Black Holes Have Arrived at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center – Catch Them While You Can!
They’re one of the most intriguing and mysterious phenomena in the universe, places where time and space are warped to the extreme, and nothing – not even light – can escape the pull of their ferocious gravity. Cross the cosmic threshold into the bizarre realm of black holes at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park!
This month, the Science Center debuts its state-of-the-art, giant dome screen digital GSX system from Global Immersion with a new daily public planetarium show, BLACK HOLES: The Other Side of Infinity, running in conjunction with the Science Center’s new exhibition, Black Holes: Space Warps & Time Twists. The GSX system will augment the existing IMAX projector in the Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Dome Theater with one of the most comprehensive and powerful full-dome experiences available today.
Planetarium Show – BLACK HOLES: The Other Side Of Infinity
Black holes once defied the imagination. But now, the more scientists look for evidence of them, the more they find, and the more they learn about the role of black holes in the universe.
BLACK HOLES: The Other Side of Infinity provides a groundbreaking, scientifically accurate perspective on black holes and presents the latest compelling evidence that black holes are real. Using supercomputing technology, the show whisks audiences to a place humans can never venture – to the center of a black hole!
Narrated by Academy Award-nominated actor, Liam Neeson, BLACK HOLES: The Other Side of Infinity guides viewers through other-worldly wormholes to experience the creation of the Milky Way Galaxy and the violent death of a star and subsequent birth of a black hole. High-resolution visualizations of cosmic phenomena are based on data generated by telescope observations and ultra-high end computer simulations with striking, immersive animations of the Big Bang, the formation of the universe, endless seas of dust and gas drawn together by gravity to form the first stars, the collision of two galaxies that cross paths in the vastness of space, and a simulated flight to a super-massive black hole lurking at the center of our own Milky Way.
This Planetarium Show marks the debut of the Science Center’s new Digital GSX Giant Screen System, providing one of the most comprehensive and powerful full-dome experiences available today. At the heart of GSX is a combination of technologies called ImageFusion which combine the power and resolution of four of the latest Sony 4K resolution cinema grade projectors. Each projector offers 4096 x 2160 pixel resolution that, when combined as the GSX system, converts a total of 84,000 lumens and over 32 million pixels into a full screen image to offer audiences a stunning immersive visual experience.
This system provides the Science Center’s Heikoff Dome Theater (which is 76-feet in diameter, with a 168° (vertical) by 360° (horizontal) field-of-view) with an engrossing experience which envelops the audience and offers an entirely digital, truly immersive and pixel-perfect giant screen experience.
BLACK HOLES: The Other Side ofInfinity will run at the Science Center through the end of March, 2012.
New Exhibit – Black Holes: Space Warps & Time Twists
Get ready for an out of this world exhibition exploring what we know, don’t know, and think we know about one of the world’s greatest space mysteries – black holes. These regions in space, sometimes only a few kilometers across, have gravity so powerful that light cannot escape and matter drawn into them is lost forever. Einstein imagined black holes but doubted they could exist in nature. Today evidence suggests they are quite common.
The Science Center’s newest exhibit, Black Holes: Space Warps & Time Twists, is designed like a space mission; visitors are sent out to search for evidence of real black holes in our universe. Through a number of stations, a visitor will observe the peculiar properties of black holes, their amazing journey from theory to fact, and some common – and entertaining – misconceptions. A variety of interactive components will give visitors an in-depth experience of how black holes behave, shape our universe and influence our lives.
At the start of their journey, visitors will pick up a Black Holes Explorer’s ID Card, which they can use throughout the exhibit to collect discoveries and generate a personalized website that only they can access. The website serves as part personal diary, part observer’s log and will include data recorded by the visitor, including their observations, conclusions, questions, notes and photos they’ve captured of their group and their activities.
The final portion of the exhibit is truly an adventure for space travelers of all ages. Step into your immersive excursion pod and set your course for an extreme fantasy vacation to the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. The challenge: pilot your pod to an alien spacecraft wreck at the edge of the black hole and dive down to discover its hidden treasure – then live to tell about it.
Black Holes: Space Warps & Time Twists will be at the Science Center for a limited engagement, through April 29, 2012 only. This Exhibit is a production of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
About the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
With over 100 hands-on science exhibits, IMAX films to experience and planetarium shows to watch, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center offers an interactive, educational, entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. Located at 1875 El Prado, two blocks south of the San Diego Zoo on Park Boulevard, the Fleet Science Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the public understanding and enjoyment of science and technology.
