It’s summer! With these local fishing spots, your kids will fall hook, line, and sinker for this easygoing past time that doesn’t break the bank or require tons of planning. For the price of a fishing license (available online) and the time it takes to get there, you’re guaranteed to catch a whopper of a memory or two. Keep reading to find out where to go and don’t forget your fishing pole and tackle box. Not sure you’re ready to cast a line? Check out our guide to Atlanta-area recreational lakes—perfect for dipping your toes— here.
The Dugout
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The Dugout is a bait and tackle shop with a pay-to-fish lake, and it has a devoted following of beginner and advanced fishermen for its product selection, customer service, and friendly employees. No matter how great or small your fishing needs are, this fishing hole comes full-service and is a solid bet.
Lake Lanier has 45 waterfront parks, and some are only 45 minutes from the heart of Atlanta. We like Big Creek Park for its shady picnic area, public restroom, green space, and proximity to the water that doesn't require a hike down to water level.
Big Creek Park 4000 Big Creek Rd. Buford, Ga Online: lakelanier.com
Acworth Beach/ Cauble Park
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Acworth Beach is a busy place in the summer. The beach and other facilities—including restrooms, a playground, and picnic facilities—in Cauble Park attract plenty of visitors, and the nearby fishing dock in the park provides access to the lake's channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, carp and bullheads.
4425 Beach St NW Acworth, GA 30101 770-917-1234 Online: allatoonalake.org
While we’ve all been there for the incredible playground, try packing the fishing poles the next time you go and hitting the fishing platform just below dam. Be sure to take your hats since this area is in direct sunlight, but the cool old hydroelectric dam will wow the kiddos if the fishing doesn’t.
Morgan Falls Overlook Park 200 Morgan Falls Rd. Sandy Springs, Ga 770-730-5600 Online: sandysprings.gov
This man-made lake is stocked with bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish, and has plenty of good, shady shoreline fishing options for novice fishermen with short attention spans. With trails, athletic fields, tennis courts, a public pool, and tennis courts nearby, your fishermen won’t have to leave with a fish to leave happy.
Murphy Candler Park 1551 West Nancy Creek Dr. Brookhaven, Ga Online: murphycandlerpark.org
Head to Azalea Park in Roswell for its easy shore fishing from the Chattahoochee River, covered picnic areas, and nearby playground, just in case the fish aren’t biting. However, since the Department of Natural Resources stocks the stretch of the ‘Hooch between Buford Dam and Azalea Drive with 150,000 catchable trout each year, you’ve got as good a shot as anyone to land a big one.
Azalea Park 203 Azalea Dr. Roswell, Ga Online: roswellgov.com
Hook, line and sinker! Teach a kid to fish and they’ll learn all about patience and what it’s like to wait…and wait! These nearby lakes and piers are great places to fish (or kayak!) plus many park districts offer classes to get kids hooked (ha!). Grab your pole for an adventure out in the sun and get ready to bring home a tasty dinner!
San Francisco
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Lake Merced The only lake fishing in San Francisco can be found at here, at both North and South Lake. Stocked with catchable trout year round, this is a great spot to let the kiddos try newly acquired skills. The lake is super close to the SF Zoo too, so listen carefully to hear the lions roar at feeding time! Fishing is allowed at any of the docks along the perimeter but shoreline fishing is not allowed.
Skyline Boulevard and Harding Rd. San Francisco, CA
Municipal Pier One of the most popular of the piers dotting the edge of San Francisco and home to amazing amount of sea life. Crabs, sharks, stingrays, perch, salmon and halibut are only a few of the creatures that might end up on the end of the pole. Fishermen mingle with joggers and tourists, as it’s location is only three blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square. No fishing license is required!
Van Ness and McDowell Ave. San Francisco, CA
Golden Gate Park Anglers Club and Casting Pond Want to practice your fly fishing techniques? On the second Saturday of every month, the Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club offers classes for all levels at the casting pools in Golden Gate Park. The club has equipment to loan out for these lessons but arrive early to take advantage of that. Pre-registration is required and check the calendar before you go in case other events have moved the date.
