Julian Mining Company

121

184

241

8 months ago

My daughter has been super into anything shiny, so naturally she was stoked when we told her we were going to go gemstone sluicing. The price for gemstone sluicing is well worth the number of rocks you get. She was so excited to find all the different colors. We also paid for the train ride. It goes in circles a few times, and my 4yr old seemed kind of bored. I would skip this unless your kid is super young or really into trains. Additionally, we were able to go apple picking on one of the last weekends that Julian seemed to still have crop. Many of the other orchards had closed, so we felt lucky to have the experience. read more

Julian Mining Company - U-pick apples - Kids Activities Near Me - Julian, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 1

Pinay M.

Elite 26 All-Star

580

337

1488

8 months ago

Besides enjoying Julian's Mom's famous pie and browsing local shops, I sought a fun activity and found this. It's not far at all from the shops. It was an informative one hour guided tour where you first learn how to do gold panning followed by exploring the cave. It was a great experience being inside an actual mining cave and to see everything with your own eyes, the tools they used back in the day, the strong smell of the gas, it was very interesting. We really enjoyed it! I think it's a really fun activity to do especially with kids and knowing about Julian mining history! It was pretty cool! read more

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Nhu N.

40

216

1024

8 months ago

I was looking for a fun family activity while in the Julian area. Besides Apple picking and grabbing some pie, I felt like this was a unique activity. It was an interactive experience while being exposed to history and the outdoors. We showed up shortly after it opened on a Saturday. It was not busy yet. We purchased a small bucket for the gem sleucing. The cost was $40 and produced a small bag of gems we got to bring home. We also bought tickets to ride the train. The train track goes in a circle with a small tunnel, that you need to duck as it's not made for tall people. The gentleman who carried our bucket to the area where the water for our gem sleucing was so friendly and helpful in describing what to do. We probably spent 20 minutes looking for our gems. Afterwards we wandered over to the train and asked if we could ride it. It's very informal, not on a schedule or anything like that. As soon as we hopped on everyone else who bought a ticket jumped on too. There were maybe 6 train cars that can hold up to 2-4 people. They also sell gems and tiny crafts and trinkets at their entrance. The place is family owned and all the employees were very friendly. It was a nice way to spend an hour of our time while in Julian. For those needed to use the restroom. They have an exterior bathroom, not a portable potty but a portable bathroom. Small, slightly larger than an airplane bathroom. I would suggest an outdoor sink for those doing the gem sluicing, as your hands get quite dirty. Would love for the gem sluicing to have an active water running source. It's set up for running water but it wasn't turned on. I've experienced gem sluicing with running water and it's really fun. Overall, I recommend if you're in the area and looking for a fun activity to do. read more

Julian Mining Company - Julian Mining Company sign at entrance - Kids Activities Near Me - Julian, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Lena M.

62

17

19

5 months ago

Our kids (8 and 10 year olds) have a lot of fun mining for gems and exploring the area. Owners are super nice. read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Toby I.

90

720

25

10 months ago

Mixed feelings about this. On one hand i want to really help out the company and give it's 5 stars that it deserves. On the other hand i don't want it to get over run by influencers and ruin it. The boy who worked the bb gun station was the highlight for me. My kids loved the sluicing. The setup is great and so much fun. I'm scared to see how much we spent there but the memories are priceless. Thank you!!! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Sergey A.

86

47

177

6 months ago

Wonderful experience! My son found lots of amethyst, another gems. The young men working there was very friendly and helpful. And everyone was kind and welcoming. We really enjoyed it. read more

Julian Mining Company - Happiest person in the world - Kids Activities Near Me - Julian, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Josie L.

0

14

9

11 months ago

Julian Mining Company had so many fun activities that were family friendly and made our time a Julian so much more fun. The staff was so kind and informative, we came home with so many treasures and gems, and had a great experience. We chose to do the gem sifting and gold panning. The gem sifting was so interactive and it was so fun to see everyone get treasures. Prices were also very good for families or big parties. The gold panning was even better in my opinion. Finding the little bits of gold one piece after another was so fun because you had to look closely to find them. The new owners were so nice and are thinking about growing the new business. We can't wait to see where this place will go! read more

Julian Mining Company - Gold Panning - Kids Activities Near Me - Julian, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Zlatan I.

