Day-Date

* Zoo *
In So Cal we have tons of options for Zoo's and if you are in San Diego you have the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. I believe they both offers free admission for military plus guests.

* Aquarium *
There are so many aquariums and talk about a fun easy and relaxing day trip! If you are in San Diego Sea World is of course the biggest and best and offers one free day to military families.

* Rock Climbing
 *
Give your gym’s indoor climbing wall a try. Freaked out? Lightweight yet sturdy climbing equipment makes the experience easier than you think. As you gain confidence, you can graduate to scaling the great outdoors…I do not know where or how much a local climbing gym is, though there is a fun park in San Diego that has a rope jungle. Check my Daily Deals for discounted offers!

* Bon Fire at the Beach *
If you are fortunate and blessed to be near the beach, with summer around the corner, this is one of my favorite past times! Many of the bases have fire pits available but require reservations and a lot of the local beaches require permits but they are obtainable.
Blanket or Towel
Drinks: $5
Graham Crackers: $3
Chocolate: $2
Marshmallows: $2
Roasting Stick aka Wire Hanger
Hot Dogs: $3
Buns: $2
Total: $17

* People-Watching *
Pick a beautiful day to chill at the park and take in the beauty (and oddities) of nature.
2 Lattes: $7
2 Croissants: $4
Bench: FREE
Total: $11

* Picnic in the Park*
Pack a picnic basket: blanket, bottle of wine, cheese, fruit, etc; but be warned, make sure it's an inexpensive bottle of wine and cheap cheese otherwise it can get pricey fast.
Cheese: $5
Fruit: $6
Wine: $10
Picnic Backpack
Total: $21

* Dog Park *
While Penelope prefers the couch to being active, she loves to play with other pups! Grab your honey, your puppy and a couple of cups of coffee from home and enjoy the canine version of people watching. With some breeds, like my silly Bulldog, owners have "meet-ups" which can be even more fun. Best of all, its all FREE!
2 Reusable Mugs
1 Canine companion
Total: FREE

* Hiking *
Pack your hiking boots or a comfortable pair of sneakers!
2 Bottles of water $5
2 Sandwiches: $10
Total: $15

* Geocaching
 *
Geocaching is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place a geocache anywhere in the world (think: the middle of the forest or top of the Empire State Building) and pinpoint its location using GPS technology, and then share the geocache's location online. All you need to get started are a GPS device and the whereabouts of a “treasure” listed on the website.

* Tourists for a Day
 *
Every town or city has a unique history, so find out yours by taking a walking tour of local sites with historical significance. Make like a tourist and see all of the local attractions, from the historical to the kitschy, your town has to offer. Been there, done that? Head to an ethnic neighborhood (or even a local Chinese restaurant) and experience the cuisines and cultures in your own backyard.

* Take a Stay-cation *
You don't even have to leave the city limits, visit the Japanese Tea Garden and pack a lunch or any of the historic districts in San Juan Capistrano, San Diego, Orange, etc. You'll get to experience a little bit of another country right inside So Cal.

* Farmers’ Market *
Grab your reusable grocery bag, and head over to your local farmers’ market, a nice walk around, supporting the local growers, fresh organic (more organic than the grocery store) fruits/vegetables and often beautiful flower bouquets!

* Street or County Fair *
Whether it’s a pie bake-off on a farm or a falafel stand in the city, fairs are great places to sample and soak up the local flavor. Military usually gets in cheap and who can say no to funnel cake!

* Pottery Painting *
Okay, you won’t exactly be able to reenact the scene from Ghost at a pottery shop, but you’ll be able to paint funky coffee mugs!