Fun Family Activities to do Anytime!

There is always something going on around Camp Pendleton. There are several activities that you can enjoy basically anytime.

Sea World this Summer

If you haven't yet, visit Sea World this summer. Every year, military members are allowed one day free entry to Sea World. They can bring up to three direct dependants. I believe you can just go to the ticket booth when you get there (that's what my husband and I did), but you can also register at Hero Salute. There is more information on the website. Other than Sea World, the Hero Salute also reads that the same rules apply for Busch Gardens and Sesame Place. You can visit once a year for free, so don't pass it up.

Bowling

There's one thing I'm better at than my husband, and that's bowling. For some reason I just become a pro bowler and throw strikes like I've been bowling all my life. For the recreational and the novice, you can go to Mainside on Camp Pendleton and visit the newly renamed bowling alley. Stars & Strikes Bowl and Grill is open seven days a week and is in building 1339 . It has tons of great deals during the week that makes bowling fun and inexpensive for the whole family to enjoy. There's also bowling leagues, party packages and a snack bar.  Hours are: Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. to midnight; and Saturday fom 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, call 760-725-6109 or 760-725-6784.

Sunday 10am-6pm $3.50 per person per game, $2.75 shoe rental
per pair, $15 per lane

Monday-Friday 9am-4pm  $2.75 per person per game, $2.75 shoe rental per pair, $10 per lane

Monday-Wednesday & Friday 9am-4pm $7 per person include shoe rental, 2 hours of
bowling, minimum 3 bowlers

Monday Night Mania 6pm-9pm $5 charge, $10 per game with $2 shoe rental per pair

Wednesday Night Special 6pm-9pm $30 per lane, $1.50 shoe rental per person

Monday-Friday 6pm-close $3.50 per person per game, $2.75 shoe rental per pair, $15 per lane per hour

Saturday 10am-close $3.50 per person per game, $2.75 shoe rental
per pair, $15 per lane per hour

Thursday 9am-4pm DOLLAR DAYS! All games will be $1 per person per game and $1 for shoe rental per person (still have to pay for the lane, too)

Senior Rates: Monday, Thursday, Wednesday, and Friday 9am-4pm $1.75 per person per game, $1 rental shoes

Ages 17 and Younger $1.75 per game with rental shoes $1 per pair

Mainside Movie Theatre

Right next to the bowling center is the Mainside Movie Theatre. I absolutely love movies, but ticket prices out here are RIDICULOUS! It can cost almost $40 for a family of four just to get movie tickets. That doesn't even include popcorn or snacks. At the Mainside theatre there are  relatively recent movies that just left the commercial theatres. Those go for $3 a ticket Monday through Saturday. All movies are free on Sunday. There are three movies that play every day and sometimes there are special events or premieres. Last year "The Expendables" premiered here. Sylvester Stallone and other stars stopped by. Recently, the premiere of "Battle: Los Angeles" was featured here. For current movies playing check the theater website or call 760-763-2975. Remember to bring your military ID and cash because credit cards are not accepted.

Del Mar Marina on Camp Pendleton

If you're looking to get out on the water without breaking the bank, you need to check out the Del Mar Marina on Camp Pendleton. It has kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats, power boats, and sail boat rentals. It also provides adult and youth sailing lessons, harbor cruises at sunset, charters, and you if you have your own boat you can store it there.

I've gone kayaking a handful of times down in the marina and it has been a blast. Yeah, your arms get a bit tired and you may get a little sun burn floating around out there, but the ocean and the sea life you see is well worth it! Every time I've gone I've seen either sea lions or dolphins swimming around. You can't go out into open water, but it's still a great view looking out into the ocean. It's definitely worth $5 and an hour is all you really need.

Here is a rundown of some prices. For one hour, kayaks are $5 for a single, and $8 for a double. For the whole day, kayaks are $15 for a single, and $20 for a double. Paddle boards and pedal boats are $10 for an hour.

Sailboat and motor boat prices can vary depending if it is a weekday, weekend or holiday. Check out other rental prices (.pdf). Find out more on specific sailing class or sunset cruise dates (.pdf). You can also give the marina a call at 760-725-7245. Remember to bring your military ID.

These are just a few things you can enjoy anytime. Try and take advantage of some of these free and discounted deals that everyone in your family can enjoy. I will definitely be visiting Sea World again this year, and probably for the rest of my life.