Summer Family Fun Guide: Grub & Entertainment

Each week, Charlene Ross, an instructional assistant at Yerba Buena, along with being a Sumac and A.E. Wright mother, will steer you through a summer day in Agoura Hills with kids in tow. So skip day camp and turn to Patch's Summer Family Fun Guide every Friday for your itinerary.

When school is out for the summer, many parents worry that boredom can only be halted by traveling out of the Agoura city limits, spending a lot of money, or both. But with some creative thinking and a little planning, it is possible to have fun, stay local, and even save a little money.

Taking your kids to see a summer blockbuster movie is a great way to beat the heat and keep your kids entertained. Pair the movie with a fun lunch out beforehand and you've given your kids an extra special treat.

GRUB - JOHNNY ROCKETS

Start your afternoon at Johnny Rockets, the '50s diner located right next to Agoura's movie theatre. Sit yourself and the kids down at the old-fashioned counter and don't forget to order fries with a side of "happy face" ketchup. If your little ones start to get bored, point out the jukebox, where retro songs, like "Barbara Ann" by the Beach Boys or "La Bamba" by Ritchie Valens, can be chosen for the cost of a nickel. 

What To Eat: Johnny Rockets serves classic American burgers and sandwiches with French fries or onion rings. They also have salads for those among us who are a little more health conscious. The kids menu boasts peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, mini burgers and hot dogs, chicken tenders and grilled cheese sandwiches, so the kids are sure to find something to eat.

Cost: All kids meals are $5.29 and include fries and a soft drink with either a burger, hot dog, grilled cheese, or chicken tenders. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich alone is $2.99. As for the salad, a regular costs $4.59 and a side is $2.59.

Special Deals: Keep your eye out for the VIP Passport coupon mailer and bring a coupon to save 20 percent off your bill or buy-one-get-one-free burger or sandwich. By using a coupon, you can keep lunch for three people under $20 before tip.

ENTERTAINMENT - REGENCY AGOURA 8 THEATRES

The Regency Agoura 8 Theatres is just across the parking lot from Johnny Rockets and plays all of the movies from the top of the box office charts. 

What's On: The movies currently suitable for children under the age of 13 are Toy Story 3 & Toy Story 3 3-D (rated G), and The Karate Kid (rated PG). 

Cost: Children 12 and under are admitted at all times for $8 and screenings before 5 p.m. cost $8.50 for adults. Matinee tickets for one adult and two children will run you $24.50. All tickets for 3-D movies (Toy Story 3) have an extra $3 surcharge. 

Special Deals: You can purchase a gift booklet at the box office for $25 that includes a coupon for a free popcorn. 

For about the cost of one day at camp, you can treat two kids and yourself to one of the great joys of summer—a meal out and a movie, all while staying close to home.