Being Savvy: Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers and kids in San Diego, CA

Find out more about:

Archives

Fun for the Littlest Ones

Introducing the water conservation garden...for those unfamiliar

November 19, 2008

A girlfriend of mine, who is a preschool teacher, asked me if I have taken my girl to The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College . The what? "Take her," she declared. Her class of preschoolers went there on a field trip, the kids LOVED it. Housed on 5 acres at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon, this non-profit and eco-friendly garden is fascinating...and free. The purpose of the  Read more...

Thank you, bedtime story creator

November 17, 2008

Whoever told parents to read stories to their kids before they go to bed at night should be thanked. Think of all the kids across our country who snuggle up next to a loved one to read a bed time story each night. It's a cherished routine and some books are just perfect for those nighttime stories. A fun book for San Diego kids on their way to bed is Good Night San Diego . This  Read more...

Wonder-full

November 03, 2008

This month here at Savvy Source, we will be focusing our thoughts on wonder. Makes sense, yah? Preschool is an age of wonder and seeing the world open up to our babes during these wonder years is amazing. Providing them wonder- full opportunities is exciting. So to start off a month of wonder, I thought I would share with you Wonders. Located in Encinitas, Wonders has opened its doors  Read more...

A theater to be proud of

October 27, 2008

Did you know that the San Diego Junior Theater is the oldest continuing children's theater in the country? I didn't and when I found that out I will admit I once again felt proud to be a San Diegan. Housed in Balboa Park with a stage in La Jolla as well as classes in Chula Vista, this non-profit organization has been nurturing imagination for over 60 years. Junior Theater's  Read more...

Spooky, Spooky San Diego Favorites

October 21, 2008

Let's be real; being a kid is San Diego is very, very cool. With so many places to visit and experience life (wild and tame), it's always exciting when some of your favorite jaunts add a new, and spooky, twist. Something you've not yet seen or been a part of. Something that makes a place unknown and exciting once again. San Diego has done it, my friends. Check out what the awesome  Read more...

Polka Dot Ghosts and Witches Brew

October 16, 2008

The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater in Balboa Park is an imagination station. Puppets of all kinds perform on stage to entertain and spark creative thinking in the minds of little people. Halloween is one of those opportunities to embrace this thought process and this puppet theater is just the place to do it. Every Wednesday through Friday, shows begin at 10 and 11:30.  Read more...

Inspiration for Imagination in San Diego

October 14, 2008

Inspiration for the very active imagination of a preschooler is all over San Diego. In fact, it was challenging to just pick five but, I did. I thought about the places my girl and I have gone recently where she entered her world of imagination while I watched in awe the unclouded mind of a child. Check these places out: Desert Garden -this garden in Balboa Park is filled  Read more...

Day Trip, Anyone?

October 13, 2008

I was introduced to Bate's Nut Farm three years ago by a girlfriend who lives in Escondido. She raved about visiting this farm in October with its pumpkins and cornstalks. Honestly, I was thinking this place was your typical pumpkin patch-you know, the one with pumpkins all bunched together with cut cornstalks near haystacks...on an empty lot. Just imagine the exact opposite of that.  Read more...

Zoo Enrichment

October 09, 2008

Have you ever been to the zoo during an All About Enrichment Weekend ? If you have not, I highly recommend that you attend one at some point in your child's preschool years. They take place the second weekend of most months and are worth a visit-here's why. While cruising through the zoo and checking out some of your favorite animals, you might notice something that looks  Read more...

Where All the Costumes Are

October 07, 2008

Finding the perfect costume for your little one can be a challenge, especially if your child wants to be a cupcake or chocolate donut like my daughter. Sometimes, handmade costumes are the way to go but for those of you out there with hardly enough time to make your bed, here are some fantastic places to find costumes. Buffalo Breath -how about that name? Located right outside of  Read more...

Halloween Spooktacular at Sea World

October 03, 2008

Now here is an event we are looking very forward to because we love Sea World and Halloween. To see this awesome park hosting a Halloween event for the first time gets our attention. This Halloween Spooktacular happens every Saturday and Sunday in October, Halloween and the first weekend in November. Kiddos can enter Sea World in their costume, trick-or-treat at various stations  Read more...

Pretend Play at the Children's Museum

October 02, 2008

What would childhood be without pretend play? I know one word I would choose to answer that question:Boring. My entire childhood was centered on pretend play and as I watch and interact with my daughter, I realize, so is hers. While at the New Children's Museum , where imagination runs rampant, we ventured downstairs to the Cricket Wireless Level and discovered the Performance Stage.  Read more...

October, A Month that feeds the imagination

October 01, 2008

We have officially entered October, my favorite month. I love the fall, even if we aren?t seeing too many signs of it yet, and Halloween with a child to me is well, super creativeespecially because my girl loves to make believe. What a better month to encourage imagination than the one with a holiday involving costumes, witches, ghosts and goblins. Here at Savvy Source I did a bit of  Read more...