The ponds are located within Golden Gate Park and this address will get you closest: 1232 John F. Kennedy Dr. Look for signs to the Angler's Lodge. San Francisco, CA
East Bay
California Parks Company
Lake Chabot This beautiful reservoir is a perfect spot for kids to experience fishing for the first time. From fly-fishing to renting a canoe and heading for the middle of the water, the lake is well stocked with trout and catfish. The Lake Chabot Marina Cafe sells bait and tackle as well as fishing licenses (required for those 16 and older). Although there are fish cleaning tables nestled around the lakeshore, catch-and-release angling is encouraged.
Lake Chabot Rd. Castro Valley, CA
Shadow Cliffs Lake A small lake in Pleasanton, this is a great place to fish for trout and catfish. Kids can try their hands on the shore or the piers but get in early! A hidden gem of a fishing spot, the good spots can be taken right away. As it’s not a reservoir but a deep lake created for the sole purpose of fishing and recreation, the water levels stay high year-round. Look for trout up to 10 pounds, catfish, bass and bluegill. A park district daily access pass is required to fish.
Insider Tip: Fishing derbies are held annually and the swimming beach has a bathhouse and refreshment stand!
Pacifica Pier Most expert pier fishing folk would call this the best pier for fishing in all of California. Salmon, sanddabs, flounder, Dungeness crab and other saltwater fish can be lured in. Warm drinks and snacks can be bought at the Chit Chat Cafe. Be sure to check the state rules on number of catches!
Insider Tip: The Pacifica Pier is also an excellent place for bird and whale watching, for those wanting to take a break from fishing.
2100 Beach Blvd. Pacifica, CA
Coyote Point Recreation Area Home to San Mateo’s biggest waterside play space, Coyote Point offers you and your little fisherman a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the salty breeze as you cast off in to the Bay. The plus side to fishing at Coyote Point? Even if you come up short for the day, you can always hit the playground, take a swim in the bay or visit the CuriOdyssey museum.
1701 Coyote Pointe Dr. San Mateo, CA
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Pillar Point Harbor Pillar Point is home to the best commercial and sport fishing in the region. There are several sport fishing charters operating at Johnson Pier and salmon season normally runs into September. You can buy fresh bait and fishing tackle right there.
Insider tip: If your family has no luck you don't need to go back home empty handed. Purchase fresh fish from commercial fishermen that sell their catch of the day right off their boats.
1 Johnson Pier Half Moon Bay, CA
Oyster Point Pier This pier in South San Francisco is a favorite of shark anglers. Striped bass and sturgeon are also common catches. Check the tides before your visit as high tide is the prime fishing time from the pier. The bait and tackle shop has closed so come prepared with your own equipment.
Coyote Lake is one of the most popular fishing lakes in the South Bay due to its superb water quality. The lake, just east of Gilroy, is open to shoreline fishing or you can launch your boat there. Coyote Lake has a “world-class” population of black bass, as well as rainbow trout, bluegill, black crappie and Eurasian carp. Unfortunately, no swimming is allowed here.
Insider tip: Visitors who wish to stay overnight can make reservations online for the park’s Lakeview Campground.
10840 Coyote Lake Rd. Gilroy, CA
Loch Lomond Located in Felton, Loch Lomond Reservoir offers boat rentals, fishing, hiking and plenty of picnicking spots (but no swimming). Get your fishing license on site (kids don't need them) and cast away to try and hook your own bass, trout or catfish to take home.
Insider tip: It's $8/car to enter.
100 Loch Lomond Way Felton, CA
Santa Cruz Wharf Head to the end of the wharf for a day of pier fishing. There are cleaning tables dotted along the way and public restrooms as well. If you don't catch the big one, you can buy some fresh fish from vendors on the wharf and call it a successful day.
21 Municipal Wharf Santa Cruz, CA
Marin County
Kate Loweth
Horseshoe Cove at Cavallo Point This spot at Cavallo Point offers rocky spots and a pier for fishing. But best of all, you'll have some pretty epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge if the fog stays away. Park near the Bay Area Discovery Museum and plan to spend the day there. Watch out for frolicking sea lions!
Sausalio, CA
Bon Tempe Reservoir This 140-acre lake is located at the base of Mt. Tamalpais, a quick three miles outside of Fairfax. Warm water swimmers such as bass, bluegill, catfish and rainbow trout can be caught seven days a week. With easy parking and trailheads flat enough for little ones, this reservoir is ideal for a day trip.
