There's more going on in the 'Dale than you think

With gas prices so high and schedules becoming more hectic with school, church, volunteer, and family commitments, I had to think of things to do in our own backyard (almost literally) that would entertain my kids and myself in our "free" time.  North of the River Recreation and Park District (NOR) has what is called a Neighborhood Place Community Learning Center at their Riverview Community Center that is funded by First 5. The program provides free preschool type classes that provide early learning through center-based andkindergarten transition activities 5 days per week. 

Since we live close to the Bluffs, the drive to the Riverview Community Center takes no time at all, thankfully.  We recently went on a Friday to enjoy the movement activities in the gym (Fit n Fun Friday).  The kids get to run free, play basketball or whatever they choose for about 30 minutes then enjoy a craft/art activity afterwards.  After enjoying throwing the basketball around and running wild, the group went into another room where tables are set up for you and your children.  We enjoyed a fun fingerpainting activity with banana flavored pudding and different food coloring colors.  Although it was only an hour of activity, it was well worth it.  The kids enjoyed themselves and came home with a work of art. 

For more information on this program, contact: 

Sonia E. Quill, Community Services Supervisor

Phone: 661-392-2029 Fax: 661-392-2048

E-mail: squill@norrecreation.org

Aim high. Get out of the valley heat!

Summers in Kern County can be down right unpleasant.  With temperatures pushing triple digits, one can start to yearn for pumpkin spice lattes, sweaters, hats and the crunching of the leaves under your feet.  Well, the good news is, you can get that by just going higher in elevation in our county--well, except for the latte.  The Kern Plateau offers some amazing opportunities to get out of the heat and enjoy the serenity of nature and some pleasantly cool temperatures at ~7,000 ft in altitude.  Our family took a short camping trip to Fish Creek Campground. (Ok, I know it's technically in Tulare County, but it's close enough to us here in Kern County)  We were pleasantly surprised at the ample size of the campground and the lack of campers--we were the only ones there!  To top it off, the nearby creeks in the area were chock full of gorgeous Golden Trout.
With two youngsters in tow, the easiest way to arrive from Bakersfield was to go over Hwy 58 then head north on the 14/395 to Pearsonville where we topped off our gas tank.  We headed up 9 mile canyon road beyond Kennedy Meadows (which was an option, but we decided to move on and get to higher elevation).  That particular route got us to our campground in no time, as opposed to going up through Kernville.
After two days of camping, fishing, and exploring, we decided to take the scenic route over Sherman Pass.  It was absolutely breathtaking.  The kids slept the whole way (thankfully)  and us adults got to talk without interruption and enjoy the scenery.  

With so many options for camping, getting out for a couple of days is easier than you think!  Just be sure to plan ahead.  There are no phones, no phone service, and certainly to grocery stores in the wilderness.  There definitely are critters, though.  Make sure you keep little ones close to you at all times, as they can certainly be confused as a food source for some of the critters.  Definitely be sure to read up on animal behaviors and stay safe when camping!

Do your research before you head out:

US Forest Service:  http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/
Camping Tips: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24243
Camping for Kids: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/camping+kids.html

Support Your Library!

Winter time can make the sanest of people crazy.  The fog, wind and rain keep you and your family from enjoying your yard, or even the park--the sacred spaces where you can let your kids run wild and free and they are out of your hair!  Those days have (thankfully!) been few and far between since our winter so far has been extremely mild and dry.  But on those days we should thank our lucky stars that our wonderful libraries provide some amazing activities for little ones (for free!).

The Beale Memorial Library on Truxtun has three programs per week geared toward different aged children, 18-3 year olds on Tuesdays, Babies (under 18 months, I presume) on Wednesdays, and Preschoolers on Fridays.  How incredible is that?!  Since my older son attends preschool two days per week, my younger one and I have the opportunity to take advantage of story time at the library.

And it's not your average story time.  The leader of 18 month to 3 year old story time utilizes a wide variety of methods and tools to keep the kids intrigued and entertained while learning.  She uses felt boards with pictures to illustrate nursery rhymes, scarves and rhythm sticks for dancing and singing portions, and of course there is an actual story read from the vast collection of the library.

When that is all done (I mean really, how long can you keep this age group occupied and paying attention?) , a craft of the week along with materials is provided and the little ones get to play with toys and manipulatives that were acquired through grant monies.  It's a great way to get out of the house, get your kids around other kids, and to use our public resources.  We have so much fun looking at all the books and get excited every week to pick out new ones.

