Voices for Children - Children’s Activities

IMPORTANT

The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our community — including the children we serve, our volunteers, and our staff — is of great concern to us at Voices for Children. For most up to date key recommendations, please visit our Remote Advocacy Guide and COVID-19 response pages. For ideas on safe, virtual activities, visit our Virtual Visits page.

Activities and Events

Voices for Children’s offers LEGOLAND tickets for CASAs, their assigned youth, and foster parents through a partnership with LEGOLAND.

LEGOLAND Ticket Reservation Guidelines:

Youth can be issued LEGOLAND tickets only once during their dependency case.
Tickets are only for assigned youth, foster parents, and CASAs. This includes Non-Minor Dependents (NMDs) and children of NMDs.
LEGOLAND will provide 1 parking pass per group.
Please provide the name of each person in your party and their relationship to your assigned youth.
If a child ticket is requested, please indicate the age of that child.
Please have a few dates selected when your entire group is available to go at least 6 weeks after your request. Once you send this information to CASAkids@speakupnow.org, we will email you back with further instructions.

Voices for Children distributes backpacks with school supplies for case youth annually every August/September. Please watch the Weekly Roundup for details and dates, and email CASAkids@speakupnow.org with any questions.

The New Children’s Museum offers free admission for CASAs and their case children (including Non-Minor Dependents and children of NMDs.) Please show your badge at the front desk upon check in for admission.

New Children’s Museum – Downtown location: 200 W Island Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Parking is limited near the museum, so make sure to plan ahead!

New Children’s Museum (Art + Play Space) Del Mar location: 1555 Camino Del Mar Suite 310, Del Mar, CA 92014

Please check website for hours: thinkplaycreate.org

Please feel free to email CASAkids@speakupnow.org with any questions.

The USS Midway Museum offers free admission to CASAs and their case children during the months of July, December, March and May. To receive the free tickets, show your CASA badge at the ticket booth before boarding. Because visitors typically spend three to four hours at the museum, consider bringing bottled water and snacks.

USS Midway Museum: 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (final admission at 4:00 p.m.)

Please feel free to email CASAkids@speakupnow.org with any questions.

Voices for Children receives a limited number of tickets yearly for the San Diego Zoo/Safari Park. Tickets can be used by CASAs and their case children only. (This includes Non-Minor Dependents and children of NMDs.) To ensure this opportunity is available to as many children as possible, CASAs will be allowed to request tickets once per year. Safari Park tickets will include a pre-paid parking pass. (The Zoo has free public parking.)

San Diego Zoo/Safari Park Ticket Guidelines: Tickets cannot be transferred or sold. If tickets have not been used within two months from your request, please send them back to Voices for Children. If you don’t use the tickets and have returned them to Voices for Children, you can submit a new request at a later date. To check ticket availability, please email: CASAkids@speakupnow.org.

Voices for Children offers a limited number of yearly Balboa Park Explorer Passes for CASAs and their case child(ren) on a quarterly basis through a partnership with the Balboa Park Community Access Program. These passes are valid for a whole year, can be used as often as you like, and will automatically renew for the following year if you use them. The passes provide general admission to Centro Cultural de la Raza, Ruben H. Fleet Science Center, Japanese Friendship Garden, Mingei International Museum, Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego Air & Space Museum, San Diego Art Institute, San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego History Center, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, San Diego Museum of Man, theNAT (San Diego Natural History Museum), Timken Museum of Art, Veteran’s Museum at Balboa Park, and WorldBeat Center.

The passes do not include admission to special exhibitions and will not be renewed if not used in the year you request them.

Please watch the Weekly Roundup for the information on how to request Balboa Park Explorer passes quarterly, or email CASAkids@speakupnow.org for more information.

Promises2Kids hosts monthly activities and outings for siblings in foster care who are in separate placements through their Camp Connect program, allowing these separated brothers and sisters continued quality time for bonding. Outings and events include: ice skating, going to a museum, and attending ball games. For more information, please contact christy@promises2kids.org

Voices for Children offers a limited number of vouchers for CASAs to purchase eyeglasses on behalf of their case children through partnerships with Eyeglass World and Warby Parker. Please email SabrinaG@speakupnow.org with requests for vouchers or for more details.

Voices for Children offers free admission to CASAs and case children for select performances at The Old Globe, including The Grinch during the month of December. Please watch the Weekly Roundup for more detailed information about specific performances.

