Planetary Research Station at Discovery Cube Los Angeles

Come research the planet at the Planetary Research Station, where science matters at Discovery Cube Los Angeles!

We are lovers of science in our house. When our family visits the Discovery Cube Los Angeles, I know that my child is going to get exciting, hands-on learning at a museum that's packed with fun exhibits. They kids can run around and touch everything, do experiments, watch informative videos and participate in really cool activities!

Today I'm going to focus on one exhibit in particular. Planetary Research Station is a great place to sit down, relax and learn a little something about how to help our planet. The display is a huge globe that is suspended in mid-air. This unique view of earth, is sure to catch your child's eye. Take a journey of our world at this interactive attraction, to learn about changing weather patterns, air quality, climate change, and what we can all do to make a difference.

Global warming is a real thing and it's important to talk to our kids about it. Not just that it's an issue, but how they can do their part to help out our world.  If everyone around the world did a little bit extra to conserve resources and keep our air clean, it would add up to a giant effect. It's nice to know that the Discovery Cube is doing their part to educate the public, especially children on what they can do to help the earth. 

There are many simple ways to encourage your family to make conservation a way of life.

Saving electricity - Turn the lights off when you leave the room.

Water conservation - Turn the water off when you are brushing your teeth and take shorter showers.

Recycling - Sort out your trash and recycle into bins labeled, plastic, paper and recycle.

Ride sharing - Carpool to school, the park or even to your next trip to The Cube. Take your bike when doing local errands around your community.

Get the conversation started in your home!

So make sure that next time you visit Discovery Cube, you stop in at the Planetary Research Station. Spark the curiosity within your children and turn them into crusaders for our planet! Our future earth will thank you!

Check out my other Discovery Cube posts:
Summer of Science
Helicopter Tours
Impossible Science
Curious George
Noon Year's Eve

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of Discovery Cube Mom Ambassadors, my family and I get free admission to The Cube to review and attend events. The thoughts and opinions shared on this blog are 100% fresh and 100% mine.

Noon Years Eve Party at Discovery Cube Los Angeles

Before the sun went down on New Year's Eve, Kaia and I went with some friends to Discovery Cube Los Angeles. We were curious and excited to celebrate our first 'Noon Year's Eve' at the Cube! We knew there would be a countdown, balloon drop, ginger ale toast and festivities for the kids. Since New Years is typically an adult holiday, I thought it would be fun to do something that my daughter would like. We had been to Discovery Cube recently for the Science of Gingerbread Event and had a sweet time making race cars at the Annual Gingerbread Derby!

When we arrived we were greeted with hats and horns at the front door. The kids were happy with the horns while us moms put on the hats. It was really crowded with everyone gathered on the first floor underneath the huge balloon drops. Check out my video for a play-by-play of the Noon Year's Eve Celebration:

There was a DJ and MC giving a speech and doing the countdown which was getting the crowd pumped! At 2pm we counted down from 10 to 1 as we all screamed "Happy New Year!"  The kids were all blowing their horns making as much noise as they possibly could then the balloons started floating down and that's when it really got crazy!

We all grabbed a glass of ginger ale and toasted to the 2016 in hopes of a happy and healthy new year that's filled with many trips to Discovery Cube! If you didn't get a chance to attend this year, you should definitely put it in the calendar for next year. Wait, am I already making plans for 2017... I CAN'T EVEN!!! Whenever you go make sure to check out my post, 10 Things To Do at Discovery Cube LA for some of our favorite exhibits.

Admission: 
Grand Opening Price of $10 per ticket extended until January 3, 2016.
(Children 2 and under free.)
Annual Memberships are available.
Tickets to 4D movies cost extra.

Address: 
11800 Foothill Boulevard
Sylmar, CA 91342

Hours: 
Open Monday-Sunday from 10am to 5pm
(not open on Thanksgiving or Christmas)

Follow Discovery Cube LA on Social Media:

Twitter: @DiscoveryCubeLA

Instagram: DiscoveryCubeLA

Facebook: DiscoveryCubeLA

See you at the Cube!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of Discovery Cube Mom Ambassadors, my family and I get free admission to The Cube to review and attend events. The thoughts and opinions shared on this blog are 100% fresh and 100% mine. 

