Jack's Pond Nature Center

School field trips

Jack’s Pond Nature Center offers a two-hour, curriculum-based program for students in grades K–5.

Each visit includes:

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

If there is inclement weather, an indoor activity will be provided in place of the nature walk.

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, contact Program Coordinator Erin Rimmereid at erimmereid@sanmarcosca.gov.
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.

Through support from the Friends of San Marcos Foundation, eligible schools receive:

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

Availability

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, that date is not available.

To confirm availability and complete your reservation, contact the program coordinator.

Resources

Field trip application
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 application(PDF, 403KB)
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.

Junior Ranger Day

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free

Learn what it takes to be a Junior Ranger. Participants can earn a badge by completing interactive, hands-on activities focused on local plants and animals, nature, conservation, and trail safety.

Activities are available while supplies last.

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