ML Interest Tag: animal-center

Must-Book Kids Birthday Party Venues in San Diego

by Nikki Walsh

Looking for the best kids’ birthday party spot in San Diego? From retro eats to animal encounters, these venues know how to celebrate

Even in San Diego we occasionally need a break from the cooler temps outside. If you’re looking beyond the trademark pool party, backyard barbecue, or park picnic we’ve rounded up some of the best indoor spaces for your child’s next birthday party—and these venues are sure to keep even the littlest party guests busy and comfortable inside! In fact, these San Diego kids party venues (some of which just so happen to be world-class museums!) are destined to make the event a fantastic celebration for young revelers: There’s a theme for every interest—from rocket ships and pirate ships to trampolines and giant hammocks. Read on for birthday ideas in San Diego sure to make your kid’s big day the absolute best!

The New Children's Museum

Spend your birthday boy or girl's special day at the coolest museum for kids downtown. Guests of your party get museum entry and two hours in the special party room. A dedicated party concierge will help parents throughout the party, and special activities can be added on for an additional fee. Your kiddo's crew will love all of the museum's exhibits––especially hanging out in their super cool art installation: Whammock!—a giant rainbow hammock they can swing and climb through. Be sure to book this popular spot two weeks in advance!

Age: 1-12

200 W. Island Ave.
Online: thinkplaycreate.org

Related: Animal Birthday Parties for Creature Loving Kids

 

Corvette Diner

Let your little one rock and roll their way through a birthday celebration at the '50s style Corvette Diner. Birthday guests are treated to serenades from the beehived servers. Themed party packages include a party space, choices from a pre-set menu, and either time in the very popular arcade, crafts, or a dance-off! Many add-ons are available, including a popcorn cart, cupcake buffet, and balloon artist.

Age: all

Liberty Station
2965 Historic Decatur Rd.
Online: corvettediner.com

San Diego Children's Discovery Museum

Calling all young explorers! The San Diego Children's Discovery Museum is the perfect party spot for little tykes, and it's easy to plan for the big day. They offer themed parties like Dinosaur Discovery, Future Farmers, or Little Chemists. You also get a party assistant and your own parking spot on that special day. Also good to note, the museum offers mobile birthday parties, which include some of their traveling exhibits and workshops.

Age: 1-10

320 N. Broadway
Escondido, CA
Online: sdcdm.org

CeramiCafe

Party-goers get to have their cake and eat it too at CeramiCafe. The best part about this venue is that you don't have to be an artist, yet you get to paint a great piece of pottery. The popular cupcake party includes a party host and cupcakes and lemonade for all guests. But, most importantly, the birthday artist enjoys creative time with friends.

Age: 5+

3425 Del Mar Heights Rd.
Online: ceramicafe.com

Rockin' Jump

Take your little ones' birthday celebration to the next level by jumping the day away! Rockin' Jump is an indoor trampoline park filled with foam pits, dodgeball courts, and a ninja challenge course to keep your tykes moving and grooving. Party packages include a private party room where guests can relax and take a break from the high-flying fun before chowing down on pizza and refreshments.

Age: all

8190 Miralani Dr.
Online: rockinjump.com

San Diego Air and Space Museum

Shoot for the moon at this birthday spot that budding astronauts will love. Each party blasts off with a super scientific activity like Balsa Gliders, Alka-Seltzer rockets, or foam Rovers. Then, guests get a personalized museum tour with lots of good facts about the airplanes and rockets. You supply the food and they will take care of the rest! However, kids will leave with a goody bag perfect for the whole flight crew.

Age: 5-12

2001 Pan American Plaza
Online: sandiegoairandspace.org

 

Related: 7 Unique Birthday Ideas For Your Party Animal

Pump It Up

A bounce-it-out party that's also private, clean, and safe sounds great to us! First, there are plenty of party themes to choose from including a glow theme, pirate quest, and even superhero training. Kids bounce 'til their heart's content then head into a private party room for snacks, pizza, drinks, balloons, and party bags. Also, the birthday boy or girl gets to sit on a giant throne to unwrap presents. The Pump It Up crew sets up, cleans up, and packs the presents up, too.

Age: kids over 34 inches tall

12760 Danielson Ct. St. J
Poway, CA
Online: pumpitupparty.com

Helen Woodward Animal Center

Hands down, this is the best place to have an animal birthday paw-ty because the nonprofit expertly pairs education with the festivities. Further, they include themed party decorations, set-up, hosting and clean up. Plus, you'll get an animal encounter, face painting, and private backroom tour. We love the Bow-Wow Party for little ones and the Jammin' Jungle theme for bigger kids who crave a reptile encounter.

Age: all

6461 El Apajo Rd.
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Online: animalcenter.org

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Kid Ventures

Capture the imagination at this birthday hot spot. With creative dress-up from princess to fire person and great attention to detail, party planning is easy and fun. So, bring your ideas and let them get to it. Even more, kids love to slide down the castle, climb the pirate ship and ride the bright red fire truck. Plus, at party time, bubbles and a giant parachute keep the kiddos entertained.

Age: 1+

Multiple locations
Online: kidventurespreschool.com

San Diego Botanic Garden

This oasis hosts a blooming marvelous birthday fete for the littles. Set-up in a private picnic spot and explore the Seeds of Wonder garden. Budding green thumbs can pot plants, easel paint, create bubbles and paint rocks. Plus, there's also a train mountain, dino dig, and an epic treehouse to play in. Here you'll find that nature is nurture.

Age: 1-5

230 Quail Gardens Dr.
Encinitas, CA
Online: sdbgarden.org

Related: Wheel Come to You! 12 Mobile Birthday Parties That Rock (and Roll)

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate party for me! All aboard the Star of India for a three-hour pirate party. Ye little mateys learn Swashbuckling 101 including the secrets of ship plundering. Even more, they raise the sail and lower the anchor. And finally, divide the gold amongst the crew. Also, you bring the cake and goody bags—which little pirates find on the treasure hunt.

