Welcome to Family-Vacation-Getaways.com!
Enjoy Pictures of Southern California!
In the photo slide show above, you'll quickly see how interesting and varied are Southern California's attractions. From the pictures of theme parks...to the photos of beaches, zoos and natural areas...to the pics of Hollywood attractions...you'll see that Southern California truly offers "something for everyone!"PLEASE VOTE--Halloween Costume Photo Contest! See cute, clever & scary costumes; your vote is important in choosing the winner! Visit the Halloween Photo Contest Voting page of this site to join the fun. End of contest announcement
Planning a Southern California vacation?
 Are you looking for ideas for your next family outing or road trip? By planning family vacation getaways at Los Angeles theme parks, you can please everyone in your group!
Pick a theme park (or 2!), add a few other crowd-pleasing Southern California activities and, VOILA!! You have a complete family vacation that everyone can enjoy.
The Southern California region has something for every age group---toddlers, elementary school kids, middle school "tweens," high school teenagers...and on to the adults and senior citizens in your family.
Got toddlers? Visiting Southern California attractions will provide your toddlers with a plethora of kiddie rides, hands-on children's museum exhibits, sandy beaches for constructing castles and wading in the surf, and animal exhibits to fascinate them.
Got "tweens?" Visiting Southern California attractions will give you a chance to zip with them on roller coasters; or go boogie boarding with them in gentle, foaming surf; or to watch them practice their skate boarding or in-line skating at one of the area's numerous skate parks; or cool off with them on a white-water rafting ride at one of several Southern California water parks.
* Got teens? Southern "Cali" attractions (the new, "cooler" name for California!) will give them a chance to "scream their heads off" while riding white-knuckle-steep coasters; to "see and be seen" as they stroll along the most "happening" piers in the nation; to catch a wave at one of the many surfing beaches; or to see a flick and grab a snack with friends at one of the area's super-stylin' entertainment complexes throughout the area.
* Got time to yourself? (Dream on!???) Taking family vacation getaways at Los Angeles theme parks and the surrounding metro areas will let you shop at discount outlets, major malls or upscale shops; take a romantic stroll along a beachside pathway; take a scenic coastline or mountain drive; or explore Hollywood movie-making attractions. Could you ever ask for a more variety-filled family vacation spot? Southern California truly offers "something for everyone!"
Southern California offers you a long list of family attractions! Taking family vacation getaways at Los Angeles theme parks puts you at the door step of many other major attractions you can use as building blocks to construct your perfect trip! You'll find---
Beaches, beaches, beaches!Water ParksMajor zoos and animal attractions!Children's Museums!Large, attraction-filled city parks!Family entertainment complexes!Sports opportunities--both spectator and participant sports!Pet-friendly activities, including dog beaches, parks and even restaurants!
7 major Southern California theme parks!
The list of SoCal theme parks includes fun for all ages and interests
 A Southern California family vacation offers you 7 exciting Los Angeles theme parks for the fun trip of a lifetime. Plus, you'll also find other major attractions in Southern California to round out your family vacation getaway with action, relaxation, education, natural wonders!
And just what is the list of Southern California's 7 major theme parks? Here it is!
LA County Theme ParksTwo of Southern California's major theme parks are in Los Angeles County. These 2 popular amusement parks are Six Flags Magic Mountain and Universal Studios Hollywood.
1.) Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park! Six Flags Magic Mountain is the undisputed white-knuckle capital of the entire western USA! If you're looking for the theme park with the greatest amount of roller coasters and scream-your-lungs-out fun, this is the place you MUST plan to visit. And yet at the same time, the huge Magic Mountain park has a wide variety of family-friendly rides you can enjoy with your tweens, plus a large section just for little kids, called Bugs Bunny Land!
2.) Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, and its adjacent dining and entertainment center, the Universal Studios CityWalk! Do movies fascinate you? Would you like to see for yourself how films are made? If so, absolutely DON'T miss visiting Universal Studios California! You'll take a behind-the-scenes tram tour which takes you driving through real movie sets...some of which you'll recognize if you're an avid movie-goer! You'll see displays of movie memorabilia, attend demonstrations about special effects and stunts. You'll go on rides themed to some of your favorite blockbusters. It's tons of fun...AND you'll go away knowing a whole lot more about the movie-making process than when you entered! After an afternoon at the park, you can wind down in the restaurants of the Universal Studios CityWalk entertainment district. Then, you'll surely want to browse through its unique shops, listen to the street entertainment that's playing, and admire (er, gape!) at the CityWalk's outlandish architecture!
