It’s raining chocolate at the San Diego Botanical Garden’s Chocolate Festival. This delightful celebration has bite-sized samples that are perfect for your pint-sized sweeties. A cool chocolate waterfall, lots of kids crafts (keep those little hands busy), a rope-climbing tree fort, splash around stream, and a beautiful botanical garden all make for a day of family fun.
Photo Credit: San Diego Botanical Garden Facebook page
The Tasty Details
This one-day festival takes place Saturday, May 9 — just in time for a Mother’s Day treat! The Festival is free with admission to the Botanical Garden, which will run you $14 for an adult and $8 for kids ages 3-12 (under 3 is free). You definitely want to bring extra cash for the chocolate treats. While the admission gets you into the Festival, the chocolate is extra. The chocolate fun runs from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Chocolate treats range from a chocolate fountain, s’mores, chocolate-dipped strawberries and other delights, truffles, cupcakes and lots more. There are so many treats you’ll want to pace yourself as you make your way through the Festival.
Insider’s Tip: Get $2 off admission by visiting the Botanic Garden’s website.
Photo Credit: San Diego Botanical Garden Facebook page
Gardens for Tiny Tots and Bigger Kids
Toddlers needing to blow off some steam after their chocolate indulgence? All aboard to the Seeds of Wonder Children’s Garden for the smaller set. Choo-choo on over to the miniature train tracks, play with the prehistoric dinosaurs or pretend to be parents in the tiny tots house (filled with fun kitchen utensils). Little ones will get the sillies out and have some fun.
Nestled at the bottom of a beautiful walking footpath your pint-sized explorers encounter the rope ladder entry to Toni’s jungle tree house. Adventure awaits as your swashbuckling sweeties discover a new world — climbing a rope bridge, stepping through elephant trees, and playing in the mountain stream. Fun for kiddos (and relaxing for you) this nature’s playground is a perfect place to explore.
Photo Credit: San Diego Botanical Garden Facebook page
Eats (Besides Chocolate) and Tips
Need a place to nosh when hunger strikes? You can enjoy gyros and falafels at the festival, hot dogs and Rita’s shaved-ice for the little tykes. Want to save some cash? Pack a picnic and eat it in the gardens.
Don’t forget to bring your camera to the garden as there are lots of photo ops around you. Also think about bringing a backpack or small stroller (for easy maneuvering). Hats, sunblock, and water all make for smooth sailing, and fun in the sun.
Photo Credit: San Diego Botanical Garden Facebook page
San Diego Botanic Garden
230 Quail Gardens Dr.
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-436-3036
Online: sdbgarden.org/chocolate
Have you indulged at the Chocolate Festival? Tell us your favorite part!
— Monique Walsh
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