Fall Halloween Family Fun Activities LA, SoCal

Family Fun

Free & Inexpensive Fall Events for Kids

Looking for family-friendly things to do during Halloween and throughout fall for kids beyond the usual seasonal spectaculars at big theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knott's Berry Farm? The good news is there are plenty of alternatives for fun, more affordable and free activities throughout Southern California during the coming weekends as well as on Halloween itself.  There's even a free, dog parade and festival in November in Beverly Hills!

Mila & Emma's Pumpkin Patch, The Platform, Culver City

If you're lucky enough to be in or near the Los Angeles or Orange County metro areas during this time of year, the weather's quite nice right now. So why not get outside and play together as a family? Check out all the entertaining wholesome activities which boys, girls, moms and dads will all enjoy.

Fun Activities in Southern California

Daily Through October 31st

Boo at the Los Angeles Zoo

LA Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, 10 am to 5 pm
Fun daytime Halloween themed activities like watching the gorillas playing with whole pumpkins, then snacking on and lots more entertaining antics throughout the zoo. Special Halloween activities included with regular zoo admission (the zoo is open year-round, except December 25).
Admission: Kids under 2 FREE, Others $16-$21

Mila & Emma's Halloween Pumpkin Patch
Hay Bale Maze, seasonal arts & crafts and moon bounce every day. Plus face painting, petting zoo, balloon artist + other special events and entertainment on weekends.
The Platform, 8850 Washington Bl, Culver City, Mon-Fri 12-6 pm, 
Sat-Sun 10 am- 6 pm
Admission: FREE Mon-Thurs, $10 per person Fri-Sun

Underwood Farm Fall Harvest Festival

Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark, 9 am to 6 pm
Admission: Kids under 2 FREE, Others $6 - $20
Festival admission includes a variety of activities including live entertainment, animal center, corn maze, pumpkin house and more depending on the day of the week.

Daily Through November 4

Nights of the Jack

1000s of illuminated pumpkins on display at night at this outdoor walk through interactive un-scarry but memorable experience.
King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Rd, Calabasas, 6 to 11 pm
Admission: Kids under 3 FREE, Others $20-$25

Other October & November Kids Events 

Saturday, October 27

Glow-In-The-Dark Goat Yoga + Sound Experience
Blanks Studios, 15030 Ventura Bl #19, Sherman Oaks, 1:30 and 4:30 pm
Admission: $30

Sunday, October 28

Goat Yoga with Downward Grog
Common Space Brewery, 3411 W. El Segundo Bl, Hawthorne, 2 to 3 pm
Admission: $27-$50

Halloween - October 31

11th Annual Halloween Festival for Kids
Grand Hope Park at FDIM, 919 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, 5 to 8 pm
Arts & crafts, puppet shows, bounce houses, themed areas with character interactions, innovative ways to trick-or-treat safely, and more. Costumes suggested, but optional.
Admission: Kids under 2 FREE, Others $8/advance or $10/at door 

Mila & Emma's Pumpkin Patch at The Platform

Saturday, November 3

Discovery Cube Annual Pumpkin Launch
Cal State Fullerton, 800 N. State College, Fullerton, 10 am to 2 pm
Watch as local engineering clubs and students compete to see which team's catapult can launch a pumpkin through the air the furthest. Also includes a fun, hands-on educational STEM-related family festival, partially sponsored by Boeing.
Admission: FREE

Day Out with Thomas, Orange Empire Railway Museum

November 3-4 and 10-11

Day Out with Thomas: Big Adventures
Orange Empire Railway Museum, 2201 South "A" St, Perris, 9 am to 5 pm
Based on the kids' classic book series Thomas the Tank Engine, the family event features rides with Thomas and Percy as well as other Thomas-related kids activities.
Admission: $21-$25

Sunday, November 4

Woofstock 90210
Roxbury Park "Wiggly Field," 471 S. Roxbury Dr, Beverly Hills, 11 am to 3 pm
This is dog lovers' heaven and really fun for kids, too and I've been personally attending this one for year. The outdoor event features a pet parade, talent show, 35+ retail pet-related vendors (many giving away swag and samples for your beloved pup), pet agility demonstrations, live entertainment, moon bounce, pet adoptions, and more.
Admission: FREE

Goat Yoga with Laughing Frog Yoga
Santa Monica, 1:00 pm and 3 pm - Exact location, more info soon

