Fall is here and many families are looking for extracurriculars where activities potentially go beyond just being fun, and also provide points of learning or development. Family Entourage says this can be done and are here with a handful of creative ideas.
AGRICULTURE AND FARM EDUCATION
Everyone loves to eat and it’s important to connect where food comes from. Learning about responsible farming methods, crop rotation, watering and companion planting — this is where you plant different types of crops close to one another to benefit the other plant. For example Tanaka Farms plants onions next to carrots and strawberries because it’s a natural pest repellent! Tanaka Farms is a 30 acre working farm in the heart of Irvine and it grows over 60 different varieties of fruits and vegetables. They have education farm tours for many schools including visits with chickens, goats, sheeps and donkeys. Working pumpkin patch with activities through Halloween.
There is also lots of fun to be had at Tanaka Farms. We highly recommend the value package which includes entry, wagon ride, U-pick vegetable patch and barnyard visit. Your ticket also includes a pumpkin. You can take home any pumpkin from the patch, but you have to be able to carry it out! We had a fun competition amongst our family and friends to see who could carry the biggest pumpkin. There are also other activities for an additional price including Pumpkin cannon, arts & crafts, and mini-ATV rides. Make sure to check the website to see what activities are offered that day as it varies during the week from the weekend.
BRAIN SCIENCE AND BALLET
Ballet is beneficial for the brain due to it’s unique combination of physical and mental demands. Ballet routines require memorization of sequences & patterns which enhances cognitive function such as memory, attention and spatial awareness. Additionally musical theatre and dance enhance coordination and motor skills, and focus, concentration that can carry over into academics.
Engaging in complex physical activities can stimulate neuroplasticity where the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new neutrons… emotional expression through movement and interpretation of music and stories, all fosters emotional intelligence. Scripps Performing Arts Academy has ballet, musical theatre, other forms of dance and annual Nutcracker shows.
STRATEGIC THINKING AND TEAMWORK
Who says strategic thinking can’t be fun?! Like laser tag fun. Effectively communicating and thinking strategically are both beneficial to improving teamwork. And whether on the field, at school, or in the office, success for a laser tag team requires efficiency and planning. Hand-eye coordination and meeting new people are also skills sharpened when playing laser tag as well as the discipline of practice and repetition. Not to mention it’s super fun and a great stress reliever!
Invasion Laser Tag is a great place for a laser tag competition. Whether you want to go with a group of friends, family or even have a party, they have lots of options. We enjoyed going as a family and competing moms against sons! There’s nothing like working toward the common goal of winning to develop some teamwork. Plus, between games, Invasion Laser Tag has a fun arcade filled with games to challenge one another too.
HISTORY, ART, MUSEUMS AND MORE
Exposing kids to museums is a great way to inspire curiosity about art, history, science, different cultures and the world around them, and foster a life-long love of learning and discovery. But cost can prevent many families from taking full advantage of all the incredible cultural institutions in San Diego. This is why October is best time for families to enjoy local museums, aquariums/zoos, gardens, historic sites, state parks and other cultural attractions all over the County because 50+ participate in free admission for kids 12 and under with a paid adult the entire month as part of Kids Free San Diego.
Free admission is available for up to two kids (ages 12 and under) for every adult ticket purchased. To participate, you will need to download a Kids Free coupon for each venue you would like to visit at sandiegomuseumcouncil.org. Then, simply present it at the participating museum’s admissions desk to receive your free child admissions. Note: Restrictions may apply at some museums, so guests are encouraged to check the website for more information before visiting.