1

12

30

6 months ago

We had an amazing experience at Julian Mining Company. I came here with my son to go rock and gem mining, and it turned out to be such a special day for both of us. The people who work here -- especially the owners -- are truly wonderful. They were incredibly kind, patient, and welcoming. What really stood out was how they took the time to talk with my son, explain everything about the rocks and gems, and answer all of his questions with genuine enthusiasm. You can tell they truly love what they do and care about educating kids and families. This place is not just about mining; it's about learning, connection, and creating memories. My son was so excited and engaged the entire time, and that alone made the visit worth it. We felt comfortable, respected, and appreciated from start to finish. If you're looking for a family-friendly experience with great people, knowledgeable staff, and a fun, educational environment, I highly recommend Julian Mining Company. We will definitely be coming back. And of course, we mined a lot of amazing gems, which made the experience even more fun. read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Victoria K.

1

7

8

6 months ago

Such a fun and relaxing place! The mining experience was exciting, well organized, and perfect for all ages. I found beautiful stones, and my son was so happy--we can't wait to come back! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jacqueline T.

22

48

2

11 months ago

Great stop, the kids loved mining the gems. Would definitely come back again! Friendly staff! Thank you!

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 1

yo k.

5

218

116

2 years ago

I took my kid to apple picking. We went right after the door opened at noon. However, there was no apple left. There were some, very tiny green ones that bird ate or the bugged ones. And the staff was selling the bag still! They should have put a sign that there were no u-pick apple any more like across a street. It was not nice and disappointed after long drive. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Daniel P.

2

7

1

10 months ago

What an amazing place to bring my son. The owners were so kind and we had a great time finding gems and shooting BBs. Definitely coming back! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Malena D.

0

5

1

6 months ago

We went on a ladies' trip up to Julian and stopped at the Julian Mining Company at 444 Highway 78, just about a mile or so before you get into town. I had read prior reviews that were mixed, but we decided to visit this place anyway. We met the new owners, Dave and Teresa, who took over this place in February of 2025. Those two could not have been more delightful! There is a small cover charge of $5 per person, unless you want to do the mining. Then the cover is included in the size of bucket you are buying. We spend a couple hours there, not only to mine, but also to just enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of the place. We watched the birds (Dave and Teresa provided peanuts free of charge, so you can feed the birds and watch them up closer), checked out the little train track (really cute for kids at an additional $3 charge per ride, I believe), and we just walked around and looked at the buildings. It's was nice afternoon, which we followed up with a meal at Jeremy's across the street. Awesome quality farm-to-table food there, but the way, but sadly will be sold soon. I can recommend the Julian Mining Company to anyone who wants to go back in time for a couple of hours and just enjoy being up there. And across the street you will find the best pie place in town with much less wait and amazing quality. I recommend the Cherry-Apple as it is not quite as sweet :) read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kayleigh M.

1

10

7

2 years ago

So so so much fun! My 3 boys 11, 10 and 7 all had a great time searching for gemstones. We purchased a medium size bucket for them to share and they all got more than enough for each of them. We also rode the train and learned about mining and a little bit about Julian's history. I didn't catch the girls name that helped us out but top notch service. DOG FRIENDLY! huge plus for us will definitely put this on our "taking vistors" list! read more

Julian Mining Company - The old mining carts that are the "train ride" - Kids Activities Near Me - Julian, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Craig W.

670

2337

5119

6 years ago

This spot is always fun for kids on day trips out to Julian. You can pan for gold or sluice for gems and the prices are very reasonable. It's also fun to meander around and look at the old mining equipment on-site. Tons of free parking and an easy 1 minute walk to the Julian Hard Cider to reward the parents after a hard day of gold panning. read more

Julian Mining Company - Fun stop for the kiddos. Gold panning and sluicing for gems. - Kids Activities Near Me - Julian, California

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Brad S.

5

238

40

4 years ago

The folks that run this place are so incredibly nice. My boys had so much fun! Great place for green hunting for the littles. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ann H.

13

8

30

2 years ago

Best boysenberry pie! 20 min line right before closing time. Delicious crumble top layer!

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jennie A.

0

8

1

2 years ago

Gorgeous family owned place with so much charm. It had a lot to offer all ages. We enjoyed as adults walking through the little areas with history around the property. There is so much to keep kids of all ages occupied. You're warmly welcomed by the wonderful family who owns both property & business. This is a wonderful little stop & well worth visiting. Definitely will be back read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Debra H.

14

12

1

2 years ago

Gorgeous family owned business with a rich history. Lots of fun for all ages! Definitely worth the stop!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rikki T.

Elite 17

4

181

85

4 years ago

This spot is a Gem! Great people, and such a cute place!!! The prices are great and the gem slucing is so fun! It was the perfect place to bring my daughter for a surprise! read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Shiho B.

