Go Fly a Kite! 5 Best Spots for Soaring

by Aimee Della BittaMarch 27, 2017

Remember watching Mr. Banks belt out “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” at the end of Mary Poppins? Not only did it make you feel like everything was going to be A-okay with the Banks’ family, it also inspired you to get out there and enjoy a little high-flyin’ adventure of your own. Lucky for us, San Diego offers plenty of spots to go and fly that kite to the highest height. Read on to see where to catch some air.

Photo: Hilltop Park via Beth Shea

Hilltop Park
Hilltop Park in San Diego is like the Emma Stone of parks — there’s nothing not to love. Nestled on the top of a mountain in Rancho Peñasquitos, this locale has a great open grass field for kite flying, a kid’s playground with sand, a covered seating area and amazing views of both the city and the ocean. So, grab that kite and head over to Hilltop Park. You’ll be glad you did!

9711 Oviedo Way
San Diego, Ca 92129
858-538-8198
Online: sandiego.gov

Photo: Noel P. via Yelp

Mission Bay
Don’t you love it when local spots make worldwide top ten lists? Well, that’s what happened when Mission Bay in San Diego topped USA Today’s list of Top Ten Places in the World to Fly a Kite. Nationally recognized, locally approved — spacious Mission Bay is a prime spot to let that kite soar! You and your little ones may run into a few other kite aficionados since the San Diego Kite Club meets here every second Saturday of the month. Also, if your kiddo’s legs are too tired from chasing kites, there are plenty of awesome bike paths throughout the park to check out afterwards.

Insider’s Tip: Mariners Point, Tecolote Shores North and Fiesta Island are all prime destinations for kite flying.

2688 East Mission Bay Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92109
619-221-8900
Online: sandiego.gov/

Photo: Greenlaker.com

South Ponto Beach
North County dwellers who don’t want to travel south for the day, get your kite flyin’ fix at South Ponto Beach in Carlsbad. The beach is just north of Leucadia, where the bluffs end and the open stretch of ocean begins. Families love spending the day at South Ponto Beach and it comes as no surprise. The waves are calm, there are tons of stones for skipping and the restrooms are clean and easily accessible. AND, that ocean breeze gives you just the right amount of lift off to get your kite flying through the sky.

Insider’s Tip: Parking is usually available on the street, but if you can’t find a spot there’s a parking lot at the south end. Cost is $15.

La Costa Ave., HWY 101
Carlsbad, Ca 92008
619-438-3143
Online: sandiegocoastlife.com

Photo: Kiwanis Club of Ocean Beach

Dusty Rhodes Park
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s a… sky full of kites! Home to the oldest children’s kite festival in the United States, Dusty Rhodes Park easily makes our list for top San Diego destinations to fly a kite. Every year, on the second Saturday of May (that’s May 13, 2017 this year!) crowds flock to the Ocean Beach park to not only fly kites but also to build and decorate them. The local event includes prizes, professional kite fliers and amazing kite demonstrations as well as games, carnival activities and live music. Whether you make it to the festival or just visit the park with your family, it’s sure to be a great place for your little ones to see their kite dance through the sky.

Sunset Cliffs Blvd. between W. Point Loma and Nimitz
San Diego, Ca
Online: oceanbeachsandiego.com

Photo: Aaron Burden via Unsplash

San Dieguito Park
Up, up, and away! Any breezy day is a good day to head to San Dieguito Park and launch a kite with your little aviator. Just a short distance from Del Mar, the park gets a lovely ocean breeze and offers a variety of recreational activities in addition to spacious grounds for kite flying. Think about packing a family picnic to enjoy on the large open lawns lined with eucalyptus trees and a tranquil pond. San Dieguito Park is truly a local gem.

Insider’s Tip: Be sure to check out “activity hill.” It has rope bridges, hillside ladders and lookout stations.

1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr.
Del Mar, Ca 92014
Online: SDparks.org

Where’s your favorite kite flying destination? Let us know in the comments below.