Woofstock 90210 Dog Festival, November 4, 2018

Saturday, November 10

Goat Yoga
ALoft Hotel, 475 Pacific Coast Highway, El Segundo, 10 am to Noon
Admission: FREE, but must register

Woofstock 90210 Fall Dog Festival

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Movie Review

Movies

MBE partnered with Universal Pictures for the post

Escape to a Greek Island Party

Want to escape to picturesque Greece for a fun, dreamy party vacation with your girlfriends, complete with beaches, singing, dancing and A-list celebrities? That's exactly what you and your friends will be able to experience at home now that the hit big screen movie Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is available in your favorite format on Digital and the digital movie app Movies Anywhere; 4K Ultra HD; Blu-ray; DVD; and On Demand.

After seeing this romantic musical in the theater, and then again on home video to facilitate this review, I think first-time viewers are going to want to watch this again and again. And, if you saw this gem when it was in theaters, you know this is one of those films you just have to see multiple times because you'll see something different each time around.

The dual prequel and sequel makes a big splash, 10 years after the original Mamma Mia! The Movie, made its worldwide debut. The returning cast -- including Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski, and others -- is just amazing. It's so rare for movies today to have this many of the world's favorite, most-talented Oscar winners appearing together in one project.

Set against the backdrop of great music by the Swedish group ABBA (Dancing Queen, Take a Chance on Me) you will be particularly mesmerized as you watch the ladies Streep, Seyfried, and Baranski, along with new cast members Lily James and singer/actress Cher sing and dance their way through the walkways and hills of the imaginary Greek island of Kalokairi (which is actually Skopelos, a real island in the Aegean Sea off mainland Greece). In fact, if you're like me, you'll want to get up to party along with the cast, dancing and singing along with some of the greatest female performers working today.

This is a story about dysfunctional relationships which undergoes a family metamorphosis. Sophie (Seyfried) returns pregnant to help her mom, Donna (Streep) reopen the family hotel. James meanwhile plays the role of the young Donna in the prequel.

Mamma Mia! at Mom 2.0 Summit

In the lead up to the big screen release of this picture I got to experience the essence of this movie first-hand back in May during a special event at the Mom 2.0 Summit influencers conference at the Langham Pasadena Hotel in California. As you can see from the photos immediately above and below, the celebration we had was one wild party full of photo ops.

Instagrammable moments like this luxurious spread of traditional greek foods, including spanakopita, stuffed grape leaves and other delights complemented by movie-themed cocktails like The Mediterranean Mule with fig-flavored vodka and mint leaves and The Bella Donna with prosecco were everywhere. For sure, it was an evening overflowing with good times and surprises, which created a similar spirit to the one you can expect when you view the film Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again from the comfort of your home or on-to-go when you tap into Movies Anywhere.

Now the days are cooler and fall is here. This film will transport those who see it back to the height of summer, to a sunny island surrounded by an azure sea and stunning Greek scenery. 

But don't expect this to be a relaxing trip, because between the family drama in the storyline, and all the musical song and energy of the cast in this film, you'll be reenergized. Streep and Seyfried, in particular, haven't slowed down one bit in the past decade and you'll be entertained non-stop from the opening to closing credits as well as all the extras that are included.

Watch the Movie Trailer

Take a look at this short clip to get a taste of the first-class entertaining musical adventure that's waiting for you to experience.

Bonus Features You'll Love

As if the movie itself isn't enough entertainment. The bonus features you'll also have access to extend the fun and hours of enjoyment include enhanced sing-alongs; deleted/extended songs and scenes; feature commentaries; and the Today interview with entertainer Cher. Plus Hi-Def Exclusives: Sophie's Story, Cast Chats and more.

More About Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Rated PG-13, in English with Spanish and French subtitles with a movie run time of 1:54. For even more fun and to keep up with all the Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again news visit the official site, as well as follow along on the film's Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

Kids Cellphone Addiction - Parents Tips to Cope

Parenting

Guest Post by Amy Scholl
Youth Tech Safety Specialist
KidGuard.com

Is Your Child Nomophobic? How to Handle Cellphone Addiction as a Parent

In this age of smartphones, selfies, and social media mania, many parents often scoff at the idea of phone addiction. It seems like something that really shouldn't be a problem. After all, how hard could it be for a kid to put down a 5 ounce piece of metal, plastic and circuits for just a moment? 

