Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in san diego, CA

Top 5 Kid-Friendly San Diego Malls

by Terese Farmen

July 28, 2009

About once a month when the toilet paper is running low and there is some excuse to buy a new shirt, skirt or pair of shoes, my family likes to make a trip to the mall to spend a nice afternoon spending money. Luckily most San Diego malls have a Target within or nearby, so we can pick up some of the emergency grocery items and household supplies while still getting to spend time looking at all the lovely goodies on the racks and in the windows.

Some malls are a little more kid friendly than others, but in our city, we can generally count on an outdoors layout, a coffee shop (so we can stay on our toes), an ice cream shop (for reasons of bribery) and a toy or candy shop of some kind (for ultimate bribery) at each and every one.

• My favorite mall to shop at is Grossmont Center mall in La Mesa. The mall is single level and can be crossed one end to the other in 10 minutes. They have a great pet shop there where they let you "check out" the puppies and take them on walks (so you can pretend to have a pet for the day) and multiple shoe stores, eateries and department stores. The water fountains draw the attention of many and the lovely landscaping brings the latest blooms each season.
• Horton Plaza is also a great mall in the heart of downtown. There are multiple levels so stairs are a bit worrisome, but the kids seem to really like the layout and obstacle course of its interesting construction and layout. They used to have a great children's clothing store but closed it up in the last year, but there are still plenty of places to shop for children's clothing.
• The Carlsbad Company Outlets mall totally rocks for kids. It is a very clean mall with a very non-traditional layout, but they have the Baby Gap, Carter's, Gymboree, OshKosh B'Gosh, Strasburg Children and Stride Rite Keds Sperry. Outlet store pricing is always great and there are plenty of shops for the whole family.
• Fashion Valley Mall in Mission Valley has a great food court layout on the second story and lots and lots and lots of stores. Sometimes we don't even go into the shops. We just walk around and around until our legs hurt and then call it a day. Since the trolley lands on the door step, the mall is very accessible.
• Another great Outlet mall, the Las Americas Mall on Camino de la Plaza in the south also boasts several children's stores with clothes at great prices. This mall is a little hotter in the summer, but sometimes you just need to take a trip into the heat to visit the Kids Supercenter and Disney Store Outlet.

Top 5 Restaurants that Happen to Like Kids

by Terese Farmen

April 14, 2009

After a long week of work and chaperoning of various sports and play dates and other such endeavors, it's nice to find the time to take the family out to a restaurant and have somebody wait on your every whim. In these times of escape, heading to a family restaurant with screaming toddlers (who are not your own), greasy kid-specific food and fluorescent lighting doesn't seem appealing in the least.

However, on another note, heading to the restaurants with the nice white lace tablecloth, the immaculate dining areas and uptight wait staff is another hellacious experience waiting to happen.

Somehow there must be a middle ground - a place that allows you to be a grown up but doesn't frown because your 3 foot attachment isn't quite grown up enough.

The following is a list of my family's five favorite restaurants in San Diego that allow kids to have fun and grownups to relax without too much ado.

• El Toritos located at 5024 Baltimore Dr., La Mesa. El Toritos has delicious fajitas and yummy margaritas. For the kids, they have activity menus, delicious quesadillas and free desserts.
• TGI Fridays located at 403 Camino Del Rio, S, San Diego. Fridays is pretty loud as it is, with the centralized bar and the constant sports events hosted on the televisions. The kids have a chance to be a little noisier and boisterous and the kid's menu has its own activity section.
• Saigon Vietnamese located at 4455 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego in City Heights. With giant tables with spinny inner tables (to rotate and share food around the table), giant fish, lobster and crab tanks and delicious chicken noodle soup, this restaurant is fun for the children and pretty friendly. The tables are packed with families and yet there never seems to be the loudness and craziness associated with other restaurants families tend to dine at.
• Sammy's Woodfired Pizza located at 1620 Camino de la Reina, San Diego in Mission Valley. We love this restaurant because of its proximity to the trolley and because of its very kid friendly wait staff. It does help that we are able to bribe the children to good behavior with a promise of Maggie Moo's Ice cream located right next door, but the pizza is delicious and the trolley nice and distracting.
• Point Loma Seafoods located in Point Loma at 2805 Emerson St. This place has just about the freshest fish in town made to order and the tastiest lemonade ever. The food is reasonably priced and all of the seating is outdoors right up against the harbor. Although there is nothing specifically for the children here, the kids are usually pretty content to eat up, enjoy warm fish and then run up and down the docks.

