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Irvine Park Railroad’s Annual Easter Eggstravaganza Opens March 14!

March 1, 2015 / Family Fun, Irvine Park Railroad, Lifestyle, Orange County

Who else is ready for Spring to get here already? I love the flowers and all of the new baby animals and Easter time! We are so excited about the return of The Easter Bunny Irvine Park Railroad for their annual Easter Eggstravaganza because we had SO much fun together last year! He’s hopping on over starting March 14th!

This year, Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Easter Eggstravaganza will begin March 14th and go through April 4th. It opens daily at 10:00 am. (Note: Irvine Regional Park and Irvine Park Railroad will be open on Easter Sunday, however, the Easter Eggstravaganza events will not be open on Easter Sunday.) This event is held inside of Locomotive Loop… just behind the train station. Children and adults can participate in a variety of fun activities in the beautiful Irvine Regional Park setting.

Here are some of our pictures from last year’s Easter Eggstravaganza!

Irvine Park Railroad train rides (1 ticket per person)
hay rides
carnival games (1 ticket per game)
a moon bounce (1 ticket per person)
face painting (2 tickets per person)
Easter cookie decorating (1 ticket per cookie)
picture stands (free for all visitors)
Easter Egg Hunts– (1 ticket per child) Children ages 2 through 12 can participate in the Easter egg hunt. Each egg will be filled with candy or a prize. Hunts begin daily at 10:00 AM and tickets may be purchased and exchanged for a wristband to participate in an egg hunt at a specific time. Please bring an Easter basket for each child that will be participating in the Easter egg hunt. (Irvine Park Railroad will also offer Easter baskets for sale.) Tickets must be purchased on the day of the event in order to receive a wristband for the Easter egg hunt.
Easter Bunny photos– Children can meet and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny for the cost of $10.00. This cost includes a complimentary photo that will be taken by Irvine Park Railroad staff. Each additional print of the same photo is $6.00. Photos will be printed in a few, short minutes at the Easter Bunny booth.

Activity Tickets – $5.00 each

Book of 15 Activity Tickets – $60.00 ($15.00 Savings)

*Important Note: Coupons, discounts and any other promotions are not valid for the Easter Eggstravaganza dates and are not valid to receive a wrist band to enter the Easter egg hunt. Activities are not included with the purchase of Easter egg hunt tickets and are an additional cost.

Guess what? I’m having a giveaway and one lucky reader is going to win a package that’s worth approximately $70!

The prize package includes:

6 Tickets (which can be used to ride the train OR participate in Easter Eggstravaganza activities)
1 Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park surrey rental (excludes the double surrey)
1 Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park paddle boat rental

All you have to do is enter on the Rafflecopter below! Be sure to follow the directions carefully! Hope to see you all at Irvine Park Railroad’s Easter Eggstravaganza in a couple of weeks! Good luck everyone!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Connect with Irvine Park Railroad on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Irvine Park Railroad is open year-round and is located inside of Irvine Regional Park! They offer other annual events include the Anniversary Celebration, Fourth Grade California History Education Program, Pumpkin Patch, Christmas Tree Ranch, and Christmas Train.

Discounts and Deals at the 2014 OC Fair!

July 5, 2014 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, OC Fair, Orange County

Get ready, Fairgoers….the 2014 OC Fair is offering discounts and deals for a summer of fun that’s wallet-friendly!

Savings at the Gates

Super Pass – Season pass to OC Fair funValid for one admission each day of the 2014 OC Fair for the pass holder plus 2-for-1 discounts on select concerts and events and a carnival savings book. Prices: General (ages 13-59) $35, Senior (60+) & Youth (6-12) $28 (Available for purchase through August 8.)

