San Diego Kids Expo & Fair, Del Mar

Children tucked inside giant plastic hamster balls giggle as they roll across the water. Meanwhile, teens fly down zip-lines and play paintball matches. Also have a batting cage and live animals and electric trains and slot cars. You'll find all this and more at the sprawling San Diego Kids Expo & Fair on the Del Mar Fairgrounds. In keeping with the event's mission to highlight local kid-friendly businesses, many of these activities are organized by area merchants. Military-grade laser tag games and a rock-climbing wall, among other attractions, beckon visitors of all ages to lose themselves in child-like wonder and the hope that maybe the lawn will eventually just mow itself.

Besides activities, the expo hall houses about 150 exhibitors. In rows of booths, dance teachers, soccer coaches, and local chefs each discuss their craft. The focus on childhood health and education also extends to four performance stages, which become stomping grounds for martial-arts demonstrations and kid-friendly musical acts. Through this twice-a-year celebration, the expo aims to raise awareness (and funds) for local music and arts programs.