Insider Tip: This is a reservoir so leave swimsuits at home; no swimming allowed.
Sky Oaks Road Fairfax, CA
McNears Pier Located inside the 55-acre San Rafael park along the San Pablo Bay, this extremely popular pier is often packed with would-be fishfinders hoping to catch a mix of swimmers such as sturgeon, striped bass, perch, bat ray, halibut and crab. One of the best parts about this pier is it’s location, though. McNears also offers swimming, volleyball, tennis and BBQ spots. Have your kiddos try their hand at the pole and maybe they’ll be able to dine on their prize after a day-long adventure!
Insider Tip: Check the tide report before heading to McNears, it plays a huge role in whether or not your kiddo will be able to bring in a haul.
201 Cantera Way San Rafael, CA
Farther Afield
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Hagemann Ranch Trout Farm This trout farm near Bodega Bay supplies everything you need for a fun day of fishing. Bring your own bait and tackle or use what's available on-site. Enjoy a picnic or grill up your catch on one of the grills on the property. Snacks, candy and drinks are available for sale if the natives get restless. No license is needed for adults and kids.
18797 Highway 1 Bodega Bay, CA
Lake Camanche The Sierra foothills are home to this lake that is best known for its bass and trout fishing. You can rent a boat on-site for the day or bring your own. A fishing license for those 16 and up can be purchased at the marinas. Stay the weekend by reserving a camping spot or glamping it up at one of the cottages and vacation rentals at the lake.
Insider tip: Kids will enjoy the large trout pond at South Shore.
North Shore: 2000 Camanche Road, Ione, CA South Shore: 11700 Wade Lane, Valley Springs, CA
Kate Loweth
Lake Siskiyou Resort You'll feel like you are back in your summer camp days when you visit Lake Siskiyou Resort. Stop by for a day by the lake where you can find miles of shores for casting. Head down to the Bait & Brew shop to get outfitted for a day of fishing. They have gear, snacks and event boats to rent.
4239 W. A Barr Rd. Mt. Shasta City, CA
Lake Amador Resort Just two hours from the Bay Area, this resort offers day passes for fishing as well as camping spots if you want to stay overnight. The 400-acre lake is stocked with trout just ready to be your dinner. Bring your own boat, rent one from the clubhouse or fish from the lakeside.
Insider tip: Bring your swimsuit to enjoy the swim pond and water slide.
Spring is here and the fish are jumping. Now is the perfect time time for your kids to experience their first catch! If you are looking for the perfect way to get your family out of the house and into nature, heading to a nearby fishing hole is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours or an entire day. There are spots in the city limits and spots a short drive away, depending on how much time you have to try to catch supper. If you aren’t sure where to drop your line, or just just need somewhere new to explore, read on for some of our favorite spots.
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Haldeman Pond
A small 2-acre pond that makes a great spot for kids to fish. It’s got good bank access with plenty of spots for little ones to try their lines. Hidden away in the middle of Sauvie Island makes the pond feel much further away than it actually is, giving you the illusion that you’ve truly escaped the city. It’s stocked around mid-spring, and can be fished all summer long. A parking permit is required for Sauvie Island.
Featured Fish: trout, crappie, bass, catfish. Location: 17 miles from Portland, off Oak Island Rd on Sauvie Island Online:mapcarta.com
Henry Hagg Lake
This sprawling lake outside Gaston, Oregon has plenty of room to stretch out! Try your luck at the fishing pier or from any bank, or jump in a boat and explore the deeper waters. Experts recommend fishing the “arms” of the lake either from a boat or the bank for the best chance to catch something. When the kids tire, they’ll find picnic grounds, restrooms, and the chance to swim, too.
Featured Fish: trout, bass, crappie, perch Location: 34 miles from Portland, past Forest Grove Online:recreation.gov
Commonwealth Lake
Within Beaverton City limits, this stocked lake offers kids a great chance to practice close to home. A flat paved trail circles the lake, and an ADA fishing platforms makes a perfect spot to cast on. You’ll also find a playground, a picnic area, and restrooms. License required.