Military Get in Free – Daily
Free admission for all veterans and active duty military with ID all day, every day
Opening Day Free Hour – Friday July 11 (Noon-1 p.m.)
Free admission and parking through all gates

We Care Wednesday – Free admission and one carnival ride per person with donation:

Food Drive – Wednesday, July 16 (Noon-3 p.m.) 5 canned food items
Children’s Book Drive – Wednesday, July 23 (Noon-3 p.m.) 1 new or 3 gently used children’s books
Clothing Drive – Wednesday, July 30 (Noon-3 p.m.) 5 clothing items (new or gently used)
School Supply Drive – Wednesday, August 6 (Noon-3 p.m.) School supplies valued at $5 or more (receipt required)

Kids Day – Every Thursday
Guests 12 and younger are admitted free all day

Seniors Day – Every Friday
Guests 60 and older receive a $2 discount on senior admission and can enjoy free rides on the Ferris wheel and merry-go-round.

Rise & Shine – Every Saturday & Sunday (10 a.m.-11 a.m.)
Pay only $3 during the opening hour on weekends
Savings Before You Get to the Fair

Crush Grapefruit – Bring a Crush Grapefruit soda can with the appropriate OC Fair coupon and receive $2 off full-price general admission.

OC Cities – Orange County residents can pick up a coupon for $2 off full-price general admission at their local city hall or library.

Free Off-site Weekend Parking (Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.) – Free parking and shuttle service at the Experian parking structure off the Bristol St. exit of the I-405 freeway.

OC Fair Express (Friday-Sunday) – Enjoy direct bus service to the Fair from 8 convenient OCTA transit locations for only $2 each way ($4 round trip). Plus, riders receive a $3 general Fair admission coupon to use when they arrive at the Fair. Visit octa.net/ocfairexpress for more details.
Guests traveling from outside Orange County can jump on the Metrolink to Anaheim Canyon, Santa Ana or Irvine Metrolink stations to catch the OC Fair Express for free when they show their Metrolink ticket.
Savings Inside the Fair

Shop ‘Til You Drop – Every Thursday
Find special savings all day from select retail vendors. Look for the Olivia the Orange icon for savings.

$2 Taste of Fair Food – Every Friday, Noon-4 p.m.
Taste select Fair food for $2 each sample

$30 Unlimited Ride Wristband – Every Wednesday and Thursday, Sold until 5 p.m. and ride until 8 p.m. Unlimited rides in the Main Midway and Kiddie Carnival plus 2 free games

$2 Rides & $2 Games – Every Friday, Noon-4 p.m. All rides and games are $2 each

Read & Ride – Daily
Children (ages 5-11) who read 2 books and submit a completed book report form to the Centennial Farm Information Booth will receive three free carnival ride passes. Official book report form is available at ocfair.com.

With so many different discounts available, I think we’re going to be visiting the 2014 OC Fair several times this year!

I’m leaning towards the Super Pass! What about YOU?

(image courtesy of OC Fair)

S’mores, Slides & a Scavenger Hunt at The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay: A Review by Over the Top Kid

July 3, 2014 / California, Over the Top Kid, Travel, Uncategorized

This is a guest post by Over the Top Kid! ( Emily, age 9)

A few days ago, I had the chance to take a quick trip with my family down to San Diego. It’s a short drive and I was excited to stay at The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay because it’s right on the water.

When we were checking in, I relaxed by the lobby fireplace with some of my stuffed animal friends. In the lobby there was a coloring table and right next to it is where I picked up one of the Scavenger Hunt pages that they have for kids to do during their stay. If you answer all of the questions, you can win a prize!

On our first day there, it was too late to go on the waterslides but we did go and look at the pool. There were 3 different pools all in the same area and one had a small waterside, while another one had 2 big waterslides. I couldn’t wait to go on them the next day!

Next to the pool area there’s a restaurant called “Swim” and they sell S’mores Kits there that you can roast at one of the hotel’s 3 fire pits. (hint: That’s actually one of the answers to one of the Scavenger hunt questions)

Each kit comes with a bunch of marshmallows, 2 big Hershey’s chocolate bars, a bunch of packs of Honeymaid graham crackers and 4 wooden dowels that you roast your marshmallows on.

It was so fun to make the s’mores by the fire with my parents. We also got to watch the Sea World fireworks when we were out there because Sea World is really close by.

The next day, I think we were at the pool all day long. It’s kind of cool that they give the kids a refillable purple cup to use. I got to have as much lemonade as I wanted. The smaller waterslide was fun because you could ride it with 2 people. I liked the bigger waterslides the best though. It was fun to make my mom go on them too!

