San Diego Museums For Kids

San Diego Museums For Kids

With summer break in full swing here in San Diego, we wanted to share some ideas for combining fun and education all summer long!

Finding things to do with your children over the summer can be a difficult task, especially when it is so easy to go the beach or park. But why not take a family outing that can be exciting as well as educating for everyone involved. Experience and learn with your children at these unique museums.

Oh, and if you find yourself in Balboa Park a lot, I’d check out their Balboa Park Explorer pass. They have a family pass (2 adults, 4 kids) for only $199.

San Diego Museums For Kids

For the Nature Loving Kids:

theNAT in Balboa Park lets kids get a hands on look at various animals and people through their amazing exhibits. Currently they’re featuring Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed where kids can try their hand at building bridges like the Maya did, practice their balance, and create mosaic artwork. When they’re done exploring the Maya, they can visit the Coast to Cactus exhibit. Using specimens from the Museum’s scientific collections alongside immersive environments, hands-on interactives, live animals, and innovative media, Coast to Cactus will help visitors discover what it means to be a biodiversity hotspot

General Admission: $19 for adults, $14 for children ages 7-17, and $11 for children ages 3-6
Hours: 10:00AM-5:00PM, 7 days per week

www.sdnhm.org

For the Music Loving Kids:

The Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad allows kids to explore and play as adults relive the musical memories they grew up with. The exhibits take visitors through the historic milestones of music as they look at the vintage instruments, listen to the music from different era, and get a glimpse of how music has evolved through time. The interactive area will sure get kids excited as they play the many instruments provided. 

General Admission: $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-18
Hours: 10:00AM-5:00PM
Tuesday-Sunday; Closed Mondays

www.museumofmakingmusic.org

For the G.I. Joe loving Kids:

For kids who love aircrafts, ships, tanks and G.I. Joe’s, a visit to the USS Midway Museum on downtown’s Embarcadero is a must. When visitors board the longest serving navy aircraft carrier in the 20th century, they will be taken back through 50 years of history. See how the navy men aboard these ships lived, climb into a cockpit, watch music videos and short films and take a ride in a flight simulator. The Midway will intrigue kids and adults of all ages.

General Admission: $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12

Hours: 10:00AM-5:00PM, 7 days per week

www.midway.org


For the Sports Loving Kids:

 Active kids can journey through sports history at the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum in Balboa Park. Take in exciting exhibits like the Padres, Chargers and surf history exhibits or get your photo taken in the athlete Hall of Fame. See all the athletic achievements in San Diego as you and your family explore the three levels of this museum.

General Admission: $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-17

Hours: 10:00AM-4:30PM, 7 days per week

www.sdhoc.com

For the Mad-Science Loving Kids: 

The Children’s Discovery Museum in Escondido combines experimentation, exploration and of course, imagination. From an outdoor Discovery Garden that captivates children with a wide variety of nature-based science activities, to a full size sailboat playground where kids can let their imaginations travel to new lands, parents and kids of all ages will love interacting at this museum.

General Admission: $6.00 for adults and children

Hours: 9:30AM-4:30PM7 days per week
www.sdcdm.org

Date Night at Vessel Restaurant San Diego

Vessel Restaurant San Diego - Bar

My husband and I have always been adament about enjoying date night regularly. It’s good for our relationship. Our marriage. And it’s always a fun event. Whether we’re enjoying a bite before the theater, grabbing something quick before a movie, or are invited out to a private tasting at a local restaurant like we were this past week at Vessel Restaurant at the Kona Kai resort. Something about being able to reconnect with out the kids in tow is good for us. And we enjoy the time we spend together.

We’ve visited Vessel before and love the food that Chef Roy Hendrickson prepares. He likes to create New American cuisine featuring seasonal dishes prepared with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients and always seems to hit the nail on the head with his flavor combinations.

Kona Kai Resort San Diego

Kona Kai Marina

Vessel features a stunning outdoor patio set against the colorful backdrop of the picturesque marina, a 360-degree bar at its center and a video wall showcasing local landscapes.