–– Aimee Della Bitta

Up, Up & Away! Where to Fly a Kite Around Portland

by Emily HoganSeptember 4, 2016

Let’s go fly a kite – in Portland! There isn’t anything that compares to the thrill of launching a kite on a windy, fall day and holding onto the string as tight as you can to keep it from flying away. An experience every parent wants to share with their kids. Portland has several spots perfect for letting your stringed craft soar—here are a few where you’re likely to find a good breeze.

photo credit: mustharshid via flickr

Council Crest Park (SW Council Crest Drive)

Thought to be the highest point in Portland (1,073 feet above sea level), Council Crest Park boasts beautiful views in all directions. There is an off-leash dog area, a plaza, and a tree-free hillside just begging for some kite-flying action. As a bonus, it is a perfect picnic spot! Bring lunch and a kite, and enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Rainier.

Delta Park (Corner of N Denver Ave & Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.)

At over 86 acres, Delta Park provides everything you could want on a clear day in Portland. There is a playground, an off-leash dog area, a football field, picnic areas, a soccer field, a softball field, a volley ball court, and more than enough room to run with a kite. The level ground and usual breeze make it an ideal spot for kids who are just learning to fly.

Orchard Park (NW Amberwood Drive, Hillsboro)

A bit smaller (and lesser known), this 21-acre park boasts a ½ mile paved path with bridges over Rock Creek, a playground and a disc golf course. Above all else, there is a great open area with grass that proves an ideal spot to put up a kite. Go early and you are likely to have the place to yourself.

Waterfront Park (Naito Pkwy between SW Harrison St & NW Glisan St)

Located in the heart of Portland, this park is best known for it’s fountain, riverfront views, and biking/running paths. Equally satisfying are the long grass-lined spaces which make for a perfect kite-launch spot. Most importantly, the riverfront is never without some amount of wind making flying a kite….a breeze.

Whether you consider yourself a novice flier or an expert, these parks are sure to please.

Don’t see your favorite spot listed here? Tell us about it in the comments below!

—Emily Hogan

Today Is National Ride the Wind Day

by Tinybeans TeamJune 23, 2016

Daily

Today Is National Ride the Wind Day

Breeze the day.

Harness some wind power with these easy, breezy activities.

Chime in on the fun with 10 different wind chime crafts you can make today.

The next time they want to fly a kite, make an entire vacation of it.

Today’s #HorizonChallenge theme: Nature! Take a photo and share your pics with us on social media. Don’t forget to tag #HorizonChallenge.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Kites }

Go Fly a Kite! 10 Amazing Spots to Catch Some Air

by Gabby CullenJune 21, 2016

One of our favorite recipes for fun includes plenty of wide open spaces, a dash of wind, lots of sunshine, and of course, kids! Throw in a couple of kites and you’ve got the makings for a perfect day. From sandy stretches to awesome green spaces, flip through the album below to discover our picks for best places to throw caution to the wind.

Spectacle Island – Boston, Ma

Taking a ferry to a spot to fly kites seems like a lot of effort, but the amazing panoramic views of Boston are totally worth the effort. The best spot to send kites flying is the highest hill in the Boston Harbor Islands—the sandy beach, visitor center, clambakes, BBQs and ranger tours are a total bonus for little explorers.

Insider Tip: Spectacle Island is just 20 minutes away from downtown Boston!

Online: bostonharborislands.org/spectacleisland

photo: Massachusetts Office of Tourism via flickr

Where is your favorite place to fly a kite? Share with us in a Comment below.

—Gabby Cullen

6 Nostalgic Play Ideas to Let Them Be Little

by Lenya McGrathOctober 7, 2015

What parent doesn’t want their kids to have a good, old-fashioned childhood? You know the kind, where days are filled with school followed by long afternoons of bike rides, swinging at the playground, hunting for bugs and then, when the street lights came on you know it is time to head home for dinner. While today’s world tends to be filled with after-school activities and modern technology, here are six ideas to get your modern day minis experiencing simple play throughout San Diego.

Image Credit: Tammy via Flickr Creative Commons.

The Best Place To Roll Down A Hill
Take one kiddo plus one hill and you’ve got the perfect combination for some old fashion fun having rolling competitions at Kate O’ Sessions park. Located in North Pacific Beach, this scenic spot sits on top of a hill with perfect views of Mission Bay, downtown, Coronado and beyond. While you take in the views, your kiddos can literally roll down the southern end of the park. It’s a hilly wide open space so there will be plenty of spots in between the other picnickers, dog walkers and other kids playing. Rolling competitions done, check out the neat playground or bring a ball to kick around. There is plenty of parking and restroom facilities so it should make for an easy afternoon of innocent fun.