Interview with Dr. Jeffrey Kirsch and Mary Dussault – The Raj Report
The Raj Report takes viewers to exciting events, places, and happenings in and around San Diego. With his unique perspective and signature style, this budding broadcaster brings a whimsical insight to the pulse of San Diego.
In this segment, The Raj Report discusses black holes and other things with: Dr. Jeffrey Kirsh, Executive Director of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center; and Mary Dussault, Black Holes Specialist and Project Director of the current Black Holes exhibit, Black Holes: Space Warps & Time Twists.
It’s that time of the year again, San Diego! That’s right,FebruaryisMuseum Month!
Now in its 23rd year, San Diego, Museum Month is the time of year when San Diego individuals, families, visitors, explorers, adventurers, history buffs, art enthusiasts, animal and plant lovers, culture-seekers – everyone – can visit participating San Diego County museums and institutions for half price all month long with afree Museum Month Pass.
A long standing San Diego tradition drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year, Museum Month was created in 1989 to promote awareness of San Diego’s museums, historical sites, educational institutions and cultural offerings. Since that time the promotion has grown to become a cultural tradition on a level witnessed by very few cities in the country.
Visit participating San Diego County museums and institutions for half price during the month of February with your free Museum Month Pass. You can pick up your Museum Month Pass from any Macy’s Department Store in San Diego County, Temecula or Imperial Valley starting February 1, 2012. Museum Month Passes will be available (while supplies last) and valid from February 1, 2012 to February 29, 2012. The Pass is free of charge, no purchase is necessary.
Then, take your Museum Month Pass to any of the 40 participating museums and institutions and enjoy 50% off the regular price of admission all month long! Guests with a Pass may bring up to three people with them to any participating museum to receive half-off, too.
Enjoy Free Admission to Select San Diego Museums the First Weekend of the Month : Museums on Us Bank of America Promotion
Each Bank of America or Merrill Lynch cardholder member can enjoy free general admission to over 150 museums, zoos, science centers, botanical gardens and more across the USA on the first full weekend of every month with your Bank of America Card.
Here’s how it works: Show your Bank of America/Merrill Lych check, ATM or credit card and photo ID at participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday or Sunday) of the month and enjoy free general admission to that Museum.
The following San Diego area museums are participating in the expanded 2011 Bank of America “Museums on Us” free admission event:
Free Museum Admission dates for 2012 are as follows:
January 2012 – Saturday, January 7 and Sunday, January 8, 2012
February 2012 – Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5, 2012
March 2012 – Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4, 2012
April 2012 – Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8, 2012
May 2012 – Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6, 2012
June 2012 – Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3, 2012
July 2012 – Saturday, July 7 and Sunday, July 8, 2012
August 2012 – Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5, 2012
September 2012 – Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September 2, 2012
October 2012 – Saturday, October 6 and Sunday, October 7, 2012
November 2012 – Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4, 2012
December 2012 – Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2, 2012
Free admission through the Bank of America “Museums on Us” eventapplies only to the individual whose name appears on the Bank of America/Merrilll Lynch card; children and additional family members who do not have Bank of America/Merrill Lynch cards must pay the regular admission price. Hours and dates of operation vary from museum to museum; be sure to check with the individual museum for individual hours and dates of operation.
Editor’s Note: Young children are often admitted free or at a discounted price to most museums. Assuming you and your spouse each have a Bank of America/Merrill Lynch card (it doesn’t matter whether it’s the same account, so long as you can show separate cards with individual names, you will get in for free) and you have younger children, your entire family can enjoy the Museum for free or a significantly discounted rate. Check with the individual museum for admission prices.
December 9, 2011 to January 1, 2012 – Celebrate the Holidays at the San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is decked out for the holidays! Now in its third year, Jungle Bells has quickly become a fun, family holiday tradition full of lights, music, acrobats and animals.
The San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells celebration runs from December 9, 2011 to January 1, 2012 and is free with paid admission to the Zoo. During Jungle Bells, the Zoo grounds offers extended hours and will stay open until 8:00 pm (except for December 24, 2011, when the Zoo will close at 5:00 pm).