Voices for Children has a partnership with One Simple Wish (OSW), a national online wish program for foster youth. Voices for Children can post wishes on behalf of our case children with the hope that a generous donor will select and fulfill their wish. Examples of some of the wishes granted to our case children are: mechanic’s tool set, Zoo passes, theater tickets, YMCA fees, high chairs, walkers, children’s bedding, and iPods. The wishes can be from $5-$400 and are available to all open dependency cases, Non-Minor Dependents (NMDS), Juvenile Justice youth, and children placed with parents. Please email your Advocacy Supervisor for more details on how to submit a wish on behalf of your case child.

Promises2Kids provides funding support for life-enhancing activities and services for children currently within the foster care system in San Diego County through the Something Special Fund. Special circumstances often arise in the life of a foster child where they need additional financial support for activities, such as sports equipment, music classes, a class photo, or application fees to apply for college. Because of lack of funding, many of our youth in foster care are unable to fully experience everything life has to offer them at this age, which is so critical to a sense of belonging. The Something Special Fund was designed to provide foster youth with additional funds so that they don’t have to sit on the sidelines.

Eligible foster youth 18 years and under must reside within the San Diego County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County foster care system, have an open dependency case, in out-of-home placements, and 18 years or under. Youth placed with their biological parents do not qualify. Coordination between the CASA, AS, SW, and caregiver is important. Please email your Advocacy Supervisor for more information about the Something Special Fund.

FUN WITHOUT FACES PHOTOS:

Please join us in thanking our community partners for their generous donations of tickets, passes, or free admission to events, venues, and attractions by sharing your Fun Without Faces photos with us! To share a special picture from an outing with your case child, please send photos to christinal@speakupnow.org. Photos taken from behind are an ideal way to share the fun of an outing without showing the faces of our case children (for confidentiality.) We are also able to place a heart or happy face emoji over faces if you have a great photo that happens to show the face of your case child.

CALLING ALL CASAs!

Voices for Children is always looking for new ideas for outings or activities for our case children! If you know of a free or low-cost outing that is not on our list, or have an idea for a new community partner for us, we would love to hear from you! We welcome all additions and ideas—please get in touch and share with us at CASAkids@speakupnow.org

FREE AND CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN SAN DIEGO:

Head to San Diego’s many beaches, all free to the public. Play in the sand, collect seashells, or just bask in the sun, but don’t forget to take sunscreen. The official guide to San Diego Beaches: http://www.sandiego.org/what-to-do/beaches.aspx

Visit downtown San Diego’s Seaport Village for hours of free entertainment, leisurely strolling, and window shopping. Special events and general information found at: http://www.seaportvillage.com/

Stroll through the 16½-block historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego. See the renovated turn-of-the-century Victorian architecture and window shop at art galleries, boutiques, specialty shops, and more. Information on special events and $2 parking at: http://www.gaslamplocal.com/index.php?a=getp&pid=133

Fly a kite along the grassy field in the Tecolote Shores at Mission Bay Park or play at the playground. Here, away from trees and overhead wires, friends and family gather to launch colorful kites into the bay breezes. More information at: http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/regional/missionbay/tecoloteshores.shtml

Enjoy free organ concerts at 2:00 p.m. most Sundays at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. Check the website http://spreckelsorgan.org/ to confirm details. The Organ Pavilion features one of world’s largest outdoor pipe organs, a San Diego landmark since 1914.

Visit Old Town and witness the living legacy of San Diego history. Check the website for parking map and special events: http://www.oldtownsandiego.org/

Visit the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista for a free tour of the 150-acre facility. Check the website for special events: http://www.teamusa.org/. Tours offered from Visitor Center at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Self-guided tours available daily between 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Stargaze outside the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park on the first Wednesday of every month or at Mission Trails campground the second Friday of every month. Check website for details: http://www.sdaa.org/events.htm#SP. The San Diego Astronomy Association sets up huge telescopes that offer a great view of the night sky.

Enjoy fun puppet shows in Balboa Park – admission to the puppet theatre is $5 per person. Children under 2 are free. Check website for hours and special events: http://www.balboaparkpuppets.com/

Step back in time with a stop in Julian, a century-old gold mining town in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Pick up a free map at the Chamber of Commerce for a self-guided walking tour of the area’s historic sites.

