Time flies when you’re having fun, which is especially true for kids during summertime. For parents, it means a hunt for diverse, affordable activities to keep their kids happy and healthy.
Look no further – the San Diego Parks Foundation has great options for you! Last year, we launched “Come Play Outside,” a San Diego County-wide summer initiative that has successfully connected children, families, and young adults to engaging learning opportunities while also encouraging physical activity.
The goal is to provide fun options to help children step away from the TV, put down their electronic devices, gain important life skills, and enjoy new experiences in a positive environment. More than 16,000 children and families participated in “Come Play Outside’s” last year and I’m looking forward to even more San Diegans joining us this year!
Last year was a celebration of togetherness as we eased out of pandemic restrictions last year. People reunited through our programs at libraries, parks and recreation centers throughout the region. It was beautiful to see the community-wide involvement and interest that was sparked by some of our most popular offerings including movie nights, nature camps, and Kidz Kamp. This year, there are even more events to choose from.
I hope you will take a moment to check out our “2022 Come Play Outside” website to learn what we have on tap this year. Some of the new programs this summer include:
- Park After Dark – San Diegans of all ages will come together for a neighborhood party on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to take back our parks
- Young Engineers – a class for students interested in using science, technology, engineering and math skills to build innovative projects
- Artist Studio – kids can ignite their creativity through a hands-on art class using the same materials as the pros
- Robothink – most kids love robots and video games, but they’ll love building their own even more at this camp
- Volleyball – learn the skills needed to play a sport San Diegans dominate in on an international level
“Come Play Outside” is made possible with the support of our amazing partners led by Chair Nathan Fletcher, San Diego County Board of Supervisors, and the backing of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria as part of the City’s “Summer for All of Us” initiative.
A big thank you goes out to our supporters who share the San Diego Parks Foundation’s commitment to provide all our region’s children and families with safe, enjoyable physical activities and learning opportunities. We couldn’t do this without our generous friends at the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, City of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, San Diego Foundation’s “Level Up SD,” Price Philanthropies Foundation, the JEM Project, Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation, Robert & Allison Price Charitable Trust, the Walmart Foundation, and the City of San Diego Parks & Recreation Department.
Let’s make 2022 another summer to remember!