Celebrate New Years Eve at Discovery Cube Los Angeles #GIVEAWAY

How is it even possible that we are at the end of 2015? I don't know about you, but this year has flown by. I am busy making plans for what to do on New Year's Eve with my family. We will be starting a new tradition for the first time this year by celebrating early at Discovery Cube Los Angeles. It can be hard for younger children to stay up late on New Year's so Discovery Cube will be hosting a party to ring in 2016 at a family-friendly time!

(Photo courtesy of Discovery Cube)

WHO:

You are invited to the kid-friendly Noon Year's Eve Party at Discovery Cube! They have turned this end of the year bash typically for adults into the ultimate celebration just perfect for families and children. No staying up til Midnight required! Make sure to check out the Science of Gingerbread, and Curious George Exhibits while you're there and take a ride on the Helicopter Tour!

WHAT:

Celebrate the new year early at Discovery Cube Los Angeles with Noon Year's Eve Party! Set your clocks to 12pm NOT 12am and bring the kid's to either Discovery Cube (LA or OC) for a celebration they won't forget! 

Special activities include:

• Horns to blow
• Hats to Wear
• Big Countdown and Balloon Drop (12pm and 2pm)
• Ginger Ale Toast
• Green Screen Photo Booth
• Superhero Dance Party

*This year's party theme is Superhero, so make sure your kid's come dressed as their favorite superhero!*

WHEN:

December 30th and Dec 31st

(12pm and 2pm are when they do the countdown w/ balloon drop)

WHERE:

Discovery Cube Los Angeles
and

Discovery Cube Orange County

WHY:

To ring in the new year with your family, and make memories that you will never forget!
Happy Noon Year!

GIVEAWAY:

Let's end this 2015 with a giveaway! It has been such a pleasure being a Discovery Cube Mom Ambassador this year! I hope you have enjoyed learning about fun and exciting things to do at the Cube as much as I have loved sharing! Enter this giveaway for your change to win an annual family membership ($99 value) to Discovery Cube! It'd be a great way to start off 2016 with free admission for a year to the Cube. GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Cube Admission:

Grand Opening Price of $10 per ticket extended until January 3, 2016.
(Children 2 and under free.)
Annual Memberships are available.
Tickets to 4D movies cost extra.

Discovery Cube LA Address:
11800 Foothill Boulevard
Sylmar, CA 91342

Hours:
Open Monday-Sunday from 10am to 5pm
(not open on Christmas)

Follow Discovery Cube LA on Social Media:
Facebook: Discovery Cube LA
Twitter: @DiscoveryCubeLA
Instagram: DiscoveryCubeLA

See you at the Cube!
 
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of  Discovery Cube Mom Ambassadors, my family and I get free admission to The Cube to review and attend events. The thoughts and opinions shared on this blog are 100% fresh and 100% mine.

 

Helicopter Tour at Discovery Cube Los Angeles: Now Boarding!

Take a exciting trip on the Helicopter Tour at the Discovery Cube Los Angeles.

NOW BOARDING!

Grab your friends and hold on tight because you are about to take a helicopter simulator ride through the Los Angeles skies - no boarding pass required! Soar over the L.A. Aqueduct, then get ready because you will also dive beneath the city to get an up-close look at the vast water system below. This adventure takes it's passengers through the water treatment showing the entire process start to finish. The Helicopter Tour exhibit really teaches young people that we can keep our water safe and sustainable for years to come, but they will need to be involved. It's more education through play for kids which is what the Discovery Cube Los Angeles specializes in! So climb aboard and get ready to learn.

WATER TREATMENT

Have you ever wondered what happens with our cities water and how it transforms into drinking water that comes out of our faucets? 600 million gallons of water from the Los Angeles and California Aqueducts are treated daily at the Los Angeles Filtration Plant in Sylmar, CA. Water flows into the filtration plant by gravity and is treated through several processes that disinfect it, making it safe to drink. Once the water exits the filtration plant, it is transported through underground pipes to homes and businesses where it is enjoyed as pure, clean, refreshing water from the tap.

