Exploring San Diego

Actions

The Upside of Getting Outdoors

Posted at 4:15 PM, Jun 28, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-28 19:17:32-04

What’s the upside of getting outside?   Fresh Air.  Sunshine.  Whether it’s a day in the park or overnight camping, we’ve got some great ideas and resources to share with you!

San Diego's award-winning park system includes 125 parks and preserves, and more than 350 miles of trails across over 50,000 acres of land. Experience the “upside of outside” by visiting a County park near you!

  • The San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation works year-round to create cool recreation opportunities, and we balance that with efforts to protect and preserve our land and native habitats.
  • The birds of prey we have with us today are all native to San Diego, and you may have even seen them at a County Park! We host workshops on hawks, ospreys and falcons at my park – El Monte, in Lakeside – and at others, throughout the year.   Ask for Supervising Park Ranger Charles Gailband; he leads educational workshops and raises birds of prey for very special animal meet-and-greets! Here’s a video of him in action.
  • Check out our Summer 2018 seasonal program guides for a complete list of free activities that you and your family can enjoy! Details at sdparks.org.   
  • Maximize your outdoor experience by downloading the all-new Easy2Hike app on Apple Store or Google play for free! With this easy to use app get information on hiking, biking and riding paths in preserves and parks.  Easy2Hike is a free app that allows you to locate and view trailheads, park maps, and points of interest all over Southern California.  

Spend some time in the sunshine.  Discover local wildlife, learn about native habitat and what’s being done to protect them.

For Kids Only

Discover the adventure of a lifetime! The YMCA of San Diego County offers several amazing camps that get kids outdoors and keeps them active all summer long. From traditional to specialty Day Camps, each location offers something unique. 

When school ends, Day Camp programs offer kids a safe place to learn and have fun at any of the 18 branches.  You don’t have to go far to have new experiences, learn new skills or have fun! 

At YMCA Overnight and outdoor camps like Camp Marston and Camp Surf, personal and social change is possible - and that the natural, outdoor environment provides unique opportunities to foster a sense of awe, inspiration, stewardship, and discovery.

Discover what your local YMCA offers!