San Diego's Family Guide

Feb. 5th - May. 31st

The Gray Whale makes the most spectacular and longest mass migration of any marine mammal. Tens of thousands of gray whales migrate annually along the Newport/Laguna Beach coastline from the summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea to the winter grounds of the Baja California lagoons and then come back traveling from Baja, California to feeding grounds in the Bering Sea during the months of December, January, February, March, & April. During the gray whale migration it is not uncommon to view 5 or more gray whales a cruise making for excellent viewing opportunities. Other varieties of whales including finback whales, humpback whales, and minke whales can also be viewed along with several species of dolphin.

Just outside of Newport Bay is the beginning of one of the largest marine protected areas in southern California created to protect this rich ecosystem for future generations. The marine sanctuary covers over 15 miles stretching from Newport to Laguna Beach and provides a haven for all marine creatures including whales and dolphin. The marine reserve stretches along much of the Newport & Laguna Beach coastline and along with being a mecca for whale watching also offers some of the most beautiful coastline in Southern California.

Admission: $36-$48.50
Special** $20 Cruise Rate (Add $8.50 for cruise times from 10 am-5 pm & Add $4 for weekends) **Charge is due to reduction boat capacities for COVID safety.

Website

Print

Apr. 1st - May. 18th

Save $15 on Camp Invention Registration!
Use promo code LOCAL15 to save $15 (expires 5/18/22) on Camp Invention registration!

Website

Print

Apr. 2nd - May. 22nd

Faire is open Saturdays and Sundays April 9 - May 22, 202210:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Begun in 1963 in Agoura, near Malibu, to create "living history" for school children and their families, the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire has grown into an annual interactive playground and gallery for over 200,000 participants and guests. It has given birth to an industry nationwide and this year is more fun and exciting than ever.

This Southern California Faire has traveled a bit since Agoura. The Glen Helen Pavilion provided two different settings in Devore (in San Bernadino County) where the Faire spent many years. Shortly after the turn of the Century, the Faire moved back to Los Angeles County, to its current home at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, a United States Army Corps of Engineers' Facility and a unit of County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation System in Irwindale, CA.

Since its inception, more than 5 million people from around the world have visited Southern California's Renaissance Pleasure Faire, averaging approximately 20,000 each weekend.

Print

Apr. 29th - Dec. 31st

Learn From the Best Anywhere, Anytime - Full Scholarships Available

Key Features of Self-Paced Learning With Digital Media Academy:

Learn anywhere, any time
Progress at your own pace
No pre-requisites
No special software or hardware required
Access the same courses presented by Digital Media Academy at prestigious universities around the world
Courses are aligned with global standards
Receive a Digital Media Academy certificate upon completion
What's better than attending an innovative digital media or technology course at a prestigious university campus like Stanford University? Doing so in your own home, at your own pace.

Whether you live in a time zone that makes attending a live Digital Media Academy course difficult, or you want the freedom to move more quickly or slowly through the material, Digital Media Academy's self-paced digital media and technology courses might be just what you're looking for.

Developed by industry and curriculum experts, and tested and proven by over 500,000 students throughout the past 20 years, these courses allow young learners to explore their passions and develop 21st century skills.

Although these courses have traditionally been delivered live and in-person on North America's most prestigious university campuses, the self-paced format allows students aged 5 to 18 the world over to experience Digital Media Academy's unique educational offerings.

Not only that, but after the great success of the spring break virtual camp scholarship program, Digital Media Academy is offering Ten Thousand FULL scholarships for talented students who would benefit from a self-paced learning experience.

Why Self-Paced Learning?

Studies have shown that when students are given the ability to decide for themselves how much time to spend learning new material, they perform better because they are able to focus their efforts on concepts they find personally challenging.

Digital Media Academy recognizes the advantage of a self-paced format not only for student performance, but for accessibility as well. Knowing that not every student lives close to a campus where courses are offered, or even in a convenient time zone to attend a virtual course, Digital Media Academy wanted to offer the same high quality of digital media and technology education that has been delivered live for the past 20 years in a format that would ensure as many young learners as possible would have access to it.

