If you appreciate sea life and want to support a good cause, come out to the 18th Annual Seal Day on Sunday, May 16th. Enjoy a full day of fun (11 AM - 5 PM), including family-friendly games and activities PLUS live music and a free movie screening of "Sea Lions" (a documentary by a dear friend @RioFilms). The event is only one day, but all year round the Marine Mammal Care Center rescues, rehabilitates and releases seals, while allowing the public to view these creatures of nature anytime for free. It's not a big facility, but it's one with a big heart. Event admission is free but donations are always appreciated. For those who do, you will receive a VIP tour and a raffle ticket for their "Getaway" drawing. Click HERE for details.
If you miss out, this animal shelter is open for free every day 10 AM - 4 PM. Based on Yelp, this organization is rated a 4 out of 5, something worth checking out in San Pedro, especially if you have kids and a heart. One Yelper shared an excellent reason to come back: To witness the release of a seal back into the wild. How cool is that? Better yet, how about volunteer here for a philanthropic date idea! While you're in the neighborhood (less than 1 mile away), double the fun at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for grunion run events (Cheap Date Idea #127) and free tide pool tours (Cheap Date Idea #75).
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea (and adorable photo) by @riofilms
Showing posts with label philanthropy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philanthropy. Show all posts
Friday, May 14, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
157. Earth Day at SEA Lab - 4/24
Visiting aquariums is a nice day date idea anytime, especially on Earth Day!
Admission to the SEA Lab is free every day (closed on Mondays), but donations are always appreciated (recommended $4 for family and $2 for individual). This place is more than an aquarium because the SEA Lab's mission is to rescue animals. In doing so, we can enjoy these sea creatures up close and personal in the indoor and outdoor exhibits. Free tours are available upon request. The SEA Lab is a family-friendly spot, perfect for kids (like me in the photo below) who want to touch and feel *safely* at a touch tank.
The best day to go is on the upcoming Earth Day Celebration on April 24th. From 10 AM - 2 PM that Saturday, several fun activities are planned:
Continue the fun by heading south to the Redondo Beach Pier, which is an easy 1-mile stroll, especially on a nice day. The Pier Shopping Area reminds me of a mini-Fisherman's Wharf from San Francisco. For more free aquarium fun, check out Cheap Date Idea #6 on Manhattan Beach Pier (only 5 min or 2 miles away) and Cheap Date Idea #15 in Long Beach. Better yet, click HERE for a list of FREE tide pool tours in LA & OC.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Admission to the SEA Lab is free every day (closed on Mondays), but donations are always appreciated (recommended $4 for family and $2 for individual). This place is more than an aquarium because the SEA Lab's mission is to rescue animals. In doing so, we can enjoy these sea creatures up close and personal in the indoor and outdoor exhibits. Free tours are available upon request. The SEA Lab is a family-friendly spot, perfect for kids (like me in the photo below) who want to touch and feel *safely* at a touch tank.
The best day to go is on the upcoming Earth Day Celebration on April 24th. From 10 AM - 2 PM that Saturday, several fun activities are planned:
- Shoe Collection: Bring your athletic shoes to be recycled into playground mats, running tracks and more.
- Clothes Collection Drive.
- Free Haircuts: On a first come, first serve basis, hair clippings will be turned into oil-absorbing hair mats for oil spills around the world.
- Bike Workshop: Donate it and get a 15% coupon for REI, or just bring your bike to help get it fixed.
- Exchange Your Plastic Bags: Trade in plastic grocery bags for a reuseuable tote bag made out of plastic bottles, while supplies last.
- Click for more info: Event Flyer and FaceBook Event Page.
Continue the fun by heading south to the Redondo Beach Pier, which is an easy 1-mile stroll, especially on a nice day. The Pier Shopping Area reminds me of a mini-Fisherman's Wharf from San Francisco. For more free aquarium fun, check out Cheap Date Idea #6 on Manhattan Beach Pier (only 5 min or 2 miles away) and Cheap Date Idea #15 in Long Beach. Better yet, click HERE for a list of FREE tide pool tours in LA & OC.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
126. FREE Beehive Festival - 3/13-14
Playing laser tag at a charity event can be a fun date idea!
The Beehive Expo and Fair is a 2-day charity event this weekend at the OC Great Park in Irvine. No, there will be no bees there, as far as I understand (the beehive represents family, I believe). The fun starts at 10 AM each day, ending by 7 PM on Saturday 3/13 and 5 PM on Sunday 3/14. This family-friendly festival will be full of free activities and live entertainment, including carnival rides, laser tag, arts & crafts and expo booths by 200+ vendors. Click HERE for a list of vendors and more info.
General admission is FREE with 2 cans of non-perishable food (or $5). Sounds like a good excuse to do some "spring cleaning" of your kitchen pantry, no? All donations go to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Although normally free, parking at the OC Great Park is $10 for this special event. Click HERE for map and directions.
