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Accessible Adventures: Exploring Southern California with EBT Benefits

Get even more with your EBT Benefits!

By Arielle Parfait, Publisher, Macaroni KID Temecula-Murrieta-French Valley February 26, 2024

 Southern California boasts a wealth of attractions, from stunning beaches to vibrant cultural centers. For those with EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) benefits, there are numerous opportunities to explore the region's diverse offerings at discounted or even free admission rates. Whether you're in Riverside County, San Diego County, Orange County, or Los Angeles County, there's something for everyone to enjoy without breaking the bank.


Riverside County


1. **Riverside Art Museum**: Immerse yourself in the local art scene at the Riverside Art Museum, offering free admission to EBT cardholders. Explore rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary and historical works by regional artists.


2. **March Field Air Museum**: Aviation enthusiasts won't want to miss the March Field Air Museum, which offers discounted admission for EBT cardholders. Discover the rich history of military aviation through interactive exhibits and vintage aircraft displays.


San Diego County


1. **San Diego Zoo**: Experience the wonders of the animal kingdom at the world-famous San Diego Zoo. EBT cardholders can enjoy discounted admission to this renowned attraction, home to over 3,500 rare and endangered animals.


2. **Balboa Park Museums**: Dive into culture and history at Balboa Park's museums, many of which offer free admission days for residents, including those with EBT benefits. Explore art, science, and culture through exhibits at institutions like the San Diego Museum of Art and the Museum of Photographic Arts.


Orange County


1. **Discovery Cube Orange County**: Spark your curiosity at the Discovery Cube Orange County, where science comes to life through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. EBT cardholders receive discounted admission to this family-friendly destination.


2. **Pretend City Children's Museum**: Ignite your child's imagination at Pretend City Children's Museum, offering discounted admission for EBT cardholders. Explore themed play areas designed to inspire creativity and learning through pretend play.


Los Angeles County


1. **Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)**: Delve into the world of art at LACMA, one of the largest art museums in the western United States. EBT cardholders can enjoy discounted admission to this iconic institution, home to a diverse collection spanning thousands of years.


2. **Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County**: Uncover the wonders of the natural world at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, offering discounted admission for EBT cardholders. From dinosaur fossils to live animal exhibits, there's plenty to explore and discover.


By taking advantage of these discounted and free admission opportunities, individuals and families can embark on memorable adventures throughout Southern California's diverse landscapes and cultural attractions. Whether you're exploring Riverside County, San Diego County, Orange County, or Los Angeles County, there's no shortage of affordable ways to experience the beauty and richness of the region.


Did you know you can also get discounted Internet service, cheap state parks passes and so much more! If you’ve got California EBT (also known as SNAP, CalFresh or Golden State Advantage), you won’t want to miss these amazing benefits!

Amazon – 50% Off!

If you get CalFresh benefits, then you’re eligible for Prime Access. Prime Access is a discounted Prime offering for people who participate in qualifying government programs. CalFresh recipients are automatically eligible, as are people who receive Medicaid, TANF, SSI and other qualifying benefits. 

Sign up for Prime Access now!

FREE Cell Service

You may be able to completely eliminate your cell phone bill with the Lifeline program! This program has the same eligibility requirements as CalFresh, so you will automatically be eligible if you have food benefits. 

There are more than a dozen providers that offer free service through the Lifeline program. The plans are all a little different. Pick your provider now!

FREE Internet

You may be able to get FREE Internet if you have CalFresh benefits! We’ve found over a dozen Internet providers that offer service for $20 or less per month… and when you add the Affordable Connectivity Program subsidy to that, you could pay $0 per month for Internet service!


If you don’t have an EBT card yet, it’s easy to get one. NPR has estimated that 30% of eligible people in California haven’t applied yet. If that’s you, don’t wait – apply now!

When you apply, you will need documentation about your household expenses and income. You’ll also need to provide data about each of your household members, including their names and ages.


As always your publishers are always looking for ways to help you save a buck while also getting out and exploring all the family fun our area and other parts of Southern California have to offer.  

When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!