We all know that kids are the most precious things in the world, and that they have to learn every little thing that is possible for them. However, what most people fail to realize is that once they start walking, they can move pretty quickly. Of course, this happens much sooner with toddlers. So, before your precious toddler becomes a running machine, here are a few things you can do to keep them at a similar pace.
Yes, toddlers can be a handful, and yes, you may have been overwhelmed by the amount of things your toddler wants to do and be. However, you know you can do it! You’re going to have a blast, and your life with a toddler is going to be so much better than you had even imagined. These are some of the things you can look forward to:
What better way to introduce the San Diego area than with a list of things to do with toddlers? Here are some of our favorites with a quick peek at what else we thought was fun.
In San Diego, what to do with little children
Debbie Dubrow is a Seattle parent with a 15-month-old and a 2-and-a-half-year-old.
She travels with her children often and created DeliciousBaby, a website devoted to providing parents with inspiration, guidance, and information for traveling with their infants and young children.
She offers fantastic suggestions for a week in San Diego (for both locals and visitors).
Aside from how sluggish she makes me feel, I am a huge supporter of her website and efforts!
Time to visit the San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is a must-see attraction in the area. Your kid will love observing the animals as soon as he or she is old enough to interact with the world. Unlike many other zoos, this one is 100 acres in size, with animals living in lush “natural” settings rather than small cages. If you come early in the day, a smart option to avoid the crowds is to ride the gondola to the far end of the park (excellent fun for children as young as 9 months) and then walk back. Ebay and Craigslist are great places to look for cheap tickets. For local families, membership is nearly always a smart choice.
For lunch, eat a sandwich at Bread & Cie the best bakery in the city. Try the roasted eggplant and feta cheese sandwich for you and some yogurt or fresh fruit for your little one. Consider picking up your food before heading to the zoo and having a picnic while you’re there!
Bread & Cie: 350 University Ave, San Diego (619) 683-9322
Mission Bay and the Cafe
At the Broken Yolk, order an omelet. In the summer, the rooftop dining area is a nice place to dine (but not suited for strollers). If omelets aren’t your thing, there’s also a wide range of other morning favorites like pancakes, waffles, and French toast to choose from.
At Mission Bay, go for a stroll and let your baby play on the sand. If 27 miles of coastline and 15 miles of bay front beach aren’t enough to lull baby to sleep in the sling, I don’t know what is. There’s enough for baby to do while he’s awake, too, with basketball courts, volleyball, playgrounds, and plenty of birds. You may even wish to bring some food with you to cook on one of the numerous grills!
Broken Yolk is located at 1851 Garnet Avenue in San Diego and can be reached at (858) 270-9655. 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Make something unique.
You have a built-in supply of presents for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and daddy now that you have a kid. Make handprint (or footprint) plates and mugs for everyone at Cerimicafe in La Mesa. If you have two trips available, you can also create great-looking clay prints (Mon-Fri only).
Cerimicafe at La Mesa’s Grossmont Center Mall (619) 466-4800 Mon-Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-6pm
Massage and yoga
JavaMama is one of those great places that you thought you’d want to hang out when you first had a baby. Drop in on a Baby & Me Yoga Class from 10:30-11:30 at Javamama. Class ends with a soothing massage for baby, maybe she’ll drift off to sleep! After class, grab lunch in the café. If baby isn’t asleep, she’ll love the play area (and you’ll love having your hands free). Best of all, there are so many kids around that nobody will care if your little one begins to wail. Not into Yoga? Check out one of JavaMama’s other great classes (and mom’s chair massage!) or just enjoy your coffee.
JavaMama: 8250 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa Baby & Me Yoga: Thurs 10:30 to 11:30. $14 for Drop In
Balboa Park is a park in San Diego, California.
Balboa Park has so much to offer that you could easily return every week and discover something new!
Outside the Zoo gate, take a trip on the Miniature Train and Carousel.
Then travel to the San Diego Model Train Museum to see the world’s biggest model railroad museum and watch detailed scale models chug about. A tot area with four Thomas Train tracks, blocks, and other toys is also available. The museum offers tales, activities, and crafts for toddlers on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Finally, enjoy a front-row seat to a children’s puppet performance at the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre. Shows and schedules vary often, so call ahead for the most up-to-date information.
The famous Mission restaurant, which serves lunch, is informal and loud enough to suit infants. The Mission focuses on simple, nutritious breakfasts and meals with a Mexican flair.
Train & Carousel: Florida Dr and Morley Field Drive (outside the zoo entrance) Tel (619) 239-4748, Hours 11a-4:30p Sa-Su in winter; extended hours during summer Cost $2 for ages 1 and up
San Diego Model Railroad Museum: 1649 El Prado, San Diego Tel (619) 696-0199 Hours Tue-Fri 11:00 – 4:00; Sat & Sun 11:00 – 5:00 Cost 15+ $6.00; under 15 free
The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre is located at 2130 Pan American Place and may be reached at (619) 544-9203. Performances are held Wednesday through Sunday; check the website for details. Adults pay $3; children aged 2 and up pay $2.
The Mission – University is located at 2801 University Avenue and may be reached at (619) 220-8992. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Surf and sand
On Pacific Beach, play on the sand and watch the surfers if the waves are nice (or check out the learners at Pacific Beach Surf School). Along the main strip, there are many pharmacy shops and supermarkets that can offer you some cheap sand buckets and shovels.
Gringo’s Mexican Restaurant has outstanding guacamole (as well as child-friendly service). Both indoor and outdoor dining is available at the restaurant.
Gringo’s is located at 4474 Mission Blvd. in San Diego and can be reached at (858) 490-2877. Pacific Beach Surf School/Shop: 4150 Mission Blvd. Suite #161, (858) 373-1138, (858) 373-1138, (858) 373-1138, (858) 373-1138, (858) 373-1138
La Jolla
Take a stroll around La Jolla, which is stroller-friendly. There are lots of baby shops where you may fill up on whatever you might be lacking (or anything that catches your eye). It’s time to pick up a picnic meal and locate a lunch location after you’ve finished shopping. Girard Gourmet offers delicious sandwiches and sides that are ready to eat on the go for your picnic.
Put your baby in a sling and go to the beach to explore the tide pools together, or go to Torrey Pines Gliderport to watch the hang gliders while you dine.
Torrey Pines Gliderport is located at 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive in La Jolla, California. Girard Gourmet is located at 7837 Girard Ave. in La Jolla, CA 92037 and can be reached at (858) 454-3325.
—- Debbie’s San Diego City Guide on DelicousBaby.com was the inspiration for this fantastic day-by-day guide to San Diego. While you’re there, have a look at this one and others.
Being a first time parent can be a scary process. There is just so much that you have to know about what it is like to be a parent, and it can be hard to know where to start. I mean, everyone has their own idea of what would be best for them and their own idea and preferences on how they would want to parent. We would love to share some of our ideas of things to do when it comes to being a parent with you, as well as give you some tips for being a parent.. Read more about is san diego safe and let us know what you think.
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