Brave the Heat This Weekend with Outdoor Activities

We’ve reached the “dog days” of summer, where hiding in the cool of your house trumps any outdoor trip. This weekend, though, we’re encouraging you to brave the heat and participate in some outdoor activities in your area. If you just so happen to be allergic to the sun, we’ve got some nightly and air-conditioned activities, too.

This weekend, Aug. 5-7, Santee has some outdoor entertainment to keep you and the family busy, like a concert and movie by the lake. You can also find a new family member this weekend over at PetSmart. If you want to escape the heat, travel to La Mesa for a book signing.

Families with a sweet tooth can head down to Standley Park, near La Jolla, and help construct a giant banana split and rock music lovers can attend two concerts at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. If you’re up for a day trip, head all the way down south to Chula Vista for all-things lemon.

Click on the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: , 9310 Fanita Pky., Santee, 7 p.m. Friday.
• Why go: Listen to the Santee Community Chorus by the lakes.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Santee Lakes, 9310 Fanita Pky., Santee, 8 p.m. Friday.
• Why go: Gather the family up with some picnic goodies and a blanket for the Disney movie Tangled, a twist on the classic story of Rapunzel.
• Price: Free but parking is $8.

• When/where: PetSmart, 9896 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee, 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: View some pets ready for adoption by the San Diego Animal Rescue. Patch takes no responsibility for you falling in love with those big brown eyes and floppy ears.
• Price: $150-$250, depending on breed, age and size of dog.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• When/where: Prescott Promenade at the intersection of West Main Street and North Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon, 6-8 p.m. Friday.
• Why go: Enjoy a concert on the green with some Latin jazz by the Illiana Rose Band.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa,
• Why go: Visit with Axe, author of Bouncing Off Guardrails, his account of his struggles and experiences during two heart surgeries.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Standley Park and Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Dr, San Diego, 4 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Play constructor and help build a 650-foot long banana split. Then, of course, gobble it up.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Del Mar Fairgrounds at Seaside Stage, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, following the race Friday and Saturday.
• Why go: See The Bravery rock out Friday and alternative rock phenom Weezer will keep you happy on Saturday.
• Price: The concert is free if you paid race admission; otherwise the cost is $20. Beer tasting is $15.

• When/where: Third Avenue Village, 353 3rd Ave., Chula Vista, 10:45 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: If you love lemons, this is the place for you. Try various lemony treats, live music and even a pie-eating contest (we hope it’s lemon meringue).
• Price: Free.