During the three-week Jungle Bells celebration, guests of the San Diego Zoo will be greeted by a traditional English hand bell choir, be amazed by elves who dance in the air and be delighted by a flashy light show. There also are twinkling lights in the shape of animals, sing along fun nightly at 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm, Santa’s workshop, extra encounters with animal ambassadors, Candy Cane Lane, the Treehouse “Blitzen” Light Experience, a Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer theme at the Skyfari, the “Reindeer Express” bus ride to see the lights and Dr. Zoolittle’s holiday show in the Children’s Zoo.
Also making its debut during Jungle Bells is the Zoo’s new 4-D theater. The theater is a fun, family oriented sensory experience sure to delight the kids. The 50 seat theater combines the visual drama of a 3-D film with a variety of sensory effects that are built into the seats and theater environment, such as water mist, blustery wind, snow, bubbles, scents, seat vibrations, and more. Two films, each about 15 minute long, will alternate in the theater. The theater is across from the Skyfari’s west-end station, near the Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge exhibit. Films show throughout the day to provide a great entertaining and educational experience for guests. The cost of viewing a film is $6.00 per person and is in addition to Zoo admission.
Got the munchies? Again this year, the Zoo’s talented chefs are cooking up some holiday deliciousness to put guests’ taste buds in the spirit! Jungle Bells will be celebrated at Albert’s with “Happy Holidays Happen at Albert’s.” The event features a $6.00 appetizer, wine, beer and cocktail menu from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily. There also will be a $30.00 prix fixe dinner featuring a tender baby greens salad, slow-roasted pork medallions and Amarula spiced cheesecake for dessert. Special taste treats will also be available throughout the Zoo, including holiday colored cotton candy for the kids while they coo over camels, coffee with Kahlua for adults catching the polar bears in play, and much more.
Social Media Events During Jungle Bells
There are several fun opportunities to get online and share your Jungle Bells experiences in the social media:
The Tweeting of the Bells (Twitter): Five bell-shaped “Jungle Bells” will be placed throughout the Zoo during Jungle Bells. If you find one, complete the photo challenge and tweet the photo to www.twitter.com/sandiegozoo to be entered into a drawing to win a Backstage Pass for four.
foursquare Battle for the Mayor (foursquare): Whoever is the mayor of the Zoo on foursquare gets to light the Conservation Tree on December 10, 2011 to kick off Jungle Bells 2011.
Conservation Tree Photo Contest (Zoo Website): Submit photos of you and your loved ones in front of the Conservation Tree for a chance to win a behind the scenes experience. Every week during Jungle Bells one photographer will win an Inside Look tour for four, and one grand prize winner at the end of the month will score a Backstage Pass for four! Enter photos at http://sandiegozoo.org/junglebells
Holiday Wishes for our Animals (Facebook): Post holiday wishes for the Zoo animals on the San Diego Zoo’s Facebook page and they’ll choose one every week to share with all of their fans.
The San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells 2011 runs from December 9, 2011 to January 1, 2012. This family friendly event is free with paid admission to the Zoo. During Jungle Bells, the Zoo will stay open until 8:00 pm (except for December 24, 2011, when the Zoo will close at 5:00 pm).
The San Diego Zoo is located adjacent to downtown San Diego in Balboa Park (at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101).
December 2 & 3, 2011 – Free Community Festival & Free Museum Admission
San Diego’s favorite kick-off to the holiday season, December Nights 2011 takes places this year on Friday, December 2, 2011 and Saturday, December 3, 2011 in Balboa Park. Celebrating its 34th consecutive year, this event brings families and friends together to spread holiday joy, learn more about the cultural value of Balboa Park and kick-off the “most wonderful time of the year.”
The more than 300,000 visitors who are expected to attend San Diego’s largest free community festival can look forward to a truly multicultural experience, enjoying food, music and entertainment from around the world. Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer. Some of the more well known traditions include food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages, the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California, unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village, musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree, and more.
And once again this year, in the spirit of the holidays, participating Balboa Park museums will open their doors to the public free of charge from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm both evenings.
With so much to do and see, be sure to arrive early and plan to stay late – this one of a kind free event is a family favorite and should not be missed!
Parking During December Nights 2011 –
Wondering where to park when attending December Nights in Balboa Park?
