Guide to Family Fun Activities and Events San Diego

Take the fun with you, whether you’re home or out and about. Check out this month’s exciting mix of virtual and in-person activities that kids and families will surely love. Please check individual websites for the most up-to-date information.

VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES

SCIENCE & NATURAL HISTORY

Students of all ages can join Fleet Science Center’s monthly Virtual Science Club that offers exciting challenges and hands-on activities using materials found in your home. Sept. 17, 11:30 am. Registration required. Find more details at www.fleetscience.org/ events/science-clubs.

Visit San Diego Natural History Museum’s The Nat @ Home page which features online resources and at-home activities. Check out Nature Bytes, an online library of three-minute videos on natural history topics, visit the Explore the Region from Coast to Cactus website to learn more about the plants and animals that call this region home, and join Digital Nature & Me Story Times (visit www.sdnat.org/ events for updated info). www.sdnat.org/ education/education-resources

CONTESTS

Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s annual dog surfing event is going virtual this year as it features a surf contest, a freestyle contest, the Couch Surfing Pet Photo Contest, cool prizes and more. After registering, please submit a video of your dog’s best wave. All video footage will be compiled into an official Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon video which will be released for viewing on Sept. 13; winners will be announced at that time. Deadline to submit videos: Sept. 6. For entry guidelines, fees and to register, visit www.animalcenter.org/ surf-dog-surf-a-thon.

PLAY/ENTERTAINMENT

Little ones enjoy music, movement and delightful activities during Toddler Time at Home, courtesy of The New Children’s Museum. Fridays, 10 am. Find more information at www.thinkplaycreate.org/ learn/toddler-classes/toddler-time.

Catch Virtual First Friday at the ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station featuring local artists as well as online exhibits, music and dance performances, live kids’ events and more. Sept. 4, 5-9 pm. www .libertystation.com/events/First-FridayARTS-DISTRICT

Travel back in time with Xavier Riddle to meet some world-famous heroes at San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum’s KPBS Kids Event. This special event includes a live reading with a surprise craft at the end for you and your family to do at home. Sept. 24, 12:30 pm. Find more details about this event and other virtual activities at www.facebook.com/sdcdm.

VIRTUAL EXHIBITS

Photo courtesy of San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Don’t miss San Diego Model Railroad Museum’s the creation of the Isle of Sodor and its colorful population of engines. Commemorate these train’s history including how the TV show was created, watch videos featuring Thomas and Friends stories, and get the chance to create a mystical train island of your own. www.sdmrm.org

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

Explore Birch Aquarium’s online learning space designed for families, teachers and scientists of all ages. Find science activities, ocean crafts, coloring pages for kids and adults, and more at www.aquarium.ucsd.edu/ teachers/online-learning/activities. Also, visit their YouTube page at www.youtube.com/birchaquarium for behind-the scenes peeks as well as videos including fun animal facts and tranquil underwater moments.

See beluga whales, southern sea otters, African penguins, California sea lions, piranhas and other incredible creatures of the sea through Georgia Aquarium’s live web cams. www.georgiaaquarium.org

The Living Coast Discovery Center offers encounters with animal ambassadors, workshops, crafts, trivia and story time through Living Coast in Your Living Room hosted by Educator Ashley. www.youtube.com/thelivingcoast; www.thelivingcoast.org/virtual-wildlife-encounters

Be transported to some of SeaWorld’s amazing animal habitats, explore the animal kingdom through videos, educational activities and free online resources, and relive the thrill of your favorite park rides through first-person coaster videos at SeaWorld@Home. www.seaworld.com/at-home

VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS

Enjoy a panoramic tour of Mount Rushmore, one of our nation’s famous landmarks, located in South Dakota. www.nps.gov/moru/learn/ photosmultimedia/virtual-tour.htm

Travel to Asia and marvel at a majestic, 360-view of the Great Wall of China, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. www.airpano.com/ 360photo/china-great-wall www.seaworld.com/at-home

IN-PERSON EVENTS

Take the family camping at Lake Poway. Set up your tent and check out the fun-filled activities that the park has to offer, from hiking to fishing. Sept. 11-12 & Sept. 25- 26, 1 pm-10 am. $25 per car. 14644 Lake Poway Rd., Poway. To register and for safety guidelines, visit www.poway.org.

Visit the Old Town State Historic Park and Heritage Park for some open-air sightseeing, then head to your favorite shops and restaurants during Old Town Summer Nights. Through Sept. 27. Thurs.-Sun., 3-9 pm. Be sure to wear your mask as you stroll through the streets and parks. For a full list of open businesses, visit www.oldtownsandiego.org.

The Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego hosts the free Read 3X3 virtual event featuring three children’s authors who will each entertain kids with a book reading and a craft activity. Sept. 12, 10 am. Also, enjoy more freebies at their contactless Book Bag, Book & Craft Pick-Up on Sept. 9, 4-6 pm. Registration required for both events. www.eventbrite .com/e/115791719149

Explore the most famous cities in the country including New York, Las Vegas, New Orleans and Washington, D.C. in Miniland U.S.A. at LEGOLAND California Resort. This hugely popular attraction is open to LEGOLAND Hotel guests, pass members and customers of The Big Shop (with $25 minimum purchase). Sat.- Thurs., 10 am-4 pm; Fri., 10 am-6 pm. Entry to Miniland U.S.A. is through The Big Shop. www.legoland.com

Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND California Resort

Soak in some Vitamin D at the Cabrillo National Monument as you take scenic hikes, explore the tide pools and learn about the life and discoveries of 16th century explorer, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on the West Coast. For current park hours, visit www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm.

Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere as you walk through the 12-acre Japanese Friendship Garden featuring rock gardens, bonsais, koi ponds and more. Open daily, 10 am-6 pm. $10-$12; ages 6 & under free. Balboa Park. www.niwa.org

Meet friendly camels and farm animals including miniature sheep, donkeys, exotic birds and turkeys during a private, 45-minute tour of the Oasis Camel Dairy. For tour dates, fees and reservations, visit website. 26757 Hwy. 78, Ramona. www.cameldairy.com/privatefamily-tours

Bring your lanterns for some night fishing at Santee Lakes. Sept. 10 & 24, 5-11:30 pm. $4 parking and fishing permit fees apply. 9310 Fanita Pkwy. www.santeelakes.com

It’s apple picking time! Find the best spots to pick apples at https://www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/apple-picking-san-diego

• SanDiegofamily.com • September 2020