31 Days for a Summer of Fun

Who’s ready to get out and have some fun this summer? Here are awesome ideas—for July.

Plan a late-night date with the kids. We recommend going out for chocolate chip pancakes in your PJs at 9 pm. Not for any reason except that you probably don’t do it during the school year — and it just sounds super fun.

Play tourist for a day. Take an Old Town Trolley Tour to learn new things about your hometown. On-and-off privileges allow families to explore points of interest along the way. Want to ride for free? Register for San Diego’s Hometown Pass!

Have a beach day and build sandcastles with the kids. Learn how the experts do it by scheduling a family lesson with San Diego Sand Castles at www.sandiegosand.com.

Experience an old-fashioned, small-town celebration right in our backyard. Consider spending the night in Julian on 7/3 in order to get a seat on the parade route (Main St.) early on July 4. The parade, which starts at Noon, features bands, mariachi, classic cars and more; after the parade, enjoy a deep-pit barbecue at the American Legion post on Washington St.

Gaze at millions of stars (and the Milky Way!) at Desert View Park in Julian or join astronomers at Fleet Science Center for a planetarium show July 7 (www.fleetscience.org/ events/sky-tonight).

Take the Ferry to Coronado.

Set goals and offer prizes to kids who keep reading this summer. Maybe a special day out with Mom or Dad for reaching a specific number of books or pages? See what local summer reading programs are doing: www.sandiego.gov/publiclibrary/kidsandteens/summerreading.

Have you seen our “Frozen Treats to Beat the Heat in San Diego” list? How fun would it be to dedicate a different day to try each ice cream shop on the list and then discover a new beach or park? That’s 21 joy-filled days! Start planning: www.sandiegofamily.com/things-todo/out-about/ice-cream-shops.

Visit a local farmers market. Let the kids choose some fresh fruits or vegetables; then try a new recipe using what they chose.

Build something together as a family. Try a bird feeder, a fort, a playhouse, or a sprinkler using PVC pipe. Get more ideas from our Cool DIY Projects board on Pinterest @SanDiegoFamily.

Play in the backyard. S’mores, flashlights, gazing at the night sky — such a fun way to spend a summer evening! Even if your kids don’t want to sleep in the tent, they’ll love hanging out in it all day.

Take the kids roller skating and bowling at Viejas Casino & Resort. Be sure to bring a change of clothes so the kids can play in the interactive fountains (Saturdays & Sundays). www.viejas.com

Organize a summer competitions with friends and family: a three-legged race, pie eating contest, frisbee throwing, hula hooping, etc.

Cheer on the Padres at Petco Park. Check schedule for themed events and special promotions.

Pack a picnic and attend a free summer concert: www.sandiegofamily.com/things-todo/seasonal-happenings/san-diegosummer-concerts.

Have a block party. It could be as elaborate as a barbecue, carnival games and kid-friendly competitions or as simple as an ice cream sundae party. Either way, get your friends and neighbors together for some summertime camaraderie.

Make a schedule and visit several of San Diego’s awesome parks and playgrounds. Find epic parks on page 18; discover many more at www.sandiegofamily.com/ things-to-do/out-about.

Treat the family to an unforgettable day at SeaWorld (reservations required). Experience the lights, music and excitement of Electric Ocean, SeaWorld’s summer nighttime festivities, including spectacular fireworks.

Now that you're a few weeks into vacation, have the kids start creating a summer scrapbook, complete with printed photos and journal entries. It’s a great way to keep them writing while they’re out of school. Add a few pages each week so the project isn’t overwhelming.

Explore Birch Aquarium or Cabrillo National Monument and experience up-close encounters with marine life.

Discover local hidden gems in San Diego or make a day of it by exploring several: www.sandiegofamily .com/things-to-do/out-about/hiddenspots-in-san-diego-for-families.

Take a harbor cruise on Hornblower. Celebrating a birthday or special event? Make it a brunch cruise! Visit www.cityexperiences.com/san-diego for info about Dinner & a Movie on the Bay.

Watch the summer Olympics Opening Ceremony on July 23. Turn it into an event! Get ideas in our article “How to Host an Olympics Themed Party” at www.sandiegofamily.com/ resources/san-diego-party-planner/ host-an-olympics-themed-party.

Need more than 31 days of ideas? Choose from hundreds of family adventures in the new edition of our annual publication, Out & About with Kids, launching July 15. https://www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/out-about

Managing Editor Lisa Gipson is more of a “ fall fun” kinda gal, but she’s determined to do at least 10 things on this list!

14 • SanDiegofamily.com • July 2021