The San Diego Zoo: The world famous San Diego Zoo tops the list of things to do in San Diego with kids. Not only is it home to over 3700 rare and endangered animals, there is a beautiful display of over 700,000 exotic plants throughout the 100 acres. It’s pleasant to walk around the zoo which has nicely-maintained and spacious animal enclosures. The zoo is dedicated to conservation and research. Highlights include Polar Bear Plunge, the pandas, Skyfari tram and other exhibits. Location: Balboa Park . Downtown San Diego
San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Over 2600 animals ranging from giraffes, elephants, lions and more roam in large, free-range enclosures at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Safaris range from the Africa Tram tour around the park to the Skyline Safari on a zipline over some of the animal enclosures. The park is also noted for its California condor breeding program and the world’s largest veterinary hospital. Watching the afternoon cheetah run is one of the most popular attractions as are the tigers of Tiger Trail. Location: Escondido
Legoland California: The word Lego just calls out to kids which is why Legoland California is a great choice for things to do in San Diego. Add in the success of The Lego Movie as well as the largest selection of Legoss in the nation at The Big Shop in the park where Legoss can be shipped to anywhere in the world, you have one great San Diego attraction for kids. Legoland California Resort consists of Legoland California, Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland Hotel, Legoland Water Park and the Lego Legends of China Water Park or younger kids as well as teens that are Lego fans. Location: Carlsbad
Aquatica Water Park: San Diego’s only water park features a wide range of attractions for any level of swimmer including wave pools, lazy river, water slides, interactive water play areas and much more. Aquatica also offers private cabana rentals by the day. Location: Chula Vista
SeaWorld San Diego: SeaWorld San Diego alone draws in tourists from all over the world and a number of special behind-the-scenes tours are available. Sesame Street Bay of Play entertains young kids with mild rides and lots to climb on while Manta roller coaster thrills older riders. You can also learn about penguins, rays, dolphins and much more in this beautifully-landscaped park. Location: Mission Bay
Belmont Park: Belmont Park is a fun seaside amusement park for kids located in San Diego on Mission Beach. San Diego’s seaside amusement park is a great way to spend a half-day. Between a historic roller coaster, an arcade, numerous rides, giant scoops of ice cream, a zip line, laser tag and more, Belmont Park is a great thing to see in San Diego with kids. It’s located right on the beach and it is home to a couple of good restaurants. Location: Mission Beach
Old Town San Diego: Known as the birthplace of California, Old Town San Diego is great for photography and a fun place to visit. In addition to a variety of shops and restaurants, there is a lovely park and a number of historic sites. The Whaley House is one of the coolest haunted houses in the country, the Seeley Stables is an old stagecoach stop, the Serra Museum showcases Kumeyaay Indians Spanish and Mexican exhibits of San Diego history starting in the 1700s and much more. Old Town San Diego often has people dressed in period costumes as well as other live entertainment so check the event calendar. Location: Old Town San Diego
Seaport Village: Seaport Village is a fun seaside entertainment area for families. We’re talking about a fudge store, cupcake shop, an awesome kite store, roaming entertainment, ocean views and great dining - over 50 restaurants and shops in all. It’s also a great spot for family photos and it's within walking distance of many hotels in downtown San Diego. The historic carousel is fun to ride for younger kids. Location: Downtown San Diego
Balboa Park: The nation’s largest urban cultural park is home to 16 museums, a number of beautiful gardens, the San Diego Zoo, restaurants and performing arts venues. Balboa Park is free to enter though the museums have ticket fees. It is wonderful to spend a day walking around here even without going into a museum, however, as there are many child-friendly things to do. Location: Downtown San Diego
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center: The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is a great museum for hands-on science education throughout 8 galleries featuring over 100 exhibits. Learn how gravity works, build stuff, watch movies in the world’s first dome IMAX theatre and then some. Location: Balboa Park
San Diego Natural History Museum: Located across the courtyard from the Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Natural History Museum has dinosaur bones and a number of other exhibits regarding San Diego geology, ecosystems and history. Location: Balboa Park
San Diego Railroad Museum: At 27,000 square feet, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is North America’s largest model railroad museum and a toy train enthusiast’s dream with four enormous scale and model layouts. The detail on the trains and scenery is staggering. Location: Balboa Park
San Diego Air and Space Museum: Go to the San Diego Air and Space Museum to learn about the history of flight from early balloon ascents to space travel. Over 50 aircraft hang from the rafters and the various galleries showcase the Wright brothers, the Golden Age of flight, World Wars I and II, the Jet Age in addition to women in flight. Location: Balboa Park
