Give thanks all month through several fall and Thanksgiving-themed happenings at San Diego County Parks. Take a pilgrimage to one or all three of the community gatherings in the East County.
The trio of events is free and open to all ages. There is a $3 parking fee at Louis A. Stelzer and El Monte parks.
Acorn Harvest Festival
Celebrate harvest and heritage at the Acorn Festival at Louis A. Stelzer County Park on Nov. 5. Acorns were a staple for the Kumeyaay Indians who lived in our region. These nuts were typically collected this time of year and then ground for food. Revisit this native tradition at Parks’ annual Acorn Harvest featuring interactive displays, crafts, storytelling and acorn grinding.
- Where: Louis A. Stelzer County Park, 11470 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 5
- Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
- Phone: 619-561-0580
Pinecone Turkey Craft
Get crafty in the crisp autumn air! Bring the family to El Monte County Park to make pinecone turkeys in the great outdoors. This hands-on activity allows kids to make art from turkey feathers found in the park and other fun materials. Plus, learn about the local wildlife that calls this park home.
- Where: El Monte County Park, 15805 El Monte Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20
- Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Phone: 619-443-1474
Turkey Bowl
Gobble up some fun at the Spring Valley Community Center Turkey Bowl. There will be a cornucopia of family-friendly activities, including games, face painting, bounce houses, free lunch and raffle prizes. There will even be a chance to win a turkey dinner!
- Where: Spring Valley Community Center, 8735 Jamacha Blvd., Spring Valley, CA 91977
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 19
- Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Phone: 619-479-1832
Fall is also a great time to visit San Diego County’s 120+ parks, preserves, historic sites, sports complexes and community centers across 50,000 acres of land. Some 350 miles of trails take visitors through multiple climates and habitats, with hundreds of planned outdoor activities for all ages, interests and abilities. Visit www.sdparks.org to find your next adventure.
