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.