While you're down at the park, enjoy a free helium balloon air ride too (see Cheap Date Idea #11).
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission w/2 cans per person + $10 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @dippindotwoman
The Beehive Expo and Fair is a 2-day charity event this weekend at the OC Great Park in Irvine. No, there will be no bees there, as far as I understand (the beehive represents family, I believe). The fun starts at 10 AM each day, ending by 7 PM on Saturday 3/13 and 5 PM on Sunday 3/14. This family-friendly festival will be full of free activities and live entertainment, including carnival rides, laser tag, arts & crafts and expo booths by 200+ vendors. Click HERE for a list of vendors and more info.
General admission is FREE with 2 cans of non-perishable food (or $5). Sounds like a good excuse to do some "spring cleaning" of your kitchen pantry, no? All donations go to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Although normally free, parking at the OC Great Park is $10 for this special event. Click HERE for map and directions.
While you're down at the park, enjoy a free helium balloon air ride too (see Cheap Date Idea #11).
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission w/2 cans per person + $10 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @dippindotwoman
Monday, March 8, 2010
123. DIY Homemade Treats
Attention, dog lovers or the Martha Stewarts with a soft spot for animals!
Here's a DIY date idea... Make homemade doggie treats! As a date, go the grocery store together, pick up the necessary ingredients and then work your magic in the kitchen. That is unless, your kitchen pantry is already stocked. Per @IslandDogGear's suggestion, try out one of the many FREE recipes online (click HERE).
Even if you don't have a "man's best friend", you two can bake some and take it to a local dog shelter. Or better yet, volunteer at Karma Rescue's pet adoption events (see Cheap Date Idea #53 for more info). The next events are scheduled for March 20th and 27th. I'm sure you two will make some new best friends with these homemade treats.
However, if you want to bake something for human consumption, try out Cheap Date Idea #112: Williams-Sonoma offers FREE Technique Classes. The next few are part of a baking series, where cookies are the next one on Sunday morning of March 14th. No matter what you do, be creative and have fun with your partner!
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Minimal for baking ingredients.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless + Good Karma.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @IslandDogGear
Here's a DIY date idea... Make homemade doggie treats! As a date, go the grocery store together, pick up the necessary ingredients and then work your magic in the kitchen. That is unless, your kitchen pantry is already stocked. Per @IslandDogGear's suggestion, try out one of the many FREE recipes online (click HERE).
Even if you don't have a "man's best friend", you two can bake some and take it to a local dog shelter. Or better yet, volunteer at Karma Rescue's pet adoption events (see Cheap Date Idea #53 for more info). The next events are scheduled for March 20th and 27th. I'm sure you two will make some new best friends with these homemade treats.
However, if you want to bake something for human consumption, try out Cheap Date Idea #112: Williams-Sonoma offers FREE Technique Classes. The next few are part of a baking series, where cookies are the next one on Sunday morning of March 14th. No matter what you do, be creative and have fun with your partner!
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Minimal for baking ingredients.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless + Good Karma.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @IslandDogGear
Thursday, February 11, 2010
105. V-Day Philanthropy: The Love Pick
Find love in the orange grove...
If you have a heart for philanthropy, take your sweetheart on a fruit-picking trip! Food Forward organizes volunteering events on various days, mostly Sundays, but check their blog online for updates and details. The mission is to donate freshly-picked oranges to local food pantries. I've personally volunteered at the LA Food Bank where we packaged canned foods into boxes for families, but this event sounds much more entertaining.
Love At First Orange.
Originally uploaded by orangebabe_
Originally uploaded by orangebabe_
The event details (time and location) vary because it depends on the property who is donating their fruit from their backyards. As for Valentine's, the theme this year is the "Love Pick". Meet at 10:30 AM at Franklin Canyon Orange Grove (near Coldwater Canyon). Due to the limited number of volunteer spots, you must RSVP via email at Carl@FoodForward.org. Since the orange picking ends at 12:30 PM, pack a picnic beforehand and enjoy lunch at the orange grove. Since you'll be working under the sun, make sure to bring bottles of water, sunblock and sunglasses. This is definitely a casual date idea, so wear jeans, a hat and comfortable clothes.
If you can't make it this Sunday, check Food Forward's blog and Twitter for a list of upcoming volunteer events. Besides the free events, they do hold special paid events. For a mere $20 on Saturday, March 6th, join a field trip for a huge orange pick and BBQ. Take the Juice Fruit Express bus to Bakersfield for this all-day event, which includes, not only the bus ride, but also food, drinks and refreshments for the day. Click HERE for more info.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless + Good Karma.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @TheLAScene
Saturday, January 30, 2010
93. FREE Live TV Show Tapings
Smile, you're on camera!
