Jack's Pond Nature Center

School field trips

Jack’s Pond Nature Center offers engaging, curriculum-based field trips designed for students in grades K–5. Each two-hour program provides hands-on learning in a fun, natural setting.

Each visit includes:

• A guided nature walk exploring native plants and wildlife
• A hands-on craft activity
• Private time inside the Nature Center

In the event of inclement weather, an indoor activity will be provided in place of the nature walk.

Program details
Field trips are offered Tuesday through Thursday, October through June, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
All schools and school districts are welcome.

To check availability or ask questions, please contact Program Coordinator Erin Rimmereid at erimmereid@sanmarcosca.gov.
Please note: submitting an application does not guarantee a reservation.

SMUSD Title 1 schools

Teachers at San Marcos Unified School District Title 1 schools may qualify for free field trips.

Thanks to the support of the Friends of San Marcos Foundation, eligible schools receive:

• Free admission to the Nature Center
• Transportation costs covered by Vallecitos Water District

Availability & reservations

Use the calendar below to view available dates. Reservations may be made between two weeks and six months in advance.

If a date does not display a “Nature Center Field Trips” option, it is not available.

To confirm availability and complete your reservation, please contact the Program Coordinator.

Reserve a field trip

Resources

Field trip information(PDF, 439KB)
Title 1 information(PDF, 8MB)
Waiver/liability release(PDF, 544KB) 
Renuncia al participante(PDF, 291KB)

Nature Adventures at Jack’s Pond

Nature Adventures is a private party program at Jack’s Pond Nature Center for children ages 6 to 12.

During the party, participants will:

• Explore 10 themed rooms in the Nature Center
• Create a craft (canvas tote bag decorating or beaded lizard keychains)
• Take a guided hike to the pond
• Make “dirt and worms” pudding cups

Fees and details

• Flat fee: $309 per party (nonrefundable)
• Group size: Minimum of 6 participants; maximum of 15 participants
• Day and time: Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Reservations are first come, first served

Your reservation is not complete until a completed reservation form has been submitted, either in person or by email.

Reservations and availability

To check available dates or ask questions, contact Program Coordinator Erin Rimmereid at erimmereid@sanmarcosca.gov.

Use the calendar below as a reference for availability. Look for Saturdays labeled “Nature Adventure Birthdays.”

Please note:

• Reservations must be requested and approved between 14 days and 6 months in advance
• The calendar is for reference only and does not guarantee availability
• Dates within 14 days cannot be reserved, even if shown
• If a date does not display “Nature Adventure Birthdays,” that date is not available

Frequently asked questions(PDF, 826KB)
Party timeline(PDF, 32KB)

Interactive art display

In celebration of Parks Make Life Better Month, the community is invited to participate in a free, interactive art display.

Find a rock, paint it, and add it to the Community Rock Snake. Please do not remove painted rocks—only add to the collection.

Stay updated and share your creations by following @SanMarcosRec on Instagram and using the hashtag #SanMarcosRockSnake. 

Pond rules

• Swimming and wading are not allowed
• Fishing is only permitted from the shore
• Catch and release with barbless hooks is recommended
• A valid fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older
• Boats, inflatables, rafts, and gas-powered model boats or planes (tethered or remote-controlled) are not allowed

Animal in distress

If you see an animal in distress at the pond, please contact one of the following:

• San Marcos Park Ranger Hotline: 760-744-9494 ext. 3707
• San Diego Humane Society: 619-299-7012
• For birds, contact San Diego Bird Alliance: 858-273-7800
• San Marcos Community Center: 760-744-9000