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My husband works a shift work schedule and I work intermittently from home as a contractor for other companies.

In the rare occasion that my husband is home during the week while the kids are at school, we'd take advantage of our proximity to fantastic places around San Luis Obispo County and do something a couple of tourists would mostly do.

Here is a list of things that I'd like to do in my spare time, besides watching shows and movies, with my husband around SLO County:

• Eat at a nice and high-rated restaurant that has slow service. Usually my sons do not have the patience to sit still for meals that take over 1 hour. So when I don't have work to do and my husband is home, we would try to go have lunch somewhere that we normally wouldn't. Our first choice is usually Pacific Umi Sushi.
  
  (Read about my experience on this Asian Restaurant List page to see the items I've tried at Pacific Umi Sushi.) See a list of restaurants that I've tried.
• Go get a mineral soak at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa in Avila. We're known for the hot mineral springs around here but I've only had a mineral soak there a couple of times. I would really like to go again! I haven't had a facial in years so maybe I will need to schedule one there during the first month when school starts back up again in the fall and it's less busy! Read about my experience at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa for Valentine's Day weekend.
• Work out with my spouse. Usually I work out by myself but when he wants to do some cardio, he would occasionally join me at my gym. It is nice eyeing him across the room as I feel safer with him near. Earlier this year, while I was on the treadmill with my headphones on, a guy walked over to me to give me a thumbs up and tried to have a conversation with me. I feel uneasy when strange men try to talk to me as I've been stalked before when I was much younger. He was complimenting me on my treadmill work out session for some reason. I uttered a quick 'thanks' and thankfully he left not long after my unamused response. When my husband comes, no one tries to talk to me so I think his presence help scare off the strangers for me. Furthermore, I enjoy being able to do more active things with my husband.
• Go watch a matinee movie at the movie theater! When the bigger movies are out, we like to take advantage of the earlier showings so we can enjoy a day date and cheaper movie tickets. I've been to the movie theater at The Movie Experience in downtown San Luis Obispo (read The Movie Experience Review) and the Regal in Arroyo Grande (read the Regal Arroyo Grande review).
• Get some boba! I've had boba since I was a teenager back when I lived in San Diego. I'm really excited about all the new boba shops that are springing around San Luis Obispo County lately! See all of the boba shops I've tried around San Luis Obispo (SLO) County!
  
  My kids still aren't into boba yet. I had them try it when I would order one and even when I made my own boba at home. Boba balls do have an interesting texture and hopefully in a couple of years, they will grow to like it. My husband and I enjoyed boba while we were dating so it is nice to relive something that we used to do together.
• Walk on the Pismo Beach Pier Sometimes we take our proximity to the beach for granted and don't walk on the pier as often as we'd like. The Pismo Beach Pier is actually a really decent walk and it usually takes us 15 - 20 minutes to the very end of the pier and back. We've taken some nice strolls on the pier while the kids were at school when we had a moment to spend time together during the week. During the weekdays, there is usually no crowd during the school season, so it's quite nice living here as a local. See my Instagram video reel on my walk with my spouse on the Pismo Beach Pier.

We went to the Mustang Waterpark at Lopez Lake in Arroyo Grande right after the pandemic guidelines allowed the water parks to open again! The Mustang Waterpark is usually only open for a few months between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day each year. I actually preferred this waterpark in Arroyo Grande while my kids were little, compared to the Ravine Waterpark in Paso Robles. (See our Ravine Waterpark review here.)

Mustang Waterpark is considerably smaller than Ravine Waterpark, the only other waterpark in SLO County, and that made it less stressful for me as a mother of two little boys! There is a nice kids pool area with 3 kids' water slides. For bigger kids and adults, there are 3 water slides that you can enjoy. Best yet, all of these bigger waterslides can be ridden in tandem with your kid if they are big enough!

We reserved a cabana for $125 plus booking fees (cost of Cabanas may cost more now) here at Mustang Waterpark. I think that is a good deal because it is reserved for you for the whole day and it comes with nice chairs, shade and a reserved area. Once we were at the window before entering the water park, we mentioned to the staff there that we had a cabana reserved and they ushered us to the cabana. Since we came a couple of hours after they had already opened, there were only two unclaimed spots for the day. We didn't get to choose our exact spot online, so that is something to consider when you decide to book a cabana here. There was also a server who checked up on our party at the cabana every hour so I never had to wait by the snack bar to order food and drinks!