Kate O’Sessions Park
5115 Soledad Rd.
San Diego, Ca 92109
Online: sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation

Image Credit: Jason Jones via Flickr Creative Commons.

The Best Place To Fly A Kite
The old Mary Poppins song, “Lets Go Fly A Kite,” will be ringing in your ears as you visit Tecolote Shores for a family kite flying session. Situated in Mission Bay, just south of the San Diego Hilton Resort and East Mission Bay Drive, this parkland has the perfect combination of big open spaces perfect for getting a run off and a nice little coastal breeze that will see your kite soar. And if you really want to up the kite flying ante, visit at 12 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month when the San Diego Kite Club meets. You’ll be able to see amazing kites of all different shapes, colors and sizes take to the sky. While you’re there, check out the kids playground or bring the bikes for a spin on the Mission Bay Park bike path. Parking is free and plentiful (although it does get busy on the weekend) and there are restrooms available in the park.

Tecolote Shores North
1740 E Mission Bay Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92109
Online: sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation

Image Credit: Macie Sherwood via Flickr Creative Commons.

The Best Place To Swing Till You Touch The Sky
There’s something so nostalgic about sitting on the swings, going back and forth while you get as high as you can until you can almost touch the sky. And Hilltop Park and Recreation Center is the perfect spot. Here you’ll find a top notch playground with eight swings ready to go. Set into a big kid and little kid area, and surrounded by picnic tables and grassy fields you can swing, play and relax till your heart’s content. But it won’t just be you pushing the kiddos on the swings that will get them soaring. You’ll want to grab a swing and check out the sweeping views of Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, all the way through to the Pacific Ocean!

Hilltop Park and Recreation Center
9711 Oviedo Way
San Diego, Ca 92129
Online: sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation

Image Credit: Holly Clark via Flickr Creative Commons

The Best Place to Splash In The Sea
Feel the sand between your toes and the sun on your shoulders as you hit up Cardiff Reef Beach. This family friendly spot is perfect to splash about. With a huge stretch of shoreline to choose from you can find yourself a quite little area, or hang with the crowds if that’s more your thing. While the surfers catch a wave of two out back, the kiddos will love jumping over waves coming into shore, collect shells or build a sandcastle or two. With so many families visiting it can get busy here so prep yourself that you may need to search out a parking spot. If nature calls there are restrooms available and there are lifeguards on duty (although only at certain times)

Cardiff State Beach
Hwy 101
Cardiff By The Sea, Ca 92007
Online: parks.ca.gov

Image Credit: Judecat via Flickr Creative Commons.

The Best Place To Climb a Tree
Climbing a tree is a childhood right of passage. As your wee one sits perched on a tree branch far away from video games, iPhones or laptops, they can be at one with nature (while you perhaps are “at one” with watching them closely to make sure they are okay). Pioneer Park in San Diego’s Mission Hills district boasts some Morton Bay figs that are perfect for climbing. These trees have large root systems to explore and low-to-the-ground sturdy branches meaning your little one’s tree climbing adventure will be fun rather than death defying. While you are there check out the well-maintained play equipment along with lots of public BBQ and picnic spaces. There is even an old creepy graveyard at the edge of the park if you think the kiddo’s are up for it.

Pioneer Park
1521 Washington Pl
San Diego, Ca 92101
Online: sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation

Image Credit: White Balance Images via Flickr Creative Commons.

The Best Place to Count the Stars
Lying in the dark under a blanket of glittering stars can help your kiddos feel just how infinitely small they are in the big wide world. San Diego has some great spots to go stargazing, including Mission Trails Regional Park. On the second Friday of each month, meet at the far end of the Kumeyaay Lake Campground’s day use parking lot for a meet up with members of the San Diego Astronomy Association. They are on hand with their telescopes to help your family from sunset to 10 p.m. You’ll be able to check out some of the brightest starts in the galaxy along with planets, moons and other galactic awesomeness.

