Family-Friendly Activities at East County Parks This Weekend

EAST SAN DIEGO COUNTY -- Many of us are enjoying four-day weekends thanks to the Thanksgiving holiday. And if you, friends and family members have some extra time on your hands and its coupled with a desire to spend some time in the great outdoors, there's a few kid-friendly options in East County.

Saturday, Nov. 26:

Junior Park Rangers
Do your kids love science and nature? County Parks & Recreation staff will host a kid-friendly event at Stelzer County Park where they’ll talk about birds, plants, geology and even local history. They’ll also lead a short hike so make sure your youngsters are wearing sturdy shoes and sun protection. Bring along some water, too. A $3 day-use fee per vehicle applies.

• 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Stelzer County Park
• 11470 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
• (619) 561-0580

Juggling and Circus Acts
Learn how to juggle or walk the slackline or both at the same time! Wear closed-toe shoes and bring your own juggling props – or use the provided clubs, balls, poi and batons. Ranger Alex will give beginner/intermediate lessons for this kid-friendly event. A $3 day-use fee per vehicle applies.

• 4 – 5 p.m.
• Stelzer County Park
• 1470 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
• (619) 561-0580

Turtle and Tortoise Show
Meet some tortoises and learn all about them from guest speakers with the San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society. You can get a hands-on experience with the California desert tortoise, African Sulcata tortoise and other tortoises. All ages are welcome. A $3 day-use fee per vehicle applies.

• 2 – 3 p.m.
• Agua Caliente County Park
• 39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849, in the desert below Julian, CA 92036
• (760) 765-1188

Other activities available at County Parks include hiking at Annie’s Canyon at San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve or Martha’s Grove Trail at Sycamore Canyon Preserve.

County Parks covers more than 50,000 acres of land and offers any number of opportunities to hike, picnic, stroll, play games or just nap under a shady tree. For more information, visit www.sdparks.org.

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