Best Places to Explore With Family San Diego
I help people programme San Diego family vacations and am a trusted resource for locals searching for fun things to do in San Diego with kids. Why? I alive here, and despite regularly traveling the globe, I strongly believe that San Diego is one of the best destinations in the United States to spend a holiday no thing how one-time y'all are.
There are baby activities in San Diego, toddler activities, and plenty of things to do in San Diego with teens and tweens, as well. Some of these attractions are free to enter and many are about my favorite kid-friendly hotels in San Diego.
This is a Big listing of insider tips, merely that's because I've included some ideas that fifty-fifty residents may not know about. Also, I've noted where yous tin salvage money on tickets, tours, and hotels through my affiliations. If you make purchases through some of the links in this post, I may be compensated.
Top Things to Exercise in San Diego with Kids
Let'due south start with the kid-friendly attractions that are at the top of most family sightseeing itineraries.
Tip: If y'all are going to visit more than one of these San Diego activities for kids, information technology may be worth considering a multi-attraction pass like Go San Diego. (This pass is non valid for the annual Kids Complimentary San Diego promotions in Oct.)
1. San Diego Zoo©
Location: Balboa Park
The world-famous San Diego Zoo tops my list of things to practice in San Diego with kids. Nosotros're members. Information technology'due south dwelling house to over 3700 rare and endangered animals and a cute display of over 700,000 exotic plants throughout its 100 acres.
San Diego Zoo is function of San Diego Zoo Global, an organisation dedicated to saving species worldwide. Every dollar yous spend with them goes toward animal care and conservation efforts, which you'll learn more well-nigh during your visit. Yeah, your day volition involve animals and education — a perfect combination for kids.
I've written well-nigh my favorite San Diego Zoo animals and exhibits in detail. Still, I don't miss the koalas, polar bears, komodo dragons, new infant pygmy hippo, Galapagos tortoises, Keeper Talks, and Skyfari Aerial Tram.
Nosotros also like to go correct when it opens when the weather is cool, and some animals eat breakfast. However, I encourage you to cheque out their upgraded tours and experiences. Some brainstorm before the park opens, so you'll already exist within with a head first to favorite animals. Read all San Diego Zoo posts.
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See also: How to Buy Discounted Tickets to the San Diego Zoo
2. San Diego Zoo Safari Park©
Location: Escondido
Over 2600 animals, including giraffes, elephants, lions, and more, roam in large free-range enclosures at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Tour on your own or schedule a safari (or both). Two of the most popular safaris include the free Africa Tram tour around the park and the Caravan Safari through the Asian Savannah and African Plains. You can also zipline over some of the animal enclosures on the Skyline Safari.
Be enlightened that it gets pretty hot over here in the summer (though kids can become moisture in the Savannah Absurd Zone splash pad).
Animal enclosures are spread out and then that they can house big animals, then habiliment walking shoes. Watching the afternoon cheetah run is one of the most popular attractions. We love the tigers of Tiger Trail, Nairobi Village (where the petting zoo is), Lorikeet Landing (where you tin feed lorikeet parrots), and Walkabout Commonwealth of australia, where wallabies leap around you — without a bulwark. Minor plug also for the platypus exhibit, which my family helped sponsor.
They're part of San Diego Zoo Global, dwelling house to the world'due south largest veterinary facility, and working on bringing back the Northern White Rhino from extinction, thank you to their Frozen Zoo. And, that's non fifty-fifty half of information technology.
ACCESS MY Sectional DISCOUNT
Cheque for unpublished deeper savings on tickets through my partnership with aRes Travel, an authorized San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket seller.
*By texting the word SAFARI to 1-833-490-0799 you hold to receive automated promotional messages with how to secure my deeper ticket discount and this agreement isn't a condition of any buy. Msg and data rates may apply. 2 msg/mo. Reply End to cancel. Read my total privacy policy.
3. LEGOLAND© California
Location: Carlsbad
LEGOLAND California is, of course, one of the nigh popular things to do in San Diego with kids. The resort consists of LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE® Aquarium, LEGOLAND Water Park, LEGOLAND Hotel, and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.
If pressed for time, LEGOLAND California theme park tin exist visited in a half-day. The park is best for toddlers and younger kids as the suggested age is between ii–12. Teens would have to be die-hard LEGO lovers to relish information technology without accompanying a younger guest as almost rides may be too juvenile for them.
The average visit to Bounding main LIFE Aquarium is about 45 minutes, and it's a fun stop, too. Don't forget to bring LEGO Minifigures to merchandise with staff members.
Important: During the school year, LEGOLAND California closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The water park is also seasonal. Be sure to check their calendar before planning a visit.
Save ON TICKETS
Yous can notice slap-up pricing on LEGOLAND tickets here.
four. SeaWorld© San Diego
Location: Mission Bay
SeaWorld San Diego alone draws tourists to our metropolis from all over the world to savor up-shut animal interactions, fun rides, animal shows, and educational experiences.
Special behind-the-scenes tours allow guests to acquire more than nearly penguins, rays, dolphins, ocean otters, moon jellies, and more. You tin affect reef sharks and marvel and behemothic ones in the walk-through shark tank.
Sesame Street Bay of Play® entertains young kids with mild rides and lots to climb on. The Manta roller coaster and new Electrical Eel roller coaster thrill older riders. Shipwreck Rapids water ride is a groovy manner to cool downward on a sunny day. SeaWorld San Diego uses its facilities to rescue local sea life, including the La Jolla seals (which y'all will larn more about below).
As a mom who has been here more times than I can count, I tin can tell you that near guests spend an entire day here. Notwithstanding, a fun one-half-twenty-four hour period is achievable if brusque on time.
Tip: Skip the lines with a Quick Queue® Premier pass. Discounted SeaWorld San Diego tickets are ordinarily best bought through them directly. If you're certain you'll spend an unabridged solar day in the park, bank check out the All-24-hour interval Dining Plan.
five. SESAME PLACE SAN DIEGO (Opening March 2022)
Location: Chula Vista
A brand new theme park arrives in San Diego in March 2022. Sesame Place San Diego, the just theme park on the West Declension based entirely on Sesame Street, replaces the Aquatica San Diego water park.
