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San Diego County overflows with enjoyable for households. As a mother who lived on this Southern California seashore metropolis for a few years and returns frequently together with her brood, I am excited to share the most effective issues to do in San Diego with children. There are plentiful actions to maintain all ages content material from theme parks and animal adventures to nature play and museums. Check out 35 San Diego points of interest for households!
Discover San Diego deals together with attraction ticket discounts and discounted hotel packages. Scroll to the underside of this record of San Diego points of interest for youths to discover a particular San Diego low cost only for Journey Mamas readers!
1. The Seashore
When contemplating the most effective San Diego points of interest for youths, the seashore at all times tops the record. This Southern California metropolis is famend for its lengthy sandy seashores and surfable waves. Actually, San Diego boasts greater than 70 miles of shoreline. It doesn’t matter what time of 12 months you go to, magnificence and enjoyable abound at San Diego seashores.
In summer season, the attractive seashores bustle with picnicking households. Households can construct sandcastles and splash within the waves. Or, take part in water sports activities like surfing lessons, boogie boarding, or a sea-kayaking tour.
Cooler spring and fall temperatures imply extra space to calm down and unfold out a seashore blanket. For me, that is the most effective time to go to the seashore in San Diego. Take a protracted stroll on the sand, take heed to the waves roll out and in, and watch the seagulls dive into the water for a seafood snack.
These visiting in winter are sometimes stunned to seek out the seashores too chilly for swimming. However wetsuits can be found from surf retailers for die-hard ocean lovers. Winter months are a good time to discover San Diego tide pools, trying to find hermit crabs, sea stars, mussels, and different sea life at low tide.
Greatest Seashores in San Diego for Households
With so many San Diego beaches alongside the Pacific Ocean, it may be laborious to decide on the suitable one for your loved ones. Pacific Seashore and Ocean Seashore buzz with energetic boardwalks, seashore volleyball, and horseshoe-playing school children. For much less hubbub, households might want the stainless Coronado Island Seashore.
The crescent-shaped La Jolla Shores Seashore can be a stunner. Fletcher Cove in Solana Seashore is at all times a household favourite with its candy beachside playground. In the meantime, Mission Seashore gives very mellow waves for younger kids.
2. Balboa Park
The situation of the first-ever World’s Truthful, Balboa Park is certainly among the best issues to do in San Diego with children. It appears like a grand previous European boulevard. Get pleasure from free admission to this spacious park with its multitude of gardens and 5 playgrounds.
Your entire household will take pleasure in wandering by the park’s stunning grounds. Be sure you go to the Balboa Park Rose Backyard to cease and odor the aromatic flowers. For much more enjoyable, join a Balboa Park Scavenger Hunt.
Pay further to discover Balboa Park’s 17 onsite museums. San Diego’s famend Previous Globe Theatre additionally places on performances right here all year long. The San Diego Zoo is technically a part of Balboa Park, too.
3. San Diego Zoo
After all, you possibly can’t go to San Diego with children with out visiting its well-known zoo. Broadly considered among the best zoological facilities on the planet, the San Diego Zoo wows animal lovers. This zoo’s focus is on the conservation of endangered animals and educating the general public concerning the world’s creatures.
4 thousand animals representing 800 species make their houses right here. Take a peek at lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!). However there are additionally koalas, Komodo dragons, kangaroos, and plenty of different animals to fascinate guests.
As soon as house to massive pandas on mortgage from China, guests can nonetheless see crimson pandas on the San Diego Zoo.
Children will take pleasure in visiting the Kids’s Zoo. There they will play on the Fisher-Value Discovery Playground and work together with goats, sheep, and different mellow creatures within the petting zoo.
Because the zoo is situated throughout the stunning Balboa Park, you can simply convey a cooler crammed with meals to maintain in your (rental) automobile within the car parking zone. Get pleasure from a meal at one of many picnic tables within the park after which reenter the zoo as soon as your bellies are full.
Learn my suggestions for benefiting from visiting the San Diego Zoo with children and purchase your San Diego Zoo entry passes!
4. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Safari Park is simply as spectacular as its sister property, the world-famous San Diego Zoo. This animal park encompasses a whopping 1,800 acres, in comparison with the zoo’s 100.
The African Tram is the park’s king attraction. It transports guests by a wide-open panorama much like that of the African Savannah. Riders spy on such creatures as rhinos, giraffes, and Cape buffaloes. Pay an extra charge to stand up near the animals on a Caravan Safari (proven above).
However that is not the one memorable journey on the Safari Park. Buy a cup of nectar at Lorikeet Touchdown to return nostril to beak with brightly plumed lorikeet parrots. You possibly can even zip-line on the San Diego Zoo Safari Park over the heads of untamed animals. Or, for a really memorable journey, join the Roar and Snore in a single day tenting within the park.
On scorching days, convey swim gear for kids to chill off within the animal-shaped fountains on the Savannah Cool Zone.
Purchase your San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets now!
5. LEGOLAND California
Whereas many amusement parks current passive leisure, mother and father can be happy to find interactive points of interest at LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad.
On the Volvo Driving College, kids drive pint-sized automobiles round streets dotted with cease indicators and dealing stoplights. Children can even construct and race LEGO autos and even program computerized LEGO Mindstorms robots.
The Police and Fireplace Academy Rescue experience will get Mother and Dad concerned. Households pile into a fireplace truck or police automobile. Then they energy it by pumping levers up and down as they race different groups to place out a “fireplace” and cease make-believe robbers.
Buy discounted LEGOLAND California tickets now!
6. Belmont Park
Children adore Belmont Park on the Mission Seashore Boardwalk. Go to this waterfront park for carnival video games with prizes, ice lotions, funnel desserts, and a handful of enjoyable rides.
Admission is free at this well-liked San Diego attraction for households. Pay as you go so swing by to experience and play what you want and transfer on. For limitless entry to 13 rides and included parking, buy a Belmont Park Ride & Play Pass.
Large Dipper Curler Coaster
The star attraction is the Large Dipper Curler Coaster. This historic wood curler coaster was initially inbuilt 1925 and has been restored to your rickety using pleasure. Be warned that this can be a very jerky experience. Teenagers will adore it. Grown-ups? In all probability much less.
Kiddie Rides
Count on kiddie rides on dry land like Tremendous Grover’s Field Automobile Derby mini curler coaster. Parades and beloved Sesame Avenue character meet-and-greets spherical out the household enjoyable.
Water Park Rides
For a splashing good time, younger children will take pleasure in amusements like Elmo’s Foolish Sand Slides and The Rely’s Splash Fort. Larger children can be excited to seek out thrilling water slides, too. For instance, Cookie’s Monster Mixer is a 4-story raft experience that sends households on a swirling, swishing journey.
7. La Jolla Cove
La Jolla is well-known for its designer retailers and upscale eating choices. However La Jolla Cove can be a wonderful place to take pleasure in outside actions.
Get pleasure from a picnic lunch on an expansive grassy space overlooking the ocean at Scripps Parkway. Come at low tide to search for marine life in tide swimming pools alongside the Pacific Ocean.
Then stroll alongside sea cliffs and peer at California Harbor seals and sea lions lazing on the seashore at Children’s Pool. This can be a small cove protected by a concrete breaker, which significantly appeals to those ocean mammals.
8. SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego is finest identified for exhibits starring ocean animals like dolphins and sea lions. Aquariums crammed with sea life abound right here, too, together with a walk-through shark tank.
For an additional particular deal with, ebook a Premier Expertise, like a Dine with Orcas Meal or Penguin Encounter.
This theme park additionally options enjoyable rides. Sesame Avenue Bay of Play supplies candy rides for younger ones like Elmo’s Flying Fish and Abby’s Sea Star Spin. The Sky Tower and Bayside Skyride present spectacular views of Mission Bay. In the meantime, curler coasters like Manta and Shipwreck Rapids thrill adventurous parkgoers.
Learn my suggestions for visiting SeaWorld San Diego with children and purchase your SeaWorld San Diego Skip-the-Line Tickets!
