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San Diego County overflows with enjoyable for households. As a mother who lived on this Southern California seaside metropolis for a few years and returns commonly along with her brood, I’m excited to share the perfect 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. Take a take a look at 35 San Diego sights for households!
Find San Diego offers together with attraction ticket reductions and discounted lodge packages. Scroll to the underside of this record of San Diego sights for youths to discover a particular San Diego low cost only for Travel Mamas readers!
1. The Beach
When contemplating the perfect San Diego sights for youths, the seaside all the time tops the record. This Southern California metropolis is famend for its lengthy sandy seashores and surfable waves. In truth, San Diego boasts greater than 70 miles of shoreline. No matter what time of yr you go to, magnificence and enjoyable abound at San Diego seashores.
In summer season, the attractive seashores bustle with picnicking households. Families can construct sandcastles and splash within the waves. Or, take part in water sports activities like browsing classes, boogie boarding, or a sea-kayaking tour.
Cooler spring and fall temperatures imply extra space to chill out and unfold out a seaside blanket. For me, that is the perfect time to go to the seaside 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.
Those visiting in winter are sometimes stunned to seek out the seashores too chilly for swimming. But wetsuits can be found from surf outlets for die-hard ocean lovers. Winter months are a good time to discover San Diego tide swimming pools, trying to find hermit crabs, sea stars, mussels, and different sea life at low tide.
Best Beaches in San Diego for Families
With so many San Diego seashores alongside the Pacific Ocean, it may be laborious to decide on the appropriate one for your loved ones. Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach buzz with energetic boardwalks, seaside volleyball, and horseshoe-playing faculty children. For much less hubbub, households might want the stainless Coronado Island Beach.
The crescent-shaped La Jolla Shores Beach can also be a stunner. Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach is all the time a household favourite with its candy beachside playground. Meanwhile, Mission Beach affords very mellow waves for younger kids.
2. Balboa Park
The location of the first-ever World’s Fair, Balboa Park is certainly probably the greatest issues to do in San Diego with children. It appears like a grand outdated European boulevard. Enjoy free admission to this spacious park with its multitude of gardens and 5 playgrounds.
The total household will get pleasure from wandering via the park’s stunning grounds. Be positive to go to the Balboa Park Rose Garden to cease and scent 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 Old 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
Of course, you may’t go to San Diego with children with out visiting its well-known zoo. Widely thought to be probably the greatest zoological facilities on the earth, the San Diego Zoo wows animal lovers. This zoo’s focus is on the conservation of endangered animals and educating the general public in regards to the world’s creatures.
Four thousand animals representing 800 species make their properties right here. Take a peek at lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!). But there are additionally koalas, Komodo dragons, kangaroos, and lots of different animals to fascinate guests.
Once house to massive pandas on mortgage from China, guests can nonetheless see crimson pandas on the San Diego Zoo.
Kids will get pleasure from visiting the Children’s Zoo. There they will play on the Fisher-Price Discovery Playground and work together with goats, sheep, and different mellow creatures within the petting zoo.
Since the zoo is situated inside the stunning Balboa Park, you could possibly simply carry a cooler crammed with meals to maintain in your (rental) automobile within the car parking zone. Enjoy a meal at one of many picnic tables within the park after which reenter the zoo as soon as your bellies are full.
Read my suggestions for taking advantage of 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 via a wide-open panorama much like that of the African Savannah. Riders spy on such creatures as rhinos, giraffes, and Cape buffaloes. Pay a further payment to rise up near the animals on a Caravan Safari (proven above).
But that is not the one memorable journey on the Safari Park. Purchase a cup of nectar at Lorikeet Landing to return nostril to beak with brightly plumed lorikeet parrots. You may even zip-line on the San Diego Zoo Safari Park over the heads of untamed animals. Or, for a very memorable journey, join the Roar and Snore in a single day tenting within the park.
On scorching days, carry swim gear for youngsters to chill off within the animal-shaped fountains on the Savannah Cool Zone.
Buy your San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets now!
5. LEGOLAND California
While many amusement parks current passive leisure, mother and father can be happy to find interactive sights at LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad.
At the Volvo Driving School, kids drive pint-sized vehicles round streets dotted with cease indicators and dealing stoplights. Kids also can construct and race LEGO autos and even program computerized LEGO Mindstorms robots.
