NFAR is truly an incredible organization changing the face of the Autism Community in San Diego…read more When my son was first diagnosed with autism, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. That all shifted once I found NFAR's Parent Groups. Not only did I gain access to valuable resources, but I also connected with other families who really understood what I was going through. Before long, I started getting more involved, fundraising and participating in events like the annual Race for Autism in Balboa Park. What I love most is knowing that every dollar raised goes right back into the local community--supporting NFAR's programs, funding grants for local teachers, and helping organizations that serve individuals with autism. NFAR is doing more than just raising awareness, they're building acceptance, support, and hope for families like mine. I'm so grateful to be part of this amazing community.

A one of a kind organization that is literally changing lives - the lives of participants, parents…read moreand loved ones. Imagine if every organization had a singular mission to make society better and more inclusive like NFAR!

Great little museum well run by very dedicated volunteers that are also super welcoming to locals…read moreand tourists visiting the winery. It used to be located inside the same premises, but in a small barrack and now occupies the place of 2 former boutiques together. The museum is impeccable clean and neat, and you can read and observe pictures of the history of this great neighborhood village type called Rancho Bernardo. From the Kumeyay native Americans to the Spaniards, Mexicans and different conquests until what is today, the visitor can know it all. Many cultures have populated this area in the past couple of centuries, so RB is more than the sleepy village next to Lake Hodges that curiously belongs to San Diego instead of be on its own, as Poway or other similar country looking places. Free entrance, lots of parking at the entrance of the winery, you can get even a poster depicting some photos of the before and after of certain landmarks and also you can buy some postcards and help this museum thrive. Well done!

This has got to be the world's tiniest museum. It's so cute! Just one room off to the side of the…read moreRancho Bernardo shopping area. The displays are set up very well and the photography is excellent. But what makes the visit is the guy working there who gave us probably the most comprehensive regional history lesson I've ever gotten. I can't remember his name -- I want to say Ralph? -- but he was a lot of fun. It's free to come in and poke around, but you can leave a donation if you'd like.

As a lifelong San Diegan, I feel like a dope that I didn't know about this sooner. Took my…read moregirlfriend out last weekend and for about $45 TOTAL we got a beautiful 45-minute train ride as well as admission to the Train Museum where they have more train cars to explore including a well-preserved Jim Crow-era segregated car as well as John Spreckles' personal caboose. And the volunteers who work there are really nice and very well informed. I would love to take visiting friends and relatives out for the experience but I would also gladly go back by myself just for the train ride. Seriously, if you don't mind the drive out there (and why would you - the mountain scenery is gorgeous), this might be the single greatest value in terms of a local weekend excursion. I can't say enough good things about this place. It's probably a bit out of the way for school field trips from the city, but kids will especially love the experience.

A fun, really overlooked part of Campo with tons of opportunities for train rides, history, and a…read moregreat gift shop. There are a few dogs on-site, so beware if you're bringing your mutt.

This small museum and gift shop is a nice stop when visiting the Cuyamaca Ranch State Park. You'll…read morelearn about the surrounding wildlife the local botany and the rich history of these once gold rich mountains. Perhaps the biggest reason to visit this center is that on Sundays from 10AM to 12PM there are free art programs for the kids. On our trip both Max and Carmen shared their wealth of knowledge of the park and organized several fun activities. Other things to see here: - Cold Stream Trail - Dyar House - Restrooms

August Stop 15 Came…read morehere just to stop by after camping the night before. Their hours are very limited so be aware of that! Inside is a small museum and a little gift shop. The museum focuses a lot on the wildlife and provides a ton of historical information about the state park. The gift shop also had some cool trinkets and apparel available to purchase! Such a great stop for kids and it is sweet to know it is run by volunteers. The volunteer ranger at the shop was really nice and even gave us tips about our upcoming visit to Julian!

So lucky I was one of the many volunteers to participate in this wonderful festival of known and…read morenot so known artists, from actors to singers to comedians to visual artists I loved being part of it even if adding a minuscule grain of salt and spices:). I was able to volunteer as usher last Saturday at the Spreckels theather and on Sunday at the Cabaret on 10th. In both cases it was an amazing experience for me, as it was the first time doing this type of volunteer job, and second, being part of a big family of artists and artisans without pretensions. Attending of of the many shows (still ongoing, it lasts more than a week!) you will feel part of smaller audience where you know the $ goes directly to the artists and a little part to the organization. The rest is operated by volunteers, so check with Christa if you are interested to participate that way next year! It is also interesting because you get access to some buildings that otherwise you would never see in the background (like that old building with great rooftop views on 10th) and where you can smell some vintagey aromas.Check out the program, there is a show for everyone, and surely you won't feel part of the mass, but like among friends that just perform.

