Last-Minute Family-Friendly Things To Do Labor Day Weekend In CA: Patch Parents
CALIFORNIA — Labor Day weekend is here. The national holiday marks the last long weekend of the season and the unofficial end of summer.
If you don’t yet have end-of-summer plans and want to stay local this weekend, there’s still time for your family to soak up the sun and savor the season.
Booking a poolside daycation is one affordable and family-friendly option. ResortPass, an app that provides day access to pools and other amenities at hotels, allows users to book a day pass for a daycation without spending on an overnight stay.
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“ResortPass is a great way to feel like you’re on vacation if you’re staying local. Across California, we are partnered with hundreds of top hotels where you can book day access to enjoy the pool, spa and more,” Nicole Maddern, vice president of marketing at ResortPass, told Patch. “The app also allows you to search specifically for family-friendly options, like hotels with waterparks and activities that are perfect for a fun day with the family.”
According to the experts at ResortPass, the top recommended family-friendly daycation destinations in Northern California include the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, which features two pools, a hot tub, poolside games and private cabanas. There’s also Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz and Hilton San Francisco Union Square.
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In Southern California, popular spots include Cambria Hotel Anaheim Resort Area, which offers two pools and a 30,000-square-foot water park, plus a putting green and an outdoor movie wall. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina has three pools, multiple water slides and a water playground. Town and Country San Diego has three pools, a hot tub and a four-story waterslide.
A survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of ResortPass found that 72% of Americans say they often wish they had more memorable summer outings once the season is over. Patch doesn’t want you to have any regrets.
If you’re not looking to book a daycation at a hotel, there are plenty of other last-minute family- and wallet-friendly things to do this holiday weekend. Take a look at our Patch-curated Northern and Southern California lists below for inspiration.
Northern California
1. Attend the 158th Scottish Highland Gathering and Games. The two-day event at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton celebrates Scottish heritage with athletic competitions, animal exhibitions, living history reenactments, live traditional and modern musical performances, and more. Tickets are free for children 5 and younger.
2. Enjoy vegan food at Bizerkeley Food Festival. The fourth annual vegan food festival will feature free food and drink samples, more than 100 vendors, a game zone, a petting zoo, live music and more. The festival takes place Sunday in Berkeley. Tickets are only $5 and kids get in free.
3. Explore the Oakland Zoo on a budget. The zoo is offering Discount AfterZOOns this weekend. Save up to 35% off general admission for entrance after 3 p.m. through Monday.
4. Check out CaliBunga. The newly revamped water park, located on the site of the long-running Raging Waters, opened this summer in San Jose. The 23-acre park boasts as Northern California’s largest water park. It will remain open on weekends through September.
5. Take a short road trip and visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Monterey Bay Aquarium is the only aquarium in California that ranks among the top 10 best aquariums in the U.S., according to Travel + Leisure. The aquarium recently joined Museums for All and started giving free admission to low-income families.
Southern California
1. Experience panda-monium at the San Diego Zoo. The world-famous zoo is now home to a pair of giant pandas, the first pandas to enter the U.S. in 21 years. In addition to seeing the Panda Ridge exhibit, visitors can enjoy the zoo after dark during Nighttime Zoo. The summertime program runs through Monday.
2. Get your skate on at Roll @ Santa Monica. The inaugural outdoor roller rink, located in the heart of the beach community, is open through Oct. 14. The seasonal rink is for all ages and skill levels.
3. See the Lego World Parade. Legoland California Resort is saying goodbye to summer and the country’s first Lego World Parade. The parade, which runs through Monday, features an array of Lego-themed floats and entertainers through the west side of the Carlsbad-based theme park.
4. Watch Big Bang on the Bay. The iconic fireworks show in Long Beach is taking place a little late this year to celebrate Labor Day. Known as the “biggest block party in Long Beach,” the fireworks show will mark the end of summer this year and will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Long Beach.
5. Get free admission for kids to two theme parks. Kids get in free with a paid adult ticket through Monday at Sesame Place San Diego. It’s also the last weekend of Sesame Summer Splash at the Chula Vista-based water park. In addition, kids get in free with a paid adult ticket through October at SeaWorld San Diego. The theme park’s 60th anniversary fireworks show, Enchanted Wonders Fireworks, ends Monday. SeaWorld’s Bayside Brews & BBQ event also runs through Monday.
Patch Parents is written by Patch Editor Kristina Houck, a mom of three boys. Have a story idea? Email [email protected].
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