Museum of Man: Kids can channel their inner archeologist at the Museum of Man. They can also dress up as an Egyptian Pharaoh in addition to learning about excavating and wrapping mummies. The iconic California Tower is also here and you can climb it with a reservation. Location: Balboa Park
San Diego Botanic Gardens: If you’re looking for both a fun day outside with the kids and garden inspiration, this is it. The San Diego Botanic Garden is home to 30 gorgeous gardens with themes ranging from olive trees to plants native to the Canary Islands in addition to the Hamilton Gardens filled with activities for kids. Guests can also join tours ranging from bird watching to various walks catered toward specific age groups. Location: Encinitas
Birch Aquarium at Scripps: For a peaceful hour or two, roam the Birch Aquarium at Scripps which is the public exploration center for the prestigious Scripps Institute of Oceanography. To the right, the impressive aquarium displays 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond. Out back is a tidal pool area where docents help visitors touch starfish and anemones. Bring your camera to take some photos with as the view over the ocean and La Jolla is spectacular. From December through April, join one of their whale watching tours. This is a great educational option for things to do in San Diego with kids. Location: La Jolla
USS Midway Museum: One of America’s longest serving aircraft carriers is now a popular maritime museum home to 60 exhibits and 29 restored aircraft. Kids will love learning what life was like at sea on the USS Midway in addition to the two flight simulators. Location: Downtown San Diego
New Children’s Museum: 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 and that’s exactly what kids do there through arts and crafts, hands-on exhibits and the performing arts. Appropriate for toddlers up to teenagers, this is one of the many things to do in San Diego with kids that will spark their love of learning. Location: Downtown San Diego
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum: The San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is entirely dedicated to learning through play throughout 6000 square feet of indoor space and even more outside where there are chicken coops, worm farms and other investigative stations. The themes of water and energy conservation are present throughout. Location: Escondido
Best San Diego County Beaches for Kids: San Diego is home to 70 miles of stunningly beautful coastline which means there are lots of beaches to choose from. The odds are that there is a family-friendly beach near where you are staying and here are some top picks in San Diego County:
Coronado Central Beach: This beach is in front of the Hotel Del Coronado though it extends quite a distance past the luxury hotel. The water is usually calm here with a nice sandy beach. You can eat at the Del if you aren’t too sandy and dressed appropriately. Coronado Central Beach ranks highly on a number of national travel publication lists including Travel and Leisure and the north end is good for surfing. Location: Coronado
La Jolla Shores Beach: This is the beach for people who crave ocean activities. La Jolla Shores Beach Beach is flat and sandy and especially great for kids. Kellogg Park’s playground, grassy areas, and other amenities are here, too. Lifeguards patrol the area, there are a handful of fire pits and bathrooms with showers. It’s easy to walk to Avenida de la Playa, the main street in La Jolla Shores, for snacks, etc. Location: La Jolla
Kayak the Sea Caves: Rent a double kayak, bring your own or join a tour. Kayaks are easy to launch from La Jolla Shores Beach for exploration of the San Diego - La Jolla Underwater Park. From above, you can see orange garabaldi fish and friendly sea lions. You’ll pass by sea caves – all but one of which are only visible from the ocean. Some tours will take you through Clam’s Cave where the barks of sea lions are almost deaffening. Highly recommended: A sea cave tour with Everyday California. Location: La Jolla Shores Beach
Snorkel or Swim with Sharks: La Jolla Shores Beach is also home to the largest concentration of leopard sharks in the world. They start arriving in June but numbers peak around August and September. You’ll see them in even knee deep water but mostly while snorkeling. (No, they don’t bite.) Location: La Jolla Shores Beach
Del Mar Beach: From 15th street in Del Mar through 29th street is an area of beach in front of beautiful homes that is very popular especially during the summer. It’s walkable from a some of the most popular restaurants in Del Mar as well as L’Auberge Hotel and a few smaller Inns. Another stretch of Del Mar beach is Torrey Pines State Beach where the most kid friendly strip of beach is the one closest to the highway. There are bathrooms, showers and lifeguards here as well as a fun area where kids can play next to the lagoon. Location: Del Mar
Moonlight Beach: Further north is Moonlight Beach which is a popular concierge recommendation because it has the most family and kid friendly amenities of any North County San Diego beach. Between picnic tables, fire rings, lifeguards, restrooms, volleyball courts, a snack bar and even equipment rentals your needs will be well taken care of here. Location: Encinitas
Mission Bay Beaches: The largest man made aquatic park in America is Mission Bay. In addition to vendors that offer a myriad of water sports from water skiing to SUP to aqua cycles, bay beaches are great for kids because there are no waves. The sand is soft and water is as calm as can be. You can access the bay beaches in a number of places but Sail Bay Beach in front of Fanuel Park in Pacific Beach is a favorite. Location: Mission Bay.
