Free Movie for Military

In honor of Military Child Month, Consolidated Pearlridge Theatres is screening “Hotel Transylvania” for free for military families at 10 a.m. April 21. The general public is asked to make a cash donation (suggested donation: $3 kids, $5 adults). Wear purple in support of military children and receive a voucher for a free Nestle candy treat from the concession. Visit www.consolidatedtheatres.com.

The Great Outdoors

Next week is National Park Week so if you live on Maui or the Big Island, or will be visiting, plan a trip to Haleakala or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and receive free entry on April 21. There will also be special programs and activities April 21-29 to mark the event.  Find out more about the free entry at this link A Fee Free Day or more about your local parks at www.nps.gov.

Zoo News

Earth Day coincides with the second Aloha Aina Conservation Fest at the Honolulu Zoo April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Environmental groups will be on hand to educate those in attendance about their efforts in the islands and beyond. There will also be informative talks with zoo keepers, keiki activities and a birthday event for Galapagos Tortoises at 1:30 p.m.!

Book it

Everyone wants to encourage their kids to read over the summer and who doesn’t like free stuff? Barnes and Noble book store has brought back its annual summer reading program. Just read 8 books and log them in your reading journal. Bring it to the book store and claim your book. There are tons of choices, including books from the Flat Stanley and Judy Moody collections, and one of my childhood faves “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH.”  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/summer-reading/_/N-rs9

Healthy and fun

The free annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA’s Camp Erdman (69-385 Farrington Highway) camp lets kids get some exercise while having a lot of fun. There is a ropes course, a giant swing, a rock-climbing wall, obstacle courses and a pool. It’s totally worth the drive to the north shore for free access to the ropes course alone! Plus, there will be crafts, games and food for purchase. April 14. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ymcahonolulu.org

Kids with drive

I’m not an auto show fan. I barely know my Porsche from my Volvo. But what I do love is the Texaco Kids Test Drive area at the First Hawaiian International Auto Show April 13-15 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Kids 3-7 can take their own test drive on their own special track, driving those kiddie vehicles they always whine about buying at Toys R Us and Walmart. Too cute. http://autoshowhawaii.com/events-attractions/