Age: 5+

1492 North Harbor Dr.
Online: sdmaritime.org

Additional reporting by Beth Shea

 

 

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Your Guide to Sustainable & Eco-Friendly San Diego

by Kimberly Stahl

Everything you need to know to start your eco-friendly lifestyle here in San Diego

San Diego was recently named the greenest city in America so in honor of this title, we’re scoping out some of the most earth-friendly spots in our amazing city. Read on to learn where to go to support and learn from companies and organizations with eco-friendly missions.

Our Favorite Second-Hand Shops in San Diego

Making a second-hand purchase gives new life to something that may be destined for a landfill. Plus, you can save money and find some unique items that aren’t available anywhere else, and many of these shops accept consignments items. These are some of our top pre-loved kids’ shops:

Replay Toys: Offers new, used, vintage, and collectible toys.
3825 Ray St.
San Diego
Online: replaytoysboutique.com

The Baby Exchange: San Diego’s largest children’s resale shop.
721 Arnele Ave.
El Cajon
Online: babyexchangechildrensresale.com

Baby Go Round: Family-owned and specializing in gently-used baby, kids, maternity, and toy items.
6360 Riverdale St.
San Diego
Online: facebook.com/babygoroundresale

La Costa Kids: An upscale resale boutique offering gently-used, better brands of children through teen items.
372 N El Camino Real
Encinitas
Online: lacostakids.net

Junebug: A children’s resale shop priding itself on quality gently-used items.
142 N Cedros Ave.
Solana Beach
Online: junebugoncedros.com

The Best Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Stores in San Diego

Shopping locally helps to support small businesses and can make a much bigger environmental impact. These shops help support local artisans, use more environmentally friendly packaging, use natural or organic ingredients, or generally use wellness as a guidepost. Some of our favorites include:

The Holistic Science Company: For Health and Beauty products.
4852 Voltaire St.
San Diego
Online: theholisticscienceco.com

Pigment: Our favorite gift shop for eco-friendly finds.
3801 30th St.
San Diego
Online: shoppigment.com

The Gold Dust Collective: For accessories.
3824 Ray St.
San Diego
Online: thegolddustcollective.com

Babies in Bloom: For eco-friendly baby gear.
127 Main St.
Vista
Online: babiesinbloom.com

Warwick’s: Our favorite eco-friendly book store.
7812 Girard Ave.
La Jolla
Online: warwicks.com

Sweetpea Children’s Shop: Our favorite eco-friendly kid’s clothing.
2670 Via De La Valle #A-140
Del Mar
Online: sweetpeadelmar.net

Our Favorite Farmer’s Markets in San Diego

With our year-round growing season and plenty of sunshine, San Diego produces truckloads of farm-fresh goodies, and area farmers’ markets are an excellent way to shop locally and stock up on organic and fresh produce. These colorful markets are also a way to meet the locals and shop for handmade items like soaps, textiles, pottery, and crafts. Luckily there is a farmers’ market somewhere in the city almost every single day of the week. Here are a few of our favorites:

Tuesday: Escondido, 262 E. Grand, 2:30-Sunset

Wednesday: Little Italy, 501 W. Date Street, 8-2:00 p.m.

Thursday: North Park, 2900 North Park Way, 3-6:00 p.m.

Friday: Rancho Bernardo, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, 9-1:00 p.m.

Saturday: Del Mar, 1050 Camino Del Mar, 1-4:00 p.m.

Sunday: Hillcrest, 3960 Normal St., 9-2:00 p.m.

Online: sdfarmbureau.org 

The Best Places to Learn More about Being Eco-Friendly

If you’re looking for ways to educate your kids on sustainability practices and ways they can help the planet, take a trip to one of these San Diego organizations. They offer hands-on programs that encourage learning in a fun and nurturing environment.

The Environmental Center of San Diego: This is a community of organizations and people working every day to protect and enhance San Diego’s natural environment through education, advocacy and direct action. They recognize that the key to solving some of our big environmental issues of the day like climate change and loss of biodiversity is through education and stimulation of positive action right here at home in the community of San Diego. The non-profit organization offers education tailored to K-6th grade, summits, and volunteer opportunities.

Online: sandiegoeco.org

Helen Woodward Animal Center: A humane animal education program that encourages hands-on interaction for children of all ages.

6461 El Apajo Rd.
Rancho Santa Fe
Online: animalcenter.org

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers Program: The explorers’ program teaches animal care, habitats, wildlife conservation, saving endangered species, and more.

2920 Zoo Dr.
San Diego
Online: sdwildlifeexplorers.org

San Diego Botanic Garden: SDBG offers a variety of classes including the science of gardening, toddler tales and tunes, and succulent potting all the while surrounded by peaceful garden space.

400 Quail Gardens Dr.
Encinitas
Online: sdbgarden.org

Birch Aquarium at Scripps: Offers camps, tidepool tours, and behind-the-scenes tours of the aquarium to get close to some of the most mysterious underwater plants and animals.

2300 Expedition Way
La Jolla
Online: aquarium.ucsd.edu

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8 Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in San Diego with Your Kids

by Aimee Della Bitta

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, discover celebrations and local volunteering opportunities for you and your kids around San Diego

When is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day? MLK Day takes place the third Monday in January each year, and this year, MLK Day is on January 17. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day for all Americans to unite to honor the legacy and tireless work of this champion of civil rights. In addition to celebrating King’s legacy, this holiday has also become a National Day of Service—encouraging Americans to volunteer and do good in their communities. Here are all the ways to celebrate MLK’s life and how your family can give back to your community, right here in San Diego.

How to Celebrate MLK Day in San Diego

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1. Minecraft March on Washington (Virtual Event)

Jan. 14 & 16: As part of LA Works MLK Day of Service, this virtual event builds upon the anti-racism movement through an interactive march on Washington in Minecraft and an in-person event at LA Memorial Coliseum. Tour a virtual exhibit of the 1963 March on Washington and interact with civil rights leaders like Rev. Dr. King himself. The event takes place from noon-9 p.m. on Jan. 14 and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Jan. 16. Advance registration is required and closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 11. Once you register, LA Works will email a link to attend the event. Access to Minecraft (Java or Bedrock edition) is required. Event details.

