Let's Play OC! | Family Fun in Orange County. : July 2012

July 31, 2012

FREE Bowling for Kids All Summer!

Did you know - there are more than one program for FREE bowling for kids all Summer?

Photo Credits: Mary K Tran
Kids 15 and under get two FREE* games every day at participating locations all through Summer via AMF Summer Unplugged and Kids Bowl Free. Sign up to get weekly coupons emailed to you. Chances are your favorite bowling center will be listed in one of the two links. Family passes are also available for an additional fee. Now get out there and have some fun!

July 27, 2012

#Facepainting and Balloon Twisting Deal! Susy's Happy Faces

If you know children parties, you know that entertaining them is not cheap. I am happy to share that Susy's Happy Faces is offering Let's Play OC!'s readers a special rate: $50/hour* with a two-hour minimum.


July 25, 2012

NEW Meetup Socials for Asperger Teens in OC!

Check out this new social group for Teens called American Aspergers United (AAU) in OC! Their socials are geered toward teens that have Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism or PDD-NOS and most of them have had PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relationship Skills) training. They are looking for families that are interested in building up their child's self-esteem and practice the skills they have learned in safe and fun environments.

Photo credits: Kim Mason, AAU
Already on their calendar is a Teen Game Night, an Archery Day, Therapeutic Gymnastics, a monthly Fitness with Swim, and Boomers. How cool is that? Here are a list of other outings they plan to do with their teens: 
  • amusement parks, 
  • beaches, 
  • bowling
  • swimming
  • laser tag, etc.
You can learn more about AAU and/or RSVP for an American Aspergers United Event HERE.


Thanks, LeeAnn Segan from CAN, for sharing this group!

July 23, 2012

Harry Dotson Park's Water Feature is back on! #Updated

Photo Credits: Let's Play OC!
Wow this is great news! My kids and SAHM-friends love love this park and were so disappointed when the water feature was shut down due to budget cuts. Thanks to the generous donation of Association of Orange County Deputy Sherrifs (AOCDS), they were able to turn it back on as of Friday, July 20, 2012!
The "Water Feature" is open for the summer season:
May 25 - September 2
Monday - Sunday (seven days a week)
12-5 p.m.

July 19, 2012

Parent's Free Day @ Respite Care Event!

Westminster Family Resource Center together with Families and Communities Together (FaCT) are hosting a Parent's Free Day - Respite Care Event!


Photo Credits: Mary Tran
Your child(ren) will enjoy:
  • a day with pizza, 
  • snacks, and 
  • WATER FUN!
You'll want to pack their wetsuits and a change of clothes.

Date:  Friday, August 31, 2012
Time:  5pm– 7pm
Location:
Sigler Park Splash Pad
7200 Plaza Street
Westminster, CA 92683


This event is open to families with adopted and foster children and/or relative caregivers.

For more information or to register for the event, please call (714) 903-1331.

Click here for more info --> Parent's Free Day Flyer
City of Westminster's link about the park with pictures --> Siglar Park Splash Pad

Thanks, LeeAnn Segan, for sharing this event!

The Many Faces of Thomas the Tank Engine and Autism

An interesting study about children with Autism and how Thomas the Tank Engine helped them learn social emotions.
"Parents of children with ASD have known for years that Thomas and his friends have special value to their children. The report confirms this anecdotal evidence, stating that children with ASD associate far more strongly with Thomas the Tank Engine than with other children's characters. Some parents of children with ASD have reported leaps of emotion, imagination and symbolic play that were unimaginable before the child's relationship with Thomas."

July 18, 2012

AST's Game/Movie Night

Thanks to Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), parents can enjoy a night out while keeping your kids entertained at a monthly social game/movie night supervised by AST's behavioral therapists.

Ages: 2-18, Siblings are welcome

Time: 5:30-9:30pm (Parents may drop off and pick up anytime during these times)

Fee: $20 per child (includes food)

July 17, 2012

Free Kids' Cut all month of August @JCPenney

Free Kids' Cut @ participating JCPenney Salon throughout the month of August!

Many don't know that JCPenney have a full salon. We did this last weekend. You'll want to call ahead for an appointment. I must say that all stylists are not created equal but the staff is super-friendly. I also saved $15 each per child this month so I'm a happy mommy.