The answer is ‘incredibly hard" -- especially for millennials in their early twenties as well as preteens and teenagers who eat, sleep, go to school, and hangout with friends without letting their devices leave their sides for even a second. Actually, it has become such a huge and widespread problem this increasingly common behavior has earned its very own fancy name. Known as nomophobia, it's defined as the fear of being away from one’s phone.

Serious Side Effects of Cellphone Abuse

What makes nomophobia such a serious issue are the broad ranging effects it has on kids and others. Unchecked, it can potentially affect all aspects of your child’s life from their health to things like school, work, friends, and family relationships. Cellphone addiction affects the central nervous system, causing headaches, lethargy and even reduced immunity. It also causes eye strain. In fact, according to a 2018 UK survey by independent opticians, 55% of phone users complain of significant eye discomfort after prolonged use.

Compulsive smartphone use also affects kids' relationships with family and peers. Constantly looking down at devices prevents human interaction, resulting in social awkwardness and poor adjustment to life when it comes time for them to leave the nest. Just as alarming is the negative impact phone addiction has on road safety. A 2018 National Safety Society study reports 1 in 4 vehicular accidents are currently resulted to texting and receiving phone calls, which is common, particularly among teenagers. 

Psychological issues like anxiety and depression are often directly linked to excessive cellphone usage, too. This is especially true with the frequent misuse of social media platforms by young people. With things like cyber bullying and the constant craving for attention and approval from both kids they know as well as complete strangers, there is a likelihood that this addiction will take its toll on your child's mental health.

Cellphone addiction statistics also show a direct correlation between reliance on cellphones and productivity at school. Children addicted to their gadgets tend to have lower concentration spans, lower energy levels and a general inability to remain interested in school and other activities.

Key Signs of Kids Smartphone Addiction 

First, before you can deal with it, you need to learn to identify the problem. Kids display phone obsession in a wide variety of ways, however here are the most common basic clues to watch for as you observe your son or daughter.

The cellphone becomes an emotional crutch 

Cellphone addiction and depression go hand-in-hand in more ways than just an obsession-effect manner. If your child immediately runs to his or her phone when distressed then it is a sign of an unhealthy attachment.

Loss of enthusiasm for offline activities 

Why don’t you go out and play? Do you want to join us for a walk? Could you run a small errand for me at the mall? More often than not, you will be left disappointed if you ask a phone-addicted child any of these questions or others like it. They would literally rather sit inside all day texting, browsing or whatever else than go out for whatever reason. 

Physical pain and strain 

Another way to identify phone addiction in a child is constant complaints about pain. It could be anything from headaches and neck pain to wrist strains. 

Withdrawal symptoms when the cellphone is not there 

Don’t expect anything dramatic here like fits or excessive sweating. These are subtle and include things like anxiety, restlessness and moodiness. Another thing to notice is how they react and if they panic when they've misplaced their phone temporarily.

Irregular sleeping patterns 

If your kid’s interaction with their phone affects their sleep then they are most likely addicted. You will find them up at odd hours of the night staring at the alluring screens. It is a common sign with very serious repercussions. 

Phantom calls and messages 

This is when a phone user constantly checks their phone for messages or calls even when they haven’t been notified of any activity. It is a continuous game of flip the phone in excitement and flip it back in disappointment.

5 Ways to Help Your Child Kick the Phone Habit

TIP # 1
Get your son or daughter to accept the problem. Adults are not the only ones in denial about nomophobia. In order to rectify the situation, it is best to get them to see how this habit is affecting them and how things might get worse if ignored. 

TIP # 2
Encourage your child to make friends. Some kids find solace in their phones to escape the loneliness they feel. If they only had friends to play with they would be distracted enough to no longer rely fully on their phones to fill in the emptiness. 

TIP # 3
Involvement in a tasking hobby. Keeping your child busy will also help reduce their addiction. Get them involved in activities they enjoy whether it is art, music, sports or even animal care. 

TIP # 4
Have phone-free times and places in your home. A 2017 study shows up to 60% of people use phones in bed. Children are no exception. To deal with the addiction set apart areas of your home, including bedrooms, as no-phone zones. Also establish a cellphone schedule that only permits kids' access at specific times of the day or week. Then, monitor your child’s cellphone to make sure they follow your rules. 

TIP # 5
Literally shut the phone up. Putting the phone on silent mode can also help reduce phone addiction. According to Deloitte in 2017 this trick works 30% of the time, but it is still worth a try. 

