South Bay

Sesame Place San Diego

2052 Entertainment Cir., Chula Vista 619-943-ELMO www.sesameplace.com/san-diego

This awesome theme park features 18 rides and water slides for all ages, live entertainment, character meet- n-greets and tons of fun! Have a ball at The Count’s Splash Castle, Big Bird’s Rambling River, the Sunny Day Carousel and much more. Coming soon: Dine with Elmo & Friends! Sesame Place San Diego is a Certified Autism Center.

Bonita Museum & Cultural Center

4355 Bonita Rd.; 619-267-5141 www.bonitahistoricalsociety.orgExplore the art, history and culture of San Diego’s South Bay region via rotating exhibits, student exhibitions and interactive school tours.

Chula Vista Live Steamers Train at Rohr Park

4548 Sweetwater Rd.www.chulavistalivesteamers.orgA ride on a miniature steam or diesel locomotive around a beautiful park? Yes, please! Train runs on the second Saturday and Sunday of the month. Rides are free, but donations appreciated. After the train ride, have a picnic at Rohr Park and enjoy the playground.

Rohr Park

4548 Sweetwater Rd.619-409-5979Play, picnic and spend the day. Enjoy two playgrounds, a three-mile trail, sports courts and fields, dog park and miniature railroad. See previous listing re train info.

Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

3218 Summit Meadow Rd.619-472-7572This 500-acre park offers playground, bike pump track, covered picnic tables, horseshoe pits, campground and seasonal splash pad. Visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking on 15 miles of trails. Nominal parking fee.

Chula Vista www.chulavistaca.gov

Bayfront Park

980 Marina Way

Enjoy grassy areas, picnic tables, paved walking paths and fishing at this waterfront park with views of Downtown San Diego and Coronado Bridge. Located adjacent to Safe Harbor South Bay, formerly known as Chula Vista Marina (www.shmarinas.com/locations/safeharbor-south-bay).

Bowlero

845 Lazo Ct.  619-421-4801 www.bowlero.com

Bowlero offers a unique, upscale experience for all ages, with 48 black-light lanes, awesome arcade, sports bar and comfort food delivered to your lane. Also in San Marcos.

Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center 2800 Olympic Pkwy. 619-656-1500 www.trainatchulavista.com

Take a guided, self-guided or VIP tour of this state-ofthe-art facility, used to train U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes (and other elite athletes) in more than 20 sports, including track & field, rugby, rowing, archery, BMX, water polo, beach volleyball and more. Stop by the Elite Team Campus Store to purchase a Team U.S.A. souvenir.

Greg Cox Bike Park

325 Rancho Dr.619-482-7361Located at Otay Valley Regional Park, all ages can ride on beginner and intermediate bike trails, a beginner’s zone, and California’s largest modular pump track. Bring your own bike and helmet. No restrooms.

Heritage Park

1381 E. Palomar St.619-407-3520Spend the day at this large10-acre park that offers a duck pond, play structures, picnic tables, barbecues, a skateboard park, sports facilities, walking trails and ample grassy areas.

Living Coast Discovery Center

1000 Gunpowder Point Dr.619-409-5900www.thelivingcoast.orgDiscover San Diego Bay’s wildlife, enjoy interactive animal encounters, and learn about coastal and land creatures (sea turtles, rays, sharks, raptors, reptiles and more). Wildlife presentations, educational tours and community events are all part of the fun! Closed Mon/Tues.

Otay Lakes County Park

2270 Wueste Rd.858-565-3600 www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/ OtayLakes.htmlOne of Otay’s best kept secrets, this serene 78-acre park offers gorgeous lake views, picnic sites, playground equipment, horseshoe pits, gardens, trails, boating and excellent birdwatching. Nominal parking fee.

Play City Indoor Playground

871 District Pl. #105619-882-5663www.playcityeastlake.comEastlake’s original indoor play area and bounce house for kids ages 1–12, featuring three-level play structure and a designated toddler zone. Grip socks required. Open daily.

K1 Speed Chula Vista

881 District Pl.619-600-3200 www.k1speed.com/chula-vista-location.html Challenge friends to high-energy, eco-friendly, indoor go-kart races (ages 6 & up), experience Glo-Karting on Friday nights, and play games in the arcade (air hockey, billiards, video games) when you’re not racing.

Imperial Beach www.imperialbeachca.gov

Portwood Pier Plaza

940 Seacoast Dr.619-423-8265South Bay’s iconic “Surfhenge” public art structure pays homage to local surfing culture, welcoming visitors to the area, which offers bike paths, picnic tables, a tot lot, grassy areas, nearby shops and restaurants, and pier access.

South Bay Drive-In Theatres

2170 Coronado Ave.619-423-2727www.southbaydrivein.comCatch a flick from the comfort of your car at the county’s only drive-in theater. Admission for kids ages 5–9 is only $1. Snack bar is cash only. Open seven days a week.

National City www.nationalcityca.gov

Market on 8th

41 E. 8th St.www.marketon8th.comA foodie haven, this public market features a variety of dining options such as Donburi Rice Bowls, Thai food, barbecue, poke, Indonesian cuisine, desserts from MNGO and Barkada taproom.

National City Depot Museum

922 W. 23rd St.619-474-4400www.sdera.orgThe oldest railroad-related structure still standing in San Diego County, this historic depot (built in 1882 and restored in 1998) is now a museum dedicated to the history of railroads in Southern California. Open Sat/Sun.

Niederfrank’s Ice Cream

726 A Ave.619-477-0828 www.niederfranksicecream.com/flavorsThis old-fashioned scoop shop has been serving unique and classic homemade ice cream flavors for more than 70 years. Stop by for a treat!

Pepper Park

3299 Tidelands Ave.

Families enjoy a five-acre park right on the Sweetwater Channel. Features playground, fishing pier, boat launch, picnic tables and restrooms.

Snowpops SD

1005 E. Plaza Blvd. #101619-292-2612www.snowpopssd.comA family-owned shop offering delicious gourmet popsicles, snowballs made with fluffy shaved ice, Lappert’s Ice Cream, Dole Whip floats and more.

Steal and Escape

2602 Transportation Ave #B www.stealandescape.comAn award-winning escape room destination and local favorite. Embark on a mysterious adventure with your team and solve clues to “escape” within 60 mins. Ages 6–17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Stein Family Farm

1808 F Ave.619-477-4113www.thesteinfamilyfarm.comLiving history farm with an 1880’s farmhouse museum, 1920’s barn with antique equipment, orchard and animals. Only open Saturdays from 10 am–2 pm.