Why watch your favorite TV show on a television screen at home when you can watch it live? Laugh in person on the Hollywood movie sets of "American Idol", "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?", or how about the all-time favorite, "Family Feud". Browse for your fave TV shows online (click HERE).
Depending on the show, you can reserve tickets for specific times directly online through On Camera Audiences TV (OCATV). For some popular TV shows, it's on a first come, first serve basis. Once you submit your contact info, they will email you the voucher and hopefully you will be available. It doesn't hurt to submit your email address. Needless to say, this won't work for a surprise date or spontaneous activity.
However, it's a great idea for a group date! Actually, you might have a better chance of getting in as a large group. For groups of 10 or more on "Family Feud" or "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?", your group can earn money as a fundraiser. These shows are family-friend activity with a minimum age of 14 years. The online form is simple and easy to fill out online, and they will contact you to set up a time.
Be prepared to spend some quality time on the set though, because an "hour episode" usually takes more than an hour. This is something good to do at least once in your life. In one aspect, consider it as a perk from living in Los Angeles or Orange County. How many people can say they've watched a live taping on a Hollywood set? Not just a cheap date idea, but better yet a unique and free date idea.
UPDATE 04/21/10: Here's another online resource for tickets to local tapings of your favorite TV shows, including Price is Right, Dr. Phil, and more at HollywoodTickets.com and TVtix.com.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Idea by my fellow Tweeter in Detroit @freeismylife
Why watch your favorite TV show on a television screen at home when you can watch it live? Laugh in person on the Hollywood movie sets of "American Idol", "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?", or how about the all-time favorite, "Family Feud". Browse for your fave TV shows online (click HERE).
Depending on the show, you can reserve tickets for specific times directly online through On Camera Audiences TV (OCATV). For some popular TV shows, it's on a first come, first serve basis. Once you submit your contact info, they will email you the voucher and hopefully you will be available. It doesn't hurt to submit your email address. Needless to say, this won't work for a surprise date or spontaneous activity.
However, it's a great idea for a group date! Actually, you might have a better chance of getting in as a large group. For groups of 10 or more on "Family Feud" or "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?", your group can earn money as a fundraiser. These shows are family-friend activity with a minimum age of 14 years. The online form is simple and easy to fill out online, and they will contact you to set up a time.
Be prepared to spend some quality time on the set though, because an "hour episode" usually takes more than an hour. This is something good to do at least once in your life. In one aspect, consider it as a perk from living in Los Angeles or Orange County. How many people can say they've watched a live taping on a Hollywood set? Not just a cheap date idea, but better yet a unique and free date idea.
UPDATE 04/21/10: Here's another online resource for tickets to local tapings of your favorite TV shows, including Price is Right, Dr. Phil, and more at HollywoodTickets.com and TVtix.com.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Idea by my fellow Tweeter in Detroit @freeismylife
Thursday, December 17, 2009
53. FREE Puppy Play Date
Attention: All animal-lovers out there!
I've heard about a new business for puppy-rentals, but why pay when you can do it for free! Take your date and play with puppies and doggies this Saturday, Dec 19th. Call it a "puppy play date"!
You don't need to own one to find puppy love, but I warn you that you may end up going home with one! Come volunteer through Karma Rescue at one of their pet adoption events, which are held twice per month on Saturdays at 11 AM - 3 PM at The PETCO Store in Westwood. There are plenty of dogs who would love your attention and enjoy your company for a walk. If you love pets but don't have the time (or money), volunteering is the best way to get some puppy love. If you can spare it, donations are always appreciated. Karma Rescue welcomes volunteers of all ages. Check the website for more info and address.
For this particular Saturday, Citysearch LA's editorial team will be helping out for the pet adoption and food drive. If you bring a bag of dog food or treats, you will be eligible to win various prizes and gift certificates (see FaceBook event info).
UPDATE 01/07/10: Mark your calendars for new puppy play dates! Jan 9th, Jan 23rd, Feb 6th, Feb 20th. Check back every month for updates online.
UPDATE 02/18/10: The next event is this Saturday 2/20. Bonus: Order a FREE custom dog leash with the fave photo of your "man's best friend" by 2/19 (click HERE for discount code). Say thank you to @BargainBriana!
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + Doggie Treats + Good Karma.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @CitySearchLA
I've heard about a new business for puppy-rentals, but why pay when you can do it for free! Take your date and play with puppies and doggies this Saturday, Dec 19th. Call it a "puppy play date"!
You don't need to own one to find puppy love, but I warn you that you may end up going home with one! Come volunteer through Karma Rescue at one of their pet adoption events, which are held twice per month on Saturdays at 11 AM - 3 PM at The PETCO Store in Westwood. There are plenty of dogs who would love your attention and enjoy your company for a walk. If you love pets but don't have the time (or money), volunteering is the best way to get some puppy love. If you can spare it, donations are always appreciated. Karma Rescue welcomes volunteers of all ages. Check the website for more info and address.
