Places to Play Archives

Two In Tow & On The Go_Morro Bay with kids

Posted in Adventures, Attractions, Morro Bay, Places to Play, Travel

The Morro Bay Embarcadero with Kids

Exploring the Morro Bay Embarcadero with kids is one of our hands-down favorite adventures. So much so, I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to write about it. This day includes rides, treats, pretty views, TAFFY and a chance to feed some awesome seals.

This adventure takes you to the lovely sea fishing town of Morro Bay, California. It’s famous for the iconic Morro Rock, one of SLO County’s “Nine Sisters” of volcanic peaks stretching along Highway 1. Morro Rock is the only one of the peaks sitting in the water. Elsewhere, the city is made up of a small but vibrant downtown, homes, beach life and a bustling harbor. Along that harbor, you’ll find The Embarcadero.

Posted in Adventures, Attractions, Avila Beach, Collabs, Places to Play

Review: Kid’s Birthday Party at Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Beach

Both of our kids have December birthdays, three days apart, less than two weeks from Christmas. Needless to say, our holiday season is a liiittle much. But a ton of that stress was alleviated when the kids turned 2 and 4 because we chose a destination birthday at Central Coast Aquarium In Avila Beach. And this is one venue that your guests will LOVE.

Jack Creek Farms Review from Two In Tow & On The GoJack Creek Farms Review from Two In Tow & On The Go

Posted in Adventures, Attractions, Places to Play, Templeton

SLO County Pumpkin Patches – Jack Creek Farms in Templeton

Next up in our series of pumpkin patches is the truly wonderful Jack Creek Farms in Templeton, California. It’s open year-round and they’ve put a lot of time and effort into making their farm kid-friendly, including fenced-in play areas and a thoughtful layout that includes a large picnic table spot.

Avila valley barn Fun at the pumpkin patch

Posted in Adventures, Avila Beach, Places to Play

SLO County Pumpkin Patches: Getting Lost in the Hay Maze & More Fun at Avila Valley Barn in SLO

I feel like Avila Valley Barn is the go-to staple for pumpkin patchin’ it in SLO County. It also has one heck of a pie stand. Overall, it has hay rides, farm animals to feed, two mazes, roasted corn, photo ops and ice cream all on a family-friendly farm.

Posted in Adventures, Parks & Playgrounds, Paso Robles, Places to Play, Travel

7 Things to do With Kids in Downtown Paso Robles, California

I could do oh-so-many posts about how to have fun with kids in Downtown Paso Robles, since this is our…

Here is a photo of Come Play indoor playground at Life Community Church in Paso Robles California, as blogged about in Two In Tow & On The Go.

Posted in Adventures, Attractions, Indoor Places, Paso Robles, Places to Play

Come Play Indoor Playground at Life Community Church, Paso Robles

2021 Update: The playplace links are all broken so I removed them. I suspect this means it closed to the…

Posted in Adventures, Attractions, Avila Beach, Places to Play

Baby Goats at Avila Valley Barn, San Luis Obispo

Avila Valley Barn is a magical place where children are entertained by adorable farm animals and tractor rides – and there’s even homemade pie for you. But I’ll do a whole Avila Barn post later. For right now, you’ve got to get your butts over there to see the baby goats. Like, itsy bitsy teeny tiny newborn ones. And they’re reeeally adorable.

Posted in Adventures, Atascadero, Attractions, Indoor Places, Places to Play

Woods Humane Society, North County Campus

In September, we visited Woods Humane Society, North County Campus (formerly the North County Humane Society), in Atascadero. The cat adoption center’s staff encourages people to come pet the cats and kittens. They say it helps socialize the animals, which makes them more adoptable. That means this adventure lets you entertain your child while earning good karma points at the same time. Bonus.

About Me

Hey! I’m Tonya Strickland, a longtime journalist, former travel ambassador and local mom-of-two.

But more, I’m that friend you talk kid stuff with!!

On this blog, you’ll find pictures, tips, and stories about places to take kids in and around Gig Harbor, Washington. We also venture out to Tacoma, Fox Island, Point Ruston and more (plus some vacation-worthy bonus content from when we lived in California).

I love scouting out “secret” and lesser-known destinations, as well as hitting up the must-see spots that should be on every family's bucket lists.

I was a newspaper reporter for years and years, but now I'm stepping out from above the fold and doing my own thing as a writer. Readers know me for my storytelling, random fun facts, and love of history!

Writing makes me happy, and I’ve been involved in newspapers one way or another since high school.

I currently live in Gig Harbor with my husband Bowen; and our two young kids, Clara and Wyatt. Bowen isn’t on the blog all that often because we adventure on the days he’s working, but his dry humor is a fan favorite over on our Instagram stories lol.

Anywhoo, I hope our posts help you discover some cool hidden gems for your fam! Because, as I like to say around here, sometimes you just need to get out of the house!