Family events in San Marcos, CA

Provide your dog or cat with a gentle dental cleaning performed without anesthesia, aimed at fresher breath and a brighter, cleaner smile. Most appointments take under an hour. A veterinary screening or exam is required before the cleaning. This is a one-day offering with limited availability, so check the Get Tickets section for details.

This free self-defense class is for teen girls ages 11 to 18. Participants will learn to recognize unsafe situations early, trust their instincts, respond with confidence, and use practical skills to defend themselves. The class is led by Play it Safe, Defense Strategies for Women and Children. Youth do not need to be registered members of BGC to participate. Space is limited.

Community members in Allied Gardens experiencing food insecurity can stop by the drive-thru food pantry for help feeding themselves or their families.

Get hands-on in the soil with herbalists while learning regenerative gardening practices and connecting with medicinal plants. Activities vary by week and may include seeding, transplanting, weeding, preparing planting beds, harvesting, watering, and mulching. Participants ages 8 and up are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and participants ages 13 to 18 need a parent or guardian to sign a liability waiver upon drop-off. Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing that provides good sun coverage. Bringing water, sunscreen, a hat, and an optional snack is recommended.

Enjoy a free community dance party featuring Kathryn the Grape, with engaging, educational music and movement for young children. The program is sponsored by The Shoppes at Carlsbad in support of family-friendly entertainment.

Basic Obedience classes teach dogs basic commands and polite leash walking. Dogs must be at least 12 weeks old. Proof of current vaccinations is required at the first class, and an adult must accompany handlers who are 16 or younger. Metal choke chains and pinch collars are not needed.

Enjoy a free community dance party featuring engaging, educational music and movement for young children. The program is sponsored by Mershops North County in support of family-friendly entertainment.

Enjoy the VetFest parade near Grape Day Park, then stop by the Post to help serve hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch. A brief ceremony will also take place.

Children can explore creativity, problem solving, and teamwork through a different activity each session, such as coloring, painting, making paper airplanes, playing games, or creating a self-portrait. All supplies are provided. Recommended for elementary and middle-school-aged children.

This high-energy program introduces young participants to basic soccer skills, including using their feet, dribbling, and learning the rules of the game. Fun games, songs, and positive reinforcement help children experience the joy of playing soccer and being active. Designed for children ages 2 to under 4, the program includes a Soccer Shots jersey for each participant.

Crafternoon is for crafters and anyone curious about crafts.

Young performers ages 5 to under 13 can explore musical theater and dance while building confidence and performance skills through drama games and exercises. Participants will be assigned roles and learn lines, scenes, songs, and a dance routine from The Grinch, then share their work in a family showcase at the end of the class.

Talented singers perform favorite tunes live on stage in this concert.

The annual Big Blue Breakfast & Fundraiser spotlights the power of teamwork, sportsmanship, and community in building champions. The program includes breakfast, tributes to new Hall of Fame inductees, recognition of the Coach of the Year, and personal stories from alumni about how the Club shaped their journeys on and off the court. Guest speaker Corey Liuget, an NFL Chargers standout, will be featured as part of the program, creating a meaningful celebration of youth athletes, dedicated coaches, and the supporters who uplift them.

Get ready for a colorful and fun run, marking its first ever edition!

Taking place at Dexter's Deli in Del Mar, this one-day clinic offers non-anesthetic dental cleanings for dogs and cats. Appointments take under an hour and focus on cleaner teeth and fresher breath. A veterinary screening or exam is required. Appointment slots are limited, and additional details can be found in the ticket information.

Spend a hands-on morning learning basic regenerative farming skills and connecting with the farm and its farmers. Activities vary by week and may include seeding, transplanting, weeding, preparing planting beds, harvesting, watering, or caring for animals. When available, participants may also sample freshly harvested vegetables. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and participants ages 13 to 18 need a parent or guardian to sign a liability waiver upon drop-off. Closed-toe shoes are required. Comfortable clothes that can get dirty and provide sun coverage are recommended, along with water, sunscreen, and a hat. A snack is optional.

Enjoy a garden workshop in the Trudy Bronner Discovery Garden featuring local, seasonal ingredients from Jimbo’s. Create an edible self-portrait using organic ingredients. Pre-registration is not required, and the workshop is included with museum admission.

The San Diego Sabers face off against the Long Beach Bombers at Ice Realm Carlsbad.

