San Diego is buzzing this weekend (Feb 28 - Mar 1) with a mix of cultural happenings, outdoor exploration, and family fun! Don't miss the final days of San Diego Museum Month for half-price admissions, or check out the Gem Faire and SUMO + SUSHI at the Fairgrounds. For the little ones, look into the Sunday Art Club or catch the final weekend of Gray Whale Watching season.
See our top picks
Free Kids Event: Cool Creations Featuring Wikki Stix® (San Diego)
Lakeshore Learning Store
A completely free, hands-on craft session Saturday morning in Mission Valley East.
Gem Faire
Del Mar Fairgrounds
A massive indoor marketplace perfect for browsing shiny treasures all weekend long.
Sunday Art Club: A Monthly Family Art Morning
My Good Brain
A structured art morning designed specifically for the 1-10 age group this Sunday.
· February 28
6GRAY WHALE WATCHING : February is prime time for spotting gray whale mothers and calves as they head north. Book a three-to-four-hour tour for a fantastic marine wildlife experience right off the coast.It’s peak migration season, so the chances for incredible wildlife sightings are high this weekend.
FREE : Celebrate the museum's centennial with free entry to the entire museum! There will be fun performances and activities happening on the exterior steps all day long.Free museum entry for the day is a huge win, especially combined with outdoor family activities.
: Join this public choral singing event happening mid-afternoon on Saturday. It’s a great way to experience music in a beautiful cathedral setting.A unique, one-off cultural event happening Saturday afternoon that seems welcoming to all.
: If you love unique farmhouse, industrial, or up-cycled decor, this market is huge with over 130 vendors. It wraps up Saturday afternoon.It's a large, indoor/outdoor market opportunity happening only Saturday.
WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING ADVENTURE : If the Gray Whale watching tours don't fit your schedule, this broader tour running through April covers both whales and dolphins, giving you another great shot at seeing marine life this weekend.It provides an alternative wildlife viewing option running through this weekend.
THE RECIPE : This is a world premiere play about Julia Child’s journey to culinary fame. If your family loves cooking shows or history, this Playhouse production is a great cultural outing.A world premiere happening this weekend at a top local theater.
· March 1
4: This massive market features jewelry, crystals, beads, and fossils direct from importers. It’s a fun, indoor browsing experience where kids can search for sparkly treasures.It runs all weekend, making it a flexible indoor option for either day.
: Experience a unique cultural event that teaches the history of Sumo wrestling, followed by live exhibition matches. You also get a curated bento box included.The combination of intense wrestling demonstration and tasty sushi makes this a memorable cultural experience.
: Catch the final performance of the macabre musical based on the classic movie! This is probably best suited for older kids and teens who enjoy fun, slightly spooky stage shows.This is the last day (Sunday, March 1st) to see this major touring production downtown.
: This event is explicitly geared towards family fun and is happening Sunday morning at the Kroc Center. Check for details on specific activities.The name guarantees kid-centric fun happening early Sunday morning.
Also On· anytime this weekend
7: This is your final chance this month to grab half-price admission to dozens of amazing cultural spots like science centers, gardens, and aquariums. Grab your pass from the library and plan a day of exploring history or science.It’s the last day of the month-long discount program, perfect for squeezing in a museum visit before it ends.
: This is a dedicated art morning perfect for younger kids. If you have a toddler or preschooler who loves getting creative, this recurring monthly event is ideal.It's specifically targeted at ages 1–10, making it a guaranteed good fit for the little artists.
: Get up close with ocean critters by exploring local tide pools alongside a Birch Aquarium expert. This hands-on learning is way better than reading about sea stars in a book.It connects kids with local marine biology in a hands-on way, and it’s available Sunday.
FREE : Head north to Oceanside for a visit to this farm stand. Great for grabbing fresh produce or just letting the kids see where food comes from.It's a great, low-pressure Saturday outing focused on local goods.
FREE : Enjoy a Sunday morning browsing fresh goods at the Chula Vista Farmers' Market. Perfect for grabbing snacks for the week or just enjoying the outdoor atmosphere.It’s a classic Sunday ritual happening right on March 1st.
FREE : If you need a free, quick activity, this craft session at Lakeshore Learning is scheduled for Saturday morning. Kids get to play with Wikki Stix, which are fun, colorful wax-covered strings.It’s free, runs Saturday morning, and involves a hands-on craft that kids love.
: Explore striking photography by Mexican artist Graciela Iturbide at MOPA. It's a quiet, indoor activity that might spark conversations about travel and culture.It’s a quality exhibit running all weekend at a museum likely covered by Museum Month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in San Diego this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-Mar 1), look for the Free Kids Event featuring Wikki Stix at Lakeshore Learning on Saturday, and take advantage of the free general admission day at the San Diego Museum of Art for their Birthday Fest on Saturday.
Are there any good outdoor activities scheduled for Saturday, Feb 28th?
Saturday is great for wildlife spotting on the Gray Whale Watching tours departing from the harbor, or you can visit the Mellano Farm Stand in Oceanside in the morning.
What can teens see on Sunday, March 1st?
Teens might enjoy the final performance of the Beetlejuice musical at the Civic Theatre, or they could explore the unique cultural experience of SUMO + SUSHI at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
