The day after Thanksgiving is becoming more known by the name Green Friday, a day when people swap their shopping plans for more sustainable outdoor activities such as hiking, planting a tree and cycling.
For the last few years, Green Friday has been gaining momentum as an alternative to Black Friday shopping, with government agencies and nonprofit organizations planning outdoor options.
Here are eight free events and activities to take part in not only on Green Friday, but also Saturday and Sunday.
Visit a county park
San Diego County is promoting Green Friday by waiving all of its $3 park day-use fees on Black Friday, to encourage the public to visit one of its parks or open space preserves. Some of the activities and things to do at more than the 50,000 acres of park space countywide are fishing, hiking, horse riding, picnicking, geocaching and more. sdparks.org/content/sdparks
Plant a tree
The county is also promoting Green Friday with several tree planting events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The public is invited to one of 14 county parks to help beautify these areas by removing invasive species and planting trees. Participants are recommended to bring work gloves, closed-toe shoes, a hat, sunscreen, snacks and water. For a full listing of parks and details visit sdparks.org/greenfriday.
Mountain biking
Susie Murphy is the executive director of the San Diego Mountain Bike Association, shown here at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park on Nov. 11, 2019.
(K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
A county park ranger-led mountain bike ride will take place at Morrison Pond on Friday. Participants will ride their bikes alongside a trail while learning safety tips and interesting facts about the local wildlife and land. Noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 24. (619) 472-7572. 5102 Sweetwater Road, Bonita.
Stargazing
The San Diego Astronomy Association will host a stargazing party at Sycamore Canyon on Friday, barring inclement weather. Guests can learn about the stars and planets using giant telescopes. Attendees are encouraged to bring warm clothes, blankets, chairs and flashlights. 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. 13880 state Route 67, Lakeside. sdaa.org
Children’s workshop
The California Junior Rangers are hosting a children’s educational workshop at the Potrero County Park on Saturday. Participants will learn the various parts of a tree, including the leaves, branches, roots, trunks, seeds and its inhabitants. Children ages five to 12 will also have an opportunity to create a gift for local birds. All supplies will be provided at this event. 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday. (619) 478-5212. 24800 Potrero Park Drive, Potrero.
Kumeyaay Nature Hike
Learn more about the Kumeyaay Nation during a nature hike at the Potrero County Park on Saturday. A park ranger will talk about the history of the Kumeyaay people living on the land where the park now sits. Guests will also learn about native animals and plants that inhabit this area. 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday. (619) 478-5212. 24800 Potrero Park Drive, Potrero.
City cycling
There are 1,340 miles of bikeways in the county, according to the San Diego Association of Governments. SANDAG offers a list of 13 bike paths with designated lanes and signage for safe riding, including the Coast Rail Trail, Inland Rail Trail, North Coast Bike Trail and San Diego River Trail. For a scenic ride this Green Friday, try the Bayshore Bikeway, which goes around the San Diego Bay, covering Coronado down to Silver Strand State Beach and looping back north along Interstate 5 to downtown San Diego.
Hiking
People hike the Guy Fleming Trail at Torrey Pines on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
(Ana Ramirez/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
There are over 100 parks and open space preserves with 360 miles of hiking trails in the county, according to the San Diego County Parks and Recreation. There are also many pathways to walk or run around San Diego, like the Seven Bridges Trail, which goes through Balboa Park, Bankers Hill, Hillcrest and North Park. For recommendations and instructions for many regional hikes, go to sandiegouniontribune.com/guides.
