September
Fri. 04 • Free Movies in the Park
Sat. 12 • San Marcos Hike
Sat. 12 • Trail Talk
Wed. 16 • Family Night Craft Pick-Up
Wed. 16 • Over 90s Party
Sat. 19 • Summer Concert
Sat. 26 • Double Peak Challenge
…and more!
Free Movies in the Park
GOAT (PG)
Enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars at our Free Movies in the Park event with your family. Bring blankets and your favorite lawn chairs as you settle in for a fun, community-friendly movie night. Free popcorn & prizes provided by San Marcos Regal.
Friday, September 4 • Free
Pre-show activities start at 6:30 p.m., movie starts at sunset.
Las Posas Park • 1387 W. Borden Road
San Marcos Hike
San Elijo Hills South Tour
Moderate-to-Strenuous: This short but challenging, 3.5-mile hike will start at San Elijo Hills Park and take in a circle tour of the southerly San Elijo Hills area. Trails to
explore include the Copper Creek, Garden, Wild Canyon and Make-A-Wish trails. Expect 760′ of elevation gain.
Meeting location: San Elijo Hills Park, 1105 Elfin Forest Road, San Marcos 92078 (Recreation Center parking lot)
Saturday, September 12 Please note: This month’s hike takes place on the second Saturday of the month. • Sign-in starts at 7:30 a.m. • Free
Trail Talk
How Wildfires Shape the Land
Join us for a one-mile walk around South Lake as we explore the vital role fire plays in our local chaparral ecosystem. Along the way, we’ll discuss how native plants and animals have adapted to thrive in arid conditions, learn about wildfire prevention, and take in the natural beauty South Lake has to offer. Afterwards, stick around to paint your own rocks based on your favorite plant of the day!
Meeting location: South Lake Park, 975 Sunstone Drive, San Marcos, 92078 (Parking is limited, no restroom available on site).
Saturday, September 12 • Sign-in starts at 8:30 a.m. • Free
Fantasy Tea Parties
Tailored for guests ages 4 to 12, Tea Party festivities include dressing up, painting teacups, baking scones, crafting keepsakes, engaging in a treasure hunt, and sipping on “tea” (apple juice). Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a Girl Scout Troop meeting, or just a day of fun, our tea parties promise memorable moments.
Saturdays (Must register in advance) • 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • $309
Wood House • 1148 Rock Springs Road Book your party
Family Night Craft Pick-up
Back 2 School Shades
Celebrate going back to school in style! Decorate your own custom sunglasses with fun accessories to make them uniquely yours.
Family Night activities bring families together. Crafts/activities are intended for children ages 3 to 10. Each on-the-go kit contains one craft or activity. Adjust the quantity when registering for each child participating.
Wednesday, September 16 • $5
Community Center • 3 Civic Center Drive REGISTER
Over 90s Party
You don’t have to be over ninety to attend! This party is to celebrate our nonagenarian friends with a delicious meal and music by North Star.
Please call by 2 p.m. at least one (1) business day in advance to reserve a meal. At least one (1) week notice is requested for special events. Pre-registration is required. Call (760) 744-5535 x3607 for a reservation.
Wednesday, September 16
San Marcos Senior Center • 111 Richmar Avenue
Fun Friday Nights
Children ages 4 to 11 will enjoy a night of games, crafts, pizza and movies. This program is supervised by trained recreation leaders.
Friday, September 18 • 6-8 p.m. • $25 per child
San Elijo Rec Center • 1105 Elfin Forest Road, or San Marcos Community Center • 3 Civic Center Drive
Nature Adventures
Nature Adventures are private parties at Jack’s Pond Nature Center for children ages 6 to 12. During the party, guests will have the opportunity to explore 10 themed rooms in the Nature Center, participate in a craft (either decorating canvas tote bags or making beaded lizard keychains), go on a hike to the pond, and make “dirt and worms” pudding cups.
Saturdays • 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • $309
Jack’s Pond Nature Center • 986 La Moree Road
Summer Concert
Journeymen Band – Journey Tribute
Enjoy warm evenings, great music, and a welcoming community vibe at our Summer Concert Series! Bring your low-back chairs, blankets, and friends to relax under the open sky.
Saturday, September 19 • Gates open 6 p.m. Concert starts at 7 p.m.
$8 Presale • $10 At the door • $25 Season Pass
Wood House at Woodland Park • 1148 Rock Springs Road PURCHASE TICKETS
Double Peak Challenge
Off–road racers will set out from San Elijo Hills Neighborhood Park and begin their 1,176 foot elevation gain up to Double Peak’s summit at 1,558 feet above sea level, winding along beautiful hillside trails with amazing views.
Saturday, September 26
San Elijo Recreation Center Lower Field
1105 Elfin Forest Road, San Marcos 92078
Double Peak Challenge has it all:
• 10K Competitive race
• 5K Untimed fun run/walk
• 200 Meter kids trot
• Finisher’s Village featuring vendors, a beer garden, and family-friendly fun.
Aquatic Programs
Please note: Both pools are cashless.
• Annual Splash Pass Membership
• Group Swim Lessons
For more information about our pool schedules and details about Aqua Aerobics, Open Recreational Swim, or Lap Swim please visit our website by clicking the button below.
• Private Swim Lessons
Purchase a Splash Pass & Register for Swim Lessons
Become a San Marcos Shark
Make a splash with our Recreational Swim Team! Open to all skill levels, we focus on fun, fitness, and friendship in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Build confidence, improve your strokes, and enjoy friendly meets—no intense commitment required. A swim test is required.
Monday-Thursday for 8 weeks • $300
5-8 years old • 4-4:45 p.m.
9 and older • 5-5:45 p.m.
Las Posas Park Pool • 1387 West Borden Road Register
Discover our Recreation Guide
Have you explored the San Marcos Recreation Guide yet? Be sure to check out all the exciting programs and events happening this season.
View the guide online and start planning your fun with San Marcos Parks & Recreation!
Recreation Scholarships Available
The Friends of San Marcos Parks & Recreation have donated $10,000 for recreation scholarships! These scholarships are available through the City of San Marcos Parks & Recreation and are contingent upon meeting certain financial eligibility requirements.
Scholarship applications accepted: July 1 through March 31. Apply
Park Shelter Reservations Available
The City has 24 designated reservable park picnic shelters at 14 different City parks that may be reserved to host your next celebration. A reservation must be made for groups of 25 people or more and groups who wish to have an inflatable or pony/petting zoo. Groups of fewer than 25 people can still make a reservation or use the park on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservable park picnic shelters can be reserved online a minimum of 8 days in advance and at the Parks and Recreation office 4 days in advance of your desired date. Reservations are paid in full at the time of booking. For more information, click the button below or call (760) 744-9000.
San Marcos Parks & Recreation | 3 Civic Center Drive | San Marcos, CA 92069
