Summer is officially in play, and we’ve got your family fun game plan! From splash-worthy escapes and high-energy adventures to must-see events, we break down the ultimate Summer Family Playbook.
INDOOR ADVENTURE AWAITS
The search for family activities that keep everyone entertained—without relying on perfect weather or another movie marathon—has officially gotten easier with the arrival of Slick City Oceanside. The new 29,000-square-foot indoor action park is bringing a completely different kind of adventure to North County San Diego, combining the thrill of a waterpark with the convenience of a climate-controlled indoor space. As only the second California location, Slick City has quickly become one of those rare spots where kids, teens, and parents are equally eager to jump in and play.
What immediately sets Slick City apart are its signature dry slides, which somehow capture all the speed, twists, and excitement of a waterslide—without a single drop of water. Our family was instantly drawn to the lineup of 10 slides designed for everyone from adventurous four-year-olds to adults who still appreciate a little friendly competition. Twin Turbo quickly became a favorite, challenging us to race side by side down matching slides while cheering each other on from the finish line.
Beyond the slides, there is plenty to keep the energy going. Kids can bounce and practice tricks on the freestyle air court, shoot hoops on the basketball air court, and climb through the Web Crawler adventure area. For younger siblings, Junior Jungle offers a dedicated multi-level play space designed specifically for little explorers. One of the things we loved most is that every Slick City location has its own unique mix of attractions, giving Oceanside a personality all its own.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was how much fun the adults had. Slick City truly embraces the idea that family entertainment should include the whole family. Instead of watching from the sidelines, parents can race, climb, jump, and play right alongside their kids. In an era when screens often dominate family time, the park creates an opportunity to unplug, get moving, and make memories together.
DAYCATION DESTINATION
One of my favorite summer parenting hacks is discovering ways to make an ordinary weekend feel like a vacation—without the packing, airport lines, or hefty hotel bill. That’s exactly why ResortPass has earned a spot in our family’s summer playbook. The platform makes it incredibly easy to book day access to pools, spas, and resort amenities at more than 2,700 hotels around the world, all without needing to reserve an overnight stay. Here in San Diego, where sunshine is practically guaranteed, it opens the door to countless mini getaways just minutes from home.
Whether we’re spending the day splashing in a resort pool, enjoying poolside lunch with ocean views, or simply giving the kids a change of scenery during summer break, ResortPass transforms an average afternoon into something memorable. From coastal resorts in Carlsbad and Coronado to family-friendly properties throughout North County and downtown San Diego, there’s no shortage of destinations that make you feel like you’ve escaped—even if you’re only a short drive away.
It’s easy to see why the concept has taken off. ResortPass has already connected more than six million guests to local escapes across 250 cities and more than 30 countries, proving that you don’t need to hop on a plane to create vacation-worthy memories. For busy San Diego families looking to squeeze every last drop out of summer, a daycation might just be the smartest way to make the season feel a little longer.
FIRESIDE FAMILY NIGHTS
Make family nights even easier this summer with comforting favorites. Add in the welcoming lodge-inspired atmosphere, spacious patios, and a menu that keeps both kids and adults happy, and it’s the perfect spot to gather and unwind after a busy day of summer adventures. Lazy Dog Restaurants serves handcrafted food and drink with seasonally inspired ingredients and everything is cooked from scratch. Lazy Dog is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch and also has the best dog-friendly patio around. They even offer Dog Meals for Pups.
Our kids love that on Wednesdays and kids 12 and under will get a FREE Build Your Own Sundae with the purchase of a kids meal. Our kids enjoy the Make Your Own Dog Collars activity, which is an edible lanyard and fruit loops while they wait for their food. Fireside Favorites is another favorite, which is a $15 deal including a handcrafted entree and a personal sized S’mores Brownie Sundae or Banana Pudding. You can choose from BBQ Bacon Burger, Fried Chicken Dinner, Mediterranean Chicken Bowl, Grilled Shrimp Tacos, Fettuccine Alfredo and Loco Loco Fried Rice.
July is National Peach Month so Lazy Dog is offering delicious seasonal peach dishes! The Peaches and Hot Honey Flatbread is the perfect combo – It includes seasoned peaches, housemate herbed cheese spread, caramelized balsamic onions, baby arugula and hot honey drizzle – the peach sweetness balances the salt and savory taste from the rest of the dish! Also on the peach menu is the Grilled Peach and Burrata Cheese Salad and Sunset Peach Tea Cocktail – great for a hot, summer day!
FREE COMIC CON FUN
Even without a badge, Comic-Con transforms downtown San Diego into a larger-than-life playground packed with immersive pop-ups, themed experiences, cosplay spotting, and fan activations that are often free and open to the public.
This year, Universal Pictures is hosting a special advance screening of its highly anticipated animated feature, Forgotten Island offering fans an early look at one of DreamWorks Animation’s most anticipated releases before it arrives in theaters nationwide this September 25.
Coming from the acclaimed filmmaking team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Forgotten Island is DreamWorks Animation’s latest original adventure. The film tells an emotional story of two lifelong best friends fighting to preserve their bond, continuing the studio’s tradition of unforgettable friendships seen in favorites like Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Wild Robot.
For Comic-Con fans eager to get a first look, see the below details about the advance screening shaping up to be one of the convention week’s most exciting off-site events:
FORGOTTEN ISLAND TICKET LINK (CLICK HERE)
Seating is first come, first served. Guests encouraged to arrive early.
Forgotten Island
Friday, July 24
5:00PM
AMC Mission Valley
We have 75 ADMIT-TWO passes to experience the next chapter in DreamWorks storytelling before the rest of the world.
Nickelodeon is bringing its signature brand of playful chaos to Comic-Con with “Fun Flows Here,” an immersive outdoor takeover at the New Children’s Museum Park that promises to be one of the convention’s most family-friendly destinations. Designed as an all-ages experience, the activation blends live entertainment, interactive play, and plenty of nostalgia, transforming the downtown space into a colorful celebration of some of the network’s most beloved franchises.
At the center of the experience is an interactive stage show hosted by Kids Imagine Nation, featuring performances, games, and entertainment inspired by fan favorites including PAW Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Thundermans, and Star Trek: Scouts. Throughout the park, fans can pose for photos alongside larger-than-life installations inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and the Kids’ Choice Awards.
Of course, no Nickelodeon event would be complete without slime. A signature slime booth will give select guests the chance to step inside and get drenched in the network’s iconic green goo, while hands-on activities—including make-your-own slime stations, bubble play, and Nickelodeon Our World empowerment experiences—offer something for kids and grown-ups alike. Add in live animated character-drawing demonstrations, DJ sets, prize giveaways, and raffles, and the result is a nonstop hub of entertainment throughout the weekend.
If you want a jumpstart to Comic-Con, from now through July 20 The New Children’s Museum is teaming up with Nickelodeon to celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants with a special, limited-time Museum takeover filled with art, play, and hands-on fun as the Museum is transformed with playful experiences inspired by everyone’s favorite underwater world.
