Cool Ideas for Summer Fun

This month, San Diego Family has rounded up more ways for kids and families to have a blast, whether they are at home or out and about. Here are some virtual and in-person activities that you can enjoy as we adjust to a new normal. Be sure to check individual websites for the most up-to-date information.

FREE VIRTUAL CAMPS

• Engage in a variety of delightful activities for ages 6-12, courtesy of City of Carlsbad’s Camps@ Home. Write a comic book, learn how to cook easy recipes, find soccer and basketball drills to develop your skills and more. www.carlsbadca .gov/services/depts/parks/camps@home.asp

• Have a young techie in the family? Best Buy’s Geek Squad Academy at Home offers free DIY tech projects for ages 10-18 which help them build new tech skills and boost their creativity. Create video games and websites using free software, explore 3D design, practice new photography skills, learn to write in the secret language of computers and more. http://academy.geeksquad.com

• Little ones are treated to arts and crafts, singing and dancing at a fun Virtual Summer Camp with The Wiggles and Rascal + Friends. Camp sessions can be accessed at www.facebook .com/thewiggles.

• Kids can make a difference in the world by attending CAMP@HOME by UNICEF USA and S’More Ideas featuring more than 75 short videos that guide children through engaging activities. As campers complete videos, they can unlock therapeutic food packets for UNICEF to send to severely malnourished children around the world, as well as critical donations for their communities. www.unicefkidpower.org/camp

SCIENCE

• Learn more about the planet Venus in this month’s free Zoom webinar presentation of the Fleet Science Center’s The Sky Tonight. Aug. 5, 7-8 pm. The link will be shared to all registered participants. www .fleetscience.org/events/sky-tonight

Take the boredom out of summer with Camp by Walmart, a free, star-studded camp featuring sessions ranging from fitness and crafts to other activities that will keep kids active and entertained. Watch Head Camp Counselor Neil Patrick Harris lead camp challenges, from “Neil’s Charades” to musical Mad Libs, join basketball star LeBron James in a variety of mental and physical activities, see singer and actress Idina Menzel showcase her singing talent at Skills Camp and more. For camp access, download the Walmart app, and look for Camp by Walmart in the Services tab. www.walmart.com/cp/walmart-mobile-app/1087865

PLAY/ENTERTAINMENT

• Missing Summer Movies in the Park? You can still enjoy this annual program in your living room or backyard through Summer Movies at Home. Every week, check out new movie titles (movies can be accessed through various streaming platforms) plus themed activities, arts and crafts, recipes and giveaways. Aug. 1: Detective Pikachu; Aug. 8: Secret Life of Pets 2; Aug. 15: Sonic the Hedgehog. Details at www .summermoviesinthepark.com.

• On Aug. 7, don’t miss Virtual First Friday at the ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station featuring local artists as well as art demos and exhibits, live performances, live kids’ events and more. www.libertystation .com/events/First-Friday-ARTS- DISTRICT

MUSEUM TOURS/FIELD TRIPS

• Have a high-flying time as you take a virtual tour of the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum’s various aircraft. Also, discover

interesting facts about an array of featured aircraft in a special online gallery. www.flyingleathernecks.org

• Art experiences abound in All About Art, a series of virtual tours of The New Children’s Museum’s interactive art installations. Go to www.thinkplaycreate.org/ explore/virtual-tours and join mascots Art and Play for a funfilled adventure! Also, check out #thinkplaycreatefromhome at www.thinkplaycreate.org/learn/ creative-resources for hands-on, DIY activities, coloring pages, Innovators LAB Design Challenges and more.

ART

• Be part of The San Diego Museum of Art’s Virtual Family Drop-in Day and explore featured art in the museum’s collection through fun activities on Zoom. Aug. 2, 1-2 pm. Recommended for families with children, ages 6-12. RSVP to namaya@sdmart .org by July 31; participants will be sent log-in instructions prior to the event. www.sdmart.org/event/ virtual-family-drop-in-day-ediblesculptures

This year, TwainFest, the annual celebration of 19th century literature in Old Town San Diego, is going virtual with new content to be shared via email each day from Aug. 1-16. Hear works by Mark Twain, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Emily Dickinson and others, read aloud by San Diego actors. To register, visit www.writeoutloudsd.com/twainfest.

IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES

• Go roller skating at Southern California’s largest outdoor roller rink this summer! Open daily, 4-9 pm. $10 including rental skates. Viejas Outlet Center, 5005 Willows Rd., Alpine. www.viejas.com.

• The San Diego County Fair may be closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t satisfy your cravings for Fair food. Head on down to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for a tasty drive-thru experience at the Fair Food Fix where you can find vendors serving your favorite Fair treats. Through Sept. 7. Fri. & Sat., noon-8 pm; Sun., noon-6 pm. Free admission. www.delmarfairgrounds.com

• Connect with nature at the San Diego Botanic Garden which offers an amazing array of flora and fauna. Wed.- Sun., 10 am-5 pm. Tickets must be pre-purchased online. 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. Visit www.sdbgarden .org for more information.

• Play an exciting round of miniature golf at Pelly’s Mini Golf located at the Del Mar Golf Center. Featuring two themed courses: Ocean Adventure and Surfin’ Safari. Open daily, 9 am-10 pm. $7.50-$9.50. 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd. www.delmargolfcenter.com

• Get the chance to spot whales and dolphins, as well as sea lions, marine birds and famous landmarks on a Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure Cruise with Hornblower Cruises & Events. Through Sept. 7. Fri.- Mon., 9 am-1 pm. Pier 2, 970 N. Harbor Dr., downtown San Diego. For reservations, visit www.hornblower.com.

• Get hooked on night fishing at Lake Poway every Friday & Saturday, 8-11:30 pm. Through Sept. 5. $3-$7; ages 7 & under free with paid permit. 14644 Lake Poway Rd., Poway. Details at www.poway.org/ lakepoway.

• Have your fill of the most fascinating animal encounters at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Explore diverse habitats and participate in educational activities. For hours and other details, visit www.sandiegozoo.org/reopen.

• Get amazing views of the skyline and let the kids cool off in the splash fountains of Waterfront Park located right along the harbor. 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown San Diego. For current hours, go to www.sdparks.org/ content/sdparks/en/park-pages/Waterfront.html.