Kumeyaay Lake Campground Parking Lot
Two Father Junipero Serra Trail
Online: mtrp.org/campground

What are your favorite ways to have some good, old-fashioned fun play time? Let us know in the comments!

– Lenya McGrath

Dial it Down: 5 Stress-Relief Ideas for Kids

by Nikki WalshAugust 3, 2015

Between sports practice, camps and music lessons, our busy little bees can sometimes feel themselves flying in circles from all the activities. And let’s face it: so do the parents! Take a break from calendar overwhelm and let the kiddos get out of their head and into their hearts. Here are five easy ways to relieve some stress with a San Diego twist.

Photo credit: San Elijo Conservancy Facebook page

Nature Is Nurture
Simply walking in nature can bring some quiet and calm. San Diego lagoons are a good start for the smaller set. Leucadia’s San Elijo Lagoon is easy to get to and has a short half-mile hike, an easy little loop (in case kids tire). If you’re not quite up for a nature walk, simply set your visit for the first Sunday of the month. Learn about nature through a hands-on art projects, try a short hike, or picnic at the tables on the Observation Deck with a great view of the lagoon. With free parking and free activities, you will leave with the quiet calm of nature in your mind.

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9 – 5 p.m.

2710 Manchester Ave.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Ca
760-634-3026

Online: sanelijo.org/naturecenter.html

Photo credit: Monique Walsh

Head and Heart
Too much to do can leave a little one’s head spinning. Teaching kids how to get out of their head and into their heart can bring a gentle calm to whirling thoughts. The Kelee is a map to your heart that helps kiddos understand the difference between too much thinking in their head and the calmness of their heart. Kelee meditation is used at the UC San Diego Medical School. So if it works for medical students, it’s sure to help even the youngest of kids too.

Online: thekelee.org

Photo credit: Chris Palmer via Flickr Creative Commons

Go Fly a Kite
Flying a kite with your pint-size is a great way for everyone to relax in the fresh air. Even if you don’t want to stress of flying the kite yourself, San Diego has some great kite-watching spots including Mission Bay Park on a windy day (which is often). Bring a picnic and set up a spot on the grassy green, and fly or watch the kites. There’s also a great play area and plenty of bathrooms, free parking and trees with shade. Simple, low-key fun that will relax anyone.

Online: sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation

Photo credit: Monique Walsh

Almost Camping
Almost camping takes the family outside without too much fuss. Rent a beachside campsite at Carlsbad State Beach, pitch a little tent (yes, it can be the one you got for the living room), and have a fire pit completely to yourself. Grill hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie kabobs and s’mores for dessert. There’s a small store onsite in case you forget something; they even sell the firewood. Stay as late as you want, then pack it up for the comforts of home. You can reserve South Carlsbad State Beach campsites online for as low as $35.

7201 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad, Ca
760-438-3143
Online: parks.ca.gov

Photo credit: Monique Walsh

Allow for Alone Playtime
A little alone time can be a great way for littles to decompress. Playing by themselves (even if it starts with a few minutes) helps our little bees begin to quiet themselves. You can start with a short time then lengthen as kiddos adjust. We like dollhouses and bat caves to help the little ones get creative and have less stressed.

How do you help your kids unwind in San Diego? What ideas do you have?

— Monique Walsh

A Family Guide to the Redondo Beach Pier

by Judy ParkMay 6, 2015

If you’re looking for a down-to-earth beach & play destination that’s family friendly and not a tourist trap, you’ll find it at the Redondo Beach Pier. Spending a day here lets little ones explore sandy beaches, wildlife, a nostalgic arcade, glass bottomed boat and kite heaven while everyone indulges in seafood and endless desserts. Take a look at our guide to spending an insider’s day out on the Redondo Beach Pier.

photo credit: Maila H via yelp

Play and Explore

Redondo Fun Factory
Stop by the Fun Factory for a trip down memory lane where they have all the classic arcade and carnival games. Your trip might not be complete without a spin on the Tilt-a-Whirl, but we don’t recommend going on it after a meal—some kids get dizzy just watching the ride! Tickets are $2 on the weekends and $0.50 on rainy days. Your quarters will go a long way here and kids can easily be entertained for hours. Kids crack up at the outdated prizes you can win. Hey, who doesn’t need a new wall clock or toaster oven from the 80’s?

