With most kids out of school and many families planning “staycations” this summer, we’ve put together a list of County of San Diego activities you can do every single day in July.
There are concerts, movies, magic shows, cooking demonstrations, even fashion shows and a comic convention. There are things for the whole family, and the best news? All events are free or under $5. And there are more! To find out about even more San Diego County events go to the events calendar on CountyNewsCenter.
July 1
San Diego Living Legends exhibit
An art and photography exhibit featuring older adults in San Diego County who have made a positive difference in our communities. La Mesa Library, 8074 Allison Ave., La Mesa, (619) 469-2151. Exhibit info
July 2
Terri Buckley Presents Dr. Seuss
Terri Buckley delivers a one-woman show of all your favorite Dr. Seuss books. 10:00 a.m., Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave., Vista. (760) 749-1305.
July 3
Cooking Up Fun Magic & Bubble Show
A whimsical magic and bubble show with a food and cooking theme. The grand finale finds some of the visiting children inside a giant bubble. Sparkles the Clown will hand out recipe cards. 12:30 p.m., Lemon Grove Library, 3001 School Lane, Lemon Grove, (619) 463-9819.
July 4
Lindo Lake Park
Take the family for a day outing in beautiful Lindo Lake Park. The park has group picnic areas, fishing, a 1.5 mile trail with 17 physical fitness stations, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, ball fields and is known for excellent bird watching. Lindo Lake Park, 12660 Lindo Lane, Lakeside. (619) 443-1666.
July 5
Summer Movies in the Park
The most awesome free Summer Movies in the Park series features more than 70 family-friendly movies throughout the summer months. Tonight’s feature is the The Goonies at Heritage Park in Old Town. There are 22 more movies featured during July (summermoviesinthepark.com). 8:00 p.m., Heritage Park – Old Town, 2454 Heritage Park Row, San Diego.
July 6
Sweetwater Regional Park Bird Show
Come see and learn about the behaviors of owls and hawks. What would you do if you found one sick or injured. 6:00 p.m., Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, 3218 Summit Meadow Road, Bonita. (619) 472-7572.
July 7
Santa Ysabel Nature Scavenger Hunt
Join park staff for a nature trail scavenger hunt inside the preserve. Open to children of all ages. Please bring plenty of snacks and wear appropriate hiking attire. Meet at the Santa Ysabel West staging area. 10:00 a.m., Santa Ysabel Preserve, 23000 block of Highway 79, Santa Ysabel. (760) 765-4098.
July 8
CATCH Healthy Habits
CATCH brings children & families together with adults age 50+ from the OASIS Institute to learn healthy eating and physical activity habits for a lifetime. 10:30 a.m., San Marcos Library, 2 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos. (760) 891-3000.
July 9
Kruisin Kritters Animal Show
See and hear odd animals that you won’t meet anywhere else. 10:00 a.m., Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Avenue, Vista. (760) 643-5100.
July 10
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Bring your favorite stuffed animal in for some great stories and games, then leave them overnight and hear about their adventures in the morning. 3:00 p.m., Fletcher Hills Library, 576 Garfield Avenue, El Cajon. (619) 424-6981.
July 11
Acoustic Showcase: Marji Vinjerui
What if you had Dolly Parton’s voice, Django Reinhardt’s spirit and Debbie Harry’s attitude? Marjit Vinjerui brings it all together: folksy country tunes, jazzy and playful pop songs and new wave rhythms. Vinjerui is performing at seven County libraries between July 10 and 15, including July 11 at 6:30 p.m., La Mesa Library, 8074 Allison Avenue, La Mesa. (619) 469-2151. County Library Acoustic Showcase
July 12
Fletcher Hills Comic Con
Comic Con! Cool prizes, tons of free swag, costume contest and trivia contests. 3:00 p.m., Fletcher Hills Library, 576 Garfield Avenue, El Cajon. (619) 466-1132.
July 13
Couponing Class
Save your family money! Learn about couponing, swap coupons and chat about everything coupons. 10:30 a.m., Lemon Grove Library, 3001 School Lane, Lemon Grove. (619) 463-9819.
July 14
Fancy Nancy Fashion Show
Children 6-9 years old dress in your fanciest! It’s time to put on your best feathers, sparkles, hats and more. Join this fun fashion show presented by Ms. Claire. Please register to participate. 2:00 p.m., San Marcos Library, 2 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos. (760) 891-3000.
July 15
Scrabble Club
Beat the heat and test your word knowledge. Join Scrabble fans of all ages and play together on the library’s Scrabble boards. 4:30 p.m., La Mesa Library, 8074 Allison Avenue, La Mesa. (619) 469-2151.
July 16
Mad Science: Mission Nutrition
Take a journey through the delicious world of food with Mad Science! Discover the science behind your body’s use of fruits, vegetables, grains and fats that give you energy for all your favorite physical activities. 10:30 a.m., Poway Library, 13137 Poway Roadway, Poway. (858) 513-2900.