Dinner with a view. Only the best here in San Diego.

Vessel Restaurant at Kona Kai Tasting Menu

Before enjoying our meal, we perused the cocktail menu. I decided to indulge in a blood & sand. It was refreshingly smooth with a citrus twist and definitely hit the right spot after a long day od working and taking care of the kids.

Vessel Restaurant Cocktails

After cocktails we sat down to taste the dishes Chef had prepared. Starting with an amazingly decadent 48 Hour Pork Belly that literally melted in my mouth. And theMaui Coconut Porter he paired it with was equally enjoyable. The 48 hour pork belly was served with plantain powder, sweet potato spaetzle, anise, bitter chocolate.

Next up we enjoyed a simple roasted pear with borage flower, blue cheese, fine herb medley, caramelized black pepper vinaigrette paired with an Alesmith .394 Pale Ale. I could definitely taste summer through this sweet and savory dish.

Vessel Restaurant Summer tasting menu

Before we had to leave the tasting a little short (parenthood doesn’t always get put on hold during date night), we were able to savour a delicate corn dusted albacore with Serrano custard, bacon powder, and onion jam paired with a Refuge Blood Orange Belgian. Yes, you read that right. Bacon. Powder. Seriously amazing.

While we weren’t able to enjoy the last two dishes and the dessert course, we will still be back to try them out at another time. Date night at Vessel Restaurant was perfect. With fabulous dishes, the perfect ambiance, and tasty beer pairings, summer at Vessel is going to amazing.

When was your last date night?

Why Legoland Heartlake City Isn’t Just For Girls

Why Legoland Heartlake City Isn't Just For Girls

When we told the kids that we were planning a trip to Legoland, after being invited to check out the grand opening of Heartlake City, my son proclaimed, “I don’t want to go! Heartlake City is for girls!”

Now we have always been one for gender equality and not pushing gender roles on our kids. My daughter plays with trucks, my son plays with our kitchen set, both enjoy imaginative play where they dress up and play pretend. They both also equally help my husband when he’s working on the cars, help me with dinner before my husband comes home from school, etc. But that’s another post.

We’ve never pushed one toy or another onto them however they’ve both naturally gravitated to gender stereotype toys when they play on their own. And that’s ok. Both love LEGOs. Blue, green, pink, purple, or yellow.

Legoland Heartlake City - heartlake stables

Legoland Heartlake City - Heartlake Stables LEGOs

The morning of the event I asked him again if he wanted to check out Heartlake City. Because a trip to go visit Heartlake City meant a trip to Legoland. He thought about it for all of a second and then exclaimed, “I want to go to Heartlake City! It’s not for girls!”

While he was at school, my daughters and I enjoyed Heartlake City on our own. We built horses and other LEGO creations in the Heartlake Stables, rode the carousel at Mia’s Riding Camp, and enjoyed a crepe at the City Park Creperie (side note: I highly suggest the nutella crepe!).

Legoland Heartlake City - mia's riding camp

Legoland Heartlake City - City Park Creperie

Once he got out of school, my husband picked him up and drove up to meet us at the park. My daughter was stoked to bring them both to Heartlake City to show them around and share what she had gotten to do all morning.

From watching my daughter’s favorite LEGO Friends of Heartlake City dance and sing on stage to splashing around at the splash pad, both my son and my daughter had a blast exploring LEGOLAND Heartlake City.

I’m fairly certain my son won’t complain about Heartlake City at Legoland California being “just for girls” again.

