25 Fun and Affordable Things to Do This Summer

Jun 8, 09 thru Sep 8, 09

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway, staycation, or family road trip this summer, there can be no doubt that North America’s largest urban park offers the broadest spectrum of fun, relaxing, and stimulating activities. And not only are they all surprisingly affordable, many are absolutely free!

But don’t take our word for it. Just browse the following list of the top 25 fun and affordable things to do in Balboa Park this summer, presented in no particular order, or drill deeper for even more options by visiting the calendar search page.

1. Visit 13 museums over 7 days for one low price with a Passport to Balboa Park ($39).
2. Discover unique facts about the Park’s historic grounds with a Walking Audio Tour ($5).
3. Dine al fresco on expansive green lawns with your own picnic basket (free).
4. Listen to a diverse range of live music at Twilight in the Park (free).
5. Treat Fido and Fifi to some off-leash fun at one of three dog parks (free).
6. Take a ranger-led tour of the Park’s architectural and botanical wonders (free).
7. Check out a cluster of world-class museums each Tuesday for free (see Web site for details).
8. Hear top performers play at the International Summer Organ Festival (free).
9. Let your children run wild on our safe playground equipment (free).
10. Play a round of 18 holes on a public golf course with million-dollar views (fees vary).
11. Get to the root of the Park’s flora on an Offshoot Tour (free).
12. Enjoy quirky flicks under the stars at Screen on the Green (free).
13. Eat, drink and be merry at an International Cottages cultural festival (free).
14. Watch classic children’s tales come to life at the Puppet Theatre 
15. Explore Florida Canyon’s well-maintained network of nature trails (free).
16. Be a kid again and ride the Balboa Park Carousel and Miniature Railroad (prices vary).
17. See the world around you as only a true domed IMAX screen can show it (prices vary).
18. Cool off in an historic pool at the Morley Field Sports Complex ($4/$2).
19. Stroll through award-winning gardens in full bloom (free).
20. Walk, run or jog through varied topography on one of five marked trails.
21. Witness Broadway-caliber performances at The Old Globe (prices vary).
22. Gaze at Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces at the Timken Museum of Art (free).
23. Sniff fragrant orchids and other flowering delights in the Botanical Building (free).
24. Take up lawn bowling, archery, or bocci ball (free).
25. Window shop at the Spanish Village art studios or at the vast assortment of museum shops in the Park (free).

Visitors can save even more by taking the bus or trolley to Balboa Park, which is just minutes away from downtown trolley and Coaster stops. Visit the directions page to plan your trip.