July 17
Make Indian BBQ with Smita Vasant
This special Summer Reading Club event features Chef Smita Vasant. Menu includes Tandoori BBQ chicken, spiced potato salad and Kulfi (Indian ice cream). Limited to 24 adults, please sign up in advance. 4:00 p.m., Fallbrook library, 124 South Mission Road, Fallbrook. (760) 731-4650.
July 18
The Wildlife Company Presents Good Eats
Herbivores, carnivores and insectivores! Meet live zoo animals and learn about the food they eat. 3:30 p.m., Valley Center Library, 29200 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center. (760) 749-1305.
July 19
Star Party
Come experience the chance to view our galaxy using the same technology used by the professionals. Join the San Diego Astronomers Association and park staff at the Highway 67 staging area (accessed by the southbound lanes only) for a night with the stars. Clouds or rain will cancel the event. Sunset (approximately 8 p.m.), Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch Preserve, 16281 Sycamore Canyon Road. (858) 513-4737).
July 20
Leave No Trace Event
Join Ranger Bob for a special camping and hiking class. Learn how nature reacts to you, and how you react to nature. This eye-opening two-hour class will include easy hiking, fun games and role-playing. A great event for families and children. 1:00-3:00 p.m., Otay Valley Regional Park, 2155 E. Beyer Blvd., San Diego. (619) 482-7361.
July 21
An Evening with Wildlife
It’s a wildlife takeover! Join park staff for an evening hike under a full moon through the Santa Ysabel West Preserve and learn about the wildlife that takes over the area at night. The hike is open to all skill levels. Bring a flashlight and jacket. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Santa Ysabel Preserve west side, 2300 block of Highway 79, Santa Ysabel. (760) 765-4098.
July 22
Yoga Class
Join Leslie Salmon for an hour of relaxing yoga. It’s open to all ages 12 and up. 3:00 p.m., Fallbrook Library, 124 South Mission Road, Fallbrook. (760) 731-4650.
July 23
Murder Mystery
Follow the clues and solve a murder mystery! Gather at the Santee Teen Center at Santee Lakes for an afternoon of sleuthing and successfully finding the murderer. 3:30 p.m., Santee Teen Center, 9310 Fanita Parkway, Lake 5, Santee. (619) 448-1863.
July 24
Pajama Story Time
Put on your PJ’s and join other families for evening story time. Books and fun for everyone! 6:30 p.m., Del Mar Library, 1309 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar. (858) 755-1666. and 7:00 p.m., Poway Library, 13137 Poway Road, Poway. (858) 513-2900.
July 25
The Science of Ice Cream: Subzero Ice Cream
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Learn all about ice cream and the first 150 children get free ice cream! 1:00 p.m., Ramona Library, 1275 Main Street, Ramona. (760) 788-5270.
July 26
Chick Flick and Chocolate Night
Who needs popcorn? Come watch some movies and enjoy chocolate treats! 7:00 p.m., Pine Valley Library, 22804 Old Highway 80, Pine Valley. (619) 473-8022.
July 27
Annual Pine Valley Days Festival
Enjoy a day at the annual Pine Valley Days Festival. The parade starts at 9 a.m. followed by a barbecue, craft booths, food and games for children. Gather up the family and come have some fun! 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pine Valley County Park, 22810 Old Highway 80, Pine Valley. (619) 473-8558.
July 27
Camp with the Stars
Join guest speaker Doug McFarland as he takes you for a celestial journey through the heavens with his star program. After the slideshow, take advantage of multiple telescopes to view the starry skies of San Diego County. Open to all ages. Free to campers or a $3 day use fee for non-campers. William Heise County Park, 4945 Heise Park Road, Julian. (760) 765-0650.
July 28
Kumeyaay Supermarket Scavenger Hunt
Join the park ranger as he leads a fun scavenger hunt for kids 8 to 12 through the park. How did the native people of San Diego survive without grocery stores? Learn about the plants they used everyday. Kids will learn the connections between modern conveniences and ancient ways. $3 day use fee. 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Otay Lakes County Park, 2270 Wueste Road, Chula Vista. (619) 482-7361.
July 29
Chair Yoga with Emmy Garnica
Relax! It’s a gentle yoga class using chairs in a relaxed environment. Stretch, strengthen, breathe, balance and experience inner calm. 2:00 p.m., Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library, 2081 Newcastle Avenue, Cardiff-by-the-Sea. (760) 753-4027.
July 30
Fruit & Veggie Painting
Learn the basics of painting fruits and vegetables with Maribel Siman-Delucca. 1:00 p.m., Ramona Library, 1275 Main Street, Ramona. (760) 788-5270.
July 31
Firehouse Cook Off
Sample and vote for your favorite chili prepared by local fire departments. There will also be a fire safety presentation as we head into fire season. 6:00 p.m., Imperial Beach Library, 810 Imperial Beach Blvd., Imperial Beach. (619) 424-6981.