Featured fish: trout, bass, bluegill, and crappie Location: 8 miles from Portland, off Highway 26 in Beaverton Online:thprd.org
Blue Lake Park
Stocked with a variety of species, this lake offers bank fishing or an ADA accessible dock along with beautiful views. Rent a boat to get out on the water, and when the kids are done fishing they can cool off in the swim area or the splash pad.
Featured Fish: trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, sunfish Location: 14 miles from Portland, off NE Marine Dr. Online: oregonmetro.gov
Canby Pond
Another spot reserved just for young anglers, Canby Pond is open to fishers 17 years old and younger, as well as those who have a Disabled Hunting and Fishing Permit. The pond is stocked and is popular in summer, though fishing is available year-round. Check online for a rotating schedule of events aimed at family fun.
Featured Fish: trout, largemough bass, crappie, bluegill Location: 25 miles from Portland, Off Highway 99E in Canby Online: bestfishinginamerica.com
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Barton Park
A prime spot for fishing on the Clackamas River, this park offers good bank access and a boat ramp. Camping spots are available for an all-weekend excursion, and there are a few hiking trails to explore. The easy waters here make a great introduction to river fishing for beginners, and the gorgeous scenery doesn’t hurt, either!
Featured Fish: salmon, steelhead, fin-clipped trout Location: 26 miles from Portland. Off Highway 224 in Clackamas Online:clackamas.us/parks/barton
Bethany Pond
An easy to reach lake in Beaverton, this makes a great quick stop when you don’t have the whole day. The small pond is stocked with trout, bass, and more with warmwater species added year-round. While it won’t trick you into thinking you’re in the wilderness, it’s a sweet little spot that makes an easy trip for the little ones.
Featured Fish: trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and bullhead Location: 12 miles from Portland, off Highway 26 in Beaverton Online:thprd.org
Rainbow Trout Farm
This beautiful location east of Sandy covers 30 acres and includes 10 fishing ponds. Everything is there to make it the easiest start for any beginner: poles, tackle, and tips. Afterward, you can clean it yourself at their facilities, or have them do it for you and put it on ice. No extra charge! The best part for beginners is that it’s practically impossible to *not* catch a fish at these ponds, so everyone will leave feeling great.
Ponds are dotted between meadows, trees, picnic grounds, and are wheelchair accessible. All stocked with rainbow trout-- no license required.
Featured Fish: Rainbow Trout Location: 52560 E. Sylvan Dr, Sandy, OR Online:rainbowtroutfarm.com
Commonwealth Lake Park
Nestled in the Cedar Hills neighborhood, between Walker Rd. and Hwy 26, 20-acre Commonwealth Lake Park surrounds man-made Commonwealth Lake. This stocked lake in neighborhood park great for kids who want to experience their first, second or 50th catch. . Fishing platform that is ADA accessible. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake with trout, so your kids are likely to have a successful experience.
Featured Fish: Trout Location: SW Foothill and SW Huntington Online: thprd.org
Starved Rock State Park is a popular spot for campers and anglers, and it’s no surprise why. The Illinois River has some of the best fishing opportunities and the park’s beautiful setting and proximity to Chicago make it an attractive destination for daytrippers—or a quick weekend away. In recent years, however, Starved Rock’s visitor numbers have surged. When the park reaches capacity, traffic can back up for miles, leaving adventure-seekers stuck in their cars instead of casting a line or taking in the scenery. Read on for equally dazzling places to enjoy nature without getting stuck in gridlock traffic.
Located just 90 minutes from Chicago, Lowden State Park has 80 campsites with access to electricity and a shower building. There are another 46 primitive campsites, for a more rustic experience, in a separate campground. This park sits right on the Rock River, which has an average depth of about 3 feet at the height of summer. Rent a canoe or kayak from local outfitter White Pelican if you don't own your own boat, but there are docks located along the riverbank where the public can cast a line. Check out the dock by Margaret Fuller Island for a great view.
The Hennepin Canal is an ideal spot for families willing to trade amenities for solitude. The Hennepin Canal includes nine campgrounds, 150 miles of trails and some of the most abundant stocks of fish you’ll find in Illinois. All campsites are first-come-first-served, have no showers or running water, but toilets are available at each campground. Fishing on the canal is allowed 24 hours a day and trawlers should have no trouble pulling out bass, catfish, walleye, crappie and bluegill. Visitors who prefer to cast a line from their boat will find 29 miles of portage-free canoeing along the feeder canal from Rock Falls.