Thanks, Freebies 4 Mom!

July 16, 2012

3rd Annual Summer Blast!

RCOC is hosting their 3rd Annual Summer Blast on Saturday, July 28 from 2:00-7:00pm!

Your $5 admission ticket includes a lunch (hot dog, chips, and water). Additional food and snacks available for purchase. Entertainment includes: Live Band Performances, DJ, Softball Game, Raffles, Face Painting, Water Balloon Toss, Pie Eating Contest and More! Click on flyer to enlarge to see more details.  

Location:
Kiwanisland
9840 Larson Ave.
Garden Grove, CA 92844 


Please contact your RCOC service coordinator for more information or contact Twila Chisum at Integrity House at 714.542.0855 or email: twilag312@gmail.com.


Link to past events:

Summer Blast 2011 Picture Slideshow
Summer Blast 2010 Photos

Get 50% off parking at State Parks, Camping Sites, etc. with the Disabled Discount Pass!

Get 50% off parking at State Parks, State Beaches, Camping Sites, Boat Parking, etc. with the Disabled Discount Pass! Only $3.50 to apply. (Does not apply to city parks).



See application for eligibilty requirements (includes developmental, autism, hearing, mental, physical, speech, and visual disabilities to name a few - see page 2 of application for more)

Send your application with required certifications to:
Photo credits: Mary Tran
California State Parks
Attn: Disabled Discount Pass Program
PO Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296

All questions can be directed to California State Parks Pass Sales at 1-800-777-0369.
For more info and application, please follow this link: 

Link to Disabled Discount Pass Application




July 14, 2012

OC Bike Camp

Registration may be closed so please call ahead. 
*******************************************

Down Syndrome Association of OC (DSAOC) in partnership with United Cerebral Palsy of OC (UCPOC) is hosting Orange County Bike Camp!

Dates: July 30 - August 3, 2012 (Monday – Friday)
Camp Location: Soka University in Aliso Viejo
Camp tuition: $225.00

For Ages 8 and older

Bike camp teaches individuals with special needs how to ride bikes without training wheels. Bikes and equipment will be provided. 



Some benefits to mastering biking skills:
• Builds Self-esteem
• Peer inclusion
• Improves health & confidence
• Improves participation in family activities
• Increase independence and teaches them a form of transportation




Contact Info: Kellie Perez at kperez@dsaoc.org to participate or volunteer.
Phone (714) 540-5794 DSAOC or (949) 333-6428 UCPOC.


Click on these links for more info-->
2012 Bike Camp OC Flyer
2012 Bike Camp Registration Form
Bike Camp (National) Schedule
Lose the Training Wheels Website

Surf Lessons with OT Therapist Karyn Strong!

1.5 hour individual Surf Lessons with OT Therapist Karyn Strong! Wednesday and Friday mornings thru July 27, 2012. Equipment will be provided.
***********************************


Come surf with BIG FUN this summer and explore the water like never before. Students will discuss:
  • ocean safety and awareness, 
  • discover balancing techniques, 
  • learn paddling positions, and 
  • practice riding waves
JUNE 27-JULY 27 2012
Location: Newport Pier
  • 1.5 hour individual sessions offered twice a week. 
  • Wednesday & Friday mornings
  • Equipment will be provided.  
  • Open to children of all ages and levels of function.
  • Students must be pool safe.

Call to reserve your space! Phone: 310-837-7849 or 877-BIG-FUN8

More info about the Occupational Therapist Karyn Strong can be found on their flyer-->
Big Fun Surf Flyer
Big Fun Gymnatics' Website

July 13, 2012

Family Support Network's CAMP TLC

They are looking for families with special children 4 and younger but you have to register.  Thanks, Melynda Le, for sharing this info!




Family Support Network’s 21st Annual TLC Conference
September 7th to 9th, 2012

Link to event website: http://www.familysupportnetworkca.org/camptlc.html

WHAT: TLC Conference (Teaching Loving Care)
WHERE: Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center
WHO: Families in Orange County who have a child under the age of 4 with a special need
WHEN: September 7th, 8th and 9th, 2012
WHY: To learn and have fun!
COST: $40.00 family application fee (Fee can be waived if family is in extreme financial hardship. Request a  fee waiver when submitting an application.)
Note: Each family must provide their own transportation to and from the conference

Camp TLC is a unique camp for families who have a child under the age of 4 with a significant medical, cognitive, developmental or mental health disability. It offers a number of different services for families.

