The first day of summer is Thursday, June 21, but seasonal activities are already in full swing and your family is probably bugging you about all the things they want to do. With a little research you can find free days at many museums, weekly movie deals and a wealth of inexpensive outings allowing you to make your family happy and save your pennies for one or two “big” memory-making adventures. This week’s column offers a few ideas to get you started, plus some adult fun too.
SUSHI CELEBRATION
RA Sushi will fete International Sushi Day by offering its Viva Las Vegas rolls two-for-one 11 a.m.-midnight Monday, June 18. The roll features crab and cream cheese that is lightly tempura battered, topped with spicy tuna, crab mix and lotus root and finished with sweet eel sauce and green tempura bits. The offer is valid for dine-in only. RA Sushi has locations in Chino HIlls, Corona, Torrance and Tustin. For more information, go to https://rasushi.com/.
Related: RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
FREE FEST
“Art on the Walk” will be held 6-9 p.m. Friday, June 22, at Anaheim GardenWalk, 400 W. Disney Way, Anaheim. Enjoy free exhibits, demonstrations by more than 20 local artists, arts and crafts activities, a bubble dance party, henna tattoos and live music. There will also be an arts and crafts fair to benefit Clear Charity, an organization that provides diapers to low-income families. For more information, go to www.anaheimgardenwalk.com.
GOT GOOOAL?
El Torito and Acapulco restaurants are hosting World Cup soccer watch parties for Mexico’s games 8 and 11 a.m. Thursday June 21, and Saturday, June 23, and 7 and 11 a.m. June 27. Both eateries will offer food and drink specials, including discounts on draft pints, house margaritas and breakfast burritos. For more information and El Torito locations, go to www.eltorito.com and for Acapulco, visit www.acapulcorestaurants.com.
Related: These are the 20 best full-service Mexican restaurants in Orange County
TWICE AS NICE
Ford Theatres will offer “JAM Sessions,” a free interactive dance and drumming series, 7 p.m. Mondays, Monday, June 18, through Sept. 10 (except Sept. 3). Families can also enjoy theater, music and dance performances during “Big World Fun” 9 a.m. June 30, July 7 and 28 and Aug. 4, free for children and $5 for adults. The venue is at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood. For more information, call 323-481-3673 or go to www.fordtheatres.org.
MORE MOVIES
Cinepolis USA theaters is offering the Summer Kids Series with family films for $1 10 a.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 14. This year, the series has expanded to include Cinepolis Luxury Cinema theaters, where tickets are $3. You can find locations in Laguna Niguel, Pico Rivera, Rancho Santa Margarita and Westlake. For the schedule and more information, go to www.cinepolisusa.com.
Related: These are 19 of the most unusual Southern California movie theaters
WORLD HARMONY
NAMM’s Museum of Making Music will participate in the global Make Music Day 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, June 21 with a selection of activities. There will be children’s craft stations, interactive drum circles and open mic sessions, plus the galleries will be open, including the Interactive Innovation Studio. There will also be performances of the Earth Harp, the world’s longest playable stringed instrument. Admission is pay-as-you-wish. Free registration is required to participate in the open mic. The museum is at 5760 Armada Drive, Carlsbad. Call 760-438-5996 or go to www.museumofmakingmusic.org.
ZOO SAVINGS
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is offering 50 percent off of its Summer Chill Experience Tour package through Sept. 30. For $150 you will receive a private, behind-the-scenes tour featuring your choice of two animals and a three-hour guided shuttle tour. The Living Desert is open 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. daily and is located at 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert. Call 760-346-5694 or go to www.livingdesert.org.
GETAWAYS FOR LESS
Travelzoo is offering 45 percent off bookings at the Hyatt Regency, Indian Wells Resort, Palm Springs through Sept. 1. Midweek bookings for two guests are $105 for one night and $195 for two and weekends are $179 for one night and $200 for two. For more information, reservations and restrictions, go to www.travelzoo.com.
