Got Gear?

Fun finds for tackling those after-school activities in style, plus the best free kids' activity to do in Old Sac!

By Suzanne Hopkins

Color outside the lines—and bring a little funk to the soccer field (or skate park or music lessons...) with Hiho Batik’s fun, distinctive tees. Individually hand-waxed and dyed to create original, wearable works of art, the super-soft and comfy fabric is yet another reason these tees are must-haves for the season. $34 at HihoBatik.com

Embrace your inner soccer mom! Show off your favorite athletes' jersey numbers with the fabulously hip numbered necklace by Lisa Leonard Designs. Several designs and options available. $38 at LisaLeonardOnline.com

Finders, keepers... Bust out of the school-practice-homework routine with a little pint-sized adventure. The Old Sacramento Scavenger Hunt was created by local parents, Mike and Sara Barlow, to help families explore Old Sac, and discover lots of little smiles. Get the overview and download the steps for free at the Barlows' Web site (TrailMix.net), or stop by the TrailMix store, located right across from the California Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento. (Pssst... Kids who solve all the riddles can select a prize from the store's treasure box!)

Give it a twirl. “Ballet Bunnies” by Joan Elizabeth Goodman is a sweet ballet primer for tiny dancers, preschool – 2nd grade. In it, a girl bunny and a boy bunny demonstrate the basics, from getting ready for the studio and doing warm-ups at the barre to the hops, leaps and fun of ballet class. ( Marshall Cavendish, 2008) $14.99 at local Pottery Barn Kids stores (at Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento, or the Galleria in Roseville) and bookstores.

Suzanne lives with her husband and daughter in Land Park. For more style finds, smile-inducing snapshots, plus uplifting words to live by, check out her blog: S.HOPtalk.