The self-paced format allows learners of all backgrounds to enrich their learning, explore potential career paths, ignite their passion and build a foundation of knowledge and skills that are not only exciting but in-demand.

What to Expect from a Self-Paced Tech Course at Digital Media Academy

With over self-paced 30 courses available across 6 categories, there is sure to be something that piques the interest of the young learner in your life. Courses are available for ages 5-8, 9-12 and 13-18, in the following categories:

Digital Storytelling
Game Development
Creative Design
Computer Science + AI
Robotics + Engineering
Business + Entrepreneurship
Each course has 5 or 6 modules, and requires an average of 12-15 hours to complete. While participants are given three months to work through the course at their own pace, a particularly motivated learner could complete a course in a matter of days. It all depends on the learner's schedule, preferences and needs.

No special equipment is required, and if a participant has questions, they can ask a virtual teacher. Learning and progress will be assessed through automated quizzes and assignments.

Upon completion of a course, learners will receive certificates demonstrating their achievement, which include the seal of alignment with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

Who Should Consider a Self-Paced Course?

Digital Media Academy's courses enhance students' academic opportunities by offering research-based, 21st century learning in areas like game design, coding, animation, and other subjects that aren't always comprehensively covered in school.

Our self-paced courses are designed for young learners aged 5 to 18 with an aptitude for digital media or tech subjects who would benefit from gaining a foundation of understanding in that subject.

Course options include:

Ages 9-12:

Encryption, Cyphers and Digital Detectives
Design Challenges
Fun With Robots
And more
Ages 13-18:

App Designer Studio
Introduction to 3D Modeling in Tinkercard
Show and Tell: Script and Storyboard
And more
Do you know a self-motivated young learner whose interest might be sparked by an engaging digital media or technology foundation course offered by a certified, trusted and proven education institution?

Don't miss this opportunity to inspire them!

Website

Print

May. 13th - 22nd

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Circus Vargas Unveils New Production – The Circus Vargas Express
LOS ANGELES (April 2022) – Circus Vargas embarks on a brand new epic adventure under the big top in
Downey at Stonewood Center Mall April 22 through May 9, Laguna Hills at Laguna Hills Mall May 13
through 22, and Santa Clarita at Westfield Valencia Town Center May 27 through June 6.
The Show:
The big one is back! All aboard the Circus Vargas express for an all-new high-energy, action-packed
extravaganza! Circus Vargas delivers the ultimate entertainment experience for 2022!
An amazing adventure guaranteed to thrill and enchant you with moment after fun-filled moment of worldclass
performers, aerialists, acrobats and comedic characters … all under the big top!! Join us for two
unforgettable hours of the finest in live family entertainment!
Circus Vargas…where memories are made to last a lifetime!
The Story:
This year’s storyline follows an international cast of characters, who board the Circus Vargas Express train
to travel the country bringing their special circus talents to entertain the masses! Follow this global array of
performers who, despite cultural and language differences, manage to come together to create the most
exciting and entertaining extravaganza imaginable. Working together, they will discover that regardless of
their many differences they in fact all share the same goal, which is to bring happiness to children of all
ages. Communicating through laughter, music and their respective arts, they form a bond and friendship
that will carry them throughout their lifetime, because in the end, they are really all the same…they are all
“circus”.
This production is meant to depict the brotherhood of sorts that circus people have. Circus gets in your
blood. When you are circus, you belong to an entity that has no cultural, racial or religious classification or
characterization. This is one of the beautiful things about it and one of the reasons that circus people love
what they do and the lifestyle it provides. They are able to travel the world, learning and appreciating the
beauty and wonders of every corner of the globe, learning new languages, eating new cuisine and most of
all making new friends! Circus Vargas is proud of their diversity and celebrates it with this awesome new
production. “We are like our own mini United-Nations here,” says Katya Quiroga co-owner and
CEO. “Everyone will get a taste of the different countries represented and enjoy two hours of thrills and
excitement. Like only Circus Vargas can bring!
Information:
For Circus Vargas performance dates, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.circusvargas.com, call 877-
GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861) or visit the box office at each location. Follow Circus Vargas on Facebook and
Twitter for updates, discounts and behind the scenes video.
###
Note:
Pics: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hrm2cbqhzct674b/AABBlmkYiLeGLMQWC5tSMauea?dl=0
Video Link: available upon request
Main Link: http://www.circusvargas.com/
Ticket Link: https://circusvargas.com/tickets
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CircusVargas/
Media Contact: Emily Lavender White / Direct Line: 818-681-4413 / ewhite@circusvargas.com
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
DOWNEY
Stonewood Center
251 Stonewood St, Downey, CA 90241
Fri 22-Apr
7:30pm
Sat 23-Apr 1:00pm 4:00pm 7:30pm
Sun 24-Apr 12:30pm 3:30pm 7:00pm
Mon 25-Apr
6:30pm
Tues 26-Apr No Performances
Wed 27-Apr
7:00pm
Thur 28-Apr
7:00pm
Fri 29-Apr
7:30pm
Sat 30-Apr 1:00pm 4:00pm 7:30pm
Sun 1-May 12:30pm 3:30pm 7:00pm
Mon 2-May
6:30pm
Tues 3-May No Performances
Wed 4-May
7:00pm
Thur 5-May
7:00pm
Fri 6-May
7:30pm
Sat 7-May 1:00pm 4:00pm 7:30pm
Sun 8-May 12:30pm 3:30pm 7:00pm
Mon 9-May
6:30pm
LAGUNA HILLS
Laguna Hills Mall
24155 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Fri 13-May
7:30
Sat 14-May 1:00 4:00 7:30
Sun 15-May 12:30 3:30 7:00
Mon 16-May
6:30
Tues 17-May No Performances
Wed 18-May
7:00
Thurs 19-May
7:00
Fri 20-May
4:30 7:30
Sat 21-May 1:00 4:00 7:30
Sun 22-May 12:30 3:30 7:00