Orange County Theme Parks
 3.) Disneyland Park in Anaheim, the truly magical theme park...and that's not just an advertising gimmick you'll hear on TV! Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California is second only to its younger sister-park, Walt Disney World in Florida, in the number of guests it entertains each year. You'll find rides and shows that family members of all ages will enjoy, scattered amongst various themed "lands." In fact, this is the very park that pioneered the concept of themed areas back in 1955. Yet the park remains as fresh and beautiful as the day it opened. The world truly owes Walt Disney a debt of gratitude. It's more than the concept of theme parks that he developed; it's the notion that FAMILIES deserve high-quality places to play together, enjoy one another's company, and build memories which will last a lifetime.In the Disneyland Resort section of this website, you'll not only view photos of the rides and attractions, but also you'll be able to explore other topics, as well...like discovering the Disneyland hours of operation and other general info; Disneyland touring plans, to help you spend your day at this busy park efficiently; Disneyland dining options including the very popular Disney Character Dining; and other general Disneyland Resort information such as pictures & details of the Downtown Disney dining & entertainment hot spot, and images/info about the three Disneyland Resort Hotels!
4.) Disney's California Adventure theme park---the still-new Anaheim theme park adjacent to it's sister, Disneyland Park! If you haven't yet been to the newest of the Southern California theme parks, you'll surely want to discover the rides and attractions at this interesting park which opened in 2001. Its themed area center around various aspects of "The Golden State" of California, and its rides, shows and parades are quickly becoming the stuff of memories.
5.) Knott's Berry Farm theme park, the park beloved by locals for delivering high-quality rides and entertainment at affordable prices. This popular Southern California theme park actually DID begin as a berry farm, back when Orange County was a vast expanse of farms, orchards and ranch lands. In fact, even to this day, boysenberries remain a special treat at the park. Eating boysenberry pie for dessert is a "must-do" event when you're dining at the popular Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant! And to drink along with your meal, there's even boysenberry punch on the menu.
San Diego County Theme Parks 6.) SeaWorld San Diego adventure park, the absolute favorite theme park of Shamu lovers, that adorable orca whale whose grace and beauty has charmed millions of visitors. On this website, you'll see plenty of photos of Shamu the Killer Whale, and you'll discover information about the new Shamu show, "Believe!" as well as get details about the popular Dining with Shamu restaurant! But, Shamu isn't the ONLY reason to visit SeaWorld San Diego---not by far! You'll also enjoy dolphins, sea lions, seals, polar bears, penguins...and just about any other creature imaginable who lives in or around the ocean. Plus, you'll enjoy rides, shows, and a host of attractions that will keep you busy from opening time until close.
7.) Legoland California family theme park! For families with kids under the age of 12, paying a visit to Legoland California will simply make your children's jaws drop. (And yours, too!) While every theme park has a section filled with kiddie rides, Legoland is an ENTIRE theme park full of attractions for kids & their families! You'll wander from area to area within the park, each one full of rides based on different thematic elements. And for adults? The park's section called Miniland features astounding replicas of several US cities and regions...done in millions of Lego bricks!
Add some Hollywood fun to your trip list!
HOLLYWOOD a stop on your Southern California vacation? Within these pages, you'll be able to plan for an exciting visit to Tinseltown! Hollywood attractions you'll discover within this website include the world-famous Grauman's Chinese Theater; the glitzy Kodak Theater and the Hollywood & Highland Mall adjacent to it; Disney's El Capitan Theater; The Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store; The Hollywood Bowl; the Hollywood Sign and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with a special page devoted to The Doors Star; Hollywood Boulevard Museums, including the Guinness Book of World Records, Ripley's Believe It or Not, and the Hollywood Wax Museum; and other Hollywood Blvd family activities, such as the Pantages Theater and the Hollywood Christmas parade!
Los Angeles is a base for road trips, too
Finished touring all that Southern California has to offer? (That's quite a daunting task!) You'll find that the SoCal area makes a great base for exploring nearby regions of the southwestern USA. So, you'll find an entire section of this website devoted to taking---Road Trips and Weekend Getaways! If you'd like to go exploring on a mini-trip away from Los Angeles, you can head to the California Coast Road Trip Section of this website to plan your escape up California's stunningly beautiful central coast. Or, you can also use this site to help plan your excursion up Interstate 5 towards Sacramento; along Interstate 10 towards Phoenix; northeast along Interstate 15 towards the neon lights of Las Vegas or the pristine wilderness of the Southern Utah National Parks; or even plan your Route 66/Interstate 40 trip towards the Grand Canyon!What if you can't decide where you'd like to go on your getaway? Try heading to the Road Trip Ideas page to read tempting blurbs about each of these routes and their attractions!Or, what if you're not quite sure about the best way to plan out your road trip...about HOW to turn your dreams of exciting family adventures into smooth, enjoyable vacations? Try finding the trip-planning help you need in the "Travel Tips and Checklists" section of this website. Are you unsure how Southern California's variable weather will affect the clothing you pack for your trip? You may find the answers you need to successfully plan your vacation wardrobe in the "Southern California Weather/Clothing Checklist" page of this website. Perhaps your family includes a new baby who will be traveling for the first time. What particular needs should you keep in mind when traveling with an infant? Reading through the "Vacation Packing Checklist for Babies" page can help.
