Splash Zone Water Park: Rosemead

Splash Zone entrance. Plenty of street parking.

Splash Zone mini-water park, located at Garvey Park in Rosemead, is a huge hit with families. The facility features two water slides, a splash pad, and a 100 person capacity pool.

Swim wear is required to play in all three Splash Zone areas, but regular clothes are allowed for guests who want to sit and observe.

If you have questions visit Rosemead's Aquatic Center website, or call Splash Zone during operating hours at (626)569-2270. Splash Zone is available for private parties.

Splash Zone @ Garvey Park

3233 Kelburn Avenue

Rosemead, CA 91770

Splash Zone is open for 2016!!
Open 7 days a week through 8/12.
Then nights/ weekends through end of August.
Weekends in September only. 

 

Hours 

Monday-Friday 12:30 - 3:30 

Tuesdays &Thursdays 6:00 - 8:00pm

Saturdays & Sundays Noon - 4pm

 

Admission

$1 - Ages 17 and under

$2 - Ages 18 and over

Rosemead residents can purchase season passes.

 

Two water slides. Riders must be 40 inches tall to ride.



Splash Pad, similar to the one at Grant Rea Park, but this one is a bit larger.



The pool is shallow. Near the steps it's 2.5 feet, the deep end is 4.5 feet. When the pool reaches capacity, the life guards block it off with caution tape. Splash Zone guests then have to make a line to enter as other guests exit.
Kids 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the pool.



A view of the whole park from the far side of the pool.



There are two picnic areas, this one near the pool. Most families bring snacks and/or lunch. Some bring in coolers on wagons, camp chairs, and blankets (for the small grassy area).



The second picnic area to the right of the slides.



There are a lot of shaded areas for parents to rest throughout Splash Zone.



There are male and female locker rooms, with toilets, sinks, showers, baby changing table, and a changing area with lockers. Lockers are free to use and measure about 10 inches deep by 18 inches high, bring your own lock.



If you plan on swimming and don't have a lock for the lockers, ask at the entrance for a basket to store your belongings in the lifeguard area.

CAVEAT: My cousin visited Splash Zone with her family on a hot weekend. She said it was packed. There was a line waiting to enter the facility and guests were only allowed to enter as other visitors exited due to capacity limitations. Once inside everyone was rotated out of the pool area, 30 minutes in the pool, then everyone was asked to visit another area while others were allowed in. She said it wasn't too fun.

I only visit Splash Zone with my kids on weekdays, and on days where it isn't scorching hot; I've always had a pleasant experience. If it's a really hot day, or you visit on the weekend, it will probably be very crowded. Plan to arrive at least 15-30 minutes before the center opens. Lines to enter form very early on peak attendance days.

CAVEAT #2: Near the end of the summer season in 2013, Splash Zone's hours of operation changed without notice. Double check the hours of operation later in the summer season.

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Summer Play Days: Disney Store 2016

This summer kids can visit the Disney Store and take part in Summer Play Days!

Fun events take place every day at the Disney Store through Labor Day, 8/5. At the end of each Play Day event, a wristband will be given to all participating children. Each week a new wristband will be distributed while supplies last. 

 

 

Play Days events typically last 15-20 minutes, and kids usually leave with a small token for participation, like a paper character mask, a sticker, or coloring page.

 

Call your local Disney Store or stop by and read the digital marquee that displays the events and times for the coming week.  Montebello Disney Store 322-720-1055.

Kids who attend a Disney Store Summer Play Days event every week and collect all 14 wristband will receive an exclusive Mickey & Minnie wristband set.

 



Pasadena Chalk Festival: Father's Day Weekend

Think of an outdoor mall with hundreds of people making really cool chalk art on the sidewalk and you have the Chalk Art Festival.

Every year on Father's Day weekend the city of Pasadena hosts a Chalk Art Festival. The festival boasts the title of  World Largest Display of Chalk Pavement Art.

Saturday, June 18 & Sunday, June 19

10am-7pm
Paseo Colorado Shopping Center
280 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena 91101

In addition to the chalk artwork, there is a car show, live entertainment, and Kid's Chalk Land. The Chalk Festival is free and open to the public. Parking is available at the shopping center's parking structures, last year's parking prices were first 90 minutes free, then $1.50/30 minutes, $9 max.  For more information visit the Chalk Art Festival website or the Facebook page.

I attended this festival in 2012, and it was pretty fun.  It can get really crowded and there are a few going up/down stair situations that can get tricky with a stroller, leave the wheels behind if you can. My kids liked the children's area where they were able to make chalk art, but they had more chalk dust on their bodies and clothes than on their papers. There was also a car show and a few free sample carts last year. Sunday is a better day to attend because most of the artwork is near completion.