Legoland Heartlake City with siblings

Legoland Heartlake City splash pad

Legoland Heartlake City - friends forever stage

Why Legoland Heartlake City Isn’t Just For Girls

  1. LEGOs – Just like everywhere else in the park, the kids can get hands on and build in the Heartlake Stables. Sure, there are pink and purple LEGOs. But they’re amongst a sea of blues, greens, reds, and yellows.
  2. Rides – The kids both loved riding the carousel at Mia’s Riding Camp. Horses are for boys and girls last I checked.
  3. Splash Pad – Running through the splash pad is awesome. And it cools the kids down on a hot summers day.
  4. Crepes – Amongst other treats found in Heartlake City (you can also try Wok n’ Bowl for some delicious ramen), the nutelle crepe can speak for itself. Enough said.
  5. Family Friendly Fun – Just like everywhere else in the park, Heartlake City is filled with family friendly fun that everyone can enjoy. Sure there’s lots of pink and purple. I don’t see why pink and purple can’t be in other areas of the park too.

My daughter can’t stop talking about the fun she had with me on our adventure together. And my son wants to go back again and is already planning a return trip when he gets out of school. Because they’re kids. And LEGOLAND is fun for kids. Ok, it’s fun for adults too…

And next time? We’re tackling the LEGO CHIMA Water Park.

Legoland California San Diego

What are you looking forward to checking out at LEGOLAND California this summer?

Planning a trip to Legoland CA soon? Check out our highlights:

For more Legoland CA fun, check out these great posts:
The LEGO Movie 4D at Legoland CA
LEGOLAND California Holiday Snow Days
5 Reasons Why Star Wars Lovers Should Visit Legoland California
Top 5 Things to Do at Legoland California When You’re 5

Things To Do in San Diego for Mothers Day 2015

Things To Do in San Diego for Mothers Day 2015

This weekend is Mother’s Day weekend and many are looking for fun things to do around town. Including me! So I’ve put together a great list of things to do in San Diego for Mother’s Day. From brunch to dinner and everything in between, to a fun run and a home tour, there’s plenty to do in America’s Finest City this weekend!

I’m excited to spend Saturday afternoon with one of my favorite girls, my 4 year old daughter, at an event that benefits a wonderful cause. Chula’s Mission will be hosting “Once Upon an Apron” on Saturday, May 9th from 12-3pm. This is an event that is perfect for mother daughter bonding! Apron decorating, jewelery making, and more.

Chula's Mission event flier

I’m not quite sure what’s planned for Sunday but I’m up for anything. And we’ll be attending brunch the following Sunday at Karl Strauss to miss the crowds on Mother’s Day.

Now for a fabulous list of restaurants and events to attend in San Diego on Mother’s Day.

Things To Do in San Diego for Mothers Day

Brunch at Mister A’s
Enjoy brunch at Mister A’s, which is just minutes from Downtown and features beautiful views. Entrees include Buttermilk Fried “Chicken And Waffles” or Eggs Benedict With Fresh Crab Meat Or Pork Belly.
Price: $64.50 per person
Location: 2550 Fifth Avenue Twelfth Floor, San Diego, CA 92103
Website

Brunch at Hotel Del Coronado
An elegant brunch with live musical entertainment, a rose for each mom that attends and a children’s buffet. MENU
Price: $115 for adults in the Crown Room, $105 in the Ballroom. Children ages 6-10 are $42, and children 5 and under eat free.
Location: 1500 Orange Ave Coronado, CA 92118
Website

Dining at Blue Point Coastal Cuisine
A limited menu will be served from from 1 – 5pm. Moms ordering from this menu will eat for free!
Price: varies, you can view the menu HERE
Location: 565 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA Gaslamp Quarter
Website

SEA180°’s Mother’s Day Champagne Buffet Brunch
Champagne Buffet Brunch with omelets, a pancake station, a prime rib carving station and more. MENU
Price: $59.95 adults, $12.95 kids 6-12 and kids under 6 are free
Location: 800 Seacoast Dr Imperial Beach, CA
Website

Mother’s Day Dining at BiCE
Traditional Italian cuisine located in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Featuring entrees like Swordfish Cutlet with Puttanesca Sauce and Homemade Oven Baked Lasagna
Price: $48 per person, Kid’s (10 & under) are $24 each
Location: 425 Island Ave San Diego, CA 92101
Website

Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch Buffet at Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Enjoy views of the Coronado Bay while dining on Maine Lobster Ravioli or Tenderloin of Beef. MENU
Price: $72 for adults and $32 for children ages 6 to 12
Location: 4000 Loews Coronado Bay Rd. Coronado, CA 92118
Website

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Mother’s Day is the last day to experience the beautiful Flower Fields this season.
Price: $12.00 for Adults, $11.00 for Seniors 60+, $6.00 for Children 3-10, Children 2 and under are free
Location: 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Website

Mother’s Day at Rancho Bernardo Inn
Dine at the beautiful Rancho Bernardo Inn, featuring different menus throughout the day. Three different restaurants and menus: Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant | Avant | Aragon Ballroom
Location: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., San Diego, CA 92128
Website

Hornblower Mother’s Day Cruise
Enjoy being on the water in beautiful San Diego. Two different cruises to choose from: Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch with Live Jazz or Mother’s Day Sunset Dinner Cruise. Menus: Brunch Buffet Menu, Buffet Menu or Dinner Menu
Price: Varies, depending on cruise
Location: San Diego Grape St. Pier 1800 N. Harbor Dr
Website

Bonita Golf Course Mother’s Day Brunch
Includes bottomless champagne
Price: Adults $33.95, Seniors $30.95, Kids $12.95
Location: 5540 Sweetwater Road Bonita
Website

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at The Shores
Enjoy an oceanfront buffet with your Mom! Menu includes American Cheeses, Ginger Tangerine Glazed Chicken Salad, Angus Prime Rib of Beef, desserts, and a children’s station. MENU
Price: $49/person, $24.50 children 6-12, $4 per year children 5 and under
Location: 8110 Camino Del Oro La Jolla, CA 92037
Website

Coronado Historic Home Tour
Tour 6 beautiful homes in Coronado on Mother’s Day
Price: $35 members, $45 non-members
Website

Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise
Gourmet buffet, live music and beautiful San Diego views while aboard one of the vessels of the Flagship Cruises and Events fleet. Featuring an omelet station, carving station, taco bar & more
Price: $69.50/Adult, $41.70/Child 4-12 yrs
Location: 990 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Website

Brunch at Top Of The Market
Enjoy beautiful views at one of San Diego’s finest restaurants. Entrees include Steak and Eggs, Free Range Eggs Benedict with Blue Lump Crab Cakes and Smoked Salmon Scramble Omelet.
Price: Prices vary, see MENU
Location: 750 North Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101
Website

Mother’s Day Dining at The Grand Del Mar
Brunch at The Clubhouse Grill (10:00 am – 4:00 pm) – $42 per person, includes coffee and tea MENU
Champagne Brunch in the Elizabeth Ballroom (10:00 am – 2:00 pm) – $108 per adult | $30 per child (ages 4 – 12) MENU
Dining at Amaya (Brunch: 11:30 am – 4:00 pm Dinner: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm) – $75 per person | Children’s buffet, $30 (ages 4 – 12)
Afternoon Tea and Bubbly (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm) – $50 per person
Location: 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, CA 92130
Website

Mother’s Day Run
Run with Mom! This 5k and 10k benefits the San Diego Rescue Mission
Price: Entry fees vary. Register HERE
Location: 3000 N Mission Bay Dr. San Diego, CA 92109
Website

Mother’s Day Brunch with Shamu
Enjoy brunch inside Sea World, with a french crepe station, omelet station, french toast, bagels and much more!
Price: This special brunch is $55.00 for ages 10+ and $27.00 for ages 3-9 (Park admission is required & not included in this price)
Location: Sea World, San Diego
Website

Mother’s Day Brunch at Fleming’s Steakhouse
Enjoy delicious entrees such as Baked Brioche French Toast, Prime Rib with a Trio of Sauces, Porcini-Crusted Filet Mignon and more!
Price: $39.95 for adults and $18.95 for kids
Location: La Jolla (8970 University Center Lane, San Diego, CA 92122) and San Diego (380 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101)
Website

What are your plans for Mother’s Day?

