Medieval Times in Buena Park is a Great Family Fun Night!

Medievil Times dinner show in Buena Park was something we had wanted to do for a long time but hadn't gotten to yet.  We have friends who absolutely love it and make a point of going at least once a year so it was on my list of something to do with the kids before they got older.

We were recently invited to attend to celebrate the new show and upgraded menu.  It was an absolutely amazing night and something I can't recomend enough!  I've never seen my youngest (age 8) get so in to a show!  He was literally screaming at the top of his lungs cheering on our horsemen! 

There are team crowns to wear, ribbons to wave and more to help cheer on your team.  The visuals are awe inspiring, with solos to jousting there isn't a quiet moment!  (The show runs about 2 hours).  Remember you are in the Medieval Times... so be prepared to eat with your hands (the soup bowl has a handle).  My boys initially couldn't believe they got to eat with their hands but by the end thought it was the coolest thing!

It's a super fun family outing that if you haven't done, you need to book your reservations asap!  There is currently a great deal for the new show (details here). 

Couple of tips:  There isn't assigned seating, so arrive early so you can be closer to the arena.  Enter with your entire group so that you will be seated together.  Come hungry - there will be plenty of food and drinks.  Arrive early to enjoy all the pre-show festivities (including pictures with the King or Queen), viewing the gorgeous horses and to peruse the gift shop.

To purchase tickets go here.  There are also multiple locations across the country if you can't get to Buena Park.

Note:  No compensation was recieved for this post - but tickets were provided to facilitate the review.  The opinions are stictly that of my own as well as the images taken above.

Read more...

Pirates Dinner Adventure - A Night Full of Fun!

We were recently invited to check out the Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park, CA (note there is also one located in Florida).  If you are a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, the Pirates of the Caribbean movie or just Pirates in general - you are sure to love this dinner theater!  It starts with a pre-show entertainment experience, I say this because there really isn't any other way to explain it.  You'll be harassed by Pirates, have the chance to take photographs with Pirates and more before the show even begins.  Be sure to have your Yo ho ho and arrrgs ready! 

Once the show is ready to begin, you'll be escorted to your seats where you pick your meals, enjoy you drinks and the show will begin.  The seats surround a 250,000 gallon indoor lagoon with an 18th century Spanish ship replica.

Be prepared for Pirates to be swinging from above and tons of audience interaction.  My kids had an awesome time and we highly recommend any Pirate fans be sure to check it out!  There are two dinner shows to check out - Curse of Poseidon's Treasure (the newest addition) and Captain Sebastian's Revenge (a classic favorite).

For more information on booking your Pirate Dinner Adventure, you can head here.

Ok... and I admit it... I was adding "arrgg and ahoy matey" to many of my conversations in the days after, but don't tell anyone!

Read more...

Best Halloween Events for Families in Southern Callifornia

We are now entering in to my favorite time of year - Halloween and Christmas!  It's easy to get overwhelmed with the number of family fun Halloween events we have in Southern California, so here's a quick list of fun events to help you not miss out on some of the biggest ones. 

Brick-or-Treat at Legoland California

• Brick-or-Treat at Legoland California (in Carlsbad).  Runs weekends in October.  Admission is included in admission to the park (but the event runs from 5-9pm).  There are treat stations as well as fun Halloween themed events throughout the park. You can go here for more information.

Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego

• Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego.  We attended this one last year and love it (check out the post here).  Admission is included with entrance to the park.  There are trick or treat stations (with fun not just your normal candy handouts), activity stations, and several of the shows have Halloween spin to them. You can go here for more information on it.



Mickey's Trick or Treat at Disneyland

• Mickey's Trick or Treat at Disneyland.  There's little doubt that Disneyland knows how to go all out for holidays and Halloween is no exception.  With ride theme overlays on Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion and more, you're sure to have an amazing time trick or treating through the park. This is a special event and special tickets must be purchased (even passholders must purchase).  It runs most Tuesdays & Fridays throughout October. Read my post about it here or go here to buy tickets.

Knotts Halloween Haunt


• Halloween Haunt at Knott's "Scary" Farm (in Buena Park). Running on select nights starting at the end of September through the end of October, you can find everything from mazes and other spooks to get your Halloween thrills.  (Note this is not an event recommended for kids under 13). You need to purchase a separate event ticket for this and you can go here to learn more.




Snoopy's Costume Party


• Snoopy's Costume Party at Knott's Berry Farm. Running weekends in October and it's included with park admission.  There are special shows, trick or treating, dance parties and more.  You can go here for more information about it.



© Discovery Science Center

• Spooky Science - Bug Invasion at the Discovery Science Center (Santa Ana). Running through October, you can find giant bugs (animatronics), remote controlled bugs, learning stations and more.  This is included with the price of admission.  Go here for more information.

• Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.  Running now through the end of October there is the Terror Tram, ScareZones, mazes and other spooks throughout the park.  This is not included with regular admission to the park but is also not recommended for kids under 13.  Go here for more information.



Spooky Sleepover at the San Diego Zoo

• Spooky Sleepovers at the San Diego Zoo. Running special Saturday Nights at the Zoo you can purchase tickets to sleep over at the zoo where you will have the chance to trick or treat, have a costume parade, sit around the campfire and take special adventures throughout the Zoo.  You'll even get a special goodbag on your way home the next day.  This is not included with admission to the park.  You can go here for more information.




San Diego Safari Park Pumpkin Parties


• Roar & Snoar Pumpkin Parties at the Safari Park (formerly known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park).  They have a number of family Halloween sleepovers scheduled throughout the month go here for more information about the evenings.  The Safari Park is also hosting a creepy crawly festival on select days throughout October. The sleepovers are not included in regular admission.  You can go here for more information.

 (If I've missed your favorite or you you know of one you want added to this list, send me an email OCMomActivities [at] gmail [dot] com).

Read more...