Creative Summer Fun

Summer is here and many parents look for creative fun to fill the hours that used to be spent at school. Although parents have the best intentions, statistics show that television hours increase during these months of less structure and more freedom.  This article will give you some creative, fun and free ideas to take advantage of in the Bay Area!

Summer is the best season for wonderful fruits and vegetables. A trip to the Farmers’ Market is an adventure that is sure to please everyone in the family. Not only are there delicious treats along the way, but if you head to the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero you can watch the boats coming and going or even hop on a ferry for a picnic across the Bay.

Just last week my family headed to the Tuesday Farmers’ Market down at the Ferry Building. The morning adventure was prompted by our dinner the evening before when my son, Kielson, spontaneously asked, “Can I take your order? I’m the waiter man.”  His sketch pad turned into an order pad as he “wrote” our order down, continuously prompting us with new selections… “Hmm…” he paused with his finger poised at his lips, “Would you like some chicken?”  “Well,” I responded, “Do you have any hamburgers?” “No mom, just chicken,” he replied.  “I’m the cooker man,” he then stated proudly following up with, “We don’t have any ice-cream…I think we need to go get groceries!”

The next morning he had not forgotten his request and we headed down to the Ferry Building to get “supplies” for his restaurant. The adventure started as he and my husband jumped on the California trolley that took them down to the market. Once there, the “Cooker Man” took over, informing us of all the things he needed for his restaurant. Each stand of treats brought new selections for his evening menu until finally he became distracted by the incoming ferry and his meal was instantly complete.  In the end he’d tasted thumbelina carrots, heirloom tomatoes, goat cheese, pluots and arugula, which he reluctantly agreed to put on his menu after cringing at the taste.

We then watched ferry boats dock, load and unload passengers and the grand finale, and definite highlight of the morning…a special compost garbage truck came to dump the giant dumpster from the side of the building. All in all, the morning was a huge success!

We continued that night in the kitchen as we prepared for a new “customer” to arrive, our guest of honor, Sage.  Kielson energetically helped me wash and spin the arugula, set the table and…of course…take everyone’s order.  Cooking is such a great way to get everyone helping out in the kitchen and there are many developmental benefits.  Children gain motor skills from pouring and stirring as well as real-life practice with math, measuring, and literacy skills.

Not only is cooking an enjoyable activity for children and parents to do together, but you can also experiment with creative ways of using vibrant and beautiful berries and produce as many fruits and vegetables make great art supplies.  At Stretch the Imagination we have made paint from both red and golden beets.  Below you will find the easy and fun recipe! We have also used the juice from blackberries, blueberries and strawberries but feel free to experiment. The children will not only enjoy smashing and squashing the fruit but eating them along the way.

The Bay Area also offers many adventures that will take you out of the kitchen and onto the Bay or into the woods.  Just recently, we took a boat over to Angel Island, hiked on the perimeter trail and checked out the newly opened Immigration Center.  You can ride a bike or walk to this historic landmark that offers free and paid tours.  Bring a picnic and sit on the quiet little beach just behind the large old bell.  We found it to be covered with beautiful shells and colorful seaglass that was perfectly tumbled. Amazed by the number of little treasures on this tiny patch of sand I assumed it must be due to the fact that we were one of the few who ventured down past the manicured pathways.  Not only is this a great day adventure for families, but it supports a wonderful park that is vulnerable for closure due to state budget cuts.  Check out www.angelisland.org for more information.

Finally, as we all know, there are endless natural adventures to be found in the Presidio.  Walk, bike or hop on the Presidi-Go shuttle (it’s free!) and discover all the trails. You can jump on and off at various stops and explore the natural wonders of this special part of San Francisco. Some favorite spots for children in the Presidio include Baker Beach, The Ecology Trail, “Yoda Fountain” (at Lucas Center), the waterfall and creek (Lucas Center), the Fire Station, and El Polin Springs.

Visit http://www.presidio.gov/directions/presidigo.htm for more information.

Overall, these summer hours of less structure and more freedom are the perfect excuse for more adventures with your children!  Enjoy these warm days and once the fog rolls back in, head across the Bay or into the kitchen for hours of creative fun!
Recipe for home-made “Produce Paint”:
Cut the beets and boil them in enough water to fully cover all beets by about a ½ inch. Add vinegar to the boiling water to bring out the color and when finished add some salt as a preservatives.