With the July 4th weekend behind us, summer vacation is now in full swing. It’s the time for cookouts, beach days, and lounging by the pool.

But are you looking for activities for your kids that are both fun and enriching? Below are a few safe and exciting pastimes that children and sometimes the whole family can enjoy:

1. Music Lessons: The sooner your child starts learning to play a musical instrument, the easier it will be. Plus, research has revealed a strong correlation between quality music learning programs and academic achievement. Check out our giveaway of music lessons below!
2. Summer camp: Nothing beats childhood memories gained from spending the summer at camp. You can choose a short sleep-away camp or day-camp for the whole summer. Either way, they are a great opportunity to make friends and to learn in nature’s classroom.
3. Art classes: Do you have a creative child? With public schools cutting down their art programs, now is a great time to enroll your child in a summer art class and help draw out a youngster’s inner Picasso. Whether it’s drawing, watercolors, or even crafts, the options are endless!
4. Science projects: Have a child with an inquisitive and analytical mind? Science kits are a fantastic way to keep your little Einstein occupied. If your community has a science fair, try entering so that they have a goal to reach for by the end of the summer.
5. Swimming: What better time to get your feet wet than summer vacation? Swimming is a lifelong skill that everyone should have, especially if you live near the coast. Enrolling your child in lessons at the YMCA will ensure that they don’t have to be a fish out of water at pool parties and beach days.
6. Babysitting: Do you have an adolescent at home that is old enough to watch younger children? He or she can make some extra money and stay busy by babysitting for friends and neighbors. It’s a good way to get them started on learning the value of money and becoming independent.
7. Visit the Library: Summer is the time to re-discover the joy of reading! Keep your kids’ minds active by visiting the local public library. Not only is it an escape from the heat, but reading opens up whole new worlds that will spark a child’s interest once the classroom opens in the Fall.

Enter our Summer Giveaway!

We are having a summer vacation contest that includes: a gift certificate for 4 thirty-minute music lessons with TakeLessons AND a $50 Best Buy card. The winner will redeem the lessons through the Music Lessons section of Safelist.com.*

You can enter in two ways**:

1. Follow Safelist on Twitter and tweet the following: “Win from @Safelist: 4 music lessons with @TakeLessons AND a $50 Best Buy gift card. http://bit.ly/piUYGe #winmusiclessons”
2. For an optional additional entry: Comment on this blog post and let us know how you plan to use your prize.

*Winner must be a registered member of Safelist.com to redeem the prize upon winning.

**There is a maximum of two entries per person – one on Twitter and one here on SafeBlog. The second entry counts only when the first entry is completed.

Submit your entries by 5 pm PDT on Sunday July 24 for a chance to win. We will announce the winner Monday morning, July 25 in the comment section below. We will also notify the winner via Twitter direct message.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and check back here soon for safety tips for your summer plans!

It’s that time of year again! The San Diego County Fair arrived at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on June 10 complete with the concert series, animal shows, contests, food stands, and more. Read below for how to win a free package of admission tickets, rides, and other goodies.

With two weeks left at the Fair, shows still to come include concerts like the Neon Trees, the Beach Boys, and REO Speedwagon. Also, you can’t miss the spectacular July 4 fireworks display that closes out the fair season. Visit the Fair’s website to see a complete list of events and information.

Staying safe starts with the Fair staff taking initial precautions. All Fairgoers must pass through metal detectors and/or bag checks at the entrance. Alcohol and glass containers are not allowed, nor are any weapons.

Here are a few additional safety tips to keep in mind while enjoying the Fair:

1. Get a program when you arrive and study the map to make sure you know where First Aid, Guest Services, and Security locations are throughout the fairgrounds
2. Set up a meeting place so that if your party gets separated, you all have one place where you can reconvene.
3. Make sure that everyone has either a phone or a walkie-talkie so you can communicate if you get separated.
4. Be able to describe what clothes and shoes your children are wearing so you can relay that to fair security if they get lost.
5. Avoid carrying a purse on your shoulder. Instead, try using a fanny pack or a strap that goes across your chest.
6. Keep your money and valuables in your front pocket rather than in a purse or bag.
7. Check out the Calamity Jo Safety Show every day at 11:30am. It’s a great show for kids.

We’re giving away free tickets! The prize package includes:

• 4 Fair admission tickets
• 50 ride tickets
• 4 drink vouchers with food purchase at participating vendors
• Parking voucher

To enter, post a comment with what you are most looking forward to doing at the Fair this year. Submit your comment by 5pm PDT Friday, June 24 and we’ll draw the winner at 9am PDT on Monday, June 27. We will announce the winner in the comment section and also send you an email with pick-up information at our headquarters in San Diego. Please, one entry per person.

Good luck and have fun this year at the Fairgrounds!