Michelle Lawton is the founder of Stretch the Imagination (www.stretchtheimagination.com), a progressive, fun and nurturing art and yoga studio for children of all ages, with locations in San Francisco and Marin, Calif. Here’s what this mother of almost two (she’s due in late August!) has to say:

“There are so many fun adventures around the Bay Area, we just can’t stay indoors. Whether exploring the ecology trail in the Presidio or heading by boat to Angel Island when summer hits, we are on the move. One of our favorite activities in San Francisco is the farmers market. The summer season is the best time for amazing fruits and vegetables, and the farmers market in San Francisco is filled with new foods to explore. My son, Kielson, loves to play restaurant. I’ve been surprised at his adventurous palate, tasting everything from the sweet crunch of a Thumbelina carrot to the strong spice of arugula. These market adventures are great because they extend throughout the entire day. Once we return home with our culinary treasures, it’s time for an afternoon of art. He loves to make the place mats, set the table and draw the menu for his guests. Then, as evening comes, it’s time to prepare the meal. Between stirring, mixing and spinning the salad, my budding chef has had a fun-filled day. And he’s ready to eat, tub and head to bed.

And on days when we wake up to a blanket of San Francisco fog, we just head north to sunny Marin County. Stinson is a favorite, as we can bring our little excavator’s shovel and sand bucket, which is always a hit. Recently, we discovered the warmth and beauty of Phoenix Lake in Ross. The adventures begin just past the parking lot, where picnic tables, a stream and a large wooden “house” await explorations. We had great plans to walk around the entire lake, but we didn’t get too far, as there were so many rocks to inspect and dandelions to release. And on the way out, Kielson noticed some older boys fishing by the edge of the water. This sparked a renewed energy that is sure to bring us back to this magical place very soon.”

Brandy Cameron

“I am a water person, which is not really surprising as the founder of a baby bathtub company. Some of my fondest summer memories as a child are of times spent near water. As a kid, going from cold water to lying pressed against the hot pool deck is one of my most vivid recollections. I think the dog days of summer are the perfect time to slow down. The rest of the year, life has a much faster speed. Whether you find water close by or you relax at the lake or ocean, spending family time near water is a fabulous way to keep your family cool and build some great memories.

I find water provides a perfect environment to engage with your kids no matter their age because it is a natural playground. One of the important things I learned was to leave behind the electronic gadgets that keep me connected so I could be connected with my kids instead. That way, I am in the moment, whether it’s an hour or a day. I think teaching kids to love and respect water is a great lifelong skill.

Depending on your venue, there are tons of water activities. Creativity soars in such a natural environment, and your kids will make the fun. I have found myself involved in all sorts of water games I used to play as a child. Even with the littlest members of your family, you can help them enjoy water. A Spa Baby tub poolside in the shade makes for a perfect place for you to help your baby cool down if you want to avoid the chlorine or salt on baby skin.

I hope to enjoy the water times this summer often. Remember, never leave your kids unattended, at any age, while they are near water. They always need a competent adult with them who is engaged.”

Jamie Woolf is the author of Mom-in-Chief: How Wisdom from the Workplace Can Save Your Family from Chaos (www.mominchief.com). Here’s what this Oakland, Calif., mother of two has to say:

“How do I keep myself excited, engaged and enthused when I’m hot and lethargic and my youngest keeps pleading with me to take her to a skate park (no shade; I bake while wincing each time my adventurous 10-year-old swooshes down the hills)? Yesterday the kids watched too much TV, I cleaned up too much, then the heat took hold as did my impatience and I erupted: ‘Why are you lying around when your room is a mess?’

The keys to success on the days that work well (mom is happy, kids are happy) involve heading out of the house before TV zombieness sets in. We get out to the beach, a library (if you can still find one open), or a friend’s house. Staying home all day is energy-zapping and boredom-inducing. The other day, I brainstormed with my two daughters (10 and 14) about fun summer activities (home-based and away from home), and we tacked the list to the fridge. Now we pick an activity from that list on each non-camp, non-work day so we’re doing something we all enjoy. Some highlights from the list: experimental cooking, tide pooling, exploratorium, write/perform a play, visit Sean and Emily’s trampoline, wash the car, bike-ride along the Bay Trail, roller-skate along the Bay Trail, fly a kite by the marina.”