End of summer activities for kids
Some families are squeezing in one last vacation but for others this week consists of the dreadful task of back-to-school shopping and figuring out what to do with antsy kids. Here are a few suggestions that might help keep the doldrums away until classes begin:
Scripps Miramar Ranch Library
A trip to the local library, 10301 Scripps Lake Drive, is always a good idea. While most of the Library’s summer programs have ended, there are still a few regular programs for the little ones this week. Baby Storytime is at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Toddler/Preschool Storytime will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday.
The library has a very good children’s section as well as a great selection of popular books for teens. Today’s library offers more than books. Stop at Grace’s Book Nook, the used bookstore in the library. It has everything from bestsellers to classics, cookbooks to children’s books, fiction and non-fiction, plus CDs and DVDs. The stock of almost new and gently used books is updated frequently.
Cold treats
Take time for a simple and quick break for a cool drink on any hot afternoon at one of these local shops:
Yogurt Heaven, 12010 Scripps Summit Drive, has a nice selection of frozen yogurt flavors. It’s self-serve. Grab a cup, pour in whatever flavor you like; mix as many as you want. Then sprinkle on toppings. Choose from the sweetest to the most-healthy selections. Cost is based on the weight of your filled cup.
Rita’s, located at 10585 Scripps Poway Parkway in Scripps Ranch Marketplace Shopping Center, offers a tasty selection of frozen custards and Italian ices in all kinds of combinations. Mix them the way you want them. Flavors are created fresh. This place is extremely popular with the kids. It’s a perfect way to put a smile on their faces.
Wahine Kai Shave Ice, also in the Parkway in Scripps Ranch Marketplace Shopping Center, has authentic Hawaiian shaved ice, fresh brewed kona coffee, brewed teas from leaves and boba tea. A big Hawaiian shaved ice or a cup of boba tea will keep the youngsters cool, occupied and happy.
Scripps Ranch Swim & Racquet Club
Members of the Scripps Ranch Swim & Racquet Club have an abundance of fun resources available at the club’s locations. Most members usually have a few guest passes left over to take friends along.
The club at 9875 Aviary Drive has several tennis courts, and handball/racquetball courts. There are two playgrounds and an excellent pool, kid’s wading pool and hot tub facility.
The club at 10216 Scripps Trail has two pools, kid’s wading pool and hot tub facility, miniature golf course, horse shoe pit and a sand volleyball court.
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Known mainly as a place for kid’s birthday parties, parents often forget that Chuck E. Cheese’s at 9840 Hibert St. has an arcade that will keep kids occupied and happy on a hot summer day. Wednesday is All-You-Can-Play at $14.99 an hour. This place serves food and, yes, for parents needing a bit of a calming libation, it serves basic beer and wine. Keep it in mind.
Nearby kid activities
Several favorite spots for children are located in the areas surrounding Scripps Ranch. These are places where kids are entertained for an hour or more, and they are great for getting out the wiggles.
Arcade
A clean and friendly video game arcade is Nickel City, 8990 Miramar Road, #18. Pay at the front and receive a bag of nickels to operate a wide selection of games for all ages. Earn tickets to redeem for small toys and candy. It has a little snack bar and the ever-popular Dippin’ Dots are available. Employees are helpful and patient.
Bowling
Mira Mesa Lanes, 8210 Mira Mesa Blvd., is a family-friendly place that usually has lanes available on a walk-in basis. Rent shoes and choose a ball from the selection on hand. Pay by the hour or by the game. This place has a snack bar, small arcade and full bar.
Poway Fun Bowl, 12941 Poway Road, features 32 bowling lanes, seven pool tables, an arcade and sports lounge.
Go-Karts and Laser Tag
Miramar Speed Circuit, 8123 Miralani Drive, has go-karts on an indoor circuit that guests can race at speeds of up to 40 mph on a jumbo asphalt track. It also has laser tag and a small selection of arcade games.
Jump, jump
Pump it Up, 1276 Danielson Court, Suite J in Poway, provides a “jumpy” paradise for kids. It has several open jump times; check its website for schedules: bit.ly/2vcxuQb.
Get Air Poway, 12160 Community Road, provides modern trampolines galore for a sky-high experience. Book tickets and sign waivers online: getairpoway.com.
Rockin’ Jump, 8190 Miralani Drive, is an indoor trampoline park. Beyond trampolines, it offers dodgeball, open jump arenas and a slam dunk zone. Book tickets and sign waivers online: sandiego.rockinjump.com.
Flip Force, 9282 Miramar Road, is a gym that offers kid’s classes in gymnastics, tumbling, acrobatics parkour and more, but it also offers open gym hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Open gym is two hours of trampoline fun for everyone from beginners to the most experienced. This is a time to try new things such as trampoline, tumbling, parkour and cirque while being coached and supervised by the gym staff. Register and sign waivers online: bit.ly/2xqpR9i.