Visit Mission Trails Regional Park to explore the cultural, historical, and recreational aspects of San Diego. Check out the website for hours, special events, and free hiking trail maps: http://www.mtrp.org/emtday

Stroll through Balboa Park and marvel at its beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Also, take advantage of Free Tuesday! http://www.balboapark.org

Explore the Tide Pools in Point Loma at low tide and get up close and personal with flowery anemones, scampering shore crabs, elusive octopus, spongy deadman’s fingers, and many other magnificent sea creatures. Check here for hours and best times to visit: http://www.nps.gov/cabr/learn/nature/tidepools.htm

Drive to the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla for breathtaking, 360-degree views of San Diego, including the gently curving La Jolla coastline and Mission Bay. Information and driving directions can be found at: http://www.soledadmemorial.com/about/memorial-location/

Spectacular views of San Diego’s East County communities also await guests at the top of Mt. Helix Park. Information and driving directions can be found at http://www.mthelixpark.org/.

Take a scenic walk along The Big Bay; 27 miles of waterfront featuring bayside parks, marinas, hundreds of shops and restaurants, and miles of promenades and bikeways, the Big Bay appeals to all ages and interests. Check website for special events: https://www.portofsandiego.org/thebigbay

San Diego Waterfront Park – great way to cool off and play in the water, then walk along the bay front and look at all the boats. Information on the Waterfront Park can be found at: http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/parks/Waterfrontpark.html

Free Bowling! Two games per day per child, shoe rental included at most venues. To find out which bowling alleys are taking part in this summer program and to register kids, go to: https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_id=5799

Botanic Garden – Whether you still call the place the “Quail Botanic Garden” or go with “The San Diego Botanic Gardens,” admission is still free the first Tuesday of the month. A nominal $2 parking fee is still charged. More information at: http://www.sdbgarden.org/visit.htm

Watch bike races at the Velodrome. Tucked away in Morley Field, Balboa Park, the Velodrome is home to some serious fixed-gear bike races. Races are at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays – spectators are free. For more information, go to: http://sdvelodrome.com/racing/tuesday-night-racing/

Hike Mt. Woodson. Although a slightly more challenging hike, let’s face it, you can never have enough pictures of your case child standing on Potato Chip Rock. More information and free trail guide at: http://www.modernhiker.com/2014/07/22/hike-mount-woodson/

California Surf Museum – Get schooled on the origins of surfing for free, every Tuesday. More information at: http://surfmuseum.org/

Coronado Summer Concert Series – Enjoy free music at Spreckels Park on summer Sunday evenings. More information at: http://coronadoconcert.com/concerts/

Free Summer Concerts – San Diego offers free concerts all over the city for just about any kind of music lover. Check out http://www.sandiego.org/articles/music/free-concerts-value-entertainment.aspx for more information. Concerts include:

Del Mar Foundation Twilight Concert Series Join the great Del Mar tradition where families and visitors gather by the Powerhouse to socialize, picnic and enjoy music together as the sun sets over the ocean.

La Jolla Concerts By the Sea Every Sunday afternoon from 2-4 p.m., La Jolla Cove is filled with live music, friends, families and fresh ocean breezes! Enjoy the ocean view and summer sun!

Point Loma Summer Concert Series Spend your Friday nights at Point Loma Park, enjoying the fresh air and live music! Bring your friends, family and a picnic and enjoy the summer concerts in July and August from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Seaport Village Concerts Alongside four miles of tree-lined paths you’ll find bands, singers, dancers and magicians. There’s something for every age.

Summer Organ Festival Twilight in the Park concerts are held every Tuesday thru Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at the largest outdoor organ pavilion on the West Coast right in the heart of Balboa Park.

Summerfest Under the Stars In August, the La Jolla Music Society presents a special concert at Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla featuring Summerfest artists. Arrive early and bring a sweater!

University Heights Summer in the Park New and longtime favorite bands perform at historic Trolley Barn Park. Pack a picnic and enjoy live music every Friday!

