When you have young children, inevitably there will be some difficult days. They will whine, they’ll be extra cranky or, let’s be honest, sometimes as parents we’re cranky. We’re tired. We have a little less patience.

When possible on days like that, I find it often helps if I “shake things up” or break up our usual routine and get out and do something. (Unless I realize what everyone needs is a healthy bite and a quality nap.)

At any rate, I thought I’d share our favorite, simple outings. These often work for us when my boys, ages 2-1/2 and 4, need a break from our usual routine.

Bonus: All of these activities are free or low-cost.

We Head to the Park. Our favorites are Hasley Canyon Park in Castaic, Valencia Heritage Park and West Creek Village Park, as they are relatively close to us.

We Hit Up a Coffee Shop. This one is for me as much as it is for the boys, but I make sure I go to a shop that is kid-friendly. At the top of our list is It’s A Grind in Castaic. If we’re “in town,” we prefer Undergrounds at Real Life Church or the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf at the Patios at the Westfield Valencia Town Center.

We Watch the Fish or Ducks. My guys also love to go to the duck pond at Bridgeport or the koi pond at the Patios. Both instantly put us all in a better mood. Plus, at the Patios, we can venture down to the outdoor play area and watch the train go around and around.

We Scream for Ice Cream. OK, this one we skip if they are being absolutely rotten, but if they are behaving and just seem to need to get out and the weather is not conducive to park play, ice cream or “froyo” is the way to go. Sometimes we add this on to our koi pond visit by heading to Menchie’s. We also like the Baskin Robbins in Castaic; it’s always quiet and laid back.

Just Take a Walk. The easiest idea on the list. Since most of the time the weather is good in the Santa Clarita Valley, taking a walk is almost always a good idea. It rarely fails to get all three of us out of our “funks” and into better moods. It helps that our neighborhood features chickens, horses and lots of cool birds. Fresh air does a body good. Exercise releases endorphins. Win-win.

What’s missing from my list? What is your guaranteed method of turning around your own rotten mood or lifting your kids out of their crankiness? The more ideas, the better.

Jennifer Fischer is co-founder of the SCV Film Festival, a mom of two, an independent filmmaker and owner of Think Ten Media Group, whose Generation Arts division offers programs for SCV youth. She writes about her parenting journey on her blog, The Good Long Road. Her commentary is published Saturdays on SCVNews.com.