Business Trip Count Downs

by Terese Farmen

March 30, 2009

My daughter just called me into her bedroom for the fourth time tonight to tell me that she loves me and will miss me when I get on the airplane for a business trip to Atlanta tomorrow. The plan is that I am to leave early in the morning (before she wakes up) and will be gone for four days. Of course, this is making bedtime a pretty big challenge tonight.

I think I have learned my lesson that leaving at the wee hours is probably harder on her, and that she would probably prefer to have the chance to hug me and then wave as I drive off, then to anticipate that every sound she hears is me leaving for the airport.

Despite this bedtime kink, we have found a pretty good system to help her cope during my absence that I would like to share.

Tackling the birds and the bees with dr. de freitas

by Jenny Ciampa

November 20, 2008

I personally believe that my daughter has one of the best pediatricians around so I was thrilled when she agreed to a guest post on a topic she knows well. You'll be thankful there is a pediatrician here in San Diego who educates mamas and their daughters. Dr. de Freitas is passionate about teaching parents about health education. She was first exposed to the topic when her own daughter  Read more...

Hahahahahahahaha!

by Jenny Ciampa

November 18, 2008

Reading a funny book is a blast, especially when our kiddos are old enough to get the humor. What cracks me up is when my girl starts laughing at something that I didn't even notice or find funny. Laughing is contagious and takes the edge off. When you and your kiddo are in need of some good laugh therapy, check out these ha-ha's: Bread and Honey -bear paints a portrait of his mommy and  Read more...

Thank you, bedtime story creator

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

Great apes

by Jenny Ciampa

November 14, 2008

Great Ape Awareness Week is taking place right now at our beloved San Diego Zoo. Now here is an opportunity to educate your preschooler on words, that when they understand and hear them, can set them into action: endangered and extinction. The purpose of this week of apes is to raise public awareness of animals on the brink of extinction. Can you imagine a world without apes? I can't and  Read more...

Wonder-full

by Jenny Ciampa

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

by Jenny Ciampa

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

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

A Very Orange and *Green* Halloween

by Jenny Ciampa

October 20, 2008

We all (I am hopeful when I say all) want to protect our planet and I love Americans, I do, but we sure are a bunch of consumers. I mean, seriously, think of all that we, kids included, will consume from Halloween alone: candy, candy, candy and costumes. Yikes. Of course there are ways to be green-and orange-this Halloween. Use this time as an opportunity to teach your kiddos about NOT  Read more...

Polka Dot Ghosts and Witches Brew

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

A Museum for the Good Guys

by Jenny Ciampa

October 15, 2008

Did you know that there is a Firehouse Museum in Little Italy? I know, isn't that kind of random? We used to live over there and every time I walked by it I would say, "Oh, yah, I forgot about that place". Well, if you have a little firefighter or child who loves the "good guys" than you should check this museum out. Only open Thursday through Sunday, this little firehouse that  Read more...

Day Trip, Anyone?

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

Where All the Costumes Are

by Jenny Ciampa

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

by Jenny Ciampa

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

by Jenny Ciampa

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

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

A Fun & Heavenly Cupcake

by Jenny Ciampa

September 29, 2008

We have had the pleasure of welcoming a new deliciousness to downtown San Diego and it comes in the form of a personal sized piece of cake. Yep, that's right. We finally have a cupcake place in downtown on 6 th and J and it is appropriately named Heavenly Cupcake! I hate to admit this, but for the past two weeks after dinner, we have walked down to Heavenly Cupcake for dessert. Ok, not  Read more...

Not Your Ordinary Playdate

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

Relocating to San Diego: Tricks of the Trade

by Jenny Ciampa

September 24, 2008

I have met lots of new families who have relocated to San Diego (especially with our military presence here) and one thing we always end up talking about is things to do and places to go with kids. You begin to share tricks of the trade which become invaluable in your quest to get to know this city. Here are some of the tricks I often suggest: Zoo Membership -if you live close to the  Read more...