Cruisin’ Grand – free Car Show and Street Fair every Friday night on Grand in Escondido from April-September. More information at: http://cruisingrand.com/events/calendar/upcoming

El Cajon Car Festival Every week, there’s a different theme – cars range from antique, to muscle cars and everything in-between. More information at: http://www.cajonclassiccruise.org/

Free fly fishing lessons Be at Lake Murray on Sunday mornings from 9am-noon for a free fly casting clinic. They even have free equipment for your case child to use, but get there early as space fills quickly. More information and a map at: http://www.sandiego.com/free-fly-fishing-lessons#sthash.fCUTzLWn.dpuf

Friday Night Liberty On the first Friday of the month, explore open artist studios, galleries and events throughout NTC Promenade Arts & Cultural District. More information at: http://www.ntclibertystation.com/what.php

Grunion Run From March through August, when the tide is high during the full or new moon, you can catch the circle of life in action as thousands of Grunion take to the shore to spawn. Visit http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/grunionschedule.asp to find out where and when they will be in San Diego

Ray at Night North Park’s art walk has been going on for 13 years, the second Saturday of every month, from 6-10pm. More information at: http://www.rayatnight.com/

Tour Taylor Guitars If you’ve ever wondered how a guitar is made, you should check out the tour at Taylor Guitars in El Cajon. It lasts about an hour and happens every Mon-Fri at 1pm. More information at: http://www.taylorguitars.com/contact/factory-tours

San Diego Firehouse Museum Great day out for kids or all shapes and sizes! Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children/seniors. Limited parking is available – more information at http://www.sandiegofirehousemuseum.com/index.html

San Diego Coronado Ferry Park in Coronado then ride the ferry over to the Convention Center. From there you can explore Downtown San Diego, or ride back to Coronado and hang out there. More information at: http://www.flagshipsd.com/coronado-ferry

San Diego Police Museum Explore the history of San Diego Law Enforcement. Entrance is free – more information at: http://www.sdpolicemuseum.com/THE-MUSEUM.html

San Diego Old Town Saturday Market This Artisans market is held every Saturday except when there are special events. A large variety of artisans display their work here. More information available at: http://www.oldtownsandiego.org/saturdaymarket/

San Diego Walkabout International walk You and your case child can join a group of walkers, exploring San Diego on foot. More information at: http://www.walkabout-int.org/

San Diego La Jolla Open Aire Market Listen to live music as you and your case child wander around one of the most diverse farmer’s markets in San Diego. More information at: http://lajollamarket.com/vendors/#produce

San Diego Sunny Jim Cave – Explore the only sea cave you can enter by land in CA. Adults $5 and kids $3, information is at: http://www.cavestore.com/home.html

Home Depot DIY class Free classes every Saturday for kids who like to make things. Each class they complete a project which your child can then keep. To find your nearest Home Depot, go to http://workshops.homedepot.com

Seeley Stable Museum a replica of the Yuma/San Diego stage stop that burned down—along with the rest of Old Town—in the fire of 1872. It has a wide collection of vintage transportation vehicles on display. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; Free admission. More information at: http://www.letsgoseeit.com/index/county/sd/san_diego/loc06/seeley.htm

Mason Street School visitors can sit at the desks in the one room schoolhouse, or read about its long history on the plaques that cover the walls. See how many lashes a student would have received in the mid- to late-1800s for telling a lie or for wearing long fingernails. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. More information at: http://www.letsgoseeit.com/index/county/sd/san_diego/loc10/mason.htm

Free Ice Skating Lesson. Every Saturday at 11:15 am, UTC ice host a free intro to skating lesson. Download the waiver and have the social worker or foster parent sign it, then head on over to UTC. More information at http://utcice.com/

UCSD Art Walk. Explore the campus at UCSD while taking in sculptures and soaking in campus culture. Watch a short video at http://stuartcollection.ucsd.edu/ that explains each sculpture then download the free map at http://stuartcollection.ucsd.edu/map/. Campus is free and parking is free at the weekend. A fun way to spark a conversation about college.

MONTH BY MONTH!

JANUARY

Big Bay Whale Days & Festival
This free family event offers a wide variety of interactive and hands-on displays to learn about the annual winter migration of the California gray whale along San Diego’s coastline. More information at http://www.sandiego.org/events/festivals-and-street-fairs/whale-festival.aspx

FEBRUARY

Annual Chinese New Year and Cultural Fair
Festivities in downtown San Diego include Asian cuisine, martial arts and cooking demonstrations, cultural exhibits and traditional Lion and Dragon dances. More information at http://sdcny.weebly.com/

Wildflowers Bloom in the Desert
The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego’s East County turns into a wonderland of color when the spring wildflowers bloom. Blooms depend on timing and amount of winter rainfall, but visitors can call the wildflower hotline for updates: (760) 767-4684.

