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Julian Mining Company

4.7 (130 reviews)
Closed 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Julian Mining Company sign at entrance
Nhu N.

I was looking for a fun family activity while in the Julian area. Besides Apple picking and grabbing some pie, I felt like this was a unique activity. It was an interactive experience while being exposed to history and the outdoors. We showed up shortly after it opened on a Saturday. It was not busy yet. We purchased a small bucket for the gem sleucing. The cost was $40 and produced a small bag of gems we got to bring home. We also bought tickets to ride the train. The train track goes in a circle with a small tunnel, that you need to duck as it's not made for tall people. The gentleman who carried our bucket to the area where the water for our gem sleucing was so friendly and helpful in describing what to do. We probably spent 20 minutes looking for our gems. Afterwards we wandered over to the train and asked if we could ride it. It's very informal, not on a schedule or anything like that. As soon as we hopped on everyone else who bought a ticket jumped on too. There were maybe 6 train cars that can hold up to 2-4 people. They also sell gems and tiny crafts and trinkets at their entrance. The place is family owned and all the employees were very friendly. It was a nice way to spend an hour of our time while in Julian. For those needed to use the restroom. They have an exterior bathroom, not a portable potty but a portable bathroom. Small, slightly larger than an airplane bathroom. I would suggest an outdoor sink for those doing the gem sluicing, as your hands get quite dirty. Would love for the gem sluicing to have an active water running source. It's set up for running water but it wasn't turned on. I've experienced gem sluicing with running water and it's really fun. Overall, I recommend if you're in the area and looking for a fun activity to do.

Lena M.

Our kids (8 and 10 year olds) have a lot of fun mining for gems and exploring the area. Owners are super nice.

Happiest person in the world
Sergey A.

Wonderful experience! My son found lots of amethyst, another gems. The young men working there was very friendly and helpful. And everyone was kind and welcoming. We really enjoyed it.

Gold Panning
Josie L.

Julian Mining Company had so many fun activities that were family friendly and made our time a Julian so much more fun. The staff was so kind and informative, we came home with so many treasures and gems, and had a great experience. We chose to do the gem sifting and gold panning. The gem sifting was so interactive and it was so fun to see everyone get treasures. Prices were also very good for families or big parties. The gold panning was even better in my opinion. Finding the little bits of gold one piece after another was so fun because you had to look closely to find them. The new owners were so nice and are thinking about growing the new business. We can't wait to see where this place will go!

We had an amazing experience at Julian Mining Company. I came here with my son to go rock and gem mining, and it turned out to be such a special day for both of us. The people who work here -- especially the owners -- are truly wonderful. They were incredibly kind, patient, and welcoming. What really stood out was how they took the time to talk with my son, explain everything about the rocks and gems, and answer all of his questions with genuine enthusiasm. You can tell they truly love what they do and care about educating kids and families. This place is not just about mining; it's about learning, connection, and creating memories. My son was so excited and engaged the entire time, and that alone made the visit worth it. We felt comfortable, respected, and appreciated from start to finish. If you're looking for a family-friendly experience with great people, knowledgeable staff, and a fun, educational environment, I highly recommend Julian Mining Company. We will definitely be coming back. And of course, we mined a lot of amazing gems, which made the experience even more fun.

Such a fun and relaxing place! The mining experience was exciting, well organized, and perfect for all ages. I found beautiful stones, and my son was so happy--we can't wait to come back!

yo k.

I took my kid to apple picking. We went right after the door opened at noon. However, there was no apple left. There were some, very tiny green ones that bird ate or the bugged ones. And the staff was selling the bag still! They should have put a sign that there were no u-pick apple any more like across a street. It was not nice and disappointed after long drive.

What an amazing place to bring my son. The owners were so kind and we had a great time finding gems and shooting BBs. Definitely coming back!

Kayleigh M.

So so so much fun! My 3 boys 11, 10 and 7 all had a great time searching for gemstones. We purchased a medium size bucket for them to share and they all got more than enough for each of them. We also rode the train and learned about mining and a little bit about Julian's history. I didn't catch the girls name that helped us out but top notch service. DOG FRIENDLY! huge plus for us will definitely put this on our "taking vistors" list!

Fun stop for the kiddos.  Gold panning and sluicing for gems.
Craig W.

This spot is always fun for kids on day trips out to Julian. You can pan for gold or sluice for gems and the prices are very reasonable. It's also fun to meander around and look at the old mining equipment on-site. Tons of free parking and an easy 1 minute walk to the Julian Hard Cider to reward the parents after a hard day of gold panning.

Rikki T.

This spot is a Gem! Great people, and such a cute place!!! The prices are great and the gem slucing is so fun! It was the perfect place to bring my daughter for a surprise!

This is what we got from $29.89 bucket

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2 months ago

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10 months ago

Great stop, the kids loved mining the gems. Would definitely come back again! Friendly staff! Thank you!

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2 years ago

Best boysenberry pie! 20 min line right before closing time. Delicious crumble top layer!

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Gorgeous family owned business with a rich history. Lots of fun for all ages! Definitely worth the stop!

