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Family Days

While San Diego is known for its biodiversity and beautiful beaches visited by millions each year, there are many communities in San Diego that do not have the same opportunity to visit our local natural spaces. Accessibility and affordability are examples of barriers hindering communities from visiting green spaces and benefitting mentally and physically from outdoor recreation.

Our school field trips help connect children with nature, but children are just one subset of a much wider population. Beyond school hours, we are thrilled to provide the students we regularly learn and explore with the opportunity to continue their exploration outside of school with their loved ones. Thanks to our amazing partners and grantors, we are able to directly remove barriers by offering a variety of free “Family Day” trips for students and their multi-generational family members to various locations throughout San Diego County.
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These family day trips provide new and unique experiences to underserved communities, creating a bond with nature, their loved ones, and their communities. Children and adults alike leave with a lasting impression, feeling more connected to each other and nature.

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"I never would have thought to go looking for nature at night!"

- Parent on camping trip to Sweetwater Regional Park

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"Dad, this is a public park, so we can come back here whenever we want!"

- Child visiting Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

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"Is that the ocean? I've never seen it in real life before!"

- Child visiting Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Some activities we do and places we visit during "Family Day" events:

  • Whale watching in the open ocean with San Diego Whale Watch

  • Kayaking and paddleboarding at San Diego Bay with Chula Vista Water Sports

  • Camping at Sweetwater Regional Park

  • Indoor bouldering with Grotto Climbing

  • Hiking at Cabrillo National Monument

  • Hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

  • Hiking at the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

  • Hiking at Crestridge Recreational Reserve

  • Picnics at Chollas Lake Park

  • Birding at the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge

  • Fishing at Santee Lakes

  • Vising the San Diego Zoo

  • Visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

  • ...and more!

For most of our Family Day events, we work with school community liaisons to recruit student families to participate. However, we do occasionally provide open invitations to the public. To get the latest information on these opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter.

 

Our Family Day programming is primarily funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks (@CAStateParks), Office of Grants and Local Services. Additional funding is provided by the Parks California, the Coastal Conservancy, SDG&E, and The San Diego Foundation.

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