Hullabaloo at The W

September 26, 2008

If you haven't been to the W Hotel downtown for Mommy Hour , you need to go. And, you need to go this Wednesday, October 1 st . If you have never heard about Mommy Hour, check this out. Believe me; you will want to experience Mommy Hour at least once in your kids-under-six mommy years. The big draw this month at Mommy Hour, other than the delicious mojitos and free child care  Read more...

Not Your Ordinary Playdate

September 25, 2008

Are you in the mood to expose your kiddo to some eclectic music that yes, you too will enjoy? Want to get a dance party going for your babe and some of their playmates so you can listen to good music with other parents while checking out the awesome dance moves of preschoolers? Call up your best mommy and daddy friends and organize a playdate at the Adams Avenue Street Fair. This  Read more...

Come On, Preschoolers! Express Yourself.

September 17, 2008

Expressing ourselves creatively starts at a young age. My girl loves to paint and draw tornadoes, tornadoes and more tornadoes. What that says about my daughter, well, it makes me wonder but let's not go there. Let's go check out some art classes offered up for our little artists. My Little Artists located in Poway and San Carlos provides individualized art instruction for kids as young  Read more...

Kids Care Fest

September 15, 2008

This coming up Saturday, September 20 th , the 7 th annual Kids Care Fest is happening at Briarcrest Park, in La Mesa, from 9am-2pm. This is an opportunity to teach your kiddos the importance of taking care of their cute little bodies. There will be a variety of health care screenings such as vision, hearing, dental and chiropractic. This is all FREE. Very cool. Educational health  Read more...

Day Trip: U-Pick Apples in Julian

September 12, 2008

Apples in September, they bring thoughts of back to school and Julian . Right? Right. The apple orchards in Julian are open for the pickin'. Plan a day trip and head on out to the town that boasts tasty apple pies and history of gold. Best time to visit Julian and pick apples is mid-week. It's quieter and not so jam-packed with visitors. But, you need to be sure to check out the list  Read more...

Art Walk on the Bay: Kidswalk, Kids Give

September 10, 2008

For the past few years, we have been regulars at Art Walk in Little Italy. Progressively through the years this art festival has become better and better. More art, more performers, more icy cold drinks, and more stuff for the kiddos. For these reasons, we are very excited for the return of Art Walk on the Bay (put on by the same folks as Little Italy's Art Walk) this weekend, September 13  Read more...

Cafes for Meeting Friends & Staying Sane

September 09, 2008

There are two places here in San Diego that deserve mention not only for their creative genius and friend making opportunities, but for their understanding of a parent's need for a break. These two places will enrich your child while they enrich your social, and personal, needs too. Java Mama -located in La Mesa, Java Mama is heaven. For $3.00, your kiddo can play in a supervised play  Read more...

Big Kids, Little Trains

September 04, 2008

Another museum my girl and I hit up on Free Admission Tuesdays at Balboa was the San Diego Model Railroad Museum . This museum is incredible with its to scale models of San Diego landscapes and the little engines that could chug through them. Kids flock to this museum to watch these miniature trains and play with them too. Besides our typical ogling of trains passing by on tiny tracks,  Read more...

So Long, Farewell San Diego Summer

August 29, 2008

Well, my friends, the time has come to wave goodbye to August and head into September-a month that truly feels like we have moved on and let go of summer. But before we do, let's have one last hurrah this Labor Day Weekend. Many of San Diego's summer events end this weekend so if you are looking to squeeze in something you have been talking about doing all summer long, here's your  Read more...

Cooling Off in San Diego

August 26, 2008

I'm not sure how many of you out there are feeling that muggy and humid heat we've been having lately but it's enough to make me want to jump right in the bay to cool off. Since that isn't the best idea, here are some better ways to cool off and enjoy the heat. Sit in the Splash Zone at the Shamu Show -this will seriously cool you down. We sat in the splash zone thinking, Aw, we won't  Read more...

Nighttime Zoo: Last Week, Final Suggestions

August 25, 2008

This week marks the final week of the Nighttime Zoo . I took my daughter this past week, around 3pm. Everything about our visit was perfect:the weather, the animal sightings, the shows. If you have the opportunity to hit up the Nighttime Zoo before its final evening on September 1 st , here are some suggestions from two people, a preschooler and a mama, who thanked the zoo profusely for  Read more...

Your First San Diego Catch

August 22, 2008

Fishing is a right of passage for kids. I remember my first fishing trip with my dad. Catching trout then bringing them back to the cabin to watch him filet and cook them up for dinnerit was a fascinating science experiment and lesson in our connection to nature. If you're looking for that special first time fishing memory, look no further. National Hunting and Fishing Day is September 27  Read more...