It Takes Two; Things to Do That Are More Fun With a Pal

by Jenny Ciampa

September 23, 2008

There are certain activities my girl and I enjoy doing on our own and then there are those days where we enjoy the company of our friends. My girl gets to explore with a pal and I get to hang out with my mommy pal too. Sometimes, it's just more fun that way especially doing these activities. Kindernights at the Zoo -this is the perfect out of the ordinary event to do with a friend.  Read more...

Come An' Get It: Free Stuff in October!

by Jenny Ciampa

September 22, 2008

There are some places here in our good ol' San Diego that are offering up some free stuff in October. Can you believe that October is literally right around the corner Back to the free stuff. We all love a freebie and here are some great opportunities to save a few bucks and have a good time. Hornblower Cruises is offering one hour bay cruises free to children 12 and under. Here's  Read more...

Appreciating the Old Town Art Festival with Preschoolers

by Jenny Ciampa

September 19, 2008

Do you ever feel up for an art festival yet avoid it because your preschooler would rather be scaling the walls than appreciating art? If you are in the mood for walking around Old Town, checking out art, listening to live music and eating tasty, tasty Mexican food come this weekend to the Old Town Art Festival . Here are some suggestions to make it fun for your preschooler too. The  Read more...

Bowling for Lunch

by Jenny Ciampa

September 18, 2008

In the East Village of downtown lies the East Village Tavern and Bowl adorned with a skull and crossbones and glowing lanes. Don't let any of that turn you off when you are with your kids. In fact, let that fuel the games on mentality in you and your kiddos during the week. On game nights, game days and weekends this place is hoppin' with crowds out for a good time. But, if you head to  Read more...

Come On, Preschoolers! Express Yourself.

by Jenny Ciampa

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

by Jenny Ciampa

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

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

Siblings Rock Our Worlds

by Jenny Ciampa

September 11, 2008

Siblings can rock the worlds of our children. Heck, I welcomed my sister home with a hairbrush smacking when I was 14 months old and she entered the picture. It's a big transition and one that can be made a bit smoother with some preparation and a few good books. I Used to Be the Baby -an older brother works through the ups and downs of having a new baby in the house. Best part, the  Read more...

Art Walk on the Bay: Kidswalk, Kids Give

by Jenny Ciampa

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

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

Resolving Conflicts, Resolving Anger

by Jenny Ciampa

September 08, 2008

Preschooler conflicts are filled with confusing feelings of anger. Resolving conflicts also means accepting the emotions that come along with them. It's OK to feel angry and mad. It's also OK to like yourself even if your feelings make you dislike yourself sometimes. Emotional intelligence is key to a life of conflict resolution, at least I think so. Here are some books that shed light on  Read more...

Big Kids, Little Trains

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

Social Animals: Kids' Safari at the Zoo

by Jenny Ciampa

September 01, 2008

Welcome to September, my friends. The month of back to school, back to routines, and back to that constant work of exposing your preschooler to our social world...not like this ever stopped in the first place. But you know, socialization for this age group is a work in progress. The San Diego Zoo is offering up a social activity for kiddos ages 3-7 years old this Sunday, September 7th.  Read more...

So Long, Farewell San Diego Summer

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

The Seal: A San Diego Boat with Wheels

by Jenny Ciampa

August 28, 2008

Ok, I am not going to lie here. On my walks through Seaport Village we constantly see this boat with wheels and it just makes me laugh. It seems so hokey and touristy though the lines to board are consistently long. And, as The Seal drives on by I can't help but notice all of the smiling faces and excited kids in a boat cruising down Harbor Drive. It's classic! So I decided to do a  Read more...

Cooling Off in San Diego

by Jenny Ciampa

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

by Jenny Ciampa

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

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

History Lesson: Stagelines to California

by Jenny Ciampa

August 21, 2008

Yearning for a bit of yesteryear? Celebrate the 150 th anniversary of Butterfield Overland Mail Stage at Stagecoach Days in Old Town and you'll be thanking these men who made our mail service what it is today. Kiddos will be mesmerized by coaches that delivered letters a long time ago. Heck, you'll be mesmerized by the fact that these men were committed to 25 days of travelin a stagecoach.  Read more...

