San Diego is known for many things, famous beaches, the San Diego Zoo, but growing up in America's eighth largest city also has its share of cultural advantages. Thais Jungblut's seven-year-old son Sebastian attends Barnard Elementary School, a Chinese immersion school in Pacific Beach. She says San Diego has an array of cultural activities for kids especially in Balboa Park. "Some of my favorite places for cultural activities, The Fleet Science Center, Museum of Man, and the NAT those are just a few of the 17 museums found in the park." Tom Cessarini Founded The Convivio Italian Heritage Society in Little Italy. The Covivio offers many events and classes including Italian language classes for children. Cessarini states, "Many resources exist in our community through events and programs with a number of cultural and community groups. Patronize these groups. Attend their events. Donate to their causes. With local libraries and the internet, the world is certainly our oyster."
San Diego parents flock to Free Museum Tuesdays, own annual Zoo passes, hit the local festivals, and check event listings, but the best tips come from talking to other parents. "Did you hear about the Ballet Scholarship for Boys at the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet?" "The Children's Museum Downtown has $3 dollar admission the second Sunday of each month." Those tips are priceless, and are opportunities to expose your child to enrichment classes that are worth their weight in gold.
Joey Landwehr is the Artistic Director for JCompany Youth Theatre in San Diego. He was once nominated for a Tony award! I feel like a proud mother saying that, but a Broadway Artistic Director is teaching theatre to children right here in San Diego. What a find! According to Landwehr, "There is so much young talent in San Diego, and it always seems to find its way to JCompany. I am grateful every day that I have the great opportunity to work with such amazing young people across America's Finest City." JCompany Youth Theatre at the Jewish Community Center has been teaching drama to kids for twenty-five years. Landwehr says JCompany has an inclusive approach, "We have young people from all different areas of San Diego, all different walks of life, all different races, creeds, colors, nationalities and orientations a part of our company. My Tony nomination means the world to me, but I believe it is the exciting programming, diverse teachings, the incredible shows and nurturing family atmosphere that brings young people to JCompany Youth Theatre."
Anatola Pabst grew up in New York's East and West Village where she studied theatre at Rosie's Theatre Kids, a non-profit arts education program started by actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell. She attended LaGuardia Performing Arts High School, but an invitation to a fellow high school students art show for teens at the Museum of Modern Art turned out to be a game changer. After attending the show, Anatola took classes at The Museum of Modern Art and joined MoMA Teens. "I became part of a diverse, socially conscious and talented group of young artists and thought leaders. As a young black woman with artistic leanings, MoMA teens gave me a home in the art world where I felt seen and understood." Later she joined a committee at MoMa The Cross Museum Collective, and eventually landed a paid position on MoMa's Digital Advistory Board. Her accomplishments continue to date, Anatola is one of the featured artists' in MoMa's Photography Exhibit "Being New Photography 2018" which has been critically acclaimed. Anatola was even interviewed by The Wall Street Journal about her art work.
So the next time your feel guilt, or angst about raising your brood in a 1,000 square foot apartment, think of the advantages your child has by being in the loop. Sure there are plenty of extracurricular classes in the suburbs,and they have backyards there, but living in a metropolis affords your children accessibility to cultural enrichment. There is a fervent energy that runs through the veins of a city where art, music, and dance are lifelines of expression. A place where we connect despite our differences and celebrate what makes us unique. San Diego may be America's eighth largest city, but it is a kid friendly city with no shortage of culturally rich programs that are often free, or low cost a world awaits.
Check These Free Programs Out at San Diego Public Libraries
French Storytime The First Saturday of Each Month at 2 pm 4/7, 5/5 The La Jolla Library 7555 Draper Ave. La Jolla
Spanish Song and Story Wednesdays 11:30 am-12:30 pm 4/7 The Coronado Library 1825 Strand Way Coronado
Art Class for Kids Saturday 10:00 am 4/14 La Jolla Library 7555 Draper Ave. La Jolla