2. 2nd Annual MLK Community Day of Service

Jan. 14: Join District 1 Council Member Consuelo Martinez and the City of Escondido for a day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Volunteers will work together to remove litter and green waste from Washington Park and 2 miles of our community bike trail. Our park and creek trail are accessed by community members of all ages to enjoy riding bikes, jogging, walking, skateboarding, and giving access to many of the city’s parks and amenities. Event details.

3. 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

Jan. 15: One of the largest celebrations of its kind in the United States in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The parade is filled with dazzling floats, phenomenal high school bands, drill teams, colleges and universities, fraternities, sororities, churches, peace and youth organizations. Coordinated by the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the oldest African American fraternity in America, founded in 1906. This event supports scholarship opportunities for the youth of San Diego. Event details.

4. WorldBeat Cultural Center's 33rd Annual MLK Day Celebration

Jan. 16: Join the WorldBeat Cultural Center in its 33rd Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration celebrating unity in the San Diego community. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr, the free celebration a family-friendly festival with live music, dancing, vegan food, an outdoor cultural arts & craft vendors marketplace, and more. The event also includes multi-cultural performances and special guest speakers. Event details.

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5. 35th Annual All Peoples Celebration

Jan. 16: Alliance San Diego is excited to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the 34th Annual All People's Celebration. The event will be held in person, however, tickets for the in-person event are sold out. You can join virtually through a live, dynamic program. There will be amazing performances and a powerful keynote from disabled rights activist Rebecca Cokley. Event details.

6. MLK Day Critter Camp at the Animal Center

Jan. 16: Kids can learn so much through interacting with animals. Most importantly, they discover that all living beings deserve compassion and understanding—a lesson Martin Luther King Jr. fought every day to teach. This year, in honor of MLK Day, Critter Camp at Helen Woodward Animal Center is focused on creating a more humane world. Campers will interact with a goat, Madagascar hissing cockroach, chicken, snake and guinea pig while learning how to be compassionate to all animals. Event details.

7. 15th Annual Interfaith Day of Service

Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously proclaimed, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do…you have to keep moving forward.” This year, you and your family can partake in an event that brings people of different faiths and cultural backgrounds together for a wonderful morning of hands-on community service, fun and fellowship. Families are encouraged to participate together on this day of community work, suitable for all ages. Event details.

8. Create Your Own Day of Service with AmeriCorps

Looking for a way to volunteer with your kids but haven't found the right fit? Visit AmeriCorps to learn more about how you can create your own event and encourage kids in your community to volunteer and be of service—because serving others has a profound positive benefit on those who volunteer. Need extra encouragement to kick off your day of service? Kids who volunteer are three times more likely to volunteer as adults, and steady volunteering (even one hour a week) reduces negative behaviors in kids. Event details.

 

 

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The Absolute Best Animal Encounters in LA

by Melissa Heckscher

When it comes to meeting furry and feathered friends, there’s nothing like getting up close and personal with primates, pups, pigs and more. Luckily, LA (and the surrounding area) offers plenty of exciting, educational animal encounter opportunities—you could even spend the night at these California farm stays. Whether it’s you that loves to love on llamas or your animal-obsessed kid, here are the best places—from sanctuaries and rescue centers to farms—to interact with animals in the Los Angeles area.

Best Place to Hug Alpacas: Canzelle Alpacas

Have you ever hugged or kissed an alpaca? This might be your best chance! Southeast of Santa Barbara, this easy day trip (1.5 hours from DTLA) is worth the drive once you see all the alpacas (plus llamas, horses, sheep, buffalo and now chickens!) on this farm. Advance reservations required for the 1-hour tour.  

PS: Carpinteria is known for the annual avocado festival that takes place annually in Oct.

Hours: Fri.-Sun. 
Rates: $30 for adults; $25 for kids, under 2 are free

4036 Foothill Rd.
Carpinteria
Online: canzelle.com

RELATED: Plan an Epic Roadtrip to Santa Barbara with Kids

Best Place to Milk a Goat & Try Archery: Gilchrist Farm

Your little farmer can milk a goat, ride a pony, tour the farm by wagon or barrel train, or try their hand at archery and axe-throwing at Gilchrist family farm tucked into the hills of Santa Clarita. The menagerie of friendly critters includes goats, ducks, chickens, peacocks, geese, pigs, sheep, cows, bunnies and an African tortoise—and all of them are available for visits. 

Hours: Sat. & Sun. from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Goat milking takes place at 10 a.m. & noon Jun.-Dec.
Cost: $5 and includes meet-and-greets with the farm's menagerie of animals (including the petting zoo). All other activities must be booked separately, and prices vary. Archery and axe throwing are $15 each;  Wagon & train rides are $5 each; Pony and horse rides are $7-25 (ponies and horses are not available if it's too hot out).

30116 Bougquet Canyon Rd.
Santa Clarita 
Online: gilchristfarm.com

Best Place to Cuddle a Critter: Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

best animal encounters around LA
Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

Calling all Fido and feline fans! Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is filled with animal fun. There's an education center, kids can observe training demonstrations, visit the Health Center, meet adoptable pets Wed.-Sun. as well as read to furry friends Sat. & Sun. at noon. 

Don't miss Critter Corner—a special spot that highlights animal friends like rabbits, hamsters and birds that also need forever homes.

Hours: Wed.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission although some programs may have a fee and require advance reservations.

12005 Bluff Creek Dr.
Playa Vista
Online: annenbergpetspace.org

Best Place to Peep a Porcupine: Wildlife Learning Center

If feeding a giraffe or getting up-close with a porcupine is on your bucket list, now's the time to check off those boxes. The sanctuary houses more than 50 different species of zoo-born and rescued animals, from a Bermese python and an American alligator to a bald eagle and two-toed sloth.

Want something more personal? Book the "Zoofari Tour" which includes a 45-minute guided walk around the grounds plus the chance to have at least one special encounter with an animal (you get to choose between touching an armadillo or feeding a giraffe or porcupine). The pricier 90-minute "Adventure Tour" offers a guided walk plus the chance to do all of the above experiences and more (sloths are involved!). Both tours are led by one of the center's biologists. 

