Recreational Activities & Home School Resources for Student Families
Learn about on and off campus family activities, recreation and nearby schools.
UC San Diego Recreation
Currently enrolled UC San Diego undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to use all indoor REC facilities including RIMAC, Main Gym, Canyonview Aquatic Center, as well as outdoor courts, fields, fitness parks, and more. Make sure to bring your UC San Diego student ID (physical or digital) and scan the barcode for entry.
Spouses/partners and minor dependent REC access
- REC account sign up | Request Triton Affiliate eligiblity: Spouses/partners of UC San Diego students can join as full access REC members at the discounted Triton Affiliate rate of $44/month ($55/month public community).
- REC minor dependent family member access request: Upon request, minor dependents may enter REC facilities free of charge when supervised by a REC Membership holding parent or guardian. Minors utilizing open REC time must be supervised by the REC Member at all times.
UC San Diego Recreation Classes and Programs
REC offers a wide variety of classes, trips, camps, and other assorted programming for adults and youth alike. Daily fitness, cycling, and yoga offerings are available at no additional charge, and our student only REC Access Program (RAP) offers feature registration fees of only $10. Youth classes are also subject to an additional 15% discount off the REC Member registration fee for UC San Diego students.
Young Writers and Scholars Camps
Note: Student employees (STDT2-SDTD4) and graduate students holding ASE or GSR positions qualify for 30% off their total order for these classes.
- Young Writers Camps: The San Diego Writing Project offers a variety of family-paid writing camps during the summer. Past examples include College Admission and Application Essays, Young Writers Camps (5-, 8-, and 10-day versions), and Young Writers in Nature.
- Young Scholars Program: UC San Diego CREATE offers family-paid enrichment program for middle school and high school students. It is an opportunity for young people to experience the enjoyment and power of learning during the summer and to explore novel topics and interdisciplinary instruction tailored to their unique grade level and interests on the UC San Diego campus.
More Family Activities and Camps
- Birch Aquarium*
- Students can purchase discounted memberships.
- Additional activities are available, such as tidepool adventures and summer camps.
- Check out the live cams online to see penguins, sea horses, and the calming kelp exhibit.
- Live Performances from ArtPower at UC San Diego: the program’s mission is to present “performing arts that engage, energize, and transform the diverse cultural life of the university and San Diego.” Bonus: Student admission is free.
- Community Youth Camps and Enrichment Programs: Visit this Blink page for links to more summer and year-round programs for children and teens.
- PBS Kids Daily Newsletter: Subscribe to this newsletter from PBS that offers activities and tips for helping kids play and learn at home.
*Note: SNAP/EBT (CalFresh) cardholders can visit over 1,600 museums (Birch Aquarium included) for $5 or less. Check the Museums for All site to find a participating location near you.
Local Public Schools
UC San Diego’s campus lies within the San Diego Unified School District
- Families living on campus: the local public schools for Graduate and Family Housing residents are Doyle Elementary, Standley Middle School and University City High School.
- T-K classes may occur at other local elementary schools, based on space available at the sites.
- Families living off campus: visit the San Diego Unified School District website for boundary maps to find your local elementary, middle or high school.
Public Charter Schools
If you are looking for a specialized academic experience for your child, San Diego Unified has dozens of charter school options for elementary, middle and high school. Find out more and apply here.