Elite 24

53

207

952

4 years ago

We came here for jem mining. They have selections of different size of buckets and bags to choose from. We go $29.89 bucket. It was really heavy and lots of sands inside. It was plenty to entertain two kids for a good amount of time. Pictures show how much we got from the bucket. Nice big and small gems. They have gold mining and fossils too. We will come back and try other activities next time! read more

Julian Mining Company - This is what we got from $29.89 bucket - Kids Activities Near Me - Julian, California

Julian Mining Company - These are the Jems or fossils you can find! - Kids Activities Near Me - Julian, California

Julian Mining Company - After washed away dirt and found these. - Kids Activities Near Me - Julian, California

Julian Mining Company - I sorted the big pieces by color. - Kids Activities Near Me - Julian, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Anuar A.

0

3

0

2 years ago

Had a lot of fun looking for gems this Saturday with my 6 years old daughter, super friendly aura there

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Vick S.

3

40

22

4 years ago

We visited on a Saturday and chose a gem bucket for our 3 and 6-year old to share. They had so much fun and collected a great amount of stones. The train ride was simple and fun. The owners are really kind, helpful people. It is a fun little visit for younger kids. I'd honestly come back and try the fossil bucket for myself, as well. Just a nice, different experience getting the family outside and getting our hands dirty. I would highly recommend, and it's wonderful to support and celebrate these small, family businesses as well. We will be back. read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 1

Mandy E.

11

184

64

6 years ago

The reason for the 5 is for price (Groupon) and customer service. Roman helped our families and he is SO nice. Honestly, all of our kids were too young for the gold panning(this was our first time), but he explained other options and really made us all feel welcome. I saw him throughout our stay helping so many families - he was amazing with kids! To sum up our recommendations: Kids under 5 likely won't enjoy the gold panning BUT they have a gemstone option that is awesome for littles. Bring lunch - they have picnic tables and and awesome little mock-goldmine for kids to explore. Definitely use the Groupon option if they have it. Either way, I definitely recommend checking out at some point and I hope you get helped by Roman. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Catalina G.

0

16

0

2 years ago

My friend, has never been Julian but loves gemstones so this place was a great find. The staff were so nice and we had a blast "mining" but had fun trying to find cool rocks. If you have kids highly recommend because it's a cool activity. It's so serene and calming, but be aware they are kid friendly activities so expect families. Overall, would do again! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Michaela V.

216

6

9

6 years ago

I was so spectacularly bad at panning for gold it was comical. But EVERYTHING about this place was adorable and fun and even though I was so bad, the experience was so wonderful! A large part of that was thanks to a rockstar employee who had the patience of Buddha when attempting to help me (seriously if you see this, thank you Roman, if it wasn't for the pandemic I would've hugged you! And if he doesn't see this- whoever does should pass along the message and give him a bonus)! The place was busy, which is awesome since so many businesses are feeling it right now, but not so busy that it felt unsafe. I would come back here every weekend if my neck could handle looking down at the sand for that long, if my ego could take the continued bruising and if I knew I wouldn't likely cause all the employees to quit! That being said, I will 100% be back before Christmas read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Seetha G.

226

502

3126

9 years ago

We stopped by to do the gold/gem mining activity which we got with a groupon. To start with they gave us a quick demo and sure enough, there is actual gold dust in the water. My 4.5 yo toddler in all his optimism kept panning in the hopes of finding gems n gold. My husband had fun doing it alongside him but my 2yo quickly lost interest. So I walked around the property with her and checked out the petting zoo part- goats, donkeys and horses. They were all super friendly! In the end of it all, we stopped by the mining store which was filled with all sorts of affordable gems and other mining related gifts. We let my son pick a little baggie to fill up with polished gems of his choosing -$3 / bag It was a great treat for the kids and a different experience for the family! read more

See all

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jen T.

0

7

0

2 years ago

Very cool experience, and something fun to do in the San Diego county area! I will recommend to others.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Breanne B.

191

398

655

11 years ago

I take my boys here every summerr and they love it! It's $12-$14 for a large bag of gems. You can also buy buckets too! The small one is $25, lasts a while, and has a ton of beautiful pieces in them. The owners are the sweetest people ever. The wife, Gina, is so precious and her husband is adorable as well. They are closed on the weekdays but you can call during the week and they'll open for you! It's awesome. My sons and I had the whole place to ourselves today! They also have livestock on the property too. You need to see "Bubba"....he's a huge pig! :) Great place, great staff, great for kids AND adults! read more

See all

Helpful 4

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Joel C.