It will reimagine some of Aquatica's water attractions while adding 7 themed dry rides and an interactive musical play surface area. The park will also feature an interactiveSesame Street Neighborhood complete with the iconic 123 Stoop, a alive grapheme prove, a daily parade, photo opportunities, and of course, everyone'due south favorite characters.
Sesame Identify San Diego tickets are on sale and you can buy them now through SeaWorld.
6. Belmont Park
Location: Mission Embankment (free to enter)
Break from the embankment for a few hours to pop into San Diego's seaside amusement park. It'southward complimentary to walk effectually Belmont Park San Diego, but you'll need tickets for the games and rides.
We're talking about a historic roller coaster, an arcade, carnival rides, giant scoops of water ice foam, a zip line, laser tag, miniature golf, and a new go-kart track. With all of this, how can Belmont Park non be one of the most fun things to practice in San Diego with kids? It'south also on my list of best things to exercise in San Diego with teens.
It'southward habitation to a couple of pretty good restaurants like Cannonball and Beach House. The latter is a family-friendly beach bar on the sand. Save room for dessert from the onsite Dole Whip® truck.
Don't pay for rides a la menu: The price of rides and activities can add together up quickly, only that's because kids love this park. You tin can sometimes buy discounted unlimited ride tickets through Costco or Groupon. The Become San Diego sightseeing laissez passer includes the all-access combo pass. If you alive in San Diego, consider the annual pass, which will pay for itself after a few visits.
If you want to pick up wheel rentals or skateboards to bask the Mission Embankment boardwalk, you can grab them at the park.
7. Balboa Park
Location: Balboa Park (gratuitous to enter)
The nation'south largest urban cultural park is home to 17 museums (the most kid-friendly options are enumerated in 9-thirteen below), many gorgeous gardens, historic buildings, the San Diego Zoo, restaurants, and performing arts venues. It is indeed one of the almost fun places in San Diego for families because there is something for everyone to savor.
Balboa Park is free to enter, though the museums have individual ticket fees. If yous're visiting multiple museums, you should purchase a Balboa Park Explorer laissez passer or the Become San Diego pass. Both sightseeing passes include multiple museums for a apartment fee. I've enumerated our favorite family museums below.
Tip: Our favorite al fresco, counter-social club restaurants are Panama 66 and the Tea Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Kids also like the colored courtyard tiles in the Spanish Hamlet Art Heart, which I call up is often overlooked park precious stone.
See too: Where to Eat and Drink in Balboa Park
8. Old Town San Diego
Location: Former Town San Diego (free to enter)
As California's birthplace, Old Town San Diego is a fun half-solar day visit in San Diego with children. Kids tend to like The Whaley House, i of the coolest haunted houses in the land, and walking through the graves at El Campo Santo Cemetery.
If that sounds besides creepy, non to worry. You can enjoy our sunshine in Old Town Land Historic Park in between popping into the free museums that showcase what life was like in early California. Just in a higher place the park, you'll find the Serra Museum, which showcases Kumeyaay Indians Spanish and Mexican exhibits of local history starting in the 1700s.
Option up a festive gift from one of the many shops. Yes, most restaurants here serve good Mexican food and behemothic margaritas for parents on their patios. Quondam Boondocks San Diego oftentimes has mariachi performances, people dressed in period costumes, live music, and entertainment for free family fun in San Diego. Be sure to check the event calendar.
See also: Guide to Old Town San Diego – Restaurants, Shopping and More
Best Museums in San Diego for Kids
Fifty-fifty if you can't visit in person, don't forget that these museums offer incredible opportunities for online learning and fun that includes science experiment tutorials, virtual later schoolhouse programs and camps, at-home crafts, downloads and so much more.
If you lot do visit in-person, access to the Balboa Park Museums can add up. They are not large, and you'll probable visit more than one or even two.
Buy the Go San Diego pass or the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. This way, y'all'll avoid multiple a la carte ticket purchases to the popular San Diego children'south museums mentioned beneath.
9. Fleet Scientific discipline Center
Location: Balboa Park
The whole family will dear exploring the 100 easily-on exhibits scattered throughout the eight galleries at Fleet Science Middle. You'll learn how gravity works, build stuff, lookout movies in the globe's showtime dome IMAX theatre, and then some. Toddlers and even babies can go in on the "exercise touch" fun in the special Child City section for kids five and under.
10. San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT)
Location: Balboa Park
Located beyond the courtyard from the Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Natural History Museum is dwelling house to fossils, scavenger hunts, and exhibits regarding local geology, ecosystems, and history.
This is 1 of the all-time places for the whole family unit to larn about our binational region'southward biodiversity, from Southern California to Baja California.
Kids under v will love The Backyard play area. Parents can sentry them explore with a latte in-hand from The Flight Squirrel Cafe next door. I dearest this museum, and information technology'due south been a favorite of my girl'due south, too, throughout her entire life.
Run across also: A Local Kids' Guide to the San Diego Natural History Museum
11. San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Location: Balboa Park
The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is North America's largest model railroad museum and a toy train enthusiast's dream. Within, you'll discover four enormous calibration and model railroad track layouts. The item on the train models and the scenery is staggering. Visitors can admire and tinker with toy trains here, as well.
12. San Diego Air and Space Museum
Location: Balboa Park
Go to the San Diego Air and Space Museum to learn about the history of flight from early balloon ascents to space travel. Over fifty aircraft hang from the rafters, and the diverse galleries showcase the Wright brothers, the Golden Age of Flight, World Wars I and Two, the Jet Age, and women in flying.
xiii. Museum of Usa
Location: Balboa Park
Kids can channel their inner archaeologist at the Museum of Us, our anthropology museum. They tin also dress up equally a Pharaoh and learn about excavating and wrapping mummies. Other exhibit topics include cannibalism, beer, race, and living with animals.
