Back-to-school is a time when we say good bye to the long days of summer and routines come back into play. If you’ve got a tot missing their school-bound sibling and suffering from a case of back-to-school blues, then we’ve got the perfect cure. Treat your little one to some quality time with a fun activity just for them. Here are four ideas to cure the back-to-school blues.
Photo credit: Victoria Pearson/Lemonade
Enjoy Some Lemonade
One of Los Angeles’ most popular spots has come to San Diego! With the big kids in school, why not grab the littles and enjoy a refreshing sip of lemonade at one of the newest locations in Westfield UTC and Hillcrest? The popular chain boasts a menu full of Seasonal California comfort food in a fast-casual cafeteria setting. You can’t go wrong with a strawberry lemonade cupcake or one of their sandwiches (a strawberry lemonade cupcake“El Tijuana” turkey, jalapeno aioli, jicama slaw, queso fresco). But what really makes Lemonade all that is their variety of, well, lemonade! We love the Cucumber Mint, Guava Limeade, Watermelon Rosemary and Blood Orange. And with their casual, family-friendly dining style, it’s the perfect place to escape with the kiddos.
Westfield UTC
4525 La Jolla Village Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92122
858-251-0912
Hillcrest
3958 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92103
619-293-7900
Online: lemonadela.com
Image Credit: Sky High Sports Facebook Page
Bounce it Out at Sky High Sports Trampoline Park
Get ready for some high octane fun at Sky High Sports trampolining center. Your little one will be able to jump, bounce and flip through San Diego’s largest trampoline park that has a wall-to-wall trampoline field, swings, a foam pit, an arcade, and that’s just the beginning. Mondays are made especially for the under school age kiddo. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. they hold a Munchkin Monday play time. Kiddos 6 and under can bounce away their cares at a special price while Disney music plays from over head.
There’s also a parents lounge with free wi-fi, and you can finish off your session with a sweet treat at their cafe. To cut through the paperwork, book your time and fill out the waiver online up to two days in advance. Bare feet are okay for jumping (and mom, feel reassured as each trampoline is disinfected nightly), or grip socks are available for purchase.
8190 Miralani Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92126
858-693-5867
Online: sdo.jumpskyhigh.com
Image Credit: Bridget P. via Yelp
Connect with Your Inner Artist at Color Me Mine
Have some bonding time mixed with crafting at Color Me Mine, Rancho Bernado’s pottery painting studio. They help kids of any age (and adults for that matter) find their inner artist. There are hundreds of pottery pieces to choose from like mugs, plates, garden statues and cookie jars to choose from. Simply use their wide range of paints, stencils, stamps and brushes to create your own masterpiece.
Don’t worry if things get messy; in fact, it’s encouraged with kids here (as is some good old finger painting). And you’ll be happy to know that all the paints are washable and won’t stain clothes. Plus they are toxic free, lead free and food safe. Once you’ve painted your pottery masterpiece, the Color Me Mine team will fire it up for you in the kilm and then it will be ready for collection in 3-5 days.
4S Commons Town Center
10550 Craftsman Way, Suite 183
San Diego, Ca 92127
858-312-5500
Online: ranchobernardo.colormemine.com
Photo Credit: Wendy F via Yelp.
Feeding the Ducks at Lake Chollas
Get back to nature by talking your mini explorer to feed the ducks at Lake Chollas. Originally designed as a water reservoir for San Diego in the early 1900s, these days its home to a beautiful 16-acre lake and parkland. Stop at the kiosk near the entrance to buy some bread to feed the ducks. Then head on down to the lake for the feeding to begin! These ducks are use to people feeding them so you shouldn’t have to do too much trouble enticing to get them over. While you’re there, check out the squirrels and busy bird life surrounding the lake on the looped pathway. At under a mile long, it’s perfect for those little legs.
Or if a bit of play time is required, check out the four playgrounds the park has to offer including one big massive viking ship guaranteed to to make some oohs and ahhs. Entry to the park is free and there is plenty of parking on site. Restrooms are limited so take a potty break before arriving.
6350 College Grove Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92115
619-527-7683
Online: sandiego.gov
Do you have any ways to help your younger kids beat the back to school blues? Let us know in the comments below!
– Lenya McGrath
