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Calendar of Events| Easter Events

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San Diego Zoo Discovery Days: Absolutely Apes Feb 17-20

Safari Park All Aflutter for Butterfly Jungle

March 24 - April 15

We’re Giving Away Tickets!

Two wonderful and exciting events happen at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park over the months of February and March.

Get to know the great apes of the world through a special celebration at the San Diego Zoo from February 17-20. Bring the whole family for a weekend of excitement during Discovery Days where you can get to know orangutans, gorillas, and bonobos. Participate in question-and-answer sessions with animal keepers, meet Dr. Zoolittlee, try your hand at wildlife data collection, and even create your very own DNA bracelet.

Once a year, the magic of butterflies sparks wonder and imagination among visitors both young and old at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It’s a three-week period, March 24 to April 15, when guests walk among thousands of brightly colored butterflies in a huge aviary filled with lush green plants and flowers. Guests who come year after year know to have their cell phones and cameras ready to snap a shot when one of the delicate beauties lands on their shoulder or head!

The 30 species hail from Africa, Asia and Central and South America and come with exotic names such as zebra longwing, orange-barred tiger and Grecian shoemaker. Others are more familiar like the monarch, giant swallowtail and blue morpho, but this is a chance to see them up close! Special activities are scheduled throughout the Park during Butterfly Jungle. There also will be butterfly-themed foods from the Park’s kitchens, such as cupcakes, to enjoy.

For more information about Discovery days at San Diego Zoo, call (619) 231-1515 or visit www.sandiegozoo.org. For more information about Butterfly Jungle at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, call (760) 747-8702 or visit www.sdzsafaripark.com.

Win Tickets to San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

It’s easy to win free tickets to San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Just visit www.HotinNorthCounty.com and fill in the simple entry form. Ticket winners will be randomly selected and notified by phone and email. Some restrictions apply. Only one entry per person is permitted. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Best of luck! See you soon at the world famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

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Birch Aquarium

Tidepooling Adventures

February 4 & 18, Saturdays, 12:30–2:30 pm; March 7, Wed, 1:30pm-3pm

Explore the mystery of life along San Diego’s coastline during tidepooling excursions with Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Late fall through early spring is an excellent time to explore tide pools, as low daytime tides reveal wider beaches and pools teeming with native marine life such as hermit crabs, sea hares and sea anemones.

Aquarium naturalists show participants how to tread lightly through these fragile ecosystems and help them discover the wonderful world of tide pools. The cost is $12. Directions to meeting place are provided at time of RSVP.

Sea Days at Birch Aquarium

February 18 & March 17, Saturdays, 11am – 3pm

Experience science, exploration and adventure for all ages this spring at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. SEA Days features multi-generational learning about cutting-edge Scripps Institution of Oceanography research. Monthly events focus on current ocean topics with hands-on exploration, special activities and a chance to interact with Scripps Oceanography scientists. SEA Days also provides an ideal venue for students, scouts and others to meet requirements for “Interview a Scientist” or career-day projects. 

February: Wave power

We’ve all seen waves break along the beautiful California coastline, but did you know these waves are full of energy that could power our communities? Find out more at this family-friendly event and discover the potential power within our oceans through hands-on activities and projects.

March: Birds of the Sea

The tiny Storm Petrel bird spends its entire life at sea, only coming to shore to lay its eggs and nest for a short period each year. Learn more about amazing ocean-going birds and discover how adaptations allow them to survive in a watery world. Meet Scripps Oceanography scientists studying birds, learn about amazing migrations, and find out the best spots to catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures. Young adventurers can make a bird craft and listen to story time.

Grunion Run Invades Local Beaches

April 8, Sun, 10:45pm-12:45am

Join Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, for a must-see ocean adventure. From April to early June, observe the mysterious grunion spawn on the beaches of La Jolla. On certain spring nights following high tides, hundreds of the small, silvery fish ride the waves onto shore for this remarkable mating ritual.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps naturalists guide participants through an unforgettable night, starting with a presentation on grunion, followed by a rare opportunity to witness grunion eggs hatch before their eyes. The unique experience continues with a moonlight beach exploration. Please bring a flashlight and warm jacket. Reservations must be received in advance.