123 International Boardwalk
310-379-8510
Online: redondofunfactory.com

photo credit: tiarescott via Creative Commons

Redondo Beach
Bring all your beach gear and lounge for as long as you want at Redondo Beach, right by the pier. On a busy weekend, you might see the entire beach covered with umbrellas and families sunbathing and snacking away, but you’ll still be able to find a nice area to set up. The sand may be a bit rough, but your little engineers can build sand castles and chase each other down into the water while you relax with ease of mind since there are plenty of lifeguards on duty.

photo credit: Julia K via yelp

Festival Days
If you don’t mind crowds, head to Redondo Beach Pier when there’s a special event for some extra fun. In early March there’s the Annual Festival of the Kite and September has the Annual Back-to-School Chalk Art Festival. Throughout the summer, there are free outdoor movies (Fridays in June) and free concerts (Thursdays and Sundays in July & August). Check the event listing online for specific dates.

photo credit: Whit Andrews via Creative commons

The End of the Pier
Take a stroll along the Pier to see what kinds of fish are being caught—there have been plenty of stingray sightings this year, too. You also won’t miss the gigantic pelicans that hang out in the area, sometimes stealing a fish or two from the local fishermen. They love posing for photos, but don’t get too close for a selfie.

100 Fisherman’s Wharf
Redondo Beach, CA
Online: redondopier.com

photo credit: Kobe Pearl & Gem Co.’s Facebook page

Kobe Pearl & Gem Co.
Stop by Kobe Pearl & Gem Co. and let your little explorers hand select their own oysters with cultured pearls inside. If they’re super lucky, they’ll even find the rare black pearls. Get the pearls set into a necklace or earrings for them as souvenirs.

100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Suite D
310-374-8518

photo credit: Judy Park

Sunshine Kite Company
The younger crowd will enjoy the sight of the Sunshine Kite Company with all its pinwheels and kites on display, spinning in the breeze. It’s guaranteed that your wild thing will want to touch each and every one of those pinwheels even if they look the same to you. The older ones (ages 6 & up) can catch a free yo-yo class here every weekend at 3 p.m.

110 Fisherman’s Wharf
310-372-0308
Online: pierkites.com

photo credit: Nicole B via yelp

“Looking Glass” Semi-Submarine
Take a 30-minute undersea tour in the “looking glass” semi-submarine where the upper deck allows you to check out the sea lions lounging about the abandoned docks while the lower deck lets Nemo-lovers view all the beautiful fish in the sea. The best time of day to go is in the mid-morning to early afternoon, when the sun lights up the sea bed. The boat is located inside the Redondo Beach Marina by the neon yellow paddle boats (another fun outing!), north of the fish markets.

150 International Boardwalk
310-909-3179
Online: fastkayak.com/lookingglass.html

photo credit: Jay V via yelp

Restaurants

Quality Seafood, Inc.
If you want to eat like a local, grab lunch at Quality Seafood, Inc. along the International Boardwalk where everyone can choose their own seafood selection. Choose from Dungeness crabs, lobsters, shrimps, oysters, you name it, and have them steamed, grilled or fried. If kids don’t like to see their fish whole, they might prefer the fresh clam chowder. Tables are hard to come by here as it’s mostly self-serve. The key is having someone “claim” a table while another stands in line to order. Don’t forget to get newspaper to use as your placemat and some mallets to let your little seafood lovers hack away at crustaceans. They’ll enjoy this part way too much, but at least you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor. If you really want to do what the locals do, bring your own condiments. And baby wipes.

130 S International Boardwalk
310-372-6408
Online: qualityseafood.net

photo credit: Christopher H via yelp

Pacific Fish Center & Restaurant
If this all sounds like too much work, head over to Pacific Fish Center & Restaurant where you can order from a large variety of fresh seafood, including a beautiful platter of sashimi, and enjoy a nice view of the ocean. The meal comes complete with bibs for everyone, much to the delight of the younger members of the family, who like to see parents wearing baby accessories.

