Monday, May 25, 2020

Summer Check List 2020



Normally at this time of year, I share my summer list of ideas that we have compiled over several years. But when I reviewed the list this year, it had some things we won't be able to do in this season. So as with many things, I am trying to focus on what we CAN do in stead of what we can't. I will update the list as summer goes on if more options are available. Use your best judgement to know if these options are good for you and your family. Let me know in the comments or on Facebook if you have other ideas. We love to try new things.

** Updated 6/23/20

Santa Barbara and Goleta:
* Complete the summer reading program at the Santa Barbara Library or Goleta Library *
* Explore the Farmers Market *
* Examine tidepools *
* Drive in Theater (reopening 5/25!)
* See the animals at Santa Barbara Zoo (reopening 6/23 by appointment)
* Visit Museum of Natural History (open by limited appointment to members)
* Hunting for seashells and seaglass *
* Take a Hike or Nature Walk *
* Play at the MOXI (opening 7/9 to members by appointment)
* Ride your neighborhood on a bike *
* Explore the Botanic Gardens
* Blueberry picking at Santa Barbara Blueberries
* Quicksilver Ranch (Miniature Horses) *
* Nature Play

* Free or Inexpensive

At our house, we will probably also have daily:  
* Active Time: biking, trampoline, rollerblading and skateboarding
* Music Time: Flute for the 9 year old and recorder for the 6 year old
* Cooking School: Kids Cook Real Food (2 month Subscription only $19)

We will also work on some life skills like tying shoes, chores and (if I am ambitious) sewing

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Quest 2020: Summer of the Beaches II

Summer of the Beaches II

This blog started 5 years ago today! I had a plan for a completely different quest for this summer, but life is pretty different right now and it is hard to know what it will look like through the summer. I am so grateful to be healthy and safe at home, but we are outdoor people and hoping we can keep our nature time. We visited 10 of the main beaches in 2016 and I am planning to revisit our Summer of the Beaches to include some of the ones that are off the beaten path.  Enjoy nature while social distancing! I am using this site and this site for a list (which includes a few beaches I have never heard of before even as a Santa Barbara native!)  as well as information from Google Maps. 

Santa Barbara Area Beaches
Rincon Beach
Carpinteria Beach (2016)
West Beach (2016)

Monday, May 18, 2020

Where to Go First


Climbing at Rocky Nook Park

Welcome to my Little Patch of Earth! I am a mom with two busy, little gals living in Goleta. We love parks, the outdoors, cooking and sharing our findings with you. I try to keep this post at the top of my page! Follow updates at Goleta Mom on Facebook, Goleta Mom on Instagram and my Santa Barbara board on Pinterest.

If you need to search the blog for a specific post, follow these directions. On a computer, look in the top left corner for a search bar. On a phone or mobile device, scroll all the way down and click on view web version, then you will find it in the upper left corner of the screen.

Park Overviews:
Beaches
Extensive Park List in Santa Barbara and Goleta areas
Parks with 5-12 year old Play Structures
Parks with 2-5 year old Play Structures
Parks with Bathrooms
Sibling Parks
Parks with Baby Swings
Parks without Swings
Best Scooter/Bike Parks
Best Parks with Outdoorsy Play Areas
Parks with Shade
Nature Walks and Hikes
Toddler Friendly Parks
Climbing Parks

Santa Barbara Tips:
Easy Day Trips
Indoor Play Areas
Monthly Free Events
Museum Free Days
Pocket Libraries
Pool Options
Santa Barbara Birthday Freebies
Summer Checklist

Summer Quests:
2015 Summer of the Parks                        2015 Reflections   
2016 Summer of the Beaches                    No Reflections
2017 Summer of the Nature Trails            2017 Update
2018 Summer of the Road Trips .             2018 Update
2019 Summer of Museums

Mom Life:
Road Trips
Beach Packing List
Hiking Packing List
Travel Packing Lists

Recipe Collections:
Meal Planning
Recipes on the Blog
Quinioa Salad Recipes
Asian Recipes
Pasta Recipes
Mexican Recipes
Salad Recipes
Soup and More Recipes
40 Recipes of 2016

40 Year Bucket List:
Original List
Promise Walk Story
September Birthday Update
Year End Birthday Update

Other Stuff:
Jesse Tree and Ornament
Advent Ideas
Yearly Reading Challenge