Older kids may enjoy climbing to the top of the iconic California Tower for spectacular San Diego views. A reservation is required for this family unit activity.
14. San Diego Botanic Garden
Location: Encinitas
If you lot're looking for outdoor fun for kids in San Diego and garden inspiration, the San Diego Botanic Garden is your place. Spend an 60 minutes or two walking through 29 gorgeous gardens with themes ranging from fire safety to olive copse to plants native to the Canary Islands.
Kids will love the Hamilton Children'due south Garden with its fun treehouse, grass maze, and special kids' activities. You can too commonly schedule a visit according to tours on offering ranging from bird watching to various walks catered toward specific age groups.
Tip: They accept been able to remain open up during the regional stay at home gild equally an outdoor recreation facility. It's a fantastic identify to push button a stroller or walk for some exercise.
fifteen. Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Location: La Jolla
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the prestigious Scripps Institution of Oceanography. It's one of the all-time things to exercise in San Diego with kids for a few hours, especially if they're lovers of marine life.
Enter and walk to the correct to come across the 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the Pacific Northwest's cold waters to the tropical waters of United mexican states and beyond. On the other side of the aquarium, kids can play with easily-on educational exhibits that teach conservation value.
A human-made tide puddle area on the back patio called Tide Pool Plaza boasts panoramic Pacific Sea views over La Jolla Shores Beach. Here, docents assist visitors gently bear on starfish and anemones while answering questions.
I also encourage yous to take a expect at their calendar of off-site programming, including whale watching tours (Dec through Apr), tide pool tours (wintertime), snorkeling with leopard sharks (summer), summer camps, and other special events.
Tickets: Buy straight through Birch Aquarium or entrance is included on the Get San Diego pass.
Meet also: Guide to Birch Aquarium (Tips, Tickets, Offsite Adventures, and More)
16. USS Midway Museum®
Location: Downtown
One of America'southward longest-serving aircraft carriers is now a pop maritime museum with lx exhibits and 29 restored aircraft. Kids honey learning what life was like at sea on the USS Midway, touring the engine room and galley, and trying two flight simulators (height restrictions use).
Some of the USS Midway Museum docents lived on board the ship, and it's one of my favorite places to recommend to everyone planning a trip to San Diego considering there isn't another museum similar it. Be sure to accept the audio bout.
See also: Tips for Visiting the USS Midway Museum
17. Maritime Museum of San Diego®
Location: Downtown
This San Diego museum preserves one of the largest collections of historic sailing vessels in the country. Visitors may climb on board to explore the sailing ships, some of which occasionally even so sail (cheque the website for tours on the bay).
Highlights include the Star of Republic of india, the earth's oldest active sailing ship, and the Soviet-era B-39 submarine, one of the largest conventionally-powered submarines ever built.
Tip: It'south easy to combine a visit to the Maritime Museum of San Diego with the USS Midway Museum and Waterfront Park as they are neighbors on the Embarcadero. (Take hold of a taco at Carnitas Snack Shack here, too.)
18. The New Children's Museum®
Location: Downtown
The goal of the New Children's Museum is for children of all ages to experience the arts in ways that are meaningful to them. Their motto is "recall, play, create," and that's exactly what kids do there through arts and crafts, hands-on exhibits like the Sketch Aquarium, and performing arts.
Looking for things to exercise in San Diego with babies? This museum is free for babies under 12 months and is engaging for your littlest family members because they'll love watching other kids in motion.
The activities in the museum are appropriate for toddlers up to teenagers. It's one of the San Diego attractions for kids that will spark their love of learning early.
nineteen. San Diego Children's Discovery Museum
Location: Escondido
If yous happen to be in the area, stop by the San Diego Children'southward Discovery Museum. It'southward entirely dedicated to learning through play throughout 6000 square feet of indoor infinite and even more than exterior, where there are craven coops, worm farms, and other investigative stations. Themes of water and energy conservation are present throughout the facility.
Tip: It's very shut to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and so you lot could visit both on the same (albeit long) twenty-four hours.
20. Museum of Making Music
Location: Carlsbad
This is a fun San Diego museum for children or adults interested in music or the history of music. But, allow me tell you why yous need to go when the kids are young.
Kids don't ever know what instrument they'd similar to learn how to play. Sometimes, they need to choose one for a schoolhouse music class. At other times, parents encourage learning an musical instrument to broaden their minds.
A big highlight of the Museum of Making Music is the instrument room where y'all can choice up and play hundreds of instruments from around the world. It'southward fun for the whole family unit, and it gives kids a run a risk to feel what playing an electric guitar, trumpet, or flute might be similar.
21. Living Coast Discovery Center
Location: Chula Vista
Those interested in California's coastal flora and fauna should program a visit to The Living Coast Discovery Center, about 15 minutes south of downtown. It'southward a pop location for schoolhouse field trips (typically also a less busy spot than many other popular San Diego animal attractions).
You can add various experiences like bat ray feedings and reptile meet and greets to heighten your day at that place. Exist sure to look at their events calendar as guests can participate in bird walks, composting classes, and much more family fun in San Diego.
All-time San Diego Beaches for Families
Our cute San Diego beaches summit virtually family sightseeing itineraries and they are free to apply later you lot secure street parking.
Things to do in San Diego include going to the beach whether you're a resident or a tourist during any flavour. We accept 70 miles of stunning coastline. Each San Diego beach and beach boondocks has its own characteristics.
In that location is likely a family unit-friendly embankment near where you are staying in San Diego, but here are my meridian picks for families.
See also: 17 All-time Beach Hotels in San Diego
22. Coronado Cardinal Beach
Location: Coronado Island (gratis to enter)
This gorgeous beach is in front of the Hotel del Coronado® though information technology extends quite a distance past the luxury hotel. The water is usually pretty at-home here, and the wide flat sandy beach is dreamy to chill out on. You tin can walk upwards to consume at The Del and rent chairs and umbrellas from their Del Embankment area, even if you lot're not an overnight guest.