About KidGuard

KidGuard, who's primary goal is to protect children online, is dedicated to finding the best child safety measures for parents, grounded in research. Being knowledgeable about youth online usage is a key component of effective 21st-century parenting. Learn more by visiting KidGuard.com and by following them on Facebook and YouTube.

Twitter Party Calendar With Prizes Twitter Parties Oct 21 - 27 Multiple Updates Daily

Twitter Parties

Constant Updates, Keep Checking Back + Sneak Peek at Future Weeks

Master Social Media Party  Calendar -  USA & Canada

Now listing Twitter plus Facebook Live, Pinterest, and Instagram parties with prizes, too!

Here's how to find parties on Twitter, Facebook Live, Instagram and Pinterest offering great prizes. Get all the details in this free constantly updated Master Party Calendar listing tons of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes you can win and links to RSVP and participate. Includes social media parties in the U.S. and Canada.

A brand new weekly Twitter Party Schedule is published every Sunday at 9 am ET. Check back often each week as new events are added on an ongoing basis -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. You'll also get a sneak peek at parties coming up next week and in the month ahead.

Be the first to know when the latest MommyBlogExpert party schedule goes live by subscribing to this blog and following MBE on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. Unless indicated otherwise, parties are for U.S. residents only. Parties for Canada residents are highlighted in purple.


THIS WEEK

Tuesday, October 23

Zollipops Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @macaronikid @zollipops. Prizes: TBA. #MKzollicandy Details

Now Larimar Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @candace_dx @nowlarimar and others. Prizes: Win a Grand Prize trip for two. #NowLarimar Details

Mom Trends Baby Shower Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @momtrends. Prizes: Baby products, see RSVP link for prize descriptions. #MGBabyShower RSVP

Bib Chat Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @bibrave. Prizes: OOriginal Sport Sandals. #BibChat Details

Wednesday, October 24

TTPM Live Weekly Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @ttpm. Prizes: Fun toys, see RSVP link for prize descriptions - Both US + Canada residents eligible for prizes. #TTPMlive RSVP

Let's Master This Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @kbunn @libertymutual. Prizes: FOUR (4) $100 VISA giftcards. #LetsMasterThis Details

Wise Bread Chat Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @wisebread. Prizes: TBA. #wbchat Details

Be Forest Proud Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @boisepapers @familyfocusblog. Prizes: TWO (2) $50 VISA e-giftcards. #BeForestProud RSVP

This is Style Twitter Party at 4 pm ET with @searsstyle. Prizes: TBA. #ThisIsStyle Details

Mabel Mom Cave Facebook Live Party at 8 pm ET with Mabels Labels. Prizes: TBA. Details

Thursday, October 25

WOW Summit Goody Bag Sneak Peek Facebook Live Party from 2 - 2:30 pm ET with Moms Meet. Prizes: FIVE (5) WOW Summit prize packs. RSVP

Roost Crate Pumpkin Box Facebook Live Party from 8 pm ET with Resourceful Mommy. Prizes: October Roost Crate Box, $10 Jane.com giftcard. Details

Packets Up Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @amomsimpression @cleaninstitute. Prizes: $100 giftcard. #PacketsUp RSVP

Financial Fright Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @tangerinebank. Prizes: $500 in prizes to win - Canada residents only eligible to win prizes. #FinancialFright No RSVP, Details

Mom Travel Chat Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @familiesgo @theadventuremom and others. Prizes: THREE (3) fun giveaway packs - see RSVP link for complete prize descriptions. #MOMtravelchat RSVP

T-Mobile Tex Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @momtrends. Prizes: THREE (3) winners get SyncUP Drive + iPhone Case (ARV $100), ONE (1) Grand Prize winner gets Samsung Galaxy Watch in rose gold (ARV $375). #TmobileTEX RSVP

Friday, October 26

Bliss Instagram Party from 9 am - 9 pm ET with Influenster and Blissworld. Prizes: Bliss products TBA. #ThisIsBliss RSVP

Beauty Prep VoxBox Instagram Party from 9 am - 9 pm ET with Influenster. Prizes: FIVE (5) VoxBox winners. #BeautyPrepVoxBox RSVP

Snuggle N Hug Twitter Party at 11 am ET with @snap_toys @thetoyinsider and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) winners get fun toys - see RSVP link for prize descriptions. #Snugglenhug RSVP

NEXT WEEK

Monday, October 29

Disney Christopher Robin Blu-ray Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @belairemommie @ocmomblog and others. Prizes: TBA. #ChristopherRobinBluray Details