There are several libraries in the Kern County Library System, many of which offer similar programs and other community programs.  Check them out at : http://www.kerncountylibrary.org/HTML/news/events.html

Wind Wolves Preserve

I will preface this post with the following information:  1.)  My adventures are usually by myself with my kids since my dear husband works so much to provide for our family.  2.)  My boys are ages 2 1/2 and just days shy of 4 and VERY energetic.


I will be the first to admit that taking two little ones out on adventures is less than an easy-going and carefree experience.  There's the "Mom, my butt hurts.  Are we there yet?  Can I have a snack?  Where are we going?" all in the car.  Then when you get there, "Can we go eat our lunch now?  My legs are tired."  Not to mention packing extra clothes, wipes, diapers, and everything else for the "what-ifs" that come along with small children.  However, when it's all said and done, everyone got out of the house for an adventure, saw some beautiful country, and got some exercise in the mean time.  What could be better than these wonderful memories?


The Wind Wolves Preserve is nestled in the southern part of the Valley.   The entrance road is just off Hwy 166.  As you drive the 166 you wonder if you're lost as you pass orchard after orchard or almonds and oranges and an array of green fields.  The occasional taco truck lets you know you're not alone and if you're hungry, eat now.  (Although it's not advisable to go this far without properly packing your vehicle with lots of water and food.  There are no amenities other than toilets at the preserve.)  Then suddenly the sign pops out of nowhere just past an orange orchard on the south side of the road.  


Saturday was an incredibly beautiful day here in the valley and I wanted to take full advantage.  The sun was shining and temperatures reached the 70s.  Wind Wolves Preserve is a great place to get out for a quick hike and a picnic.  The trails are developed and perfect for little legs who are learning to follow trails and learning to walk on their own.  It's easy enough too for parents who have a hiking backpack or need to pick up the munchkin mid-hike.  

Since it has been a dry winter, the area is markedly dry and brown, but don't let that fool you.  There is still plenty to see.  At the San Emigidio Canyon Trailhead you will find a lovely picnic area with flowing water adjacent.  The Trail itself follows the creek below.  You will find squirrels frolicking in the distance.  Ravens tend to frequent the area as any where else in the Valley.  We were lucky enough   to observe a red-tailed hawk on the hunt as well as a herd of mule deer.  

My kids were fortunate to learn life lessons--that animals eat other animals--as was evidenced by the two spinal pieces found on the trail.  They also learned simple lessons in texture by utilizing the various rocks along the path and touching them to include the lichen attached to some.  Unfortunately the dry grass was a lesson for them to remind them to leave the area as we found it; as they were pulling up the grass, they found that the grass had the same effect paper does when it slides through your hand--it can cut you.

All in all it was also wonderful to see blue skies, breathe in fresh air, and see a part of the valley that not many frequent.  
For more information on the Wind Wolves Preserve and the Wildlands Conservancy visit: http://wildlandsconservancy.org/preserve_windwolves.html

A Family in Bakersfield

So here we are.  In Bakersfield.  Raising a Family.
Raising children is not an easy feat.  It's important to remember that children are a gift and a blessing.  It's our duty and responsibility as parents to make the most out of our children's upbringing--we are responsible for their education, their memories, their comfort, their world.  I realized it was not fair to have a bad attitude about where we were living.  Granted, Bakersfield would not be my number 1 choice to raise my family.  Let's face it--the air quality is bad.  But as I sat and thought about it, what else is so bad?  There is so much agriculture (which means fresh fruits and veggies!), farming (how cool is it that your kids can learn first hand where their food comes from?), and so many recreational activities!
We are very fortunate that Dear Dad has a great job that affords me to stay home with the kids.  We are fortunate that Dear Dad enjoys his job, too.
I am a firm believer that attitude affects your everything.  If you have a positive attitude, life will be easy and happy.  Life is what you make of it. (I know, so clichè!) But it really is true.  Make the most of where you are.  Dig in and become a part of the community, not just a person living there.

Some changes in format

Initially when I started this blog, I decided in my head that I would do 365 things.  Realistically, that would take a LONG time.  I can't do that in a year.  So here is the new goal--I will come up with 365 ideas to do in and around Kern County with a family, both young and old, and I will do at least one activity per week that can get you and your family out of the house and enjoying Kern County.

Mission: Possible

Kern County has a lot of history, culture and recreational activities to offer.  I wouldn't have said the previous statment the first two years living here.  It is possible to find great things to do with your kids in a day.  My mission is to find 365 things to do in and around Kern County with my kids, and do these things in 365 days.  Stay tuned!