Creating a Soothing Experience with Soothe {In Home Massage Service}

Creating a Soothing Experience with Soothe - In Home Massage Service

I am most definitely all for finding a little time for oneself to relax and regroup. As a busy mom I’ve never had a hard time letting my support system know that I need a break. That can be anything from needing to go exercise or take a walk to going to get a massage or pedicure to relax. And luckily I have the support I need to take the kids for a bit so that I can do this.

Now with a newborn it’s a little harder but I’m not going to let that stop me. And for those who might not have the support system I do, there’s a new app and website that’ll allow you an hour of peace right in your own home. Soothe, an in-home massage service, can have a massage therapist to your door within an hour.

When I was asked to check out Soothe, I knew it was an idea I would love. Not only is it amazing for working moms who just don’t have the time to get out and schedule a little time for ourselves, but it’s amazing for stay at home moms too with kids who don’t allow us to easily schedule that time either. And dads can enjoy these services as well! [Read more…]

Spring Cleaning Tips With A Little Help

Spring Cleaning Tips

Being a mom of three has proven one thing… we have too much stuff. No, seriously. Between the baby’s items, the toys, and the clutter everywhere else I feel as if our house is just bursting at the seams. And we already moved to accomodate our expanding family!

So what can we do besides move? Organize. [Read more…]

San Diego Restaurant Week 2015 | The Grant Grill Review

San Diego Restaurant Week 2015 - The Grant Grill at US Grant

It’s my favorite time of year! San Diego Restaurant Week 2015 arrives on Sunday, January 18th and will run through January 24th. I cannot wait to indulge and enjoy a new restaurant or two during this celebration of San Diego’s food scene.

My husband and I were invited to try the Grant Grill this past Saturday and I have to say that this is probably one of my new favorite restaurants in Downtown San Diego.

Not only does the menu change around daily, but for restaurant week you aren’t limited to a specific restaurant week menu! For $50 a person, you will be able to choose a starter, entree, and dessert of your choice from their regular menu.  [Read more…]

Winter Play Dates in San Diego with Gymboree

review affiliate link disclaimer

Winter Play Dates in San Diego with Gymboree 

One thing I’ve come to learn early on as a parent is the importance of play dates. And play dates in San Diego can be quite fun and exciting year round. From our great weather, to our amazing kid-friendly places all around town, San Diego is the place to be when you’re a kid.

Our favorite spot to be lately has been the San Diego Zoo. Not only is it a great place to explore, it’s also a fun and educational way to teach our kids about the many species of animals on this planet of ours.

Plus the fact that the zoo is right next to Balboa Park means we can enjoy a fun morning at the zoo then make our way to the museums (after snagging a bite to eat) in the afternoon! [Read more…]

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration: Creating Family Christmas Traditions

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - Creating Family Christmas Traditions

Last weekend we headed to Sea World to start a new family Christmas tradition. We were invited to attend a preview of the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration and boy was it fun!

With a whole line of Christmas-themed shows, real snow at SnowWorld®, beautiful lights everywhere AND Santa with reindeer games, our kids were in heaven. We let them plan the day out and gave them a list of the things we could do.

The best part was seeing the joy on their faces as they headed from one thing to another as they looked forward to their adventure. We’ll definitely be making the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration a tradition for our family.  [Read more…]

San Diego Restaurant Week is Here – September 21 – 26, 2014 | The Oceanaire Seafood Room Review

San Diego Restaurant Week - Oceanaire Seafood Room Review

San Diego Restaurant Week is one of our favorite weeks of the year. Not only do we get to step outside of our normal eateries and try something new but we also get to choose what we want to try based on our budget that week.

At the beginning of the year I attended a preview of San Diego Restaurant Week to enjoy bites from a few different places but this year I was asked to head out to a restaurant to enjoy their restaurant week menu a week early.

I was excited to try a new-to-me restaurant, The Oceanaire Seafood Room in Downtown San Diego, and had a fabulous date night with my husband while enjoying delicious food.  [Read more…]



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