The Family Bookshelf
By Bob Walch
 "Fun With the Family: Northern California"
(Globe Pequot Press) by Karen Misuraca
The Audience: Here's the ideal book for Central Coast families who would like to plan a series of inexpensive day trips closer to home to save money this summer.
The Issue: Can you find things that will entertain your children that are either free or won't cost a lot of money? Of course. You just have to know where to look.
The Content: This easy-to-use guide offers hundreds of suggestions on how to keep your children happy for a few hours or an entire day with a range of indoor and outdoor activities.
The possibilities range from historical attractions, children's museums, and wildlife habitats to festivals, parks, and some "admission" attractions. Also included in the book are a listing of kid-friendly restaurants, helpful websites and even interesting shopping locations.
The guide is divided into twelve geographical areas (San Francisco, Wine Country, the Central Coast, The Big Valley, etc.). Select how far you want to drive and then plan your outing by looking at the author's list of activities in the area.
For example, a two hour drive will take you to the Jelly Belly Candy Factory in Fairfield where you can take a free tour. Then on the way home visit the Western Railway Museum and stop in Stockton at the Micke Grove Park and Zoo.
The Message: During this time of economic stress it isn't necessary to go great distances or spend a lot of money for an enjoyable family outing. In fact, you are about to discover that it is very possible to have lots of fun without having to mortgage your home. There ARE alternatives to going to expensive theme parks like Disneyland or dropping big bucks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Before retiring, Bob Walch taught English in Santa Barbara and Carmel for 39 years. His reviews of children's literature appear in Central Coast newspapers and on line at the Reading Tub, Roundtable Reviews, My Shelf and Parent Click. |