Explore a lively community market at Vail Headquarters featuring more than forty vendors along with food and drinks. Families can enjoy trick or treating with the vendors, a bounce house for added fun, and a dedicated photo opportunity. The atmosphere welcomes both animals and families.

Enjoy a heartwarming fall concert featuring youth choirs and joyful songs celebrating the places, people, and traditions that make us feel at home. Through cherished moments, young voices explore belonging and togetherness.

Enjoy a sensory-friendly showing of Forgotten Island in a welcoming environment. Guests can relax, move around, take breaks, and watch at their own pace. The movie offers an imaginative island adventure for families and friends.

Explore the seasonal wildlife of the reserve, where winter birds such as shorebirds, ducks, songbirds, and birds of prey have arrived. Look for White-crowned Sparrows gathering seeds near the trail and listen for Yellow-rumped Warblers in the foliage. A Northern Harrier may skim over the marsh, while wetter conditions can bring out mushrooms. Wildlife sightings depend on conditions, and no specific sightings are guaranteed. For ages 15 and older. Registration is required.

SD Fixit Clinic in Solana Beach offers hands-on repair guidance at Fletcher Cove Community Center. Attendees can bring broken or non-functioning items such as electronics, small appliances, computers, toys, bicycles, clothing, and other household goods for evaluation, careful disassembly, and a possible fix. Workstations, specialized tools, and coaching are provided to help participants open and troubleshoot their items. Even if a repair is not possible, visitors gain insight into how their items are made and how they operate. Volunteer opportunities are available for those interested in serving as Fixit Coaches.

Explore the farm on a tractor train tour led by a farm ambassador. Learn about regenerative growing practices and what is being grown, meet and feed the farm animals with overripe vegetables, and discover the people and animals involved in Fox Point Farms’ micro-economy, including growing, brewing, coffee roasting and making, cooking and baking, herbalism, and live music and community events. Tours run every 30 minutes on weekends, with tickets available for purchase on the farm.

Meet adoptable dogs from It’s The Pits, browse rescue merchandise, learn about fostering, and find out how to volunteer. No dog is required to attend.

Preschool Storytime offers a lively, humorous experience for children ages 4 to 6, with books brought to life through performance, along with songs and fingerplays. Each session lasts 30 to 45 minutes.

This outdoor market is free to attend and welcomes all ages. Set on the driving range at Emerald Isle Golf Course in Oceanside, California, it brings together more than twenty local vendors. Browse lifestyle goods, apparel, and food, explore club fittings, and discover more in a relaxed open-air setting.

Meet dogs looking for forever homes at this adoption event. Visitors can adopt, foster, spend time petting and playing with the dogs, or volunteer to help.

Enjoy brunch while meeting adorable pups who are available for adoption.

Meet friendly, cuddly cats and kittens of all ages and colors, all ready to share their love. Each has been spayed or neutered, tested, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and treated for fleas. Adoptions include an application and interview process, along with a fee payable by cash, check, or credit card. Find a special companion among the cats available for adoption.

Those interested in adopting a cat from LYFF are encouraged to complete a Pre-Adoption Form before making a reservation. Applications may not be processed the same day, so applying early can help make the process smoother. Sharing preferences such as gender, color, age, or personality can help adoption coordinators guide you toward a cat that may be a good fit for your home.

Spend an hour cuddling and playing with up to 30 cats and kittens at a cage-free adoption center where cats roam in a home-like environment. A small donation supports LYFF’s cat rescue and animal welfare education efforts. Walk-ins are welcome, though weekends are expected to be busy. Not all available cats and kittens are housed at the center, so those interested in a specific feline can submit a Pre-Adoption Form for assistance from a coordinator. Those planning to adopt are encouraged to complete the form before reserving, as approvals may not be processed the same day.

Watch thoroughbreds compete at a well-known seaside track, with races showcasing strategy, athleticism, and close finishes. The event offers a classic day at the races for longtime followers and newcomers alike.

Share a playful movement adventure with your little one as stories come to life through music, imaginative play, creative movement, and interactive activities. Children and caregivers can explore characters, animals, adventures, and new worlds together while building coordination, confidence, listening skills, and a love of movement. No dance experience is needed. Adult participation is required for each child as needed. The program is for children from 6 months to under 6 years old.

