Adventures with Dad

Thank you to all the local fathers who shared the various ways they enjoy spending time with their kids. Discover great ideas by reading their responses below.

I enjoy seasonal activities with my kids, Ella (5) and Evie (4). We always look forward to blueberry picking in the spring, strawberry picking in the summer and apple picking in the fall. One of my favorites is going to local water parks and seeing the joy and excitement on my kids’ faces from the simple pleasure of playing in the water during the summer heat!

~ Paul Liu of Black Mountain Ranch

Some of the ways I like to spend time with my kids is going to the arcade, checking out fun family spots like Medieval Times and making s’mores on our firepit while watching a movie in our backyard, but my most favorite is to go to local parks and just run around with them. Being a dad is the best thing ever and I’m excited to create more memories with my kids, Max (10), Jack (2) and Scarlett (3 mos.). ~

Greg Wells of Tierrasanta has two amazing, resilient, beautiful daughters— Emma (19) and Allison (16)—both of whom have FOXG1 deletions. They are nonverbal, nonambulatory and have seizure disorders. Greg’s favorite way to spend time with his girls is most definitely in the pool.

Trevor Bartee of Fallbrook enjoys the great outdoors with his daughters Ellie (4) and Lucy (2). They can be found exploring all over San Diego’s North County area. Some favorites are the Santa Margarita River Trail, Lake Calavera and Los Jilgueros Preserve.

June cover dad!

Being divorced, I really try to be present with my kids, Madison (8) and Landon (5). I reference San Diego Family Magazine’s calendar for community events—extra points if it’s free!

I try to involve the kids in everything, whether it’s cooking (we recently made our own pizzas at home) or chores (letting them help organize their clothes and toys). I’m a kid at heart, so we often do pretend play, whether it’s with dolls and playsets or variations of popular games.

I think it’s important to have one-on-one time with each child, so I sign up for Chick-fil-A’s annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night. I’m also a “customer” at my daughter’s pretend beauty salon, where she does everything from makeup to nail polish. As I write this, I still have various blue hues on my toes.

~ Eric Pamintuan of National City

My favorite ways to spend time with my boys Rocco (6) and Connor (4) is at a restaurant by the water in Ocean Beach, at the little league field or at a Padres game.

~ Matt Coleman of Point Loma

My daughter and I love being outside together, whether we’re gardening, hiking, fishing or at the beach— anything outdoors will do because she is adventurous and daring, just like dad! We also enjoy time at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido. We recently planted artichokes and corn in our garden together.

~ Diego Salvador of Bonsall; Dad to Valentina (3)

I love exploring anything and everything in San Diego with my kids—going to Padres games, San Diego Zoo, the fair and community events in Santee.

~ Joe Collier of Santee; Dad to Ezrah (10), Levi (8), Jaxon (6) and Maddox (4)

Dylan (13) and Maya (8) of Rancho Peñasquitos love spending time outdoors with their dad, Duran Patel. Favorite activities include walking their dog Lucky, hiking, biking, skiing and riding dirt bikes.

Some of my favorite ways to spend time with Nyliah (12) and Kamiah (4) are going to the beach, hiking local trails, walking in downtown San Diego (to sightsee and shop), trying out different restaurants, video and board games, amusement parks and bowling.

~ Jarred Davis of Spring Valley

Nothing compares to exploring and going on adventures with my family! After all, we live in “America’s Finest City,” My favorites are hikes that lead to something cool, whether it be a secret swing or an awesome view.

~ Adrian Acosta of Del Cerro (@sandiegofamilyadventures); Dad to Kylie (8) and Kashden (6) v