San Diego is surrounded by historic and outdoor attractions that are perfect for active families. From seals to stars, kids will experience nature and learn while having fun at these .

Julian, Calif.

Only 45 minutes from downtown San Diego, sits the quaint town of Julian. Nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains, this popular family destination has been a favorite day trip with locals for decades.

The Eagle and High Peak Gold Mine

A former working mine, the Eagle and High Peak Gold Mine is one of Julian’s great tours for kids. Visitors are escorted 1,000 feet into the shaft—500 feet into one tunnel, then 500 feet into another tunnel—during a one-hour walking tour. My nephews, Diego, age 12 and Gabe, age 5, and I ventured into the damp tunnels during a recent visit. Diego thought the mine was “cool.” Gabe was a bit apprehensive.

• Once a mining town, Julian retains much of its old western charm.
• Courtesy of the Julian Chamber of Commerce

The tour is better suited for older kids, who will enjoy the gregarious tour guides’ explanations of how gold was milled and processed years ago and their colorful stories of life during the gold-rush days. After exploring the mines, we all panned for gold hoping to find a big nugget.

Eagle and High Peak Gold Mine, located at the end of C Street; tel. 760-765-0036; hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., daily. Admission: 5 and under, $1; 6-13, $5, 14 and up, $10.

Horseback Riding

For those who like to stay above ground, Julian Stables offers trail rides for children ages 3 and up. Gabe thoroughly enjoyed the miniature horse cart ride, and smiled through the entire 20 minute jaunt. The experience was capped off with his learning how to brush the sweet horse. Children ages 5 to 8 can take a 30-minute, hand-led ride on a full-size pony.

Diego and I honed our equestrian skills on a one-hour scenic tour through the mountains, which is available for children ages 9 and up. The friendly horses were mellow and easy to handle.

• The California Wolf Center is an excellent place for people of all ages to learn more wolves and wolf conservation.
• Courtesy of the California Wolf Center

Julian Stables, located 1.5 miles west of downtown; tel. 760-765-1598; open daily, rides 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations required. Admission: ages 3-4, miniature horse cart ride, $25; ages 5-8, hand led rides, $35; ages 9 and up, trail rides $49; www.julianactive.com.

Star Gazing

The skies over Julian also offer entertainment. Observer’s Inn hosts a star gazing event. For one hour, Diego, Gabe and I viewed planets, star clusters, nebula and more, through three research grade telescopes. Age was not a factor; both nephews loved discovering the galaxy. Our teacher, Mike Leigh, had 37 years of astronomy experience, and helpfully answered all our questions. Needless to say, the kids gobbled up the refreshments of cider, cocoa, and cookies that were provided. Groups are limited to 15 people, so reservations are suggested.

Observer’s Inn, 3535 Highway 79—1.5 miles southeast from downtown Julian; tel. 760-765-0088; Mon.-Wed., Fri.-Sat.; viewing begins between 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., depending on the time of year. Admission: $20 for all ages (recommend ages 8 and up); www.observersinn.com.

The California Wolf Center

Julian is also home to the California Wolf Center, one of the most prolific North American gray wolf recovery programs in the state. During our visit, we learned why conservation is important to this species, as we got up close to the resident "Denali Pack"—a group of gray wolves. Diego understood the conservation concept, while Gabe just thought the wolves were pretty.