We knew this water park is located at a county park so you'll find campers and tents here as you drive your way towards the water park. We were expecting this so were not surprised but if you're not used to the camping scenery, I've forewarned you that you will see these cool camping areas for quite a while before you make your way to the final parking lot across from the water park. Even though we're locals, we're considering doing a camping trip here in the future! Important to note, whether you are camping here or just going to the water park, just entering the county park costs money per vehicle. You can read the Mustang Waterpark FAQ to see how much it costs this year.

Here are my tips for your Mustang Waterpark visit that I think you might find useful:

• Even though Mustang Waterpark opens at 10:30AM, you don't have to come right at 10:30AM as peak warm hours, depending on the day, could be right about noon. We came a bit after noon and stayed until it closed at 5PM. I think if we came really early, then we might be drained and not stay until the end. We had lunch at the Arroyo Grande Village area before we arrived at the water park. It's on the way there and only about 18 minutes drive from the Mustang Waterpark.
• Coolers and outside drinks (except water) and food are not allowed inside the waterpark but you can still keep it in your car and come out there when you want to enjoy your own snacks and beverages. Make sure you still have your wristband on to get back into the water park.
• Restrooms right outside the water park has a shorter line so if you really need to go as quickly as possible, put on your sandals, make sure your wristband is still on for in and out privileges and go to the restroom outside the water park. There are restrooms inside the water park but for women, there's usually a line except for the last hour while we were there.
• We reserved a cabana ahead of time online and I highly recommend it! It was my son's birthday weekend and my sons were so impressed. They felt special. The cabana we selected had seats for 6 but I saw a couple of cabana groups having more than 6 people and they were hovering in and out of their cabanas. The staff seemed okay with that so if you have a larger party, don't be deterred to not rent it because you have more than 6 people. They also have the Penthouse Suite and King Cabanas, which are bigger than the Poolside Cabanas. As mentioned earlier, we arrived a little bit past noon and someone ushered us inside and gave us an option between that last two that were left. Even though we had booked the cabana a month ahead, they didn't let us book for the exact cabana location. Maybe they have plans to change this in the future (you may have to check on this on their website). There were only Cabana #2 and #5 left when we arrived and we chose Cabana #5 as there was more privacy in that area. I was very happy with Cabana #5. From what I observed, Cabanas #1, #2 and #3 had the least privacy but they were closest to the entrance so the whole park would be walking by you as they enter.
• Everything on the snack bar was so reasonably priced and I love that about Mustang Waterpark. We ordered drinks and snacks for 4 and the bill plus a 25% tip was under $50. That's amazing for 2022. I never had to go to the snack bar line because the server checked up with us every hour at the cabana. We ordered 1 hot dog, 1 pretzel, 1 dippin' dots, 1 snow cone and a few plastic cups of wine.
• Remember to leave your eye or sun glasses in your bag and don't wear them as you go down any of the waterslides. My husband lost his as he was going down the water slide. 
• Parking was $10 per car for entering the Lopez Lake Recreation Area so make sure to account that to your budget. You will be passing a lot of farms along the way to get to Lopez Lake and won't see a gas station for miles, so gas or charge up ahead of time.
• Lay out your towels flat on your chairs while you are not using them. You will enjoy the warmth and dryness of those towels from the sun if it's a hot day, when you're ready to dry up. It is a wonderful comfort.
• You're not allowed to bring in your own tubes or water toys, etc. However, my sons brought their sun hats and used those to scoop up water to play with each other. I thought that was really creative of them.

This trip to the Mustang Waterpark was not sponsored in any way and is an unbiased review. My family can't wait to come back again.

Suggested Related Reviews for Swimming:

Read about our experience at another water park in San Luis Obispo County called Ravine Waterpark in Paso Robles.

Read about our visits to SLO Swim Center so the kids can practice swimming in a warm pool.

Read about our visit at Lompoc Aquatic Center (in Santa Barbara County) where the kids got to go down waterslides in an indoor facility.

See upcoming free events for families in San Luis Obispo County.

Being outdoors can create such wonderful memories but it comes with a risk. Even if the sun seems mild, it's good to have kid's sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses and a sun hat to protect your skin. Swimming is always one great idea to improve your mood and get a bit of exercise if you feel bummed out for any reason so they are always great skills for kids to have.

