Spring break season is here, but with San Diego gas prices higher than a month ago, some locals might be looking for staycation ideas that will not break the bank.
In addition to the obvious choices of public beaches, bays and parks, there are several activities and places to visit that cost less than $6, and many are even free of charge.
Here are some ideas in various county neighborhoods for family-friendly things to do and events through April 5.
San Diego County libraries: County libraries are full of activities for children and families during spring break. The Rancho Santa Fe Library hosts a free movie screening every Friday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The Crest Library in El Cajon features a scavenger hunt every day through March 28, and the Bonita-Sunnyside Library holds workshops on 3D printing and design on Saturdays, with the next one on March 28 from 1 to 2 p.m. For a list of all events and activities, visit sdcl.org.
Children’s arts and crafts: For six days, IKEA is organizing free arts and crafts activities for children 12 years and under. Materials will be provided and food sampling will be available. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 30 through April 4. 2149 Fenton Parkway, San Diego. ikea.com/us/en/stores/events/ikea-san-diego-ca/spring-break-at-ikea-san-diego
Story time with an archaeologist: The San Diego Archaeological Center regularly hosts story time events that are themed to archaeology. After the reading, participants can explore the museum. 10 to 11 a.m. April 2. San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido. $5. sandiegoarchaeology.org/event/story-time-with-an-archaeologist-2/2026-04-02/
Carlsbad public pool: The Alga Norte Aquatic Center is available for public swimming. It features a splash pad for kids, a spa for adults, locker rooms, a 56-meter competition pool with viewing bleachers and a 25-yard, 12-lane instruction pool. It costs $5 for adults and $3 for children to use the aquatic center. 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. 6565 Alicante Road, Carlsbad. 442-339-5777, carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation/aquatics
Emory Harris, 4, left, follows big sister Lyrical Harris, 5, right, as they looks for more eggs on the field at an Easter egg hunt in San Diego. (Peggy Peattie / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Easter carnival: Kate Sessions Memorial Park is the site for Kings Cross Church’s annual Community Easter Carnival. The event is free to the public and includes bounce houses, local performers, face painting and an egg hunt. There will also be food trucks selling burgers and tacos. 12:30 p.m. April 5. 5115 Soledad Road, San Diego. kingscrosschurch.us
Encinitas Spring Egg Hunt: The Encinitas Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts department is hosting its annual Spring Egg Hunt at the Encinitas Community Park. This free event features three egg hunts, face painting, an art and crafts area, a visit from the Easter Bunny and live entertainment by Kathryn The Grape. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own basket, pack their own picnic and ride their bike to the event, as there will be a free bike valet. There will also be complimentary parking at San Dieguito Academy High School and a free shuttle ride to the event. 10 a.m. to noon, April 4. 425 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas. encinitasca.gov
Family Art Workshops: In Hillcrest, ArtReach is holding free family art workshops. Guests will learn about clay and make functional pieces of art, using air-dry clay to create a sculpture of people gathered around a campfire. There will also be a storytelling component to the class. The workshop is free, but registration is required ahead of time. Classes are intended for those five years and older. 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. April 4. 1065 University Ave., San Diego. artreachsandiego.org
Nature Walk: The Living Coast Discovery Museum is hosting a nature walk that is described as “An Eye-Opening Experience Without Sight.” The walk is led by a blind docent who will talk about the importance of senses in exploring nature. Meet at the visitor center. All ages are invited to participate. 11 a.m. to noon. April 4. Free. 301 Caspian Way,Imperial Beach. tijuanaestuary.org/calendar/
Yasir Mohammed brings his family to Lake Poway and barbecues by the Lake Poway Trail. (Michael Ho / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Lakes and reservoirs: There are over 10 lakes and reservoirs in San Diego County where locals can go fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking and camping, including Lake Poway, Lake Morena in Campo, the Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve and nine reservoir lakes.
National City public pool: In the South Bay, Las Palmas Pool offers lap swimming and recreational swimming daily. There is also group exercise swimming on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Day passes start at $3 for adults and $1 for youth up to 12 years. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. 1800 East 22nd St., National City. 619-336-6758, nationalcityca.gov/government/community-services/las-palmas-pool.
STEAM activities: Children ages six to nine years can learn about science, technology, engineering, arts and math at a workshop at the San Diego Central Library. The Science Made Magic event allows participants to create glowing lava lamps and make kaleidoscopes, using STEAM properties. 2 to 3 p.m. April 3. 330 Park Blvd., San Diego. 619-236-5800, sandiego.gov/public-library/spring-into-steam
San Diego public pools: Ten of the 15 city of San Diego public pools are currently open for recreational and lap swimming. These include Allied Gardens Pool, Carmel Mountain Community Pool, City Heights Swim Center, Colina Del Sol Pool, Kearny Mesa Pool, Ned Baumer Aquatic Center, Standley Aquatic Center, Swanson Memorial Pool, Tierrasanta Community Pool and Vista Terrace Pool. A single-day pass is $5 for adults and $2.25 for children, seniors and people with disabilities. Hours vary per location. For more info, go to sandiego.gov/pools.