Everyone who lives in San Diego knows that Labor Day weekend doesn’t really signal the end of summer-like weather and outdoor fun. It does, however, bring to a close several wonderful things to do in Balboa Park. So without further ado, here’s a short list of what my bipedal friends should check out before it’s too late:

Richard Avedon: Portraits of Power at the San Diego Museum of Art showcases 200 iconic portraits by the famed 20th-century photographer. (Through 9/6)

Nighttime Zoo presents a rare glimpse into what my four-legged colleagues at the San Diego Zoo are up to when the sun goes down, and believe me, they aren’t exactly sleeping! (through 9/6)

India Adorned and Doors of our Four Cultures explores colorful decorative objects from Asia used in everyday life. On view at the Mingei International Museum through 9/6.

Giant Worlds provides an interactive 3-D experience of our solar system’s outer planets at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center through 9/7. Your paid gallery admission will also get you into an IMAX film free!

If that isn’t enough, don’t forget these other major shows that are now on a short leash: Ansel Adams: A Life’s Work at the Museum of Photographic Arts (through 10/4/09), Body Worlds at the San Diego Natural History Museum (through 10/4/09), The Da Vinci Experience at the Air & Space Museum (through 1/3/10).

And of course, when you go museum hopping, always be sure to pick up a Balboa Park Passport or Stay-for-the-Day Pass and allow plenty of quality dog time before and after your visit.