Tried & True: Great Date Spots For You And Your Child

What starts as a simple venture to have a family can escape quickly as days turn to years. Hours once spent gazing at your newborn’s eyes are replaced with loads of laundry and rushing to soccer practice. Raising two, three or more kids adds a new challenge as each child needs one-on-one time with you. Here are some fun-and-food combos for nurturing healthy relationships with your kids—one at a time.

Want to know the best spots around for some meaningful bonding time? These locations are perfect for the two of you to relax, have fun conversations, and create that lasting memory.

Schubert’s & Bowling

Here’s a fun combo that can’t be missed. Kids are to bowling like moths are to a flame. They love the game and especially enjoy watching their parents play. Let yourself be silly. Bowling is not a glamorous sport, so enjoy it. Here’s a tip: If your child is young, splurge for the bumpers. This means no balls stuck in the gutter, and more play time. Nothing beats a night of bowling except topping it with ice cream. Sharing a “brown cow” from Schubert’s is next to heaven, and one of the most popular items on their menu. The Schuberts have owned their ice cream shop in Butte County since 1938, making this a five-generation family store. Take a peek here: shuberts.com .

Gateway Science Museum & Lovely Layers

For parents with kids who love science, take them to the Gateway Science Museum (csuchico.edu/gateway/). Located in Butte county and affiliated with Chico State University, this museum is all about providing young minds with a place to learn and grow. Check out their current exhibit, “Brain: The World Inside Your Head.” Questions and curiosities are bound to evolve while learning together. End the afternoon with a trip to Lovely Layers for a decadent cupcake. This place is known for its diverse flavors, and you can download the monthly cupcake menu atlovelylayerscakery.com .

Bikes & Markets

Take a bike ride in beautiful Bidwell Park with a stop to the Saturday Farmers Market for some fun treats. Kids go crazy for honey sticks, in-season fruit and jerky sticks. Load up, and ride on. A long bike ride can be helpful when you have a child who struggles to open up. Try asking them if they want to pick the path, or if there are any places they would like to stop. Allowing your children to feel valued can really add to that special bond. Families with multiple siblings especially need to remember how important it is to spend quality time with each child.

For local farmers market locations, check out NSP’s Going Places Family Calendar section at northstateparent.com/calendar/ .

Wheelhouse & Trains

Siskiyou County holds some special places bound to bring about a great Sunday morning. Bundle up in your comfy clothes and tennis shoes. Go out just as the sun is rising and tell your little one it’s only you two this morning. Slide into a booth at The Wheelhouse and order their delicious pancakes. While waiting for food, play one of the available board games. The walls are filled with the biggest variety of board games you’ve ever seen outside of a toy store. After breakfast, take a stroll down the road to see the railroad tracks. There is a little bridge you can walk across and breathe in the scenery. Kids love seeing the river and looking around the town of Dunsmuir. Sunshine and pancakes can be exactly what you and your child need to hit the refresh button. More details at thewheelhousedunsmuir.com.

Meme’s On Main & Huckleberry’s & Co.

These downtown treasures in Red Bluff make for a fun shopping day with your child. Watch to see what she thinks is nice or if she tends to lean toward specific colors or styles. Maybe a decoration or trinket would make a fun bit of memorabilia to take home. While at Meme’s On Main (memesonmain.com) try a local pastry and sweets. Huckleberry’s & Co. (huckleberrysandco.com) features all kinds of home design and seasonal décor. While shopping is just plain fun, it can also be a way to really get to know your child in a way you haven’t seen yet.

Take a chance. Invite your child to go on an adventure. Put your phone away so you can really connect. Show them how much they mean to you. Saying “I love you” every day doesn’t speak as loudly as quality time.