For this particular Saturday, Citysearch LA's editorial team will be helping out for the pet adoption and food drive. If you bring a bag of dog food or treats, you will be eligible to win various prizes and gift certificates (see FaceBook event info).
UPDATE 01/07/10: Mark your calendars for new puppy play dates! Jan 9th, Jan 23rd, Feb 6th, Feb 20th. Check back every month for updates online.
UPDATE 02/18/10: The next event is this Saturday 2/20. Bonus: Order a FREE custom dog leash with the fave photo of your "man's best friend" by 2/19 (click HERE for discount code). Say thank you to @BargainBriana!
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + Doggie Treats + Good Karma.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @CitySearchLA
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
52. FREE Disneyland Tickets in 2010
You heard me, F-R-E-E Disneyland during the whole year of 2010.
All you have to do is donate some of your time for a good cause and then you get to spend a full day at the magical kingdom.
The "Give a Day. Get a Disney Day." Program is something fun AND free to do with that special someone. Plus it guarantees at least two dates, right? Don't forget about the bonus points called good karma!
In order to participate in this program, register on Disney's website and select one of the posted volunteer opportunities online (click HERE). Note that I said "some" of your time because there is no specification on the number of service hours, but it is limited to one pass per person for the program. Are a few hours of your time worth $72? Well, that's exactly the cost of a 1-day pass! Just do any one of the listed volunteer activities and receive a voucher for a 1-day pass. For annual pass holders, the voucher is non-transferable but it is exchangeable (see FAQ online).
The first million volunteers get to...
All you have to do is donate some of your time for a good cause and then you get to spend a full day at the magical kingdom.
The "Give a Day. Get a Disney Day." Program is something fun AND free to do with that special someone. Plus it guarantees at least two dates, right? Don't forget about the bonus points called good karma!
In order to participate in this program, register on Disney's website and select one of the posted volunteer opportunities online (click HERE). Note that I said "some" of your time because there is no specification on the number of service hours, but it is limited to one pass per person for the program. Are a few hours of your time worth $72? Well, that's exactly the cost of a 1-day pass! Just do any one of the listed volunteer activities and receive a voucher for a 1-day pass. For annual pass holders, the voucher is non-transferable but it is exchangeable (see FAQ online).
The first million volunteers get to...
Friday, December 4, 2009
40. More FREE Rides at Magic Mountain
Get 2 toys and call it a date!
Six Flags Magic Mountain is having their 25th Annual Toy Drive, where they are giving away FREE 1-day admission for same day use in exchange for a new unwrapped $15 toy. Also bring the receipt and leave the price tag on when you show up at the ticket counter. That's not bad at all since the 1-Day General Admission is regularly $55 per person.
Why don't you double the fun and make it a surprise? Go to the toy store, pick up 2 toys, hide them in your trunk, and then drag your date to the amusement park without telling him/her. Of course, make sure that he/she does enjoy thrill rides first of all. Magic Mountain makes for a good "day date" since the park is open 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM, especially with the current cool weather (too hot in that area during summertime, in my opinion). This is not quite the cheapest date idea yet, but...
Six Flags Magic Mountain is having their 25th Annual Toy Drive, where they are giving away FREE 1-day admission for same day use in exchange for a new unwrapped $15 toy. Also bring the receipt and leave the price tag on when you show up at the ticket counter. That's not bad at all since the 1-Day General Admission is regularly $55 per person.
Why don't you double the fun and make it a surprise? Go to the toy store, pick up 2 toys, hide them in your trunk, and then drag your date to the amusement park without telling him/her. Of course, make sure that he/she does enjoy thrill rides first of all. Magic Mountain makes for a good "day date" since the park is open 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM, especially with the current cool weather (too hot in that area during summertime, in my opinion). This is not quite the cheapest date idea yet, but...
Friday, November 13, 2009
26. Free Magic Mountain - 11/25
Donate a full bag of food in exchange for an admission ticket to Magic Mountain, valid for use on the day before Thanksgiving, Nov 25th. Not a bad deal, especially when theme park normally costs $55 each! The LA Foodbank has made this possible with KISS FM and Magic Mountain for the past 7 years now. This is your opportunity to show off your philanthropic side! Clean out kitchen cabinets at your place, your date's place, your mom's, your work, your neighbors, whoever you know has a good heart (and a full kitchen). If you can't make it to the park on Turkey Day, you will have another chance during Magic Mountain's Annual Toy Drive in December (see upcoming Cheap Date Idea #40).
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE + $15 Prepaid online parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $125 Total + Good Karma.
Click here for map
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE + $15 Prepaid online parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $125 Total + Good Karma.
Click here for map