WATER SOURCES

Los Angeles residents receive water from a variety of sources. Most of the water travels from hundreds of miles away. I had no idea that over 50% of our water is from the California and the Colorado River aqueducts. With the remaining water coming from the Los Angeles aqueduct (36%), from groundwater (11%), and the last 1% is recycled water for non-drinking uses. The capture of stormwater is also being developed to expand our water sources.

STORMWATER CAPTURE

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is busy enhancing the local water supply by capturing stormwater, improving dams, creating new and improved spreading grounds that replenish groundwater basins, and installing water infiltration systems, like swales and permeable pavement. You can help out in the process by using a rain barrel, installing permeable pavers, using California friendly plants, and by creating a bioswale.

SCARCITY OF WATER

The city of Los Angeles receives about 15 inches of precipitation annually, this water source can drop to just 5 inches per year. That is why it's so important to teach your children about the drought and what we can all do to help out. Here are some ways that your family can conserve water: Use a high-efficiency clothes washer, installing low-flow faucet aerator, fix leaky faucets and toilets, use rotating sprinklers, install a pool cover, turning off water while brushing your teeth, and replacing your lawn with faux turf or landscape that requires little to no watering. We are all part of the solution!

Have you taken the Helicopter Tour yet?

Admission: 
Grand Opening Price of $10 per ticket extended until January 3, 2016.
(Children 2 and under free.)
Annual Memberships are available.
Tickets to 4D movies cost extra.

Address: 
11800 Foothill Boulevard
Sylmar, CA 91342

Hours: 
Open Monday-Sunday from 10am to 5pm
(not open on Thanksgiving or Christmas)

Follow Discovery Cube LA on Social Media:

Twitter: @DiscoveryCubeLA

Instagram: DiscoveryCubeLA

Facebook: DiscoveryCubeLA

See you at the Cube!

 

Disclosure: This is a compensated post. As a member of Discovery Cube Mom Ambassadors, my family and I get free admission to The Cube to review and attend events. The thoughts and opinions shared on this blog are 100% fresh and 100% mine.

The Science of Gingerbread at Discovery Cube Los Angeles

The Science of Gingerbread
November 27, 2015 – January 3, 2016

When we're not decking the halls we are usually going on fun family adventures that will warm our hearts during winter. I'm happy to tell you that there's lots of festive things to do at Discovery Cube Los Angeles to keep the kids active and educated during the holiday break, including the very popular, annual Science of Gingerbread exhibit. You'd be surprised to learn that there's a lot more to gingerbread making than just mixing, pouring, and tasting... there's science at work! (But tasting is probably my favorite part!)

Holiday Festival

Participate in hands-on activities designed to bring families together at Discovery Cube LA's Holiday Festival. Decorate and eat delicious holiday cookies, enjoy the 'Science of Snow' stage show, and much more! Plus check out award-winning gingerbread competition entries displayed throughout the Cube. 

Meet Santa

Meet Santa Claus. Get photos of the kids while they sit upon Santa's lap and tell him what they want for Christmas this year. Meet and Greet times are between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the following dates:

November 27-29

December 5-6

December 12-13

December 19-24

Annual Gingerbread Competition

Do you make and decorate gingerbread houses with your family each year as a holiday tradition? We do and it's something our kids look forward to every December! You may have an award winner on your hands and I've got just the place for you to enter your gingerbread masterpiece. 

Discovery Cube Los Angeles proudly invites families to participate in its Annual Science of Gingerbread Competition. Local companies, schools, families and organizations are invited to build their own creations and enter into a competition. If you think you've got what it takes (and I'm sure you do) I encourage you to participate in this year's competition.

To participate in this year's Annual Science of Gingerbread Competition, you must download, complete and submit this entry form by November 29:
http://www.discoverycube.org/la/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2015-Gingerbread-Entry-Form-LA.pdf

Gingerbread drop off dates are November 21-November 29, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (excluding November 26, 2015) Entries will be judged on December 2-3, 2015. Winners will be announced at the Gingerbread Awards Ceremony and notified by mail no later than December 11, 2015.