Spring Lake Park outside Macomb has an impeccably maintained campground, with great amenities, and 6 miles of shoreline to cast from. Spring Lake is stocked with blue catfish, muskellunge, bass, bluegill and crappie. Campers have 102 campsites to choose from, with space for either tents, RVs, or cabins. An on-site bait shop rents pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats, and fishing poles. Within the park itself, there are over 12 miles of biking and hiking trails, so you’ll have plenty to do if the fish just aren’t biting.
Located about 60 miles north of Chicago, Chain o' Lakes State Park is great for families looking for a variety of activities. Camping is abundant, with 151 sites and three cabins. A concession stand rents boats and sells bait. Anglers will find bluegill, bass, walleye, crappie, muskie, northern pike, bullhead, and catfish. This park lives up to its name, with three lakes and the Fox River within the park itself. That means the shorelines get marshy and most fishing is done from either on a boat or designated fishing piers. Other activities at Chain o’ Lakes include hose rentals, hunting, and over 10 miles of hiking trails. There is even an accessible picnic area with a quarter-mile hiking trail, that will accommodate anyone with mobility concerns.
Nauvoo State Park is a stunning and peaceful place. This park is small, just 148 acres on the banks of the Mississippi River. It includes a 13-acre lake with one mile of shoreline, stocked with bass, catfish and bluegill. There are no boat docks or rentals, so be prepared to cast from the shoreline or use the primitive boat launch. Campers will find 105 camping spaces, a few short hiking paths and a playground area. Visit the in-park museum to learn about the town’s history as a stop for French explorers and as a settlement for early Mormons.
— Lindsay Welbers
Lindsay Welbers is the author of “Chicago Transit Hikes: A guide to getting out in nature without a car.” She lives on the Northwest side of Chicago and writes the ultralight camping blog “Third Coast Hikes” which encourages Chicagoans to explore their backyards, especially the corners they may not have considered before.
There’s nothing that teaches patience more than a day of fishing. These lakes and creeks near Akron, Ohio are perfect spots to take the kids fishing. If you are lucky, you might just catch that trophy-sized Walleye that you can brag about for the rest of the year. Keep reading to find out where to go and don’t forget your fishing pole and tackle box.
Anglers ages 15 and under can fish at Little Turtle Pond (parents may help only). Will you luck out and catch Black Crappie, Channel Catfish or Rainbow Trout? Or, head to Tuscarawas River to try your luck there.
This chain of five lakes is a favorite for fishing all year round as ice fishing happens when the lakes freeze over. They total 1681 acres of fishing waters with 37.84 miles of shoreline. Several boat launches are located around the lake. You can expect to find Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Crappie and more. There are lots of bait and tackle shops nearby if you need to gear up before you head out.
Springfield Lake is located in Summit County, Ohio. This lake is 289 acres in size and is approximately 28 feet deep at its deepest point. When fishing, anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Walleye. There's plenty of shoreline for fishing, a playground and a walking trail.
Completed in 1939, Mogadore Reservoir is formed from the damming of the Little Cuyahoga River. You can typically rent boats at the marina from April through Labor Day. Bait can also be purchased here. Bluegill, Sunfish and other varieties of fish are regularly caught here.
Located in Mosquito Lake State Park, this lake is popular for Walleye fishing. There are two boat rental facilities on the lake as well as three public boat ramps. A wheelchair accessible fishing dock is located in the Lakeside Picnic Area.
This Akron-area reservoir is a go-to spot for fishermen looking to catch bream, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish. Keep an eye out for osprey nesting in the area. Kids will also love visiting the Summit Lake Nature Center.
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, there are still closures and last minute cancellations due to Covid-19. Some of the destinations below are now open to the public. We highly recommend that you call ahead or check a park or destination’s website before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town.Stay safe!
A scenic drive to pick up grub is nice, but an afternoon catching your own dinner is even better. Fishing for food is still allowed in the state of VD and MD, so grab your poles and the kids and enjoy an afternoon outdoors. We soused out the best family-friendly places to reel in a meal. Read on for where to cast off for the best fishing in DC.