To make reservations or for more information call (858) 534-7336 or visit www.aquarium.ucsd.edu. Birch Aquarium is located at Scripps, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037.

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Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium Invaded by Clawed Creature

Opens March

Coming this spring, crustaceans scuttle to Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium at the Legoland California Resort with the opening of its newest interactive exhibit, “Claws.” The five new displays include Japanese spider crabs, which can grow to 15-feet across, and coconut crabs, named for their ability to crack open coconuts with the power of their claws.

For the first time, Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium allows guests to see the extraordinary weapons and defenses of these fascinating clawed creatures. Along with the gigantic Japanese spider crabs and coconut crabs, the exhibit features land crabs, lobsters and nephrops, commonly referred to as “prawns.” Claws also includes a touch display allowing guests to feel the shell textures of different crabs and a new daily educational presentation and feed. These Interactive features make learning about these alien-like animals a thrilling experience for guests visiting the 36,000 square-foot Aquarium.

More than a standard Aquarium, Sea Life provides an educational and interactive dynamic unlike any other. The Sea Life experience incorporates Lego® models into a child’s voyage to the depths of the ocean, presenting the wonders of the underwater world to them in a way specially designed for their understanding. Featuring play zones, fun facts and quiz trails, Sea Life is designed to be a child’s guide to the life of the sea.

Exhibit is included in admission: $15-$20. Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium is located at One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad. For more information call (760) 918-5346 or visit www.sealifeus.com.

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The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

March 1 – May 13

This spring, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch transforms into a dazzling array of colors like never before. For the first time in 15 years, the 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers cascade down the hillside in a new spectacular color pattern sure to take your breath away. The new fields of color overlooking the Pacific Ocean stun both new and past visitors.

The Flower Fields offers the ultimate family experience hosting a variety of activities and events. Attendees can enjoy a ride on an open-air wagon being pulled by an antique tractor, visit the Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse, or immerse themselves in the fragrant Sweet Pea Maze.

Make long lasting memories with your friends and family at The Flower Fields and participate in any of this spring’s special events:

March 31- Once Upon a Garden: Fairies, Gnomes and Princesses! Join The Flower Fields for a fairy parade at 11am and 1pm by the Animal Cracker Conspiracy

April 01- Kid’s Day: Kids can enjoy face painting, Ronald McDonald, The Coast Kids, and crafts to make Kid’s Day an unforgettable event!

April 7- Strawberry and Flower Fields Forever: Observe the Mira Costa floral design competition or participate in a strawberry shortcake eating competition

April 8 - Easter Sunrise Service: The Fields Church is pleased to present a sunrise service on Easter morning for the eighth year in a row.

With over 50 acres of extraordinary color, The Flower Fields offers a unique opportunity for adults and kids to enjoy a day together among fields of color. The Flower Fields is open daily from 9am to 6pm March 1 – May 13. For the convenience of guests, The Flower Fields provides free parking, restroom facilities and accessibility for people with disabilities.

Admission is $6-$11. The Flower Fields are located at 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. For more information call (760) 431-0352 or visit www.theflowerfields.com.

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Whale Watching Experience

Through April

This spring and experience the annual epic journey of gray whales. Enjoy daily local whale-watching cruises featuring aquarium naturalists as well as whale-watching expeditions to Baja California, Mexico. Witness the longest mammal migration in the world, when approximately 20,000 gray whales pass San Diego on their 10,000-mile round-trip journey from Bering Sea feeding grounds to Baja’s lagoons, where they play, rest, breed and give birth.

Get ready for one big adventure as whale watching boats venture out for twice-daily cruises to locate gray whales on their roundtrip migration from the Bering Sea to Baja’s breeding grounds. Get an up-close look at these amazing animals aboard vessels in Oceanside.

