SwimAmerica Davis

After 3 months of procrastinating and going back and forth in my head about it, I finally enrolled Big Sis in swim lessons at SwimAmerica. I think a conversation with a longtime resident gave me the final push I needed. She said that older children have a difficult time in Davis if they are not "into something". Big Sis is really "into" dance but I don't know how long that will last. Plus, the warm water calms her down and makes for a happy afternoon.

Our first lesson was a huge success. She remembered most of what she learned last summer. We went mid-day- there were only 2 kids in the whole facility. The pool is indoor and heated. (The above photo is from last summer)

The teacher was a no-nonsense young woman who seemed to know what she was doing. They have a basket of goggles to borrow; hot showers; and very clean bathrooms. Big Sis keeps asking when we're going back.

We considered keeping mum for a while to surprise Hubby with her skills this summer but I'm rotten at keeping secrets so we had to share her wonderful experience. I am so excited for her to be water-safe because this summer will be my first experience being outnumbered in the pool.

Information:
About $75/month for once a week
Thurs mid-day and Friday night are open swim (around $5 per person)
They also offer intensive summer swim lessons (4x/week for $89), summer camps and birthday parties

Arden Fair Mall

I never thought I would say this, but I miss having a mall nearby. There are just some days when I don't feel like doing anything but going to the mall, where everything is at my fingertips and the climate is controlled.

There are no malls or department stores in Davis, probably all due to an effort to "Keep Davis Boring" (see http://daviswiki.org/Keep_Davis_Boring). The closest mall worth visiting is Arden Fair in Sacramento. We've made the trek (25 miles) out there twice in the last three months.

Because I'm a notorious non-shopper, I rank malls according to how much entertainment there is for kids versus the quality of the stores. And there's not much at Arden Fair: a carousel, the LEGO store, and Pottery Barn Kids. So, we made our own entertainment. We stopped at the tea store Teavana and had some (caffeine-free) samples, got a haircut at MasterCuts(Big Sis loves to be pampered), peeked in Naartjie for some deals on dresses for Big Sis, and played a little at the LEGO store. That ate up several hours, including an early dinner, and we were ready to go home.

Next time we need our mall fix, we'll head over to Westfield Solano Shopping Mall in Fairfield: looks like they have a kids' play area, storytime, and family lounge, and it's only about 5 miles further than Arden Fair (in the opposite direction).

http://www.ardenfair.com/
http://westfield.com/solano/

Putah Creek Riparian Reserve

Friends of ours took us to the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve one beautiful weekday afternoon for a little hiking. We parked at the County Road 98 entrance. I had Little Bro snuggled up in my Ergo carrier; my friend had her infant in her rugged stroller and the big kids hiked. I was really impressed with Big Sis who, with some peer pressure, hiked for about 2 hours with breaks here and there. It's not an *amazing* hike but it's pretty enough and there are a few things of interest to distract the kids. There's a small airport nearby so planes fly overhead every once in a while. We hiked until we reached a man-made beehive. I wouldn't normally get too close to something like that but my friend is a biologist so I was a little braver than usual. We decided to head back after our encounter with the bees because the kids were tired.
There are no restrooms at this entrance.
I'll probably head back here but park at a different entrance to hike other parts of the trail
Information:
Free
http://putahcreek.ucdavis.edu/about-the-reserve

Exploring West Davis

West Davis is an interesting part of Davis to explore. It's home to the West Davis Pond, The Village Homes subdivision, Stonegate Country Club, Arroyo Pool, Aspen Greenbelt, and numerous parks, among other things that I have yet to discover.

The West Davis Pond is a nature preserve flanked on one side by a paved path that's pleasant to bike or walk. You're sure to spot some wildlife; binoculars will allow you an up close view.


