25 ways to cultivate family fun

Here Comes Spring!

25 ways to cultivate family fun

Springtime inspires new beginnings. Perhaps you’ve vowed to spend more quality (or outdoor) time as a family and the promise of warmer weather is beckoning. Not sure where to start? You’ll find something for everyone in this list of activities to welcome springtime. Hint: Get outside as much as possible!

Family Togetherness

What better way to enjoy spring weather than to dine al fresco? Try a new outdoor café for lunch, go on a picnic or dust off the grill and have dinner on the patio.

Choose a spot in the yard (or on the patio) to plant a vegetable garden. Kids love to dig, so everyone can join in! Enjoy the sun, fresh air and the fruits of your labor as your garden grows.

• Learn how to plant a patio garden at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-thekids/family-science/plant-a-patiogarden

• Read about the benefits of gardening with kids at www.sandiegofamily.com/ for-the-kids/family-science/gardeningwith-kids.

Rent bikes or surreys and explore nearby parks or bayside trails. Take time to observe wildlife, look for spring flowers and take deep breaths of fresh air.

If it’s raining, make the most of it. Grab your umbrellas and rainboots and take a walk. Dance under the clouds and stomp in rain puddles—the kids will be thrilled! Be sure to take photos.

• Raindrop Drip Painting. Once you go back inside and dry off, create a rainy day scene using a drip painting technique and personalize your masterpiece with one of the photos you just took. Get instructions for this unique art project at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/ crafts-for-kids/rainy-day-painting.

Gather chairs around a backyard firepit and invite friends or neighbors to get cozy under the stars.

Embark on a family improvement project : Install a backyard fountain and enjoy the peaceful sounds of running water. Add natural grasses and flowers that attract butterflies to complete the area. Again, kids and digging—it just works.

Go outside and fly a kite , throw a Frisbee, play catch or a round of pickleball.

Take a family hike. Find favorite San Diego hiking trails at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-todo/out-about/favorite-hiking-trails-insan-diego

• Discover insightful tips for hiking with kids at www.sandiegofamily.com/ things-to-do/out-about/tips-for-hikingwith-kids.

Arrange a friendly competition of classic backyard games such as bocce ball, cornhole, croquet, volleyball or badminton. Invite neighbors to join in and compete against your whole family. Visit a farmers market—San Diego County has great ones to choose from every day of the week. Enjoy locally sourced produce and the satisfaction that comes from supporting local farmers. Find a list of markets around the county at www.sdfarmbureau.org/ farmers-market.

When is the last time you made homemade ice cream? What a fun, nostalgic thing to do with the kids— and it’s so good! Get creative by adding fruit, chocolate, nut butters or flavored extracts. Invite friends over for an ice cream social and ask everyone to bring their favorite topping.

Plan a getaway or vacation. Take advantage of the kids being out of school—or just plan a weekend away. Dana Point is a fabulous coastal town that’s only about an hour north of San Diego. You know what that means? No fighting LA traffic to get there and back! Get details about Laguna Cliffs Marriott (pictured), fun activities for families and where to eat in Dana Point at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-todo/travel

Schedule a family work day, pitching in together to complete outdoor chores. Wash cars, sweep leaves, clean out the garage, paint the porch swing or prepare the yard for summer. Be sure to reward everyone with a fun outing from this list!

Munch on Cracker Jack and hot dogs while rooting for the home team Attend a Padres game at Petco Park, head to a Lake Elsinore Storm game (starts in April) or gather with friends at a local park for your own “opening day.”

Lace up your skates and head to an outdoor roller rink . Check out Ringer’s Roller Rink, located off Hwy 94 (near Chollas Park), which has roller skating for all ages. Find out when public skate sessions are at www.ringersrollerrink.com.

Sign the kids up for camp! Find tons of spring and summer camps in the pages of this issue and more helpful resources at www.sandiegofamily.com/resources/ summer-camps-and-programs. v

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. She looks forward to shaking off cold winter days and spending time outdoors with her family.

Just for Parents

Look for food tours around town to try a bite from participating restaurants and learn some local history. We’ve heard great things about the food tours in Little Italy; learn more at www.littleitalytours.com Or, create your own progressive dining experience by sampling small plates at several restaurants you’ve been wanting to try.

Enjoy a burger while watching March Madness at a local pub. Add a little fun with a side bet -- loser has to do dishes or laundry all week.

Tackle a small remodeling job together. Repaint the bedroom, add a backsplash in the kitchen or replace the outdated hardware on the cabinets.

Ready to get muddy?

Athletes of all levels will enjoy competing together in a mud run or obstacle course. Try the Ramona 5K Trail Run, taking place April 20. Or, enjoy mud’s healing properties and head to a spa for a mud facial or couples mud massage.

Learn something new. Sign up for a class in cooking, art, language, fencing, dancing, mixology—whatever strikes your fancy.