Coronado Central Beach ranks highly on national travel publication lists including Travel + Leisure. The n end is domestic dog-friendly and suitable for surfing when waves cooperate.
Encounter also: Detailed Guide to Coronado Beaches
23. La Jolla Shores Beach
Location: La Jolla (costless to enter)
This family unit-friendly beach is one of our favorites in boondocks because information technology suits people of all ages who crave ocean activities. The embankment is apartment, sandy, and an especially smashing identify for kids.
Lifeguards patrol the area, visitors may use the handful of fire pits (showtime come, first served), and the bathrooms are reasonably nice. The Kellogg Park playground and grassy area to run effectually in are steps from the sand, besides.
Walk easily to Avenida de la Playa, the main street in the La Jolla Shores neighborhood, for snacks (grab a sandwich at The Cheese Store) or essentials similar forgotten sunscreen. The parking lot is reasonably big but go early on during summertime months to avert parking issues.
We listing several popular things to do with kids at La Jolla Shores Embankment under outdoor activities below because it's an fantabulous spot for h2o sports like snorkeling and learning how to surf.
25. Moonlight Beach
Location: Encinitas (gratuitous to enter)
Further north awaits Moonlight Beach. North San Diego County hotel concierges send guests here, fifty-fifty if there's a closer beach to their property. This is considering it has the nearly family-friendly civilities of beaches in the expanse. Between picnic tables, burn down rings, lifeguards, restrooms, embankment volleyball courts, a snack bar, and even equipment rentals, guest needs are well taken care of hither.
Fun fact: The name "Moonlight Beach" dates back to the early 1900s when residents used to picnic hither late at night.
24. Del Mar Beaches
Location: Del Mar (costless to enter)
The Del Mar beach between 15th Street and 29th Street is very popular, especially during the summer (when parking in this residential neighborhood is difficult). Walk from some of the most popular restaurants in Del Mar and L'Auberge Del Mar Hotel and a few smaller inns.
Some other fun stretch of Del Mar beach is Torrey Pines State Embankment, virtually the famous country reserve. The state park system administers it, so you'll need to pay at a kiosk to park.
The most family-friendly part is located closest to Torrey Pines Route. Here, you'll notice bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards. Kids like to play in the piddling area where the shallow lagoon h2o trickles into the Pacific Sea.
26. Mission Bay Beaches
Location: Mission Bay (free to enter)
The largest human-made aquatic park in America is Mission Bay and it's heaven for water sports enthusiasts and family risk. Rent boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, aqua cycles, jet skis, and more from vendors in forepart of the Mission Bay hotels.
Bay beaches appeal to immature families because at that place are no waves compared to the sea beach. Older kids relish the water activities here, only y'all can grab a bike rental and hit the flat, piece of cake, paved path around the bay.
The sand is soft, and the water is at-home though it can be murky in spots. You can access the Mission Bay beaches from various places and resorts, only Canvass Bay Beach in forepart of Fanuel Park in Pacific Beach is a favorite.
See also: 8 All-time Mission Beach and Mission Bay Hotels in San Diego
Tip: S Mission Beach
Nigh Mission Bay, y'all'll discover South Mission Embankment. If you accept older kids or teens that similar to play beach volleyball, there are nets here. The only thing to notation is that these sand courts are busy and competitive then it may take you lot some fourth dimension to jump in.
Fun Outdoor San Diego Kids Activities
The good news is that the whole family unit tin enjoy these activities for kids in San Diego County at any time of the year.
27. Kayak the Sea Caves
Location: La Jolla Shores Beach (costless to get with your own gear)
Rent a double kayak, bring your ain, or join a tour. Kayaks launch easily from this beach, and many, many people apply them to explore the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park. While paddling, you lot tin run across bright orange Garibaldi fish and leopard sharks swim below the surface. Our friendly body of water lions are e'er effectually for entertainment, as well.
Almost people kayak toward the La Jolla ocean caves. All but i are only visible from the ocean, and it'southward a marine life rich area. Some tours volition accept you through Clam'due south Cavern, where the barks of sea lions are nearly deafening (but funny), though this is not something you should try on your ain. I recommend a bounding main cave kayak bout with Everyday California.
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Utilize code lajollamom for a 20% discount on kayak and snorkeling tours, lessons, and rentals. Book now.
28. Seaport Village
Location: Downtown San Diego (free to enter)
Yes, it's a touristy spot, only Seaport Village is a fun bayside entertainment expanse for local and visiting families.
We're talking about a fudge store, an crawly kite shop (and a nearby grassy expanse to fly one), roaming entertainment, ocean views, and dining at over 50 restaurants and specialty shops in total.
It'southward within walking distance of many hotels in downtown San Diego. And, the historic carousel isn't huge, only younger kids think that it's fun.
29. Learn to Surf
Location: Various
Ane of the coolest things to do in San Diego with kids is to get them up on a surfboard. Kids as immature as five can take surfing lessons. In fact, all ages can learn to hang ten on our famous waves. It's never besides late to larn.
A great mode to book this quintessential Southern California experience is through private lessons, group lessons, or fifty-fifty a half-24-hour interval summertime camp that you can book by the day or week.
I recommend Surf Diva® at La Jolla Shores or San Diego Surfing Schoolhouse in Pacific Embankment, though there are accredited surf schools all up and downward the coast. You tin also find them in Mission Beach, Del Mar, and Carlsbad.
30. Children'due south Pool Seals and La Jolla Cove Sea Lions
Location: La Jolla (gratis to enter)
One of the many free things to do in La Jolla is to visit the seals and sea lions. They're cute, noisy, and mayhap a bit stinky — only so adorable.
Harbor seals hang out at the Children'due south Pool, a small stretch of beach protected by a fractional seawall that was initially intended to be a swimming area for kids. Well, the seals took it over.
The beach is closed to the public and so that seals can accept their pups here between December 15–May xv. During peak tourist season they tend to leave the beach in the early morning, fish all day, and return in the evening.
Information technology is technically okay to swim at the Children's Puddle when the beach is open up to the public, but the water is not of the highest quality. It's quite a scenic spot for photographs, though.
