I’ll let you in on a little secret – I love going to the races. Playin’ the ponies. Dropping the kids’ college fund on a Trifecta Box: 1,3, and 6 horses. Before having kids, we actually didn’t go very often, and since having kids, “very often” has been downgraded to “twice”. This is a Family Vacations blog, and one might think that it would be reckless and irresponsible for me to recommend taking the family to, say, a Gambling Establishment. But I gotta tell you, the next time you and the family are visiting San Diego during horse racing season, pack up the kids and take everyone to the track – the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, as it turns out, is family-friendly, and is offering Camp Del Mar to parents as part of their summertime programming.

Lucas and friend, watching the action on the track.

We were set up with a complimentary package by the folks at Del Mar, which included the cost (normally $24) for Camp Del Mar. The program is open to kids 5 through 12; reservations are not required, and were not necessary as there weren’t a whole lot of kids there. There were plenty of staffers to assist the kids at the activity center; the kids had their choice of games (regular and kid-appropriate video games), crafts, movies, snacks, and a play area. In addition, the camp offers organized activities – notably, kids have the chance to participate in a Hippity-Hop race right on the track, during one of the breaks between horse races.

Unfortunately, that Hippity-Hop on the left had to be put down.

Lucas and his friend Tate really loved it – they also received t-shirts from the camp and we bought him a stuffed horse (a toy, not a real one). We did take them up to our seats and they got to watch a race; gambling aside, horse races really are a thrill to watch in person. And as a bonus, we went during the track’s Summer Concert Series, getting passes to the VIP area to watch The Flaming Lips (the band went on a bit late, after a very lengthy soundcheck, so the kids only made it through the first song). It was a great day for everyone (especially since that Trifecta bet netted me a nice wad of cash – baby got a new pair of shoes, indeed).

Camp Del Mar is open every day during racing season; the last day is September 7. The Del Mar Concert Series concludes with Ziggy Marley, on Sunday, September 6 (might be a good time for the kids as well, as Ziggy’s latest release is a children’s album).