Print

May. 27th - Jun. 6th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Circus Vargas Unveils New Production – The Circus Vargas Express
LOS ANGELES (April 2022) – Circus Vargas embarks on a brand new epic adventure under the big top in
Downey at Stonewood Center Mall April 22 through May 9, Laguna Hills at Laguna Hills Mall May 13
through 22, and Santa Clarita at Westfield Valencia Town Center May 27 through June 6.
The Show:
The big one is back! All aboard the Circus Vargas express for an all-new high-energy, action-packed
extravaganza! Circus Vargas delivers the ultimate entertainment experience for 2022!
An amazing adventure guaranteed to thrill and enchant you with moment after fun-filled moment of worldclass
performers, aerialists, acrobats and comedic characters … all under the big top!! Join us for two
unforgettable hours of the finest in live family entertainment!
Circus Vargas…where memories are made to last a lifetime!
The Story:
This year’s storyline follows an international cast of characters, who board the Circus Vargas Express train
to travel the country bringing their special circus talents to entertain the masses! Follow this global array of
performers who, despite cultural and language differences, manage to come together to create the most
exciting and entertaining extravaganza imaginable. Working together, they will discover that regardless of
their many differences they in fact all share the same goal, which is to bring happiness to children of all
ages. Communicating through laughter, music and their respective arts, they form a bond and friendship
that will carry them throughout their lifetime, because in the end, they are really all the same…they are all
“circus”.
This production is meant to depict the brotherhood of sorts that circus people have. Circus gets in your
blood. When you are circus, you belong to an entity that has no cultural, racial or religious classification or
characterization. This is one of the beautiful things about it and one of the reasons that circus people love
what they do and the lifestyle it provides. They are able to travel the world, learning and appreciating the
beauty and wonders of every corner of the globe, learning new languages, eating new cuisine and most of
all making new friends! Circus Vargas is proud of their diversity and celebrates it with this awesome new
production. “We are like our own mini United-Nations here,” says Katya Quiroga co-owner and
CEO. “Everyone will get a taste of the different countries represented and enjoy two hours of thrills and
excitement. Like only Circus Vargas can bring!
Information:
For Circus Vargas performance dates, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.circusvargas.com, call 877-
GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861) or visit the box office at each location. Follow Circus Vargas on Facebook and
Twitter for updates, discounts and behind the scenes video.
###
Note:
Pics: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hrm2cbqhzct674b/AABBlmkYiLeGLMQWC5tSMauea?dl=0
Video Link: available upon request
Main Link: http://www.circusvargas.com/
Ticket Link: https://circusvargas.com/tickets
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CircusVargas/
Media Contact: Emily Lavender White / Direct Line: 818-681-4413 / ewhite@circusvargas.com
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
DOWNEY
Stonewood Center
251 Stonewood St, Downey, CA 90241
Fri 22-Apr
7:30pm
Sat 23-Apr 1:00pm 4:00pm 7:30pm
Sun 24-Apr 12:30pm 3:30pm 7:00pm
Mon 25-Apr
6:30pm
Tues 26-Apr No Performances
Wed 27-Apr
7:00pm
Thur 28-Apr
7:00pm
Fri 29-Apr
7:30pm
Sat 30-Apr 1:00pm 4:00pm 7:30pm
Sun 1-May 12:30pm 3:30pm 7:00pm
Mon 2-May
6:30pm
Tues 3-May No Performances
Wed 4-May
7:00pm
Thur 5-May
7:00pm
Fri 6-May
7:30pm
Sat 7-May 1:00pm 4:00pm 7:30pm
Sun 8-May 12:30pm 3:30pm 7:00pm
Mon 9-May
6:30pm
LAGUNA HILLS
Laguna Hills Mall
24155 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Fri 13-May
7:30
Sat 14-May 1:00 4:00 7:30
Sun 15-May 12:30 3:30 7:00
Mon 16-May
6:30
Tues 17-May No Performances
Wed 18-May
7:00
Thurs 19-May
7:00
Fri 20-May
4:30 7:30
Sat 21-May 1:00 4:00 7:30
Sun 22-May 12:30 3:30 7:00