9. Birch Aquarium at Scripps
This aquarium in La Jolla supplies a worthwhile different to SeaWorld San Diego. It is a fantastic place for households on a good finances or with restricted time. The main target at Birch Aquarium is on ocean training, animal care, and conservation.
I particularly advocate this San Diego attraction for households with infants and toddlers. Younger ones like to get an up-close view of tanks crammed with fish. Get your fill of glowing moon jellies, stunning lionfish, silvery sardines, sharks, and different sea creatures.
Older kids additionally take pleasure in viewing marine life and exploring hands-on displays. They’ll even gently pet sandpapery sea stars and slimy sea cucumbers in fake tide swimming pools on the outside Tide Pool Plaza.
Learn all my suggestions for exploring Birch Aquarium with children.
10. San Diego Botanic Backyard
The 37-acre San Diego Botanic Backyard incorporates greater than two dozen themed gardens located alongside 4 miles of trails. That is considered one of my private favourite issues to do in San Diego with children and a must-see each time we return to our former hometown in Southern California.
Seeds of Surprise Kids’s Backyard
The Seeds of Surprise Kids’s Backyard is geared towards younger children (kindergarten and youthful). Kids may take pleasure in making bubbles with tubs of soapy water and wands. Then, dig up buried plastic dinosaurs. A toddler-sized playhouse is at all times successful for fake play. Better of all is the mannequin railroad observe with trains that chug by the backyard.
Hamilton Kids’s Backyard
In the meantime, Hamilton Kids’s Backyard appeals to greater children. Households can begin by enjoying an enormous recreation of tic-tac-toe. Subsequent, wander by a labyrinth fabricated from feathery crops. Kids can be taught to learn a sundial and climb the centerpiece treehouse, too. Throughout scorching summer season months, children play with toy boats and funky off their tootsies in a miniature stream.
Be taught extra in my full San Diego Botanic Backyard assessment.
11. Torrey Pines State Pure Reserve
The reserve is house to the uncommon twisty Torrey pine in addition to desert brush, prickly pear cactus, wildflowers, and different native crops. Select from eight mountaineering trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. After your hike, cool off within the ocean on the Torrey Pines State Seashore beneath seashore cliffs.
My most popular path is the Seashore Path, which descends over three-quarters of a mile from the ocean cliff to the seashore. Soak up sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean alongside the way in which.
A neater path, Man Fleming Path, is a 2/3-mile loop. That is in all probability the most effective choose for households with younger kids.
Everybody, together with these in wheelchairs or strollers, can take pleasure in Discovery Path. This quick 1/2-mile loop close to the Torrey Pines Lodge options data markers about native crops.
12. Previous City San Diego
Step again in time on this historic space of San Diego. Staking declare because the birthplace of recent California, Previous City is the place the primary Spanish settlers arrived in 1769 and constructed the primary of 21 missions within the state.
At this time, vacationers and locals wander by 15 historic buildings in Previous City San Diego. Store quite a lot of shops peddling souvenirs, selfmade soaps, candies, and extra.
The actual cause my household loves Previous City? The meals! With over 25 eateries inside a one-mile radius, you’re certain to seek out one thing to please each member of the family’s style buds. The specialty right here, although, is Mexican delicacies. Menus burst with conventional dishes like tamales, enchiladas, and chiles rellenos.
Get extra out of your go to with an Previous City California: Hop-On Hop-Off Narrated Trolley Tour.
13. The New Kids’s Museum
With 17 museums at Balboa Park, it is easy to overlook this great place for kids within the coronary heart of San Diego’s downtown Gaslamp Quarter. This museum was designed to encourage kids to suppose, play, and create utilizing hands-on exhibitions and creative actions.
Some areas of The New Kids’s Museum are age-specific, like Sketch Aquarium for ages 2+ and Reconnecting to House for ages 6+. Different areas have interaction kids throughout age teams. It is the right place to go when mother and father wish to relaxation whereas the youngsters play.
