Upon entering the museum, kids are immediately drawn to the foot-powered Segway-type scooters. On the same level is “Tent City”, a multi-level cloth structure through which children can climb and play house, as well as the Outdoor/Indoor Art Studio with the popular Painted VW Bug and a clay studio. If you plan to let your child paint, make sure you both dress appropriately as you are almost guaranteed to be covered in blue paint by the time you’re finished.

In the basement is the shadow puppet theater where kids can cut out their own shapes and characters, a dress-up and performance area complete with a huge mirror for posing, and Delphine, the ocean-themed video installation that kids like to turn into a shadow puppet show as well.

Teens will appreciate the areas made especially for them on the top floor, including The Costume Project and the Tech Studio. Also on the second floor is the “No Rules Except” exhibit, which my sons call the “pillow-fight room”. This room is completely covered in mattresses and tire-shaped pillows and is fun for toddlers all the way up to teenagers (who doesn’t love to jump on the bed?). This room is my kids’ favorite part of the museum. They love to slide down the leaning mattresses and see how high they can stack the tire pillows before they fall.

Also on the top floor is a climbing wall and another indoor/outdoor studio. This studio has loads of wooden sticks that children can use to build (think Lincoln logs), a ramp for racing handmade cars, and a bubble studio that is sure to keep the little ones busy and happy.

One thing that I really appreciate about the New Children’s Museum is how “green” it is, in both its construction and the materials that they use. If you’re interested in teaching your children about conservation and sustainability, be sure to point out all of the eco-friendly items at the museum, from the recycled concrete stairs to the huge wall of windows that all but eliminate the need for light bulbs inside during the day.

The New Children’s Museum is a bargain. Children over age one and adults are $10/each, but for just $75, your entire family can enjoy free admission for one year.

Each spa treatment and service will allow you to experience a whole new level of “you,”; their extensive selection of face, body and salon treatments will amaze you.

While the spa caters to females, Anastasia also offers a variety of services specifically for the image-conscious male – everything from eyebrow shaping, to waxing and even facials.

Enjoy a relaxing day trip with the girls and invest in a world-class Glycolic facial, or indulge with a luxurious Swedish massage (available in 50 or 80 minute increments.)

With summer right around the corner, you may also want to choose from one of their several waxing services, including a full leg, bikini or underarm wax.

Alternatively, you may just want to pamper yourself for a day and have your makeup professionally done. If that’s the case, Anastasia will ensure you and your girlfriends leave looking like princesses with full makeup, a natural-looking airbrush tan and professional eyebrow shaping.

If I had to choose a favorite service, I’d definitely recommend the clarifying mask treatment or the Vitamin C Facial; both leave your skin positively glowing.

The spa also offers unique packages for bridal showers, baby showers, or graduation parties. Additionally, you can customize a package to suit nearly any event. What’s more, the spa offers on-location deals if you’re interested in hosting a private spa party for a bride-to-be, or simply a gathering of your closest girlfriends for a day of beauty and pampering.

Whatever you choose Anastasia Beverly Hills La Jolla Studio for, you’ll be assured of world-class treatment, a variety of services to choose from, and a dramatic revealing of the inner goddess you know you are!

While I can’t speak for myself, having won nothing of significance the handful of times I’ve been there, I can tell you that it’s worth a shot.

The moment you enter Barona, it almost feels as if you’re in Las Vegas. Serious gamblers will fall in love with the VIP service, the assortment of blackjack tables, $500 slot machines and the award-winning player’s club, Club Barona.

Even if you aren’t a hardcore gambler, you can still enjoy the amazing atmosphere.

What’s more, you don’t even have to necessarily come to Barona for gambling… you can come for the food!

With several dining options to choose from, you’re sure to find food that pleases even the pickiest eater. My personal favorite would be the Ranch House Buffet, which offers a huge selection of all different types of entrees, beverages, desserts and more.

The casino also offers Gameside Dining, which means you won’t have to quit your hot streak if you’re raking in the big bucks on the machine – you can actually get your meal delivered directly to your seat. How neat is that?

