Family friendly events, activities, & bargains in Montebello, the San Gabriel Valley, & the Greater Los Angeles area.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Monday, May 16, 2016
Friday, April 15, 2016
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.
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! |
Monday, April 11, 2016
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
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.
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
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.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
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!
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
Citizens Bank Arena, Ontario
Sunday, Feb. 21 12:30PM & 5:45PM
Staples Center, L.A.
Staples Center, L.A.
_________________________________________________________________________

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.
Friday, February 5, 2016
Home Depot Free Kids Workshops: First Saturday of Every Month
Friday, January 22, 2016
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Simon Youth Foundation College Scholarship
Any student who will be graduating in the class of 2016 and lives within 50 miles of The Shops at Montebello is eligible. Recipients will receive up to $1,500 to enroll in an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school.
For more information and to apply visit
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Monday, January 11, 2016
Journey to Space: Exhibition & 3D Film
Now- May 8, 2016
You must, must, must take your family to this exhibition.
I have a soft spot in my heart for NASA. Growing up my father took us kids to Edwards Air Force Base to watch the shuttle land, and we listened for sonic booms from the landings we couldn't see in person. When I was 10 years old our teacher wheeled in the television as another fifth grade class squeezed in their chairs so we could all see the Challenger take off and learn from the first teacher in space.
With all my love for NASA, I was surprised when tears started gathering in the corners of my eyes as the introductory video for Journey to Space started playing. It included television footage that detailed man's history with space exploration. I was overcome with emotion, in awe, and so proud of all that has been accomplished.
This is by far one of the best exhibits I have ever experienced, and I've seen a lot! This exhibit will get children and adults alike excited about space exploration. After touring the exhibit, seeing the Shuttle Endeavor, and watching the Journey to Space 3-D IMAX movie, I can hardly wait to see the first person on Mars.
| The space shuttle Endeavor. Ticket included with Journey to Space admission. |
This is by far one of the best exhibits I have ever experienced, and I've seen a lot! This exhibit will get children and adults alike excited about space exploration. After touring the exhibit, seeing the Shuttle Endeavor, and watching the Journey to Space 3-D IMAX movie, I can hardly wait to see the first person on Mars.
Admission to the California Science Center is free.
Parking is $12, cash only.
Journey to Space Exhibit & Shuttle Endeavor
$6.25-$9.75
Journey to Space Exhibit, Shuttle Endeavor, & 3-D IMAX movie $10.50-$16.75
Click here for more information.
Click here for more information.
If possible try to visit the exhibition at off-peak times. We visited on a Friday at 1:30pm just as the last of the school groups were leaving the museum. Journey to Space had about 50 people inside making it very easy to experiment at every lab station and to experience the rotating Destiny Lab twice. I would even go so far as to advocate for taking your kids out of school early to experience this exhibit.
| Space helmet & Neil Armstrong's gloves. |
| My daughter was excited when she was this in the rotating Destiny Lab. She remembered it in a Scholastic News article and pointed to it with a huge grin in all the photos. |
| Being goofy and pretending to "float" in space. |
| Maybe one day there will be colonies just like this on Mars! |
| The best space doll house yet. A model of the International Space Station (ISS) for kids to explore. Each module has openings for kids to pretend play. |
| I usually say no to these kinds of things, but $2 is a bargain for a rare experience such as the high wire bicycle. |
| Tiny House on display outside of the California Science Center entrance. |
| I could live here! It was fun exploring all the hidden storage compartments and imagining this was our home. The tiny house has enough space to sleep four people! |
Now-May 8
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90037
700 Exposition Park Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Grand Opening with Free Yogurt! Menchie's: Pico Rivera
Grand Opening Celebration
Saturday, January 9
Free 8 oz. Frozen Yogurt All Day!
8880 E. Whittier Blvd. Pico Rivera
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Experience Disney Magic Every Day: Open the Disney Store!!!
Experience a little bit of Disney Magic every morning at the Disney Store. It's a little known secret...the first Guest at a Disney Store is given the special honor of opening the store.

Before the store opens, stanchions are set up across the entrance and in the center is a large lock.
A Cast Member brings out a giant key that is stored in a cabinet behind the registers.
The digital marquee counts down the last minute before the store opens and reveals favorite Disney characters.
At the appointed time, the Guest turns the key, the ropes are released, and the store is officially open!
The lucky Guest receives a replica key as a souvenir.

All three of my children have enjoyed the experience of opening the Disney Store. They love the attention and cherish the key they were given as a memento.
I suggest arriving at the Disney Store a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the scheduled opening to secure the coveted first Guest spot.
Montebello is remodeled Disney Store with a "Magical New Store Design." If your Disney Store is not a remodeled store I suggest you call to ask if that location participates in the store opening event.

Before the store opens, stanchions are set up across the entrance and in the center is a large lock.
A Cast Member brings out a giant key that is stored in a cabinet behind the registers.
The digital marquee counts down the last minute before the store opens and reveals favorite Disney characters.
At the appointed time, the Guest turns the key, the ropes are released, and the store is officially open!
The lucky Guest receives a replica key as a souvenir.
All three of my children have enjoyed the experience of opening the Disney Store. They love the attention and cherish the key they were given as a memento.
I suggest arriving at the Disney Store a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the scheduled opening to secure the coveted first Guest spot.
Montebello is remodeled Disney Store with a "Magical New Store Design." If your Disney Store is not a remodeled store I suggest you call to ask if that location participates in the store opening event.
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