Cosmos' Doggie Blog

Not every dog is born with a pedigree. Thankfully, developing one’s noodle instead of a shiny coat is the best way to get to the head of the pack. However, given the short attention span of most pups, regardless of breed, it’s essential that any attempt to train them in book knowledge is made more fun than tearing up the book itself would be.

That’s why my bipedal readers with litters of their own can’t afford to miss the park-wide Science Family Day, on Saturday, March 16. From 11am to 3pm that day, over two dozen cultural organizations in Balboa Park will offer hands-on activities that make learning science seem like child’s play. In addition, most museums in the Park will extend free admission to pups under 12 (in human years) with a paid adult.

How can science possibly be more fun than chewing on a book? you ask. Here are just a few examples from this Science Family Day’s scheduled activities:

• Learn the aerodynamics of paper airplane making and flying at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
• Observe the behavior of dozens of monarch butterflies during a butterfly release in the Zoro Garden.
• Discover the properties of matter displacement by making your own impact crater at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center’s booth on the Prado.
• See firsthand what forensic scientists can learn by studying human bones at the San Diego Museum of Man.
• Create and crack secret codes and learn the science of cryptography in the San Diego History Center’s booth on the Prado.
• Discover the chemical properties of art materials and how they affect the creative process in live demos at the Spanish Village Art Center.

Of course, the above list is only scratching the surface. A multitude of other science-themed activities throughout the Park will have you digging even deeper.

Simba writes: Dear Cosmos, I wouldn’t mind so much being left home alone when my family visits Balboa Park museums if they would bring me a doggie bag once in a while. Can you recommend some good places for them to fetch one?

Cosmos: It always gives me paws to recommend exhibitions and indoor performances in this blogspace, because I know that means some four-legged friends will be left at home starring at the front door for hours.

It’s only right that you get your just desserts if they get theirs while chowing down at one of Balboa Park’s restaurants. Since I fried my keyboard with drool last time I wrote about Balboa Park eateries, I’ll try to limit myself to just a few recommendations this time.

The Prado Restaurant — As Balboa Park’s only full-service fine-dining establishment that doesn’t require zoo admission, The Prado serves generous portions that will give most diners plenty of doggie bag-worthy leftovers. In addition to dinner entrées, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers, The Prado also features the only cocktail bar in the Park.

Home Plate Sports Café — Located inside the Hall of Champions Museum, Home Plate is everything you’d expect in a sports café: big screen TVs, cozy wood paneling and tables, and, more importantly, burgers, wings, tacos, pulled pork, sliders, garlic fries, and beer!

Gro Café — The only eats in the Park for morning people, Gro Café, near the San Diego History Center, opens daily at 9am. In addition to a full espresso bar, they offer an assortment of pastries and breakfast food, along with custom-made sandwiches, and a bite-size menu for the pups.

Flight Path Grill — Tucked within the vast San Diego Air & Space Museum, the Flight Path Grill has a small, yet very family-friendly menu. My primary reason for including it here is that this is the only place in Balboa Park where your family can order a full-sized 16-inch pepperoni pizza. You can thank me later.

(Doggone it! I fried another keyboard!)