After a long day (and night, as the case may be) gambling, you can head to a sumptuous room at the adjoining resort. Enjoy world-class service, or pamper yourself at the day spa. Whatever you choose to do, you will not be disappointed.

The resort also offers many amenities for anything you might need, including a full-service fitness center, a business center and free high-speed internet access.

Personally, I recommend Barona Resort and Casino for a day with the girls or a luxurious weekend with a bunch of friends. It’s the perfect San Diego casino to relax, have fun and enjoy yourself.

Offering up a great combination of delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere, Islands should be your prime choice for a casual weekend date or a get together with the girls.

Most famous for their burgers, the restaurant offers several to choose from. Vegetarians can even substitute a meatless patty on any of the burgers – yum!

You can start off the meal with one of 9 great appetizers, including the to-die-for onion rings or nachos loaded with sour cream, jalapenos, tomatoes, salsa and cheese. It’s almost a meal in itself!
If burgers aren’t your thing, choose from a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches or soft tacos, all made to order and especially scrumptious.

Kids 12 and under won’t feel left out at Islands, either – they have several meals to choose from, made specifically for them.
For drinks, I wouldn’t miss their delicious Passion Fruit Iced Tea. They also have a fair selection of other sodas and beverages, as well.

After you’ve enjoyed your meal, you definitely want to save room for dessert. Try the Chocolate Lava; a decadent chocolate brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, roasted almonds and a cherry. Chocolate lovers won’t be able to get enough of this rich dessert!

If you love the taste of Islands but can’t make it out to eat, order takeout via phone or directly online – your food will be hot and ready for you when you arrive.

Whatever your pleasure, Islands will please even the most picky eaters. Whether you want to enjoy a night on the town with your gal pals or a family dinner in a casual environment, consider Islands Restaurant your first choice for fun, delicious and affordable dining.

Truly an establishment for the upscale single girl, Jack’s La Jolla offers three spectacular restaurants, including The Dining Room, the Grille and The Ocean Room.

The Dining Room seems to offer the most bang for the buck, so to speak, including delicious food, cozy atmosphere and live entertainment.

If you’re more interested in relaxing and socializing, invite some of your gal pals out to a night on the town and have a drink at The Wall Street Bar, one of five different lounges within Jack’s. The Wall Street Bar seems to offer busy, young professionals the perfect after-work atmosphere to talk to similar-minded people and socialize.

If, on the other hand, you and the girls want to party over the weekend, choose The Beach Bar, open Thursday through Saturday until 2 AM. It’s the perfect lounge to kick it with friends, or hook up with eligible single men.

You can party until the wee hours of the morning on one of their spacious dance floors, or enjoy the killer ocean views, open air courtyard and large, extensive bar.

Honestly, Jack’s La Jolla offers the quintessential environment for a girl’s night out with an upscale and hip flair. You can expect to pay upwards of $10-50 per entrée and/or beverage depending which lounge or restaurant you choose to spend your time.

It makes for a bit of an expensive outing with your girlfriends, but it’s totally worth the price. Take it from me – there’s no better place in San Diego to find attractive, young men, a cozy atmosphere and a great place to drink, dine and have fun.

If you want to see and be seen, check out Jack’s La Jolla. You may want to consider visiting during happy hour (typically from 3:30 to 6:30), as that seems to be the best place to mingle with the other party-goers.

The "spa on Mission Bay," located in the Hilton San Diego Resort offer a wealth of custom-designed spa treatments and services.
Enjoy 9 treatment rooms, a full-service hair and nail salon, plus an indoor/outdoor meditation lounge, if that’s your thing. The spa also offers a large boutique where you can purchase unique products and gifts to take home.

If you’d like to relax even more with your pals after your treatments, take advantage of Essence’s sun deck where you can enjoy over-sized lounge chairs, and sample some delicious cuisine.

If you’d like, you and your gal pals can ask about special day packages, where you’ll be treated like royalty for a special price.
Indulge in a wide variety of spa treatments, from facials to manicures, hair cuts to massages.

