APRIL Calendar of events San Diego

monday | 1

April Fools’ Day

Padres Home Games. Tonight (Autism Acceptance Night & drone show), tomorrow & Apr. 3 vs. Cardinals, Apr. 8–10 vs. Cubs, Apr. 19–21 vs. Blue Jays, Apr. 26–28 vs. Phillies & Apr. 29–30 vs. Reds. Petco Park. Tickets: www.padres.com

Elmo’s Eggstravaganza. Scavenger hunt, dance party, parade and more Easter fun. Daily through April 7. Sesame Place, 2052

Entertainment Cir., Chula Vista. Tickets: www.sesameplace.com

LEGOLAND Water Park. Features more than seven slides, sandy beaches and the unique Build-A-Raft River plus Pirate Reef and LEGO Legends of CHIMA Water Park comprising 10 acres of water fun. April 1–7, then weekends through May 26. 11 am–5 pm. One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. Tickets: www.legoland.com

U-Pick Strawberry Fields. Daily, 9 am–5 pm. Carlsbad Strawberry Company, Cannon Rd. & I-5. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com

Dinosaurs Dynamite. A family musical that will take children back in time and around the world for an incredible adventure. 1–2:30 pm & 4–5:30 pm. $19.25. The Grand, Ritz Theater, 301 E. Grand Ave., Escondido. www.dinosaurtroubadour.com

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. Theme of “Spring into Color” celebrates fifty-five acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus. 9 am–5 pm. Through May. $14–$23, 2 & under free. 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad. www.theflowerfields.com

tuesday | 2

San Diego Mojo. Women’s pro volleyball. Tonight, Apr. 7, 10, 23, 26 & 29. $15–$25. Viejas Arena, SDSU, 5500 Canyon Crest Rd. www.provolleyball.com

Residents FREE Days at Balboa Park. Park museums offer free admission Tuesdays on a rotating basis throughout the month to residents of the City and County of San Diego, and to active military personnel and their dependents. Schedule: www.balboapark.org

Butterfly Jungle Safari. Become immersed in the vibrant world of pollinators while discovering the important role butterflies play in nature. Through May 12. $15. Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido. www.sdzsafaripark.org

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience. Through the use of cutting-edge projection technology, be immersed in the iconic artwork of either Van Gogh or Monet. Two separate experiences through May 5. $27.99–$42.99. Wyland Center, Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. www.beyondvangogh.com

wednesday | 3

Disney’s “Aladdin.” Discover a whole new world where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. Through Apr. 7. Starting at $34. Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave. www.broadwaysd.com

“Rising Tide.” This exhibit visualizes the human costs of the climate crisis across the world through photographs, video, drone images and sound. 10 am–5 pm daily through Labor Day. $12–$24; under 2 free. Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N. Harbor Dr. www.sdmaritime.org

San Diego Gulls Home Games. Tonight, Apr. 6, 7, 22, 20 & 21. Starting at $20. Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. Tickets: www.sandiegogulls.com

thursday | 4

FREE Spring Egg Hunt. 1–3 pm. Scripps Ranch Community Park, 11454 Blue Cypress Dr. www.sandiego.gov/park-andrecreation/centers/recctr/scripps

FREE WOW Festival. Four action packed days of theater, dance, music, puppetry, spectacle events and more. Through April 7. UCSD Campus. Details: www.wowfestival.org

UltraStar Discount Thursdays. 50% off all movie tickets and popcorn. 7510 Hazard Center Dr. Showtimes: www.ultrastarmovies.com

friday | 5

Seven Seas Food Festival. Sip and sample your way around the world of international flavors and enjoy live musical performances along the way. Fri., Sat. & Sun. through April 28. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. Tickets: www.seaworld.com/sandiego

San Diego Seals Lacrosse. Tonight: Stick Up For a Cure & Apr. 19: Fan Appreciation Night. 7 pm. Starting at $15. Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. www.sealslax.com

saturday | 6

20th Anniversary Race for Autism Superhero 5K Run/Walk. Promote awareness, shine a spotlight on neurodiversity and inclusion efforts and raise funds to support local Autism programs and initiatives. 5K, 7:25 am; walk, 8:30 am. $35–$45. Balboa Park. Register: www.raceforautism.org

FREE Be My Neighbor Day. An event for families to celebrate caring for one another and the environment around us. 9 am–12:30 pm. KPBS Station, SDSU Campus. Register: https://bemyneighbor day2024.eventbrite.com

FREE Belmont in Bloom. Dive into the wonders of spring with stunning floral arrangements, vibrant sculptures and local artists and performances. Weekends through May 27. Belmont Park, 3146 Mission Blvd. www.belmontpark.com

Movies on the Beach: “Some Like It Hot.” 7:30 pm. $25. Hotel del Coronado Del Beach, 1500 Orange Ave. www.hoteldel.com

