Next week, I begin the first forced unemployment of my life. (Don’t cry for me, generous severance from a job I’m burned out on is almost a joy to me.) Since my wife has to work that day, I get to spend a whole day with my new daughter! I’m trying to think of something special to do with her. She’s always loved going out, and has just reached the age where she wants to look around.
Any ideas where I could take an almost 4 month old daughter that she would particularly like looking around? I’m in the San Diego area if you have a specific recommendation. If there’s something in your community, tell me about it so I can look for something similar.
At that age, almost anything outside your home (and indeed much that’s inside it) is novel and amazing. Most kids like to get really close to new sights - bonus points if it’s something they can touch.
A stroll through the nearest mall…or for that matter, grocery store…would be both cheap and high adventure for the bambino. A park would work if you wanted something outside. Or a walk around the block.
The grocery store is fun. Especially when I hook her car seat to the cart, and we are almost at eye level. Actually I’m feeling good about myself that I’ve done all these things with her, and she does seem to enjoy it.
I was taking my son to the zoo already at that age.
Lots of things to see, interesting to me because I could see the animals I wanted to, and generally a pleasant time. Plus she’s still young enough she gets in for free.
The last time I was at the New England Aquarium, there were lots of little ones there. They seemed to get a kick out of being held up to see into the tanks.
Oh yeah, they do love that sort of thing. It’s the perfect age to start taking them out like that. I still have a pass to the zoo actually because that sort of thing is just perfect for a weekend or a day off, and if we had an aquarium here I’d probably have one for there also but we’re land locked.
ANother vote for aquarium if you’ve got one. It’s stimulating, different, and most of all, dark and cool and usually quiet. So when she inevitably becomes overstimulated and tired, you are already in a good nap environment and can continue to enjoy it yourself.
Children’s Cove in La Jolla. Lots of cute seals lying around that you can walk right up to. When you’re done seal-gazing, you can walk along the path above the beach or play in the sand.
A petting zoo might be interesting! Do they have one at the San Diego Zoo? How about a bicycle ride, if you have the baby seat attachment. A walk in the woods might be good, with the dappling light effect.
I think Birch Aquarium in La Jolla would be perfect. There are lots of bright colours and movement.
There’s an aquarium at Legoland now, too, if it’s closer to you. I’ve not been, as the reviews I’ve read seemed to agree that it’s better suited for young children, but it might be perfect for you. If you do decide to go, you can get half-price tickets on Goldstar.com.
If you want to drive up all the way up to Long Beach, there’s a lovely aquarium there too.
Quail Botanical Garden in Encinitas might be nice. It’s a very vibrant place and would probably be very stimulating for a child your daughter’s age. There are always lots of birds and butterflies flitting about, and there are a couple different children’s gardens, as well (one is brand new). She’s obviously too young to read the signs or play in the playgrounds, but babies often enjoy just watching older children run around (so, really, any playground would probably be entertaining for her).
Or how about the Glider Port at UCSD? On a busy day, the sky is filled with brightly coloured paragliders and hang gliders swooping back and forth.
I know don’t know if you’re familiar with Niki de Saint Phalle, but she was an artist whose mosaic sculptures are on display in many places in San Diego. The giant face next to the Convention Centre, the Sun God at UCSD and the crocodile outside the Mingei Museum in Balboa are all hers, but there are lots more. Anyway, there’s a sculpture garden in Escondido called Queen Califia’s Magical Garden that is entirely made up of her artwork. It’s not huge, but it’s glittery and shiny and colourful and probably perfect for a 4 month old.