Sandy Point State Park
If you want to dig your toes in the sand, head to this beach tucked under the Bay Bridge. The beach is currently closed to recreational visitors, but if you fish, you’re in luck! You can launch a boat from this beach for a day of fishing or crabbing (you must pay for a fishing license in MD if you are over the age of 16). If you don’t have a fishing license, you can rent a commercial charter that handles all of your needs, from licensing to rods and gear.
Pine Lake
The path around Pine Lake offers an easy hike for little legs. It’s a great place to introduce kids 4 & up to fishing. The pond is stocked with trout and bass; you can also find sunfish, a tiny fish perfect for pint-sized anglers. There are also plenty of turtles and frogs to keep little ones amused while you reel in dinner. Your little one can cast off for free, but those 16 & up must obtain an MD fishing license. If you fish the first two Saturdays in June or July, you don’t need a license.
Clopper Lake
This reservoir deserves a “Best Kept Secrets” award. Often overlooked by fishermen, fish here are known to be good biters (they haven’t learned to steer clear of lures). You’ll find bass along with catfish and northern pike. Beginners have a pretty good chance they’ll leave with a fish, but even the empty handed will enjoy the view. Clopper Lake is a part of Seneca Creek State Park; MD fishing licensing rules and regulations apply.
Seneca Creek State Park
11950 Clopper Road
Gaithersburg, MD
Online: maryland.gov/seneca
Lake Centennial
There is a lot to love about this fishing spot, located in Centennial Park in Elliott City. For starters, you don’t have to fish on the shoreline (although you can); boats are available to rent so you and your little ones can find the perfect spot on the water. You can also bring your own boat (the boat launch is free to use, but you must have a boating permit which can be bought on-site for $5). You’ll find everything from panfish and catfish to rainbow trout and tiger muskies in this body of water. Most of the fish are small here, which makes them safer to handle for the youngest of anglers. This community park also features four playgrounds on site. Some fish are catch-and-release, some are not; for Maryland’s fishing regulations and licensing requirements here.
Centennial Park
1000 Maryland Route 108
Ellicott City, MD
Online: dnr.maryland.gov
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Fishing the waters in and around Dyke Marsh offers an opportunity to get up close to the area’s wildlife. You may see eagles and beavers when you set your line in these waters. Head to Belle Haven Marina (off the GW Parkway) to rent a boat. Jon boats seat 2-people; perfect for a parent-child excursion. You must have a VA fishing license (unless you are under the age of 16). Those looking to stretch their sea legs after fishing will enjoy the boardwalks that cover the marshland.
Belle Haven Marina
GW Parkway
Alexandria, VA
Online: saildc.com
Olde Izaak Walton Park
This pond on the edge of Leesburg, VA boasts a fishing pier but the real fun is stomping over brambles and shrubs to find the perfect spot along the water’s edge. Catching fish here is hit-or-miss, but it makes the list for it’s ample room to socially distance and it’s shallow waters (perfect for little anglers).
Unfortunately, no, this is not a hack on flying without wings. This tutorial is more of a fun guide on letting your imagination take flight for American Eagle Day. So get your arms ready! Here’s how to act like the king of the skies for a day.
1. Eagles are known for their alert features, from their sharp eyes to the perfect body. It’s important to get a good night’s sleep (or let your kiddos sleep in a few minutes more) to achieve those eagle eyes. If you want to dress up like an eagle for the day, wear a brown long-sleeved shirt or jacket and yellow pants.
2. Eat a healthy meal of fish! Salmon is a popular choice for bald eagles from late summer to fall. And who doesn’t love a side of smoked salmon with cream cheese for breakfast? Other fishy options include catfish, herring, and trout. Since eagles capture their food with talons, this is the perfect reason to indulge in bite-sized finger foods.
3. Exercise is very important. Visit your local playground and let your little birdie flap their wings as they run around. Older, more nimble tots can climb to a comfortable and safe height where they can perch and view the land below. If you’re really up for some sky soaring, lift your babe in the air like the dad in the photo above.
4. Play a reflex game or test your response time! As a prey animal, eagles have a well-trained eye and quick reflexes so that they can easily snatch fishes out of water. Take your kid to the arcade for a round of whack-a-mole or measure your response time with these online response time experiments from Neuroscience for Kids.