Park for free at the Zoo Parking Lot in Balboa Park, the County Administration Building North Lot (1600 Pacific Highway, at the corner of Grape Street) or the City College Parking Lots (between 16th and B Streets) and take a free shuttle to the Event. Or, you can park at one of 2,000 parking spots at Petco Park’s Tailgate Park (Imperial Avenue and 13th Street) for $3.00 per vehicle and take a free shuttle to the Event.
The December Nights Free Shuttle runs on Friday from 4:30 pm to 11:00 pm and on Saturday from noon until 11:00 pm in all locations. The last shuttle leaves all sites at 8:45 pm and the last shuttle from the Park is at 10:45 pm.
Other Parking Options:
Only the Zoo Lot will be available for free parking. Historically, this lot will be filled by 6:00 pm on Friday and by 4:00 pm on Saturday. If you plan on arriving after these times, you should:
Look for parking on the West side (6th Avenue side);
Go directly to the shuttle stops; or
Take public transportation.
All of the other lots along Park Boulevard are designated as follows:
$20.00 Preferred Parking – on the East side of the Park (at Park Boulevard and Village Place adjacent to the Cascades Holiday Marketplace and the San Diego Natural History Museum)
$10.00 Parking – in the Inspiration Point parking lot at Park Boulevard and President’s Way.
Handicap Designated Parking - available at: Park Boulevard and Space Theatre Way; Park Boulevard and President’s Way; and, Laurel Street and Balboa Drive. These areas have limited space, so plan on arriving early. Vehicles entering these areas must have a valid placard and identification card. Handicap parking is also available in the Zoo Lot.
By permit only – spots designated for event permit holders only.
Balboa Park’s December Nights 2011takes place on Friday, December 2, 2011 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Saturday, December 3, 2011 from noon to 10:00 pm. Admission to this family friendly event is free. Free admission to the Balboa Park Museums is offered on both nights from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
October 29, 2011 – Free Child Admission To Select Museums in Balboa Park
Put on your costume and celebrate Halloween in Balboa Park at the 3rd AnnualBalboaPark Halloween Family Day on Saturday, October 29, 2011. Over a dozen museums are treating families to free admission for children 12 and under during this family friendly event. In addition to free children’s admission with a paid adult, participating museums and cultural attractions will present a spooky array of hands-on activities, crafts, special tours, storytelling, and other free goodies from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Adults also receive discounted admission when they pick up a Stay-for-the-Day Pass, a one-day excursion pass allowing one adult admission to five park museums for a low price of $35.00.
Among the highlights of this year’s park-wide Halloween Family Day is a doggie costume contest at the Spanish Village Art Center, a Great Pumpkin parachute drop at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, a creepy nocturnal Critter Cavern at the Natural History Museum, a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico Xochitl at the Mingei Museum and activities that explore local cemeteries and gravestones at the San Diego History Center.
The following exciting activities are scheduled for the 2011 Balboa Park Halloween Family Day:
BalboaParkVisitorsCenter:Free gift to kids in costume who are accompanied by an adult (while supplies last). Enter a drawing to win: Passports to Balboa Park; Old Town Trolley/Seal tickets, Junior Theatre tickets to Annie and Old Globe Family 4-pack to How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
JapaneseFriendshipGarden: An interactive scavenger hunt will teach families about Japanese culture and gardening. Stay for lunch as the Chop Soo-ey food truck, featuring the creations of San Diego’s celebrity chef, Deborah Scott, will be parked in the Garden.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre: Free puppet making for all kids accompanied by an adult at 11:45 am and 1:45 pm; show ticket not required.
MingeiInternationalMuseum: Take part in a skull-making craft activity with Amalia Menchaca and a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico Xochitl at 1:00 pm, in collaboration with the House of Mexico.
ReubenH.FleetScienceCenter: Participate in toddler-themed (ages 5 and under) activities at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm in the Kid City exhibition; discounted IMAX admission all day (regular admission applies to accompanying parents).
San DiegoAir & SpaceMuseum: Make Great Pumpkin parachutes in preparation for the pumpkin drop off of the museum roof at 2:30 pm; enjoy kid-friendly 3-D films. Special admission price of $5.00 to see the Space Exhibition.
San DiegoAutomotiveMuseum: Discover your inner (scary) car designer with ghost car coloring sheets in the Children’s Art Gallery.
