to the highest point in the city of San Diego. Hikers enjoy scenic landscapes, wildflowers and panoramic views. Lake Murray 5540 Kiowa Dr. 619-668-2050 A popular destination for walking, biking, rollerblading and picnicking located in Mission Trails Regional Park between Del Cerro and La Mesa. Open for shore fishing. BBQs and boat rentals available. La Mesa Depot Museum 4695 Nebo Dr. 619-465-PSRM (7776) www.psrm.org/visitor-information/ la-mesa-depot Visit anytime to view a vintage freight train displayed with its steam locomotive, freight cars and caboose. The restored 1894 wooden train station is open Saturdays for docentled tours.
Salvation Army Kroc Center 6845 University Ave. 619-287-5762 https://sd.kroccenter.org Have fun at the Kroc, whether it’s swimming, ice skating, joining a sports clinic or playing pickleball. Ask about family memberships.
Santee www.cityofsanteeca.gov Big Rock Park 8125 Arlette St. 619-258-4100 One of many trailheads to Mission Trails Regional Park, this grassy, 5-acre space has two playgrounds and courts for pickleball, volleyball and basketball. Creation & Earth History Museum 10946 N Woodside Ave. 619-599-1104 www.creationsd.org Dedicated to the biblical account
of science and history. Exhibits showcase the six-day creation of Earth, a life-size tabernacle, dinosaur discovery zone and live animals. Santee Drive-In Theatre 10990 Woodside Ave. N. 619-448-7447 www.santeedriveintheatre.com One of the county’s last drive-in theaters, this venue offers two films for the price of one and an awesome snack bar. Open seven nights a week. Must purchase tickets on site. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve 9310 Fanita Pkwy. 619-596-3141 www.santeelakes.com Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages love this lakefront park for fishing, hiking and fun seasonal events. Kids enjoy the splash pad, adventure course, playgrounds and bike rentals. Check out Tin Fish – the new casual seafood restaurant with tons of patio seating. Cabin and boat rentals also available.
Best Spots in San Diego for Animal Encounters
California Wolf Center Julian www.californiawolfcenter.org Children’s Nature Retreat Alpine www.childrensnatureretreat.org Helen Woodward Animal Center Rancho Santa Fe www.animalcenter.org
Olivenhain Farms
Lions, Tigers & Bears Alpine www.lionstigersandbears.org
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Escondido www.sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org
Living Coast Discovery Center Chula Vista www.thelivingcoast.org
Sand n’ Straw Community Farm Vista www.sandnstraw.com
Oasis Camel Dairy Ramona www.cameldairy.com Olivenhain Farms Encinitas www.olivenhainfarms.com San Diego Zoo Balboa Park (Downtown) www.sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org
Photo courtesy of @playdatesandpints
Birch Aquarium La Jolla www.aquarium.ucsd.edu
SeaWorld Mission Bay www.seaworld.com/san-diego A Simpler Time Alpaca Ranch El Cajon www.asimplertimestore.com
Find more under Hidden Gem Experiences on page 26.
42 • SD Family’s Out&About 2021 • East County
San Diego Zoo
