Feed the animals, sip a homemade almond milk latte, buy local honey, soaps, jam and other organic goods and produce. The kids can play on the lowered climbing wall and slide, while adults can relax in their cute backyard lounge area and sip on fresh made lattes. Our favorite was talking to and feeding the animals; they have pigs, goats, chickens and bunnies. IMPORTANT: Online reservations are REQUIRED in advance to allow for social distancing in this small space. No walk-ups will be allowed.

Walk through these colorful painted rock pathways filled with messages of kindness and hope that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. What once was a littered vacant lot growing with weeds, has been magically transformed by the neighbor into this inspiring place. This is a city own lot that Dave took upon himself to clean up, fill with beautiful plants and create this work of art. He encourages people to leave their own painted rocks behind (paint yours before you go).

Chase the butterflies around in the largest butterfly vivarium on the West coast. This nonprofit helps the native butterflies and pollinators by studying the plants and pollination in their ecosystem. They have butterflies year round so you’ll likely see different ones every time you go. Stop by their nursery to pick up some milkweed and watch the monarchs flutter over to your own backyard.

Whales and bunnies and bears, oh my! Finding over 40 different shapes trimmed in these topiary hedges will keep the kids busy and amazed for a while. This is a private residential garden so it’s more of a stop and look spot, but it’s one that’s worthy of a drive by to see.

Exploring the plant and animal kingdoms here could take you a while. With roosters, turkeys, turtles, goats, bunnies, birds, fish, chicks, ducks, some new donkeys and probably a few others, just finding the animals will be worth your stop. They have a kids playground area, but it’s currently closed. For extra fun, try to find the special painted rock that’s hidden around the gardens. Oh, and don’t forget to grab some plants for your garden while you’re there.

Relax in these beautiful gardens as you wander around the meticulously maintained grounds. Kids love to run on the pathways, dig in the children’s garden, look for butterflies in the butterfly pavilion and play with the water ball fountain. If you start your tour towards the left after you enter, you’ll find the magical fairy gardens that surround Ms. Smartyplants’ (the children’s educator) office.

'Seas' the Day and keep the pirates away when you visit this grounded naval ship at Liberty Station. This is a scale model that has actually never set sail and was only used for training naval recruits. Kids love using their imaginations here to pretend like they’re sailing on the high seas. Bring a picnic lunch or grab some pizza from nearby Oggi’s when your little sailors get hungry. There’s lots of room to spread out on the fields nearby or alongside the waterway.

If a quiet day in the country is what you’re after, venture just outside of San Diego to this family-owned farm. Summers Past Farm is a scenic, peaceful getaway where kiddos can frolic in the beautiful gardens and interact with the resident cats, dogs, bunnies and chickens. You’ll also find a sweet pea maze and a gardening store. Parents will appreciate the small coffee bar too! Be sure to visit the gift shop to take home a special treasure.