Family Fun Activities this Weekend

Liquid-Nitrogen ice cream. CSI meets San Diego State. Dolphins and you. Intrigued? Have a child who might be too? Then a big festival kick-off this weekend might be for you.

Your choices, in La Jolla and in San Diego, include the San Diego Science Festival, a jam-packed week of activities celebrating every aspect of science you could imagine. The ice cream, CSI and dolphin questions all will be tackled at San Diego State Saturday.

Other events include a taste treat in Encinitas and a chance to see stars from skateboarding while helping out people who have cancer.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME 

• Where/when: Birch Aquarium, La Jolla, 11 a.m., Saturday.

• Why Go: The focus is on “Birds of the Sea,” and how they've adapted to a life shared with the sea. Learn about migrations and how to best spot them, along with crafts for kids.

• Price: $8-12.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• Where/when: Casa del Prado Theater, Balboa Park, San Diego, Thursday through Sunday.

• Why Go: San Diego Junior Theatre wraps up two productions this weekend: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and The Fantastic Mr. Fox.

• Price: $8-14.

• Where/when: Balboa Park, San Diego State and various sites, San Diego, 9 a.m., Saturday.

• Why Go: To encounter all manner of science demonstrations and experiments at the sprawling San Diego Science Festival, which continues through March 26 at several area venues. To begin, San Diego State hosts a day of engineering feats, at 9 a.m. Balboa Park's Science Family Day, at museums and other areas in the park, starts at 11 a.m.

• Price: Free at San Diego State, varies at other sites.

• Where/when: San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas, 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

• Why Go: Hear about how fresh herbs can enhance your cooking and your health at the garden's Herb Festival, while your hosts offer art projects and crafts for kids. 

• Price: $6-12.

• Where/when: YMCA Krause Family Center Skate & Bike Park, San Diego, 11 a.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: Join with the top names in skateboarding (including Tony Hawk) and BMX riding at the Clash at Clairemont, a benefit for cancer patients and their families. Watch pros and amateurs try tough stunts and pick up some freebies to boot. 

• Price: Minimum $10 donation.