*****
$ 5 donation per person

appropriate for kids and babies of all ages

Things we love: Lot's to do, you could spend a good couple hours here (kids permitting) but don't need to to enjoy yourself. The animals are so friendly and you can actually interact with them. Your money is going to a really good cause (more about that later).

Things to consider: It is only open most Sundays from 10:00 am -2:00 pm. It is Dirty! It's a farm and you will be walking on dirt, bring your cowboy boots (we bought some for our 3 year old just so she could wear them here).

The Gentle Barn is one of our favorite places because it's close by, it's a family owned and lived in farm where you can hold chickens, brush cows, feed horses (you have to buy a bag of carrots from the little on site store) and see all kinds of other farm animals up close and personal! The animals are so friendly and have amazing stories. The Gentle Barn is just that, they rescue animals from abuse and give them a loving home.

The animals aren't the only ones who benefit, the farm is host to abused or at risk youth and special needs children as well. You feel the love when you are there. You are greeted by the owner Ellie, her adorable 3 year old, or one of the many volunteers. Then you are free to roam, let the kids run, get in the pig pen or just sit on a bench under the trees ( we usually bring a lunch and have it there) and check out the animals!

The barn also hosts birthday parties, school field trips and seasonal festivities like sledding during the Winter and Easter egg hunts in the Spring. Ellie mentioned starting a mommy and me group that would meet weekly but I am on their email list and don't think it has started.

www.gentlebarn.org

15825 Sierra Highway
Santa Clarita, CA 91390

(661) 252-2440
(call if the weather is questionable)

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon when we mamas descended on the areas newest Mexican hotspot, Sabor Cocina Mexicana, for some lunch. Dining out with a group of three mothers, two messy toddlers and three fidgety three-year-olds is not an activity for the feint of heart but rumor had it that Sabor stirred up some excellent margaritas that just might take the edge off.

We were immediately seated in their fenced-off outside area. There is only a smallish opening for the wait staff to access you and placed at the right table allows those prone to squirming the opportunity to stretch their legs while not offending other diners or causing maternal coronary over the street proximity. On this day we were actually the only people out there, making me more relaxed about possible scenes but also a tad concerned that we might sacrifice some service in our exile. The host had us quickly armed with menus and highchairs and chip delivery was close behind him. And the chips? Well, my three-year old thinks they just might be the best he's ever had. As an added bonus, we didn't get any looks or questions as they brought out basket number four.

Drinks were prompt and the kids cups were cute. I was also told that the GIANT Margaritas were top-notch. In addition to the standard flavors of strawberry and, um, green, they also feature one (or maybe it was two?) daily specials that are created with their very own fruit infusions. This particular day offered a pear treat that at least smelled good. Unfortunately for this mama, pregnancy and Margaritas don't mix, but this place might be my first stop after my womb is vacated come August. We were also appetized with some of their fresh guacamole - which arrived in a nice hearty portion.

Keeping up with the good record, our food arrived swiftly and our cups never seemed to empty. All of the children opted for the quesadillas (they happily added chicken to them on our request) and my son was especially excited to find his served with french fries (which I had told him they likely wouldn't have). Even with the outrageous chip binge, my crew cleaned their plates.

I'll end my glowing review with the happy surprise of the check - I'm still trying to figure out how my kids manage to cost close to that at In-N-Out - but don't forget that I didn't have any booze on my bill.

An easy walk from Heritage Park or the Bridgeport Lake, we'll definitely be back for seconds!

Cuisine: Mexican
Where: 23953 Newhall Ranch Rd. (Next to Bristol Farms)
Phone: (661) 259-9002
Website: http://www.saborcocinamexicana.com