You can also follow the magnificent mammals along our North County coastline. Great spots to view whales from shore are: The Oceanside Pier, Carlsbad Beach boardwalk, Swamis Point in Encinitas, Seagrove Park in Del Mar, and La Jolla Cove.

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Easter Egg Hunts and Festivities

(dates and times subject to change)

Springtime Tea Party

March 31, Sat, 11am

Includes crafts, tea party treats, storytime and lots of fun.

Located at 162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd, Ste E-30, Encinitas. Check www.childishcouture.com and Childish Couture Facebook page for updates or call (760) 230-6000.

Del Mar Easter Egg Hunt

April 7, Sat

Families and children join the festivities at the Annual Egg Hunt at Seagrove Park. Egg Hunt is hosted by the Del Mar Children’s Committee. www.delmarfoundation.org.

Easter Treating Around the Plaza (Free Event)

March 31, Sat, 10:30am-1:30pm

Come decorate an Easter basket and collect goodies from all the participating tenants.

Participating locations in Rancho Santa Fe Plaza, Encinitas. Check www.childishcouture.com and Childish Couture Facebook page for updates or call (760) 230-6000.

Cardiff Easter Egg Hunt Festival

April 7, Sat, 10am-1pm

Located at the Ecke YMCA Sports Park in Encinitas. This free event features arts and crafts, entertainment, prizes, jump houses, face painting and of course 24,000 eggs! Call (760) 633-2740 for more info.

20th Annual Eastside Easter Egg Hunt

April 7, Sat, 10am

The ages are 3-12 with areas sectioned off for the appropriate ages. This event is being hosted at the Joe Balderrama Park, 709 San Diego St., Oceanside CA, 92058. For more information call (760) 439-9831.

City of Oceanside Annual Easter Egg Hunt

April 7, Sat, 10am

The annual City of Oceanside Easter Egg Hunt is being held at Buddy Todd Park, located at Mesa Drive and Parnassus Circle. Hunt is open to children ages 3-11 only. The public is invited to this free event. There are lots of candies, prizes, and of course, Bob the Bunny! Call (760) 435-5041 or visit www.ci.oceanside.ca.us.

City of San Marcos Holiday Breakfast

April 7, Sat, 8-10am

Located inside Williams Barn in Walnut Grove Park, 1950 Sycamore Drive, San Marcos. Have pancakes and eggs served by Life and Eagle Scouts Troop 649. Tickets $4-$5. Please call (760) 744-9000 or visit www.san-marcos.net.

City of San Marcos Egg Hunt

April 7, Sat, 10:15am

Located at Walnut Grove Park, San Marcos. This egg hunt is for toddlers through 5th graders and will include visit from Peter Cottontail. Please bring a bag or basket. For more info call (760) 744-9000 or visit www.san-marcos.net.

San Elijo Hills Easter Egg Hunt

April 7, Sat, Various times for different ages

Community Egg Hunt on the Upper Soccer Field in San Elijo Hills. Stop in the Peppertree Hills coffee shop for coffee and muffins.

Encinitas Easter Egg Hunt Festival

April 7, Sat, 10am-1pm

Located at the Ecke Sports Park (next to the YMCA). This free event features arts and crafts, entertainment, prizes, jump houses, face painting and of course 24,000 eggs! Call (760) 633-2740 for more info.

Carlsbad EGGStravaganza Spring Festival

April 7, Sat, 10am-1pm

Located at Poinsettia Park, 6600 Hidden Valley Road. Fun zone, jumpies, music and more. (760) 434-2843 www.carlsbadca.gov

San Diego Botanic Garden Spring Party with Bunny

April 7, Sat, 10-11:30am or 11:30am-1pm

SD Botanic Garden is located at 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. Limited to 50 children per party. $12-$15 per child. Please pre-register online at www.sbdgarden.org or in person at their office.