131 Fisherman’s Wharf
310-374-8420

photo credit: Kristen S via yelp

Dessert Spots

Pier Bakery
Pier Bakery has the best foot-long churros in town, hand-rolled in cinnamon and sugar, served hot and crispy on the outside and soft and doughy on the inside. Even if your little sweetie pie didn’t leave room for desserts, the churros will be devoured in no time.

100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Suite M
310-376-9582

photo credit: AngryJulieMonday via Creative Commons

Charlie’s Place
If you haven’t been to a local fair lately, Charlie’s Place is the place to be as they serve delicious strawberry funnel cakes, topped with strawberries and whip cream, perfect for the family to share for a late breakfast, lunch, snack or pre-bedtime treat.

200 Fisherman’s Wharf
310-372-2567

photo credit: Nejib B via yelp

Bella Gelato
On a hot day, something cold sounds better than a fried treat. Head on over to Bella Gelato where they have more than twenty different selections. The white chocolate Nutella is a must try.

100-A Fisherman’s Wharf
310-937-7788

Good to Know

The Pier isn’t exactly a dog-friendly place, so it’s best to leave your pets at home. Paying for parking at the Pier is so simple, the pay machines even provide a reminder option, sending you a text message reminder fifteen minutes before your time expires.

What does your perfect day out at the Redondo Beach Pier look like? Tell us in the comments below!

—Judy Park

Seaport Village: A Bayside Destination With An Antique Carousel

by Marissa MullenDecember 29, 2014

Nestled along the bay in downtown San Diego with its picturesque views, cobblestone walkways and seaside charm, Seaport Village is the perfect place to spend the day. Despite being a favorite destination among tourists, local families flock to Seaport Village during the week and on the weekends for the food, fun and stores. With over 50 unique shops, 13 casual eateries, and four upscale restaurants (just in case your kiddo is that well-behaved!), free entertainment, and tons of beautiful green grass for picnics and kite flying, Seaport Village offers the best of San Diego.

Photo Credit: Karla C. via Yelp

When To Go
Seaport Village is open every day from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. While the weekends are busier, that’s when you’ll find the most free entertainment. However, to avoid the crowds, swing by on a weekday. You’ll still find plenty to do, particularly if you pack a picnic lunch or bring a kite.

How To Get There
Located in downtown San Diego at West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, Seaport Village is just a five minute drive from the I-5 (coming from either direction). The boardwalk that runs along the bay (and along Seaport Village) connects to the USS Midway Museum, so if you’re already out for a day of Midway fun, consider walking down to Seaport Village, as it’s just one-half mile away. It’s a beautiful and easy walk. As far as parking goes, Seaport Village has its own parking lot. If you make any purchase over $10 and have your parking ticket validated, parking is just $3 for the first 2 hours and $2 every 30 minutes thereafter. Non-validated parking is just $8 per hour (or part thereof). You’ll also find some nearby metered parking, but remember that downtown meters are $1.25 per hour with a two hour max.

Photo Credit: Loren Javler via Creative Commons

What To Do
Do not miss the antique carousel that dates back to 1895. It runs all day and costs just $2 per ride. The line is never too long and even when you see a large group of kids waiting for a turn, don’t leave! With 54 horses (and other animals), you’ll never wait longer than a few minutes.

Young kids love to stroll along the bay and look at the boats and birds. Seaport Village features over four miles of cobblestone walkways that are dotted with water features and lots of ducks. If you come at the right time of year, you’re sure to see baby ducks and really, who doesn’t love little chicks?

Photo Credit: bcgrote via Creative Commons

The huge spans of green grass are perfect for picnics and kite flying. Pack up a quick lunch for you and the kiddos, bring a blanket and enjoy. Even if you’re not the kite-flying type, you’re almost certain to see plenty of other people flying kites, so watch the show. On the weekends, many artists work at Seaport Village, including a face painter, a balloon artist and a caricature artist. Handfuls of unscheduled street performers also set up shop to entertain. Check out mimes, musicians, dancers and more.