At 3:00 there were races by the pool for all of the kids. They actually have different activities for kids by the pool each day, even on the weekends!

I had a fun time staying at The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay! I hope I get to back there sometime soon!

Follow the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay on Facebook , Twitter, and Instagram.

The 2014 OC Fair: Summer Starts Here!

July 2, 2014 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, OC Fair, Orange County

We are counting down the days until the 2014 OC Fair begins! The theme this year is Summer Starts Here and I can’t think of a more appropriate theme for the kickoff of summer! This year’s fair will run from July 11-August 10! It’s going to be 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music, action sports and fun! In addition to all of that, the venue also features the Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre and events in The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. I think everyone needs to check out the Super Pass option. It’s offered at one price and gives you entrance into the fair for the entire 23 days plus a bunch of other benefits. To get more info about the Super Pass and to purchase online, click here.

When I look back at some of our pictures from last year’s fair, I get even more excited about it! We absolutely LOVE visiting the farm animals, especially the piglets and the chicks! The farm is the first place we walk through each year when we get into the fair. Emi even thinks it’s fun to milk the pretend cow!

Emily also loves going on the kiddie rides. Sadly, she’s getting so tall that I don’t know how much longer she’ll be able to ride on them.

It wouldn’t be a trip to the fair without some of the delicious fair food. We are always anxious to see what new items will be featured each year in the fried foods category, but honestly, I don’t think there’s anything that can beat the BBQ corn!

The Fair is open Wednesday-Sunday. Concert tickets, action sports reserved seats, single-day general admission and the popular Super Pass are available for purchase online at ocfair.com or from the on-site Box Office. Free parking and shuttle service are available on Saturdays and Sundays from the Experian parking structure located off the Bristol St. exit of the 405 freeway.

What are YOU most excited about at this year’s fair?

Is it something you want to see, something you want to ride, or something you’re excited to eat?

Farrell’s 5th Annual Charity Ice Cream Eating Challenge!

June 4, 2014 / Entertainment, Food, Let's Eat!

Farrell’s 5th Annual Splendiferously Superific Summer Spectacular Ice Cream Eating Challenge is almost here…and it’s going to be as ridiculous as ever! Did you know that 100% of the net proceeds from this event benefit CHOC Children’s and Make-A-Wish? How awesome is that? Do you see why I LOVE Farrell’s?
Beginning Friday June 20 through Sunday July 13, Farrell’s will be looking to qualify the fastest ice cream eaters to compete, head-to-head, at their Championship event, which will take place on Sunday July 20 in Downtown Brea. From June 20 through July 13, anyone with an appetite for fun and ice cream can walk into any of the seven California Farrell’s locations during normal business hours and to try and qualify! In order to qualify as one of the fastest, and be placed into one of the categories, guests must eat a “qualifying sundae”. Categories will include Men’s, Women’s, Kid’s, Big and Small (one adult and one child), 4-Person Teams and Professionals. Amateur guests can qualify by eating a 3-scoop ice cream sundae as fast as they can. Professionals may qualify by eating a 6-scoop sundae called the Pig’s Trough.

Professionals can qualify by eating one of these 6-scoop sundaes called the Pig Trough!
(Photo: courtesy of Farrell’s)

All sundaes include chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream, hot fudge, pineapple and strawberry toppings and are then covered with Farrell’s freshly made whipped cream. The cost for amateurs to attempt to qualify is $20, for all categories, and $40 for professionals. Each entrant will receive a limited edition event t-shirt, a $5 coupon for a future visit to Farrell’s and the qualifying sundae. Remember: 100% of the net proceeds from this event benefit CHOC Children’s and Make-A-Wish!
Farrell’s will invite the top qualifiers to their Championship event in Brea on July 20! Farrell’s will actually close down Birch Street in Downtown Brea, in front of their Farrell’s location. The Championship event is an all day family festival and will take place from 11am until 5pm. There will be lots of rides (courtesy of Carnival Services), games, prizes, raffles, food, booths, music, and more!