Down by the Bay, Where the Big Ships Go

by Jenny Ciampa

August 20, 2008

It's that time of year my maritime mates, the Festival of Sail is here in our very own San Diego Bay. If you want your preschooler to see an impressive variety of historic ships with their massive sails, don't miss this event. Festivities begin today with the Parade of Ships at 10am. Seriously, it feels as if you have hopped into some sort of time machine watching these ships sail in.  Read more...

An Education in Sun Protection from the Sunwise Animals

by Jenny Ciampa

August 13, 2008

I wish I knew about the damaging effects of the sun on our skin while I was a teenager lathered in baby oil sunbathing. Yikes. Fortunately, for our kiddos there is research, research and more research on sun protection. You have got to check out this imaginative approach to teach your babes about sun safety and, it's through our treasured San Diego Zoo. Sunwise Stampede is a website  Read more...

Learning to Swim in San Diego

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

Coast up the Coast on the Coaster

by Jenny Ciampa

August 11, 2008

We had our first experience on Coaster this weekend and I must say, Where have I been This cheap and convenient form of public transportation was easy breezy with a three year old in tow. We are going to use this more often to hit up San Diego's coastal cities . Kiddos under 5 ride for free and me, well I paid $11.00 round trip from downtown to Solana Beach. We hit the races for the  Read more...

Down by the Shore at Legoland

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

Movie Night at Petco Park

by Jenny Ciampa

August 06, 2008

Now here's an opportunity to take your preschooler out to the ballpark to do something other than watch a ballgame. They can watch a movie! This Saturday, August 9 th , Petco Park will be hosting Movies at the Park . Spread out a blanket on Picnic Hill to get cozy and comfy for the 7pm showing of Madagascar. If you get there early, run around the Little Padres baseball diamond, play a  Read more...

Children's Pools in San Diego

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

Travel Must-Haves for Escaping on the Open Road

by Jenny Ciampa

July 30, 2008

When we do our annual road trips through California, long car rides with a three year old can be, well, long. Fortunately there are creative folks out there who know how to make the whole experience a bit more enjoyable for all in the car. Check out some of these travel essentials for road trips: Travel Tray -this tray is fantastic for long trips in the car. Kiddos can eat on it, spill  Read more...

Petco Park, Home of the Padres

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

Top 5 Ice Cream Joints in San Diego

by Jenny Ciampa

July 25, 2008

Cream, milk, sugar all mixed together icy cold sitting on top of a sugar cone on a hot summer day. I've just described heaven on earth for one little girl I know. There's nothing better than watching a little human devour ice cream for the first or one hundredth time. You just know their taste buds are dancing because you've been there before. In fact, you probably still go there. Gather  Read more...

Family Days at the SDNHM

by Jenny Ciampa

July 24, 2008

The San Diego Natural History Museum is showcasing a new exhibit entitled Water H20=Life . I personally look forward to taking my daughter to experience this exhibit as education is power and with the state of our water supply locally and globally, she should know what's up. To celebrate the phenomena we call water, the museum will host Water: H20=Life Family Days this Saturday, July 26  Read more...

Dinner Destinations in the Gaslamp Quarter

by Jenny Ciampa

July 22, 2008

[photo credit: chad cavanaugh] First thought that comes to mind when hearing the words Gaslamp Quarter: Partying college coeds. Second thought: Fabulous restaurants. Combine those two and kid-friendly seems unrealistic. But let me tell you, restaurants in the Gaslamp are far more than hot zones for clubbers or the rich and childless. They have world wide vibes and cuisine that you  Read more...

A Getaway Balloon

by Jenny Ciampa

July 21, 2008

Batman has the Batmobile-and we all know what a fat getaway vehicle that is. San Diegan's have a pretty fat getaway vehicle too-the hot air balloon . Sure, it might not be as sleek and fast as the Batmobile but I'm pretty sure the Batmobile doesn't come with sushi and champagne. And, as we all know, getaway vehicles come with a price. Collect your ching-ching, or your vivid imagination, for  Read more...