Photo Credit: Photofinish 2009 via Creative Commons

Kids will love browsing in some of the specialty shops, such as Apple Box, where they can find unique, one of a kind wooden toys. Take a break from the sun and celebrate the holidays by visiting Mistletoe, then test drive a relaxing hammock at Swings & Things. And don’t miss Kite Flite, an awesome place to buy kites -they’ll even let you “fly before you buy,” right outside the door in the San Diego bay breeze.

Seaport Village keeps a monthly calendar, where you can find out what’s happening as far as special events. Several annual events take place as Seaport Village, such as the Spring Busker Festival, Thanksgiving Dinner and more. The Surfin’ Santa, dressed in his board shorts and flip flops is a holiday favorite among the kiddos. While the dates vary slightly each year, these are annual activities that you can always plan to attend.

Photo Credit: Simon Allardice via Creative Commons

Where To Eat
If you’re not the picnicking type or don’t have time to pack a lunch, Seaport Village has plenty of places to eat that work for kids. For pizza lovers, try Assagio Pizza Pasta Plus. Or, if your kids prefer burgers, the San Diego Burger Company serves up fantastic burgers (including turkey burgers and veggie burgers) and fries. For healthier fare, the Village Cafe offers yummy sandwiches, salads, and soups If you’re craving a snack, grab a big soft pretzel to share at Wetzel’s Pretzels. Sweet treats from Ben & Jerry’s or Seaport Village Cookie Company are sure to delight your little ones!

Photo Credit: Alyssa S. via Yelp

What’s the Cost?
Your trip to Seaport Village can cost as little as a few bucks if you score metered street parking or as much as the cost of lunch and a few balloon animals (or a ride on the carousel). If you plan on buying lunch, expect to spend at least $8 per person for the most part.

Insider’s Tip
If you’re planning on a Ben & Jerry’s treat for the whole family, order the kids scoop. It’s almost the same size as the small but you’ll save a few bucks (and a few calories). For a low key day, come Monday through Thursday, but if you’re in it for the entertainment, stop by on a weekend.

Seaport Village
849 West Harbor Dr.
San Diego, Ca
619-235-4014
Online: seaportvillage.com

What’s your favorite thing to do in Seaport Village?

– Marissa Mullen and Laura Willard

20 Reasons to Be Thankful You’re a San Diego Parent

by Leah R. SingerNovember 10, 2014

With kid-friendly breweries, the beach in the winter, and plenty of outdoor activities to fill every weekend, San Diego is truly a parent’s paradise. In the spirit of being thankful, we wanted to take a moment and reflect on what makes our city the best place to live for parents and kids.

Photo credit: Surf Diva

1. We get to enjoy the beautiful San Diego beaches and near-perfect weather all year long.

2. Our kids can eat free every day of the week.

3. You can learn about the history of San Diego and eat a delicious Mexican lunch in Old Town.

4. Not only do our local moms know how to cook, but thankfully they know how to blog, too.

5. There’s tons of free (or nearly free) stuff to do any day of the week.

Photo credit: Leah Singer

6. Lions, tigers and bears await at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

7. We’re a hotbed of theater for kids.

8. If you want to visit the mountains, simply drive east to the town of Julian.

9. We have plenty of great independent bookstores where we can get our fix.

10. San Diego kids perfect their yoga poses.

Photo credit: Leah Singer

11. The Sanford Children’s Library is like nothing you’ve ever seen before!

12. Fly a kite and ride a carousel in Seaport Village.

13. San Diego is the microbrew capitol of the country, and we have kid-friendly breweries, too!

14. Play in the sunshine at these awesome parks for kids.

15. Take flight with exotic birds in North County or goof around with monkeys in East County.

Photo credit: Marissa Mullen

16. Explore San Diego’s secret gardens and hidden caves.

17. In the South Bay community of Chula Vista, visit the Olympic Training Center, tour a nature center, and have a picnic at a local park.

18. There are some pretty amazing hiking trails to tackle with little hikers.

19. With the beaches come surfing! Kids can catch their first wave in surf lessons.

20. The San Diego Padres baseball team may not have made it to the World Series, but baseball season at PETCO Park can’t be beat!

What makes you thankful to be a San Diego parent?