11

620

144

3 years ago

Pleasantly surprised in a good way, coming here with my girlfriend (we don't have kids) and this place exceeded our expectations. We had not been here since we were kids ourselves and were a little worried it would just be kids toys in the gift shop. We went for the apple picking mostly and after stopping across the street at the overly-crowded pumpkin patch, this place is a dream come true. The only downside is the parking which is very limited and not ideal if you don't have a vehicle with 4WD, so have to deduct a star for that. The gift shop is one of the best we have seen, and we've seen a lot. Excellent taste and selection from whoever runs this shop, we saw one lady working there but not sure if she's the owner. In a small rural setting like this we are used to racist and tacky merchandise being sold, but that was nowhere to be found here unlike nearby shops. Some of the best looking crystals and prices for them we have seen anywhere, although a somewhat small selection and mostly amethysts. The apple picking was good, but I would give that 3 stars if I could. The guy at the entrance was a bit antisocial and seemed like he didn't want to be there. The apple picking area itself was smaller than we anticipated and despite going on the first available day, we were surprised how many apples were already on the ground or not good. It seems like it would be fun for kids given the smaller size, however the only good apples were high on the trees so it seems like the adults would have to pick the good ones anyway. For only about $10 a bag it was a steal overall. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Toni F.

0

16

17

5 years ago

My friends and I took a field trip from San Marcos to Julian to visit this spot. Everyone was very kind and it was such a beautiful day. We got the $50 bucket and found so many cool gems and crystals! My friend found the most beautiful Amethyst! If was well worth the money. They also have a cool store you can check out. I highly recommend, especially if you have kids! read more

Julian Mining Company - Check in to pick up your bucket. - Kids Activities Near Me - Julian, California

Julian Mining Company - Store! - Kids Activities Near Me - Julian, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kim H.

51

100

14

4 years ago

Service was great. Immediately upon entering the host sat us and within a few minutes our server came over to get our drinks. We ordered the chicken fried steak with scrambled eggs and saw it cane with potatoes and my husband ordered a potato obrien style I think, and I left mine as is on the menu. When I got my plate of food there were small home made french fries as the potato and they were pretty good! I don't usually eat french fries for breakfast, but they were good. The fried steak and gravy was delicious. I ordered coffee and it was pleasant. All in all I would go back again. A+++ read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

MJ H.

0

55

31

6 years ago

Let me just say...we struck gold coming here! Kelly(Kelli) and Roman you both really made a good day an AMAZING ONE FOR MY SON AND I! I'm not going to give away the secrets of the Mining company but I will say that those two were TRULY EXCEPTIONAL in our experience there. Not only will we be back again, but I will be telling ANYONE WHO WILL LISTEN to how awesome this place is. We got thee coolest rocks and minerals! I recommend getting the big bucket..and not sharing! The kiddos love it! I asked my son what the best part of his weekend in Julian was, you guys are it! Thanks again Roman and Kelli! You guys ROCK!!! read more

Julian Mining Company - The incredible pull from the buckets we bought - Kids Activities Near Me - Julian, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Cristiana G.

0

10

1

3 years ago

Had a blast with the family. I highly recommend this place! We enjoyed the history and all the activities.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Victoria D.

0

51

0

3 years ago

We went yesterday and had the best experience. The staff was so friendly and and helpful. Shout out to Max for being patient and teaching my kids how to pan for gold. The gemstone buckets were awesome for younger kids. We will definitely be back!!!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Karen H.

Elite 25

262

1166

10325

10 years ago

This is for the Cross pumpkin patch. Took my niece here for her very first pumpkin picking. We chose this pumpkin patch over the others because you can actually walk out onto to pick your own pumpkin off the vine. It was a fun experience! They even have hay rides and other kid friendly harvest activities. It's free to walk on to pick your pumpkin but you have to pay first for the harvest activities. We walked out and picked our pumpkins. You bring it back to the front and they charge by the size of the pumpkin. You put the pumpkin through the different holes to see how much it will cost. They also sell fun items like candles and hand crafted Halloween decorations. It was a great experience I'll definitely come back next year! read more

See all

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 3

Oh no 0

Lacey G.

Elite 12

33

132

8

6 years ago

Not covid safe. Employees not wearing masks and zero social distancing. Yes, the panning and sluicing is outside but they cram you in like sardines. Not worth it. Even with the Groupon. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

K K.

1

22

10

7 years ago

Amazing experience Educational, historical and lots of fun for the family!!! Thank you This is a must to see in the Julian area!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 1 of 4

See more reviews

More info about Julian Mining Company

4444 State Hwy 78 W
Julian, CA 92036
Directions
(760) 765-8680
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.julianminingcompany.com

Hours

What time does Julian Mining Company open?

