North County Coastal

Cardiff-by-the-Sea

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve & Nature Center

2710 Manchester Ave.

760-634-3026 www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/ en/park-pages/SanElijo.html

This LEED Platinum-Certified nature center features interactive animal and plant exhibits, cultural displays and more. Enjoy views from the strollerfriendly, ADA-accessible observation deck overlooking the marsh. Ask about TRACK Trails, a nature-themed scavenger hunt for kids.

Carlsbad

www.carlsbadca.gov

Batiquitos Lagoon & Nature Center

7380 Gabbiano Ln.

442-320-7009 www.batiquitosfoundation.org

Explore the lagoon on a strollerfriendly trail running along the north shore. Bring binoculars for bird-watching and learn about different species that inhabit the lagoon. Check out Earth Explorers, a weekend science club for kids from PreK to 5th grade.

Carlsbad Lagoon

4215 Harrison St. 760-434-3089 www.carlsbadlagoon.com

Spend a day on the water at

Carlsbad Lagoon! Rent your choice of WaveRunners, stand-up paddleboards, single or tandem kayaks, pontoons or a swan pedal boat (great for a family of four).

Green Dragon Tavern & Museum 6115 Paseo Del Norte 760- 918-2421 www.greendragontavernca.com Historic restaurant and museum inspired by the original 18th-century Green Dragon Tavern in Boston. Free museum gives visitors a look into the architecture, historical artifacts and culture of Colonial America. Restaurant specialties include traditional New England-style fare.

K1 Speed Indoor Kart Racing

6212 Corte del Abeto 760-929-2225 www.k1speed.com

Race through a 60,000 sq. ft. track in speedy, high-performance electric karts. Off the track, compete in arcade games and grab a bite at the snack bar. Height requirement: 48” for kart racing. Also in downtown San Diego.

LEGOLAND California

One Legoland Dr. www.legoland.com/california

Family-favorite LEGOLAND features kid-friendly rides, shows, attractions and a water park (additional admission). Don’t miss the world’s first LEGO city of San Diego (opened spring 2023) in Miniland USA, featuring 55 San Diego landmarks. Stay overnight in one of two LEGO-themed resort hotels. SEA LIFE Aquarium is separate from theme park.

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln. 442-339-5042 www.carrillo-ranch.org/visit

Spanish-style ranch built by Hollywood actor and preservationist Leo Carrillo. Visitor center, select buildings and exhibits are open intermittently for self-guided tours. Guided walking tours on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 am and 1 pm. Call to confirm availability.

Museum of Making Music

5790 Armada Dr. 760-438-5996 www.museumofmakingmusic.org

Celebrate music and learn about the industry through immersive family visits, group tours and field trips. Check the calendar for educational opportunities, concerts and events.

SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND

One Legoland Dr. www.visitsealife.com/california

Experience close-up encounters with over 5,000 sea creatures including octopi, sea turtles, jellyfish and seahorses. Don’t miss the interactive touchpools and the Sea at Night exhibit, featuring a simulated bioluminescent tide under a starry night sky.

Del Mar

www.delmar.ca.us

Del Mar Beach/ Powerhouse Park

1658 Coast Blvd.

858-755-1524

Enjoy a breathtaking coastal park overlooking Del Mar’s favorite beach. Amenities include a large grassy area, playground, restrooms, outdoor showers and more. Easy access to the beach and other eateries along 15th Street.

Del Mar Fairgrounds www.delmarfairgrounds.com

2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.

Home to the San Diego County Fair, Del Mar Racetrack, concerts and many other fun events, be sure to check the schedule to see what’s happening.

Del Mar Highlands Town Center

12925 El Camino Real www.delmarhighlandstowncenter.com

Handel's ice cream shop, Batch & Box (the best cookies around), CeramiCafe, Cinépolis movie theater, Sky Deck (nine culinary hotspots in one) and many other restaurants and boutiques—no wonder it’s always hopping with families!

Flowerhill Promenade

2720 Via De La Valle

858-481-2904 www.flowerhill.com

Shop, dine and play at this unique collection of local boutiques, wellness services and family-friendly eateries. Family favorites include Geppetto’s Toys, Richard Walker’s Pancake House and Milton’s Deli. Kids love the outdoor play space, fun events and seasonal art installations.

Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary

2132 Jimmy Durante Blvd.

858-481-3148 www.freeflightbirds.org

Meet resident exotic birds, adoptable parrots and colorful koi up close in a tropical habitat. Stop by the learning center for educational programs on conservation and care of endangered birds. Reservations only.

One Paseo www.onepaseo.com

3725 Paseo Pl.

Boutique shops and kid-friendly eateries such as CAVA, Parakeet Café and Salt & Straw. Check the calendar for fun events such as Creative Wednesdays with The New Children’s Museum (monthly), Kids’ Happy Hour at “The Log,” a farm truck on weekends, summer outdoor movies and more.

Pacific Highlands Ranch Park and Pump Track

5977 Village Center Loop Rd. www.sandiego.gov/park-andrecreation/centers/recctr/ pacifichighlandsranch

What’s unique about this park? It has two concrete pump tracks that offer non-stop fun to bike, scooter and skateboard enthusiasts of varying skill levels. The 20,000 square-foot area is built for one-way riding to avoid collisions. Just inland from Del Mar (in Carmel Valley).

Pelly’s Mini Golf

15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd. 858-509-5130 www.delmargolfcenter.com/pages/ pellys-mini-golf

Play 18 holes of mini golf on themed courses: Pelly’s Ocean Adventure or Surfin’ Safari. Perfect for a family outing or groups.

San Dieguito County Park

1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr. 858-755-2386 www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/ en/park-pages/SanDieguito.html

This awesome, expansive park is surrounded by eucalyptus groves and features lookout platforms, suspension bridges, multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, a pond and five miles of hiking trails.