What's the most logical sequence to plan for a road trip vacation? How do you make sure you remember to DO everything!? Visit the "Road Trip Planning Checklist page to see what trip preparations you may have forgotten. Or...are you following a weight-loss diet? How can you EVER stick to a diet while you're on vacation? Perhaps you'll pick up some tips on the "Diet While Traveling page of this site which will help!
Southern California is brimming with great malls! Other visitors come to Southern California specifically to take advantage of the rare and wonderful collection of specialty stores that are packed into this small region of the country. You'll find a large section of this website devoted to showcasing the best shopping destinations that Southern California has to offer---
Los Angeles County Shopping! Learn details about
Beverly Hills shopping, the Century City Mall, the Hollywood and Highland Center, the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica; the Westside Pavilion; the Burbank Town Center; the Glendale Galleria; The Grove; Paseo Colorado; Westfield Santa Anita; the Universal Studios CityWalk, and more.
Orange County Shopping! Discover terrific malls like South Coast Plaza Mall, Bella Terra Mall in Huntington Beach, CA, The Block at Orange, Brea Mall, Brea Downtown, Downtown Disney in Anaheim, Fashion Island in Newport Beach, The Irvine Spectrum Center, the Laguna Hills Mall, the Main Place Mall, the Mission Viejo Mall, the Tustin Marketplace; the Westminster Mall, and more.
Palm Springs area shopping! Discover lovely and convenient shopping, dining and entertainment in the midst of this California desert metropolis! You'll get a heapin' helpin' of eye candy at 2 gorgeous open-air centers, The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert, and The River in Rancho Mirage. Need a bigger selection of stores? The large Westfield Palm Desert Mall probably has just the items you're seeking. Or, do you need a shopping center in a "can't get lost" location with easy-off/easy-on-again freeway access? Why not try the Rancho Mirage Monterey Marketplace, which you'll find directly to the side of Interstate 10 (at the Monterey Avenue exit.)
San Diego Shopping! Get the scoop on Fashion Valley Mall, Horton Plaza, Westfield Mission Valley Mall, The Carlsbad Mall, Forum at Carlsbad; the University Town Center Mall, the brand-new Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista, CA; and more.
Ventura County Shopping! Drool over beautiful new malls like the Simi Valley Town Center, and other fine shopping such as The Oaks Mall, the Pacific View Mall, and many others.
Santa Barbara Shopping! Visit gorgeous shopping areas in this Southern California city where aesthetics are as important as function...at least where public buildings are concerned. You won't find lovlier centers than the Paseo Nuevo Mall, the La Cumbre Plaza mall, and other Santa Barbara shopping areas...no matter where else you may venture!
Outlet mall shopping! Plan a shopping safari to the popular So Cal outlet malls, such as Ontario Mills Mall; the Desert Hills Premium Outlets; the Carlsbad Premium Outlets; the Camarillo Premium Outlets; The Shops at San Ysidro; the Viejas Outlet Center; the Lake Elsinore Outlets, and more!
Getting into & around Southern California
 Not only are the Southern California attractions world-class and fun for all age levels in your group, but when you choose family vacation getaways at Los Angeles theme parks, you'll encounter terrific behind-the-scenes support for your family's travels. This includes--
Los Angeles International Airport Several other top-notch airports Car rentals, shuttles, taxis and busses of all kindsHotels and motels to suit every budget Camping for both RV's and tents Taste tempting restaurants of--seriously--every conceivable cuisine
 By now, you can probably tell that I'm a bit partial to Southern California! My name is Vicki---welcome to this website. Los Angeles is my home town, and I hope that I can spread my enthusiasm for this multifaceted metro area with you. Within this website, you'll find over 425 pages of Southern California fun; hopefully, you'll find just the right activities that will delight your family. This website is my hobby, and its goal is to help you get to where you'd like to go in SoCal. If you're not quite sure just WHERE you'd like to visit, then the goal is to help you find out!