 

 

 

 

Father's Day Lego Event: Toys R Us

*Mini-Figures not included with LEGO Mini Winner's Podium. Event intended for ages 6-up. Parental supervision required at all times for minors. All giveaways and event materials available while supplies last and distributed to participants only. Limit one per customer. Quantities limited; no rain checks.

Lego Free Mini-Build events occur at regular retail Toys R Us locations. They are not available at Toys R Us Express or Outlet stores.

Shops at Montebello KIDGITS club revamped for 2016!

Mark your calendar for the next Shops at Montebello Kidgit event: 

When I Grow Up

Saturday, June 18, Noon-1:30pm

 

The Montebello Fire Department firefighters, mascot, and Montebello Fire Explorers will be attending the event to share fire safety tips, and kids will even have a chance to try on fireman uniforms!

 

There will be a special performance by teen pop performer, Koda Corvette, at 1 p.m.

 

Kidgits members have the benefit of exclusive access to face painters and balloon artists at each event.

 

Montebello-Commerce YMCA will be on site to share information on the clubs’ summer programming for kids and teens, while Yogurtland will be present to distribute fun promotional items and coupons.

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For the past five years the Simon KIDGITS club has been a staple of the Shops at Montebello.

In exchange for a $5 annual membership, kids ten and younger were invited to spin the wheel for a toy, and receive extra goodies at exclusive Kidgits events.

This past Easter was the debut of the new & improved Kidgits club! Highlights of the new program include:

• FREE membership
• Invitation to Kidgit events throughout the year
• Access to all craft projects & goodies at Kidgit events
• Coupons & discounts for mall retailers

This Kidgits revamp allows more families to participate in the program, and all children are invited to participate in every activity at Kidgit events.

Parents need only to stop by the Guest Services desk at Center Court to sign their children up for the Kidgits club, or sign up online.

My children have enjoyed the Kidgits club from it's very start. All the events are very well planned out, and the activities keep the kids engaged and entertained.

Here are some highlights from the Kidgits Easter event this past March.




Kids a decorated a crown & funny bunny with the help of Shops of Montebello volunteers.

 

Visit & photos with the Easter Bunny!
FYI: No purchase is necessary to visit the Easter Bunny, or Santa Claus. Parents can take their children through the line and tell the attendants that your child only wants to visit, no picture purchase is necessary.
 

Yogurtland is always in attendance at Kidgits Events with coupons for 3oz. of free yogurt!

Kidgit members also took home a wind-up bunny or chick as a fun Easter gift.



The Build-a-Bear bunny made an appearance and posed for pictures with kids.
Build-a-Bear associates were on hand to distribute a bag of cookie bites to all Kidgits members.



Crazy 8 had cute Easter outfits on display. After the Kidgit event I took my girls upstairs and found a perfect dress for my daughter. Crazy 8 was having a Buy-One-Get-One for 88¢ sale, so we picked up a white jean jacket to wear with her dress, and on Easter Sunday, she not only looked great, but she felt great too!

 

Learned something new: Yogurtland offers party boxes!
The manager will personally deliver the party boxes to your event. Contact the store for details.



 

I had to stop by the Shops at Montebello the following week to pick up some Easter candy, my two stops: The Sweet Factory for the "good" jelly beans & See's for my family's favorite hallow Easter Eggs with baby chick!

 



Mark your calendar for the next Shops at Montebello Kidgit event: 

When I Grow Up
Saturday, June 18, Noon-1:30pm

 

 

Community Beautification Day: City Park, Montebello

Multi-Use Trails Day

trails.lacounty.gov

Walk & Roll: City of Montebello

Imaginology Fair: OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa

Take the family to Costa Mesa to explore Imaginology, an education and entertainment fair for Southern California's youth that highlights activities and advancement in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

There will be hands-on demonstrations, make & take projects, competitions, baby chicks, petting zoo, worm farm, bug barn, science related exhibits, and more.

Friday, 4/15, 9am-3pm

Saturday, 4/16, 10am-5pm

Sunday, 4/17, 10am-5pm

 

Free admission. Free parking on Friday.  $8 parking on Saturday & Sunday.

 

Click here for more information.

 

 

 

I took my kids to the imaginology festival last year and it ranks in my top 10 must-do kid experiences. I've been to dozens of kid & family themed festivals; Imaginology was so amazing that I drove down to Costa Mesa for a second day of fun with my kids. Here is a sample of what my kids experienced on day 1.

 

A life size Wall-E replica.

Learning the basic steps of CPR.

Battle Bots!

Learning how to use a braille typewriter.

Anatomy lesson.

Giant bubbles.

Petting a tortoise.

Hands on time with musical instruments.

Meeting a traveling medicine man.

Baby chicks!
 

 

 

 

 

Cherry Blossom Festival: Monterey Park

 

Click here for details.