Julian Mining Company opens at 10:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Julian Mining Company close?

Julian Mining Company is closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Julian Mining Company closes at 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Fri ClosedSat-Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Julian Mining Company take credit cards?

Yes, Julian Mining Company takes credit cards.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Julian Mining Company have bike parking?

Yes, Julian Mining Company has bike parking.

Does Julian Mining Company have parking?

Yes, Julian Mining Company has parking options. Private Lot Parking

From the Business

Specialties

Family Fun: Gold Panning, Gemstone Sluicing, Birthday Parties, Hayrides, Field Trips, Berry Picking, Apple Cider Pressing, Candle Making, Petting Zoo, Tomahawk Throwing, Campfire Parties, Gold Rush History field trips, Native American Adventure, Colonial/Revolutionary War tours, Civil War, Creation Science Discovery tours, plus all the living history presentations mentioned above brought to your school or park.

History

Established in 2007.

1869: Gold was discovered a tent city sprang up. Now the area dubbed Wynola 3 miles west of the Julian townsite is home to Julian Mining Co., and let's not forget, beautiful and expansive apple orchards, a historic school house, the first apple packing shed, post office, and a several fine restuarants and shops. Suprisingly, surface or placer gold is still found here. JMC allows guests to pan and sluice keeping whatever gold they find. Local gemstones like tourmaline and garnets are common as well. Husband and wife team, Ryan and Gina Cross have been operating the claim since 2007 emphasizing education through hands-on and historically themed field trips on weekdays while opening up to the general public on weekends. You never know what you might find and that's the exciting part.

Meet the Business Owner: Ryan and Gina C.

Ryan and Gina Cross enjoy working together and being creative while operating the business together. They enjoy meeting all kinds of people and look forward to seeing repeat customers again with each new season. Fall is a favorite time for them as the apples ripen, cider pressing & hayrides get going, the pumpkins in the patch begin turning orange, and the annual migration of city-folk make their way up to farms and orchards of beautiful Julian.

Review Highlights - Julian Mining Company

“When panning for gold was easy, it was called the Gold Rush and a lot of people came to California to do it!”

Mentioned in 35 reviews

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

Get access to customer & competitor insights.

Verify this business

Explore benefits

Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures

4.5

(139 reviews)

0.1 mi

Absolutely amazing experience for adults and kids alike! Went with my little one and husband for a…read morest. Patrick day event! It was above and beyond what I expected and we enjoyed every minute of it! St. Patrick was a highlight for my son and husband who enjoyed his spot on Irish accent very much! The scavenger hunt was sweet and well thought out with very fun prizes at the end! Everyone made new friends, the petting zoo was great too! I made friends with one of the brand new goat babies they're very sweet and tiny! My husband held a couple snakes and my little guy had fun watching the tortoises eat! If your family want to have a great time I highly recommend visiting fort cross! Incredible Photo ops everywhere! Did I mention paint ball slingshot , tomahawk throwing and archery ? Well done and family fun great for bonding! We loved the very welcoming and compassionate owners! We are already planning our next visit back!

If you are looking around Julian for an activity outside of shopping, eating and apple picking; I…read morewould recommend Fort Cross Adventures. This family owned and built setup gives an old timey backyard feel with games ranging from treasure hunt, archery, ax throwing to a large garden/nursery. Like a large backyard it is all dirt paths with over grown trees & bushes so i would not come in high heels or nice shoes. The garden area is an "instagram" worthy spot for influencer photos as it is decorated with vintage photo frames, art, pottery giving it a rustic yet artsy feel. Pictures on yelp do the venue more justice than the companies website or TripAdvisor. Dates and hours are limited, as the family runs all aspects of Fort Cross. Highly recommend confirming they are open before just heading out. My one reservation or word of caution is with the archery. There are no forearm guards or finger protection offered. The bowstring with repetitive can possibly hurt your skin and cause of injuries.

Beautifully decorated pumpkin patch

Beautifully decorated

See all

Sling shot fun

StarDude Astronomy

(7 reviews)

35.4 mi

I have been on several StarDude Astronomy trips and had a blast on all of them! The trips were well…read moreplanned and fun. I learned a lot about astronomy and night photography. StarDude really knows his stuff and whether you are a beginner or more advanced, offers something for every level. HIGHLY recommend!

Great time. Will do again! StarDude taught us so much. Don't forget to bring along a warm coat and…read morelots of snacks.

See all

Party Pop

(2 reviews)

37.3 mi

Hired Party Pop for my 14 yr olds birthday party. Had around 10 kids play nerf war in the back…read moreyard, obstacles were included which made it more fun for the kids....even had a referee to set up each game!! Definitely Recommend Party Pop!!