14. Cabrillo Nationwide Monument
Deliver the youngsters to Cabrillo Nationwide Monument for a San Diego historical past lesson. Then hike alongside the Bayside Path to soak up attractive panoramic views of the ocean and metropolis beneath. You could even see migrating whales in January and February!
This nationwide monument is called for Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. In 1542, he was the chief of the primary European expedition on what’s now the West Coast of the USA.
Previous Level Loma Lighthouse
The spotlight of a go to to Cabrillo Nationwide Monument is Old Point Loma Lighthouse. This lit the way in which for sailors coming into San Diego Bay from 1855 to 1891. At this time, guests get a glimpse of life within the 1800s by interval furnishings and lighthouse instruments on show.
15. LEGOLAND Water Park
For water lovers, LEGOLAND Water Park is certainly among the best issues to do in San Diego with children. This aquatic middle gives thrilling full-sized water slides and a lazy river for giant children, teenagers, and grown-ups. For younger children, there are water playgrounds with mellow waterslides and animal-shaped fountains.
Dive into all of the splashy enjoyable with my LEGOLAND Water Park suggestions.
16. Whale Watching in San Diego
San Diego is among the finest locations to go whale watching all 12 months lengthy. Grey whales migrate from Mexico to Alaska and again from mid-December to mid-March. Off the Pacific Coast in summers, you may even spot the world’s largest animals, blue whales. You will seemingly spot dolphins, too, throughout your San Diego whale-watching journey.
My daughter and I typically undergo from seasickness and we each fared nicely on our San Diego whale watching tour. For households that suffer from movement illness, pack some Dramamine simply in case.
Book your San Diego whale-watching tour now with our accomplice, GetYourGuide!
17. Sesame Place San Diego
Sesame Place opened within the southern suburb of Chula Vista in 2022. This theme park was designed particularly for kids aged 3 to 10.
Count on stay exhibits, parades, and photograph ops with beloved characters like Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster. There are a handful of candy rides for younger ones like Tremendous Grover’s Field Automobile Derby and the Sunny Day Carousel.
Get pleasure from a number of splashy water rides at this theme park, too. Suppose waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and The Rely’s Splash Tower with a 500-gallon water bucket drop.
18. Seaport Village
Wander by quirky boutiques and memento retailers on the waterfront Seaport Village buying and leisure complicated. It is located beside San Diego Bay close to downtown San Diego.
This is among the finest locations to soak up bay views over a restaurant meal. Children will particularly benefit from the Historic Carousel and online game arcade right here.
19. Carlsbad Flower Fields
Each spring locals and vacationers alike flock to the Flower Fields at Carlsbad. Scent the ranunculus and pose for superb photograph alternatives amongst 1000’s of blooms.
Journey a tractor-pulled wagon by greater than 50 acres of rainbow-colored rows of flowers. Then tiptoe by a maze fabricated from candy peas. Older children who like a problem can stamp paper passports at stations all through the Flower Fields.
At Santa’s Playground, kids climb and slide amongst restored playhouses and gigantic mushrooms. These had been as soon as a part of the favored Santa’s Village amusement space. It was situated in Lake Arrowhead from 1955 to 1998 earlier than being relocated to the flower fields.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad are sometimes open from March by Mom’s Day annually. Learn my recommendation for visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields with children.
20. Petco Park
One of many coolest locations within the nation to observe a baseball recreation is Petco Park. That is as a result of it is constructed proper into the historic Western Steel Provide Firm Constructing within the Gaslamp Quarter.
Soak up views of downtown whereas cheering on the house group, the San Diego Padres. Plus, there are many locations to discover proper earlier than or after the sport.
Petco Park can be the one main league baseball stadium with a resort immediately related to it. My husband and I stayed right here one weekend and it was such a thrill to stroll proper throughout the skyway from the resort to the stadium! Search for particular baseball packages on the Omni Hotel San Diego.
21. Resort del Coronado
Sure, it is a resort. However the Hotel Del Coronado can be a vacationer attraction in its personal proper. Many individuals come to this well-known resort only for the day.
