Fun Places to Play Outdoors in San Diego
According to Children & Nature Network, playing outdoors can improve or prevent attention difficulties, obesity and mood disorders. It also provides a rich sensory experience that promotes learning and civic-mindedness. Ready to explore? Here are six fun places to play outdoors in San Diego.
Alta Vista Botanical Gardens
1270 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista
www.altavistagardens.org
Gorgeous plant life and artwork come together in this collection of diverse gardens. Check out their annual Earth Day Festival. Activities include planting, painting, recycled art and games. The event is free and open to the public. Monthly gardening classes for kids are fun, educational opportunities to play in the dirt.
Tide Pools
Grab your non-skid, water-safe shoes and visit one of San Diego’s many tide pools. Kids will delight in an array of sea creatures like anemones, urchins, crabs and limpets. Take lots of pictures, but remind kids not to touch the delicate organisms.
Not sure where to start? Discover San Diego’s best spots to go tidepooling here.
Water Conservation Garden
12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. W., El Cajon
www.thegarden.org
East County boasts a beautiful, six-acre, water-saving landscape that is free and open to the public. Explore on your own or ask about docent-led tours,. Don’t miss the annual Butterfly Festival at the Dorcas E. Utter Butterfly Pavilion. Butterflies are usually available for viewing through the month of May.
San Diego Botanic Garden
230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas
www.sdbgarden.org
Visit the Hamilton Children’s Garden for interactive family-friendly activities. Wander through a grass maze, plant succulents, and climb a treehouse. There’s an outdoor music area and a mountain stream with toy boats to race.
Nature Exploration Area
2221 Morley Field Dr., Balboa Park
This unique outdoor space provides natural materials for open-ended play. You won’t find any swings or slides at this playground. Instead, the area offers an assortment of large logs, branches and tree stumps. Build a fort or create an obstacle course. Consider taking a family hike after playtime; there’s a trailhead nearby. The Nature Exploration Area is just south of the tennis courts and east of the dog park at Morley Field.
--> Don't miss our list of "Where to Visit Farm Animals in San Diego": https://www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/out-about/find-farm-animals-san-diego-with-kids
Anne Malinoski is a freelance writer and mother of two boys. She’s been described as “indoorsy,” but she’s working on it.
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