4 minute read
East County
Alpine • Campo/Potrero El Cajon • Lakeside • La Mesa • Santee
Alpine www.alpinechamber.com
Lions Tigers & Bears
24402 Martin Way
619-659-8078 www.lionstigersandbears.org
SoCal’s only fully-accredited rescue sanctuary and educational facility for big cats, bears and other exotic animals. The 142-acre sanctuary is home to over 60 rescue animals. Check site for guided tours, special experiences and fun events.
San Diego Animal Sanctuary & Farm
5178 Japatul Spur
619-320-4942 www.sandiegoanimalsanctuaryandfarm.org
Get to know more than 200 exotic, barnyard and miniature animals including ostriches, zebras, alpacas, peacocks, tortoises and much more. Guided tours available. Open daily.
Viejas Outlet Center
5003 Willows Rd.
619-659-2070 www.viejasoutletcenter.com
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve 9310 Fanita Pkwy. 619-596-3141 www.santeelakes.com
Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages love this lakefront park for fishing, hiking and fun seasonal events. Kids enjoy the sprayground (by Lake 1), adventure course (by Lake 5), multiple playgrounds and more. Cabin and boat rentals available.
Shop, dine and play at this impressive outdoor entertainment center featuring an outlet mall, outdoor roller rink (ice skating in the winter), and bowling alley.
Campo/Potrero
Motor Transport Museum
31949 Hwy. 94
619-478-2492 www.motortransportmuseum.org
An eclectic collection of transportation artifacts and more than 200 historic motor vehicles and industrial machinery. Open Saturdays and the first Sunday of the month.
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum 750 Depot St. 619-478-9937 www.psrm.org
Take a journey back in time on a vintage train ride through San Diego’s scenic backcountry. Popular holiday-themed rides include Bunny Train, Pumpkin Express and North Pole Limited. Sunset train rides on summer Saturdays.
Potrero County Park 24800 Potrero Park Dr. 619-478-5212
Enjoy 100-year-old oak trees, shaded picnic tables and playgrounds at this 132-acre park that also offers tent and RV sites and two wilderness cabins for those who want to extend their visit.
Wisteria Candy Cottage
39961 Old Hwy. 80
619-766-4453 www.wisteriacandycottage.com
This delightful sweet shop (once a one-room schoolhouse) has been hand-dipping homemade chocolates since 1921. Enjoy brittle, fudge, truffles and more. Open Thurs–Sun.
Cajon www.ci.el-cajon.ca.us
Funbox www.funbox.com/elcajon
415 Fletcher Pkwy.
This massive 25,000 square-foot bounce park offers endless inflatable fun with 10 play areas, a 23-foot slide, Mountain Challenge, Chill Zone and more. Socks required; non-slip socks available for purchase.
Gel Tag San Diego 9582 Labrador Ln. 858-610-8700 www.geltagsandiego.com
Grab your friends and engage in an exciting game of outdoor GellyBall tag! This fun, low-impact activity is geared for ages 5 & up. Think “paint ball,” but less painful and messy. GellyBall Blasters hold 750 shots without having to reload. Mobile gaming option available.
Heritage of the Americas Museum
12110 Cuyamaca College Dr. W 619-670-5194 www.heritageoftheamericasmuseum.com
Embark on a journey through time exploring art, anthropology, archaeology and natural history exhibits, and garden patios. Open Tue–Fri and two Saturdays a month. Ages 17 & under free.
San Diego Air & Space Museum's Gillespie Field Annex 335 Kenney St. 619-258-1221 www.sandiegoairandspace.org/museum/gillespie-field-annex
A wonderful hidden gem for aircraft aficionados and little airplane enthusiasts. Visit the small hangar to see vintage planes and restoration projects.
Yogurt Mill
935 Broadway
619-579-1566
Line up at the leaning tower for huge portions and tasty toppings at this 40+ year-old froyo shop. Check website for the scoop on daily flavors. Cash only.
Lakeside
www.lakesidechamber.org
Barn Animal Buddies
619-561-8508 www.barnanimalbuddies.com
Book a one-hour visit to pet, feed and hold a variety of adorable barn animals. Birthday parties at the barn and mobile petting zoo also available.
Barona Cultural Center & Museum 1095 Barona Rd.
619-443-7003 www.baronamuseum.org
Celebrating local Kumeyaay-Diegueño culture through art, interactive exhibits and artifacts dating as far back as 10,000 years. Free admission.
FUNBelievable Play
11655 Riverside Dr.
619-456-2474 www.funbelievableplay.com
The three-tier mega play structure features three slides, aerial glides, rock wall, ball pool and sports arena. A dedicated toddler area offers interactive play with soft toys and mini slides.
Lake Jennings 9535 Harritt Rd.
Camping: 619-390-1623 Fishing: 619-443-2510 www.lakejennings.org
Spend the day hiking, fishing, boating and picnicking or camp overnight. Monthly lakefront firepit nights include lake entrance for six people, Adirondack chairs, two bundles of wood and clean-up (reservations required).
Summers Past Farms 15602 Olde Hwy. 80
619-390-1523 www.summerspastfarms.com
Such a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon! Stroll through beautiful gardens and make your way through the sweet pea maze at this family farm. Visit the barn shop, offering homemade soaps and garden accessories. Open Thurs–Sun.
La Mesa
www.cityoflamesa.us
The AubreyRose Tea Room 8362 La Mesa Blvd. 619-461-4832 www.theaubreyrosetearoom.com
One of San Diego’s favorite English tea experiences featuring delicious petite savories, scones and pastries. Reservations required.
Briercrest Park
9001 Wakarusa St. www.cityoflamesa.us/389/briercrest-park
This beautiful park features whimsical art that encourages children to engage with nature. Kids love the musical instruments, sensory garden, sandbox, swings and climbing structures.