Walk north along the boardwalk from here to the Cave Store along Coast Blvd. You'll besides meet a myriad of body of water lions on and in betwixt the sandstone cliffs of La Jolla Cove.
Because these ii pinniped spots are well-nigh each other, this is definitely a kid-pleaser because one or both groups are likely to be effectually. I never get tired of seeing them, either.
DON'T Get out HUNGRY
We have plenty of coincidental, cheap, child-friendly places to eat near La Jolla Cove that are outstanding (but also designer shops and fine dining if that suits you ameliorate). Delight your gustation buds with an ice cream cone or take hold of a coffee. Refer to my lists of things to do in La Jolla and the all-time La Jolla restaurants.
Learn exactly how to visit them in my Guide to Visiting the La Jolla Seals and Sea Lions .
31. Cabrillo National Monument
Location: Indicate Colina
Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego'south only National Park, commemorates the 1542 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo on the West Coast, via the San Diego Bay. This historic event is celebrated equally the discovery of California.
A one-half-day visit here usually starts with a photo op at Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's statue with the panoramic view of the bay and downtown behind you.
Then, step into the Company Center to learn a fiddling more than near the site and become the information necessary for kids to earn a Inferior Ranger bluecoat while enjoying a mini-history lesson.
Other outdoor family things to exercise in San Diego here include lovely walks on the Bayside Trail and fantastic tide pools (the all-time viewing of them is November–March when low tides happen during the twenty-four hours).
You tin walk into the Old Point Colina Lighthouse to run across its frozen-in-time interior with furnishings that date back to 1855.
32. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Location: La Jolla
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is home to the rare Torrey Pino tree, some of the best San Diego ocean views, and eight miles of hiking trails — many of which are suitable for lilliputian ones.
The scenic three/4-mile-long Beach Trail in the Upper Reserve boasts lovely views and stairs down to the beach. (I don't recommend heading downwards to the beach with immature kids because it's a steep climb back upwardly.)
I exercise recommend the Guy Fleming Trail, a 2/iii-mile-long mild loop hike suitable for all ages, consummate with panoramic Pacific Ocean views and the best prove of wildflowers and native plants. Also, correct now, it'due south a ane-way loop to provide better distance between hikers.
Take reward of the free public guided walks for families and small-scale groups that happen on weekends and holidays to spot local flora and beast.
And, Torrey Pines State Beach is beneath the park so it'south easy to add together on some fun in the sand earlier or after your visit.
LEAVE THE STROLLER AT HOME
Information technology'southward easier to carry young kids in a baby carrier or backpack. Like Discovery Trail about the Visitor Heart, some trails are wheelchair accessible, but you will want to explore more a stroller will permit.
33. Petco Park Baseball Game and Tour
Location: Downtown
Even if the Padres aren't playing, you lot can take a behind the scenes tour of Petco Park year-round. The tours last approximately 80 minutes and involve almost i.5 miles of walking around the field, in the printing box, and more. The state-of-the-fine art, open-air ballpark boasts views of downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, and beyond.
If the squad is playing, definitely grab tickets for a game. Petco Park boasts some of the best sightlines in Major League Baseball. A twenty-four hours game is i of the popular family things to do in San Diego during the summer.
34. Waterfront Park
Location: Downtown (free to enter)
Families dear this big waterfront park (hence the name) with its interactive h2o fountains (yes, they can play in them) and playground equipment.
Its big grassy surface area is an excellent place for picnics and games, and for little ones to run around. They even show outdoor movies hither in the summertime.
The views over San Diego Bay from the park are also spectacular. It's located beyond from the Maritime Museum of San Diego and next door to the Wyndham San Diego Bayfront.
TIP: GRAB A PICNIC LUNCH IN LITTLE Italia
Waterfront Park is located at the border of Little Italian republic San Diego, where there are many great family-friendly places to catch delicious slices of pizza, sandwiches, and ice cream to-become.
35. Falconry Lessons
Location: La Jolla, Alpine, Ramona
If you lot'd like to learn falconry or see raptors in action upwards-close, you take a couple of great options.
Full Raptor eXperience offers falconry experiences at Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla. Participants interact with and learn to fly a raptor. All ages are welcome in the introductory class.
Nosotros enjoyed a falconry lesson with Sky Falconry at the Torrey Pines Gliderport a few years ago. They now just offer these lessons at their beautiful Alpine ranch. If y'all're looking for things to practice in San Diego with kids involving animal interaction, I would highly recommend them.
These lessons bond people with raptors and educate them about the human being-related threats (climate change, pollution, etc.) these majestic creatures face up that I yet think about years later.
36. Electric Cycle Tours
Location: La Jolla, Pacific Beach, or Downtown
Fun things to exercise in San Diego with teens include electric bike tours. Riders must be 13 or older, but you lot can pedal when you like and rely on the motor to become you lot upwardly steeper hills. Tour La Jolla beaches similar La Jolla Cove, in addition to breathtaking hilltops, downtown sights, and more.
Or, rent i of these absurd bikes for a few hours to ride on your own. We like San Diego Fly Rides (tours are temporarily unavailable).
37. Queen Calafia®'s Magic Circumvolve
Location: Escondido (free to enter)
A somewhat hidden gem in N San Diego County, Queen Califia's Magic Circle is the merely American sculpture garden past French creative person Niki de Saint Phalle, famous for her colorful mosaics.
This display includes nine big sculptures, a circular "snake wall" (400 feet long with varying heights), and a maze entryway in addition to some bench seating. You lot'll discover this touchable art is inside Kit Carson Park.
38. The Stuart Collection at UC San Diego
Location: La Jolla
A unlike striking art installation is woven throughout the campus of UC San Diego. The Stuart Drove features twenty rather big pieces of public art ranging from an bodily house hanging off the side of the Engineering science Building (Fallen Star past Doh Ho Suh) to the Sun God by Niki de Saint Phalle.
Download the map and use your inventiveness to brand exploring the collection a fun scavenger hunt for kids. Allow the pieces serve as something fun to look out for when touring the campus with a potential educatee.
