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

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The Joy of Stale Bread

February 24, 2009

I don't know many people who get excited over the idea of stale bread, but for me, it's not really the prospect of knowing I will need to go to the store to buy a new loaf, or even that food has gone to waste, but that some wild animal out there in San Diego is about to get yummy stale crumbs. On these days, my daughter and I like to dress up in our boots, sunglasses and sunscreen and head out to our favorite haunts to feed the birds, squirrels and chipmunks, and ants, and well, I am sure you get the picture.

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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...

Great apes

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...

Black Cats, Bad Luck?

October 22, 2008

Halloween is the perfect time to take your kiddo to Cat Canyon at the Zoo and demystify the belief that you need to watch out for black cats because they are bad luck. Sure, it's safe to say running into a Brazilian jaguar in the jungles of Brazil is bad luck. But who's hanging out in the jungles of Brazil? It's also safe to say that Orson , the 160 pound jaguar you would run into at the  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...

Toys that Come to Life Through Books

October 17, 2008

Tomorrow, here at Savvy Source, our awesome writing team will be sharing with you all books about toys that come to life. When I heard about this topic I just had to share my daughter's most favorite book about personification. I have the kind of kid who wants to adopt every stuffed animal she comes in contact with-even visual contact from afar-because she just doesn't want  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...

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...

Gross Me Out

October 08, 2008

Today at Free Museum Tuesdays , the Fleet Science Center opened it's doors to a boatload of people without charging them an ounce of admission. We braved the crowds just to check out the new Animal Grossology Exhibit. Upstairs you will find Animal Grossology . Kids were everywhere and they were of all ages. Older kiddos were grossed out reading facts, preschoolers were mesmerized  Read more...

Relocating to San Diego: Tricks of the Trade

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

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!

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...

Vapor Waterfalls and Prehistoric Eggs

September 03, 2008

Yesterday was free admission Tuesday at the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park. We checked out Water H20=Life exhibit as well as my girl's favorite dinosaurs. From one parent to another, here are some suggestions I have on how to make the most of this museum visit. Entering the Hall of Paleontology, you will see a big ol' dinosaur protecting her eggs. Turn the large,  Read more...

Social Animals: Kids' Safari at the Zoo

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

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

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

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...

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...

What's for Breakfast at the San Diego Zoo?

August 15, 2008

Today was a zoo day, we love this place. It's filled with teachable moments. We arrive first thing in the morning to see active creatures often times nibbling on their breakfast. My girl loves to see our favorite animals chowing down because their breakfast sure doesn't look like her oatmeal. Curiosity takes over, questions are asked and educating is required. So what exactly is on the  Read more...

Mermaids: We're Not Just Talkin' Ariel

August 14, 2008

Under the sea a world of mer-people lives and breathes in water. What a wondrous, mythical place. Believe it or not, these so called mermaids spotted by sailors of long ago where manatees. Yep, that's right-manatees. Ok, so manatees are the mermaids of tales long ago? My little Ariel might not buy that but she will buy how sweet and special these mammals are. Manatee Rescue at Sea  Read more...

An Education in Sun Protection from the Sunwise Animals

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...

Three Days In and Around San Diego: Day 3

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

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

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...

Camping: San Diego Style

July 07, 2008

Campgrounds with raging fires, marshmallow poked skewers, and silly songs all under the big night sky are hands down my most cherished childhood memories. Sleeping under the stars or on the floor of a tent with net windows was the BEST. But let me say, San Diego style camping is soooo San Diego. Check these campgrounds out: Family Safari Sleepover at the San Diego Zoo -Pack your bags  Read more...

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

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...

Ostriches,Kayaks & Sleepovers- Father's Day in San Diego

June 10, 2008

[photo credit: stockx.chng] Now my husband enjoys hanging out in my parent's yard on Father's Day with ribs, beer and the US Open on TV. Out of curiosity, I did a bit of research on what San Diego actually offers on Father's Day-there is some cool stuff. Don't know if it's cool enough to change my husband's plan for his day but cool enough to mention. Father's Day Sleepover at the  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...

Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Discovering the Wilderness of San Diego's Urban Jungle

May 19, 2008

My daughter and I had become zoo snobs. We only visited the monkeys, pandas and polar bears. Snobs are nave. Time to get to know the Children's Zoo better. Perched on a rainbow-colored, crawling tube lays the visually appealing Mouse House . Smack dab in the center of this glass enclosure is a gigantic loaf of bread (baked in the Zoo restaurant) with a doorway carved out. That's not all,  Read more...

5 Best Day Trips within an Hour of San Diego

May 16, 2008

[photo credit: stockx.chng] When another hour in the urban jungle will cause you and your babe to go apes, hit the road for a day trip. Your babe will play the day away at Cottonwood Creek Park in Encinitas . The water feature is where my girl makes water and sand soup. The climbing rock and play structures action is as constant as the bikes and scooters speeding by. We try to picnic  Read more...

5 Best Ways to Enjoy Balboa Park

May 13, 2008

[photo credit: wikimedia] At 1,200 acres, Balboa Park marks itself as the largest, urban, cultural park in the nation. Little minds are bound to grow large in Balboa, let's ripen them. The Lawn Programs at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages is a worldly trip for your babe. 31 countries, each represented by a cottage, share their cultural music, dance, food, art  Read more...

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

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Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

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

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Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

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Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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

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

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