Award Categories: 

Best Holiday Theme

Best by an Organization

Best Youth 5 and Under

Best Youth ages 6-13

Best Youth Group/Classroom

Best by a Member of the Cube

Best Science Theme

People's Choice

Share your building experience by using #GingerbreadDC on Social Media. The best photos will be featured on the Discovery Cube Facebook Page.

Admission:
Grand Opening Price of $10 per ticket extended until January 3, 2016.
(Children 2 and under free.)
Annual Memberships are available.
Tickets to 4D movies cost extra.

Address:
11800 Foothill Boulevard
Sylmar, CA 91342

Hours:
Open Monday-Sunday from 10am to 5pm
(not open on Thanksgiving or Christmas)

Follow Discovery Cube LA on Social Media:
Facebook: Discovery Cube LA
Twitter: @DiscoveryCubeLA
Instagram: DiscoveryCubeLA

See you at the Cube!

Disclosure: This is a compensated post. As a member of  Discovery Cube Mom Ambassadors, my family and I get free admission to The Cube to review and attend events. The thoughts and opinions shared on this blog are 100% fresh and 100% mine.

Curious George Comes to Discovery Cube Los Angeles

During our latest trip to Discovery Cube Los Angeles, we were very curious to explore one exhibit in particular. Curious George has made his way to LA and is now hanging around the Cube just waiting to visit with your family! But you've got to hurry - this exhibit is only around until January 3, 2016.

The latest exhibit to come to Discovery Cube LA is Curious George: Let's Get Curious!
There's so much to do, it's BANANAS! (See what I did there?)

My daughter and her friends (we love having play dates there) walked around from the apartment building, sidewalk produce brand, construction site, city park, space rocket, and the farm. There was dress up, a slide, chances to take photos with Curious George and even three holes of mini golf! Kaia's favorite part was designing her own building at the Construction Site! Stacking up the bricks and then loading them up on the conveyor belt was definitely a highlight for her. Maybe I have a future architect on my hands, huh?

I spent most of my time at the 'Museum inside the Museum.' On display is a fascinating arrangement of how the story of the monkey started including all about the author, the illustrator and the journey that George has taken. 

Did you know that Curious George was published in the United States in 1941. In the original story they were calling him "Fifi." That silly monkey soon became a worldwide success. Editions have appeared in many languages, with George given such names as Jorge, Zozo, Bingo, Nicke, Coco and Piete. I loved learning so much about one of my favorite childhood books.

 

Here's a closer look at the fun new exhibit that is great for kids of all ages!

For more info, be sure to check out my other posts all about Discovery Cube:
Ultimate Playdate at Discovery Cube LA and Hansen Dam
10 Awesome Exhibits Your Kids Will Love at Discovery Cube LA

Admission: 
Grand Opening Price of $10 per ticket extended until January 3, 2016.
(Children 2 and under free.)
Annual Memberships are available.
Tickets to 4D movies cost extra.

Address: 
11800 Foothill Boulevard
Sylmar, CA 91342

Hours: 
Open Monday-Sunday from 10am to 5pm
(not open on Thanksgiving or Christmas)

Follow Discovery Cube LA on Social Media:

Twitter: @DiscoveryCubeLA

Instagram: DiscoveryCubeLA

Facebook: DiscoveryCubeLA

See you at the Cube!

Disclosure: This is a compensated post. As a member of  Discovery Cube Mom Ambassadors, my family and I get free admission to The Cube to review and attend events. The thoughts and opinions shared on this blog are 100% fresh and 100% mine.

Bean Sprouts: Kid-Friendly Cafe at Discovery Cube Los Angeles

If you haven't heard of BEAN SPROUTS, it's making quite a name for itself. It's an award winning, kid-friendly restaurant full of healthy and delicious eats for all ages. Creative presentations paired with wholesome ingredients sure to please even the pickiest eaters is what they are all about.

The clever concept of Bean Sprouts was created by two moms (Shannon Seip and Kelly Parthen) in 2007, their philosophy was simple and brilliant "Spark my children's appetite with yummy, good-for-you foods; and delight grown-ups with a happier mealtime." With core values such as health, innovation, positivity and playfulness it's a family business that gets it.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Bean Sprouts inside Discovery Cube Los Angeles.