39. San Elijo Lagoon
Location: Cardiff (costless to enter)
The virtually g-acre San Elijo Lagoon is one of San Diego's well-nigh diverse coastal wetlands. See if you can spot some of the over thou species of birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals that call this expanse home.
Before visiting, check their website for special programming (and trail closures if information technology's just rained) that the whole family unit will honey. Hiking here is i of the fun things to do in San Diego for kids outside considering the hiking trails are suitable for young children.
40. Junior Golf
Location: La Jolla, La Costa, Carlsbad
If your child has e'er wanted to endeavor golf or needs to polish his or her skills, San Diego is the perfect place for it. Be sure to cheque out the outstanding junior golf academies at Torrey Pines Golf Class, Omni La Costa, Aviara Golf Academy (near Park Hyatt Aviara and Four Seasons Aviara), and elsewhere.
When you stay at Fairmont 1000 Del Mar, kids ages 12 and under receive complimentary tee times and society rentals when accompanied past a paying adult.
Run into also: The All-time Kid-Friendly Hotels in San Diego
42. Skate Parks
Location: Various (free to enter)
Some of the world's most famous skateboarders, including Tony Militarist, have chosen San Diego home. Needless to say, we take a diversity of skate parks scattered beyond the county that cater to various levels. They are costless to utilise. Try:
- Linda Vista Skate Park (the second-largest in California)
- Carlsbad Skate Park (skilful for beginners)
- Washington Street Skate Park (skillful for experts)
43. San Diego Missions
Location: San Diego (Grantville neighborhood) and Oceanside
A very popular reason for a San Diego family holiday is to learn about California history, especially when kids who live in the state demand to set up for their 4th grade Mission projection.
Mission San Diego de Alcala was the first of the 21 California Missions. Its original location was in Erstwhile Boondocks San Diego, just due to infertile land, information technology was moved six miles east into Mission Valley around 1774.
You can too visit Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, which is the largest of the California Missions. Both are open to the public daily.
44. Sandcastle Classes
Location: Del Mar and Coronado
This came on my radar recently as a fantastic idea, especially since families are looking for more outdoor activities. Bond together over a sandcastle edifice form! You'll be completely blown away by the professional quality sandcastle your grouping will build with some instruction and tools.
Information technology's all-time for kids over the historic period of 9 who take the patience and bulldoze for a project similar this (though younger kids have participated with reasonable expectations).
Book in Del Mar through San Diego Sand Castles. The famous Sandcastle Man, who often leaves his works of art in front of Hotel del Coronado, also offers lessons.
All-time San Diego Tours for Kids and Teens
If you're wondering what to practise in San Diego with kids when it comes to sightseeing tours, residuum assured that with these they volition not exist tedious.
45. San Diego Seal Tours
Location: Embarcadero or Seaport Village (Downtown)
San Diego Seal Tours are 90-minute, fully-narrated tours on an open-air amphibious vehicle that bout scenic downtown spots on state outset. Kids volition love that information technology next "drives" into the San Diego harbor for skyline views and seal sightings.
TICKET Advice
San Diego Seal Tours books through Trusted Tours directly. Book your engagement and time at the Embarcadero or Seaport Village.
46. Speed Boat Adventures®
Location: Harbor Island (Downtown)
Even if you've never driven a gunkhole, yous can drive these. Speed Gunkhole Adventures boats are 13′ mini speed boats with repose, eco-friendly motors that carry up to three people (modest children sit down in the heart).
Boats have a 2-mode communicator then y'all can hear narration from the guide. It's a fabled way to sightsee from San Diego harbor. They too offer sunset tours.
GUARANTEE YOUR DATE AND Time
The only way to guarantee your date and time at time of booking is to volume direct.
47. Old Town Trolley Tours®
Location: Various stops from La Jolla to Downtown
The orange and green open up-air Erstwhile Town Trolley Tours cars permit guests to hop on and off at diverse stops around town. This fun service can eliminate the demand for a rental car in San Diego.
Check the trolley's interactive map for information nearly stops, tourist attractions, places to eat in San Diego well-nigh trolley stops, and more. Ensure you board the right trolley tour as non all go every bit far north as La Jolla Cove. The standard hop-on, hop-off bout circles neighborhoods in downtown, Balboa Park, Quondam Town, and Coronado Island.
DISCOUNTED TICKETS
They, like SEAL Tours, sell tickets through Trusted Tours. Yous tin can currently buy a discounted Silverish Pass.
48. Patriot Jet Boat
Location: Downtown San Diego
If you need fun San Diego family activities that will entertain teens and tweens, expect no further than the Patriot Jet Boat!
It's a 30-minute bout of the San Diego Bay on a speedboat that reaches speeds of up to 50 mph. They'll love the twists and turns and the blaring rock music.
Information technology'southward like a thrill ride on the water. Just, you can actually come across some sights and bask our sunshine in a short amount of time. You may (ok, volition) get wet! There is usually a Patriot Jet Boat Groupon.
Family-Friendly Seasonal Activities
Some fun family activities and tourist attractions are all-time enjoyed during sure times of the yr.
49. Wintertime Tide Pooling
Location: Diverse (free later on you park a auto)
Tide pooling flavour begins in November and extends roughly March when tides are low during the day. These low tides reveal sea creatures galore, including sea anemones, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs, octopus, bounding main stars, sea slugs, and more living in our tide pools.
Birch Aquarium leads tide pool tours almost Scripps Pier at La Jolla Shores Beach. Other great locations include the Cabrillo National Monument, Vanquish Beach in La Jolla, Tourmaline Surfing Park in Pacific Embankment, in front of the Hotel del Coronado, and more than.
See too: Top 8 Places to Go Tide Pooling in San Diego County
fifty. Snorkel or Swim with Leopard Sharks (Summer)
Location: La Jolla Shores Beach (costless to go with your own gear)
While this doesn't audio like an activity for a list of best things to practise in San Diego with kids, we residents ship our offspring into the h2o with the leopard sharks. It'due south fun! And, no, they don't bite.