Tuesday, October 30

The Vitamin Shoppe Instagram Party from 6 am - 11:59 pm ET with Influenster. Prizes: TBA. #MyLifeEssentials RSVP

Thursday, November 1

Unison HomeBuyer Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @clever_network @unison. Prizes: SIX (6) $100 VISA e-giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize $200 VISA GC. #HomeByUnison RSVP

Friday, November 2

Mobile Living Weekly Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with the Mobile Living team. Prizes: TBA. #MobileLiving More info/RSVP link to be posted here when available

COMING SOON

Wednesday, November 7

Chicago Toy & Game Fair Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @30seconds @cjalldressedup and others. Prizes: TBA. More info, hashtag to be posted here when available

About this Weekly Twitter Party List

Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com, Master Twitter Party Calendar is the most comprehensive, constantly updated resource of its kind online. However keep in mind that each party is run by a different brand and/or hosts and MommyBlogExpert, unless specified otherwise, is not responsible for any dealings readers have with these events including, but not limited to, prizing of any party on the calendar.

For Brands

How to Add a Twitter Party
Facebook Live or Instagram Party
to the Calendar

Add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Master Twitter Party Calendar FREE by emailing janis@janiselspas.com

Hire MBE to Plan, Promote and/or
Host Your 
Twitter Party, Facebook Live
or Instagram Party

How to hire MommyBlogExpert for your next party on social media 

Email janis@janiselspas.com with "Social Media Party Consulting" in subject line and we'll be glad to prepare a free customized proposal for your brand.


FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter, Facebook Live, Instagram and Pinterest Parties as a guest and works as a consultant, host, co-host and/or panelist for others. I am not receiving payment or compensation associated with any party on this calendar. See complete FTC disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every page including this one.

Bose Connected Home Soundbar Bass Module Family Review at Best Buy

Technology

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

With all the ways it's made family living better and more convenient, it's hard to remember a time when the internet and the connected home weren't such an integral part of our everyday lives. Of note in particular are all the ways moms, dads and kids can now consume and enjoy music, movies, TV shows and more through advances in sound technology. Now, with the introduction of their new family of speakers and soundbars, Bose continues to lead the pack evolving and constantly improving to make living wirelessly even more pleasurable.

Meet the Newest Bose Collection

Now available at Best Buy for music and sound lovers is the new Bose family of smart speakers and sound bars which tap into the power of Amazon Alexa. In this MBE lifestyle review, you'll learn more about the Bose Soundbar 700, the Bose Soundbar 500, and the Bose Home Speaker 500 which work independently or together to offer built-in voice control to discerning audiophiles. 

Bose Soundbar 700

As the most advanced soundbar for consumers on the market today, the Bose Soundbar 700 features built-in Amazon Alexa Voice Control. It brings an unparalleled level of sophistication in both design and sound quality to home entertainment. Control music with voice, the Bose Music app, or remote. Add the optional Bose Bass Module 700 and Surround Speakers for an even higher level sound experience.

Bose Soundbar 500

Meanwhile, the Bose Soundbar 500 has an ultra slim design profile which is so thin it hides under your TV. Like the Soundbar 700, the Soundbar 500 features built-in Amazon Alexa Voice Control to play your favorite music; you can also access it via the Bose Music app, or remote. It also boasts powerful acoustics which envelop the entire room in pure sound. 

Bose Home Speaker 500 

The Bose Home Speaker 500 with built-in Alexa Voice Control is equally impressive. It delivers the widest sound of any smart speakers. Play music in multiple rooms at once, controlling the sound with the Bose Music app to jump between playlists to find the songs you want to hear.

A New World of Entertainment Options

These new beautiful and functional Bose smart speakers and soundbars with their Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® compatibility, open a whole new world of entertainment options. For purists who desire sound reaching beyond just one room, it's good to know that the new Bose family of smart speakers and soundbars are designed to be able to work together in concert in multiple rooms simultaneously. 

However you use Bose in your home, you can expect to be able to wirelessly stream whatever you want, however you desire, managing it with one-touch access to your favorite sound entertainment or from the Bose Music app.

Sound Excellence, More Options

Just imagine. The Bose sound in your home continuing to get even better, as future software updates and even more new features are unlocked like Apple AirPlay 2 in early 2019.

Bose Connected Home

Speakers & Soundbars

Now at Best Buy