FREE Earth Month Celebration. Family-friendly activities, live music and more. 9 am–1 pm. Pine Ave. Community Park, 3209 Harding St., Carlsbad. www.carlsbadca.gov

Golden State Ballet: From New York, With Love. Tonight, 7:30 pm & tomorrow, 2 pm. Starting at $35. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. www.goldenstateballet.org/ from-ny-with-love

Family Fun at the Rink. Roller skating, live DJs and more. Sat. & Sun. afternoons. $15; includes skates. Ringer’s Roller Rink, 6060 Federal Blvd. www.ringersrollerrink.com sunday

| 7

Mariachi Festival. 3–6 pm. Starting at $25. Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. www.artcenter.org

San Marcos Spring Fling & Street Festival. Inflatables, carnival rides and more. 9 am–5 pm. Along Via Vera Cruz. Details: www.sanmarcoschamber.com monday

| 8

“Octavia E. Butler: Seeding Futures.” An immersive journey into her inspirations and early life designed to inspire a multi-generational audience. 9 am–4 pm daily (closed Tues.). $20–$24. The New Children’s Museum, 200 W. Island Ave. www.thinkplaycreate.org

FREE San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. Whether you are a runner, hiker, birder, photographer or painter, San Elijo Lagoon provides natural solace and recreation. From sunrise to sunset, explore seven miles of easy-to-moderate trails. Open daily, 9 am–5 pm. 2710 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea. www.sdparks.org

wednesday | 10

FREE Cajon Classic Cruise. Wednesdays through October. 5–7:30 pm. Main & Magnolia, downtown El Cajon. www.cajonclassiccruise.org

Calendar • April

Hold Fast. Explore our local kelp forests and climate change by weaving through a labyrinth of cyanotype-printed giant kelp, witness up-to-the-minute kelp forest mapping and more. Daily through Sept. $19.95–$24.95. Birch Aquarium at Scripps, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. Advance reservations required:  www.aquarium.ucsd.edu thursday

| 11

April in Paris Teas. A Parisian-inspired version of the Cottage Classic Tea.

Through April 15. 11:30 am, 1 & 2:30 pm. $19.95–$44.95. Julian Tea & Cottage Arts, 2124 Third St., Julian. Reservations required: www.juliantea.com

“The Addams Family.” 7–9:30 pm. Through April 14. $25. Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. www.artcenter.org friday | 12

FREE Fun Friday with Kathryn the Grape. A fun-filled morning of music, movement and laughter. 10–10:45 am. Grossmont Center Mall Courtyard, 5500 Grossmont Ctr. Dr., La Mesa. www.grossmontcenter.com

Color in a New Light. Explore the science of color, light we can see, light we can’t see and darkness. Daily, 10 am–5 pm. Included with admission. $19.95–$24.95. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park. www.fleetscience.org saturday | 13

FREE All Inclusive Day of Play: Starry Night Cinema & Resource Fair. Join the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego for a fun night with activity booths, games, family resources and “Finding Nemo.” 5–9 pm. The Salvation Army Kroc Center Field, 6753 University Ave. www.snrfsd.org. Register: https:// inclusivedayofplaymovie2024.eventbrite.com

FREE San Diego Made Spring Market. Over 120 craft vendors, gourmet food trucks, live music performances, craft stations, photo ops and more. 11 am–7 pm. La Mesa Blvd. www.sandiegomade.org

Elmo’s Springtacular. Furry fun and an exciting lineup of special events. Select dates through May 19. Sesame Place, 2052 Entertainment Cir., Chula Vista. Tickets: www.sesameplace.com

FREE Spring Egg Hunt. 11 am-3 pm. Spring Valley Community Center, 8735 Jamacha Blvd. www.sdparks.org

Read & Romp. Live music, crafts and activities, story times and more. 9 am–12 noon. $10; 18 & under free. Kid Ventures-Liberty Station, 2865 Sims Rd. www.rorsd.org Tickets: www.aapca3.org

Solar Walk & Stargazing. Join astronomers with powerful telescopes to experience our nighttime skies up close. 6:30–9:30 pm. $5. Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, 16275 Espola Rd., Poway. www.poway.org

FREE Arbor Day. 9 am–12 noon. Encinitas Community Park, 425 Santa Fe Dr., Encinitas. Details: www.encinitasca.gov

FREE Classic Car Show. 9:30 am–12:30 pm. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane. www.carlsbadca.gov

sunday | 14

Rady Children’s Wild Walkabout. Captivating animal encounters, hands-on activities and a special Wildlife Explorers Basecamp celebration. 7–10 am. San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Dr. Register: https://radyfoundation.org/get-involved/ events/wild-walkabout

Science Club: Recycling Revolution. Learn about the importance of recycling, waste management and environmental sustainability through hands-on activities and discussions. Girls only: 10 am–12 noon; all scientists: 1–3 pm. $18. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park. www.fleetscience.org