The paved path continues across the street from the pond and winds through the Village Homes. To your right, there are vegetable gardens and chicken coops, to your left, the Village Homes. The residents share their outdoor space. The homes, outdoor areas, sidewalks & garages (or lack thereof) were all designed to be energy-efficient. I haven't explored as much as I'd like because I'm usually with our dog & the baby & I'd rather avoid the off-leash dogs playing in the (unfenced) dog park.


Stonegate Country Club is a few blocks away & apparently offers good tennis lessons. Big Sis will probably start group lessons in a few weeks ($7 for 45 min- not a bad deal).

I hope to discover other things in this area as time goes by.

Information:
http://www.villagehomesdavis.org/
http://daviswiki.org/West_Pond
http://daviswiki.org/Friends_of_West_Pond
http://cityofdavis.org/cs/aquatics/recreationalswimming.cfm
http://www.stonegatecc.com/

Explorit

On my quest for museums in Davis I found Explorit, the only children's museum in Yolo County (*please correct me if I'm wrong*). The first floor has some basic hands-on physics, chemistry and biology experiments. The top floor has a rotating exhibit - the day we went it was "Space", right now it's "Wild Planet". There is an arts and crafts room on the top floor where children can make recycled art. We also attended the daily science demonstration which Big Sis enjoyed.
Overall, not an "out of world" experience but good for entertaining kids older than 4 for a couple of hours.
If we go back, I won't bring Little Bro so I can focus more energy on Big Sis

Information:
$4
http://www.explorit.org/

Nugget Market

Big Sis' preschool organized a guided tour of Nugget Market. Nugget Market has the best service of any grocery store I've ever been in, their bakery is to die for & they have a good selection of organic foods. I don't shop here as often as I should because it's several miles from our house *gasp*:)(Davisites are not fond of driving farther than they can walk)
I wouldn't normally think to write about a grocery store but this is really a special place. Seems like Davis is full of those.
The tour included nutrition education, a pineapple coring demo, a visit into the giant freezer, a stop at the bakery where we saw them assemble challot (braided bread) and several samples along the way.
Even if you don't go on a tour, visit this grocery store if you want to be treated like family. They are INSISTENT on helping you to your car if you have a squealing 8 month old & a cranky 5 year old- they even wait for you to get both kids strapped in. I love, love, love this place but I still miss Trader Joe's.

Information:
http://www.nuggetmarket.com/

Children's theatre in Davis & Surrounding Areas

Just like I love taking the kids to anything "nature-y", my husband loves taking Big Sis to children's theatre. It's not that he particularly enjoys children's theatre, he just loves watching her enjoy it and also spending that special time with her one-on-one. I find the shows, he takes her- what a convenient arrangement!
This post is about theatres they've been to, and theatres I'm planning for them to go to in the future. We're big fans of tickets under $10.

One Sunday, the happy couple headed over to City Theatre (Sacramento City College's on campus theatre) where they saw "Beauty and The Beast". This production had a twist on the original version, with the "Beast" being a man with a dog's head (and also behaving like a dog). Apparently it was cute - how can you go wrong for $5? The audience, however, may include some rowdy college kids.

The Aladdin production at Woodland Opera House was a favorite. "Jasmine is the most beautiful princess ever!" Big Sis said when I asked her about it. The kids were able to meet Jasmine after the show

Our biggest splurge was the "Disney on Ice" production at the Arco Arena. It was soon after we moved to Davis, and thought it might take Big Sis' mind off missing her friends. Of course she loved it. What can I say, it's Disney - they know how to entertain little girls.

There are plenty more productions coming up and I have them written in our calendar. I will post as we see them. For now, I've included the information below for some of the theatres that do children's productions.

