You’ve seen them in horror movies and the Discovery Channel, but how many people can say they’ve actually observed a carnivorous plant in the flesh, so to speak? Fortunately, Balboa Park’s historic Botanical Building offers this very opportunity in its spooky Carnivorous Plant Bog, something every youngster will want to check out this Halloween season. These seductive meat-eaters, including Venus Fly Traps and Pitcher plants, lure their insect prey with enticing scents and colors, kind of like fast food chains do.

The bog is just one of many exotic set-pieces in the spacious Botanical Building, which was the largest wood lath structure in the world when it was built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition. It showcases over 2,000 varieties of permanent and seasonal plants, trees, and flowers in a lush, jungle-like environment, complete with waterfalls.

One of my favorite areas is the spectacular orchid display that greets you as you walk in through one of the two main entrances. There’s also a bed that features over 20 different mouth-watering (and eye-watering) peppers (not for eating, unfortunately) and a touch-and-sniff herb garden with lavender, mint julep, pineapple mint, and chocolate mint (again, also not for eating). And you know the best part, admission into the Botanical Building is free, but even four-leggers like me are allowed into this indoor paradise, except of course on Thursdays when it’s closed. 

Like most of you hot dogs out there, I often wonder if I’m doing all I can to reduce my carbon paw print to help curb the effects of global climate change. Fortunately, a free outdoor exhibition in Balboa Park titled Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet gives me plenty of fresh ideas to chew on.  

The 42 large-scale globes located at the east end of the Prado, by the giant dog bath/fountain, present dozens of timely suggestions on how everyone, young and old, big and small, four-legged or two, can be a “Teenie Greenie” and do a little something to help protect my favorite planet.

Each globe constitutes a visually striking work of art in itself while communicating an important message, such as “Adjust the Thermostat” (at home and work to save energy), “Use Public Transportation” (to cut down CO2 emissions and save fuel), and “Support Organic Products” (which are naturally energy efficient and sustainable).

In addition to the outdoor globes, the San Diego Natural History Museum, who co-organized the exhibition, is featuring a globe by the local marine painter, Wyland, titled “Hands Across the Ocean” to remind us of the impact global warming has on all my aquatic friends. I’m personally inspired now to save water by not sloshing so much over the sides of my water dish!

Newman writes: Dear Cosmos, Balboa Park has so many great events going on all the time, but do you know of any coming up my parents would especially like?

Cosmos: I’m so glad you asked, because as a matter of fact I’m participating in an event called Doggie Lovers Day at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, on Sunday, November 16, from 12 to 4 p.m., which will offer all kinds of fun, doggie-related activities.

One of my more talented friends, Tymer, will be performing agility tests and tricks with his coach Debbie Bax. There will also be a live fashion show, so dog owners can get a heads up on all of this season’s hottest trends in canine couture, and any kids in your pack will enjoy the puppy puppet shows presented by the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater.

In addition, a number of experts from the community will be on hand to share tips and lessons on pet wellness, yoga, and massage, and planting in the garden with your pooch. A trainer will also be available to answer your parents’ burning questions on how to live more harmoniously with their family pets.

This “humans-only” event is free with paid museum admission, and if you’re lucky, your parents may very well bring home a new brother or sister from the Humane Society or SPCA.

Next time you’re sniffing around the Plaza de Panama, be sure to look up and take a gander at the San Diego Museum of Art’s shiny new façade. Carefully preserving the original Spanish Renaissance-style architecture, the restoration work on SDMA is the second of two major projects—the other being the nearby California Tower—to be completed this year to conserve historic landmarks in the Park.

Just because the dog days of summer are over doesn’t mean there still isn’t plenty of fun to be had on a bright fall afternoon in Balboa Park. For example, every Sunday now through November 2, the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages will continue to host weekly open houses from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., along with a 2:00 p.m. lawn program, featuring traditional music, costumes, and dance. These colorful festivals, presented by one of the 32 different cultures or “houses,” are always free and offer an immersive experience for adults, kids, and other leashed guests.

A diverse mix of countries will bring the 2008 lawn program season to a close, starting with the House of Spain this Sunday, October 12. Timed to coincide with Columbus Day celebrations, guests can feast on lively Spanish ballet and flamenco dance performances as well as a giant vat of paella.

Other yummy goodies, both edible and visual, will be in store at festivals hosted by the House of Czech & Slovak Republics on Oct. 19 and the House of Turkey on Oct. 26. Last but not least, the House of Scotland will bust out the kilts, bagpipes and Highland Dancers for the Nov. 2 fest. I can taste the haggis already!