Have a great time on your family vacation getaways at Los Angeles theme parks! I hope you enjoy all of the Southern California parks and the other exciting activities that you choose to visit.
Hot News! New website! Will you be vacationing in the Southwestern USA states of Arizona, Colorado, southern Nevada, New Mexico or Utah? Check out "Have Fun in the Southwest," which is Family-Vacation-Getaways.com's new sister-website. You'll be able to see photos and get family vacation ideas which will help your group enjoy both the cities and the natural areas of these 5 very interesting states!
SELECT A PAGE---Can't decide where to begin planning for your Los Angeles family vacation getaway? Here's a list of some of this site's travel & attraction topics in which you might be interested---
Family Vacation Getaways Site Blog
Discover recent page additions and updates to the Family Vacation Getaways website here!
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California Attractions
Find a Search This Site box, and see an alphabetical list of the California Attractions mentioned in the Family-Vacation-Getaways.com website! Updated 5/12/08
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Christmas Events and Activities
Discover Christmas Events and Activities in Southern California the whole family will enjoy! Updated November 17, 2008
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Christmas Photo Contest
Do you have a beautiful Christmas tree? A yard full of holiday decorations? A cute seasonal costume? Enter this website's Christmas Photo Contest! New page 11/8/08
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Family Halloween Fun
Discover family Halloween fun activities and costume ideas! Updated November 8, 2008. TIME TO PLAN YOUR HALLOWEEN FUN!
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Halloween Contest Voting Page
YOU'RE the judge on the Halloween Contest Voting Page! Send your favorite contestant to the top! Updated November 9, 2008. Voting for the new Halloween costume contest is underway!
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Southern California Shopping
Discover convenient and attractive Southern California shopping centers and malls! Updated 7/12/08. <B
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Southern California Outlet Malls
Discover the many terrific Southern California Outlet Malls! Updated July 12, 2008. <B
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Store Details
Learn important store information...like what a particular store sells, or where to find that shop in Southern California. Updated October 16, 2008
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Los Angeles Theme Parks
See photos, get details about 7 exciting Los Angeles theme parks, including 6 Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland and California Adventure! Updated July 1, 2008
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Six Flags Magic Mountain
See photos, get details about thrilling Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles, California! Updated May 19, 2008.
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Universal Studios California
See photos, get details about fascinating Universal Studios California ! Updated July 17, 2008. <B
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Legoland
See photos, get details on the kids' paradise, Legoland theme park in Carlsbad, California! Updated November 16, 2008. LEGOLAND HOLIDAY CELEBRATION RUNS DECEMBER 20TH THRU 30TH, 2008. KIDS NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION IS DEC 31ST!
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Shamu the Killer Whale
See pictures of Shamu and learn about activities at SeaWorld featuring Shamu the Killer Whale! Updated September 6, 2008. Enjoy a Shamu slide show!
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Knotts Berry Farm
See photos, get details about exciting Knotts Berry Farm theme park! Updated October 23, 2008. NEW DOWNLOADABLE LAST-MINUTE SCARY FARM COUPONS!
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Disneyland Resort
See photos and get details about the fabulous, world-famous Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, USA! Updated June 24, 2008 <B
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Disneys California Adventure
See photos and get details about captivating Disneys California Adventure theme park in Anaheim, California! Updated July 3, 2008. <B
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Southern California Attractions
Discover fun Southern California attractions that your family will enjoy! Updated Nov 15, 2008.
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Boomers Family Fun Center Locations
Discover Boomers Family Fun Center Locations in California, see pictures, and make your plans for a fun family activity! Updated 11/15/08.
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Southern California Water Parks
Get info about super-fun Southern California Water Parks here! Updated October 6, 2008. All major SoCal water parks are now closed until the 2009 season begins!