San Diego Hall of Champions: Children 12 and under free with paid adult.
San DiegoHistoryCenter: Explore gravestone symbols from San Diego’s historic cemeteries, read epitaphs, and design creative funerary art for the future. Learn the history of various local cemeteries.
San DiegoModelRailroadMuseum: Make haunted train trick-or-treat bags and enjoy a Thomas the Tank Engine bounce house. Treats provided for all children.
San DiegoMuseum of Art: Children 12 and under free with paid adult. The SDMA Sculpture Court Café by Giuseppe will offer a warm apple cider station with candy for the kids, while quantities last.
San DiegoMuseum of Man: Learn about Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, with local artist and expert Mary Lou Valencia! Make a calavera mask and learn about sugar skulls, or make a paper flower to honor friendly spirits! Sample authentic “Bread of the Dead” and hot chocolate. Explore the museum with a spooky tour of our mummy collection, presented in ghostly rhyme!
San DiegoNaturalHistoryMuseum: Grab a flashlight and visit the Critter Cavern to learn about bats and other nocturnal creatures, meet the staff animal expert and join in a costume parade lead by Ms. Frizzle at 2:30 pm! Take part in hands-on activities and create crafts to take home.
San Diego Zoo:Free admission to all children through 11 years of age, regardless of adult ticket purchase as part of Kids Free Days promotion.
SpanishVillage: Doggie Costume Contest beginning at 1:00 pm. Doggie treats for the winners and first place receives a $25.00 SpanishVillage Gift Certificate. Also, free art activities, including trick-or-treat bag decorating, trick-or-treating at the studios, entertainment, art and food booths.
The Old Globe: The Old Globe’s popular class for children, Theatre Tots, will take place at 10:00 am in Hattox Hall at the Karen and Donald Cohn Education Center. Theatre Tots is a Creative Dramatics program for children ages 4, 5 and 6. This ninety-minute session takes children from storybook to performance while they learn how to use their voices, bodies and imaginations to bring a story to life. Spaces are limited so please sign up by emailing: GlobeLearning@TheOldGlobe.org.
TimkenMuseum of Art: Revel in ghostly giggles at a Family Storytelling at 11:00 am that will give ages five and up “just the teeniest bit of shiver.”
UNA International Gift Shop: Pick up a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box for kids to take along with them as they go trick-or-treating this Halloween. The money they collect will be sent to UNICEF to help children around the world who need clean water, food, school supplies, etc. One free flag per family while supplies last.
Additional Halloween Family Day Booths along the Prado:
Balboa Park Online Collaborative: See the Park’s exciting new technology-related projects, including mobile apps and a forthcoming online library featuring content from 20 Balboa Park cultural institutions.
Marston House: Mask making and coloring. Receive a vintage, c. 1900 style, treat bag full of various goodies, including coupons and candy (while supplies last).
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet: Information on upcoming programs including The Nutcracker.
SDG&E: Learn how to slay energy vampires in your home. Free workbooks for kids with energy-saving tips and information about other SDG&E programs and services.
San DiegoNaturalHistoryMuseum: Hands-on activity; information on upcoming programs.
San Diego Youth Symphony: Performances by student musicians; raffle give-away; musical petting zoo – students will demonstrate and teach visitors how to play an instrument; information on concert season, membership, and community programs.
San Diego Zoo: Pins, decals, magazines and Halloween candy will be handed out to everyone. Zoo animals at the booth.
Halloween Family Day 2011 takes place on Saturday, October 29, 2011 in San Diego’s Balboa Park. This family friendly event is open to the public. Costumes are encouraged.
Explore San Diego Through Interactive Walking Tours With Your Cell Phone As Your Guide!
If you love scavenger hunts, you’ll really love San Diego: The Game! It combines the fun of a scavenger hunt with the sights and history of a tour to create a self-guided, interactive experience.
A refreshing alternative to traditional tours that rush you through the highlights with dull commentary, San Diego: The Game uses mobile technology to immerse players in enjoyable and informative self-guided, interactive tours. The tours combine the fun of a scavenger hunt with the sights, history and insider knowledge of a top-notch tour.
It’s a unique opportunity to explore the coolest parts of San Diego while learning interesting tidbits about the city along the way.
