From the coast to the mountains and the valleys to the desserts, County Parks maintains nearly 50,000 acres of land for public use. We offer hundreds of programs and more than 350 miles of trails where San Diego’s residents and visitors can experience cool recreational opportunities.

National Public Lands Day is no exception. In fact, we planned special activities to encourage families to visit some great picnic parks in Lakeside, Del Mar, San Elijo and Campo. 

There are now nearly 10 miles of TRACK Trails at County parks. TRACK Trails are walking paths designed especially for kids where they can do scavenger hunts and earn points toward prizes like magnifying lenses and backpacks. TRACK Trail brochures are available at each trailhead. Kids are encouraged to take them and follow along as they learn about local plants, animals, insects and patterns in nature. After each trail adventure, they log onto the Kids in Parks website to update their online adventure journal and tally their points! Additional information can be found at http://www.kidsinparks.com/.

Rangers will be at the following parks at the times below, to lead families through custom TRACK Trail adventures:

• 9 a.m., Lindo Lake County Park, 12660 Lindo Lane, Lakeside, CA 92040
• 10 a.m., San Dieguito County Park, 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Del Mar, CA 92014 (includes a fully accessible ADA trail)
• 10 a.m., San Elijo Lagoon and Ecological Reserve, 2710 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92024
• 11 a.m., Louis Stelzer County Park, 11470 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
• 2 p.m., Lake Morena County Park, 2550 Lake Morena Drive, Campo, CA 91906

Attendees should meet at the TRACK Trails kiosk. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and bring plenty of water – it’s slated to be a warm on Saturday! There is no cost to participate, though a $3 parking fee may apply. All ages are welcome.

Other national Public Lands Day events include a guided hike through the back trails of the Santa Ysabel East County Preserve from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., a relaxing docent-led stroll through Oakoasis County Preserve from 3 to 4 p.m., Juggling and Circus Acts for kids at Louis Stelzer County Park from 4 – 5 p.m., and a 7 p.m. Movie in the Park at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park.

Details are posted on the County Events Calendar as well as in our seasonal Activity & Program Guides.

For more information, visit the resources above or sdparks.org – or contact the DPR Marketing Team at DPR.Marketing@sdcounty.ca.gov.