Our son's 7th birthday was a huge success in large part to the fun he and his friends had bouncing…read moreand sliding around for hours in the elephant jumper. Quick and easy setup with great customer service.

See all

Epic Video Game Bus

(30 reviews)

35.1 mi

This experience was epic! From the bus, down to the goodie bags! Such an easy and fun experience!…read moreThe bus was the perfect size for all the kids. They played for the full two hours and it was so with it! We'll definitely book again!

Epic Video Game Bus was the perfect choice to use for a birthday party. Travis was awesome with the…read morekids! My boy is already asking for the video game party bus for his next birthday.

The bus

See all

Video game bus

San Diego Soft Play

4.6

(29 reviews)

38.5 mi

We used San Diego Soft Play for our daughter's 1st birthday and I cannot recommend them enough…read more We had used them previously for our son's 1st birthday two years ago and it was a "nice to have". But this time it was a huge hit. At one point, I told a couple friend "I thought you left your daughter at home because she hasn't been with you, but then I saw her in the ball pit". That kid was never once with her parents. She was having too much fun. It gave her parents a nice break to socialize and eat. And all the kids had a lot of fun, lots of excited screams heard.

If you are planning a kids' party in San Diego and looking for the most beautiful soft play setup,…read moreSan Diego Soft Play is absolutely the company to book. We actually first used San Diego Soft Play five years ago for my daughter's first birthday, and it was amazing then -- which made it even more special to use them again now. The fact that their setups, quality, and experience are still just as incredible years later really speaks to how well their business stands the test of time. I truly cannot say enough amazing things about this experience. Grace and her team are some of the kindest, most thoughtful, and most professional people I have ever worked with. From the moment we connected, they were responsive, flexible, and genuinely excited to help make our party special. The soft play setup was absolutely stunning. Everything was spotless, beautifully styled, and thoughtfully arranged. It completely transformed the space and instantly became the highlight of the party. And the kids were OBSESSED. From the babies all the way up to the big kids, everyone was playing on it the entire party. It was incredible to see kids of all ages enjoying it together -- it truly kept them entertained for hours. If you're planning a toddler birthday party or kids event, this is hands down the best entertainment you could have. What also meant so much to us was how incredibly understanding and accommodating Grace and her team were. We unfortunately had to reschedule the party the night before because my daughter got sick, which was so stressful as a parent hosting an event. They could not have been more gracious about it and worked with us to move everything to the following week without making it complicated at all. That level of kindness and flexibility meant the world to us. But what made the experience truly unforgettable was the care they put into everything. They went so far above and beyond -- helping with setup, making everything effortless for us as hosts, and even bringing the sweetest surprise gifts for the kids. That level of thoughtfulness is incredibly rare. You can tell Grace and her team truly love what they do, and it shows in every detail. Grace and team, thank you for making our party so joyful and special. We are already excited to book San Diego Soft Play again for our next celebration.

Large Slide + Ball Pit Combo White Bounce House. Ages 2-10.

See all

Bubble Truck

4.4

(8 reviews)

29.3 mi

The concept is great and has a lot of potential for the kids to have a great time. Unfortunately, I…read morewould not recommend this particular company due to poor communication and customer service. After booking, I tried to move the reservation time up to take advantage of the daylight, and numerous emails went unresponded to. Finally, after calling the owner, she admitted that this is her second company and much of her focus is on her other company. She moved our reservation time and even confirmed the new time a few days prior, but she forgot to update the new time in her booking system or communicate it to her operator, so along with mechanical issues, they were 45 minutes late. The young children at the party only had about 15 minutes to enjoy the foam because they got too cold with the sun setting (they get VERY wet in the foam!) and the tardiness impacted the flow of the entire party. Afterwards, she refused to take responsibility or apologize and was very flippant about my disappointing experience. Given the relatively high pricing compared to other children's party entertainment, I'd expect much better customer service. Also, to echo a word of advice that I read from another Yelp review below, if you have young kids at the party, PLEASE monitor the foam levels. The foam can irritate their eyes, some kids coughed in the foam, and one fell in the foam and ended up throwing up because he swallowed too much while he was on the ground. This wasn't the company's fault, and the older kids enjoyed it, but definitely something to consider if you do pick a foam party for young kids.

I was waiting patiently for the company to follow up to see how the event was and heard nothing. I…read morebooked the bubble truck at a discounted rate so maybe you get what you pay for. Two sweet teenagers showed up and midway into the party got the wires wet and tripped the electricity. They were blowing the bubbles straight into the kids faces. Kids couldn't breath, one threw up. I asked them several times to direct the machine upward but for some reason they kept blowing it directly in their faces. I would not recommend this company for lack of communication and care.