Read About All of Our Travel Adventures and Reviews:

• Birthday Weekend at LEGOLAND Castle Hotel Review and LEGOLAND California Amusement Park Review


• Birthday Celebration at Great Wolf Lodge in Southern California


• Universal Studios Hollywood Family Trip During Spring Break


• Ensenada Cruise on Carnival Cruise for 3 Days


• Ensenada and Catalina Island Cruise on Royal Caribbean for 4 Days


• Alaska Cruise on Princess Cruise for 11 Days


• Moon Palace The Grand Family Summer Vacation in Cancun for 5 Days


• Cabin Trip in Monterey


• Staycations at the Iconic Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California: Madonna Inn’s San Francisco Room Review OR Madonna Inn’s Antique Room Review


• Staycation at the Granada Hotel & Bistro in Downtown San Luis Obispo


• Staycation at La Quinta Inn in Downtown San Luis Obispo


• Staycation in Atascadero at The Carlton Review

Popular Things To Do with Kids in San Luis Obispo County:

• Charles Paddock Zoo -- Read my blog review
• Hearst Castle -- Read my blog review
• The Ravine Waterpark -- Read my blog review (only open for Summer)
• Mustang Waterpark -- Read my blog review (only open for Summer)
• San Luis Obispo Children's Museum -- Read  my blog review
• Central Coast Aquarium -- Read my blog review
• San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum -- Learn more
• Paso Robles Children's Museum -- Read my blog review
• Exploration Discovery Center -- Read my blog review
• Museum of Natural History -- Learn more
• Avila Valley Barn -- Read my blog review

I've been to three Mother & Son Dances so far: one on the East Coast and two on the West Coast.

Below is a table on Pros and Cons on Going to a Mother and Son Dance based on my personal experiences and feelings, and I hope this will help you if you're on the fence about going to one.
 

Pros and Cons on Going to a Mother and Son Dance

Pros

You get to bond and spend special time with your son(s). It can be fun to dress up according to the theme of the Dance or dress up nicely. The kids may really enjoy the Dance. You usually get to take nice pictures with your sons as a memory keepsake. If you're going with another mommy friend who also has sons, this might be a great night out of catching up with friends as well. If the event includes dinner, you get to enjoy a dinner that you didn't have to cook. They usually have a DJ playing fun and appropriate music at Mother & Son Dances so it's nice entertainment. There are usually fun activities for the kids to participate in besides dancings.

Cons

You may have to sit nearby strangers who you don't know, which could be unpleasant if you get anxiety in a social setting like this. The DJ may ask you to do the limbo. If you or your kids don't like to participate in a limbo, this can be a scary thought. Your kids might not have as much fun as you'd thought. Watching other moms have their mom friends while you don't have any with you can feel like a drag. People reserving seats for people who haven't shown up yet while it's not an assigned seating situation can be annoying. There may be bigger and aggressive kids there who you're afraid may intimidate your little kids. It usually costs money. If the event includes dinner and the food is not ready right when the event starts, you may have to wait around with a growling stomach until it's ready. (This is the case for any event.)

My Experience at Mother Son Dances

I think I enjoyed my very first one the most because it was my first Mother & Son experience, food was ready right when the event started and there were a lot of activities for the kids. It felt like a party.
(Picture of my sons playing a game at a Mother Son Dance)

Even though I enjoyed my first one the best, I still appreciate it when organizations plan a Mother & Son event. From what I've seen in many cities, there are way more Father & Daughter Dances than Mother & Son Dances so even if you only have one Mother & Son Dance in your city, I consider you pretty lucky! Furthermore, any public event requires months of planning, effort, time and money so if I'm attending as a guest, I have the easier tasks. I buy the tickets, dress nicely, drive there, find a parking spot and show up with my sons. For the organizers, it takes a lot of hard work and organization so I appreciate it when a Mother & Son event is offered!
(This is a picture of my older son playing a game at a Mother & Son Dance in San Luis Obispo County. This event was before my other son was old enough to attend with us.)

Judging by my word count between the Pros and Cons columns above, you may think that I'm leaning towards not going next year, which at the time that I am writing this post, I'm gearing towards not attending again. I've went to the Mother & Son Dance with both of my sons and created great memories from them but unless it's going to be extraordinarily different, like a video gaming type event for the next Mother & Son event, I think I'll figure out a Mother & Son thing to do on my own.

