A Cheer Competition, a Wildflower Walk, and a Street Fair

The San Diego Science Festival wraps up this weekend, but if your child is more curious about getting outside than getting into experiments, he or she has plenty of options, too.

Your choices for family friendly activities near Lemon Grove and in San Diego, from March 23-29, include the big finish to the science festival at Petco Park, and a bevy of outdoor activities, some focused on nature, the others on community.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME 

• Where/when: El Cajon Valley High School, 1035 E. Madison Ave., El Cajon, 6 p.m. Wednesday.

• Why Go: Cheer squads from the Grossmont Union High School District's campuses will compete at the junior varsity and varsity levels.

• Price: $5-$7.

• Where/when: Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 6845 University Ave., San Diego, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

• Why Go: See Dallas Brass, musicians who play a wide range of genres on traditional brass instruments, joined by members of the Helix High School band, and possibly, the Marine Corps band. Though the concerts are sold out, organizers have said some tickets may be released at show time.

• Price: $25.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• Where/when: Balboa Park, 6th Avenue and Laurel Street, San Diego, 8 a.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: To support youngsters with autism through the seventh annual Race for Autism. Includes a 5K and a 1-mile route, and a resource fair during and after the race. 

• Price: $20-$35.

• Where/when: Steele Canyon County Park, Par 4 Drive off Steele Canyon Road., El Cajon, 9 a.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: It's the time of year when hiking doesn't just mean long walks and critters. It's means wildflowers and lots of 'em. Join the Hike With a Ranger event and see if you can keep count.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, 10 a.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: The San Diego Science Festival concludes in grand style with Expo Day at the ballpark, featuring music and hands-on experiments. Other events on the final day include the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair at Balboa Park and a Coastkeeper beach clean-up in Coronado.

• Price: Free at Petco, varies at other sites.

• Where/when: Rolando Street Fair, Rolando Boulevard and El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, 10 a.m. Sunday.

• Why Go: As the weather turns warmer street fairs soon will be bustin' out all over. Join in as Rolando residents celebrate their community with rides, food and music. They surely won't mind.

• Price: Free.