Print

May. 31st

Join Sharon, an experienced surrogate, on May 31st to talk all things surrogacy. Intended Parents, Surrogates and anyone interested in the surrogacy process, we look forward to speaking with you! 10:30am PST. Meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83554400620?

https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/events

Website

Print

Jun. 6th

Join Catherine, an experienced attorney, on June 6th to talk all things surrogacy. Intended Parents, Surrogates & anyone interested in the surrogacy process, we look forward to speaking with you at 1pm EST!
Meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/98555206307

https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/events

Website

Print

Jun. 14th

Join Sharon, an experienced surrogate, on June 14th to talk all things surrogacy. Intended Parents, Surrogates and anyone interested in the surrogacy process, we look forward to speaking with you! 10:30am PST.
Meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83554400620?

https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/events

Website

Print

Jun. 20th - Aug. 26th

Encore Creative Arts & Enrichment Camp
Imagine all the elements of the ideal the camp you wanted to attend. Now add everything you know now and you have Encore Creative Arts & Enrichment Summer Camp! Ten jam-packed weeks of activities that your kids will love with enough hands-on experiences to keep them engaged even though they are learning. Choose the camp module that works best for you and know that even classroom focused programs include engaging hands-on activities as well as daily athletic breaks. Hosted by the 25,000 sq. ft. Spark TV studio & Encore Event Center, kids enjoy dedicated athletic and outdoor activities in addition to various media arts and other fun programs such as Hip Hop Dance, Mad Scientist, Culinary Arts, Filmmaking, Anime, DJ School, Musical Theater and more!

Accepting children ages 7-13 for full day programs which are weekly, 2 week sessions as well as a full summer 9am – 3pm programs. Younger kids can be placed in parallel “Minnow programs which are catered to this age group. 14+ can qualify as counselors in training (CITs). Check out our website for schedule and full details along with simple online registration.

Programs Include:
Athletics
Space Camp
Musical Theater
DJ School
Hip Hop Dance
Film Making
Crazy Geology
Guitar & Piano
Mad Scientist
Arts & Crafts
Comic Book / Anime
Hands on Photography
Archeology & Anthropology
Camp dates: Jun. 20 – Aug. 26
Ages: 4–13 (CIT 14+)
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Special promotion: Use code KIDSGUIDE5022 for $50 off any camp!
Online: encorecreativeartscamp.com

Website

Print