How fun does last year’s event look, especially when you’ve got Max rockin’ the mic!
(Photo: courtesy of Farrell’s)

This guy looks like he’s still hungry!
(Photo: Courtesy of Farrell’s)

She’s powering through it!
(Photo: courtesy of Farrell’s)

At the Championship event, the Men, Women, Kids, and Big and Small categories all compete to be the first to finish a Farrell’s famous Pig’s Trough that has 6-scoops of ice cream and all the toppings. The 4-person team and each individual professional are going to attempt to finish a Farrell’s Famous Zoo sundae, which is 30 scoops of ice cream with all the toppings.

If you enter in the Big and Small category, you can use teamwork to win it all!
(Photo: courtesy of Farrell’s!)

Yikes!
(Photo: courtesy of Farrell’s)

Winners from each category will win a trophy and a year of free Farrell’s ice cream. 1st place in the Professional category also wins $300, 2nd place wins $200 and 3rd place walks away with $100.

One of last year’s winners!
(Photo: Courtesy of Farrell’s!)

Farrell’s also has an option for those that just don’t have the stomach to pound ice cream as fast as they can, but still want to participate in all the qualifying fun. During the qualifying period, June 20 to July 13, guests can get the event shirt, the ice cream “qualifying sundae’ to eat, along with a $5 coupon, all for the same $20, but they just won’t be timed. All YOU need to do is let your Farrell’s server know. Qualifying Farrell’s locations include Brea, Buena Park, Mission Viejo, Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, Sacramento, and Santa Clarita. Complete details and rules can be found at Farrell’s website, FarrellsUSA.com/Challenge.

So who wants to win a year of free ice cream?

I think Emi and I are going to attempt to qualify for a category!

Don’t worry..I’ll post pictures, when we do attempt it!

Bring the Family for Some Fun at Marzo’s Next Variety Show for Kids!

May 27, 2014 / Entertainment

If you have children ages 6-12 and are looking for something fun to do as a family, you should check out Marzo’s Variety Show for Children at The Zephyr Theater on Melrose in West Hollywood! Featured in L.A. Parent magazine’s round up of fun, upcoming events for children, Marzo’s shows feature a talented, rotating lineup of professional comedians, musicians, ventriloquists, magicians, balloon artists, and more, plus games, prizes, and promises plenty of interactive fun!
After doing a “trial run” of their show in late March and having such success with it, they’re doing monthly shows throughout the summer, and hopefully beyond. Their next show is Sunday, June 1st at 3:00 p.m. at The Zephyr Theater.

Marzo performing onstage!

At this Sunday’s show, Marzo, himself, will be performing for the audience. In addition, guests will be entertained by ventriloquist Christine Barger, Bill Chott, magician and a comedian known for the TV show “Wizards of Waverly Place”, and The Twigs, a musical entertainment duo for kids.

Some of Sunday’s performers will include ventriloquist Christine Barge, magician and comedian Bill Chott,
and the musical duo “The Twigs”.

Families will also be amazed by the wildly talented, FunnyEddie, who will be creating balloon animals at the show!

Doors will open at 2:45 p.m. and the show will run until approximately 4:15 p.m. Tickets may be purchased on the show’s website at http://www.marzos.com., as well as purchased at the door. Metered street parking is available on Melrose with 2-hr limit, free 2-hr street parking on Vista, Gardner, and neighborhood streets, and valet available for $6 at Antonio’s Restaurant right next door. The Zephyr Theater is located at 7456 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90045.

For more information about the show,

please visit http://www.marzos.com.

What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with the family! Come on out to Marzo’s!
Follow Marzo’s on Instagram at @marzosvarietyshow
and find them on Facebook here.

Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this post.
Show information and images were provided to me by Marzo’s.