An Escape for the Senses in Little Italy

by Jenny Ciampa

July 18, 2008

Saturday mornings in Little Italy are easy on the senses. Store owners sweep their patios, neighbors sip coffee while walking their dogs, and the aroma of homemade pastries seep out of bakeries. Mornings in Little Italy are a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of lifeand it just got better. The Little Italy Mercato is a breath of fresh, Saturday morning air. This open air  Read more...

Viejas Fire Expo-Celebrating Firefighters

by Jenny Ciampa

July 16, 2008

[photo credit: stock.xchng] This Saturday, July 19 th , is the Viejas Fire Expo/Firefighter Combat Challenge at Qualcomm Stadiuman event that will entertain the whole family. Moms will be swooning (fires aren't the only thing hot about firefighters), Dads will be feeling manly, and kids, well they will be in awe of these heroes. At 11am, opening ceremonies take place followed by  Read more...

Top 5 Summer Read Alouds: Cultivating Thoughts of Summer

by Jenny Ciampa

July 15, 2008

[photo credit: stock.xchng] Thoughts of summer around here include grandparents, family vacations, memories, the outdoors and adventure. If my girl and I had to choose our top 5 summer read aloud books that cultivate our thoughts of summer, they would surely be these: The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant -this is by far one of my all time favorite children's books because it  Read more...

Gym Ventures, An Educational Workout

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

An Education in Sand

by Jenny Ciampa

July 11, 2008

This weekend in Imperial Beach, the US Open Sand Castle Competition is the main event. In honor of our love of the beach, and the sand that comes along with it, here are some fun and educational activities to enjoy while at the beachfrom our very own Savvy Source team. Finding Buried Treasure -before leaving home, gather a bunch of dollar aisle toys. Send the kiddos down to the shore  Read more...

Three Days In and Around San Diego: Day 3

by Jenny Ciampa

July 10, 2008

The Jewel of San Diego La Jolla, meaning the jewel in Spanish, lives up to its sparkly name. This spectacular coastal community has a day's worth-a weeks worth-of activities for every age group. I've highlighted a kid-friendly day in the life of La Jolla including options because honestly, it's hard to decide. This town is magnificent. Hungry for breakfast? Grab a table on the  Read more...

Three Days in and Around San Diego: Day 2

by Jenny Ciampa

July 09, 2008

Insider Tips Ok, since choosing only one attraction to make a day out of is a tough choice, what I thought I would do is give you some insider tips. You know, suggestions on making the most of your visit to one of these famous San Diego attractions. That's what you came to San Diego for, right? San Diego Zoo -the Nighttime Zoo is a mustand here's my suggestion. Get to the zoo in  Read more...

Three Days In and Around San Diego: Day 1

by Jenny Ciampa

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...

Big Bay of Fireworks

by Jenny Ciampa

June 30, 2008

[photo credit: wikimedia] I remember when my husband and I first moved to downtown San Diego. We'd be chillin' at home and BANG! We would look out our window and there were fireworks. Huh? It's a Tuesday night in November. A day later the same thing happened. What? Many unexpected BANG!s later, we realized San Diego is the city of fireworks for every occasion. So it came of no surprise  Read more...

Surf's Up...for Man's Best Friend

by Jenny Ciampa

June 23, 2008

OK, if there is one event that you have got to take your child to this summer, let this be it. The 3 rd Annual Loews Coronado Bay Surf Dog Competition is taking place this Saturday, June 28 th in Imperial Beach. Surfing canines, are you kidding me? We personally have never been to this competition but, mark my word, we will be there. San Diego-what a place to raise a preschooler. I still  Read more...

Grandparents Sharing San Diego

by Jenny Ciampa

June 16, 2008

[photo credit: stockx.chng] Grandparents have all kinds of things to share:memories, experiences, time and that patience that only comes knowing that you give these kids back. Stories from the mouths of grandparents of the good ol' days can liven up any adventure. The Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum is a fantastic outing especially for grandparents with a military background. There  Read more...