The Resort Del Coronado is famend for its extravagant weekend brunch, fancy-schmancy retailers, and immaculate stretch of seashore. The seashore is public so anybody can splash and play right here.
The Del (because it’s identified to locals) is worthy of a go to year-round. Throughout winter holidays, day guests and resort visitors alike can take a spin on the oceanside outside ice skating rink.
Including to the glamorous vibe, many motion pictures have been filmed right here, most notably Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe.
The Resort Del is situated on Coronado Island throughout from downtown San Diego. The “island” is definitely a peninsula, however it’s bought an island vibe and feels worlds away from the town. It made our record of the most effective seashore inns on the planet.
22. Little Italy
San Diego’s Little Italy packs a tasty punch. This can be a tremendous enjoyable place to walk and dine. Meander by artwork galleries and darling retailers on this neighborhood close to the Gaslamp Quarter.
After all, the principle draw is scrumptious Italian delicacies. From gelaterias and pasta retailers to high-end delicacies, you will not go hungry in Little Italy.
Essentially the most enjoyable for households is Filippi’s Pizza Grotto. A wee grocery crammed with delightfully pungent cheeses, hanging salamis, and different Italian goodies will entertain hungry prospects ready for a desk. And the pizza? Fugheddaboudit!
23. Fleet Science Middle
Positioned at Balboa Park, Fleet Science Center (previously Reuben H. Fleet Science Middle) is crammed with interactive displays. Children of all ages may have a lot enjoyable turning knobs and urgent buttons, they will not notice they’re studying about science.
24. Maritime Museum of San Diego
The entire household will take pleasure in touring distinctive crusing vessels on the floating Maritime Museum. Steam-powered boats, crusing ships, and submarines make up the museum’s fleet of 9 boats.
The expertise consists of the Star of India, the world’s oldest energetic crusing yacht. Children get a kick out of pretending they’re pirates on the excessive seas.
25. USS Halfway Museum
Not removed from the Maritime Museum, seafarers and army buffs will admire the USS Halfway Museum at Naval Pier. Climb aboard to discover this retired naval plane provider. Reserve your USS Halfway Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets now!
26. Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium
Guests get a glimpse of what it is prefer to stay underneath the ocean at Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium from encapsulated pop-up plastic bubbles in fish-filled tanks. Buy separate tickets or select park hoppers to discover this aquarium situated at LEGOLAND California.
Be taught extra about each the theme park and the aquarium with my LEGOLAND California suggestions.
27. Balboa Park Carousel
The Balboa Park Carousel was inbuilt 1910. It options three chariots, 27 hand-carved horses, and 25 different animals together with giraffes, pigs, and a dragon. The carousel is open sometimes on weekends and college holidays.
This is among the few carousels on the planet that also gives the brass ring recreation. Huge children and adults who wish to play ought to select an outdoor horse. Then attain out to know the small rings on every spin. Iron rings don’t depend. Solely the rider who nabs the brass ring wins a free experience!
28. Balboa Park Railroad
Climb aboard a miniature train situated simply outdoors the San Diego Zoo’s entrance. It takes 3 minutes to chug by Balboa Park’s grassy panorama and a protracted tunnel.
If sharing a prepare experience with a gaggle of school-aged kids, then beware that field-tripping children scream in unison by the tunnel. It’s finest to attend for the subsequent prepare.
The prepare sometimes runs on daily basis throughout summer season and spring break, however solely on weekends low season.
29. San Diego Mannequin Railroad Museum
Received a child who loves trains? Then the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is for your loved ones! It homes one of many largest indoor mannequin prepare shows on the planet.
This attraction is a big hit with the preschooler set. Discover this museum celebrating all issues choo-choo at Balboa Park.
30. San Diego Pure Historical past Museum
Your entire household will take pleasure in studying about dinosaurs, ocean creatures, geodes, and extra on the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park. Children can be enthralled by the large fountain out entrance, too.
31. Unconditional Give up
In entrance of the USS Halfway within the waterfront park, Tuna Harbor, you may discover the enduring Unconditional Give up statue. This 25-foot-tall sculpture celebrates the victory of the Allied Forces after World Warfare II.