MARCH

Flower Fields Ranunculus Season
Fifty acres of beautiful Tecolote Giant Ranunculus come into bloom every spring at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. More information at http://theflowerfields.com/

Spring Busker Festival
Seaport Village along San Diego Bay comes alive with a celebration of street performers in a battle of entertainment and one-of-a-kind performances by jugglers, sword swallowers, comedic stuntmen and more. More information at http://www.seaportvillage.com/entertainment/busker-festival

42nd Annual San Diego Crew Classic Regatta
Rowers from across the country come to Crown Point Shores on Mission Bay to participate in one of the most distinguished rowing competitions in the U.S. More information at http://www.crewclassic.org/

APRIL

51st Annual Lakeside Rodeo
Bareback bronco rides, calf roping and other traditional rodeo competitions, along with food and crafts, bring the Wild West to life in Lakeside in San Diego’s East County. Tickets start at $5 for 12 and under. More information at http://www.lakesiderodeo.com/

Annual Coronado Flower Show
The nation’s largest flower show under a tent takes place in Spreckels Park in Coronado. Flower exhibits are placed around a central gazebo, which becomes the stage for live entertainment and trophy presentations. More information at http://coronadoflowershow.com/

Fallbrook Avocado Festival
Since the 1960s, tens of thousands of avocado lovers converge in Fallbrook to sample avocados, check-out the crazy cooking contest entries, buy funky avocado-themed gifts and enjoy bands and live entertainment. More information at http://www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org/events-v2/avocado-festival.html

Annual San Diego Earth Fair
The world’s largest annual environmental fair and Earth Day Celebration takes place in Balboa Park and features more than 300 exhibitors, special theme areas, food pavilion, children’s activity area, five entertainment venues, the Children’s Earth Parade, the eARTh Gallery art show, and the Cleaner Car Concourse. More information at http://www.earthdayweb.org/EarthFair.html

Annual Mission Federal ArtWalk
This visual and performing arts celebration takes place in downtown San Diego’s colorful Little Italy neighborhood and is the largest art event in San Diego. More information at http://www.artwalksandiego.org/missionfederal/

Annual Adams Avenue Unplugged Festival
The free, two-day festival features 180 musical performances of acoustic music, held on four outdoor stages and 22 indoor stages along a two-mile expanse along Adams Avenue, from the neighborhoods of Kensington to North Park. More information at http://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/Adams-Avenue-Unplugged.html

MAY

Annual Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo
A celebration of Mexican spirit and culture, the Fiesta Cinco de Mayo is held in Old Town, the birthplace of San Diego, and features music, food and entertainment for the entire family. More information at http://www.oldtownsandiegoguide.com/cinco.html

Carlsbad Spring Village Faire
One of the largest one-day street fairs in California features hundreds of exhibitors, international food and children’s rides in the coastal city of Carlsbad. More information at https://www.carlsbad.org/Events-Calendar-Detail.aspx?eid=222

JUNE

Summer Concerts

Check out http://www.sandiego.org/articles/music/free-concerts-value-entertainment.aspx for more information.

Annual La Jolla Festival of the Arts
Held on the University of California, San Diego campus in La Jolla, the event includes award-winning artists, gourmet cuisine, contemporary music and entertainment. General Admission $11. More information at http://www.lajollaartfestival.org/tickets/

JULY

Summer Concerts

Check out http://www.sandiego.org/articles/music/free-concerts-value-entertainment.aspx for more information.

Fourth of July Celebrations
Fireworks, festivals and patriotic parades are held in numerous communities throughout San Diego County. Coronado’s popular Independence Day celebration features a two-hour parade followed by a family concert in Spreckels Park. The Port of San Diego celebrates with its Big Bay Boom fireworks extravaganza over San Diego Bay, the largest fireworks display in the county. Find your local display here http://www.sandiego.org/campaigns/summer-in-san-diego/4th-of-july.aspx

Annual Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition
Some say this is the best event of the year! Dozens of dogs take to the waves near Imperial Beach pier to compete in small dog, large dog and tandem surfing heats. More information at https://unleashedby.petco.com/surfdog

Festival of the Bells
The festival celebrates the anniversary of the founding of Mission San Diego de Alcala, the first mission in California. More information at http://www.sandiego.org/events/festivals-and-street-fairs/festival-of-the-bells.aspx