Good to Know: The Wildlife Learning Center recently re-opened to visitors Tues. & Thurs. Advanced reservations recommended but not required.

Hours: Tues. & Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Adults $15; Children $13; kids under 3 are free

16027 Yarnell St.
Sylmar
Online: wildlifelearningcenter.org

Best Place for a Playdate with Ponies: Peter Weber Equestrian Center

If you're in the South Bay and you've got a little one who loves horses (or goats, pigs, alpacas, tortoises, bunnies, and sheep!), a visit to Peter Weber Equestrian Center makes the perfect playdate.

You can hang with a menagerie for $50 for up to three kids. For that, you'll have the entire petting zoo area all to yourselves for 30 minutes, which means your little animal-lovers can pet the goats and sheep, feed the bunnies, touch the tortoise—then play in the enclosed play area that includes a small slide perched on bales of hay, two giant rocking-horses, and a make-believe Wild West jail facade that's perfect for Instagram (#Jailbirds). 

Hours: Open by appointment only, seven days a week
Cost: $50 for three kids to mingle with the farm animals in the petting zoo for 30 minutes; $50 for a pony ride for up to three children

6401 Crenshaw Blvd.
Rolling Hills Estates
Online: pwecent.com

Best Place to Whisper with Wolves: Shadowland Foundation

best places to see animals near LA
Shadowland Foundation

Shadowland Foundation, a sanctuary dedicated to preserving and honoring wolves and their contribution to the environment, and what one of our editor's called, "life-changing"—includes a personalized tour and an opportunity to meet, pet and take pictures of (and with!) one or more of Shadowland's nine Alaskan Timber wolves.

Hours: Advance reservations for private sessions, which take place at 10 a.m. on Tues., Wed. and Thurs.
Cost: $300 for five people (additional guests, $60 each). Recommended for children 8 and up due to the length of the tour/talk.  

18832 Pine Canyon Rd.
Lake Hughes
Online: shadowlandfoundation.org

Best Place to Linger with Lorikeets: Aquarium of the Pacific

At the Aquarium of the Pacific, kids can explore exhibits like the Shark & Ray Lagoon, Seals & Sea Lion habitat, the Lorikeet Forest and the June Keyes Penguin Habitat. Kids will love the close encounters and you'll love watching the joy on your child's face when, for example, a colorful (and hungry!) Lorikeet lands on their arm, making it all worth it. 

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: $37 (adults), kids (3-11) $27; parking is $8

100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach
Online: aquariumofpacific.org

RELATED: 48 Hours in Long Beach with Kids

Best Place to Lounge with Lions: Moorpark Teaching Zoo

Calling itself "the living, breathing classroom for the Exotic Animal Training and Management program," the zoo (a part of Moorpark College) exists to educate its students on animal husbandry, training and care. Purchase advance reservations to be able to see more than 200 animals live at the 5-acre zoo, including alligators, geckos, monkeys, tigers, camels, snakes,  lions and more. 

Hours: Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with special live presentations at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $9 for adults, $7 for kids, under 2 are free

7075 Campus Rd.
Moorpark
Online: zoo.moorparkcollege.edu

Best Place to Cuddle with Cows: The Gentle Barn

The Gentle Barn offers private tours along with cow hug therapy in addition to their virtual tours. The two-hour private tours will give you and your household a close-up look at all the animals that live at the Barn (as well as sharing their stories of rescue and recovery). Visitors will also learn about the history of the organization and its goals of teaching kindness and compassion to animals. 

Hours: Open to the public on Sun.; Tickets much be reserved in advance
Cost: Adults $22; Kids $12; children under 2 are free

15825 Sierra Hwy.
Santa Clarita
Online: gentlebarn.org

Best Place to Sit with Sea Lions: Marine Mammal Care Center

The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro is a hospital with a very different kind of patient: Inhabitants here are mostly baby seals who have lost their moms and cannot feed themselves, along with other sick or injured sea mammals. Your little animal lovers can see (from behind the fence line) a plethora of adorable harbor seals and California sea lions, learn how they are cared for and how helpers here prepare to return them to the wild. A docent leads a 15-minute tour of the center, tell you about the animals, and answers any questions that come up. Advance reservations, face coverings and social distancing will be required during your entire visit and there is a maximum of 8 people in each party per 15 minute tour.

Hours: Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free but $5+ per person donations are encouraged 

3601 S. Gaffey St.
San Pedro
Online: marinemammalcare.org

Best Place to Giggle with Gibbons: Gibbon Conservation Center

The Gibbon Conservation Center is a nonprofit center dedicated to the study and conservation of gibbons, small apes from the forests of Asia. More than 40 gibbons live here in family groups, which allows kids to see up close how these animals live and take care of their young. Please note there is no physical contact with the animals allowed. 

Hours: Guided tours are available on Sat. & Sun. at 10 a.m.
Cost: Adults, $18; students & teens, $15; kids 3-12, $7; Children under 3 are not allowed at this time. 

19100 Esguerra Rd.
Santa Clarita, CA
Online: gibboncenter.org

Best Place to Embrace a Pig: Farm Sanctuary

Visit the 26-acre Farm Sanctuary to meet rescued cows, pigs, turkeys, and other farm animals. Tour reservations are currently required, and visitors can expect to learn about the importance of humane treatment for farm animals and the effects of animal farming to the world's ecosystem during the hour-long tour. 

Hours: Fri.-Sun.; 11 a.m-2 p.m.
Cost: Adults, $15; kids $8; kids under 3 are free

5200 Escondido Canyon Rd.
Acton
Online: farmsanctuary.org

Best Place to Pal around with Pythons: STAR Eco Station

Meet parrots and pythons and piranhas—oh my! Kids, from babies to teens, can tour Eco Station to see a host of exotic rescued wildlife. Tours are required for admission, and each is led by an expert Eco Station staff member who explains the habits and history of hundreds of rescued exotic animals. The tour also features exhibits on the current challenges facing the environment and offers tips on how to help save the planet through small changes at home and at school.