The Time Farrell’s SAVED My Daughter’s Birthday Party AND My Sanity

May 5, 2014 / Celebrations, Family Fun, Food, Let's Eat!, Lifestyle, Orange County

Here’s the back story:
In case you didn’t know or hadn’t guessed, I’m the kind of mom who LOVES to throw a house party every year for my daughter’s birthday! I love to plan all of the details, far in advance, utilize Pinterest a ton throughout the entire planning period, seek out unique things to incorporate into the party and find vendors who are amazing but haven’t been very well known (yet). From the invitations to the coordinating printables to the custom cookies and the favors, I love all of it!
I don’t know what happened this year? I started out with a fun theme in mind for Emily’s 9th birthday, even had a few amazing ideas in my “party notebook” during the first few months of planning. What happened after that was just a series of hurdles followed by some awful events. The week prior to Emi’s birthday was the MOST challenging for me! Some of the obstacles I attempted to overcome included: a water leak in our ceiling, construction of that area, a majorly unexpected auto repair, a district walk through at my workplace, a heat wave paired with Santa Ana winds, a lady who was coming to do a little spa for the girls backing out, my inability to book someone new to come and do the party and probably the worst thing…..my daughter learning 3 days before her party that the cheer program she’d been in for almost 4 years, with the same coaches, was going to cease to exist as she’d known it! Yep, I had to inform her as I picked her up from school that day and then rush her to try out someplace new with some of her friends, all of which had bloodshot red eyes from crying! I cannot describe how horrible it felt to watch her become uncontrollably emotional and pretty much cry her little eyes out for the two days leading up to her party!
Needless to say, by Thursday, I knew I had to make a Plan B for WHAT I was going to do to modify this party I was having the next day, with 13 little girls, since I’d had ZERO time to get things ready while dealing with all of the previous.

Friday, May 2nd
I woke up at 3:45 a.m. and sat straight up in bed, suddenly wide awake. It was the day of Emily’s party. A thought came to mind…Farrell’s! We are HUGE Farrell’s lovers and there’s one very close to our home inside The Shops at Mission Viejo. I went online just to look at the kids menu and saw that there was any area to make a reservation online. I assumed it would only take a reservation for small parties but sure enough, when I entered my date, time and number in our party (13 kids and 3 adults) it took my reservation! I think I let out a big sigh of relief at that point. I think I knew right then, at 4 a.m., that everything was going to be OK.

I remember taking a picture of my laptop screen after I made my online reservation at 4 a.m. because I so overjoyed!

We’ve been to Farrell’s a couple of different times over the past few months, including the amazing grand opening at their newest Buena Park location AND Barbie’s birthday celebration at The Shops at Mission Viejo. I don’t think it’s possible to visit a Farrell’s without having an amazing time! Each of their locations exudes a crazy amount of positive energy and the food and nostalgia are something extra special for me that remind me of my own childhood .
I actually called Farrell’s around 10 a.m. that morning, just to double check with the manager on duty that they’d gotten my online reservation and that it was going to work out for a party our size. I spoke with “Steven” and he was so helpful on the phone and he confirmed that he did have my reservation. He asked me a few questions about our party and we decided together that our party would best be seated up front, in the area closest to the ice cream bar. It’s the location where you get the most drum action and that’s a biggie, right? Steven then reviewed the staff scheduled to work that evening and let me know that he’d be having “Michael” as our server, reassuring me that we’d be in good hands. This literally brightened up my day and I hung up smiling.
When I picked up Emily from school that day and told her about the slight change in our party plans, she had a huge smile on her face! She thinks she’s this big Farrell’s VIP because she’s hung with the best of the Farrell’s peeps at some of their different locations! In her world, this party would just be one more event that she could add to her Farrell’s repertoire!
Upon our arrival, it was such a pleasure to meet the manager on duty, Steven. He greeted us at the front desk and made Emily feel special, mentioning that he already knew it was her birthday and giving her a special birthday sticker to wear! He had mustache stickers and menus for all of the girls to color and led us to our table, which was already set up. Steven was so considerate that he even sat the 3 adults at our own table, separate from the table of 13 screaming girls! It was like the reverse of having “a kids table”!

Our server, Michael, came right over to the girls’ table and was ready to get the party started! He was so patient with all of them. I don’t know HOW he had the patience to deal with the craziness of 13 screaming 9 year olds but I can confirm that the guy was like an instant hit with the girls! (obviously)

I can’t even say enough good things about our server, Michael!

