It's officially the first day of summer, and the longest day of the year with 17 hours of sunlight! By now you've noticed our temperatures in SoCal are soaring! In fact, this a collage of our social media newsfeeds today and we bet yours looks the same. It can be hard to plan just what to do with your kiddos on these HOT summer days so stay with us after the jump for some suggestions that don't leave you resorting to standing in front of your freezer (not that we'd judge!)
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1) INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS -- When there's not enough shade at your favorite park, there are a lot of indoor play areas in the community that are perfect for cooling off, while letting your kids get out their energy. A favorite in parenting community is The Hideout, located in Oak Park, Ca. They have comfortable seating, a big screen TV, free WiFi, and enjoyable music for the grown-ups in this lounge. Their custom made modern tree house, unique role playing stage, and one of a kind art studio guarantees a memorable experience for your kids.
Another play destination, pun intended, is The Play Destination, located in Agoura Hills. They also offer free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, and have a snack bar with coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and options for the kids. They strive for an atmosphere where parents can simply relax, read, complete tasks, meet up with friends on a play date or socialize with other parents.
If you're by the Simi Valley Town Center, check out Rockin' Kids, an indoor play area created for children up to six years of age to have an environmentally friendly and healthy interaction with their peers, all while continuing to develop and improve social, motor, and learning skills.
If you're looking for a super family-friendly restaurant, check out Giggles N Hugs! They're just a bit outside of the Conejo Valley, located in Canoga Park. They offerr high-end, organic food with active, cutting-edge play and entertainment for children. Every Giggles N’ Hugs location offers an upscale, family-friendly atmosphere with a unique, custom-made 2000 square-foot play area that children 10 and younger absolutely love. Giggles N’ Hugs features high-quality menus made from fresh and local organic foods, nightly entertainment such as magic shows, concerts, and puppet shows, and all-day activities like face painting, crafts and karoke.
Another play destination, pun intended, is The Play Destination, located in Agoura Hills. They also offer free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, and have a snack bar with coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and options for the kids. They strive for an atmosphere where parents can simply relax, read, complete tasks, meet up with friends on a play date or socialize with other parents.
If you're by the Simi Valley Town Center, check out Rockin' Kids, an indoor play area created for children up to six years of age to have an environmentally friendly and healthy interaction with their peers, all while continuing to develop and improve social, motor, and learning skills.
If you're looking for a super family-friendly restaurant, check out Giggles N Hugs! They're just a bit outside of the Conejo Valley, located in Canoga Park. They offerr high-end, organic food with active, cutting-edge play and entertainment for children. Every Giggles N’ Hugs location offers an upscale, family-friendly atmosphere with a unique, custom-made 2000 square-foot play area that children 10 and younger absolutely love. Giggles N’ Hugs features high-quality menus made from fresh and local organic foods, nightly entertainment such as magic shows, concerts, and puppet shows, and all-day activities like face painting, crafts and karoke.
2) THE MALL -- Get your mall-walking on! Most malls offer free designated areas of play for your youngsters, in a nice air-conditioned environment, not to mention they always seem to be located near a coffee shop or the food atrium! The Carmike Theaters (originally Muvico) at the Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks has a great arcade area with a dozen or so games, including air hockey, to help your kids beat the heat, indoors. Did we mention their SUMMER SERIES?! Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10am you and your kids can check out a family-friendly movie for $1.00!
Also located inside the Oaks Mall is a "Young Arts" Studio. If your kids are looking to get their artistic fix, drop-in painting lessons are the perfect way to spend your morning or afternoon. Their Art lessons are drop in basis - start at ANY time! The fun Art Teachers are always on hand to help and encourage you or your artist as you Inspire creativity!
Also located inside the Oaks Mall is a "Young Arts" Studio. If your kids are looking to get their artistic fix, drop-in painting lessons are the perfect way to spend your morning or afternoon. Their Art lessons are drop in basis - start at ANY time! The fun Art Teachers are always on hand to help and encourage you or your artist as you Inspire creativity!
3) BOOKSTORES! -- It seems as though bookstores have become more a thing of the past, but if you happen to be out in the Westlake Village area, consider spending some time at the Barnes and Noble in the promenade. It has a great little reading nook and area with kid friendly books, a Starbucks located inside, and... air conditioning!
4) FOUNTAINS/SPLASH PADS -- Get wet! Oak Park offers a splash pad that's perfect for cooling off and beating the heat! In the Simi Valley area? Check out the splash pad at the Rancho Tapo Community Park!
5) LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS -- Spend the day with your kids in some of the impressive museums in the area, including the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. If you're in Thousand Oaks, don't forget about the Thousand Oaks Library, which offers special events and kid-friendly activities. Make sure to check out their kids' corner and Summer Reading Club. The Moorpark Library also offers a "Children's Space" for your enthusiastic readers!
If you plan on being outside, make sure to lather up! According to Healthychild.org, here are some sun screen no-no's: Here’s what to avoid:
- Spray sunscreens. These products can be inhaled and may not cover skin completely.
- SPF values above 50+. Products touting high SPF values try to trick you into believing they’ll prevent sun damage. Don’t trust them. SPFs of 30 to 50 are enough for even very pale skin.
- Oxybenzone. This common sunscreen ingredient has been linked to hormone system disruption.
- Retinyl palmitate. This ingredient may actually trigger damage to sun-exposed skin.
We're wishing everyone a safe, cool, and fun summer under (and out of!) the sun!
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