Awesome. My fist year its a hidden treasure im going to…read moreenjoy it next year before it gets too big. Thoroughly enjoyed. 6 shows over the week next year ill go for 12. Cheers

Hey, El Cajon ain't no Pasadena or New York, so don't be expecting too much from the Mother Goose…read moreParade. And although it's far from being the perfect shindig, I had a jolly good time nevertheless. Seeing all the celebrities and marching bands and little horses and shriners and people on stilts and poodles pulling a sleigh and so much more was just too amusing. Since this is my first parade, I decided to shell out $15 for grandstand seating. Here, you sit semi-comfortably in the bleachers (bring a cushion!) so you get a good view of the parade. However, I think it's better to get VIP seating for only a few dollars more, because the performers and celebrities only perform for the VIP crowd. And the commentators are over in that area, too. The 61st Mother Goose Parade this year had some interesting guests - mostly network TV and Disney celebrities. Greg Grunberg of Heroes fame came, so did Erik Estrada (CHiPS), Mario Lopez, American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee, Hannah Montana sidekick Emily Osment and Roselyn Sanchez (Without A Trace), to name a few. They were handed microphones so they could greet the spectators, but none of the mics worked! A major slip-up on the parade organizer's part. They should've made sure this was fixed ASAP. But anyway, lessons I've learned and tips I'd like to share: Please don't go to the parade on an empty stomach. You might want to bring snacks with you, too. Empty your bladder before heading out. Prepare to spend at least four hours at the parade. What Mother Goose needs are more concession stands. I had to stand in line for about 20 minutes for a $3 hotdog. But I'm so glad I didn't have to use those Spanky's porta-pottys. So pack a hat, sunglasses, put on some sunblock, bring your energy and patience, and I'm sure you'll be just fine at the Mother Goose Parade.

I started going as a child. It still is a great parade. You don't have to spend the night to get…read moregreat seats. Just bring your own! Love it!

Perfect Summer Day Trip for the family!!!…read more We surprised by 6 year old son with a visit last weekend and he loved it! The Motor Transport Museum is a free museum, however a donation is suggested and very much appreciated. The museum is run by volunteers and is only open on Saturday's and the 1st Sunday of each month. I never caught the names of the volunteers that were on site when we visited, but they were very nice and full of knowledge about the history of the cars and the iconic Mill building. When you arrive, you will go into the Mill. They have a guest book that they will ask you to sign and there is free bottle water available to all guest and other soda and snacks available for purchase. From there the volunteer will give you a tour of the Mill and tell you all the history of what they do there. It is a great little tour and we appreciated it so much. After the tour, you are free to roam around and explore the property. There are a ton of unique cars, truck, buses and other machinery all around. You can easily spend an hour to a couple of hours here. HIGHLY recommend a visit. We paired this adventure up with a ride on the Pacific Southwest Railway which is about a mile and a half down the road. Makes for a great day trip for the family.

This is a amazing Auto museum in Campo California. Lots of vehicles. I would recommend taking the…read morefamily and kids to this . I grew up as a kid here . Took my parents back and it was a wonderful amazing time . Yes I be back

Sunday, May 16, 2010 was the culmination of San Diego River Days. A family-friendly Festival was…read moreheld on the grounds of Qualcom Stadium parking lot and a good time was had by all. Though the day dawned overcast and soon a steady breeze made things brisk, the Festival was a big hit-especially with the younger crowd. RiverFest Adult 5k & a Kid's 1k Fun Run brought out the inner-athlete is many children. Quite a few family pet dogs also participated in the runs. In addition, there was an Outdoor Recreation Festival, Artist Village, Climbing Wall and Other Family-Focused Activities. The Fern Street Circus-San Diego's single-ring circus- performed their amazing feats for the crowd. The kids riding uni-cycles were fantastic. There was more than 30 booths on hand with information about local parks, trails and volunteer opportunities. Free food from local restaurants such as Pat & Oscars and Mimi's Cafe. Solar and other green living displays and an awesome plant sale. Project Wildlife brought a large raven to display that had been injured and made not releasable into the wild. I Love a Clean San Diego and Friends of Famosa Slough were there; so was Coast-Keeper San Diego which does a lot of habitat restoration projects. Live, local music was spectacular. A young trio of local kids named Oculus Sinister rocked out and they were great! The New Assembly, HarpCo and Gregory Page also performed through out the day. From the website: "The vision of the San Diego River Park is a greenbelt from the mountains to the ocean along the 52 mile long San Diego River. This greenbelt is really a trail system and a clean and healthy river system which connects a diversity of parks, open spaces, public places and community facilities spread out along the length of the River." What a great concept and dream this is! The Foundation is working to achieve this goal by "partnering with government agencies such as the San Diego River Conservancy, business and civic leaders and a wide range of public organizations. By promoting stewardship of the River and promoting a better understanding of the River's natural systems, the San Diego River Park Foundation is endeavoring to enhance the quality of life in San Diego." Their Festival in celebration of all this was a fun, free way to have learn more about the River environment and support it as well.