Introducing San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center

Days are getting warmer. Summer is on the horizon. New adventures are waiting for you. San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center brings little ones in contact with the outdoors. It offers the perfect mix of exploration and hands-on learning in North County. A couple of hours can also be spent here.

San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center

Nature Center at San Elijo Lagoon

There are only a few coastal wetlands remaining in San Diego County, and San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is one of the largest (915 acres). Parks and Recreation Department of San Diego County owns and operates it. Located on 5600 square feet, the environmental education center offers a variety of interactive exhibits. Nature trails and nature center are free to explore. However, donations are appreciated.

What to Do

From hiking to indoor activities to special events, the Nature Center has a variety of activities to offer. You can find fun things to do in the following list.

Each explorer is given a board and crayons to track how many things they can see, hear, smell, or touch in nature. There are always fun explorations available at the center. Ask for a laminated card from the rangers behind the counter. You will see snakes, lizards, butterflies, spiders, herons, and other birds (including other species of birds). You can see the striped mullet jumping out of the water by walking around the lagoon trail. However, you must act quickly because they move quickly.

San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center

Every third Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m., there is a story time for children. Volunteers at the Nature Center tell children stories about animals and nature. Taking a dip indoors after a hike is a great way to cool off and relax.

The San Elijo Nature Center hosts a story time

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Join us for Family Fun Days, held on the first Sunday of every month from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Unplug and learn with activities such as crafts, story time, and touching artifacts.

Family Fun Days this summer will honor Kumeyaay, the Native American people who once lived in the wetland for food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. Check out the upcoming programs below.

During Kumeyaay Life: Acorns on the Rocks on Sunday, June 1, children will be able to grind real acorns

Children can uncover secrets of the past by digging up ancient artifacts and skulls on Sunday, July 6

Learn what native people ate by living off the land on Sunday, August 3

A variety of activities are available for children at San Elijo Nature Center

Special Events

You can find special events on our calendar. The Not-So-Scary Estuary event during Halloween is highly recommended. One of the neighborhood's best trick-or-treat trails. At several stations inside the nature center and along the trail, children can participate in various hands-on activities and enjoy treats.

San Elijo Nature Center EventsTips

Wear closed-toe shoes, wear a hat, use sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. Water fountains and bathrooms are available at the nature center, but not on the trails.

During regular and special events, a $1 donation is suggested.