I’m especially fond of the Green Tea Peel, which leaves the skin looking absolutely radiant with no downtime whatsoever. If you desire silky, smooth skin with none of the undesirable side effects of other facials, this treatment is the way to go.

Of course, I’m also a fan of the Sacred Stone massage, which utilizes the ancient massage technique of hot stones on the body to deliver the ultimate in relaxation to tired, sore muscles.

Essence also offers an extensive selection of add-ons to make your day with the girls extra special. For example, you can add the option of a lavish bath soak, complete with your choice of rose petals, oils, or scrubs, before a facial or massage.

You could also ask for a customized blend of aromatherapy oils to help you relax further while you’re getting a massage. Honestly, your options are endless at Essence.

To make things super simple for you and your pals, you can all create your own customized packages, where you will receive three services of your choice while receiving a discount on all of them. It’s the simplest way to enjoy Essence!

Whether you want to unwind and relax with an intensive massage, or simply pal it up with the girls and get manicures and a haircut, Essence at the Hilton San Diego Resort will ensure all of you leave satisfied, relaxed, and gorgeous.

Seriously, if you’ve never been, I suggest you stop in ASAP. Most of their chocolates are handmade with some of the best ingredients in the world, AND there are absolutely no nasty additives found in commercial chocolates.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, this upscale chocolate boutique is sure to have something delectable for every taste and budget.

Stop in after work for a delicious chocolate treat, or order a custom gift package for a lucky friend, family member or that special someone. Nothing says “I love you” more than a basket of gourmet chocolate (or maybe that’s just the foodie in me speaking!)

On a side note, their varieties of chocolate truffles are to die for.

Chi Chocolat also offers an extensive selection of beverages and Paninis, so you can stop in for lunch and take home a chocolate confection to enjoy afterwards. That’s what I did; only I had my desert first… I know, I know – bad!

If you aren’t sure what to sample, you can always go for an on or off-site chocolate tasting. Rates start from $27 per person, and it’s a great idea for parties, hanging out with the girls, or corporate events.

During the tasting, you’ll get to sample a variety of fine chocolates, take home some chocolate samples and enjoy various beverages throughout the tasting. It’s a great way to enjoy a lazy afternoon with pals, or get together with co-workers to relieve the stress from work.

You can even purchase a selection of their gourmet chocolates online, including custom chocolate gift baskets, chocolate slabs, chocolate bars and even chocolate covered strawberries.

Save some room for delectable chocolate the next time you’re out and about downtown San Diego. From delicious fine chocolates to impeccable service, Chi Chocolat has it all.

Most adults will marvel at the intricate Lego models in Miniland. There are reproductions of many major cities, such as New York City, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. The details of the buildings are absolutely amazing, from the Victorians in S.F. to the marching band in front of the Capitol that actually plays music. Take the Coast Cruise (no height requirement) to see the models of Mt. Rushmore, the Sydney Operahouse, and the Taj Mahal. No trip to Legoland is complete without strolling through Miniland and admiring the miniature architecture.

If it’s warm outside, bring your child’s swimsuit and a towel and let them get soaked in the new Pirate Shores area. Water trickles, sprinkles, and dumps out of many different gadgets that the kids can control. There are also water slides and rides in this area, so prepare to get very wet!

When you’re exhausted, but the kids still have energy, head over to either Duplo Town or the Hideaways, depending on your child’s age. At both of these places, you can sit back and relax while your little munchkin runs off the rest of his crazies. Beware: there is no gate at Duplo Town, so keep an eye on your child in case he wants to wander off. When it’s very hot out and you want to sit in the air conditioning, take the kids to the Build and Test area, where they can check out wheels and build their own cars to race against other kids. Next door is a Duplo room where toddlers can play with every type of Duplo ever made.

One of the best things about Legoland (especially compared to Disneyland) is that you can go on an “off” day and not sit in lines for hours. The last few times we’ve gone have been days when it was either a school day or the weather was a bit iffy. It was totally worth it because most of the lines were 10 minutes or less. However, if you go on a school holiday or when the weather is gorgeous, prepare to wait in line. The waits still won’t be as long as at Disneyland, though.

