When I was a San Diego nanny, I was always on the lookout for exciting and enriching activities to keep the kids engaged during the summer months. San Diego offers a wealth of opportunities for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens. Let’s explore some of the best ways to make the most of your summer in America’s Finest City.
Day Camps and Activities
- Balboa Park Museums: When I was a San Diego nanny, I used to love taking kids to the Fleet Science Center for interactive exhibits or the San Diego Natural History Museum for dinosaur encounters.
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Hiking the easy trails here offers beautiful ocean views and a chance to learn about local flora and fauna.
- Beach Days: From La Jolla Cove to Coronado Beach, there’s no shortage of sandy spots for building sandcastles, swimming, or learning to surf.
- Cafés: For a cool treat, I often take the kids to Bobboi Natural Gelato in La Jolla or Extraordinary Desserts in Little Italy.
- San Diego Zoo and Safari Park: These world-famous attractions offer summer camps and behind-the-scenes experiences that kids love.
Overnight Camps Near San Diego
Many parents I used to work with as a San Diego nanny send their school-age children to overnight camps for a portion of the summer. Some popular options include:
- Camp Marston in Julian: Offers traditional camp activities in a mountain setting.
- Indian Hills Camp in Jamul: Features horseback riding and adventure activities.
- Catalina Island Camps: Provides a unique island experience with marine biology focus.
Preschool Summer Programs
For younger children, many preschools in San Diego offer summer programs to maintain routine and familiarity:
- The Montessori School of San Diego runs a summer program with themes like “Around the World” and “Little Scientists.”
- Dino Daycare offers a summer camp with weekly themes and field trips.
These programs are great for consistency, especially for families where both parents work full-time.
Day Trips and Road Trips
When I was a San Diego nanny, I would also often plan day trips to nearby attractions:
- Legoland in Carlsbad: A hit with kids who love building and rides.
- Birch Aquarium in La Jolla: Offers hands-on marine science experiences.
- Road trip to Los Angeles: Visit the California Science Center or Universal Studios.
Specialty Camps
San Diego offers a variety of specialty camps that cater to specific interests:
- Sailing Camps: Mission Bay Aquatic Center offers youth sailing programs.
- Horseback Riding Camps: Serenity Stables in Ramona provides week-long horse camps.
- Coding Camps: ThoughtSTEM offers technology-focused summer programs.
- Art Camps: The New Children’s Museum hosts creative summer workshops.
Beach and Water Activities
Being a San Diego nanny means taking full advantage of our beautiful coastline:
- Tide pool exploration at Cabrillo National Monument
- Stand-up paddleboarding lessons in Mission Bay
- Kayaking tours in La Jolla Cove to see sea caves and marine life
Nature and Outdoor Adventures
- San Diego Botanic Garden: Offers children’s gardens and nature-based activities.
- Mission Trails Regional Park: Great for easy hikes and nature education programs.
When I was a San Diego nanny, I found that mixing up activities keeps the summer exciting and educational. From museum visits to beach days, from specialty camps to local adventures, San Diego offers endless possibilities for summer fun. The key is to balance structured activities with free play, educational opportunities with pure enjoyment, and active outings with relaxing days.
Remember, every child is different, so it’s important to tailor activities to their interests and energy levels. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, you can create a summer full of memories that will last a lifetime. San Diego’s diverse offerings ensure that there’s something for every child, making our city an ideal place for summer exploration and growth.