Angry Birds Physics: East L.A. Library

OLMM Spring Carnival

Baby Sign Language Classes: San Gabriel & Monterey Park

Summer Youth Employment Program: City of Montebello

Polly's Pies: Friday Date Night w/ Free Kid Care

Kids Night / Parents Date Night

Every Friday Night

5:30 to 8:00pm

Kids enjoy supervised play in the banquet room while parents enjoy dinner and conversation.
 

This Friday Date Night is available every Friday night at the Polly's Pies in Montebello.

Parents have the choice of sitting in the banquet room off to the side or sit in the main dining room. I've seen one mom eat dinner on her own and spent time studying while her kids played.

Polly's employees have a big box of games and coloring books for the kids to play with. They also bring out a small TV and show a movie.

Note: We usually give a tip the employee who plays with the kids.

1322 W. Beverly Blvd, Montebello CA 90640

(323) 722-6324

Earth Day: Uptown Whittier

Earth Day: Montebello City Park

The Shops at Montebello to Award Up to $12,000 in Scholarships for Higher Education

The Shops at Montebello to Award Up to $12,000 in Scholarships for Higher Education

Students in Montebello Unified School District Encouraged to Apply by April 24

 

 

(MONTEBELLO, Calif.) March 21, 2016 – The Shops at Montebello is seeking applicants for up to $12,000 in college scholarships, as part of the center’s scholarship program, which is meant to recognize outstanding graduating seniors from the Montebello Unified School District as they continue their education.

 

Applications are currently available starting today, March 21, in high school counselor’s offices at Montebello High School, Schurr High School and Bell Gardens High School. Completed applications are due on Monday, April 25, no later than 2 p.m. to each respective high school counselor.

 

Up to four students from each school will be selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship each.

 

“The pursuit of higher education and career aspirations for today’s youth is an initiative that is important to The Shops at Montebello,” said Marida Petitjean, Director of Marketing and Business Development at The Shops at Montebello. “We’re proud to be able to assist in making attending college a reality.”

 

The Shops at Montebello’s Scholarship Awards recognizes local seniors in their pursuit of continuing their education at a four-year college. The scholarship program was created in 1985, when the center opened, as a way to assist local students in recognizing their educational goals and to provide initial monetary support to achieve those goals.

 

This year, candidates will be evaluated on criteria including a combination of outstanding academic accomplishments, participation in school activities and clubs and community volunteer work. They must also possess a financial need, and demonstrate a commitment to continuing their education at a four-year college by submitting an essay detailing why it is important to further their educational path after high school. In addition to the completed application form, applicants must meet the following requirements:

 

• Be a graduating senior from Montebello High School, Schurr High School or Bell Gardens High School, continuing on with their education at a four-year college,
• Submit two letters of recommendation 
• Submit a copy of their current school transcript
• Submit the completed application to their high school counselor 

 

Scholarship funds will be awarded upon official verification of enrollment in a post-secondary educational program. The verification should be brought to The Shops at Montebello Management Office, as they will handle the distribution of funds.  For questions about the program, call 323-722-1776.

 

 

 

 

Harlem Globetrotters in So. Cal & Enter to Win a Family Ticket 4 Pack!

Since three, I've seen Globetrotters on TV
My family wants to see Too Tall, Firefly, and some TNT
And buckets of confetti thrown at me! 

-Carlos C., Globetrotter Ticket Winner 2013

 

 

The Globetrotters are coming to the Southland! Catch their antics, jokes, and basketball skills that will amaze you and have you laughing out loud.

 

Tickets to see the world’s most famous basketball team start as low as $16and are available at www.harlemglobetrotters.com, or through the venue box offices.

Saturday, Feb. 20 @ 2:00pm & 7pm
 Citizens Bank Arena, Ontario
 

Sunday, Feb. 21 12:30PM & 5:45PM
Staples Center, L.A.

 

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Visit MontebelloMom on Facebook, & leave a comment under the Globetrotter post for a chance to win a family 4-pack of ticket vouchers to see the Globetrotters play!
 

 Giveaway rules: Deadline to enter is Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at 4pm PST. The winning entry will be chosen by a random number generator and the winner will be contacted via Facebook messaging. Winner will be mailed a four pack of ticket vouchers good for any Harlem Globetrotter game at the Citizens Bank Arena or Staples venues for 2016. Vouchers must be taken to the arena box office for redemption, for the best seats redeem the vouchers as soon as possible. Tickets will be delivered via the United States Postal Service, or by another method agreed upon by MontebelloMom & the winner. One Facebook comment per person  please.

Home Depot Free Kids Workshops: First Saturday of Every Month

 

Home Depot offers a free hands on building workshop for kids the first Saturday of every month from 9:00AM - Noon. Kids receive a kit to assemble at the store, a Home Depot apron, and a pin for participating. Registration is recommended, but not necessary.

 

Click here for more information.