The Kids in Parks Track Trail program is an awesome way to get families out in nature while keeping kids engaged and excited about their outdoor experiences. The program provides nature-based scavenger hunts and self-guided brochures for hikes, bicycle rides, geocaching adventures, and frisbee golf games in parks all over the nation.
I love this program and cannot wait to watch it continue to expand. If you follow my blog, then you know I love anything Junior Ranger for the kids so this is right up my alley. I guess it is just the teacher in me. Ha! But seriously, don’t pass up this fun, engaging and FREE program for kids. Use this link to find a Kids in Parks Track Trail near you!
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SAN DIEGO COUNTY PARKS KIDS IN PARKS PROGRAM
Here in San Diego County, we are fortunate enough to have seven county parks with Track Trails available. These make for great adventure afternoons with kids! Here is all you need to know to participate!
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR KIDS IN PARKS
Before your first Track Trail visit, sign your child up to track your hiking adventure online. When you arrive at the park, look for the display sign and Track Trail brochures. Grab a brochure, and let your child lead the way. The brochures keep your child engaged through the hike. Brochures are also available online and I have linked each San Diego County Park’s e-versions below. Most parks have several adventures to choose from!
HOW TO RECEIVE PRIZES FROM KIDS IN PARKS
After your hiking adventure, have your child “track” his/her adventure online. As your child submits hikes and adventures, they will be mailed prizes from Kids in Parks! Our son was thrilled to receive a large package addressed to him filled with prizes from recent hiking adventures! The prizes are continually updated so there is always something new to work towards.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY TRACK TRAIL LOCATIONS
You can find Track Trails in the following San Diego County Parks. I have also included information about where to find the signs and brochures in the parks we have visited.
SAN DIEGUITO COUNTY PARK
Enter the upper area of the park to locate the Track Trail sign and accompanying brochures. If the brochures are empty, you can ask the ranger for a copy or use this link for e-versions of the San Dieguito County Park Track Trail brochures. This park is over 125-acres and offers many options for kids!
SAN ELIJO LAGOON ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
Enter the lagoon from the Cardiff-by-the-Sea parking area and head towards the Nature Center. Pick up your Track Trail brochures inside of the Nature Center before heading out on the trail for the Nature Center Loop. You will see the Track Trail sign as you start the Nature Center Loop trail.
My son loved using the brochure to identify different birds he saw on our hike. You can read more about our San Elijo Lagoon adventure here. Use this link for e-versions of the San Elijo Lagoon Track Trail brochures.
FELICITA COUNTY PARK
When you arrive at the park, look for the Track Trail sign and brochures near picnic area 7. You can read more about our adventure in Felicita County Park here. Use this link for e-versions of the Track Trail brochures.
GUAJOME REGIONAL PARK
Enter the lower picnic area of the park and head towards the Nature Trail to locate the Track Trail sign and accompanying brochures. On our visit, the brochures were empty, but we were able to get copies from the park office near the upper playground. You can also use this link for e-versions of the Guajome Regional Park Track Trail brochures.
LOUIS A. STELZER COUNTY PARK
I cannot wait to visit Louis A. Stelzer County Park with my kids. I took my kindergarten class here for a field trip years ago before I had my own kids. There were no Track Trails there yet, but I cannot wait to explore this incredible park with my kids. I will update here when I do! Use this link for e-versions of the Louis A. Stelzer Couty Park Track Trail brochures.
LINDO LAKE COUNTY PARK
I will update here once I explore the Track Trails at Lindo Lake County Park with my kids! Lindo Lake is the only natural lake in San Diego County and is currently under a phased restoration. Use this link for e-versions of the Lindo Lake County Park Track Trail brochures.
LAKE MORENA COUNTY PARK
Lake Morena County Park is a fishing destination and campground. I will update here once we have the opportunity to explore! Use this link for e-versions of the Lake Morena County Park Track Trail brochures.
Have you explored a Track Trail with your kids? Let me know how they liked it below!