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Hollywood Blvd Family Activities
Get details about Hollywood Blvd Family Activities here! Updated Nov 17, 2008
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San Diego Attractions
See photos and get details about fun San Diego Attractions! Updated Nov 15, 2008
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Southern California Camping
Discover the natural beauty you may enjoy...from desert to mountain to ocean beaches...when you choose Southern California Camping! Updated November 15, 2008
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Southern California Movie Theaters
Discover info about Southern California Movie Theaters! Updated Nov 15, 2008
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Griffith Park Los Angeles
Explore Griffith Park Los Angeles, the USA's largest municipal park! Updated Nov 15, 2008
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San Diego Zoo Pictures
View San Diego Zoo pictures & get details for a fun family trip to the world-famous San Diego Zoo! Updated November 15, 2008
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Huntington Beach Pictures
View pictures of Huntington Beach, one of the most versatile of the Los Angeles Area beaches, featuring fun for all ages and interests. Updated 11/15/08
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Family Entertainment Hot Spots
Discover terrific Los Angeles area Family Entertainment Hot Spots, where you can dine, browse, and catch a movie all in one stop! Updated Nov 15, 2008
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Mission San Diego de Alcala
See photos and discover enchanting Mission San Diego de Alcala, plus San Diego's Presidio Park--two of San Diego's most historic spots. Updated Nov 15, 2008
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Restaurants in Southern California
Discover the information you need about restaurants in Southern California! Updated Nov 15, 2008
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Discovery Science Center
See photos and learn about the fun you can have at the Discovery Science Center in Orange County, California! Updated Nov 16, 2008
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Southern California Holiday Activities
Find fun family-style Southern California holiday activities here! Updated November 10, 2008
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Road Trip Vacations
Get details about Road Trip Vacations into Los Angeles, plus Southern California airport and flight information, as well
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USA Road Trip
See photos, get plans for an adventuresome USA Road Trip to Los Angeles, including directions and roadside attractions! Updated May 19, 2008.
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Los Angeles Flights
Get essential info about Los Angeles flights, including airport addresses and US flight security rules! Updated January 1, 2008
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Los Angeles Maps
See Los Angeles Maps here! Updated January 15, 2008
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Travel Tips and Checklists
Got a question about trip preparation? The Travel Tips and Checklists section of this site may have your answer! New page 8/9/07
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Phone Numbers and Contact Information
Find all of the Southern California theme park's phone numbers and contact information on one convenient page! Updated January 24, 2007
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Contact Me
Got a question about the Los Angeles theme parks and tourist attractions mentioned in this website? Use this handy form to contact me, and I'll try my best to give you an answer.
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Neopet Vacations
Your Neopets might starve while you're away from home! Neopet Vacations are the answer! Updated June 16, 2008
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Privacy Policy
Here is the Privacy Policy for www.Family-Vacation-Getaways-at-Los-Angeles-Theme-Parks.com
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Travel Website Reviews
Here are short travel website reviews and links to travel pages I think you might enjoy. Updated January 9, 2008
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Family Vacation Getaways Site Map
Find the precise details you need by using the Family Vacation Getaways Site Map
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How to Start a Website
Pertinent info on How to Start a Website the easy and effective way...with Site Build It! Updated January 4, 2008
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New Pages
Discover still more Southern California fun in the New Pages of this website! Updated Dec 6, 2007
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Free Stuff
Free slides shows are some of the best Free Stuff on the internet! Read reviews about free slide shows here! Updated March 2, 2008 Per request, example of Ken Burns Effect show added!
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Tulare Outlet Mall
Discover the attractive Tulare Outlet Mall in Central California! Updated July 27, 2008. New page; mall slide show included!
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Valley Plaza Mall
Discover Bakersfield, California's convenient Valley Plaza Mall! Updated July 29, 2008.
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Pole Position Indoor Karting
Discover Pole Position Indoor Karting Centers & head for some go kart racing fun! New page September 7, 2008.
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Justice Just for Girls clothing stores
Discover cute tween styles at Justice Just for Girls clothing stores! New page September 12, 2008
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Cinderella Figurines, Jewelry and Collectibles
Grownups love Cinderella, too! Artistic & refined Cinderella figurines, jewelry and collectibles are popular with adult Disney fans! New page October 19, 2008
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Christmas Angel Costumes
Are you sewing or buying Christmas Angel Costumes for kids, adults or pets? Get ideas here! Updated November 9, 2008
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Howard Johnson Hotels in Southern California
Want to find Howard Johnson Hotels in Southern California? Here's a list! New page, Oct 22, 2008
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Santa Costume
Do you want to sew or buy a Santa Costume for Christmas? Here are some ideas! Updated November 9, 2008
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Pilgrim Costume
Sew or buy a Pilgrim Costume for your Thanksgiving pageant...or just for fun! New page November 3, 2008
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Elf Snowman and Reindeer Costumes
Get jolly! Sew or buy yourself Elf, Snowman or Reindeer costumes this Christmas! New page November 10, 2008
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Halloween Costume Contest Winners
Get costume ideas from Family-Vacation-Getaways.com's 2008 Halloween Costume Contest Winners! New page November 12, 2008
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Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Pictures
Enjoy Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Pictures, and get details for attending this fun SoCal holiday activity! New page November 18, 2008.
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