I need to point out something else that amazed me about our server…his knowledge of the Farrell’s menu. I’m not talking about their regular menu…I mean the fact that when we informed him about one of the girls who is “gluten-free”, he turned to us and said, “you don’t have to worry, I have A LOT of knowledge about this and I will take care of her!” He then went and grabbed one of their gluten-free menus and helped her with her special order. I think that was the point he definitely won the 2 moms over in our party! (Farrell’s also offers a “nut allergy” and “egg allergy” menu for guests)

Farrell’s has a gluten free menu!

They also have “nut allergy” and “egg allergy” items!

Michael kept the Shirley Temples and strawberry lemonades flowing at the girls’ table! I must’ve apologized to him about 100 times for all of the screaming and craziness coming from their table and he just kept telling me NOT to apologize and let me know that he works with kids like this every day and enjoys it! Ha! And here I was thinking I was the crazy one!

As if the girls weren’t already excited just to be hanging out,

they let out some extra noise when dinner arrived table side.

The Kids Mac and Cheese seemed to be a big hit at our table!

I ordered the Grown Up Grilled Cheese!

Dinner was a success and we ready to move onto the best part of all! The girls knew what would come next…a special birthday sundae, a special birthday song and a whole lotta drum….. all in honor of Emily’s 9th birthday!

The singing hadn’t even started and she was already blushing!

This video can give you a good idea of what it’s like to celebrate your birthday at Farrell’s! (I think Emi was trying to hide)

And then they all dug into their own kid sundaes! Mmm!

The kids sundaes are a good size and so yummy!

By this point I was so relieved and so pleased at how everything had worked out. It wasn’t just a birthday meal out but a total celebration and all because of everything that Farrell’s has to offer in its dining experience. I just have to say “Thank you, Farrell’s!” not only for saving my daughter’s birthday party this year, but for also saving my sanity! We will be back soon!

The girls had so much fun at Emily’s birthday celebration at Farrell’s!

For more information about Farrell’s and to check out their regular menu, as well as information about parties, click here.

The Day We Partied With Barbie and Ken at Farrell’s

March 12, 2014 / Celebrations, Food

Barbie turned 55 yesterday! She’s looks absolutely amazing for her age, don’t you think?

I grew up loving Barbies. I think Barbie was a favorite of most little girls and still is.

Emi and I had the chance to attend Barbie’s birthday celebration at Farrell’s Restaurant. At each of their participating restaurant locations, there was a special celebration which included appearances by Barbie and Ken, games, prizes and even a special Barbie Birthday Zoo for the kids to share.

We arrived a little bit early to find several little girls anxiously awaiting the start of the party and playing with their own Barbies outside of the Farrell’s door.

When the doors opened and we were welcomed into the party room,

we saw that the room was decorated for Barbie’s birthday.

Emi insisted that we bring her own Barbie table and chairs and she set it up right on the party table. (notice Barbie’s own tiny banana split and homemade birthday card on her table).

All of the children were so excited when the party host first introduced Ken! Everyone clapped and Ken appeared in the room. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud because he kept the stiff posed arms throughout the celebration. The Ken they chose was so adorable and had so much personality!

Soon after, Ken introduced Barbie and when she came out,

with her stiff arms too. Barbie was as adorable and talented as Ken was.

They were the most amazing performers that this Farrell’s could’ve found for this event and were both beyond animated, beautiful, and never broke character. You could just tell that “Barbie” and “Ken” were genuinely having fun with the kids. I certainly appreciate their version of this Barbie song…

The kids were so excited to play games with Barbie and Ken. First they played a trivia game, to see how much they knew about Barbie! Emi actually won TWO prizes in the trivia game! I have no idea how she knew Barbie’s full name, but that was one of the questions she answered!

Then they played “Hot Pig” (it’s like Hot Potato) with Barbie while Ken played the drum.

Did I mention that this Ken is amazing on the Farrell’s drum?

After the games, the kids all got to share the special Barbie Zoo! What a treat!

Emi was in heaven getting to have ice cream at 10:30 a.m. and before lunch!

At the end of the party, the kids got to have their pictures taken with Barbie and Ken!