La Jolla Shores Beach is home to the largest aggregation of leopard sharks in the earth. They start to arrive in June, but the numbers superlative around August and September. You lot'll see them even in knee-deep h2o, merely more often than not while snorkeling (swim slowly to avoid scaring them).
51. Whale Watching
Location: Cruises typically depart from Downtown San Diego, Mission Bay or Oceanside
Whale watching in San Diego is viable for about ix months of the twelvemonth. The types of whales seen on these tours depend on the season.
Roughly twenty,000 gray whales make the 10,000-mile migration from Alaska to the warm waters of United mexican states annually to requite nascence. Gray whale season is roughly betwixt mid-December and April.
Your chances of seeing them from land (Torrey Pines State Park and Cabrillo National Monument are two excellent spots) are better earlier in the season when they swim closer to shore on their way to Mexico. They swim further abroad from shore when they head back due north with their calves.
Blueish whales are among the largest creatures on earth and spotted between mid-June and September. A variety of local companies offer whale watching tours including some that depart from downtown, Mission Bay, and Oceanside in North San Diego County.
Browse whale watching tours by local companies like Flagship Cruises and Events.
52. Butterfly Farms
Location: Encinitas
Butterfly Farms is a nonprofit arrangement dedicated to the survival of our native butterflies and pollinators. It's open daily for public visits from April to November.
Docents are on hand to educate guests near the research and conservation efforts that happen at Butterfly Farms, and you lot'll exist able to walk through the 3000-foursquare-foot Vivarium where butterflies fly gratuitous. Looking for butterfly-friendly plants? You can besides buy them here.
53. Bayside Summertime Nights Concerts
Location: Downtown
While y'all should check the San Diego Symphony agenda year-round, their outdoor summer concert series is one of the fantastic seasonal things to practice in San Diego with kids. I'm devastated that the 2020 flavour had to exist canceled.
Whether you picnic on the backyard and let the kids run effectually (bring some glow sticks) or order a canteen of champagne to a reserved table, you'll listen to fantastic live music themed to the event. There is normally a Harry Potter themed concert and others on the schedule that are themed to popular movies and television shows.
54. Carlsbad Flower Fields®
Location: Carlsbad
Every bound, a fifty-acre Carlsbad hillside turns into a rainbow of color equally thousands of ranunculus flowers bloom against an ocean backdrop.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is a family-friendly San Diego attraction open up to the public for most vi-8 weeks, with hayrides and other special events.
It's a tradition going over 60 years strong. If your family trip coincides with the Blossom Fields being open, bring your photographic camera for some stunning holiday card photos.
55. Free Outdoor Summer Concerts
Location: All over San Diego
Free outdoor summer concerts pop up around San Diego Canton throughout the summertime. Bring a blanket, a picnic, and mind to live music under the stars betwixt roughly Memorial Mean solar day and Labor Day. Some of the many calendars to check out include:
- Coronado Promenade Summer Concert Series
- Balboa Park Twilight in the Park
- Del Mar Summer Twilight Concerts
- TGIF Concerts in the Park (Carlsbad)
Things to Do in San Diego with Toddlers
If you're non traveling with a toddler, bound to saving money in San Diego with kids.
Families email me quite a bit in search of recommendations for the best things to practise in San Diego with toddlers. So, I've created a shortlist of the to a higher place ideas here specifically to accost this age group.
Beginning, note that ages three and under receive costless admission to various major San Diego attractions for kids on this list. Taking a San Diego family unit holiday before kids require a child's ticket (the same goes for Disneyland) is a keen mode to save money.
Residents in San Diego with toddlers accept them to SeaWorld San Diego to visit Sesame Street Bay of Play. Tame amusement park rides include Elmo's Flying Fish, Oscar'due south Rocking Eel, and Abby's Sea Star Spin. Afterwards spending fourth dimension in this colorful, child-friendly country, you tin can visit the turtles, penguins, and other park residents.
The entire mission of The New Children's Museum is to get immature kids to think, play, and create. Toddlers and elementary school kids interact with exhibits, make crafts, listen to stories, and and then some hither.
Pushing a stroller around San Diego Zoo is nifty exercise in addition to a fun day out of the house. The Children's Zoo is under renovation, only you can roll kids up to exhibits, let them waddle around the playgrounds, and run across them bleat after spying their favorite beast.
Balboa Park is actually one of the fantastic toddler activities in San Diego. You tin walk the trails and gardens but also stop in a few of the museums. San Diego Natural History Museum and Fleet Science Centre both take play spaces for kids under five.
All ages honey the La Jolla seals and sea lions at Children'southward Pool Beach and La Jolla Cove. Equally presently as yous run into that your baby or toddler reacts to animals, they'll be certain to smile at these loud, agile residents.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is some other favorite of residents in San Diego with toddlers. Make it when it opens to grab a parking space. And so, spend a few hours hither looking at fish and playing with hands-on exhibits.
Every bit shortly every bit your kids show an interest in LEGOs, you can have them to LEGOLAND California. Usually, this hits around historic period two. There are tame family rides they will savor, as well.
Bring a carrier and consider a walk along some of our mild hiking trails with the whole family unit. There's a one-mile loop at San Elijo lagoon, easy trails throughout Cabrillo National Monument in Betoken Loma, or you can take in views at Torrey Pines Country Natural Reserve.
(Note that in 2021, we may have a Sesame Place theme park in Chula Vista that volition be fantastic for visiting San Diego with kids in this age grouping.)
How to Save Coin on Your San Diego Family Holiday
With a trivial planning, your San Diego trip doesn't have to suspension the bank.
Buy Sightseeing Passes
If y'all program on visiting 2 or more than of our attractions, consider purchasing the Go San Diego sightseeing pass.
About of the ticketed tours, museums, amusement parks on this list are included on one or more than of the three Go San Diego passes. If you know exactly where you're going, Build Your Own laissez passer with savings starting at 20% off.