See all

Just 4 Kidz

3.8

(4 reviews)

39.9 mi

Over the weekend, I was invited to a birthday party for my friend's 7 year old daughter, and there…read morewas a magician in attendance! I already win, because I love magic. :p I'm not going to give away the different aspects of the show and the magic involved, because it's way more fun to be surprised by everything. But there was something for everyone. He made sure the audience were involved in every trick (illusion? I always think of Arrested Development at times like this) and the children were delighted every time they were called to the stage or asked to contribute. For the adults, there was the added bonus of genuine comedy and good humor. Not too long, so the kids didn't get squirmy and restless, even in the blazing heat. Not too alarming, so it was obvious he had considered the young age of the audience members and tailored the show to fit their age group while not making it childish. And on that note, I think the mark of a really good entertainer is that ability to go beyond the standard step by step of an act, and ensure that they deliver an experience that feels personalized. And afterwards - balloon animals all round! The children had a blast, the adults likewise. My friend was delighted with her decision to have Just 4 Kidz be a part of her daughter's special day, and the rest of us were delighted with the results. It's a definite thumbs up if you're searching for something fun and original, with that professional edge that promises an event nobody will soon forget.

She individuals at only 4 Kidz do an amazing balloon designing work. They constructed a whole…read moreballoon phase background for any business occasion I went to there in San Diego, Ca. Also road lights, and trellises, and archways and... every thing... all made from really awesome balloons! It had been fantastic. It's an impact I needed never ever observed prior to. Real artistry, imagination and talent at the office.

The Happiest Clowns on Earth

See the Smile on our Children's faces

See all

30 Years of Trusted Service

Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles - Camp Osito Rancho

4.4

(14 reviews)

79.2 mi

BEST WEDDING VENUE EVER!…read more My husband and I dreamed of a wedding where everyone could stay together onsite, immersed in nature, with no worries about driving after a night of fun, and Camp Osito Rancho made that dream a reality. Our families stayed in the health center, lodge, and electrified cabins, while our friends embraced the adventure of summer cabins and tents. The venue offers so many stunning spaces, from the spacious dining hall for meals to the stage/amphitheater with fire pits--perfect for s'mores and late-night stories. We exchanged vows at the top of a hill near the outdoor pavilion, with a gorgeous backdrop of pine trees and a view of Big Bear Lake in the distance. We were able to offer our guests camp activities like archery and a pool day, as well as had room to setup other activities like craft tables and lawn games. The biggest perk was the complete freedom to choose our own vendors, allowing us to create a truly personalized experience (huge shoutout to Scratch Kitchen for catering--our guests still rave about the food). We spent a year making signs, collecting décor, buying solar lights, and crafting to transform this Girl Scout camp into a full-blown wedding festival. If you're up for planning the details, this venue is the ultimate blank canvas. Last but not least, the Camp Osito Rancho team is absolutely amazing. A huge thanks to Angel for her help throughout the year, Ryan for his help throughout the weekend, and to Gerardo for the tour that sold us from the start. For a wedding that feels like an unforgettable getaway, this place is pure magic

Amazing camp!! Came with sweet elite Girl Scouts 2020. My daughter canoed, rode horses, zip lined,…read morelearned archery. So many activities. Well worth the work. Beautiful campsite.

See all

Young And Freesia

(22 reviews)

40.0 mi

Fatima did a bloom bar for our event and everything was beautiful, the table set up, the choice…read moreflowers. The ladies in attendance walked away with such huge smiles and made our event a hit. Cannot recommend enough

The only luxury picnic vendor I'd want to work with! I threw a surprise picnic for my family and…read morethey loved it. The beautiful setup, charcuterie board, the jenga toys, and everything else was so well done! Fatima is really professional; she has a very easy to navigate website and submission form, and responds quickly. She also makes sure to make it a special event, so that it's unique for you and your guests.

See all

Playful Designs

(5 reviews)

110.2 mi

Janet and her team are fantastic. My son had the most perfect party. Not only did we make potions…read morebut they were customized for my son's interests and each child got a necklace with the potion to bring home. You will not be disappointed with PLAYful Designs so sign them up for your next birthday party!