Easter Sunrise Service

April 8, Sun, 6:30am

Carlsbad Flower Fields hosts an Easter Sunday Service. Free breakfast for the first 500 and dressing warmly is advised. Go to www.theflowerfields.com for more information.

Carmel Valley Community Park Easter Egg Hunt

April 7, Sat, 9-11am

Carmel Valley Community Park, 3777 Townsgate Drive. Free. (858) 552-1616

Escondido Reboot Egg Hunt

April 7, Sat, 11am – 2pm

Easter egg hunt, face painting, jumpers. Free family services, such as food and clothing at the Escondido Christian Center, 927 Idaho Ave., Escondido. (760) 745-0505 www.escondidochristiancenter.com.

Fallbrook Community Center Pancake Breakfast and Egg Hunt

April 7, Sat, 7:30am

Breakfast is being served by firefighters from 7:30-10am followed by egg hunting and games starting 10:30am. The Easter Bunny is also making a special a special appearance. Held at 341 Heald Lane, Fallbrook. Breakfast: $4 adults/$2 kids under 12. Call (760) 728-1671.

Poway Community Park

April 7, Sat, 8am-1pm

Easter egg Hunt, carnival games, bounce houses, face painting and crafts hosted by Living Way Church 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. At Poway Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Drive. Free. Pancake breakfast $4. www.poway.org or Living Way (858) 486-1441.

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church

April 8, Sun, 10am

Easter egg hunt for children in the community at 10 a.m. Located at Azuaga St. in Rancho Peñasquitos, following the 9 a.m. Easter Sunday Service. www.st-tims-church.org.

Vista Brengle Terrace Egg Hunt

April 7, Sat, 9am - noon

The Pride of Vista Lions Club and the Vista Youth Sports Fields Foundation host an egg hunt for children ages 3 to 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista.

Vista Optimist Way Egg Hunt

April 7, Sat, 7am-11am

The Vista Optimist Club hosts an Egg Hunt and breakfast at Rancho Buena Vista little league fields at 600 Optimist Way in Vista. The Pancake Breakfast is from 7 to 11 a.m. with egg hunt at 10 a.m. for children age 11 and under. Tickets: $5 at the event, includes breakfast. vistaoptimist@gmail.com.

22nd Annual Solana Beach Children’s Spring Egg Hunt

April 7, Sat, 10am

This event is being held at La Colonia Park in Solana Beach. For more information, please call the Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (858) 720-2453 or visit www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us.

Birch Aquarium Spring Eggs-travaganza

April 4-7, Wed–Sat, 11am–3pm

Spring is an “eggs-tra” special time of year when many ocean animals are hatched or born. Spring EGGStravaganza offers hands-on family fun with marine animals and their eggs. Activities are included with aquarium admission. Come face-to-face with egg-laying marine animals, including squids, fishes and sharks. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. Call (858) 534-3474 or visit www.aquarium.ucsd.edu.

City of Oceanside Annual Easter Egg Hunt

April 7, Sat, 10am

The annual City of Oceanside Easter Egg Hunt is being held at Buddy Todd Park, located at Mesa Drive and Parnassus Circle. The Hunt is open to children ages 3-11 only. The public is invited to this free event. There are lots of candies, prizes, and, of course, Bob the Bunny! For more information regarding this event please contact Parks and Recreation at (760) 435-5041 or visit their website at www.ci.oceanside.ca.us.

City of San Marcos Presents Holiday Breakfast and Egg Hunt

April 7, Sat, 8am & 10:15am

“Breakfast with Peter Cottontail” is being held inside the Williams Barn in Walnut Grove Park from 8-10am. This early morning breakfast of pancakes and eggs is being prepared by the Life and Eagle Scouts of Troop 649. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 for adults and $4 for children 10 and under. Immediately following the breakfast, at 10:15am, toddlers through 5th graders are invited to the community “Holiday Egg Hunt” where eggs with prizes are scattered throughout the park.

This year, every child who recycles eggs will receive a special prize. Families are encouraged to bring their children early to have their pictures taken with Peter Cottontail, create free craft projects, and enjoy carnival games and party jumps. Each child should bring a bag or basket. Suggested donation is $5 per family.

