J sandwiches, juice, etc., but if you want to eat something else other than kiddie food, checkout the numerous places on Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena.

Welcome to SoCal Family Style!

One of the greatest questions I hopefully have an answer for is "What are we doing this weekend with the kids?"

After living in SoCal (Southern California) for over 35 years and being happily married with a wonderful wife and two great kids, I wanted to create something that is going to log what we've done, but also to assist other families on giving them ideas on what to do in SoCal.

I've seen all the numerous webites about fun things to do, BUT they all seem to be this humongous hodepodge or catalog of places or events with not much of telling you how IT REALLY IS. My job wil be to narrow down this field and show you what we've done!

I'll tell you how the place or event really is from a parent's perspective..realistic reviews, not restaurant rhetoric. Don't get me wrong though, we're no fuddy-duddy's..we rock to AC/DC and Van Halen in the mini-van..that's how we roll.

On the flip-side, if you're a vendor or want us to check you out, send me an email and maybe you can wind up here!

So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee and check here often and hopefully see you out there!

-Andrew