Kids Activities in Encinitas, California
Encinitas is a picturesque beach community set in the northern part of San Diego County, the southernmost county in California. Encinitas enjoys idyllic weather nearly year round, which makes it a natural home to many exciting and educational outdoor activities for kids and families. On the occasions that the family wants to head inside, Encinitas also offers indoor attractions that provide memorable outings.
Other People Are Reading
-
San Diego Botanic Garden
-
Take the kids to learn about nature while they enjoy some stunning natural beauty at the San Diego Botanic Garden (sbdgarden.org). Encinitas, which is about 30 minutes north of San Diego, is home to the picturesque gardens. The garden features four miles of trails for families to explore, which include many kinds of flowers, trees and the nation's largest bamboo collection. The garden also has areas designed specifically for kids such as the interactive Seeds of Wonder garden and the Hamilton Children's Garden, which includes a playground. The garden also hosts tours and birthday parties and is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Leucadia Surf School
-
It is nearly impossible to enjoy all that Encinitas has to offer without having some fun in the sand and surf of the Pacific Ocean. With miles of coastline as one of its most beautiful features, Encinitas is a beach town indeed. Let the kids get in on the fun by taking beginner surfing lessons at the Leucadia Surf School (leucadiasurfschool.com). The school offers lessons at Encintas' Moonlight Beach each day for anyone over the age of seven. Lessons are two hours long and include a soft surf board and a wetsuit. Following the lesson, stay and enjoy the beach, which has a snack bar, lifeguards and fire pits.
-
Lux Art Institute
-
On a rare rainy day in Encinitas, or when the family has soaked up enough sun for one day, head inside and explore the Lux Art Institute (luxartinstitute.org). The institute is open Thursday to Saturday and offers a low-cost weekend outing, as admission is free for anyone under 21. Lux has artists in residence, and visitors not only view the artwork in the finished exhibits, but they can watch the artists create new works as well. Lux also offers camps and classes for kids that range from one time workshops to multi-week classes.
The Monarch Program
-
Encinitas and the surrounding southern California area is home to many beautiful Monarch butterflies. One of the best ways to introduce the kids to these graceful animals is through the Monarch Program (monarchprogram.org). The program's facility is located in Encinitas and comprises a 1,200-square-foot netted outdoor butterfly house. The Vivarium is landscaped with paths, waterfalls, trees and many types of host plants for the butterflies. Kids can view butterfly eggs, interact with caterpillars and watch the butterflies emerge from their cocoons. The program is open weekdays from April through November and on Saturdays year-round.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images