5. Make a nest out of cut paper. This gorgeous project by Art Bar Blog is incredibly stunning and doesn’t require sticks at all! It’s the perfect afternoon craft for busy birdies who don’t have time to venture outside to find the perfect twigs and branches. All you need is paper, scissors (or a shredder), Elmer’s glue, a paint brush, a bowl and plastic wrap.
How did your transformation go? Share it in the comments below!
Last fall, we published the 10 Best Lunches Under $10 in Union Square. It was so popular, we figured why not do every neighborhood? Rather than attack this subject as outsiders, we’re approaching a hyperlocal dweller from each ‘hood to give us their picks—starting with the Lower Haight.
No one knows this area better than Andrew Dudley, the editor of Haighteration— a blog about the news, events, personalities, and minutae of the neighborhood. From pizza to burgers, Dudley’s picks show that he’s a true man of the people.
San Franciscans are pretty, ahem, vocal about food, so sound off in the comments about what you’d add to this list.
1. The Maxi Burger Special at Memphis Minnie’s
“Sure, the regular BBQ staples are great here, but on Fridays I opt for the Maxi Burger special – ground chuck, melty pimento cheese, and house cured/smoked bacon topped with crispy onions—unreal.” 576 Haight St., 415-864-PORK
2. Half-Pound Burger and Fries at Nickies
“Nickies is one of the only bars in the Lower Haight that also serves food, and though they’ve seriously upgraded their menu recently, I still love their standard half-pound burger and fries—especially since the combo only costs $5 before 6pm.” 466 Haight St., 415-255-0300
3. Chile Verde Chicken Tacos at Little Chihuahua
“It’s hard to order wrong at Little Chihuahua, but I usually opt for the chile verde chicken tacos, with their reliably fresh and flavorful ingredients (including, importantly, the chicken), and a free helping of chips and salsa on the side, of course.” 292 Divisadero @ Page, 415-255-8225
4. The French Toast Orgy at Kate’s Kitchen
“I tend to like sweet breakfasts, but even I have trouble finishing Kate Kitchen’s French Toast Orgy, a ginormous pile of baked French bread slabs topped with huge chunks of fresh fruit, yogurt, honey, and granola.” 471 Haight St., 415-626-3984
5. Uva Enoteca’s Happy Hour
“The best kept secret in town might be Uva’s happy hour, where their thin and tasty salame and herb pizza and a small carafe of wine combined will only set you back $8.” 568 Haight St., 415-829-2024www.uvaenoteca.com
6. Platter for Two at Axum Cafe
“I don’t eat Ethiopian all that often, so when I do I like to split the Platter for Two—a sampler of all of Axum’s vegetarian entries, with stews, spices, chickpeas, lentils, and the like, all for under $9 a person.” 698 Haight St., (415) 252-7912,
7. Plantain Burrito at Cu Co’s
“Whether you’re vegetarian or not, get the plantain burrito—big and bursting with freshly caramelized plantains, beans, and all the usual burrito fixin’s.” 488 Haight St., 415-863-4906.
8. Fried Catfish at Two Jack’s Niks Place
“I used to live in Louisiana, so I’m a sucker for a heaping plate of Two Jacks’ fried (but, thankfully, not greasy) catfish with a side of fries and some tabasco sauce.” 401 Haight St., 415-431-6290
9. Spinach Salad at The Grind
“The Grind has the best and possibly biggest salads in the neighborhood, and my favorite is the spinach, which is stuffed with so many good nuggets— roasted red peppers, bacon, feta, pine nuts, red onions, and tomatoes—that it falls just short of feeling unhealthy.” 783 Haight St., 415-864-0955
10. Mythic Pizza
Go for a slice of their titular Mythic Pizza—it may not be ground-breaking, but it’s a solid, tasty late night booze-absorber, and big enough to fill you up with a single slice. 551 Haight St., 415-864-1999
Keep up with all things Lower Haight on Haigheration.
This is our weekly guest post from our friends at 7×7, a site that keeps you up on the best of SF. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a fantastic Date Night idea each week. Be sure to check out their blog for hourly doses of the best of SF.
