Where to learn about our military history
“I like to take the kids to Liberty Station. The property is so vast, it’s perfect for them to ride their scooters or run around while I reminisce about being stationed there for boot camp. Each time we go, I seem to share the same stories, but they always have fresh questions for me about my time there or new questions about current military issues.”
– Roman Wickers, contract specialist, SPAWAR. Dad to Bronson, 8, and Perry, 4; San Marcos
Where the Parenting Pros Go
Kelli Kelley (right), mom to Finley and Cash
Where to expose kids to music and theater
“I take my kids to see shows at Moonlight Amphitheater in Vista in the summer. It’s an amazing night of family fun with high-quality productions—from talent to sets, costumes, and lighting. There is no outdoor theater experience in San Diego that beats this venue! Bring your own picnic or buy food there and enjoy a nice glass of wine or craft beer.”
– Kelli Kelley, music teacher, Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School. Mom to Finley, 8, and Cash, 6; Carlsbad
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Carly Zuffinetti, mom to Rio and Dante
Where to get kids involved in eating healthy and cooking
“On Sundays, I take Rio to Coastal Roots Farm Stand in Encinitas to pick out our eggs, veggies, and fruits for the week. We talk about meals we might make that week and what vegetables we will need. We also have a Tower Garden at home, and Rio loves to help harvest! Even though he’s only 2.5 years old, he loves helping in the kitchen and he makes the connection between farm and table. Involving kids in growing and choosing what they consume is an important part of developing a love and palate for healthy foods.”
– Carly Zuffinetti, blogger and health consultant. Mom to Rio, 2.5 years, and Dante, 2 months; Encinitas; thepreggerspantry.com thepreggerspantry
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Danica Russell(middle left), mom to Gavin Danger and Everley Darling
Where to get kids involved in activism
“I hope to teach my children to stand up for what they believe, and that if they see something wrong it is everyone’s job to do something about it! You can start small—there’s the Meetup group Random Acts of Kindness San Diego, feeding the homeless with the Burrito Boyz, or cleaning up parks or beaches with Surfrider. Also, there are important events— and conversations to be had—right here in our beautiful city.”
– Danica Russell, coauthor and illustrator, A Little Radical. Mom to Gavin Danger, 9, and Everley Darling, 7 alittleradical
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Raluca State (middle left), mom to Devyn and Kai | Photo by Chris Nelson Photography
Where to get kids reading and writing
“It was really important to me to introduce my kids to a love of books, stories, and storytelling from a young age. We started with frequent trips to the public library. Those here in Carlsbad are a great resource thanks to regular storytime sessions, caring and helpful librarians, and monthly events when kids can read to therapy dogs and their owners. When we head downtown, the San Diego Public Library and its adjoining Library Shop are family favorites. My kids are both always working on some sort of book or comic or essay, and it’s places like these around the city that keep that passion going—for all of us.”
– Raluca State, public relations consultant and writer. Mom to Devyn, 10, and Kai, 6; Carlsbad; whatwouldgwynethdo.com
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Ash Robinson (left), mom to Luka and Zivi
Where to get kids moving
“Getting kids outside to exercise and expend their energy is so important! Weekend activities when we can reconnect to nature are vital to me as a busy working mom. We also get double duty with our errands at the Leucadia Farmers Market. There’s a playground, children’s entertainment—usually music or a balloon artist—and most importantly, it’s acceptable to let your kids run around!”
– Ash Robinson, CEO, FIT4MOM Mom to Luka, 4, and Zivi, 18 months; Encinitas
Where the Parenting Pros Go
Roman Wickers (right), dad to Bronson and Perry
