Welcome to Indy Parenting, a one-stop information source for Santa Barbara families.
Here you’ll find personal stories about the magic and madness of raising children, advice from local experts on a wide range of kid-related topics, and spotlights of supportive businesses and services.
This hub features our annual issues that focus on young people and an event calendar that highlights age-appropriate happenings around town.
To offer feedback and ideas, email indyparenting@independent.com. Grandparents are encouraged to follow along, too.
Bringing up the next generation is an all-day, every-day adventure, and Indy Parenting will be there for you every step of the way.
2026 Summer Camp Guide
Choose the perfect way to spend the summer with adventures, learning, performing, creating, and more!
Featured Stories
Christian school breaks ground on its first permanent location on Ortega Street after decades-long search.
Lompoc, CA, August 7, 2026 — Ten tiny graduates in blue caps and gowns crossed the stage for the first time
Santa Barbara Strings invites new students to join them in the 2026-2027 season (Sept.-May) which includes weekly orchestra rehearsals, full
Stories that consider the bigger questions and tips for making family life a little easier.
A local mom’s idea has grown into a nationwide platform for seamless campus communication.
Why I joined, and why you should consider it too.
Here’s a cheat sheet for acing this annual parenting exam.
Confessions of a Santa Barbara Sports Dad Chasing the ‘League,’ Cherishing the Journey By Victor Bryant | August 13, 2026
Eleven health tips for the new Santa Barbara school year.
Pat Yourself on the Back, Parents Readers Share Moments of Confidence that Quieted the Self-Doubt By Tyler Hayden | August
Meet the Shoe Biters, who turn “power worlds” into musical anthems.
Head Start is a federal childcare program that serves the country’s lowest-income families — those earning less than $33,000 a year for a family of four.
Sponsored Stories
First 5 Santa Barbara County Strengthens Home Visiting Services
The program promotes healthy pregnancies, increases parenting skills and confidence, and is a vital pillar of a family’s support system.
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Montessori Center School Now Offers Spanish Immersion Program
The new curriculum fosters global awareness, linguistic adaptability, and deep cultural appreciation.
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The Learningden Preschool Teaches and Nurtures the Whole Child
Their curated outdoor space is complimented by a STEAM Lab, art room, and kids’ kitchen.
View StoryEvent Calendar
Find an array of fun and interesting events such as book events, health and wellness, fairs, festivals, fun, and more geared towards children of all ages and their families.
You can also find these events by going to the S.B. Independent’s online calendar by highlighting “Children and/or Family.” Submit your event to our free calendar here.
Annual Issues
Find the perfect way to spend the summer from water and outdoor adventures to learning, creating, performing, and more!
Summer has been waiting all year to welcome you back to creativity, learning, movement, the water, the outdoors, friendship, and more!
Let the S.B. Independent’s 2023 After-School Activities Guide help you find the ideal after-school activity for your child.
The perfect summer experience from the arts and sports, outdoor fun and sleeping away, to special needs and spiritual camps, await your kids.
Announcements
SANTA BARBARA – This spring, Santa Barbara MTD held the 12th Annual Youth Art Poster Contest for Grades 1 through 6,
Back-to-school season is in full swing, and California Poison Control System (CPCS) is offering safety tips to help parents ensure their children
Friendship: The Heartbeat of Global Peace, the theme of 2025 Young Artists and Authors Showcase, brought out the best in
Conectando a las familias con recursos para el cuidado infantil, la educación y el apoyo a la crianza.
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