Marine Mammal Center Excursion

(this picture shows the size of an adult male elephant seal )

Today our Camp Run Amok Adventures led us just a short drive from the East Bay to the Marin Headlands for a visit at the Marine Mammal Center.  The Marine Mammal Center is located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is surrounded by hills, trails, beaches, and the many  historic buildings of Fort Cronkhite.

Unfortunately, we had just missed the docent-led tour at the Marine Mammal Center and would have had to wait another hour...or we could have taken the 45 minute self-lead audio tour (actual admission to the center is free). We decided to skip both and venture out on our own.  This proved to be a poor choice as there weren't many mammals within visible sight. Most were behind locked gates, which we couldn't get a good view of.

All  in all, I think there is so much to do here in the Marin Headlands.  It's worth the visit- bring the kids, the bikes, hiking shoes, a picnic, and definitely a camera!  If you do decide to visit the Marine Mammal Center, I highly recommend taking the docent-led tour. Visit their link http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/visiting-us/  for directions, tour prices, hours of operation and directions.

Giant whale bone on display.

View of Rodeo Beach down below the Marine Mammal Center.



**FREE BOWLING** All Summer Long

What Kid Doesn't Like a Good Game of Bowling?

Sign up now at AMF Bowling Centers to get two *FREE* games everyday
this summer. (shoe rental not included about $3.00).

Be sure to sign your kids up & print your vouchers.  I took 4 kids bowling last week to try it out at Pinole Valley Lanes...and it worked!  You can follow this link https://freebowling.amf.com/
to sign up.  It was inexpensive way to keep the kiddies entertained during our weekly summer adventures.

HAPPY BOWLING!

The Adventures of Camp Run Amok

Today I realized how much I enjoy this little jewel of a lake right in our own backyard...well, more like 20 minutes from it: Lake Anza located in Tilden Regional Park.
It was a perfect 73 degrees- sand, sun, swimming and snacks (and for only $2.50 admission for kids and $3.50 for adults, it was a cheap way to keep 4 kids entertained.
Swim area has a sandy beach, perfect for making sandcastles, multiple lifeguards on duty, shade, grass, changing areas, restrooms, and SNACK BAR equipped with chocolate dipped soft serve cones amongst other treats. The lake is roped off in sections for age appropriate swimmers and they even have life jackets for free use. And parking is free!! Adjacent from the parking lot is a football field sized grassy lawn perfect for Frisbee, picnics or just soaking up some sun.  We will definitely be making multiple trips this summer.

The Adventures of Camp Run Amok: Summer in The Bay on a Budget

Summer 2012:  Fun Ways to Explore the Bay w/Kids for under $20 or Less...If Not for *F*R*E*E*

This summer is bitter sweet for me...it is the last care-free summer for my 5-year old before she heads off to kindergarten in the fall. With a 12-year old and a 3-year old also in tow, I want to make it a very memorable summer.  In these trying economic times, it's hard to imagine that even taking them to a simple movie could set us back $50 in one fell swoop.  So, I've gotten creative and have started to compile a list of places the four of us can check out for $20 or less--tons of these places are even free.  I can only imagine that there are many other moms and dads looking to do the same over the summer.  I decided to start a blog about our weekly adventures with details, pics, reviews and such.  For sanity's sake (mine) I know that if I don't set out to keep the kids on-the-go, active & entertained, "Camp Run Amok" might quickly turn into "Camp Run Away"!

Weekly Adventures will be on Thursdays...first planned stop next week: 

Strawberry Hill located in the center of Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park

Streams and waterfalls can be found along the short, but moderately steep hike around the naturally formed island.  About 20 minutes at a leisure pace (a little longer with smaller children).

Next week I will post actual details: parking, summer crowds, reviews, actual cost etc...stay tuned!