It’s primarily based on the well-known photograph of a sailor and a nurse embracing in a kiss after the information of Japan’s give up in 1945.
There’s some controversy about this statue as a result of the pair weren’t a pair. Reasonably, the girl was grabbed by a stranger who kissed her.
32. San Diego County Truthful
If visiting San Diego with children in summer season, then hit up the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar. It sometimes runs from early June by early July annually.
Count on theme park rides, carnival video games with prizes, livestock shows, uncommon retail choices, and stay leisure. Meals, backyard, and artwork contests are additionally enjoyable to peruse.
Truthful meals is one other main draw. Get the grilled corn on the cob and slather it with cotija cheese and chili powder for a Mexican avenue corn deal with. Deep-fried Twinkies and frybread tacos are at all times successful, too. Dad and mom will wish to swing by the beer backyard for an grownup beverage to scrub all of it down.
33. Whaley Home
Whereas exploring Previous City San Diego, older children may take pleasure in a tour of Whaley House. This supposedly haunted constructing was featured on the Journey Channel’s America’s Most Haunted.
It’s also San Diego’s first home fabricated from bricks. Over time, the constructing has been used as a courthouse, theatre, billiard corridor, and college.
34. San Diego Air and House Museum
The San Diego Air and Space Museum is well-liked with would-be pilots and astronauts. Expertise aerospace historical past with a re-creation of the Wright Brothers’ 1901 glider. Additionally, view fighter planes from World Warfare I, World Warfare II, the Golden Age of Flight, and approach past.
“Be the Astronaut” offers children and adults alike a style of area journey. This hands-on exhibit teaches concerning the pleasure and challenges of exploring our photo voltaic system.
35. San Diego SEAL Tour
Take within the sights of San Diego throughout a enjoyable 1.5-hour San Diego SEAL Tour. It takes place on each land and sea.
The narrated tour begins at Seaport Village and continues alongside San Diego streets. You will be taught concerning the historical past of the town alongside the way in which. Then your amphibious automobile will carry your loved ones into the harbor for a floating tour of the bay.
Save Cash on Your San Diego Household Trip
Wish to get monetary savings on the most effective issues to do in San Diego with children? After all, you do!
Get Away At this time
Use low cost code TravelMamas to get $10 off any two-night or longer Southern California bundle (resort and two-ticket minimal) whenever you ebook by our accomplice, Get Away At this time. Additionally, discover San Diego deals together with attraction ticket discounts!
Children Free San Diego Month
These contemplating a fall go to are in luck! October is Children Free San Diego Month, with over 100 offers only for children. It is an effective way to avoid wasting a bunch and provides households a great cause to go to San Diego low season. Take a look at which points of interest, inns, and eating places are providing freebies to households.
Go San Diego Card
It is nicely value investing in a Go San Diego Card. You will save as much as 55% on enjoyable issues to do in San Diego together with the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, the New Kids’s Museum, and rather more!
Groupon
It makes good sense to verify Groupon for reductions on actions and eating places in your vacation spot, and San Diego isn’t any exception. View Groupon San Diego offers now.
Be taught Extra About California with Children
In search of good meals in San Diego? Learn my picks for the most effective San Diego eating places for households.
A wonderful San Diego trip wants fabulous lodging. Check out the most effective inns for youths in San Diego.
Take a look at my San Diego attractions with kids video that I made as a part of Expedia’s Kids in the City marketing campaign. This mission highlights 12 of America’s hottest locations, with suggestions from some high household journey bloggers.
Discover extra of the Golden State with these California holidays for households.
Maintain These San Diego Sights
For future reference, save this record of issues to do in San Diego with children. One of the best ways is to pin the picture above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll comply with Travel Mamas on Pinterest whilst you’re at it!
What do you suppose are the most effective San Diego points of interest for youths? Tell us your suggestions and questions within the feedback beneath!
Journey Mamas was compensated by Expedia for taking part within the Children within the Metropolis mission when this story launched in 2012. This weblog submit is up to date frequently to replicate San Diego’s present choices for households.
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