Presented by Stray Boots, San Diego: The Game is easy to play and works by text message, so customers can play using virtually any US mobile phone. Players are guided with text messages that include riddles, puzzles, photo opportunities and trivia questions as they tour the points of interest along the route. Each response earns the urban explorer points, making it possible to compete between groups of friends, family members, or pre-assigned teams. And since San Diego: The Game is a completely self-guided experience, players can start whenever they want, take breaks as they wish and set their own pace as they go. Each tour takes about two to three hours to complete.
For San Diegans looking for something different to do, it makes a great date, family outing, or just a day out on the town with friends. San Diego: The Game offers two meticulously researched tours designed to delight San Diego locals and tourists alike with intriguing facts and amusing activities. The Gaslamp Quarter tour takes players on a trek through the beating heart of San Diego known for boisterous entertainment and historic sights. The tour includes beautiful Victorian buildings, famous saloons, the William Heath Davis House, Joseph Jessup Clock and a host of historic hotels and marvelous monuments; the Balboa Park tour offers stunning vistas and awe-inspiring architecture. Players take a scenic stroll that treats them to beautiful botanical gardens, Shakespeare’s Globe, stunning sculptures, the Timken Museum of Art and even the world’s largest organ.
Discount Tickets – For a limited time, tickets to San Diego: The Game is being offered at a special discount price of $12.00 per ticket for adults and $7.20 per ticket for children. For more information about San Diego: The Game and to purchase tickets, visit the Stray Boots website.
Looking for other Discounts in San Diego?
GO San Diego Card holders can enjoy free admission to over 48 San Diego area attractions, activities and tours – including Balboa Park Museums, Legoland California, the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park – for one low price. You can also build your own custom pass and enjoy discounts to the places you want to see! The GO San Diego Card is available in 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 day increments. For more details click here to visit the GO San Diego card website.
October 1 – 31, 2011 – Free Child Admission All Month Long!
It’s that time of the year again! From October 1 to October 31, 2011, in honor of our Zoo’s founding, children ages 3 to 11 receive free general admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park when accompanied by an adult.
Note: The Zoo’s Guided Bus Tour and the Skyfari Aerial Tram are not included with Kids’ Free entrance and must be purchased separately at the Zoo. The Safari Park’s Africa Tram Safari and the Conservation Carousel are not included with Kids Free entrance and must be purchased separately at the Park.
Although Summer is coming to a close, the fun is nowhere near done! This weekend is full of many fun and exciting things to do in San Diego: the Padres honor one of their own – Trevor Hoffman – at a special retirement ceremony before Sunday’s baseball game; Storm Chaser Sean Casey blows into the Science Center; the horses race at Del Mar, and the wiener dogs race at Qualcomm Stadium!
Check out our list of random things to do – many of which are free, family friendly or simply a great deal – taking place in and around San Diego this weekend, Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21, 2011:
Featured Events:
Padres’ Trevor Hoffman Retirement Ceremony(Sunday, August 21, 2011) – The Padres honor all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman in a special pregame retirement ceremony before the game against the Marlins. Trevor’s family, friends and former teammates will be on hand for this special milestone in Padres history, which will include the official retirement of Trevor’s iconic number 51. The ceremony is free to all fans with a ticket to the game. Also, all fans in attendance will receive an exclusive Trevor giveaway to commemorate their attendance.
Storm Chaser Sean Casey at Science Center(Saturday, August 20, 2011) – Climb inside a 14,000 pound armored Tornado Intercept Vehicle, meet Sean Casey, take a photo, get an autograph and ask him all of your questions about chasing some of the world’s largest tornados. It’s an exciting day of family fun that no extreme weather enthusiast will want to miss! Event is free with admission to the Science Center.
Things To Do This Weekend:
San Diego Padres vs. Florida Marlins(Friday, August 19, Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21, 2011) – The Padres host the Marlines for a 3-game bout at Petco Park. Special giveaways and promotions for these games are as follows: Friday – Friday Night Fireworks and Tony Hawk Foundation Night; Saturday – post game concert featuring Dierks Bentley (free with game ticket); Sunday – Trevor Hoffman Pregame Retirement Ceremony and Padres Backpack giveaway, free to the first 8,000 kids aged 14 and younger.
Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals(Saturday, August 20, 2011) – Cheer on your favorite Weiner dog as it competes for the title of “San Diego’s Fastest Weiner Dog” at Qualcomm Stadium. The San Diego champion will compete in the national championship race which will take place at the Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade (part of the Holiday Bowl festivities) in December. Admission is free for all humans and non-racing dogs.
Fairy Tales in the Park(Saturday, August 20, 2011) – The San Diego Civic Youth Ballet invites you to walk through a dreamlike maze to a magical wishing well and gingerbread house, with storybook characters. Enjoy the beauty of ballet with narrated excerpts from Sleeping Beauty, Peter and the Wolf, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and more!
Movies and Music at Grape Day Park(Saturday, August 20, 2011) – Bring your low back chairs and blankets and enjoy a summer full of free, family friendly outdoor movies, music and activities in Grape Day Park in Escondido. The theme of this week’s concert: Caribbean Dance Night.
San Ysidro Summer Music Series(Saturday, August 20, 2011) – Take a break from your Outlet Mall shopping and enjoy some free live music. This week’s concert features acoustic-electric music by Band Diego.
Garden Expressions 2011 at the San Diego Botanic Garden (Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21, 2011) – The Garden will be buzzing with art, crafts, food, music activities. Selected regional artists of all kinds – sculptors, painters, glass artists, potters, gourd artists, fiber artists, and more – will be on hand creating and selling their work, much of it inspired by nature. This family friendly event is free with admission.
La Jolla Concerts By the Sea (Sunday, August 21, 2011) – Gather your friends and family, your blankets and chairs, your food and drinks…and don’t forget your dancing shoes! Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove is the place to be on Sunday afternoons for great, free, live music and fun in the sun. This week’s band: Lao Tizer (Contemporary Jazz).
Free Open House: House of Pacific Relations International Cottages in Balboa Park(Sunday, August 21, 2011) – The International Cottages spread multicultural goodwill every Sunday in Balboa Park. Stroll in and out of the cottages for free and enjoy tasty treats from many lands along the way. This week’s special lawn program hosted by the House of Hungary.
Ongoing Events:
Del Mar Thoroughbred Horse Races(ongoing, until September 7, 2011) – Enjoy great events, concerts and of course races at the Del Mar Race Track. A perennial crowd favorite is the Summer Concert Series (free with paid admission). This year’s line up includes Ziggy Marley, Weezer, Devo, The Bravery and more! Click on the link for a full concert schedule.
San Diego Zoo – Nighttime Zoo(ongoing, until Labor Day, September 5, 2011) – The San Diego Zoo celebrates summer with extended hours and exciting entertainment all summer long. The theme of this year’s Nighttime Zoo event is China Celebration, with Chinese acrobats, a new animal show and robotic actors.
Free Admission to Select Museums for Military & Their Families(ongoing, until September 5, 2011) – The Blue Star Museums program returns for another summer of free museum admission. Active duty military personnel and their immediate families are invited to enjoy free admission to over 1,300 museums nationwide, including 22 museums in the San Diego area. Free admission offer is from May 30, 2011 (Memorial Day) to September 5, 2011 (Labor Day).
Summer Movies in the Park(ongoing, until September 23, 2011) – With 40 movies screening at various public parks and venues all around San Diego County, this outdoor summer film festival is free and family friendly! Follow our link to check out the schedule to see when a movie is coming to a Park near you!
August 20, 2011 – Meet and Greet is Free with Admission
IMAX filmmaker Sean Casey and his one-of-a-kind Tornado Intercept Vehicle will be making a special appearance in San Diego at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park this Saturday, August 20, 2011.
Named one of the “Fifty Best Minds of the Year” in 2008 by Discover magazine, Casey currently stars in Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers reality series, one of the highest-rated cable shows on television. In addition, Casey is an inventor of sorts, having designed two tornado intercept vehicles, or TIVs, the second of which was used in the filming of the IMAX film Tornado Alley.
During the event on Saturday, guests will be able to climb inside the 14,000 pound armored vehicle that Casey and his team navigated into the center of a tornado. Guests will also have the opportunity to Meet Casey, take a photo, get an autograph and ask him all of your questions about chasing some of the world’s largest tornados. It’s an exciting day of family fun that no extreme weather enthusiast will want to miss!
