San Diego Weekend of Festivals, Fairs, Park Events and More!

Photo by Scott Liddell

Check out these family-friendly events and activities happening this weekend in San Diego! To find more kid-friendly fun, head on over to SoCal Kids San Diego, a website dedicated to keeping parents in-the-know about family friendly events and activities in San Diego. They also offer a free monthly e-newsletter that highlights local events.

The 2nd Annual National Kids to Parks Day is Saturday, May 19, taking place in parks around the country. Over 71,000 have pledged to go to a park on May 19. “Park fun for families is a simple prescription to help adults and children stay healthy and active,” said Grace Lee, Executive Director of National Park Trust. Activities in San Diego include a nature hike at Lake Morena, a full day of fun at Dos Picos County Park, and a ranger led walk at Sweetwater Summit. Families can go to www.kidstoparks.org to find additional events and more information.

Also on Saturday, May 19, Mission Trails Regional Park will once again host Explore Mission Trails Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 2012 event, Connecting Children with Nature, will feature free guided nature walks, talks and programs throughout the park, including live animals, and programs for children. There will be a special children’s program about coyotes presented by the San Diego Natural History Museum and Scholastic Publishing’s Ms. Frizzle™ and The Magic Schoolbus©. Kids will also enjoy free pony rides, a climbing wall, explore stations, crafts, and more. Please visit www.mtrp.org for more information.

FRIDAY, MAY 18

Goldilocks and the Three Little Bunnies: Goldilocks gets lost and stumbles into the Bunny House where she discovers big, bigger, biggest; cold, warm, hot and soft and comfy versus hard. Recommended for preschool kids and older. Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre. Two shows: 10 & 11:30 a.m. Price: $4/$5.

Endangered Species Day: At 10 a.m., Joan Embery, conservation ambassador for San Diego Zoo Global, will kick off a weekend of activities to celebrate the Park’s four decades of work with endangered species. San Diego Zoo. Included with admission or membership.

Family Friday: Take a tour with a kid-friendly, do-it-yourself guide, then take the nature trail down to the Lux Classroom for a hands-on art project led by a Lux instructor. Recommended for kids ages 4+. Lux Art Institute. 1-4 p.m. Price: Studio admission is free for members and individuals under 21; $5 for non-members.

Cruisin’ Grand: Check out the 500+ cars lining the streets of historic downtown Escondido! East Grand Avenue. 5-8 p.m. Free.

Concerts on the Promenade: Outdoor concert featuring the Thunder Road Tribute Band. Prescott Promenade in Downtown El Cajon. 5-8 p.m. Free.

SATURDAY, MAY 19

Encinitas Sports Festival: Includes triathlons, duathlon, bike tour, 5K Run including Kid & Family 1K Walk/Run, a a two day Health and Fitness expo, vendors, live music, and more. Moonlight Beach. Visit website for specific times, locations and prices of each sporting event.

San Diego River Days: Events celebrating our region’s namesake river, from guided hikes, nature walks, volunteer river restoration events and more. Along the San Diego River. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free. Article.

Pirate Days: Weekend celebration for kids to include kids costume contests, carnival games, cannon firings, weapon demonstrations, sword fights, appearances by mermaids and scavenger hunt for pirate treasure. Maritime Museum of San Diego. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Price: $15/$8. Article.

Strawberry Jam: Bring your family for a fun spring day on the farm! Enjoy live music, have a picnic, and load up on some delicious fruit! Suzie’s Farm. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Price: Free admission, Strawberries $2.50/lb. Article.

SEA Days: Uncover the link between air pollution and climate change as Scripps Oceanography researchers bring real-time experiments to this event. Birch Aquarium at Scripps. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Price: Included with admission ($9.50-$14).

Wild West Fest: Celebrate Native American culture with demonstrations, crafts, activities, pony rides, and entertainment. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Price: Free admission, Activity cards $5.

Endangered Species Day Celebration: Featuring live animal encounters, arts and crafts, story time, native plant walks, community art mural, and more. Chula Vista Nature Center. 12-4 p.m. Price: Included with admission ($9-$14).

Birds of Prey Presentation: See live birds of prey up close and learn about their life spans, habitat and diets. Good for children 10 years old or older. Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy. 1-3 p.m. Free.

Cirque Wings: Go on a magical journey exploring the history and passion to fly from ancient times to modern days – all told through circus acts. Balboa Theatre. 2-4 p.m. Price: Adults $35-$85, Kids are free.

Operation Heart & Soul: Benefit concert for the Sabrina Keller Foundation promoting education and heart health awareness. Toy drive to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital. Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista. 4:30-9:30 p.m. Price: $10-$15; Children 5 and under are free.

SUNDAY, MAY 20

North Park Festival of the Arts: Featuring craft vendors, fine arts exhibitors, dance, music, hands-on art activities and demonstrations, and much more. University & 30th in North Park. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free admission.

Sicilian Festival: Featuring live entertainment, exhibits, a flag procession, a pasta eating contest, photo display, and more. India Street in Little Italy. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free admission. Article.

Children’s Book Festival: Featuring 2 stages, sketching for kids, 3 activities areas, and 75 booths of authors, illustrators, publishers, writer’s groups, vendors, and more. La Mesa Blvd in Downtown La Mesa. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free. Article.

Musical Trash Birthday Bash: Birthday bash party-goers can experience a day of listening, building, and performing with sound projects based on trash and recycling. Perfect for kids of all ages! The New Children’s Museum. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Price: Included with admission ($10). Article.

Escondido Street Faire: Featuring over 500 vendors, live entertainment, and food from around the world. Grand Avenue in Downtown Escondido. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free admission.

Target Free Family Day and Festival: Bring the family to the Museum for art-making, performances, special tours, and more! San Diego Museum of Art. 12-5 p.m. Free.

Family Sunday: Families are invited to participate in a hands-on craft activity as well as the Discover Mingei! Treasure Hunt. Mingei International Museum. 12-4 p.m. Price: $5/family, $3/individual.

Day of the Drum: A community event featuring a variety of drum ensembles. World Beat Center. 2 p.m. Free.

*It’s always a good idea to check with the venue before heading out as cancellations, postponements, and date/time changes do occur on occasion.

About SoCal Kids San Diego
SoCal Kids San Diego was founded by Kathie Zaccaria, an East County Mom dedicated to providing families all over San Diego with events and activities that are kid-friendly. From science to festivals, concerts to crafts – SoCal Kids San Diego aims to be your one-stop-shop for family fun!

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