Your family’s been to all the San Diego beaches, and you’ve explored the best parks and playgrounds SoCal has to offer. You’ve checked out all the hip family-dining options around town. You’ve even been to the edges of the county to find the best kid-friendly adventures. Now what to do? Put on your cowboy boots and head to Ramona! This quiet, East County small town is the gateway to the inland mountains; its farms, parks, restaurants and other unique activities are all just part of its charm! We’ve lassoed up some new ideas that will surely delight the whole family – rural style!
Cheyenne Arabians & Miniatures
This fun farm offers a casual, relaxed setting for pony rides best suited for kiddos 2 – 12 years old. Offered in 15-, 30- and 60-minute sessions, let little ones warm up to horseback riding with safe, hand-led ponies best known for being calm and quiet. The farm also offers birthday parties with options for a petting zoo and jumbo jumper. Looking for a gift for a kiddo that has it all? The farm now offers gift certificates for pony rides.
Insider’s Tip: Cheyenne Arabians & Miniatures was featured on Animal Planet’s That’s My Baby staring Cheyenne, Gypsy and Baby Piglet. Watch here for some added family fun!
1927 Orange Ave.
Ramona, Ca 92065
760-788-3780
Online: cheyennearabians.com
photo: Nancy Reigler/Oasis Camel Dairy
Oasis Camel Dairy
What do camels, wild turkeys, soap and pomegranates have in common? They can all be found at Oasis Camel Dairy for a fun and quirky adventure! Visit the farm for a one-of-a-kind experience. Watch an animal show featuring birds and other farm animals, ride and pet camels, and shop for camel milk products and gifts. Camel rides operate during all public events and Open Farm Tours. Check the calendar for Open Farm Tour dates and special events like the Wild West Turkey Stampede and Pomegranate Days. Camel rides are $5 for kiddos 3 – 14 and $10 for 15 and up. Get your little ones excited for their visit – watch this fun and educational video featuring Oasis Camel Dairy!
Insider’s Tip: Camels get squirrely when it rains so check the forecast before heading to the farm! Open Farm Tours will not be cancelled but camel rides are not available when it’s raining.
26757 Hwy 78
Ramona, Ca 92065
760-787-0983
Online: cameldairy.com
Mamma Rosa Italian Restaurant
For nearly 37 years, this family-owned Ramona mainstay has been serving up delicious food in an ultra-friendly environment. This casual Italian restaurant offers all the usual suspects: pizza, pastas, calzones and baked entrees all at reasonable prices. Bambinos have lots of options to choose from on the kids’ menu, unless of course, you’re ordering one of their famous family meals. Their family meals serve enough food for a small army – just ask anyone in town!
1130 D St.
Ramona, Ca 92065
760-789-6147
Online: mammarosasramona.com
The Cookie Cottage, LLC
Started by a local mom with a passion for baking and a panache for business, this charming miniature shop offers cookies, cupcakes, breads and other sweet treats that will have your little crumb snatchers begging for more! Blink and you might miss this tiny roadside cottage. It’s small in size, but big on taste – trust us! Kiddos will get a kick out of the bakery’s storybook appearance and walk-up window while parents appreciate the warm and friendly service. They offer gluten-free, organic, and sugar-free options. Just ask! The Cookie Cottage also provides local delivery service for large orders and will make special treats for events like birthdays and parties. Check The Cookie Cottage’s Facebook page for hours and daily specials.
Insider’s Tip: Looking for a new treat to call your favorite? Don’t leave The Cookie Cottage without trying the Lemon Iced cookie. You can thank us later.
1158 Main St.
Ramona, Ca 92065
760-440-0605
Online: facebook.com/The-Cookie-Cottage-LLC
Barona Speedway
Does your little speedster have a need for speed? Check out Barona Speedway where this spectator sport makes for great family fun. San Diego’s only semi banked ¼ mile clay oval track is located about 6 miles north of the Barona Casino. The track features a wide variety of cars including Junior Sprints, Mini Dwarf Masters, Mini Dwarf Sportsmen—just to name a few—which provide an exciting race program every other Saturday. The gates open at 1 p.m., with races beginning at 5 p.m. Barona Speedway offers a concession stand with lots of good munchies and soft drinks. Visitors may bring their own coolers and barbecues. Check the schedule of events for race dates – the season usually begins in March.
Admission pricing:
$10/Adults
$5/Teens
$2/Kids (7-12)
Free/6 & under
1750 Wildcat Canyon Rd.
Ramona, Ca 92065
619-669-1303
Online: baronaspeedway.com
Dos Picos County Park
If your crew loves the outdoors, Dos Picos County Park has a little something for everyone: camping, picnicking, soccer fields, horseshoe pits, fishing and lots and lots of hiking trails. Dos Picos, or “two peaks,” gets its name from two prominent mountains nearby. This 78-acre park is surrounded by beautiful open ranchland and steep rocky slopes which make it peaceful, shady and secluded. Camping includes partial hook-up sites, tent sites, and a youth group area. The park also offers the award-winning Discovery Kit Program – an exciting outdoor environmental educational adventure for elementary school-age kiddos. We like the Plants with Lego Photosynthesis kit – good for adventurers of all ages. Dos Picos is perfect for your next family outing or stay-cation!
Insider’s Tip: The park is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to sunset. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for campers. Parking is $3.00 per vehicle and is collected at the entry gate.
17953 Dos Picos Park Rd.
Ramona, Ca 92065
858-565-3600
Online: sandiegocounty.gov
What’s your favorite spot to visit in Ramona? Tell us in the Comment below!
—Elizabeth Silva (photos too)
