What a strong finish! Kidsguide Challenge 2010 concludes with record-number entries, capping off a summer of new adventures and experiences.

We saved the biggest prize for last: a chance to walk with giant lizards. Win 4-pack passes to the Honda Center premiere of Walking With Dinosaurs: The Arena Spectacular!

We’re hitting the home stretch! Two more weeks remain in Kidsguide Challenge 2010. With the new school year just around the corner, it’s time to get creative and productive for the upcoming week’s theme: Academics. You could win family 4-pack passes to Splash! La Mirada Aquatics Center.

So many winners, so many entries: it’s been a good summer for Kidsguide Challenge 2010. There was no stopping our readers this summer. With the promise of free days and cool prizes, our first summer-long contest inspired many of you to try something new.

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the biggest Big Top act on Earth! Ringling Bros. Circus and Barnum & Bailey’s Funundrum when it comes to Orange County. Read on to learn about Ringling’s MOM discount, and for a chance to win FREE 4-pack family passes.

More winning entries this week – Kidsguide Challenge 2010 winner Sandy Constant shares her family’s new nature-themed activity, while Erina Madjzoub Dark provides a snapshot of her daughter’s diving camp experience.

Congratulations to the latest group of Kidsguide Challenge 2010/Scavenger Hunt contest winners! Read on to learn what readers Sheri Galvan, Kelly Haynes, Susanne Shapiro and Cindy Walters are up to this summer.

Read the adventures of reader Susan Debucquois as she takes her daughter and friend to numerous family-friendly events throughout Orange County and the Long Beach area.

Are you game? In the spirit of trying new things, Kidsguide has issued Kidsguide Challenge 2010. Now, go and find yourself an adventure! (And make sure to tell us about it…you could win prizes!)

…at home! Nacel Open Door through Club Z Tutoring is searching for families interested in hosting Chinese exchange students for a two-week stint this summer. It’s a great chance to make a new friend, exchange cultural ideas and share the best of Southern California.

Kidsguide Challenge 2010 is on! The rules are simple: try something new, tell us about it, and you’re automatically entered to win cool prizes. To feel inspired, check out the recent adventures of reader Susan Debucquois and her family!

Hello, Spring! See what has us spring this season, from a “scentsational” book penned by a best friend duo, to a welcome accessory to ensure safe family outings.

New decade, same ol’ question: what’s the best parenting approach? Check out Long Beach-based Functional Families’ two upcoming parenting workshops, “Parenting Tools For a New Generation” and “Mindful Parenting & Yoga.”

Some things to love and share with loved ones: My Child ID, the palm-sized organizer designed to safeguard your child; Peter McCarty’s adorable picture book, “Henry In Love”; and Valerie Petrillo’s jam-packed activity book, “A Kid’s Guide To Latino Activities.”

Still shopping? One of the challenges of shopping for the perfect gift for a loved one is finding that happy medium – something that’s fun, affordable useful and quite simply and uniquely them. We share some ideas for kids, tweens and teens (not to mention, the young at heart).

Teachers have a special place in a parent’s heart. They’re allies in a common pursuit to bring out the best in a special student – your kid! Let them know how much they count with these three thoughtfully themed gifts.

We’ve heard of health snacks to go, but Los Angeles husband-and-wife team Theresa and Matt Kiene took it one delicious step further with Homemade Harvey, a drinkable or spoonable fruit snack that’s 100 percent natural.

So far we’ve found 46! Click to compare your list with ours.

LA Kings captain Dustin Brown, the Kings and nonprofit KaBOOM! wants communities to remember the importance of outdoor play for kids. Attend a Play Day block party near you, or plan your own – Brown shows you how!

Enter by August 31!

You read that right. The Happiest Place on Earth wants to give locals (and their wallets) a break this summer by offering this three-day park hopper pass.

If you’re a fan of county fairs, the Orange County Fair has a deal for you.

Forget the e-ticket. Check out Laguna Beach’s Triple Passport, a $19 summer arts pass that gives unlimited admission to the city’s three world-famous outdoor art festivals.

Take an exciting (but inexpensive) adventure! Top your day at Long Beach’s sea-side attractions by readying your landlubber legs for a boat ride.

“What has really been important has been including my children, ages 6 and 9, in the cost-cutting process”