3 minute read
North County Inland
Borrego Springs
borregospringschamber.com
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
200 Palm Canyon Dr. 760-767-4205 www.abdsp.org
With access to the scenic Pacific Crest Trail, this unique desert landscape is perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping. Don’t miss the spring wildflower blooms. Anza-Borrego is a designated International Dark Sky Park—ideal for nighttime stargazing.
Borrego Night Sky Tours www.borregonightskytours.com
Learn about the universe and explore the night skies over Anza-Borrego. Use a telescope to gaze at stars, constellations, planets and galaxies. Suitable for ages 9 and up.
Galleta Meadows www.underthesunfoundation.org
1700-1844 Borrego Springs Rd.
The natural environment of Borrego Springs becomes a creative museum lined with the iconic metal Sky Art sculptures by artist Ricardo Breceda. Unique photo opportunity; free to visit.
Escondido www.escondido.org
Clue Avenue Escape Room
201 E Grand Ave. #2G 760-349-6609 www.clueavenue.com
Teams race against the clock in a live-action adventure game, solving a series of unique puzzles and clues that correspond to a themed room (varying from mysterious to scary). Kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
8833 Harmony Grove Rd. 760-632-4212 https://elfinforest.olivenhain.com
Enjoy walking, hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding through 11 miles of trails. Free interpretive nature walks available.
The Grand Tea Room
145 W. Grand Ave. 760-233-9500 www.thegrandtearoom.com
Full service tea room features a wonderful food menu and over 40 teas to choose from. Children’s Tea (ages 10 & under) offered. Closed Sun./Mon.
Grape Day Park
321 N. Broadway
760-839-4691 www.escondido.org/grape-daypark.aspx
Explore Escondido’s history through a working barn, train depot, blacksmith shop and more. Complete with Vinehenge, an interactive grape sculpture turned playground!
Kit Carson Park
3333 Bear Valley Pkwy.
760-839-4691 www.escondido.org/kit-carson-park.aspx
Enjoy walking trails, ponds, picnic areas, playgrounds and a variety of athletic fields and courts. Don’t forget Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, an intriguing art installation nestled within the park.
Rancho Guejito Vineyard www.ranchoguejitovineyard.com
17224 San Pasqual Valley Rd.
Complimentary hayride tours and a bounce house on weekends are kid-friendly highlights at this winery that features shaded gardens overlooking stunning vineyards. Check the calendar for live music, workshops and other events.
Looking for more familyfriendly wineries? Read our article at www.sandiegofamily.com/ things-to-do/dining-andrecipes/best-family-friendlywineries-san-diego
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
320 N. Broadway
760-233-7755 www.sdcdm.org
Explore, imagine and experiment at this popular indoor/outdoor discovery space. Hands-on activities inspire creativity focused around STEM, art and world cultures. Sensory accommodations available. Closed Mondays.
Fallbrook/Bonsall
Live Oak County Park
2746 Reche Rd.
760-728-2303 www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/ en/park-pages/LiveOak.html
This oak tree forest is the perfect picnic spot. Playgrounds, sports fields and courts, an amphitheater and an off-leash dog area available to enjoy with the whole family.
Wild Wonders
5712 Via Montellano
760-630-9230 www.wildwonders.org
Connect with animals through interactive, educational tours. Behind-the-scenes experiences allow families to meet animals from around the world. Reservations only.
Palomar Mountain
Palomar Mountain State Park
19952 State Park Dr.
760-742-3462 www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=637
Escape city life for a serene mountain experience great for hiking, fishing and camping. Enjoy rich natural and cultural history in the gorgeous forest and mountain meadows.
Poway
www.poway.org
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
16275 Espola Rd.
858-668-4781 www.blueskyreserve.org
Take a nature walk through a beautiful canyon surrounded by coastal sage and chaparral-covered hills. Guided hikes and educational activities available.
Lake Poway
14644 Lake Poway Rd.
858-668-4772 www.poway.org/lakepoway
Ideal for boating, fishing, hiking, playing, feeding ducks and having picnics. Don’t miss the “Mr. Padre'' memorial statue dedicated to adored long-time Poway resident and San Diego Padres player, Tony Gwynn.
Ramona www.ramonachamber.com
Classic Rotors Museum
2690 Montecito Rd. (at airport) 760-650-9257 www.rotors.org
Book a tour of rare helicopters and vintage rotorcraft to see the power of rotor technology through history.
Dos Picos County Park
17953 Dos Picos Park Rd. 760-789-2220 www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/ en/park-pages/DosPicos.html
Experience native wildlife, ancient oak groves and mountain trails. Enjoy picnic tables, horseshoe pits, nearby fishing and a play area. Come for the day or stay overnight in an RV or tent site or one of six ADAaccessible cabins.
Oasis Camel Dairy 26757 Hwy. 78 760-787-0983 www.cameldairy.com
Enjoy a unique experience during Farm Days or private encounters. Animal feedings, photos and camel rides. Shop for camel milk desserts or skincare products for a unique gift!
Rancho Santa Fe
Helen Woodward Animal Center 6461 El Apajo
858-756-4117 x318 www.animalcenter.org/education
Support animals through educational animal interactions, Critter Camp, special events, adoptions and more. Visit the website to learn how the whole family can get involved.
San Marcos
Discovery Lake/Lakeview Park 650 Foxhall Dr. 760-744-9000 x3500
Old Poway Park & Poway-Midland
Railroad
14134 Midland Rd.
858-668-4576 www.poway.org/oldpowaypark www.san-marcos.net/Home/ Components/FacilityDirectory/ FacilityDirectory/164/1126 Picnic shelter and tables, restrooms, splashpad and play structure. Flat, paved path great for strollers, bikes and scooters. No swimming or boating; permitted fishing from shore only. Splashpad operates seasonally; check website for dates and times.
Take a train ride, visit the blacksmith shop, explore the creek or have a picnic. Visit the Nelson House and Heritage Museum to learn about pioneer living. Enjoy delicious food and fresh produce at the farmers market (Saturdays). Train schedule: www.powaymidlandrr.org.
Find more local train experiences at www.sandiegofamily.com/ things-to-do/out-about/ 7-fun-train-experiences-insan-diego.
Invasion Laser Tag 1290 W San Marcos Blvd. #101 760-571-9191 www.invasionlasertag.com
Players enter the 5,000 sq. ft. futuristic arena for the ultimate game of high-tech hide-and-seek, tag and capture the flag, all in one exhilarating game. Must be age 7 or older to play.