Families can enjoy a swim in an indoor, heated pool, with lifeguards provided, along with free pizza and drinks. Flotation devices are not permitted, and a responsible adult must be in the water with anyone who cannot swim. Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation per family to help cover food and venue costs. Guests with dietary restrictions may bring their own food. Seating is limited, so bringing a lawn chair may be helpful.

Once Upon a Book Fair brings together more than 90 authors for an afternoon of stories, imagination, and connections. Meet Monty P. Miani, discover the Magic Memory Series, and get books signed at this indoor celebration for families and fellow book lovers.

Country Strong offers free weekend workouts for active duty military, veterans, first responders, and their families. Sponsored by the Daniel Ferguson Memorial Foundation, the program features Saturday sessions hosted by Wholly You Fitness and Sunday sessions hosted by Reins Therapeutic Horsemanship. Veteran coaches from different service branches design the workouts to focus on functional fitness, camaraderie, and motivation. No experience is required, and participants of all fitness levels are welcome. Families and friends are welcome to take part.

Enjoy a studio mini session in a crisp, all-white holiday scene that feels light, refined, and classic. The minimalist backdrop keeps the focus on the people you love, creating festive portraits without clutter, and works beautifully for families, siblings and children, couples, grandparents with the little ones, and polished images for holiday cards. Each reservation includes a 20-minute session and five professionally retouched digital images. Sessions take place at Shadowcatcher Imagery in Escondido. Availability is limited and advance booking is required. Indicating “Interested” or “Going” on Facebook does not hold a spot, as appointments are confirmed only through the booking link.

Explore the farm aboard a tractor train with a farm ambassador, learn about regenerative growing practices and what is being grown, and meet and feed the farm animals. Guests can share overripe vegetables with the animals, helping reduce food waste. The tour also introduces the many hands and hooves involved in the farm’s micro-economy, including growing, brewing, coffee roasting and making, cooking and baking, herbalism, live music, and community events. Tours run every 30 minutes, and tickets are purchased on the farm.

Enjoy a family-friendly silent disco dance in San Dieguito County Park, with a two-hour curated music journey streamed through headphones beneath the trees. Local and international DJs provide the music, and a didgeridoo is played most times, followed by a closing circle. Fifty headsets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are included with a donation, or you can stream the music on your phone using your own earbuds. Children can play for free. When the weather is warm and dry, there is a picnic afterward. The gathering takes place in the park on the first, third, and fifth Sundays of the month, with a suggested donation of $15 to $20 and a park entry fee of $5.

Enjoy a free live music experience for children and families, featuring an engaging, interactive performance with singing, dancing, and connection. Kathryn the Grape performs alongside rotating special characters. After the show, the characters stay for activities, photos, and meet-and-greets.

Meet dogs looking for forever homes at Petco in San Marcos. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can reserve a chosen dog through AmazingDogsRescue.org so the dog is available to meet. Dogs have health records and receive medical care that includes vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick treatments, microchipping, and spay or neuter surgery. Adoption fees vary by dog and start at $250, with fees supporting the charity’s care for more than 500 dogs.

Enjoy a lively mix of Tea Dueling, Splendid Teapot Racing, Nerf Gun Dueling, and Picnic Basket Battle Royale, along with the all-new Game Den.

Enjoy a soothing sound bath with your little one, and take time to relax and bond together.

Spend an hour cuddling and playing with up to 30 cats and kittens at a cage-free adoption center where cats roam in a home-like environment. A small donation supports LYFF’s cat rescue and animal welfare education efforts. Walk-ins are welcome, though weekends are expected to be busy. Not all available cats and kittens are housed at the center, so those interested in a specific feline can submit a Pre-Adoption Form for assistance from a coordinator. Those planning to adopt are encouraged to complete the form before reserving, as approvals may not be processed the same day.

Children of all ages can enjoy an enchanting afternoon in the Land of Sweets, hosted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and friends from The Violin Shop. The experience includes a showcase featuring beloved Nutcracker characters, a dancing performance by the sweets, tea and desserts, photos with the characters, and a gift from the Sugar Plum Fairy. Fancy tea attire, gloves, and hats are suggested. Children under three are free. The gathering offers a taste of the full Nutcracker performance.

Allegro Music Studio’s Student Showcase features young musicians sharing their hard work and passion through live music. Ticket purchases support TERI Campus of Life and its programs and services for individuals with special needs and their families, while helping foster a welcoming community where all abilities are celebrated.