Park Ranger Programs for Kids in San Diego

San Diego has many different kinds of park terrains, and you don’t have to be in the mountains to catch a park ranger activity. Head down to the coast at Cabrillo for park ranger walks at the lighthouse, drive up the coast to Carlsbad’s wildlife viewing with the junior rangers, move inland for a wildlife tracking hike or nature storytime at Mission Trails or go south for a guided bird walk at the Tijuana River Estuary. Each of these experiences are so different, that if you did them all you’ll learn something unique from each one. Oh and bonus, all except one of these are completely free!

Mission Trails Regional Park

One of San Diego’s park gems has brought back a lot of their in-person ranger activities, talks and walks. Nature Story Craft with Ranger Heidi is a popular event for kids ages 5-10. Guided nature walks will lead you by the Kumeyaay grinding rocks, learn about animal tracks on the family-friendly wildlife tracking walks, take a guided bird walk, or go back at nighttime for their star parties with the San Diego Astronomy Association.

Nature Story Craft is every 4^th Saturday from 10 am-11 am. Guided Nature Walks are every Sunday at 9:30 am. Wildlife Tracking Walks are every 1^st Saturday at 8:30 am. Guided Bird Walks are every 3^rd Saturday at 8 am. Star Parties are every 1^st Friday at sunset.

Mission Trails Regional Park
1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Carlos, 92119
619-668-3281
Online: mtrp.org

San Dieguito River Park

Rangers lead hikes throughout the year around the lagoon, but if you want to go on your own there are many self-guided interpretive trails to learn from. The San Dieguito Lagoon Interpretive Walk is a flat four-mile out and back trail, so only go out so far as little feet will walk back. (This is part of the eventual 55-mile long Coast-to-Crest Trail that leads out to Julian.) You’ll find 20 discovery points along the way to learn about the importance of the San Dieguito River plants, animals and Kumeyaay people who lived there. Scan the QR codes on the posts, pick up an illustrated booklet or download them ahead of time.

Check their calendar online for upcoming ranger hikes and bird walks around the lagoon. Park in a legal space at the Del Mar Public Works Yard, cross over the bridge to the north side of the river, cross the street and you’ll find the park entry monument.

San Dieguito River Park
2240 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar 92014
858-674-2270
Online: sdrp.org

Tijuana River Estuary

Take a leisurely stroll down the McCoy Trail on a guided bird walk at the Tijuana River Estuary. You’ll discover why this habitat is so unique for these 370 species of migratory and endangered birds that stop here on their journey.

Guided Nature Walks are every 2nd and 4th Saturday from 11 am-12 pm; meet at 5th Street + Iris Ave. Guided Bird Walks are every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sunday at 10 am; meet at the Visitor Center. No reservations are needed for either one. Bring binoculars and just show up to these free guided ranger walks.

Tijuana River Estuary Visitor Center
301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, 92118
Online: trnerr.org

Rancho Peñasquitos Adobe Preserve

Help rangers take care of the goats at Rancho Peñasquitos Adobe. Depending on what the goats need when you’re there, rangers will let kids help with feeding or grooming. Go check out the chicken coup next door, walk around the historic homestead or use this as a starting point for your hike into the popular canyon. There is a waterfall at the end of this hike, but it’s a ways out and back so it’s best for older kids and teens to make that trek. The playground is right at the entrance to this preserve with bathrooms and a sports park too. The adobe homestead was built in 1823 and is recorded as the second oldest homestead in San Diego, tours inside are based on availability.

Volunteers are usually taking care of the goats between 1-2 pm, but this varies based on the volunteers’ schedules.

Rancho Peñasquitos Adobe Preserve
12122 Canyonside Park Dr., Los Peñasquitos, 92129
858-484-7504
Online: sdparks.org

–Bonnie Taylor

Search more like this

regional parks
tide pools
visitor center
family friendly
free events
night hike
self guided
walking tour
park ranger
wildlife
river
learn
beach
lagoon