It's located on the right-hand side when you first walk into the Cube, making it easy to drop in for a snack before you start your day at the museum or to stop in for a meal before you leave. There's also an organic expresso bar to help parents get that much needed boost of energy. YUM!

As you walk up to the counter you'll notice they have a special low counter just for kids, with the menu on display in photos for even the youngest guests to order. It's one thing to have a kid's menu, but Bean Sprouts makes it obvious that they actually cater to children. My picky eater found something she likes on the menu - a grilled cheese sandwich in the shape of a butterfly! YES! 

Everything on the menu is either organic, vegetarian, gluten-free or a combination of these. But not to worry, this nutritional food really does taste good. They are sensitive about food allergies and nearly any dietary need or allergy can be accommodated - just ask! They also use local providers as often as possible from produce suppliers to bakeries which is always nice to know. People in the community can feel good about supporting this local business.

Sandwiches, salads, smoothies, pizza and even dessert is on the menu at Bean Sprouts which means something for everyone. 

KID'S MENU
The kid's menu is made up of healthy choices called 'Imaginibbles.' That look fun to eat. They look like works of art actually. Just check out the Crocomole or the Do-Re-For-Me piano sandwich. Who wouldn't want to eat these imaginative creations?
 

GROWN-UP MENU

No matter which item you choose from the grown-up menu like salads, soup, sandwiches, or pizza you can't go wrong. Fresh Tip: You'll want to try my favorite dish, the (hot) chicken pesto chango sandwich paired with organic greens, topped off with an with ice-cold homemade lemonade. It's delicious!

DESSERT
Don't forget dessert! They have a variety of treats perfect when you want something sweet. Cake pops, smoothies, ice cream and frozen gelato bars. The perfect way to end a play date at the museum is with cake pops and ice cream, right?

STAFF

While at Bean Sprouts at The Cube in Los Angeles I found the staff to be very friendly, courteous and helpful. They were all passionate about the food and fresh ingredients that they are serving. When you love what you do it shows and these are definitely happy employees.

PARTIES
 Host an unforgettable Birthday Party or event that is catered by Bean Sprouts at Discovery Cube Los Angeles. Your party guests will spend the day exploring two floors of interactive exhibits and celebrate your special day with pizza and presents in the Birthday Party Zone.
To book a birthday party, please call (714) 263-3842. 

BIRTHDAY BUNCH
Make sure you sign up to be a part of the 'Birthday Bunch' and get ready to celebrate! You will receive an e-mail during your Birthday and half-birthday month for a special treat redeemable at Bean Sprouts. 

 

COOKBOOK

Bean Sprouts first cookbook 'Bean Appetit: Hip and Healthy Ways to Have Fun with Food' is a great way for families to cook and recreate these meals in their own kitchen together. Proving it is okay to play with your food!

EDUCATIONAL COOKING APP

Bean Sprouts new experimental cooking App teaches kids how to have fun in the kitchen.
This fresh app designed to get kids excited about cooking food that is actually good for them. Cooking Fun For Kids: Healthy Playful Recipes, Food Games, and Videos for Kids in the Kitchen by Bean Sprouts Download here for just $0.99.

AWARDS

I'm not the only one raving about this place.
In 2014 Bean Sprouts was awarded best kids' meal in the nation with their 'Imaginibbles' menu item Do-Re-For-Me sandwich. Now that's impressive!

 

VIPea GALLERY

While you're visiting don't forget to check out the VIPea Gallery. It's full of celebrities' cartooned head shot and autographs like 'Carrot Underwood', 'Katy Berry' and 'Whoopea Goldberg' to name a few. Just another added touch that shows what a sense of humor they have.

CURRENT LOCATIONS

Discovery Cube LA (Sylmar, CA)

Discovery Cube OC (Santa Ana, CA)
Chabot Space and Science Center (Oakland, CA)
Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito, CA)

Disclosure: This is a compensated post. As part of the Discovery Cube Mom Ambassadors, my family and I get free admission to The Cube to review and attend events. The thoughts and opinions shared on this blog are 100% fresh and 100% mine.