Another bonus at Legoland is that the food is better than most other amusement parks. It has gotten a bit more expensive over the last few years, but your pass gets you a 20% discount. My favorite restaurant is the Garden Restaurant, which serves healthy fare like turkey or tuna sandwiches, salads, and soups. The Fun Town Market Restaurant is also pretty good—you can order Chicken Stir Fry or make your own salad at the large salad bar. Other dining options include a medieval-themed barbecue restaurant, a pizza restaurant, and several hamburger, hot dog, and ice cream stands.

From my six years of going to Legoland, I’ve figured out a few money-saving tricks. First of all, if you have preschool-aged kids, especially Lego-lovin’ boys, I highly recommend buying a Membership Plus annual pass. For about $10/month, you get free parking ($10/car) and admission, plus 20% off dining and 10% off purchases. I always packed lots of snacks and drinks, which you’re allowed to bring into the park, as well as our Legoland cups, which can be refilled for only .99 instead of buying a soft drink for $3. Once inside the park, if you bring a bucket and shovel, you’ll save yourself $5 at the Dino Dig, where kids dig in the sand to uncover dinosaur fossils.

Opening in March is a whole new area of Legoland, Land of Adventure, which is set in 1920s Egypt and will feature the park’s first dark ride, Lost Kingdom Adventure. You can bet that my family will be there!

For just a couple of bucks, you and your date can fill up on delectable Brig Original fish tacos with cheese (normally $7, but only $2.25 each during happy hour). Wash those tacos down with either a huge Brig Brew (another happy hour special) or a house margarita (only $3.50 during happy hour). The servers are consistently friendly and prompt and the food is delicious. Another fave of mine is the Coctel del Mar, a tomato-based shrimp, crab, and avocado ceviche that is to die for.

Locations in Poway, Del Mar, Point Loma, La Mesa, Escondido, and Coronado.

The Model Railroad Museum is like a train-loving boy’s vision of heaven. The whole building is filled with elaborate displays of towns and countrysides with working model trains running through them. The details are impressive, from the teeny-tiny towns complete with stores and houses, to the itty-bitty people, cars, and trees. My kids especially love the train display with the ‘50s theme in the back room, mostly because they can press buttons to make different trains move.

Whether your child is interested in trains or not, he’ll enjoy a ride on the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad, driven by a friendly conductor. The short and sweet ride takes you on a ½ mile loop through 4 acres of the park.

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is a popular spot for field trips and playgroups for good reason. This interactive museum features hands-on activities for kids of all ages on topics from space exploration to the creation of sound. There is even a toddler area called Kid City, where younger children can build, create, and dress up. If you have time, check out a huge-screen movie or a planetarium show in the IMAX theater.

The Natural History Museum is another kid favorite, especially when there is a dinosaur exhibit. Consider attending on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. for Nature, Mommy, and Me, when you’ll get a tour of the museum along with story time for your little one.

Be sure to visit the lily pond in front of the botanical gardens. My kids love to run alongside the pond watching the large koi swim. Adults will enjoy the view of the Botanical Building, the most-photographed building in the park. Step inside to show the kids the carnivorous plants eating insects and steal a few moments for yourself to check out the extensive collection of more than 2,100 plants and flowers.

The World Beat Center features African Drumming and Dancing classes for infants to adults, which are popular with playgroups. Nearby is the most popular playground at Balboa Park, Pepper Grove Playground, which has plenty of slides, swing sets, and climbing equipment, as well as picnic tables and shade trees.
Other popular attractions for kids are the Balboa Park Carousel, the Butterfly Garden, the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, the San Diego Air and Space Museum, the San Diego Automotive Museum, and the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum.

Be sure to take advantage of Free Tuesdays at the Balboa Park museums. For a complete listing of dates, visit http://www.balboapark.org/calendar/detail.php?EventID=370. Note that some free museum admissions are offered only to San Diego residents. See website for details.