This event is being held at Walnut Grove Park, 1950 Sycamore Drive, San Marcos. For more information, please call (760) 744-9000 or visit www.san-marcos.net.

Easter Egg Hunt Festival

April 7, Sat, 10am-1pm

The City of Encinitas Parks and Recreation Department presents its annual Easter Egg Hunt Festival at the Ecke Sports Park (next to the YMCA), 278 Saxony Road, Encinitas. This free event features arts and crafts, entertainment, prizes, jump houses, face painting and of course, 24,000 eggs!

Egg hunt times are as follows: 10:15am for 2 years and under; 10:45am for 3 year-olds; 11:15am for ages 4-5; 11:45am for ages 6-7; and 12:15pm for ages 8-9. For more information call (760) 633-2740.

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San Diego Botanic Garden Spring Party with Bunny

April 7, Sat, 10-11:30am or 11:30am-1pm

Early Party goes from 10-11:30am and the Later Party goes from 11:30am-1pm. Children ages 2-6 are invited to visit the garden’s gentle bunny and make some colorful spring crafts. Children also get to parade through the garden, go on a bunny hunt, and enjoy a rabbit picnic.

Limited to 50 children per party, pre-registration required. $12-$15 per child. Regular Garden admission fees apply to accompanying adult(s) payable upon arrival. Please pre-register online at www.sdbgarden.org or in person at the San Diego Botanic Garden office. The Garden is located at 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas.

North County Attractions

Bates Nut Farm

15954 Woods Valley Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082

www.batesnutfarm.biz

760-749-3333

California Center For The Arts Escondido

340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025

www.artcenter.org

800-988-4253

Del Mar Fairgrounds

2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014

www.sdfair.com

858-755-1161

Encinitas Heritage Museum

450 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024

www.sdheritage.org

760-632-9711

Legoland California

One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA, 92008

www.legoland.com

760-918-5346

Attractions include:

Lost Kingdom Adventure

Sea Life Legoland

Miniland

Mission San Luis Rey

4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside CA

www.sanluisrey.org

760-757-3651

Moonlight Amphitheater

1200 Vale Terrace, Vista, CA

www.moonlightstage.com

760-724-2110

Poway Center for the Performing Arts

15498 Espola Rd, Poway, CA 92064

www.powayarts.org

858-748-0505

Quail Botanical Gardens

230 Quail gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024

www.qbgardens.org

760-436-3036

San Diego Wild Animal Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, CA

www.sandiegozoo.org/wap/index.html

760-747-8702

Attractions include:

Experience Africa

Animal Encounters

Frequent Flyers Bird Show

The Flower Fields

5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008

www.visit.theflowerfields.com

760-431-0352

The Lavender Fields

12460 Keys Creek Rd., Valley Center, CA, 92082

www.thelavenderfields.com

888-407-1489

The Wave Waterpark

101 Wave Drive, Vista, CA, 92083

www.thewavewaterpark.com

760-940-9283

Attractions include:

Rio Loco

Flow Rider

Rippity's Rainforest

San Diego Attractions

Balboa Park

1549 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101

www.balboapark.com

619-239-0512

Attractions include:

Museums

Performing arts

Gardens

Recreation

Restaurants

Belmont Park

3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92109

www.belmontpark.com

858-228-9283

Attractions include:

FlowRider

Giant Dipper Roller Coaster

Crazy Submarine

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA, 92037

www.aquarium.ucsd.edu

858-534-3474

Attractions:

Hall of Fishes

Tidepool Displays

San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Dr., Balboa Park,

www.sandiegozoo.org

619-234-3153

Attractions:

Tiger River

Ituri Forest

Sea Lion Show-It Began With a Roar

Sea World

500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA, 92109

www.seaworld.com

1-800-257-4268

Featured attractions:

Dolphin Discovery

Dine With Shamu

Dolphin Experience