NORTH COUNTY AND SAN DIEGO EVENTS FOR MAY
North County and San Diego events in May look quite different than in the past. Because of the pandemic, there are no concerts, festivals or other gatherings to attend. But things are starting to open up a little throughout San Diego County. Below are links to city and county websites with COVID-19 updates letting you know what’s open and what’s not along with ideas on how you can create your own North County and San Diego events this month.
County Parks
County parks have relaxed restrictions as of May 1, but the situation is fluid and may change. They are permitting passive recreation like walking, running or riding of bikes or horses along trails as long as you keep moving. For more information and a list of which parks have opened and those that remain closed, go to County of San Diego Parks and Recreation.
Beaches
Some beaches are now open while others stay closed. Those that are open are limited to non-gathering types of activities like walking, running and kayaking. Times of San Diego has a recent article with more beach information.
State Parks
Some state parks are completely closed. Some are not, but all are closed to vehicular access. For more information on which parks you can visit and what you can and cannot do, go to the California Department of Parks and Recreation COVID-19 Resource Center.
Golfing and Recreational Boating
As of May 1, the county has relaxed restrictions on parks, golf courses and recreational boating. There are still some limitations though. For more details, go to the County News Center.
North County City and County Regulations
Check with city websites to see what’s open and closed. Here are some quick links to North County cities’ COVID-19 Information:
Things to Do with Your Kids
I feel for everyone with children at home right now. Luckily, things are starting to open up a little, but we’re not out of the woods yet. Here are some fun activities to keep the whole family busy.
Children’s Museums Online
The San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum has daily, online activities you can do from home.
The New Children’s Museum also has at home, hands-on activities and toddler time.
San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
There are wildlife cams, a virtual butterfly jungle, a family friendly website for kids and wildlife stories on YouTube along with many other fun and educational activities offered by the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
Start a Garden
Garden centers are still open. If you’re able to leave the house and safely visit your local nursery, you can buy seeds, soil, a planter, etc., for a potted plant or vegetables. The San Diego Botanic Garden has downloadable and printable garden games and activities.
Go Treasure Hunting
Similar to a scavenger hunt, give your children clues to follow to unearth a treasure right in their own home or garden. This can be as easy or as elaborate as you’d like – as long as there is a fun reward at the end of their quest.
Games and Activities
Pull out those dusty board games, decks of cards and checkers, chess or backgammon boards and start a tournament. Need more ideas? KidsOutAndAbout.com has a list of 79 games along with cooking, cleaning, planning and science experiments to keep the whole family busy.
Help Others
If you’re still looking for things to do while we are staying at home, CBS8 has 10 ways to help people during the pandemic:
- CHECK ON NEIGHBORS. Help elderly with groceries or walking pets.
- Volunteer. Find volunteering ideas at idealist.org
- Cut down on food waste.
- Give blood.
- Donate money if you can. Charitynavigator.org or charitywatch.org rate charities.
- Find and become part of a local mutual aid network. You can find these on Facebook, Nextdoor or Craigslist.
- Remember the frontline workers and see if they need support.
- Support local businesses by getting takeout and buying gift cards.
- Donate local good and unused medical supplies.
- 1Take care of yourself. Stay inside and stay healthy.
This is a challenging time. Please make the best of your North County and San Diego events in May, but protect yourself and others at the same time.
Do you have North County or San Diego events in May or any other month that you’d like included here once we open up again? Just let me know, and I’ll add them for you.