Information:
City Theatre $5 http://www.citytheatre.net/shows.html

Woodland Opera House $5-16 http://thewoodlandoperahouse.art.officelive.com/default.aspx

Runaway Stage http://runawaystage.com/

Davis Musical Theater Company http://www.dmtc.org/

Rainbow City

Rainbow City is a community-designed playground that is unlike any I've ever seen. It has tons of nooks and crannies that are easy for an adult to get stuck in - I learned the hard way not to venture into this structure while holding a baby. Big Sis enjoys the tire swing, zip line, and lighthouse. Words don't do it justice - go check it out.
Big plus: it's next to the Davis Art Center and Skatepark

Davis Art Center

While we were still living in Southern California, I did some research for activities in Davis and the Davis Art Center was the first place I found. Boy, am I glad that I did. The DAC is, in my opinion, a very unique and special place. It offers over 300 visual and performing art classes for children and adults every semester. It's located in Community Park right next to another special place -Rainbow City - a perfect location for combining an art class with some park time.
The staff was very helpful when I was trying to find an appropriate dance class for Big Sis. Don't let the friendly,casual environment fool you- the dance teachers take their classes pretty seriously and, from what I've heard, put on wonderful shows. The DAC also has some art shows and other events that are worth checking out.

Information:
http://www.davisartcenter.org/

The Jelly Belly Factory

When Big Sis & I realized we were a 30 minute drive from the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, we were pretty excited. Neither of us had been to a candy factory before and we both knew a special treat would probably end the outing.
We went on a weekday - parking was a breeze and there was no line for the tour.

The store was amazing- any kind of Jelly Belly product imaginable - they even had a "Sample Bar" where you could try traditional and not-so-traditional (e.g. dog food) flavors.
Cameras were not allowed on the tour. They didn't show us where they mixed the ingredients but did show us the polishing and packaging process. Big Sis had a great time, especially when she met a little girl who was just as friendly as herself. And we were both thrilled (it's the little things in life) when the tour guide gave us each a bag of jelly beans at the end of the tour. I probably won't go back but I think my hubby will take Big Sis again because who can resist Jelly Bellies?

Information:
Entrance and parking is free
http://www.jellybelly.com/visit_jelly_belly/california_factory_tours.aspx

Big Spoon Yogurt Storytime

The kids and I went to Big Spoon Yoghurt in Dixon for Storytime and free frozen yoghurt one Thursday afternoon. I don't usually drive that far for storytimes because they are generally a short outing but it was raining and I was feeling cooped up at home. I was really glad we went! The staff were so friendly and sweet (no pun intended) to the kids. We arrived early but they let my daughter fix (it's self serve) her *free* yoghurt and toppings before any of the other kids arrived. The 3 or 4 books they chose were very appropriate & enjoyable. We hung out for 20 minutes afterwards with a couple of other desperate moms & their kids before venturing out into the rain. We'll probably head back here sometime in the summer.

Information:
Storytime 3rd Thursday 1-2pm Free
http://www.bigspoonyogurt.com/home.html?dixon.php

The Art Beast

We LOVE LOVE LOVE the Art Beast, so sad it's not closer. The best thing about this place is that the classes are drop-in & are included in the price of admission. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The studio has 3 levels. We started in the basement in the dress-up area which was a little limited but for $8 I was not complaining, plus Big Sis was having fun. She enjoyed dressing up and performing on the stage with a new friend. Next, we headed up to the 2nd floor, an art studio that had a big lump of clay set out on a table, painting, a sand box, and a craft of the day. On the top floor they had the dance studio & the infant area. I played with Little Bro in the infant area while Big Sis turned on a CD in the dance studio and played with hula hoops and silks. We can't wait to return for a class - there are so many to choose from (e.g. dance, yoga, drum circle, etc)

Information:
http://artbeaststudio.com/
Free 2 hour street parking
Admission $8/person