Hours: Tours start every hour on Sat. & Sun. from 10 a.m. with the last tour starting at 3 p.m.
Cost: Adults, $12; Kids, $10

10101 Jefferson Blvd.
Culver City
Online: ecostation.org

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The Best Holiday Shows & Events Happening in San Diego

by Bonnie Taylor

Bookmark our list of must-see holiday events and activities in San Diego for a memory-filled holiday season

San Diego sure know how to make the holidays come alive in paradise. From seeing traditional favorites like How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the iconic Old Globe Theatre to wandering through clever lit up holiday displays whether through neighborhoods or the botanical garden, there’s something fun for everyone no matter what kind of holiday celebration you may be into. So once you’ve found your Christmas tree, stocked up on gifts at the best toy stores in San Diego, and declared a winner of the best hot chocolate in town, head to these fun, only-in-San Diego holiday activities for a most memorable holiday season.

Must-See Holiday Shows in San Diego

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at The Old Globe

Select Dates Nov. 9-Dec. 31: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for another incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze),” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.

Ebenezer Scrooge's BIG San Diego Christmas Show 

Select Dates Nov. 18-Dec. 24: This is a funny, and highly theatrical reimagining of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. You'll meet the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future, but with a comedic locals San Diego twist.

1363 Old Globe Way
San Diego
Online: theoldglobe.org

The Rady Shell

Noel Noel at The Rady Shell

Dec. 9-11: Experience an all-new San Diego holiday tradition by watching the 2nd annual Noel Noel show at the beautiful Rady Shell. This new one-of-a-kind outdoor venue sits along the bay front and projects gorgeous images onto the "shell" throughout the performance. You'll be able to follow along with the storyline as it's told through favorite holiday tunes.

222 Marina Park Way
San Diego
Online: theshell.org

A Christmas Carol  at the Cygnet Theatre

Select Dates Nov. 22-Dec. 24: The holiday classic A Christmas Carol will transport you into the Victorian era for a tale of hope and redemption at Christmas time. This production features original music, creative stagecraft and live sound effects for a unique storytelling experience that will delight the whole family.

Good to Know: Children under five years old are not permitted in the theater during performances.

4040 Twiggs St.
San Diego
Online: cygnettheatre.com

Must-Go Holiday Events in San Diego

Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld San Diego

Nov. 14-Jan. 8: Christmas Celebration is filled with fun holiday-themed animal and entertainment shows, special food and drink items, Santa photos, acres of beautiful decorations and a lighted musical tunnel that you can dance and sing your way through.

Good to Know: You can reserve your Santa photo spot online.

500 Sea World Dr.
San Diego
Online: seaworld.com/san-diego

Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo

Dec. 9-Jan. 1: Stroll around the Zoo & Safari Park at night under the sights & sounds of holiday cheer. Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo will light up your night with the animals as you stroll around the zoo listening to live music and carolers. Catch a Christmas story time, find the holiday trampoline jumpers, traipse through the Northern Frontier Holiday Forest and be mystified at the Aurora light spectacular show.

Wild Holidays at Safari Park

Select Dates Nov. 25-Jan. 1: Wild Holidays at the Safari Park will let you travel to far away places that glow and twinkle with holiday tunes, seasonal food and decor. Catch a holiday story time, walk through the bridge of lights and the lantern walk and wave to the firefly stilt walkers.

Good to Know: All of the holiday activities start after 3:30pm. Both are included in admission and memberships.

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.
Escondido
Online: sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org

Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden

best holiday events san diego lightscape
San Diego Botanical Garden

Select Dates Nov. 18-Jan. 1: Wander through the gardens after dark in this enchanting illuminated 1-mile trail. You’ll see over one million twinkling lights, eye-catching glowing art installations, colors and sounds that have been custom designed for this garden. Kids will enjoy roasting marshmallows over fire and sipping hot chocolate.

Good to Know: Advanced timed tickets are required. Buy your guaranteed parking spot online.

300 Quail Gardens Dr.
Encinitas
Online: sdbg.org 

December Nights at Balboa Park

Dec. 2 & 3: The City of San Diego's December Nights is back this year in Balboa Park. This free, family friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and of course, the amazing food.

Balboa Park
San Diego
Online: tinybeans.com

Snow-N-Glow at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

best holiday events san diego
Snow-N-Glow

 

Dec. 8-Jan. 1: Snow-N-Glow is back this year for snow-tubing down the giant slides with real snow! Wander around the one million twinkling lights, seasonal eats & drinks, roast s’mores over community fire pits, and even book a private “igloo” with fire pit and have fresh snow delivered to you for a private snow play experience.

2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar
Online: snownglow.com

best holiday events in San Diego
Bonnie Taylor

The Annual Holiday Market Trail at Petco Park

Select Dates Dec. 1-23: The Annual Holiday Market Trail at Petco Park is back and this year the popular market will be bigger and better with even more food, beverage and artisan vendors. The Holiday Market in Gallagher Square is a fun night for the whole family and will feature local and European artisan shops, magical lighting displays, seasonal food and beverage, a carousel, Santa and other holiday characters!

Good to Know: Advanced tickets are required. Park at the Padres Parkade at 10th Ave. + J St.

840 K St.
San Diego
Online: petcoparkinsider.com

San Diego Boat Parades

Visit Oceanside

Truly a San Diego local’s holiday event is to catch one of the (free!) boat parades floating by with each vessel all decked out in lights and holiday decor. Dress warmly, BYO blankets and chairs to sit on, grab some take-out and bring your hot chocolate for a fun night. Note: there may not be bathrooms nearby where you’re sitting so plan ahead. PS: Check their websites for the routes, best places to park and more logistical intel.

Mission Bay Parade of Lights: Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Online: discovermissionbay.org

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights: Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.
Online: visitoceanside.org

Related: Discover Why Our Editors Love Hanging Out in Oceanside

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: Dec. 11 & 18 at 5:30 p.m.
Online: sdparadeoflights.org

San Diego's Best Neighborhood Holiday Lights

best neighborhoods for christmas lights in San Diego
Bonnie Taylor

Throughout Dec.: Make some hot cocoa, turn on the holiday tunes, buckle up, and go for a drive to enjoy dazzling Christmas light displays around various neighborhoods. There are lots of well-known neighborhoods that really go all out with their holiday decorating. These neighborhoods are always worth the drive.