Learn to Surf: One of the coolest things to do in San Diego with kids that embodies the California lifestyle is to put them on a surf board. Kids as young as five can take surfing lessons. Surf Diva at La Jolla Shores and San Diego Surfing School in Pacific Beach are accredited surf schools with locations up and down the coast. Location: Various . San Diego County
Children’s Pool Seals and La Jolla Sea Lions: One of the best free things to do in La Jolla is to visit the Children’s Pool seals. It’s called the Children’s Pool because it’s a small stretch of beach protected by a partial sea wall that was originally intended for kids to have a safe place to swim but the seals took it over and it’s quite a scenic spot for photography. Location: La Jolla
Cabrillo National Monument: A visit to San Diego’s National Park is for all ages. It’s where Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo is thought to have discovered California in 1542. In addition to panoramic views of downtown San Diego over the bay, other sights here include the iconic lighthouse, a visitor’s center where kids can earn a Junior Ranger stamp, lovely trail walks and fantastic tide pools. Location: Point Loma
Waterfront Park: This brand new park is a nice hub for families. Kids love the interactive water fountains in addition to play ground equipment. The large grassy area is great for picnics, games and they even show outdoor movies here in the summer. The views over the harbor are also spectacular. It is located across from the Star of India and next door to the Wyndham San Diego Bayfront. Location: Downtown San Diego
Queen Calafia’s Magic Circle: A somewhat hidden gem in North County, Queen Califia’s Magic Circle is the only American sculpture garden by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle who is famous for colorful mosaics. It has nine large sculptures, a circular 'snake wall' that is 400 feet long and a maze entryway. Location: Kit Carson Park . Escondido
The Stuart Collection at UC San Diego: Another striking art installation is woven throughout the campus of UC San Diego. The Stuart Collection has 18 large pieces of public art ranging from an actual house hanging off the side of the Engineering Building, steel trees, and the Sun God by Niki de Saint Phalle. Download the iPhone app to turn it into a fun scavenger hunt for kids or teens. Location: La Jolla
Winter Tide Pooling: Tide pooling season spans November through March when tides are low during the day and sea creatures galore including sea anemones, hermit crabs, octopus, sea stars, sea slugs and more can be found in abundance. The Birch Aquarium leads tide pool tours near Scripps Pier at La Jolla Shores. Other great locations include the Cabrillo National Monument, Shell Beach in La Jolla, Tourmaline Surfing Park in Pacific Beach, Coronado Central Beach in front of the Hotel Del Coronado and more. Location: Various . San Diego County
Whale Watching: Whale Watching is viable for about 9 months of the year here in San Diego but which type you see depends on the season. About 20,000 grey whales make the 10,000 mile migration from Alaska to the warm waters of Mexico. They’re best seen in San Diego from mid-December to 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 as they tend to swim a bit closer to shore. Blue whales are among the largest creatures on earth and are generally spotted from mid-June through September. Location: Pacific Ocean
Carlsbad Flower Fields: Every spring, a 50-acre Carlsbad hillside turns into an rainbow of color as thousands of flowers bloom against an ocean backdrop. It’s a tradition going over 60 years strong. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is a family-friendly San Diego attraction open to the public for about 6-8 weeks with hay rides and other special events. Location: Carlsbad
San Diego Seal Tours: San Diego has the famous bus-boats that start off on land and head into the water. San Diego Seal Tours are 90-minute, full-narrated tours on an amphibious vehicle that start in Seaport Village, tour scenic downtown spots and then submerge into the San Diego bay for skyline views and seal sightings. Location: Seaport Village
Speed Boat Adventures: Even if you’ve never driven a boat, you can drive these. Speed Boat Adventures has boats that are 13′ mini speed boats with quiet, eco-friendly motors that carry up to three people. Boats have a two-way communicator so you can hear narration from the guide. It’s a great way to see San Diego Harbor and they even do sunset tours. Location: Harbor Island
Old Town San Diego Trolley Tours: The orange and green Old Town Trolley Tours cars allow guests to hop on and off at various stops around San Diego which can eliminate the need for a rental car in San Diego. Download the trolley’s interactive map on to your phone for information about stops, attractions and nearby restaurants and more. Location: Various stops from La Jolla to Downtown San Diego
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