Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Long Beach, CA

In nine months my daughter will be in kindergarten, which means that this relatively carefree part of our lives is about to end. I want her to learn and grow, but also to have a little fun before she starts school. Here are a few things on my list:

Take a road trip, just the two of you. When your kid is in kindergarten, you'll be tied to the school schedule, so take advantage of the relative freedom you have now. One of our favorite destinations is San Diego. It's just a couple of hours away, and it's full of kid-friendly destinations like the San Diego Zoo, the Wild Animal Park, and Sea World.

Indulge your child's unique sense of style. So she wants to wear polka dots and stripes, or rain boots with shorts? Let her. Soon enough, she'll be wearing a uniform every day.

Encourage your child to try out different activities. Piano today, martial arts tomorrow. Parks and Recreation classes are affordable and each session is short, so kids can sample a variety of activities to figure out which ones they like best. When they're older, they can settle into one or two activities that fit their talents and interests.

Introduce your child to a second language. Being bilingual can open a world of opportunities for kids, and the younger they are, the easier it is for them to learn another language. But make it fun. Hola Ninos, offered through Parks and Rec, teaches little ones Spanish through play.  Reinforce language-learning at home with music and books. The Long Beach Library has a wide selection of materials in Spanish, like Latin Playground by Putamayo.

Give your child time to explore. Once kids start kindergarten, they're immersed in academic learning. But younger children learn best through experiences, whether planting seeds in the backyard or making a fort out of sofa cushions. It might seem like they're just playing, but they're really learning all about how the world works.