Christmas on Knob Hill
Knob Hill Rd.
San Marcos

Holiday Magic
Fairway Village & Stoney Gate Pl.
Carmel Mountain Ranch

Christmas Card Lane
Oviedo St.
Rancho Penasquitos

Christmas Park
Lana Dr. & Mt Abernathy Ave.
Clairemont

Starlight Circle
Magnolia Ave. & Tomel Ct.
Santee

Christmas Circle
First Ave. & H St.
Chula Vista

 

 

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19 Things to Do for Your San Diego Fall Bucket List

by Aimee Della Bitta

Apple picking, epic roadtrips, and where to see fall foliage—your San Diego fall bucket list is full of family-friendly activities

Fall in San Diego is here (and predictably awesome) and there’s no better time to craft a fall activities in San Diego bucket list your whole family will love. To keep your fall FOMO at bay, keep reading for all of the fun stuff to do in San Diego this fall (and for more ideas, check out our date night ideas for San Diego parents and our favorite San Diego restaurants where kids can run around).

1. Take the guesswork out of where to go leaf-peeping with our insider's guide to finding fall foliage and fall colors in San Diego. 

2. Nothing says fall in San Diego like celebrating Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND. Enjoy rides open late, trick-or-treating, live entertainment, Halloween decor, and more!

3. Enjoy the cool crisp air and take a hike you haven't tried before. Get started with our favorite, off-the-beaten-path hikes near San Diego for kids.   

4. Catch a live performance under the stars. The Moonlight Youth Theater is performing 'Mary Poppins' in Oct.

5. Ride the Pumpkin Express. Climb aboard this beloved seasonal excursion where you can enjoy a train ride, Halloween-themed displays, and an outdoor pumpkin patch.

6. Spend the remaining days of Oct. wisely with by hitting up family favorites like SeaWorld, San Diego Air & Space Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden and the USS Midway Museum all for free! Our guide to free things to do in San Diego this month breaks it all down.

7. Dive deep into the Birch Aquarium Haunted Aquarium. Kids will have the opportunity to learn about and touch spooky creeps of the deep on Tide Pool Plaza, including slimy seaweed, small sharks, rays and other local animals, as well as enjoy a haunted kelp maze, find hidden pumpkins, and explore fun decor throughout the aquarium. Kids are encouraged to dress up.

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8. Hit up one of the best doughnut shops in San Diego—Sidecar Doughnuts—for their seasonal favorites like pumpkin cheesecake and bourbon pecan pie doughnuts.

9. Camping and fall weather go hand-in-hand—probably because of that crackling campfire, a serving of s'mores with a lighthearted Halloween story before snuggling into your sleeping bag. These are our favorite camp sites for families near San Diego. Of course, if you need to fulfill that dessert craving, these San Diego spots deliver s'mores treats without the campfire. 

10. Have bushels of fun apple picking (and land some glorious photos to boot) at one of these nearby u-pick apple orchards.

11. As the outdoor temperatures slightly dip, it's suddenly hot cocoa weather! Here's where to find the best hot chocolate in San Diego.

12. A hayride might be one of the most fall things to do in San Diego and thankfully, there are a bunch of nearby farms where you can get pulled around the farm by a tractor.

13. Try your hand (and your homing skills) at San Diego corn mazes that are fun for the whole family. 

More Fall Things to Do in San Diego

14. It must be fall in San Diego because I love Azucar's Gingerbread Chocolate Chunk cookies have returned (also one of our favorite dessert shops in San Diego). 

15. Nov. is the beginning of the best time to go to tide pools in San Diego thanks to low tides during the day—don't miss these top spots.

16. Of course no San Diego fall bucket list would be complete without a visit to a family-favorite pumpkin patch (or two). 

17. Family-friendly fall festivals are an epic way to spend the day and these San Diego fall fests are the best—catch them before they're gone!

18. Of course, even though it's fall, the beach is best when the crowds subside and you have that glistening sand all to yourself. Discover which San Diego beach is best for babes, which one shimmers in the sun, and where the surfers hang.

19. Bookmark our guide to Palm Springs—the ultimate fall-friendly roadtrip—the temperatures are still warm, the pools are still cool and it's under 2.5 hours away. 

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The Best Fall Festivals near LA for Families

by Holly Hays

Fall fairs in LA! From the largest corn mazes to the best photo-ops imaginable, discover the best fall festivals in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, with its plentiful palm trees and summery temperatures, may not feel like fall, but there are still plenty of chances for you and your kiddos to experience some of those classic autumn experiences aka: the fall festival (if you’re looking specifically for apples and pumpkins and leaf peeping—check out all the best places to go apple picking around LA, where to find your perfect pumpkin and all the nearby fall foliage spots we love around LA).

What makes the SoCal fall festival different from a regular pumpkin patch? There are loads more to discover than just the gourd—learn about and explore farm goods, wander fields and pick your own flowers, veggies (and yes, pumpkins), get lost in corn field mazes, ride an amusement park ride or two, and eat your way through loads of fall-friendly fare—all this and more at our favorite fall festivals in LA, SoCal, Orange County, Ventura and everywhere in between.

The Best Fall Festivals in Los Angeles County

Pumpkin Festival at Cal Poly: Cal Poly's College of Agriculture grows 40,000 pumpkins for this annual event, a smorgasbord of fall harvest traditions, including (obviously) a massive pumpkin patch, horse and pony rides, a petting zoo, duck races, a sunflower field, live music, games, a food court, and two corn mazes. What makes this festival different than some of the others is the focus on education (it's a college, after all). Families can wander down "Ag Discovery Lane" to check out various live demonstrations of things like blacksmithing, soap-making, beekeeping, sheep shearing and live cow-milking (which'll make your kid either appreciate—or abandon—their daily cup of milk). New this year: Pumpkin Land, a garden “gallery” of uniquely decorated pumpkins. And for an additional entrance fee, little bug-lovers will want to get a ticket for the festival's Insect Fair, which has 500,000 live and preserved insects from around the world.