The most powerful part of the whole event for me, was the statement Farrell’s made, without saying a word! For them to show the children (and adults) in attendance at Barbie’s birthday celebration, that Barbie and Ken are NOT ALWAYS blond-haired and blue-eyed with white skin, was something that I wish more companies would do. I don’t think there was one child at the party who noticed anything different about this Barbie and Ken, which is what makes me smile most! I thanked the manager, Chad, not only for hosting this fun event, but also for opting to feature a non-traditional Barbie and Ken to the kids! I honestly think there needs to be more of these kinds of occurrences in our society! Thank you Farrell’s! You really wowed me…again!

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza 2014 & Giveaway

March 6, 2014 / Celebrations, Family Fun, Holiday Fun, Irvine Park Railroad, Lifestyle, Orange County

If you have ever been to Irvine Regional Park, you know how much amazing family fun it has to offer! Among some of the activities you can do are hiking, biking ( they even have bike rentals), rent paddle boats, pony rides, visit the Orange County Zoo, and even have a picnic! If you’ve never been, you need to take your family there right away!

One of our favorite things to do in the park is to ride the Irvine Park Railroad. In past years, we’ve gone in December for the Irvine Park Railroad’s Santa Train and festivities!

This year we’re excited to visit for it’s annual Easter Eggstravaganza, which begins on Saturday, March 29th and runs through Saturday, April 19th! Children and adults can ride the train through beautiful Irvine Regional Park. Children, ages 2 through 12 years old, also have the opportunity to participate in an Easter egg hunt, hunting for eggs that are each filled with either candy or a prize.

You can purchase tickets for your child(ren) to participate in the Easter egg hunts, which begin at 10:00 AM daily. Tickets will be exchanged for a wristband which will indicate a specific time for the egg hunt they’ll be participating in. Don’t forget to bring an Easter basket for each child who is participating in the Easter egg hunt. Irvine Park Railroad will also offer Easter baskets for purchase. Tickets must be purchased on the day of the event, in order to receive a wristband for the Easter egg hunt. Please visit http://www.irvineparkrailroad.com for complete details on the Easter egg hunts, including times and costs.

During the Easter Eggstravaganza, children can meet the Easter Bunny at a cost of $10.00 per family or group. This cost includes a picture that will be taken by Irvine Park Railroad staff and available for pickup shortly after the picture is taken.

There will be other activities to enjoy during the Easter Eggstravaganza including hay rides, a moon bounce, Easter cookie decorating, carnival games, face painting, picture stands and a lot more. Please visit http://www.irvineparkrailroad.com for full details including costs.

Irvine Park Railroad’s other annual events include the Anniversary Celebration, Pumpkin Patch, and Christmas Train.

Become a fan of Irvine Park Railroad on Facebook, follow us onInstagram (Irvine Park Railroad), view pictures on Flickr, and follow our tweets on twitter (@IrvineParkRR).

While at Irvine Regional Park, be sure and visit the parks other activities including Wheel Fun Rentals^® at Irvine Park bike and paddle boat rentals, pony rides and the Orange County Zoo.

The park entrance fee – charged by the County of Orange – is $3.00 per vehicle on weekdays and $5.00 per vehicle on weekends.

Irvine Park Railroad opens daily at 10:00 AM. The cost for train tickets is $5.00 per person; children younger than 12 months ride free. Irvine Park Railroad is located at 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869.

We can’t wait to go to the Easter Eggstravaganza 2014!

Emi already has her outfit and her Easter basket ready to go!

Now for the giveaway….you can enter to win 6 tickets (which can be used to ride the train OR participate in Easter Eggstravaganza activities) and 1 Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park surrey rental (excludes double surrey)! Enter the giveaway in the Rafflecopter below!

Good luck to everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway open to U.S. Residence. No purchase necessary to enter. All fans have an equal chance to win, however, you must enter to win. A winner will be randomly selected via RaffleCopter and notified via email. No cash value. Winner will have 36 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected the same way. Several different ways to earn entries. Not liable for unclaimed prizes or fulfillment. Sponsor has the right to refuse filling prize for duplicate winners from other blogs. Winner’s tickets will be mailed directly to home (or mailing address) and will not be available for will call at this event.

photos courtesy of Irvine Park Railroad