Family Summer Vacations

summer_vacation_kid

Whether you want to play by the pool, have fun on the beach, or try new exciting activities, California offers an impressive range of things to see and do. Visit museums, have fun at a theme park or go on an adventure—there are many excellent options year-round. And speaking of “year-round”… the mountains aren’t just for skiing you know. Our local mountain ranges offer great summertime hiking options and fun to be had on nearby mountain lakes. The bottomline is that California hosts such a wide variety of things to do, you’ll be making “bucket lists” forever in an attempt to see them all. Here are some Kiddish magazine favorites to help give you a hand.

 

Legoland

We’re going to Legoooooo-LAND!!! What kid doesn’t like to hear those words? Legoland California Resort is a children’s theme park located in Carlsbad (just half an hour north of San Diego). With over 60 rides, performance shows and attractions, the resort is a fun destination for families of all sizes. The resort houses the first Legoland Water Park in the world, the Lego Legends Chima Water Park and the Sea Life Aquarium. You’ll have so much fun, you’ll need lego strollers to wheel the whole family to the car.

For more information call (760) 918-5346 or visit california.legoland.com.

Catalina

Leave all the hustle and bustle behind and return to a slower pace of life, the island life. Santa Catalina Island is located 22 miles south southwest of Los Angeles and is the southernmost island of the Channel Islands of California. The island is made up of two towns, the “big” town of Avalon to the east end and the “small” town of Two Harbors to the west end. The island is just 22 miles long and 8 miles across. Outside of the two towns is a rugged wilderness with 360 degree views of the mighty Pacific.

To get to Santa Catalina Island, you can take a passenger ferry from Newport Beach, Dana Point, Long Beach or San Pedro. You could also fly in via  helicopter, private plane or sail over on a private boat.

For more information call Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau
at (310) 510-1520 or visit
www.catalinachamber.com.

 

Glamping!

Want to experience nature without having your creature comforts stripped away. Why not try “glamping”? El Capitan Canyon provides an easy way for families to experience nature in upscale cabins surrounded by a beautiful forest. This getaway is only a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. Cabins and tents are surrounded by 3,500 acres of hiking trails and a state beach. During the summer months, try ocean kayaking or take a surfing lesson. All cabins have outdoor picnic tables, wireless Internet access and direct dial telephones in case you need to keep in touch with the “outside world.” Upgrades such as fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs and sleeping lofts are also available. Cabin rates start at $225 in the summer, and tents are $145.

Call (866) 352-2729 for reservations or visit www.elcapitancanyon.com.

 

 

Harvest Time

The Anderson Valley (just north of San Fransisco) is home to many wonderful sites and activities. One such place to visit is the Philo Apple Farm. The farm is family run and aside from being a spectacular apple orchard, they host weekday and weekend cooking classes and farm stays.  From February to November the Philo Apple Farm offers special “Stay and Cook Farm Weekends.” Over the course of the weekend, the farm provides many different ingredients, techniques, and flavors, and there is plenty of time to answer questions and delve into all the farm-related subjects. The weekend includes three hands-on meals and two nights in a cottage or room with a view. Guests help prepare and enjoy Saturday Lunch and Dinner and Sunday Brunch. And while you are enjoying the local delights, the kids can have a ball collecting beautiful pale blue chicken eggs or learning how to milk a cow.

For more information call (707) 895-2333 or visit www.philoapplefarm.com.

 

Big Bear 

The San Bernadino Mountains are just around the corner and you don’t need snow to enjoy them. Summertime is actually a great time to go explore this backyard frontier. Big Bear Lake—a city named after its signature body of water—provides pretty space aplenty for play and relaxation.

The city, ranging in altitude from nearly 6,750 feet to 9,000 feet, is often abuzz with activity due to resorts, public parks, and sites for tourists and locals—at least on the lake’s southern shores. The lake’s north shore is a good deal quieter. The manmade lake, as a whole, has more than 22 miles of shoreline.

 

Big Bear Lake is a gem, and a fantastic destination for families to enjoy activities like swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, mini-golf and then some.

For more information please visit www.citybigbearlake.com.

 

Coronado Island

Coronado is to San Diego as Sausalito is to San Francisco; both towns are just across the water from their big-sister cities. And what is hiding just around the corner from the hustle and bustle? Paradise. Coronado, has two outstanding beaches and one of them—Coronado Beach—is known for it’s family-friendly environment. The beach offers calm, typically warm water that’s perfect for youngsters. Coronado’s biggest claim to fame, however, is the stately Hotel del Coronado. Take a tour of the “The Del,” and you’ll discover its interesting beginnings (which include haunted happenings) or splurge with an overnight stay. It’s the central focus point of the island, and one you don’t want to (and really, can’t) miss.

For more information please visit www.coronado.ca.us.

 

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