As school ends and the days turn hotter, children everywhere are asking the same question, "What are we doing today?". The city of Temecula provides us with some answers. There are activities for everyone's interests, and quite a few are free. So check them out!
For the sporty family, there are several options. A program called FIT (Fitness in Temecula) is sponsoring community walks/runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:30 to 8 pm through August 19th. There are several parks for convenience including, Ronald Regan Sports Park, Pala Community Park, Harveston Community Park, and Temeku Hills Park. Come just for fun or to shed some winter pounds. You can even join in the tracking program which gives prizes for reaching personal goals!
For all residents of Temecula there is free swimming at the Commuinty Recreation Center and Chaparral High School pool. Monday through Friday from 12:30 to 3:30 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5. All children 7 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult and all non-residents pay a $5 fee. There are also family swim nights every Wednesday at the CRC and Friday nights at CHS, both from 6:30 to 8. So bring your life jackets and get ready to dive into the fun.
Summer is a great time to catch up on those movies you missed and there are two fun and free ways of doint just that. Moonlight movies in the park begin July 8th and continue every Friday night through August. Festivities begin at 6:30 with games and crafts for the kids. Movies (including favorites like Shark Tale and Racing Stripes) begin at dusk. Bring your blankets and dinner and enjoy the show! Click here for dates, movies, and locations (www.cityoftemecula.org).
Movies at Edwards Theater at the mall are also free on Tuesdays or Wednesdays of each week. All movies start at 10 am, but doors open at 9:30 and its first come first serve. There is always one PG and one G showing. Tuesday, June 21st features Ferngully or Spongebob. The 29th has Air Bud or Fat Albert. Celebrate July 6th with Rugrats in Paris or Seconhand Lions. The 12th will be Jimmy Neutron or Shark Tale. For more information click here.(http://www.temeculainformation.com/movies/allmovies.htm
The Summer sunset concert series begins July 7th and continues every Thursday evening from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Community Recreation Center Amphitheater. Each week features different performers and snacks are available for purchase. Don't miss out on family karaoke night August 18th! For details visit www.cityoftemecula.org.
July 4th is always a time of celebration and this year will be no exception. The "Star Spangled 4th of July Parade" begins at 10 am on Old Town Front Street between Moreno and 2nd Street. Come early and bring chairs to get a front row view. "Fun at the Sports Park" is a time for families and friends to get together for food and entertainment. The fun begins at 2 pm at the Ronald Regan Sports Park. The fireworks show begins at 9 pm and is spectacular!
If you haven't tried a balloon ride over Temecula, now is the time. Enjoy beautiful views of the wine country and rides often include breakfast or horsd'oeuvres. Try www.hotairadventures.com or www.californiadreamin.com for rates and times.
Don't forget some nearby highlights like the Palomar Observatory which is open daily from 9 to 4 and is free to tour. You may also enjoy the Arroyo Tapaido Mud Caves in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Explore the extensive mud caves and fossils, but be sure to wear good hiking boots and bring a flashlight.
No matter what you choose to do this Summer, be safe and have fun, and don't forget to wear sunscreen!
