Alexa PenaVega Describes Farm Life as the ‘Antithesis’ of Hollywood
Alexa PenaVega shared insights about her life on a Tennessee farm with husband Carlos PenaVega and their three kids, describing it as the “polar opposite” of Hollywood’s glitz and glam.
“I love that we’re very outdoor[sy] people,” Alexa, 37, told Us Weekly exclusively on Wednesday, June 24, while volunteering with the Salvation Army. “My kids spent a significant amount of time growing up on the island [in Hawaii], then we lived on a boat, and now we’re on a farm in Tennessee. We’re very outdoorsy, but when you think about it, they are living such a wild life—transitioning from a tour bus [with their dad’s band Big Time Rush] to traveling, touring, and being on movie sets.”
She continued, “So when we’re home, I wanted life to be the complete opposite of that. And this is what we live. They get to ride their little motocross bikes in the backyard, care for chickens, and we’re even looking into getting a cow soon. Just fun life experiences.”
Since moving out of Hollywood in 2017, Alexa and Carlos, 36, have relocated their family first to Maui and then to a farm in Nashville. They share three children: Ocean King, 9; Kingston James, 6; and Rio Rey, 5.
This summer, Alexa and her Spy Kids co-star Daryl Sabara are collaborating with the Salvation Army on its program designed to provide access to camps and daycare for thousands of children nationwide at little or no cost to families.
Throughout the summer, Alexa and Sabara, 34, will surprise children aged 8-12 with spy-themed activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their iconic movie Spy Kids. These events aim to inspire teamwork, creativity, and fun among the campers while introducing a new generation to the beloved 2001 film.
“[Salvation Army] assists 28 million people in the U.S. each year, and their summer camp program helps nearly half a million kids,” Sabara told Us. “There are so many aspects of the Salvation Army that we’re continuously discovering.”
Alexa agreed, stating, “If there’s a need, Salvation is guaranteed to meet it, and they’re truly special. With this specific camp … there are around 150 kids at this camp [we’re visiting], but for many families across the U.S., one summer camp can be prohibitively expensive.”
Both former co-stars emphasized that the Salvation Army’s low-cost summer programs are essential since many other camps are “just too expensive” these days.
“Once school ends, families face the challenge of childcare,” Alexa pointed out. “Parents still need to work, finances can be tight, but they don’t want their kids to be home alone all day. These summer camps across the U.S. are offered at little to no cost to families due to the generosity of donors, whether financially or through volunteering.”
She continued, “There are many ways to contribute. Visit the Salvation Army to find a list of how you can join the family and give back.”
The pair have also begun introducing their own children to Spy Kids. (Sabara and his wife, Meghan Trainor, have three kids: Riley Thomas, 5; Barry Bruce, 2; and Mikey Moon, 5 months.)
“My oldest has watched it and is really into it,” Sabara shared with Us about Spy Kids. “He’s in disbelief, alternating between looking at me and the screen, saying, ‘Wait, that’s you?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, dude, I don’t get it either, but that was me.’ It’s so fun to see his reactions.”
Alexa confirmed that her kids are fans of Spy Kids as well, and she shared her thoughts on why the franchise still resonates after 25 years.
“For many kids, it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, I could be that, or maybe my parents are spies,’” she noted. “It’s exciting, both to make and watch the movies. They impart beautiful lessons and values, appealing to families from all walks of life.”
In conclusion, she stated, “We were a Hispanic family in a time when there weren’t many films with a multicultural family at the forefront, which felt special. It stood out in so many ways and broke barriers, and it continues to be loved!”