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

Had a lot of fun looking for gems this Saturday with my 6 years old daughter, super friendly aura there

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9 years ago

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2 years ago

Very cool experience, and something fun to do in the San Diego county area! I will recommend to others.

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11 years ago

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3 years ago

Had a blast with the family. I highly recommend this place! We enjoyed the history and all the activities.

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Ask the Community - Julian Mining Company

Will Julian Mining Company be open on Christmas Eve, 12/24/17?

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Review Highlights - Julian Mining Company

When panning for gold was easy, it was called the Gold Rush and a lot of people came to California to do it!

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Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures - We made this candle and painted these at Fort Cross!!

Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures

4.5(139 reviews)
0.1 mi

Absolutely amazing experience for adults and kids alike! Went with my little one and husband for a…read morest. Patrick day event! It was above and beyond what I expected and we enjoyed every minute of it! St. Patrick was a highlight for my son and husband who enjoyed his spot on Irish accent very much! The scavenger hunt was sweet and well thought out with very fun prizes at the end! Everyone made new friends, the petting zoo was great too! I made friends with one of the brand new goat babies they're very sweet and tiny! My husband held a couple snakes and my little guy had fun watching the tortoises eat! If your family want to have a great time I highly recommend visiting fort cross! Incredible Photo ops everywhere! Did I mention paint ball slingshot , tomahawk throwing and archery ? Well done and family fun great for bonding! We loved the very welcoming and compassionate owners! We are already planning our next visit back!

If you are looking around Julian for an activity outside of shopping, eating and apple picking; I…read morewould recommend Fort Cross Adventures. This family owned and built setup gives an old timey backyard feel with games ranging from treasure hunt, archery, ax throwing to a large garden/nursery. Like a large backyard it is all dirt paths with over grown trees & bushes so i would not come in high heels or nice shoes. The garden area is an "instagram" worthy spot for influencer photos as it is decorated with vintage photo frames, art, pottery giving it a rustic yet artsy feel. Pictures on yelp do the venue more justice than the companies website or TripAdvisor. Dates and hours are limited, as the family runs all aspects of Fort Cross. Highly recommend confirming they are open before just heading out. My one reservation or word of caution is with the archery. There are no forearm guards or finger protection offered. The bowstring with repetitive can possibly hurt your skin and cause of injuries.

Photos
Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures - Beautifully decorated

Beautifully decorated

Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures - Beautifully decorated pumpkin patch

Beautifully decorated pumpkin patch

Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures - Sling shot fun

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Sling shot fun

San Diego Soft Play - Grand LUXE Soft Play

San Diego Soft Play

4.6(28 reviews)
38.5 mi

If you are planning a kids' party in San Diego and looking for the most beautiful soft play setup,…read moreSan Diego Soft Play is absolutely the company to book. We actually first used San Diego Soft Play five years ago for my daughter's first birthday, and it was amazing then -- which made it even more special to use them again now. The fact that their setups, quality, and experience are still just as incredible years later really speaks to how well their business stands the test of time. I truly cannot say enough amazing things about this experience. Grace and her team are some of the kindest, most thoughtful, and most professional people I have ever worked with. From the moment we connected, they were responsive, flexible, and genuinely excited to help make our party special. The soft play setup was absolutely stunning. Everything was spotless, beautifully styled, and thoughtfully arranged. It completely transformed the space and instantly became the highlight of the party. And the kids were OBSESSED. From the babies all the way up to the big kids, everyone was playing on it the entire party. It was incredible to see kids of all ages enjoying it together -- it truly kept them entertained for hours. If you're planning a toddler birthday party or kids event, this is hands down the best entertainment you could have. What also meant so much to us was how incredibly understanding and accommodating Grace and her team were. We unfortunately had to reschedule the party the night before because my daughter got sick, which was so stressful as a parent hosting an event. They could not have been more gracious about it and worked with us to move everything to the following week without making it complicated at all. That level of kindness and flexibility meant the world to us. But what made the experience truly unforgettable was the care they put into everything. They went so far above and beyond -- helping with setup, making everything effortless for us as hosts, and even bringing the sweetest surprise gifts for the kids. That level of thoughtfulness is incredibly rare. You can tell Grace and her team truly love what they do, and it shows in every detail. Grace and team, thank you for making our party so joyful and special. We are already excited to book San Diego Soft Play again for our next celebration.

We had such a wonderful birthday party for our little one with San Diego soft play. Melanie and…read moreKellen were so helpful in getting everything booked and delivered and were highly communicative even when we had hiccups on our side. Delivery and pickup went off without a hitch. I highly recommend San Diego Soft Play!

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San Diego Soft Play - Large Slide + Ball Pit Combo White Bounce House. Ages 2-10.

Large Slide + Ball Pit Combo White Bounce House. Ages 2-10.

San Diego Soft Play
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Bubble Truck

Bubble Truck

4.4(8 reviews)
29.3 miRancho Penasquitos

We recently used Bubble Truck for a team softball event. With siblings the kids were between 8-13…read more Everyone loved it! I added prizes to the bubbles to make it extra fun for everyone! Bubble Truck was easy to work with and a perfect addition to any event!