AUGUST

Hillcrest Cityfest Street Fair

Immerse yourself in the heart of San Diego. The festival is a celebration of community spirit through music, arts, crafts and food, and attracts 150,000+ attendees each year. More information at http://fabuloushillcrest.com/events/hillcrest-cityfest/

Annual World Body Surfing Championships
International and U.S. body surfers compete at the Oceanside Pier and Beach in San Diego’s North County. More information at http://www.worldbodysurfing.org/

Julian Star Fest
Guests can explore the world of astronomy during this four-day festival, the second biggest in California, with exhibition areas, guest speakers, an astronomy equipment swap meet and more, held at Menghini Winery in the San Diego East County town of Julian. Admission is free for the Saturday evening event. More information at http://www.julianstarfest.com/

SEPTEMBER

U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition
For a small fee, you and your case child can watch over 300 tons of sand be carved and molded into beautiful sculptures. Held at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal alongside San Diego Bay, the summer event features live entertainment, food trucks and unique rides for kids including a zipline that flies over the show. More information at http://www.ussandsculpting.com/

San Diego Bayfair
Thrilling event features thunderboat racing, tunnel hulls, drag boats, hydroplanes, fireworks and concerts, all along and on the waters of Mission Bay. General Admission $10 – children under 12 free. More information at http://www.sandiegobayfair.org/tickets/pricing

Annual Pacific Islander Festival
The cultures, foods, crafts and customs of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia are showcased at Ski Beach on Mission Bay. More information at http://www.pifasandiego.com/

Annual Adams Avenue Street Fair
One of the largest free music street fairs in California, features live musical acts, along with rides and 300 craft and food vendors. More information at http://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/Adams-Avenue-Street-Fair.html

26th Annual Sycuan Pow-Wow
The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation presents a traditional celebration featuring Indian song, dance, arts and crafts, games and food, held at the Sycuan Reservation in San Diego’s East County. More information at http://sycuantribe.org/pow-wow/

Cabrillo Festival
The exploration of the U.S. West Coast by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542 is commemorated at Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma. More information at http://www.cabrillofestival.org/

OCTOBER

October is Kids Free Month at the San Diego Zoo, and children 11 years and younger receive free admission all month long (with an adult). Kids can connect with their wild side by meeting wildlife, while discovering the wonders of nature through play and exploration. Go wild! For more information about Kids Free, see our Seasonal Event FAQs.

Annual Julian Fall Apple Harvest
Celebrate autumn with music, art shows, cider and delicious apple pies in the charming San Diego East County mountain town of Julian. More information at http://www.julianmerchants.org/#!apple-days/c1p0

Annual Little Italy FESTA!
This colorful Italian celebration features music, fine food and “Gesso Italiano” a traditional Italian street-painting festival. More information at http://www.littleitalysd.com/events/little-italy-festa/

Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival
Weekend activities include arts and crafts, a parade and the Miss Borrego Springs Pageant in the East County desert town of Borrego Springs. More information at http://www.borregospringschamber.com/BorregoDays/

MCAS Miramar Air Show
This award-winning, world-class air show features the best military and civilian pilots in the world, including the U.S. Navy’s famous Blue Angels. More information at http://miramarairshow.com/tickets

NOVEMBER

Annual Mother Goose Parade
San Diego East County’s annual holiday kick-off celebration features celebrity appearances, whimsical floats, clowns, bands, equestrians and more. More information at http://www.mothergooseparade.org/

DECEMBER

La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
Marching bands, floats, vintage automobiles and more parade down the streets of La Jolla. The parade ends with a holiday festival featuring craft booths, carnival rides, food, entertainment and a tree lighting ceremony. More information at http://www.ljparade.com/

Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
This colorfully unique San Diego holiday tradition features more than 100 private boats decorated with holiday lights, sailing along the waters of San Diego Bay. More information at http://www.sdparadeoflights.org/

Big Bay Balloon Parade
A popular parade along downtown San Diego’s waterfront is followed by a major college bowl game at Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley, featuring teams from the Pac-10 and Big 12 Conferences. The exciting gridiron action is augmented by spectacular pregame and halftime pageantry. More information at http://sandiegobowlgames.com/parade/

Holiday Lights

Find the best display of holiday lights in your area and maybe enjoy a hot chocolate as you walk around taking in the spectacle. More information at https://www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/san-diegos-best-map-of-christmas-lights