Most Mother & Son Dances take place in May, close to Mother's Day. See Upcoming Family-Friendly Events in San Luis Obispo County to see the next upcoming Mother and Son Dance for this year.

Here is a video clip of a past Mother & Son events on the Central Coast at Grover Beach Community Center.


There may come a time when your sons may not be interested in going to these dances with you as they grow up, especially when they'll have dances of their own in high school so enjoy it when they're little and still eager to go!

Have a great Mother's Day!

See the 'Family-friendly Events' page to see upcoming family-friendly events and activities in San Luis Obispo County. 

Located on the corner of HWY 1 & Hinds Ave. in Pismo Beach is a newer boba shop named MilkT Society. I tried their boba for the first time today, on their opening day!

I was anxious and excited! Their sign wasn't up yet at the time nor was their kitchen ready but I already liked the decor of it inside. I ordered the Black Tea with boba while my husband ordered the Iced Vietnamese Coffee with boba. (Update: I came back a couple of weeks later to try the blush matcha as pictured below and the Milk T Special which is the first boba drink at the top.)


MilkT Society has some board games available for you to borrow to play with your party while you're there. We played Jenga and Penguin Game. What's really unique about Milk T Society is that they have themed events and you can see their decorations from the aftermath of these events if you happen to come some days later, which I really enjoy seeing every time I visit.

I spotted a cut out of Jungkook during my more recent visit while I was studying there. See my instagram video reel of the Jungkook cut-out that I saw when I was at MilkT Society to study. 

See another instagram video reel of my healthy walk on the beach motivated by getting a nice, cold boba tea on a hot day from MilkT Society in Pismo Beach.

MilkT Society Address: 590 Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Another Boba Shop Down the Street, Fay's Fusion

I've been loyal to Fay's Fusion (read more about Fay's Fusion), a boba place just down the street from MilkT Society, but since Fay's Fusion is only open in the evenings, I'm glad I can resort to MilkT Society for my day time fix!

A picture I took while sitting under Fay's Fusion's awning, waiting for my drinks while looking towards the ocean's direction in Pismo Beach is below:

Another Boba Shop in the Outskirt of Pismo Beach, PCH Shave Ice & Boba

Pismo Beach is really on a roll with openings of boba shops, PCH Shave Ice & Boba also opened in the same year as MilkT Society Boba Shop. Read about my review of PCH Shave Ice & Boba in this blog post link 

See an extensive list of boba shops that I've tried in Pismo Beach and throughout San Luis Obispo County.

See pictures on my instagram @sanluisobispomom.

I've made boba at home before! It's surprisingly easy to make. It's just time consuming. Read about how I made my own boba from scratch.

When we want to go to the movies, we usually go to Regal Arroyo Grande as they have a lot of restaurants and grocery stores close by! The restaurants list that are close include: In N Out, Urbane Cafe, Red Dirt Coffee, Palo Mesa Pizza, Blaze Pizza and Jamba Juice.

Tesla Charging Stations for Electric Cars Right Next to Regal Arroyo Grande

If you have an electric car, they have Tesla Charging Stations right next to this Regal Theater, which makes it very convenient to charge up. The charging stations are located to the right side of the building if you're facing their entrance. (We don't have an electric car but it always fascinates me when I see charging stations.)

We typically watch new Marvel movies and DC movies here at Regal Arroyo Grande. For the last couple of years, since the pandemic, we've been having to buy tickets at the concession stand. You don't buy tickets at the window in front, even though it looks like you would. You could probably save more time if you buy the tickets online instead. Exact seat selections have to be picked upon buying tickets so that is another step you have to consider now.

We have a Regal Cinema account and you can earn points for a free popcorn or other concession goods if you accumulate enough points. I think it's worth joining. It's free to join currently.

Kid Friendly & Arcade Inside of Regal Arroyo Grande

The seats are nothing spectacular than the usual fold up theater seats you would expect. They have a small arcade area that's kind of tucked in the far corner. They have about 10 different games, which is great for kids if you happen to arrive too early before the movie starts.

Regal Arroyo Grande Address: 1160 W Branch St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Reading Suggestions:

• We've had a movie date at the movie theater in Downtown San Luis Obispo and enjoyed bringing our own food in and sitting in reclining seats. Read about my experience at The Movie Experience.


• Read about my movie drive-in experience at Sunset Drive-In in San Luis Obispo.


• See upcoming free events throughout San Luis Obispo County.