The concept is great and has a lot of potential for the kids to have a great time. Unfortunately, I…read morewould not recommend this particular company due to poor communication and customer service. After booking, I tried to move the reservation time up to take advantage of the daylight, and numerous emails went unresponded to. Finally, after calling the owner, she admitted that this is her second company and much of her focus is on her other company. She moved our reservation time and even confirmed the new time a few days prior, but she forgot to update the new time in her booking system or communicate it to her operator, so along with mechanical issues, they were 45 minutes late. The young children at the party only had about 15 minutes to enjoy the foam because they got too cold with the sun setting (they get VERY wet in the foam!) and the tardiness impacted the flow of the entire party. Afterwards, she refused to take responsibility or apologize and was very flippant about my disappointing experience. Given the relatively high pricing compared to other children's party entertainment, I'd expect much better customer service. Also, to echo a word of advice that I read from another Yelp review below, if you have young kids at the party, PLEASE monitor the foam levels. The foam can irritate their eyes, some kids coughed in the foam, and one fell in the foam and ended up throwing up because he swallowed too much while he was on the ground. This wasn't the company's fault, and the older kids enjoyed it, but definitely something to consider if you do pick a foam party for young kids.

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Bubble Truck
Bubble Truck
Bubble Truck

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Just 4 Kidz - Fun with our Pony rides

Just 4 Kidz

3.8(4 reviews)
39.9 miGaslamp

Over the weekend, I was invited to a birthday party for my friend's 7 year old daughter, and there…read morewas a magician in attendance! I already win, because I love magic. :p I'm not going to give away the different aspects of the show and the magic involved, because it's way more fun to be surprised by everything. But there was something for everyone. He made sure the audience were involved in every trick (illusion? I always think of Arrested Development at times like this) and the children were delighted every time they were called to the stage or asked to contribute. For the adults, there was the added bonus of genuine comedy and good humor. Not too long, so the kids didn't get squirmy and restless, even in the blazing heat. Not too alarming, so it was obvious he had considered the young age of the audience members and tailored the show to fit their age group while not making it childish. And on that note, I think the mark of a really good entertainer is that ability to go beyond the standard step by step of an act, and ensure that they deliver an experience that feels personalized. And afterwards - balloon animals all round! The children had a blast, the adults likewise. My friend was delighted with her decision to have Just 4 Kidz be a part of her daughter's special day, and the rest of us were delighted with the results. It's a definite thumbs up if you're searching for something fun and original, with that professional edge that promises an event nobody will soon forget.

She individuals at only 4 Kidz do an amazing balloon designing work. They constructed a whole…read moreballoon phase background for any business occasion I went to there in San Diego, Ca. Also road lights, and trellises, and archways and... every thing... all made from really awesome balloons! It had been fantastic. It's an impact I needed never ever observed prior to. Real artistry, imagination and talent at the office.

Photos
Just 4 Kidz - The Happiest Clowns on Earth

The Happiest Clowns on Earth

Just 4 Kidz - See the Smile on our Children's faces

See the Smile on our Children's faces

Just 4 Kidz - 30 Years of Trusted Service

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30 Years of Trusted Service

Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles - Camp Osito Rancho

Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles - Camp Osito Rancho

4.4(14 reviews)
79.2 mi

BEST WEDDING VENUE EVER!…read more My husband and I dreamed of a wedding where everyone could stay together onsite, immersed in nature, with no worries about driving after a night of fun, and Camp Osito Rancho made that dream a reality. Our families stayed in the health center, lodge, and electrified cabins, while our friends embraced the adventure of summer cabins and tents. The venue offers so many stunning spaces, from the spacious dining hall for meals to the stage/amphitheater with fire pits--perfect for s'mores and late-night stories. We exchanged vows at the top of a hill near the outdoor pavilion, with a gorgeous backdrop of pine trees and a view of Big Bear Lake in the distance. We were able to offer our guests camp activities like archery and a pool day, as well as had room to setup other activities like craft tables and lawn games. The biggest perk was the complete freedom to choose our own vendors, allowing us to create a truly personalized experience (huge shoutout to Scratch Kitchen for catering--our guests still rave about the food). We spent a year making signs, collecting décor, buying solar lights, and crafting to transform this Girl Scout camp into a full-blown wedding festival. If you're up for planning the details, this venue is the ultimate blank canvas. Last but not least, the Camp Osito Rancho team is absolutely amazing. A huge thanks to Angel for her help throughout the year, Ryan for his help throughout the weekend, and to Gerardo for the tour that sold us from the start. For a wedding that feels like an unforgettable getaway, this place is pure magic

Amazing camp!! Came with sweet elite Girl Scouts 2020. My daughter canoed, rode horses, zip lined,…read morelearned archery. So many activities. Well worth the work. Beautiful campsite.

Photos
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles - Camp Osito Rancho
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles - Camp Osito Rancho
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles - Camp Osito Rancho

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Julian Mining Company - kids_activities - Updated May 2026

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