  • Parents can attend workshops related to their child's disability and network with other parents or experts. Topics may include: speech, behavior, therapy and/or medical issues, father's support group and mother's support group.
  • Special needs children will have a staff of doctors and nurses available during the presentations and workshops.
  • Siblings will be at supervised activities such as arts and crafts, swimming, and more. 

They have space for between 35-40 families to attend each year.

Download Camp TLC Brochures:
English Brochure

Spanish Brochure

Free Skateboarding Lessons with Skatedogs!


Autism in Long Beach is hosting a Skate Clinic
Sunday, September 30, 2012 @ 1:00 PM

Free Skateboard lessons with our friends Skatedogs. Siblings included. More info closer to date. RSVP is a must. Registration will close if we fill up so if you don't show you are taking the place of another family who may want to attend.  

N Studebaker Rd & E Los Arcos St, Long Beach, CA (map)
Other side of Duck pond near Stage


See link for RSVP info...
http://www.meetup.com/Autism-in-Long-Beach/events/69799432/?a=ea1_grp&rv=ea1

Who's Going to the OC Fair today? @OCFair 2012

It's OC Fair's Opening Day today and your can get in FREE with FREE parking if you get there in their first opening hour! 

Friday, July 13 - OPENING DAY
Free admission and parking (Noon – 1 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, California 92626

For other promotional days, go to this link:
http://ocfair.com/2012/discountsdeals/promotions.asp

Fair Admission

General (13-59) $11
Senior (60+) $8
Youth (6-12) $6
Buy tickets online with no service fee through Ticketmaster *
(* must choose the 'TicketFast' print-at-home option to waive service charge)

 
Group Sales of 15 or more
General (13-59) $9
Senior (60+) $6
Youth (6-12) $4
(Mail or fax order form by July 2)

July 12, 2012

Sensory Friendly Films

Thanks to AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society, families affected by autism and other disabilities can enjoy watching current movies which are sensory-friendly. They turn down the sound and brighten up the theater. What's also nice is there are no previews or advertisements, audience members can bring their on GFCF snacks, get up and dance, walk, and laugh out loud as the "Silence is Golden®" policy will not be enforced.

4th Annual Great Open Jump @ Pump It Up!


Join in on the fun at the 4th annual Great Open Jump and help raise money for autism.


Wednesday, July 25th, 2012 from 6:15-8:15 PM
Pump It Up! Anaheim Hills, CA
5397 E. Hunter Ave
Anaheim Hills, CA
(714) 693-9663

Admission is $5 per child and 100% of proceeds will be donated to Autism Speaks. Event is open to children of all ages and abilities.

Participating location(s) and hours will vary so use this link to find a location near you: http://pumpitupparty.com/locator-main.aspx

Family Autism Event @ Pretend City - FREE this Month!




FREE** this month is Family Autism Event at Pretend City! Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Watson Family Foundation, you can get 5 admissions per family with one ticket to play in this extremely fun Children's Museum. Let your imagination run wild and become a kid again as you "pretend" to grocery shop at the Ralph's supermarket, work there as a cashier, pick apples or plant vegetables at the farm, play doctor in the Kaiser medical clinic, OR deliver mail around the museum as a postal worker (only to name a few) on Monday, July 30th from 2-5pm. The autism-friendly event is like no other - they dim the lights and turn the music off so your family can enjoy the museum without over-stimulating your child. Bring the whole family and your therapist.

Pretend City Children's Museum
29 Hubble 
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 428-3900


**Important: Please register below as only families with reservations and a confirmation will be admitted. Get your tickets today! Use this link to reserve your tickets!

Welcome!

I finally did it! It didn't take much persuasion from friends to start my own blog since I already love doing this but now I have a special page dedicated to my cause. I'm sharing Autism-friendly social events happening all over OC as I find them so that our kids can try new things without feeling judged. Hope you find my page useful. Let's Play OC!