The Bounce Spot

Our family loves Davis but... there are no drop-in indoor activities in town. So, one rainy afternoon, Little Bro and I picked up Big Sis from school and headed to The Bounce Spot in West Sacramento. Coming from Southern California, I have been to numerous bounce houses since they're dime a dozen down there. The Bounce Spot was pretty standard in cleanliness, safety and fun.
There are a few rooms but only one room was being used on this particular day. It wasn't too busy and there were activities for younger children as well as the standard inflatable obstacle course and bounce houses.
I like this place because it's open all day long. We'll probably head back during the summer when the temperatures head into the 100's.
Information:
Open Play Wed-Fri 10am to 6pm
$7
www.thebouncespot.com

Raptor Center

Some nature-loving friends took us to the California Raptor Center. The center rehabilitates injured raptors (i.e. birds of prey). The part open to the public houses raptors that can't be released due to severe injuries. The children were very interested to learn each bird's story and to watch the birds eat the lab mice and chicks left in their cages. There is a small museum with some kid-friendly displays. Of course, the big kids were very focused on a small rubber toy eagle.

We plan on heading back here for their open house May 1st.

Information:
Time spent here max 90 min
Parking and entrance is free; donations welcome
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/calraptor/

UC Davis Arboretum

I love the outdoors but it's tough with a 5 year old "city girl", a squirmy 8 month old, and no off-road stroller to go on a hike without another adult. So, the other day when I had the itch for some outdoor fun, I decided to pack a picnic lunch and head to the UC Davis Arboretum. Big Sis rode her bike and I pushed Little Bro in the stroller.
We were excited to see the ducks and turtles sunning themselves and Big Sis enjoyed riding (*pushing her bike*) over the little bridges.
I really wanted to make it to Lake Spafford but decided to quit while the kids were still enjoying themselves (and reserve some of Big Sis' energy for the ride back to the car) so we stopped under a beautiful oak tree for our picnic. I'm hoping we'll make it to the lake and gazebo next time.
Information:
Parking is free on weekends, $6 weekdays
http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/

Davis Farmer's Market

Davis Farmer's Market is an institution- you'd be hard-pressed to find a resident who hasn't been at least once. It was voted one of the 3 most favorite American farmer's markets. Some people say it's too crowded but I really like it. Because it's so popular, it's likely you'll see folks you know.

On the average Saturday they have a balloon artist, and a face painter. On special occasions they have shows: On Cesar Chavez Day, a mariachi band was performing; on "Pig Day", a magician was entertaining the kids. It is located in Central Park so the kids can play on one of two playgrounds and occasionally, the small carousel is open. We buy lunch from one of the vendors, let Big Sis choose between facepainting or balloons, and spend some time on the playground. Overall, an enjoyable Saturday morning but for cheap, local produce we'll likely head to the farmer's markets in Woodland or Winters when they open for the season.

http://www.davisfarmersmarket.org/
http://www.woodlandfarmersmarket.com/index.php
http://www.wintersfarmersmarket.com/

Nature's Theater

Our family was fortunate enough to catch Nature's Theater "production" of "Winter won't go" earlier in March. We were all pleasantly surprised by the event.

The drive from Davis to Stebbins Cold Canyon was beautiful. Crossing the road to get to the entrance of the reserve was a little nerve-racking with a 5 year old and an 8 month old but we made it in one piece!

The creators of Nature's Theater, Lindsay and Jeff, are wonderful: friendly, engaging, creative, and most of all ... fun! My husband kept waiting for the "production" to begin but we soon realized that we were already participating in it.

After signing in, Lindsay explained to the children that it was the first day of Spring but Winter didn't want to leave. Then Father Winter (Jeff) arrived saying he refused to go back to his wintry home. Jeff and Lindsay led us on a short hike, showing us flowers, insects and seedlings -all signs of Spring.

Our daughter had an absolute blast and I loved being able to sneak a hike (although a short one) into our family's weekend. Unfortunately we have a lot of conflicting events with future hikes but we will DEFINITELY go again as soon as our schedule allows! And next time, we'll take photos.


Information:
Suggested donation $5/child, $10/family
For schedule see http://nrs.ucdavis.edu/stebbins/guides/guide_schedule.htm