The Meet and Greet with Casey is planned in conjunction with the IMAX film Tornado Alley, which is currently playing at the Science Center’s IMAX Theater. Directed, written and featuring Sean Casey, Tornado Alley takes viewers on an epic chase through the “severe weather capital of the world” and for the first time in film history – straight into the heart of an actual tornado!
Sean Casey and his TIV will be at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center on Saturday, August 20, 2011. The Science Center is located in Balboa Park at 1875 El Prado, two blocks south of the San Diego Zoo on Park Boulevard. This family friendly event is free with admission to the Science Center. Advance ticket purchases for the Tornado Alley screenings are recommended.
Black holes once defied the imagination. But now, the more scientists look for evidence of them, the more they find, and the more they learn about the role of black holes in the universe.
This Planetarium Show marks the debut of the Science Center’s new Digital GSX Giant Screen System, providing one of the most comprehensive and powerful full-dome experiences available today. At the heart of GSX is a combination of technologies called ImageFusion which combine the power and resolution of four of the latest Sony 4K resolution cinema grade projectors. Each projector offers 4096 x 2160 pixel resolution that, when combined as the GSX system, converts a total of 84,000 lumens and over 32 million pixels into a full screen image to offer audiences a stunning immersive visual experience.
The Science Center’s newest exhibit, Black Holes: Space Warps & Time Twists, is designed like a space mission; visitors are sent out to search for evidence of real black holes in our universe. Through a number of stations, a visitor will observe the peculiar properties of black holes, their amazing journey from theory to fact, and some common – and entertaining – misconceptions. A variety of interactive components will give visitors an in-depth experience of how black holes behave, shape our universe and influence our lives.
The San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells celebration runs from December 9, 2011 to January 1, 2012 and is free with paid admission to the Zoo. During Jungle Bells, the Zoo grounds offers extended hours and will stay open until 8:00 pm (except for December 24, 2011, when the Zoo will close at 5:00 pm).
Also making its debut during Jungle Bells is the Zoo’s new 4-D theater. The theater is a fun, family oriented sensory experience sure to delight the kids. The 50 seat theater combines the visual drama of a 3-D film with a variety of sensory effects that are built into the seats and theater environment, such as water mist, blustery wind, snow, bubbles, scents, seat vibrations, and more. Two films, each about 15 minute long, will alternate in the theater. The theater is across from the Skyfari’s west-end station, near the Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge exhibit. Films show throughout the day to provide a great entertaining and educational experience for guests. The cost of viewing a film is $6.00 per person and is in addition to Zoo admission. 
Got the munchies? Again this year, the Zoo’s talented chefs are cooking up some holiday deliciousness to put guests’ taste buds in the spirit! Jungle Bells will be celebrated at Albert’s with “Happy Holidays Happen at Albert’s.” The event features a $6.00 appetizer, wine, beer and cocktail menu from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily. There also will be a $30.00 prix fixe dinner featuring a tender baby greens salad, slow-roasted pork medallions and Amarula spiced cheesecake for dessert. Special taste treats will also be available throughout the Zoo, including holiday colored cotton candy for the kids while they coo over camels, coffee with Kahlua for adults catching the polar bears in play, and much more. 
The more than 300,000 visitors who are expected to attend San Diego’s largest free community festival can look forward to a truly multicultural experience, enjoying food, music and entertainment from around the world. Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer. Some of the more well known traditions include food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages, the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California, unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village, musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree, and more.
Only the Zoo Lot will be available for free parking. Historically, this lot will be filled by 6:00 pm on Friday and by 4:00 pm on Saturday. If you plan on arriving after these times, you should:
Put on your costume and celebrate Halloween in Balboa Park at the 3rd Annual Balboa Park Halloween Family Day on Saturday, October 29, 2011. Over a dozen museums are treating families to free admission for children 12 and under during this family friendly event. In addition to free children’s admission with a paid adult, participating museums and cultural attractions will present a spooky array of hands-on activities, crafts, special tours, storytelling, and other free goodies from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Adults also receive discounted admission when they pick up a Stay-for-the-Day Pass, a one-day excursion pass allowing one adult admission to five park museums for a low price of $35.00.
It’s that time of the year again! From October 1 to October 31, 2011, in honor of our Zoo’s founding, children ages 3 to 11 receive free general admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park when accompanied by an adult.