— Leah R. Singer

Six Super Scenic Places to Fly a Kite

by Beth SheaSeptember 25, 2013

Remember the final scene in Mary Poppins, where the Banks family skips merrily down the lane while singing “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” before launching one into the sky with utter glee? Those simple pleasures are still just as fun, and just as available. In a day and age where iPads give your kids the world at their fingertips, technology still can’t replace the jubilant feeling of channeling a gust of wind and making a kite soar in the sky with your own two hands. Here are six easy, breezy places to fly a kite in the city for some good old fashioned fun in the great outdoors. Bonus: Each place has views of the city and the ocean that will make your kite-flying adventure the perfect photo opp. Now take that kite up to the highest height, and send it soaring…

Bruce’s Beach
Where: Manhattan Beach at Highland and 27th Street
Insider Tips: Don’t be fooled by the name. Bruce’s Beach is really a public park, not a beach — but the views of the ocean and the sunset from the oldest park in Manhattan Beach are spectacular. Spread out across three acres, Bruce’s Beach boasts plenty of open space and a tiered, sloping grassy hillside that is perfect for kite-flying — or rolling down sideways and laughing until your sides hurt.

Silver Lake Meadow
Where: Silver Lake Boulevard
Insider Tips: Dubbed by locals as LA’s version of NYC’s Central Park, Silver Lake Meadow is a lush and expansive grassy field that’s a breath of fresh air in an urban jungle. Signs posted in Silver Lake Meadow let you know that “bare feet are welcome.” Kids will love running across the grass as it tickles their toes, with the hope of catching enough wind to make their kites soar in this often breezy locale. Take a blanket and pack a picnic because you will definitely want to linger in this peaceful setting that offers a serene respite from city life. (However, the one thing this park doesn’t have is potty’s, so go before you go!)

Korean Bell of Friendship and Bell Pavilion
Where: Angels Gate Park, 3601 S. Gaffey Street, San Pedro
Insider Tips: You’ll most likely be amongst fellow kite fliers at the Korean Bell of Friendship, which is a popular kite-flying destination due to its renowned windy conditions. In addition to taking advantage of the wind-factor, you can add to your knowledge of history by visiting the 17 ton, 12-foot tall bell, which was donated by the Republic of Korea in 1976 to celebrate the bicentennial of the United States and to honor American veterans of the Korean War.

Burton W. Chace Park
Where: 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey
Insider Tips: Voted one of our favorite spots in LA to have a picnic, Burton W. Chace Park is comprised of 10 acres of lawn set against the magnificent backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Take advantage of the cool sea breezes and the wide open space to fly a kite. Captains in training will also love taking in the sights of all the boats in the harbor, and hopping on the Marina Del Rey water bus for a ride around the marina that costs only $1!

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
Where: 6300 Hetzler Road, Culver City
Insider Tips: This kite-flying locale is most appropriate for older kiddos because climbing to the top of the 511-foot peak entails walking up a very steep staircase on uneven terrain… and it’s not for the faint of heart. But the panoramic view from the top, of the entire Los Angeles basin and the Pacific Ocean is worth every step. Additionally, there are beginner to advanced hiking trails on which you can not only fly your kite, but behold wildflowers, birds and other wildlife in a beautiful natural setting.

Will Rogers Polo Field
Where: 1501 Will Rogers Park Road, Pacific Palisades
Insider Tips: Not only are you in a gorgeous spot, surrounded by hiking trails, horses, and ocean breezes that drift up Sunset Blvd., you have an entire luscious green field with nothing on it (a polo field is roughly 10 acres, or the size of 9 football fields!) to run unfettered while you fly your kite. Hike up for ocean views, hike down to a rushing stream, or tour the historic house. And on weekends in the summer, you can catch a polo match, too! Parking in the lot is $12.

Psssst: Stop by Sunshine Kite Company in Redondo Beach if you’re looking for a great selection of kites! They even sell “easy” kites that require no kite competence to fly!

Do you love flying kites with your kids? What’s your fave neighborhood spot to fly a kite?

– Beth Shea

Photo Credits: john k in buffalo via Creative Commons, katrinket via Creative Commons, Michael Newton via Creative Commons, Brandon O’Conner via Creative Commons, and Orin Zbest via Creative Commons

ML Interest Tag: kite

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