Dates: Oct. 1-30
Cost: Thurs. & Fri.: Adults, $6; children 3–12, $5; kids under 3 are free. Sat. & Sun.: Adults: $10; children 3–12, $7. Certain events require additional tickets on the weekends

AGRIscapes Center
4102 S. University Dr.
Pomona
Online: cpp.edu

LA Fall Fair: The largest Fall Festival in Los Angeles County, you'll find 12 acres of amusement rides, live music, games, arts & crafts, and an international food court. Fair-goers can purchase a presale unlimited ride wristband for $25 that allows the fairgoer to ride all the rides as many times as they want for any one day of the event from open until close.

Dates: Oct. 21-Nov. 6
Cost: $5 per person; Under 12 and over 65 are free

1600 Rosemead Blvd.
South El Monte
Online: lapradaevents.com

Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery: For a different direction than farms and pumpkin patches, head to Hollywood Forever Cemetery for their spectacular Día de los Muertos event. Tour over 100 vibrant altars, uniquely decorated in honor of community members’ ancestors and loved ones; awards are given at the end of the day to the most memorable altars and best-dressed Calacas (skeletons). Many event goers arrive in magical costumes (best costume is awarded $500!). At the Children’s Plaza, kids can participate in art and crafting activities, face painting, and performances by the Bob Baker Marionettes. Families can also watch the procession featuring hundreds of Aztec ritual dancers, listen to music on five different stages and sample food from LA vendors.

Date: Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $35 (under 5 don’t require a ticket)

6000 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: hollywoodforever.com

The Best Fall Festivals in Ventura County

Underwood Family Farms: Celebrating its 21st year, Underwood Family Farms is the best-known fall festival in Los Angeles—and it's no wonder why. The (slightly steep) ticket price gives families a whole day's worth of activities, including a massive corn maze, a tractor-drawn wagon ride, an animal center with a menagerie of adorable farm animals, a chicken show (!), a farm-themed playground, pig races, and acres of open space for kids to sprint their sillies out. Shell out additional bucks and you can add more to your day, including pony rides, kid-drivable mini-tractors, and a train ride. There's also Moorpark's amazing farm stand, and enough pumpkins in the patch that you'll be sure to find one that's Jack-O-Lantern-worthy.

Dates: Oct. 1 through 31. The festival is open seven days a week, but the major programming, live music and shows happen on the weekend.
Cost: $22-$28 on the weekends; $14 on weekdays; kids under 2 are free. (Hint: Online tickets are required for weekends; for certain weekends, you can buy advanced tickets online for a discounted price.)

Weekend programming highlights include:
Oct. 1-2: "Friends of the Farm Weekend," a public safety-themed weekend, when the fair will be filled with all sorts of real-life superheroes including Bomb Squad and SWAT members, police K-9s, a Disaster Action Response Team display (DART)—plus police cars and police motorcycles that your kids will love getting to see up close.
Oct. 15-16: "Antique Tractor Weekend" where dozens of old tractors will be on display and their owners available to answer all your littles’ burning tractor questions. Plus, tractors go on parade at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 22-23: "Wild West Weekend," filled with cowboy entertainment including stunt ropers, a gold miner, a covered wagon, music, and more.

3370 Sunset Valley Rd.
Moorpark
Online: underwoodfamilyfarms.com/fall-harvest

The Best Fall Festivals in Orange County

Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch: Tanaka's 30-acres of Irvine farmland are open to the public year-round via U-pick and guided walking and wagon tours, but the farm ups its game during the Halloween season. This Fall Harvest Festival features carnival-style games, ATV and wagon rides, a pumpkin cannon, a corn maze and pumpkins as far as the eye can see. While you're there, pick up some farm-fresh veggies (straight out of the ground via U-Pick or from the farm stand), grab lunch from the Tanaka Farms Grille, or let the kids have some QT with the critters in the petting zoo. Note: There is no public drinking water, so bring your own water (or be prepared to buy drinks there) because it can get hot.

Dates: Weekends, Sept. 17 through Oct. 31
Cost: $10, with various activities costing additional fees

5380 3/4 University Dr.
Irvine
Online: tanakafarms.com

Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch: You’ll find this pumpkin patch just behind the Irvine Park Railroad station in Orange County. There’s a wide mix of classic fall activities. Free-of-charge ones include a haunted house, a hay maze, hay pyramids for kids to climb and photo stations. Buy tickets for pumpkin decorating, John Deere racers (the mini-sized versions, whew), panning for gold, hay and train rides, carnival games and more. And on Sept. 24, starting at 9 a.m., bring your best estimating skills to The Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off where prizes will be awarded to the biggest pumpkins.

Dates: Sept. 17-Oct. 31
Cost: Entrance to the pumpkin patch is free. Activity tickets are $7; pack of 15 tickets is $90. There is also a park entrance fee per vehicle of $3 on weekdays, $7 on weekends

1 Irvine Park Rd.
Orange
Online: https://www.irvineparkrailroad.com/events/pumpkin-patch/

The Best Fall Festivals in the San Fernando Valley

Forneris Farms Fall Festival: Forneris Farms' annual fall festival boasts a four-acre cornfield maze that is so big that it takes about an hour to complete—and kids under 12 aren't allowed without a parent. Which is to say, it's super big, super fun and super worth it! Festival-goers can also enjoy pony rides, a tractor-pulled train ride and a tractor ride around the farm. Your littlest celebrants will be in Halloween heaven at the "Farm Frolic" area, which includes a giant pumpkin jumper, a hay bale pyramid, a hay bale mini-maze and more.

Good to Know: All attractions are cash only; there is an ATM on site.

