Stop "Horsing Around"!

..but I'm not... Wednesdays are FREE @ the Del Mar Races! with their "Free & Easy Wednesdays" - you get

• FREE strech run admission
• FREE reserved seat
• FREE program
• 1/2 off domestic beer (in case you drink)
• 1/2 off sodas
• 1/2 off hot dogs
• (catch? become a "diamond member" at the gate - but it's FREE too (and you get more benefits than just on Wednesdays).
• What's almost as good as seeing the horses race? Taking your kids to get an upclose view of the race horses just before they take off - in the owner's circle. Can I get an "ooo-ahhh"?

Sundays @ the races also have FREE family infield play/fun. Inflatables, pony rides and games. Yes, ALL FREE! Starting @ 1:00pm.

Thursdays @ the races is $11 nite - for ONLY $11 you get

• stretch run admission
• reserved seat
• Oggi's personal pizza
• soda
• program

Great SD Website for Parents!

http://www.sandiegokids.com/

Looking for fun things to do or child-centered stores, etc. Check out this website!

Children's Museum - Escondido

Was it just me or was the Downtown "New Children's Museum" a tad overpriced and overcrowded? It was a great "once/year (if that)" experience and being with our sweet friends (Seatons) was 90% of the fun =)...but I found a great alternative. The Children's Museum of Escondido. It's not free, but only $5/child/adult! They do offer FREE movies in the park in the summertime (see other blog).

http://www.escondidochildrensmuseum.org/

FREE Kids Movies in the Park

Click on this link - http://www.escondidochildrensmuseum.org/calendar.htm

then click on "free movies in the park"

ONLY 1 night left - August 15th!

Free Summer Concerts @ Point Loma Park

http://www.plconcerts.org/

Stories Come Alive

Most bookstores in town, including the library AND pottery barn kids host "story hours". Some libraries even offer a bilingual (spanish) day! Ours even hosts a yoga/book hour for parents & children.

Libraries - http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/library/locations_ALL-BRANCHES.html

Check out the Library's Kids Corner - http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/KIDS/index.htm for Games, Events/Storytimes, Homework help & more!

PBK in UTC hosts them every Tuesday and offer a "stamp book" for a prize after so many visits.

Barnes & Noble - www.bn.com

Borders - www.borders.com

Have an "Everyone Wins Party"

Gather up all the toys you don't want anymore or no longer play with - make sure the children participate in this pruning process or you might end up with a hoarder later on in life.

Toys and Books should be in good, usuable condition and may include small "fast food toys".

Everyone brings a box to the "party" filled with their used toys/books. You may want to set a fixed #.
Create a number for as many children playing.
Have each child pick a number to see who goes first...they pick 1 toy out of a box and then it's the next child's turn. It goes round/round until they're all exchanged.

Everyone wins, including the environment - they don't go in the trash.

Walk on the Wild Side

Now I would suggest bringing bug spray, water and perhaps a "zap gun" if you're going to walk during summer (think rattlesnakes) or anytime where there are reported "lion" spottings...but there are TONS of National Refuges" in San Diego that aren't as rugged as the moutains and have great wildlife.

check out - www.fws.gov to find what you're looking for.

The new pedestrian bridge on Lake Hodges is fun. The kids can't believe they're "walking over water" (well, until it dried up, that is).

Be a Chef

San Diego City College offers FREE cooking classes from time to time. Call them.
http://www.sdcity.edu/

Go Bowling!

www.kidsbowlfree.com to see if there are any alley's in San Diego participating in the national summerlong program - "Kids Bowl Free" (children can play 2 games/day for free!)

Be On Vacation for an Hour or Two

Visit www.virtualtourist.com for historic locations, local trivia and under-the-radar spots to check out.

Also visit Huell Howser's latest - CA Roadtrip to discover some fun history & daytrips.
http://www.calgold.com/roadtrip/

Think Manufacuring

A lot of factories in town would love to give you kid's a tour - even the grocery store!

Try www.factorytourusa.com for some ideas.

Our local Tortilla Factory is always a kid's favorite.

Get Crafty

Check out
Children's classes offered by your local Home Depot (usually an age requirement) and Michael's Craft Store. Some class are free or less than $5.

Also try...for @ home crafts.
http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/
http://www.kidscraftweekly.com/ - get ideas emailed to you.
www.belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow - seasonal crafts
http://www.artfulparent.wordpress.com/ - art, baking and science

Be a Swed (Swedish, that is)

Drop your kids off (if they're potty trained!) at the Ikea daycare - they have fun and you can shop or have a cup of coffee in silence for an hour.

Animal Lovers

Check out www.pettingzoofarm.com for lists of local Pony Rides and Farm tours.

Future Firefighters

Take your child to your local fire station and you might even get a tour or climb up on a fire truck! Call ahead. It's also a GREAT place for birthday parties - definitely on the list for Diego.

Get Hooked on Fishing

Click on "Little Lunkers" @ www.takemefishing.org, and your child can learn the basics and you can find places to take him/her.