Ideas for things to do with kids during the summer

[Laura Beth D.]

I am looking for creative things for moms and dads to do with their kids during the summer. There are lots of camps and places to drop kids off but I am looking for great ideas that are free or inexpensive and fun to do together. Thanks for your input!

[Sara Greenwood]

Hi Laura Beth,

The summer dilemma ... I'm right there with you.

Try this out LB
http://www.thingstodo.com/states/CA/san_francisco.htm

Good ideas and places to go with kids/family. Also, how about horseback riding in Half Moon Bay (on the beach), bonfire at the beach by Crow's Nest in Santa Cruz. Pottery at Petroglyth, music in the park (Ceasar Chavez Park SJ), Napa Valley Picnic with the family. Good luck LB.

Sara

[annemarie maes]

we just got back from Big Basin state park, camping in the tent cabins was such fun. It was a last minute thing, sun/mon, so there are reservations available. Its $65 a night but so much nicer than sleeping on the ground, lots of fun, free programs for kids, great hiking, dog friendly. We will return soon.

[Dan Raby]

Laura,
Don't know if anyone in your family is into photography or not but there are many neat parks and places in San Jose for at least a partial day trip with the whole family. There is the History Park and Japanese Friendship gardens next to Happy Hollow Park. There is also the Chinese Overfelt Garden by Overfelt High School. Lots of fish and water foul there. The Winchester Mystery house has a wonderful garden and it's free to visit. Just walk through the gift shop and out into the garden area. Going through the house will cost you something though. Another great place, although not in San Jose, is the Filoli Estate and garden west of highway 280 in the Woodside area. Lots of opportunities to take pictures at these places.
Another option might be the Hiller Helicopter museum at the San Carlos Airport. I think it's the Holly exit off of 101. That will cost a few bucks to see and you can check the internet for details on that if you like. Some neat things there to see and do as a family. I mention these things as I found them to be fun for me so they may not fit your family's interests. I like to use my camera and there is lots of opportunites to do that at these places.
Thanks for being a friend. dan

[Laura Beth D.]

Check out the article on the Willow Glen 2.0 blog or in the July Willow Glen Times...It is in the local news section on page 25. Please read it and let the Carol Rosen at the Times know if you like the article. Her email is [e-mail]. I am pushing for an ongoing column in the Times. Thanks!

[Rick George]

I will be teaching Guitar over the summer months if that is of a interest..

Rick.