Presidents Day and Valentine’s Day, all in one long weekend? Who doesn’t love that? If you’re looking for some low-cost ideas on how to enjoy your time off, here are six activities taking place in County Parks. And that doesn’t even include the traditional picnicking, sunbathing or hiking that is so popular at their dozens of venues, countywide! All of the events are free but require a $3 parking fee.
Note that it will be unseasonably warm, so plan accordingly.
- Rangers will lead a museum tour and nature hike at Felicita County Park in Escondido on Saturday, Feb. 13. Meet them in the main picnic area at 1 p.m. They’ll take you through a tour of the museum and a hike along Felicita Creek. You’ll see grinding stones, and learn about the plants and animals that live in the park. Be sure to dress for the weather, bring water, a hat and wear your walking shoes. If you miss this event, two more will be held on April 9 and May 14.
- And did you know that trees talk? That’s what Parks staff says about the pines, oaks and cedars at William Heise County Park in Julian. You can learn about the biggest and tallest trees and see how they talk to each other starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 in the amphitheater. You’d be surprised by what you can learn from our towering friends!
- Find out how the Kumeyaay Indians lived off the land in the East County with an interpretive half-mile hike at Lake Morena Regional Park. You’ll learn about the native plants in this scenic area and how the Kumeyaay used the natural vegetation in their daily lives. The hike starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 and will last about an hour. Bring water, a hat and comfortable hiking shoes. Lake Morena is known for its fishing; you might want to bring along a fishing rod, too!
- Agua Caliente Regional Park will be making some noise with the musical “Gold Hill.” Celia Lawley acts as a one-woman band, singing, acting and playing instruments in a fast-paced 1-hour show. Adults can volunteer for a brief reader’s theater, and kids can take part in the miner’s talent show. The fun begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 in the clubhouse.
- Eat an extra Valentine’s Day chocolate thanks to a morning workout at Louis Stelzer County Park in Lakeside. Meet at the Ranger Station at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 14 for the weekly fitness program. Exercises include pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups and a run squeezed into a one-hour period. Wear your exercise clothing and running shoes. Don’t forget water.
- Oakoasis Preserve in Lakeside ends the day with its weekly Sunday Stroll. From 2 to 4 p.m., hikers can meander along a three-mile loop through chaparral and manzanita before drinking in the fantastic views of the San Vicente Reservoir. The dirt trail does rise a few hundred feet in elevation and may be slippery. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring sun protection, snacks and a half gallon of water for each person.
Each event is free but there is a $3 parking fee. Where applicable, campers may attend their site’s event for free.