The more attractions you add, the higher your savings will be. Y'all tin can also cull a comprehensive All-Inclusive pass, which saves up to 55% off of 35+ attractions, or the new Explorer Pass, which lets you visit 3, 4, 5, or seven included attractions that you don't have to preselect.
Look at Discount Tickets & Combo Tickets
You tin can also search for ticket combo packages or purchase cheap tickets a la carte through my aRes Travel site as means to relieve money on a San Diego vacation.
And, don't forget that I have the best prices for Zoo and Safari Park tickets.
Visit in October
If you're visiting in October, Kids Gratis San Diego offers free admission, meals, and hotel stays at over 100 participating restaurants, hotels, and San Diego attractions for kids.
It's a great time of twelvemonth to experience all of the absurd stuff to do in San Diego for kids without going over budget. Adults will need to purchase a qualifying ticket (which you can at a discount through me when the fourth dimension comes) to have advantage of this promotion which is like shooting fish in a barrel to do.
See too: San Diego Discounts: Experience the Urban center for Less
FAQs About San Diego for Kids
These are the most often asked questions about things to exercise in San Diego with kids that I receive from readers.
Is San Diego family-friendly?
Yes! San Diego is i of the best family-friendly destinations in the world no matter how old your kids are.
Our yr-round temperature average of lxx degrees means that sightseeing at our most popular attractions like San Diego Zoo Safari Park, LEGOLAND California, and the San Diego Zoo are rarely limited by rainfall.
You can go to the beach twelvemonth-round and the vast majority of our restaurants of any caliber welcoming to kids. I am your go-to resource for planning your San Diego family holiday.
What is there to do in San Diego with a baby?
Mild hikes are pop with families visiting with babies. Nosotros accept fantastic beachfront parks, like Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla where you can lay out a blanket and let them roll around or sit in shade or dominicus for bird watching or a peek at the seals.
Dip their toes in the sea at one of our family-friendly beaches and get them up-close with fish at Birch Aquarium or even bigger animals at the San Diego Zoo. Check my list of best San Diego hotel pools for one to classy effectually with them in at the end of the day.
If your babe naps well in the car, drive parts of our famous 59-mile breathtaking drive. While he or she sleeps, you can heed to tunes and sightsee. Program at least three hours to make the loop or carve up information technology into multiple days.
What is there to do with a 1-year-old in San Diego?
A fun activity for 1-year-olds is to take a walk around Balboa Park. Stop into the Lawn play space for ages 0-v at San Diego Natural History Museum. Kid City inside Fleet Science Center as well has a soft play area for this age.
Access to these museums for this age group is free and they are right next to each other. This age grouping also gets a kick out of the La Jolla Cove sea lions and the beach.
What tin can a 2-year-old exercise in San Diego?
One of the best places to take a 2-yr-quondam is Birch Aquarium at Scripps. This age group loves looking at the fish, touching sea creatures in the tide pools, and playing with hands-on exhibits in a condom, contained infinite.
Sesame Street Bay of Play at SeaWorld San Diego is also a favorite of local 2-year-olds especially if they are Elmo fans. At the age of 2, my daughter also loved the San Diego Zoo every bit there are enough of animals to encounter upwardly-close.
What is there to exercise in San Diego with teenagers?
Aside from touring our fantastic colleges, we have plenty of fun activities for older kids. SeaWorld San Diego is abode to a few roller coasters that teens honey and they can learn how to shred some waves or showcase mad skills at a skate park.
There'southward no lack of selfie spots. We accept murals, cute cafes, and decorative desserts (from decadent donuts to massive ice cream cones) that are perfect for their Instagram feeds. Read the full list of things to do in San Diego with teens and tweens.
What is free for kids in San Diego?
Luckily, some of the best things to exercise in San Diego with kids are free. Kids ages 3 and under arrive costless to theme parks like the San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND California. Top ideas for free family fun in San Diego include:
- San Diego beaches (of course).
- Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego with its play structures and water play fountain.
- A visit to the La Jolla seals and La Jolla Cove bounding main lions.
- Family-friendly hiking trails.
- Exploring Erstwhile Town San Diego'due south historic buildings and park.
- Kids eat complimentary restaurant promotions, though as these change, y'all should cheque before you lot go.
And don't forget about Kids Free San Diego in October where kids enter gratis with a paid adult. Restrictions utilise and details for the promotion are typically released in Baronial.
What can a family in San Diego do at nighttime?
San Diego kids' activities at nighttime vary by season, but in that location are e'er fun things to do. Check issue calendars at local museums and attractions. Suggestions include:
- Evening Padres baseball games at PETCO Park.
- Belmont Park (usually open up until 8 p.m).
- Evening Quondam Town Trolley Tours that drive by haunted sights or vacation lights.
- Evening bay dinner cruises.
- Embankment bonfires or southward'more roasting (the latter you tin do at Hotel del Coronado).
- Family-friendly plays at local theaters such as The Sometime Globe (encounter The Grinch during the holidays), Prado Theatre, and San Diego Borough Theater.
- Bayside Summer Nights concerts.
What to practise with kids in San Diego when information technology rains?
A rainy day is a perfect excuse to explore one of our many kid-friendly San Diego museums. Balboa Park is my height choice because its museums are close together which means that with an Explorer or Go San Diego laissez passer, yous can bounce between them at leisure without worrying about paying admission each time. Plus, you're but walking short distances between many of them.
What is there to do in La Jolla with kids?
My seaside customs of La Jolla offers kids fantastic opportunities to unplug in the outdoors, be it a day at La Jolla Shores Embankment, kayaking past our sea caves, or just gawking at our resident seals at the Children'southward Pool and sea lions at La Jolla Cove.
Dr. Seuss lived in La Jolla, and the air current-blown trees thought to have inspired the truffula trees in The Lorax are located in Ellen Browning Scripps Park. We have playgrounds and parks, Birch Aquarium, and family-friendly restaurants. Please read my full rundown of things to practice in La Jolla with kids.
Source: https://lajollamom.com/best-things-to-do-in-san-diego-with-kids/
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