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Something about summer brings out the kid in all of us. The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and the plants and flowers around us are more vibrant than ever. There is so much to see and do and now that school is out and we are able to visit our friends and family with a little bit more regularity, it’s the perfect time for cookouts, picnics with juicy watermelon, days at the pool, catching a game, or going on an extended bike ride or walk. Davis is home to so much summer fun, so whether you're visiting or a local, get out and explore Davis this summer with these amazing activities!
Summer Camps Are Back!
Taking part in a camp is a huge part of summer for kids. Not only does it continue their social interaction, it often gets them out of their everyday routines and social circles. Summer camp is the perfect time to try something new whether it’s a new instrument, a new language, or a new sport, it’s the time to explore. UCD is offering summer camps once again after being on hiatus due to covid. All UCD camps are staffed by UCD undergrads, grad students, or recent graduates. Camps available range from music, crafts, sports, exploration, dance, and more. Camps are open for children entering Kindergarten all the way through high school years. Please check individual camps for age restrictions.
The City of Davis is also returning to having summer recreation activities for 2022. With so many possibilities for parents and kids to choose from, the only issue might be deciding exactly which program to pick! Offerings include Pre-K courses for kids, youth camps, teen camps, adaptive recreation programs, and adult fitness and sports. Camps range from themed camps to sports camps, STEM camps, paintball, kitchen camps, horse riding, swimming, and anything else you might imagine. A full breakdown of the City of Davis recreation guide will sort out any questions you may have regarding times, ages, and availability of programs.
Parks & Rec In Davis
With almost 500 acres of parks and greenbelts, an outdoor adventure in Davis is a daily possibility during the summer. Play areas (some newly re-opened), tennis courts, baseball fields, pool complexes, horseshoe pits, disc golf, basketball courts, skate park, dog parks, and picnic areas are just a few of the reasons to get out and explore Davis this summer!
Looking for a place to cool off this summer? Davis has 2 swimming pool complexes open to help you beat the heat! Manor and Arroyo Pools are currently open for recreational swimming, including night swimming. Registration is required to participate and can be done up to 5 days in advance. Registration is for a 90-minute block of time and can be done through the City of Davis.
Davis' parks are easily accessible via bike path connections, and many offer BBQ grills and picnic areas. Whether you choose to go to Rainbow City Playground for some quality time with your little ones, Central Park to get in some people watching, playground fun and shopping at the Farmers Market, or a trip to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area to take in their Bat Talk and Walk summer programs, you'll enjoy the extra hours of sunlight to do it all.
Photo Credit: Yolo Basin Foundation
UC Davis Campus Activities
The Arboretum is a beautiful setting any time of year, but the summertime look is simply sensational. A new program in effect throughout campus and the city of Davis is an informative tree tag campaign spotlighting the benefit of trees and reminding us of how important trees are to the community. There is more to look at than just the flowers, trees, and landscaping, the Arboretum is also home to more than 30 species of mammals. Relaxing, beautiful, and educational, the Arboretum is a must-visit this summer
There are several opportunities to expand your horizons at no charge on the campus of UC Davis. The UC Davis California Raptor Center gives you the opportunity to see and learn about live birds of prey, including falcons, hawks, and owls. Open for visitors Monday thru Saturday, you can take a self-guided tour of the Raptor Center as well as the museum. Another fun favorite is the Bohart Museum of Entomology, open Monday thru Thursday and occasionally with special weekend hours. You can learn all about the study of insects while taking in the sights of the 7th largest insect collection in North America. In total, the museum is home to more than 8 million specimens. The UC Davis Bee Haven is an outdoor museum dedicated to the study and observation of bees and the plants that support them. On-campus you will also have access to the Geology Rock Garden, UC Davis Design Museum, and Manetti Shrem Museum of Art.
Relief From The Heat
Soaking up the rays is a great boost to your health and wellbeing, but sometimes you just need a break from the sun. Visit the Rocknasium, an indoor rock climbing and fitness facility and one of the oldest rock climbing gyms in the country, established in 1992. Whether you’re a novice or a hard-core and skilled climber, you’ll enjoy the experienced and knowledgeable staff, and program offerings for all. Summer camps are also available for kids aged 6 to 14. From climbing classes, kid climbs, day passes and memberships, the Rocknasium has you covered as you explore fitness and fun in Davis!
Photo Credit: Explorit Science Center Facebook Page
The Explorit Science Center strives to inspire critical thinking in the next generation. A non-profit science education center, Explorit uses hands-on science discovery for kids and adults to foster curiosity about science. By fostering investigation, problem-solving, and critical thinking, the Explorit Science Center is the perfect place to stimulate scientific curiosity and excitement while school is out. The Explorit summer camps are always a hit, and while most camps are already full, you can reach out and see if any spots remain open for your youngsters. Explorit is open Friday thru Sunday. Be sure to check out what is going on in the pollinator garden and more!
Enjoy The Pace Of Summer
Sit back and relax or go forth and seek adventure, that is the beauty of summer. It's all a possibility, all within your grasp, all it takes is an inspiration. As adults, we typically don't have the same freedoms we had as we experienced summertime as a child, but for a few brief weeks in the middle of the year, we are reminded that adventure is out there and our kids are often the reminder of that. Davis has so much to offer for adults and children. You could make plans for every day of summer and still have a list of things you'd wished you had done. Just remember that, in between the activities, in between trips to the park, the cookouts, the camp sessions, the moments where nothing is happening is when summer is at its best. Those quiet moments are where you have the time to reflect and revel in the memories you’re making together. Enjoy the extra time you have with your kids in Davis this summer and enjoy a memorable getaway because it truly is the best time of year. Here’s to making it a summer to remember!