Dates: Sept. 30 through Oct. 31
Cost: Entry is free to the farm and pumpkin patch, but attraction passes—which include the corn maze, train ride and Farm Frolic area—are a separate fee (ages 2 and under are free)

15200 Rinaldi St.
Mission Hills
Online: fornerisfarms.com

Calabasas Pumpkin Festival: Did you know that Calabasas comes from the Spanish word ‘calabaza’ meaning ‘pumpkin’ or ‘gourd?’ So, it makes sense that Calabasas would go all out for its annual weekend-long Pumpkin Festival, a Halloween-time tradition that been holding strong from more than 40 years. This year, festival-goers can expect a slew of fun seasonal entertainment, including live music, food booths (orange flags signify vendors with pumpkin-based treats), tons of vendor stands, spooky squash sculptures, a beer garden (with pumpkin beer!), pumpkin carving with Peculiar Pumpkin Portrait's Doug Goodreau, and kids' games. Admission price includes all inflatables, a giant slide, Halloween carnival games, reptiles and bug shows, and a Saturday morning costume parade.

Dates: Oct. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $10-15, kids under 2 are free

3701 Lost Hills Rd.
Calabasas
Online: cityofcalabasas.com

The Best Fall Festival in Riverside County

fall festival corn maze los angeles
Anderson Schmig via Unsplash

Big Horse Corn Maze: Speaking of corn mazes, if you really want to get lost in the crops, it's worth the hour-ish drive out of town to test your navigation skills at the Big Horse Corn Maze & Harvest Festival, where its whopper of a maze is ranked as the biggest in all Southern California. We're talking over 11 acres of corn stalks to navigate, which is no easy task, especially with little ones in tow. (FYI: If you give up, there are emergency exits along the way. And your bigger Harry Potter fans will love how much like the Tri-Wizard Tournament's final task this feels!)

Dates: Oct. 1-3; Tues.-Fri. 1-5 p.m.; weekends 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $15 (ages 5 and under are free). Each group must have a parking pass as well, parking $5

33320 Temecula Pkwy.
Temecula
Online: bighorsecornmaze.com

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Where to Pick the Best Strawberries near LA

by Jennifer O'Brien

Strawberry-picking season has officially begun in Los Angeles (the season usually runs from Mar. through Jun.) so it’s time to don your sun hat and make delicious plans for all the juicy fruit you and the kids will be hauling home. Read below to find the best places in LA to pick strawberries near LA, or if you aren’t into doing the picking yourself and just want to pick-up the freshest berries, we’ve got you covered too.

Underwood Family Farms

Underwood Family Farms is the place to go if you are looking for more than strawberry-picking fun. Wagon rides, an animal center, a retail shop filled with goodies like honey and fresh cut flowers, seasonal events, plus the ability to pick some seasonal vegetables along with the sweet stuff makes this destination a fun, full-day outing for most families. Pull wagons (first come, first served) are available to transport your haul from the fields. 

Pro Tip: Check their Instagram page for strawberry picking updates (the opening of the fields were slightly delayed due to cooler temperatures and to allow more fruit to ripen). 

Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m.—6 p.m.
Cost: Weekdays, $7 per person; Weekends, $10; Special pricing on certain weekends. Kids under 2 are free.

Moorpark & Somis Locations
Online: underwoodfamilyfarms.com

Tanaka Farms

Since 1940, Tanaka Farms has been a real working farm and has produced some of the sweetest strawberries in SoCal. This year, they are offering strawberry picking as part of their u-pick wagon rides that includes: a ride around the farm, family fun in the designated play area, the chance to pick strawberries plus one veggie or, if strawberries aren’t available at the time of your arrival, they’ll substitute for three vegetables depending on crop availability, plus a walk through their education exhibition. If your heart is set on strawberries, know that you can always pick up some pre-harvested strawberries (along with other yummy treats like jams and nuts) from the fresh market stand that is open daily.

Pro Tip: Reservations for strawberry picking tours are required. If strawberries are plentiful this season, they will open up berry picking without requiring a tour. Check their Instagram page for the latest updates on crop availability.

Hours: Wagon rides are available 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; The Fresh Produce Market Stand is open daily from 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person; kids under 2 are free.

5380 3/4 University Dr.
Irvine
Online: tanakafarms.com

Kenny’s Strawberry Farm
For the past 10 years, Kenny’s has been delivering glorious strawberries to SoCal. Open by reservation this year, don’t forget to save time and space in your belly for a visit to Kenny’s Farm Kitchen for ice cream bars made by DOH Creamery. Check their Instagram page for the latest updates.

Hours: Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: $17 for a large bucket; $7 for a small bucket

953 Rainbow Valley Blvd.
Fallbrook
Online: kennysstrawberryfarm.com

Carlsbad Strawberry Company

If you’re up for a drive, Carlsbad has the perfect climate for growing some of the juiciest strawberries around. The Carlsbad Strawberry Company’s u-pick fields are now open and offer a fun way to get out of the house with your family for the day. In addition to picking your own, they also have a sunflower maze, free games, and hay pyramids. 

Hours: Fields and strawberry stands are open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: $5 general admission. $12 for a bucket admits 1 person. Kids under 5 are free.

1050 Cannon Rd.

Terry Berries: Everyone can agree that just-off-the-vine strawberries taste the best but if you can’t pick them yourself, swing by these locations for harvested-for-you berries. Terry’s Berries, an offshoot of Terry’s Farm, is located in Ventura, CA has been doling out strawberries since 2003. To stay up-to-date with availability, join their newsletter and follow their Instagram page.

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (or until sold out); closed Wed. & Sun.

7618 Telephone Rd.
Ventura
Online: terrysberries.com

Thacker Berry Farms: Serving California for over 25 years, this 5-star reviewed strawberry stand has some passionate fans, claiming the juiciest strawberries around. With 10 locations in and around Los Angeles County and North Orange County, you are sure to be close to one of their stands for a quick pick-up. 

Hours: 10 a.m–5:00 p.m.; closed Sun.

Various Locations
Online: thackerberryfarms.com

–Jennifer O’Brien & Andie Huber & Carmen Garcia-Shushtari

RELATED STORIES:
Your Guide to Sustainable & Eco-Friendly LA
Free Things to Do in LA with Kids in May
Secret Family-Friendly Vacation Gems near LA

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