Marine Biology for Little Minds at Birch Aquarium

August 18, 2008

Little minds are intrigued with life under the sea, just look at the success of Nemo. Living in San Diego, we are fortunate to have an aquarium whose education programs feed those hungry minds about what life under the sea is really all about. Birch Aquarium's A-B-Sea Club offers monthly, theme based classes for infants up to four year olds. With names like Five-Armed Frenzy, Ocean  Read more...

Learning to Swim in San Diego

August 12, 2008

Beaches, lagoons, lakes, rivers, estuaries and pools-San Diego has water. And lots of it. Spending time at these watering holes is something we do a lot of so water safety and the ability to swim are pretty darn important. Here are some local folks offering up their services to teach kiddos the joys and safety of swimming in H2O. Murray Callan Swim Schools -for over 40 years this family  Read more...

Down by the Shore at Legoland

August 08, 2008

As we spend this month enjoying those final weeks of summer down by the shore, we are either dreading the end of these lazy days or relishing in the idea of another school year. The shore is a wondrous place and even though the end of vacation is near, Legoland opens its doors to a new exhibit, Sea Life Aquarium , that will keep the sea alive. All. Year. Long. The beauty of this  Read more...

Children's Pools in San Diego

August 05, 2008

I don't know about all of you other San Diegans out there, but it feels as if things are really starting to warm up around here. That marine layer seems to be gone leaving hot, sun-shiny days worthy of a swim at a local pool...especially when a jaunt to the beach seems cumbersome and sandy. Here are some pools to cool off and splash around in: Coronado Aquatics Center -besides the  Read more...

Water and Sand, Sand and Water

August 01, 2008

Can you believe it is August already Weren't we all just escaping to places real and imagined here at Savvy Source? Now it's time to unpack those bags (real or imagined) and spend some time Down by the Shore. So to start us off on this seaside journey, here are some of our favorite things water and sand. I know, I know, some of you are thinking favorite thing about sand-are you crazy? If  Read more...

Petco Park, Home of the Padres

July 29, 2008

If you haven't taken your kids to see the Padres , you are striking out. Petco Park is a fantastic place to take the kiddies to experience America's pastime. We live downtown and take our girl to games all of time-we know this place well and think you should too. Here's our take on the best ways to enjoy Petco Park. Take Me Out to the Ballgame -the best bang for your buck is a Park  Read more...

Gym Ventures, An Educational Workout

July 14, 2008

Hula hoops, obstacle courses, balloons, and speed bumps-these were just a few brilliant encounters my girl had at Gym Ventures in Pacific Beach. Let me say, I was blown away with not only the physical component of this gym class, but the imaginative, educational one as well. Oh, and watching Miss Debbie single-handedly manage these busy and needy preschoolers was flat out impressive. This  Read more...

Three Days In and Around San Diego: Day 1

July 08, 2008

A Day in the Life of Del Mar A stellar morning in Del Mar begins with breakfast at Pacifica Breeze Caf in the Del Mar Plaza. This place is chill. Sit outside on the easy, breezy patio with views of the Pacific and eat in style. The Breeze Oatmeal is my personal fave. Best of all, this is a family friendly joint so it's OK to cry over spilled milk. No one will mind, they are all too  Read more...

US Open Sand Castle Competition

July 03, 2008

It's that time of year again. That time of year in Imperial Beach that is so intriguing 350,000 people are expected to show up. Holy crowds. It's time for the US Open Sand Castle Competition and it's happening July 12-13 th . If you haven't been to this event, you've most likely seen it on TV or even the National Geographic Channel. It's a big deal, literally. This event of great  Read more...

Mozart, Moby or Miles: A Guide to the San Diego Preschool/Toddler Music Scene

May 30, 2008

[photo credit: stockx.chng] Kids and music-we've all read the stories, heard the songs, hoped that our child's musical exposure would grow their brain. Heck, my girl's favorite song is Hot Child in the City. Coincidence? I think not. The preschool/toddler music scene is hot, just like their dance moves. You know the 7 th Day Buskers are performing at The Hillcrest Farmer's Market when  Read more...

99 Things You Must Do with Your Child in San Diego Before They Grow Up

May 29, 2008

[photo credit: stockx.chng] Growing up is overrated but if you gotta do it, then do it right. Have a Must Do to add? Please do. Swim Lessons -your child was swimming in amniotic fluid, now they should be swimming in San Diego. This city revolves around water, safety first. Music Together -Gina in Point Loma is the best teacher. Loves what she does, nurtures musical  Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in san diego

urbanjungle.jpg

Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

doremi.jpg

Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

artisticendeavors.jpg

Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

roomtorun2.jpg

Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

rain.jpg

Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

localhistory2.jpg

A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

naturalhistory2.jpg

Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

waterparks2.jpg

Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

holdinghands2.jpg

The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

bestofcity2.jpg

The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

The Voice of Being Savvy san diego:
Terese Farmen, Jenny Ciampa

Read more Being Savvy for: