Jack's Pond Nature Center

School field trips

Jack's Pond Nature Center offers a two-hour curriculum-based program for grades K-5. Each visit includes a nature walk exploring the native flora and fauna, a guided craft, and private Nature Center time. In the instance of inclement weather, an indoor activity will be substituted for the hike. Field trips are offered every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (From October to June) from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. All schools and school districts are welcome!

Email the Program Coordinator, Erin Rimmereid, for available field trip dates and questions! Submission of an application does not guarantee a reservation.

SMUSD Title 1 schools

Are you a teacher at a San Marcos Unified School District- Title 1 school? Thanks to a generous grant from the Friends of San Marcos Foundation, a non-profit that supports Parks and Recreation, Title 1 schools can visit the Nature Center for FREE! In addition to free admittance, Vallecitos Water District kindly offered to cover the cost of bussing for those same schools to visit!  

Availability calendar

Resources

Field trip application(PDF, 1MB)
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 are a private party program at Jack's Pond Nature Center designed for children ages 6 to 12 years old. 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. 

Flat Fee of $300.00 per party; no refunds offered. Minimum of 6 participants and a maximum of 15. Your reservation is not complete until you have returned the completed reservation form (in person or via email). Reservations are available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Dates are first come, first served.

Email the Program Coordinator, Erin Rimmereid, for available party dates and questions! The calendar below is to be used as a reference only. 

Availability calendar

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

Junior Ranger Day Event

Saturday, May 16, 2026
2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
FREE event!

Learn what it takes to be a Junior Ranger! Participants will earn a badge through interactive, hands-on activities about local plants and animals, nature, conservation, trail safety and more! Activities while supplies last.

Pond rules

• No swimming or wading
• Fishing is only allowed from shore
• Catch and release with barbless hooks recommended
• Fishing license required for everyone ages 16+
• No boats, inflatables, rafts, or gas-powered model boats/planes (tethered or remote control) 

Animal in trouble?

If you see an animal in trouble 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: San Diego Bird Alliance | 858-273-7800
• San Marcos Community Center | 760-744-9000