When is the last time you had some one-on-one time with the “other” man in your life? It may be time to ditch your significant other and instead grab your son and head out on an adventure together. Your boy will go crazy for one of these exciting San Diego mother and son date ideas. And of course, dads and daughters are welcome too!
Photo credit: Eastlake Times via flickr
Tour The Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista
If your son lives and breathes sports, this date will inspire and entertain. The center offers guided tours every Saturday at 11 a.m. or you can do a self-guided tour any day of the week. The mile-long path will bring you by facilities for rowing, BMX, archery, field hockey, Paralympic sports and more.
Insider’s Tip: Often times an athlete gives the guided tour on Saturdays. This can make for an even more exciting date!
2800 Olympic Pkwy
Chula Vista, CA
619-656-1500
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: free
Online:teamusa.org/About-the-USOC/Training-Centers-and-Sites/Chula-Vista/Visit
Photo Credit: Chris Palmer via flickr
Tide Pooling at Cabrillo National Monument
What boy doesn’t love time in the great outdoors and hands-on fun? Cabrillo National Monument offers a lot of fun in itself with the lighthouse and activities, but also has great tide pooling for your little explorer. Sea stars, tiny crabs, sea urchins and fish live among the rocks and your little guy will love discovering the sea life and climbing around on the rocks.
Insider’s Tip: Your entrance receipt is good not only for the day you visit, but also for the following six days.
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr.
San Diego, CA
619-557-5450
Hours: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $5/vehicle
Online: nps.gov/cabr
Photo credit: Ewen Roberts via flickr
Kayaking at La Jolla Shores
If your family has never explored the caves around La Jolla Shores, be prepared to blow your son’s mind. Sea lions, garibaldi (bright orange fish), leopard sharks and maybe even a dolphin will be spotted. Group kayak tours off the beach of Shores are offered several times a day, or you can rent a double kayak on your own.
Insider’s Tip: For this date, a double kayak does require your son to be at least 5-6 years old. After all, he does have to help paddle.
8302 Camino Del Oro
La Jolla, CA
619-221-8899
Cost: varies
Online: LaJollaKayak.com or BikeAndKayakTours.com
Photo credit: Jerry Gunner via flickr
Miramar’s Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
Have you ever driven by the retired aircraft along Miramar Road and wondered what it is and if you can go inside? You can! The Flying Leatherback Aviation museum preserves memorabilia and hopes to educate and inspire all generations. You and your son can walk around and explore 48 different aircraft.
Insider’s Tip: The museum offers open cockpit days where you can sit in the cockpit and get a view of the inside of the aircraft. 2015 dates include May 16-17 and 30-31, June 13-14 and 27-28, July 11-12 and 25-26, and August 8-9 and 22-23.
T-4203 Anderson Ave.
San Diego, CA
877-359-8762
Hours: Tues.– Sun. 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: free
Online: flyingleathernecks.org
Photo credit: CK Golf Solutions on flickr
Play Footgolf
If you’re looking for a totally new experience, grab your son and try out the new craze, footgolf! A combo of soccer and golf, you play on a specialty course similar to a golf course, with the goal to land your ball (in as few kicks as possible!) into a flagged hole. You will win major brownie points for this awesome date.
Insider’s Tip: If you play early, bring a towel for your ball to wipe off the dew in between kicks.
Three locations:
National City Golf Course
1439 Sweetwater Rd.
National City, CA
619-474-1400
Cost: $12-$18/person
Online: nationalcitygc.com
Tecolote Canyon Golf Course
2755 Snead Ave.
San Diego, CA
858-279-1600
Cost: $10-$15/person
Online: tecolotecanyon.com
Welk Resort
8860 Lawrence Welk Dr.
Escondido, CA
760-749-3225
Cost: $10-$15/person
Online: welkresorts.com/san-diego-golf/foot-golf
Photo credit: Kevin Tostado on flickr
Tour of Petco Park
If you have a little baseball fan on your hands, a tour of Petco Park may just be the perfect mom/son day for you. See the Press Box, the Bullpen, a Luxury Suite, the dugout and more.
Insider’s Tip: We don’t make any promises, but many fans have encountered a player or two (during the season) on the field during the tour!
100 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA
619-795-5011
Cost: $8-$12/person
Online: sandiego.padres.mlb.com/sd/ballpark/tours
Do you have any memorable mom and son date ideas to add to our list?
— Ginger Anderson