I'm not sure words can capture the immense appreciation I have for Janet. Every step of the way,…read moreshe made my daughter's 4th birthday an absolute delight. She was so easy to communicate with, she completely got what I was wanting, and the party turned out better than I could have imagined (and my expectations were pretty high) My daughter basically didn't stop making potions the whole time. All the kids loved it with ages ranging from 2 to 10. And it went above and beyond my own wildest fairy world, enchanted garden dreams. I have a strong aesthetic and I'm quite picky. Janet set up the most beautiful area, with such amazing attention to detail. Again, words could never do her justice. She will be the best birthday party decision you've ever made. I can't wait to work with her again.

Kitchen ingredients and spoons.

Adult face-painted

See all

Potion Party

San Vicente Resort

3.7

(112 reviews)

11.4 mi

Friendly staff! Very good food! Easy parking! Fries were…read moreamazing and crispy! Yum!!! Service was quick and efficient !

I am so blessed to live near one of San Diego's most beautiful golf courses, San Vicente Resort,…read morenestled in the heart of the county in the small town of Ramona! While I often dine at their fantastic chef-driven restaurant, sometimes I just enjoy the simplicity of their resort snack bar. Catering to golfers and swimming families, the snack bar is open to the public daily. Only a two-minute drive from home, I love the serenity of the covered patio with a stunning view of the 9th hole. Most recently I ordered a "Polish Dog" which was outstanding. Polish Dogs are typically made from a combination of pork and beef which yields a meatier texture and rich depth of flavor. Much more substantial than what you'd experience in an average hot dog. Includes your choice of toppings, I usually choose a more traditional selection of mustard, onions, or sauerkraut. The snack bar features a nice variety of hot & cold breakfast and lunch items, snacks, adult beverages, plus soft serve in the summer time.

Love how everything is so well maintained

Polish Dog

See all

Spacious room on the ground floor

De Anza Country Club

4.8

(8 reviews)

20.1 mi

great shape May 2026, but I need 85 characters for this review to post which means that I have to…read morekeep talking and convert to text and say some silly things but the course is in great shape. I recommend it.!

Great course! Incredible views! Greens were quick and fairways lush. Bunkers had amazing sand. Saw…read moresome Bighorn sheep too!

See all

Integrity Stables

(61 reviews)

2.8 mi

Whenever we travel, we try to do a trail ride. As more experienced horse people, we've found that…read moreit can be hard to find tourist trail rides that are for fun for people who already know how to ride. After a lot of research I picked Integrity Stables and I'm so glad I did! Horses are well loved and cared for, the ride was very private (just us and our guide), the scenes were beautiful, and our trail guide (I'm blanking on his name he was young--maybe it was Luke?) was super knowledgeable and easy to talk to. Would recommend to anyone (experienced horse person or not) and definitely plan on going back next time I'm in San Diego! While it is a little drive from San Diego (45 min - 1hr), the little town of Julian was the perfect place for us to stop afterwards for lunch before we made the drive back!

The experience was great from the scheduling of a ride to the end with pictures taken and feeding…read moreof the horses. The guide Colt was the nicest person with a great sense of humor and customer service. He explained everything about the horses, taught the basics of riding, gave the history of the gold mines on the property and the mountain toll roads taken by the horses. All around it was great. Tess the horse was so gentle and gave a ride never to forget. Thank you all at Integrity Stables we look forward to coming back soon. Blessings to you, your family and all your beautiful horses that you care for so much.

Beautiful views

See all

Getting to know Tess

Volcan Mountain Preserve

4.6

(87 reviews)

3.8 mi

We tackled Volcan Mountain Trail with an eight-year-old, so we didn't make it the full way but it…read morewas such a nice experience. We also brought along our dog as it is a dog friendly trail as long as your dog is on a leash. The trail starts out pretty steep, but it's well-marked with clear paths throughout. One thing I really loved was all the signage explaining local plant life and animal tracks so it made the hike feel educational and engaging. My kiddo was really into looking at the different animal paw prints. This trail is great for hiking enthusiasts and beginners alike but just know your limits and pace yourself if you're newer to hiking. I would definitely say if it's sunny to make sure you bring plenty of water with you, but there are a lot of shady spots on this trail so that is a nice change from the hikes that are closer to coastal San Diego.

It's a good hike to pair with a trip to Julian. My husband and I picked up sandwiches in town for a…read morepicnic on the trail. Parked next to the road and knew we were in the right place because of all the other cars. We made our hike a loop as we went up the mountain, taking the 5 Oaks Trail, and then came down using the Vulcan Mountain preserve trail. The 5 Oaks Trail has more of a view. There are a few seats to stop, sit (catch your breath) and enjoy the view. Sadly, we haven't had rain so it wasn't as green as I'm sure it would be on a normal January. Nevertheless, a great hike to work off all the apple pie you eat in Julian.