Science Fest, Safari Park Expansion and LEGO Galaxy Debut Lead San Diego Weekend

San Diego had a packed and energetic weekend, with major attractions and family-friendly events drawing crowds across the county.

Festival of Science Fills Petco Park

Thousands of students, parents and curious minds gathered at Petco Park on Saturday for the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering. The free Expo Day featured more than 100 hands-on exhibits spanning science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

From robotics demonstrations to interactive lab experiments, the event transformed the ballpark into a massive learning space. Organizers expected more than 20,000 attendees, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as one of the largest STEAM celebrations in Southern California.

Elephant Valley Opens at Safari Park

Up in Escondido, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park officially unveiled Denny Sanford Elephant Valley, a sweeping new habitat designed to deepen public understanding of elephants and conservation.

The multi-acre project is the largest in the wildlife alliance’s history. Along with expanded viewing areas, the opening includes a new two-story dining venue inspired by African culinary traditions. The debut marks a significant investment in both animal care and visitor experience.

LEGOLAND Launches New Galaxy-Themed Land

Carlsbad also saw a major attraction debut as LEGOLAND California opened LEGO Galaxy, its first new roller coaster in more than two decades.

The indoor, space-themed coaster anchors the new land and represents the largest in-park investment in the resort’s history. Families lined up over the weekend to experience the new ride and explore the interactive features designed around an intergalactic adventure theme.

With spring break season approaching and warmer weather ahead, these openings signal a busy tourism stretch for the region. Between large-scale science programming and headline-grabbing theme park expansions, San Diego is leaning into its reputation as a destination for both learning and play.

Sources

https://patch.com/california/san-diego/calendar/event/20260307/c04e19f6-993e-4f4a-8a19-991d379c4264/san-diego-festival-of-science-engineering-2026-to-be-held-at-petco-park-rain-or-shine-march-7
https://www.kpbs.org/events/2026/03/07/expo-day-san-diego-festival-of-science-and-engineering-week-2026
https://www.sandiego.org/media/press-release/whats-new-in-san-diego-this-spring-2026