Photo credit: @SanDiegoFamilyAdventures
North County Inland Borrego Springs • Escondido • Fallbrook/Bonsall Palomar Mountain • Julian • Poway • Ramona Rancho Santa Fe • San Marcos • Valley Center Vista • Santa Ysabel/Wynola
Borrego Springs www.borregospringschamber.com ABDNHA Borrego Desert Garden 652 Palm Canyon Dr. www.abdnha.org/botanicalgarden Stroll the trail of this small, peaceful garden to get to know Anza-Borrego’s plants, birds and butterflies. Ask about the Desert Explorer’s Guide for kids ages 6–12. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park 200 Palm Canyon Dr. www.theabf.org The unique desert landscape of California’s largest state park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream—great for hiking, camping and wildlife observation. Don’t miss the spring wildflower blooms and nighttime stargazing of this designated International Dark Sky Park. Borrego Night Sky Tours www.borregonightskytours.com Learn about the universe and explore the night skies over Anza-Borrego. Use a telescope to gaze at stars, constellations, planets and galaxies. Suitable for ages 9 and up. Galleta Meadows 1700-1844 Borrego Springs Rd. www.underthesunfoundation.org
The Under the Sun Foundation is the steward of this otherworldly and epic display of giant metal Sky Art sculptures by artist Ricardo Breceda. Unique photo opportunities abound; free to visit.
Escondido Children’s Museum of Discovery 320 N. Broadway www.visitcmod.org New name and website, but same fabulous place for families to explore, imagine and experiment together. Hands-on STREAM activities inspire curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Sensory accommodations available. Closed Mondays. Clue Avenue Escape Rooms 201 E Grand Ave. #2G www.clueavenue.com Teams race against the clock in live-action adventure games, solving puzzles and clues that correspond to chosen theme. Kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum 29013 Champagne Blvd. www.deerparkmuseum.com A fun spot to visit with something for
34 • SD Family’s Out&About 2025/2026 • North County Inland
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve 12020 Black Mountain Rd. www.sandiego.gov/parkand-recreation/parks/osp/ lospenasquitos Nearly seven miles of natural beauty is home to hundreds of plant species, birds and animals. Don hiking boots to walk to the waterfall, walk under giant California live oaks, explore marshes and majestic sycamores. No bathrooms or water fountains on the trail. everyone. The museum showcases over 100 convertibles, vintage vehicles and neon signs. Kids under age 9 are free. Closed Tues./Wed. Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 8833 Harmony Grove Rd. https://elfinforest.olivenhain.com Enjoy Pygmy Oak trees while walking, hiking and mountain biking 11 miles of trails. Junior Ranger program available. Free interpretive nature walks on Sunday mornings. Escondido History Center 321 N. Broadway www.escondidohistory.org Explore Escondido’s history through Tom Bandy General Blacksmithing and Wheelwright Shop, the historic Santa Fe Depot and a refurbished 1890 Victorian House, all on site with limited weekend hours. The Grand Tea Room 145 W. Grand Ave. www.thegrandtearoom.com Full service tea room features a wonderful menu, 40 varieties of tea, Children’s Tea (ages 10 & under) and themed events based on classic novels.