10 Ways to have an Epic Summer

The kids work hard during the school year, so why not let them play hard during the summer (with sufficient rest, too, of course). The key to an epic summer is to have so much fun that you forget to check your phone, whether it’s building forts with couch cushions or taking a dream vacation. Here are 10 ways to have an epic summer. Check back next month for more ideas.

1. Splash Around

Beat the summer heat with water play at San Diego’s awesome splash pads and spraygrounds. From Chula Vista to San Marcos, many local parks offer fountains and water features so little ones can splash around. Find our list of local splash pads and spraygrounds at www.sandiegofamily.com/ things-to-do/out-about/parks-with-watersplash-pads-san-diego.

2. Get “Wild” After Dark

As if catching a glimpse of a new baby kangaroo at the zoo isn’t enough, families can keep the kids up a little later to experience Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo (through Sept. 4). The summertime festivities include evening hours (4–9 pm), live music, special entertainment, and, of course, plenty of wildlife. www.sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org

Photo courtesy of San Diego Wildlife Alliance

3. Superheroes (and Comic-Con fans), Assemble!

Cosplay superheroes and Hollywood stars flood downtown San Diego with the arrival of Comic-Con at the convention center (July 20–23). No tickets? No problem. Discover fun activities, photo opportunities and some of the best people-watching of the year—all outside the Comic-Con doors. So, gussy up the family (The Incredibles, Star Wars, Super Mario, Disney, Marvel, etc.) or don your Spiderman pajamas and see what the fuss is all about. Consider taking the trolley into downtown. Find specific activities outside of Comic-Con in our round-up at www.sandiegofamily.com/thingsto-do/seasonal-happenings.

4. Take a Day Trip

California residents have plenty to celebrate as Disney’s 100th Anniversary celebration continues through summer! Take advantage of 3-day pass discounts (one park per day) to enjoy new attractions and entertainment at Disneyland Park such as Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at newly reimagined Mickey’s Toontown, the fun “Magic Happens” parade, and “Wondrous Journeys,” a nighttime spectacular at Sleeping Beauty Castle (through 8/31). At Disney California Adventure Park, don’t miss “Rogers: The Musical,” a live theater production that tells the story of Steve Rogers (aka Captain America).

Photo courtesy of Disneyland Resort

5. Tune in: Sounds of Summer

If you haven’t experienced a concert at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park (downtown), you’re in for a real treat; especially if you take the kiddos to a family-friendly movie event, where a movie is shown on big screens while San Diego Symphony plays the musical score. So fun! San Diego’s beautiful skyline as the backdrop is a bonus. Purchase tickets at www.theshell.org.

Photo credit: Lisa Gipson

Upcoming movie events:

How to Train Your Dragon (rated PG); Saturday, July 8 @ 7:30 pm

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 (rated PG-13); Aug. 11 or 12 @ 7:30 pm

6. Ride a Carousel

Now that it’s newly renovated, the historic Balboa Park Carousel re-opens this month. Don’t miss the excitement of National Carousel Day on Tuesday, July 25, when carousel rides are free! Open from 11 am–5:30 pm. www.balboaparkcarousel.org

Photo courtesy of Forever Balboa Park

7. Dine Out on Wednesdays

Receive a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée (valued at $14) at three Cohn Restaurants where kids eat free all day on Wednesdays:

Coaster Saloon (across from Belmont Park in Mission Beach)

Del’s Hideout (Del Cerro)

Pioneer BBQ (San Carlos)

All three restaurants have onsite games such as foosball, Jenga, arcade games and more. Wednesdays might become your favorite day of the week this summer!

8. Explore Your Own “Backyard”

Whether you’re visiting San Diego or have lived here for years, there are likely tons of scenic spots, popular attractions and hidden gems you’ve never experienced. Discover hundreds of yearround family adventures from Oceanside to Imperial Beach by picking up your free copy of Out & About: San Diego with Kids

Also available in digital format at www.sandiegofamily.com/thingsto-do/out-about.

Photo credit: All Colors Photography