Grab & Go Kids Planner

The San Diego Science Festival wraps up this weekend but if your child is more curious about music than experiments, he or she has plenty of options too.

Your choices for family-friendly activities near Mt. Helix, Spring Valley, and in San Diego, from March 23-29, include the big finish to the science festival, at Petco Park, and a pair of musical performances that include local students.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME 

• Where/when: El Cajon Valley High School, 1035 E. Madison Ave., El Cajon, 6 p.m. Wednesday.

• Why Go: Cheer squads from the Grossmont Union High School District's campuses will compete at the junior varsity and varsity levels.

• Price: $5-$7.

• Where/when: Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 6845 University Ave., San Diego, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

• Why Go: See Dallas Brass, musicians who play a wide range of genres on traditional brass instruments, joined by members of the Helix High School band, and possibly, the Marine Corps band. Though the concerts are sold out, organizers have said some tickets may be released at show time.

• Price: $25.

• Where/when: Steele Canyon County Park, Par 4 Drive off Steele Canyon Road., El Cajon, 9 a.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: It's the time of year when hiking doesn't just mean long walks and critters. It's means wildflowers and lots of 'em. Join the Hike With a Ranger event and see if you can keep count.

• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• Where/when: Balboa Park, 6th Avenue and Laurel Street, San Diego, 8 a.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: To support youngsters with autism through the seventh annual Race for Autism. Includes a 5K and a 1-mile route, and a resource fair during and after the race. 

• Price: $20-$35.

• Where/when: Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, 10 a.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: The San Diego Science Festival concludes in grand style with Expo Day at the ballpark, featuring music and hands-on experiments. Other events on the final day include the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair at Balboa Park and a Coastkeeper beach clean-up in Coronado.

• Price: Free at Petco, varies at other sites.

• Where/when: Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd., Poway, 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: The new San Diego Winds Composer Festival gives five area high schools the chance to show their stuff alongside more experienced performers. Among the schools: Steele Canyon High, Spring Valley and Helix High, La Mesa. 

• Price: Free.