SFkids.org August 2009 Newsletter
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August already? Summer has flown by. Last chance to do some last-minute day-trips, other summer frolicking, and possibly escape the San Francisco summer fog. If you're looking for last-minute camps we also have a list of options, too.
It's also time to start getting ready for school if you haven't already started. We've got some great resources for you.
We love to hear from other parents with ideas about kid-friendly restaurants, activities, and more. We're also always looking for people to write feature articles. If you have something you'd like to submit we'd love to hear from you.
-Kim, Chris, Robin, Nina, & Jan, SFkids.org team |
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SFkids.org Events Calendar Highlights |
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Stern Grove Festival |
 There are still a few Stern Grove Festival dates coming up:
KidStage
Before every concert each season (from noon to 1pm), kids of all ages are invited to participate in hands-on arts projects and programs at KidStage in the West Meadow.
August 9 - Mayan pottery painting
August 16 - SF Ballet's Center for Dance Education
August 23 - Opera with Kristen Jones and Jennifer Ashworth
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Getting Ready for School |
| It's that time again. Early mornings, homework, lunches, oh joy. Here are some tips for getting ready and making transitions.
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Got Afterschool? |
 SFkids.org has been hard at work to get the most up-to-date afterschool guide around. Not all programs have updated information available yet. We will include any new information as we get it.
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Get Your Gear |
Whether it's for school clothes or supplies, this is the season for stocking up. See  our Family Finds page to find clothes, books, and more.
Backpacks, Lunchboxes, Water Bottles, and more ...
Are you up to date on all of the current safety trends in school supply safety? Rolling or regular? Plastic or Paper? Nalgene or Stainless Steel? There's so many options and so much research to keep up on.
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Fairs and Festivals |
County Fairs
Street Fairs and Festivals
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We all Scream for Ice Cream
A Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Guide |
 It doesn't always feel like summer in San Francisco but City folks still enjoy their ice cream. Most of these shops make their own ice cream with the same passion that local chefs have for selecting only the best ingredients. There's a great creamery in every neighborhood so keep this guide handy, especially during the Indian summer months when San Franciscans get a chance to have "real" summer weather! (read more). |
Family Fun Day for Children with Special Needs |
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August 16th, 1pm-4pm
at the Jewish Community Center
FREE
 Families of children with disabilities or any kind of special health care need are invited to play and have fun at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco. This free event is a great opportunity for kids and youth to enjoy this beautiful accessible facility. Enjoy arts and crafts, gym activities, snacks, and swimming! Call (415) 920-5040 to register. Space is limited, please call early to reserve! (more info) |
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Saving for College 101 |
SF Dad and investment guru Scott C. Williams shares some college saving wisdom in his article, Saving for College 101.
Also, don't forget scholarships:
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We Want Your Family! |
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 Well, at least pictures of them
Upload your favorite photos of your family to the SFkids.org Flickr Page. The only requirements are that you own the picture and it's either of your own kids or kids you have parent permission to post. Pictures showing SF spots are a plus. We may post your picture on SFkids! Everyone who posts pictures to the Flickr page will be entered in our monthly drawing for a $20 gift card.
Thanks to Beverly for the picture here! |
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Last-Minute Day-Trip Ideas |
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With just a few weeks left of summer it's a good time to fit in a couple of final day-trips with your kids. Here are some ideas:
- Be a tourist for a day. Go to Chinatown, North Beach and Pier 39. Maybe even a trip to Alcatraz (tip: buy tickets ahead). See our City Sights Page for more ideas. 
- Museum day. It's unlikely you've been to all the museums this year. Go to one that's farther out or that might take more time to do. Bring a picnic to make a day out of it. See our Museum Page for ideas.
- Peninsula trip. The Peninsula can have better weather when it's foggy outside our own houses. See our article on things to do in Pescadero.
 - Angel Island. Take the ferry to Angel Island. Bring your bikes or rent one there.
- McNear's Beach. McNear's Beach has a swimming pool, sandy beach, and sun! What else could you ask for?
- Brave an amusement park. Santa Cruz? Six Flags? Waterworld? See our complete list on the Entertainment Page. |
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Sunday Streets |
Upcoming Dates Include:
Sunday, August 9 & Sunday, Sept. 6: New Great Highway Route. Connecting Golden Gate Park to the San Francisco Zoo, along Ocean Beach.
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Recreation and Park Department Highlights |
Fall program registration opens on September 12 at 10am. Register online up until the course start date.
Fall Latchkey sign-ups started August 1 but there are still spots at some locations.
St. Mary's Playground Re-Opened July 25th. The spectacular newly-renovated park incorporates features that facilitate play for children with physical, developmental, and emotional disabilities.
Rec & Park Blog. New Rec & Park Director Phil Ginsburg (a San Francisco parent!) has been busy, busy, busy visiting parks and getting input from park users. See the new Rec & Park Blog to find out what he's up to.
New Golden Gate Park Summertime Shuttle. Runs Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays, 9am-6pm, $2, kids 3 and under are free. See the route here (pdf).
ParksPortal.com. A new online source for what's happening in San Francisco parks, recreation centers, and open spaces.
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month |
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August is the perfect time to remind family, friends, co-workers, and those in the community to catch up on their vaccinations.
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Last Minute Summer Camp Options |
Many summer camps still have space, and some are even offering discounts and deals. See our Camps Page to browse around and find a great camp for your kids.
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