Rolando Street Fair. Rock climbing wall, inflatables and more. 10 am–6 pm. $5 play all day kids zone. Rolando Blvd. www.rolandocc.org/rolando-street-fair

April 16

FREE Emergency Medical Services: What You Need to Know. Learn about SD County’s EMS system. 10–11:30 am. Grossmont Healthcare District’s Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. In person or Zoom. Register: https://bit.ly/43aoD2b

Don’t forget to call to confirm dates, times and admission prices.

saturday | 20

Party for the Planet. Dance parties, people powered music and interactive stations that show how we can collectively tackle some of our planet’s greatest challenges. Today & tomorrow, 11 am–3 pm. $19.95–$24.95. Birch Aquarium at Scripps, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. www.aquarium.ucsd.edu

FREE Family Discovery Walk: Wildflowers. Discover the colorful wildflowers that adorn Mission Trails in the spring. 1–2:30 pm. Kumeyaay Lake Campground, 2 Father Junipero Serra Tr. www.mtrp.org

FREE Catch the Wellness Wave HealthCorps Health Fair. Fitness demos, nutrition workshops, cool ways to handle stress and more. Skyline Hills Library, 7900 Paradise Valley Rd. www.eventbrite.com

FREE La Mesa Earth Day Fair. Fun, education and excitement. 11 am–3 pm. MacArthur Park, 4900 Memorial Dr. www.cityoflamesa.us

FREE Spring Family Fun Days Arts & Crafts Market. Food, vendors, face painting, bounce house and more. Today & tomorrow, 9 am–4 pm. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center. www.batesnutfarm.biz

Junior Science Club: Fantastic Forces of Nature. Investigate natural forces through hands-on experiments and demonstrations. 9–10:30 am or 11 am–12:30 pm. $18. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park. www.fleetscience.org

FREE Earth Day Festival. Make origami butterflies and cotton cloud rainbows, handle worms and compost and more. 10 am–3 pm. 1270 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista. https://altavistabotanicalgardens.org

FREE Stay Classy O’Side Earth Day Community Event. Educational booths, activities, games for kids and more. 9 am–12 noon. Libby Lake Park, 424 Calle Montecito, Oceanside. www.ci.oceanside.ca.us

FREE Creek to Bay Cleanup. The largest cleanup in SD County. 9 am–noon. Register: https://cleansd.org/creek-to-bay

Cabrillo National Monument. Tide pools, hiking, beautiful views of San Diego, the ocean and more. Daily, 9 am–5 pm. $20/car. 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr. www.nps.gov/cabr sunday | 21

FREE Fallbrook Avocado Festival. Fun Zone, guacamole contest, live music and more. 9 am–5 pm. Downtown Fallbrook, Main Ave. www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org monday | 22

Earth Day wednesday | 24

Pirate Plunge. Enjoy pirate-themed pool activities and games. 5–8 pm. $10; 3 & under free. Alga Norte Aquatic Center, 6565 Alicante Rd., Carlsbad. www.carlsbadca.gov

FREE Mission Fed ArtWalk. Live music, interactive art experiences and more. Today & tomorrow. Little Italy. www.artwalksandiego.org

FREE Western Days Parade. Theme “Lakeside a GREAT Small Town.” 9:35 am. Woodside to Maine Ave. www.lakesidechamber.org

FREE Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair & Parade. Cultural exhibits, artistic performances and more. 10 am–5 pm. 6900 Linda Vista Rd. between Comstock & Ulric Sts. www.lindavistafair.org

San Diego Wave Soccer. Cheer on our national women’s soccer team. 7 pm. Starting at $15. Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way. Tickets: www.sandiegowavefc.com

sunday | 28

Family Farm Expo. Farm-fresh delights, live entertainment and fun for all ages. 11 am–5 pm. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center. Tickets: www.roobeez.com

tuesday | 30

FREE The Super Dentists Mommy and Me Wellness Series. Self-care: Oral Care, Mental Health & Nutrition. Giveaways & childcare with fun activities. 10 am. 9737 Aero Dr. www.thesuperdentists.com/ mommyandme-3/

Want us to spread the news?

Email events@sandiegofamily.com and include the name of the event or activity, a brief description, event address, date, time, cost, contact number and website. Submission does not guarantee publication. Deadline for the June issue: May 1.

Tuesday, April 16 | 10-11:30 AM

Grossmont Healthcare District’s Conference Center (9001 Wakarusa St. La Mesa, CA 91942)

Join us to learn about San Diego County’s emergency medical services (EMS) system, with representatives from Heartland Fire & Rescue, Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Emergency Department, and other critical community services. This is a unique opportunity to learn how your local system works, with plenty of time for Q&A with the panelists.

Participation: In person or via Zoom

Live translation services (Arabic and Spanish) available via Zoom.

Registration: https://bit.ly/43aoD2b OR Call (619) 825-5010

Questions: events@grossmonthealthcare.org

Don’t miss this FREE family event!