The Police and Fire Academy Rescue experience will get Mom and Dad concerned. Families pile into a hearth truck or police automobile. Then they energy it by pumping levers up and down as they race different groups to place out a “fire” and cease make-believe robbers.
Purchase discounted LEGOLAND California tickets now!
6. Belmont Park
Kids adore Belmont Park on the Mission Beach Boardwalk. Go to this waterfront park for carnival video games with prizes, ice lotions, funnel muffins, 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.
Giant Dipper Roller Coaster
The star attraction is the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. This historic wood curler coaster was initially inbuilt 1925 and has been restored on your rickety driving pleasure. Be warned that it is a very jerky experience. Teens will find it irresistible. Grown-ups? Probably much less.
Kiddie Rides
Expect kiddie rides on dry land like Super Grover’s Box Car Derby mini curler coaster. Parades and beloved Sesame Street character meet-and-greets spherical out the household enjoyable.
Water Park Rides
For a splashing good time, younger children will get pleasure from amusements like Elmo’s Silly Sand Slides and The Count’s Splash Castle. Bigger 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 outlets and upscale eating choices. But La Jolla Cove can also be a wonderful place to get pleasure from outside actions.
Enjoy 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 seaside at Children’s Pool. This is a small cove protected by a concrete breaker, which significantly appeals to those ocean mammals.
8. SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego is greatest identified for reveals 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, guide a Premier Experience, like a Dine with Orcas Meal or Penguin Encounter.
This theme park additionally options enjoyable rides. Sesame Street Bay of Play offers 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. Meanwhile, curler coasters like Manta and Shipwreck Rapids thrill adventurous parkgoers.
Read 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 offers a worthwhile different to SeaWorld San Diego. It’s a fantastic place for households on a decent funds or with restricted time. The focus at Birch Aquarium is on ocean training, animal care, and conservation.
I particularly advocate this San Diego attraction for households with infants and toddlers. Young 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 get pleasure from viewing marine life and exploring hands-on displays. They may even gently pet sandpapery sea stars and slimy sea cucumbers in fake tide swimming pools on the outside Tide Pool Plaza.
Read all my suggestions for exploring Birch Aquarium with children.
10. San Diego Botanic Garden
The 37-acre San Diego Botanic Garden accommodates greater than two dozen themed gardens located alongside 4 miles of trails. This is one in every 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 Wonder Children’s Garden
The Seeds of Wonder Children’s Garden is geared towards younger children (kindergarten and youthful). Children may get pleasure from making bubbles with tubs of soapy water and wands. Then, dig up buried plastic dinosaurs. A toddler-sized playhouse is all the time successful for fake play. Best of all is the mannequin railroad monitor with trains that chug via the backyard.
Hamilton Children’s Garden
Meanwhile, Hamilton Children’s Garden appeals to greater children. Families can begin by enjoying an enormous sport of tic-tac-toe. Next, wander via a labyrinth manufactured from feathery crops. Children can be taught to learn a sundial and climb the centerpiece treehouse, too. During scorching summer season months, children play with toy boats and funky off their tootsies in a miniature stream.
Learn extra in my full San Diego Botanic Garden overview.
11. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The reserve is house to the uncommon twisty Torrey pine in addition to desert brush, prickly pear cactus, wildflowers, and different native crops. Choose from eight mountaineering trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. After your hike, cool off within the ocean on the Torrey Pines State Beach under seaside cliffs.
My most popular path is the Beach Trail, which descends over three-quarters of a mile from the ocean cliff to the seaside. Take in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean alongside the way in which.
An simpler path, Guy Fleming Trail, is a 2/3-mile loop. This might be the perfect choose for households with younger kids.
Everyone, together with these in wheelchairs or strollers, can get pleasure from Discovery Trail. This quick 1/2-mile loop close to the Torrey Pines Lodge options info markers about native crops.
12. Old Town San Diego
Step again in time on this historic space of San Diego. Staking declare because the birthplace of recent California, Old Town is the place the primary Spanish settlers arrived in 1769 and constructed the primary of 21 missions within the state.
Today, vacationers and locals wander via 15 historic buildings in Old Town San Diego. Shop a wide range of shops peddling souvenirs, do-it-yourself soaps, candies, and extra.
The actual purpose my household loves Old Town? The meals! With over 25 eateries inside a one-mile radius, you’re positive 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 Old Town California: Hop-On Hop-Off Narrated Trolley Tour.
13. The New Children’s Museum
With 17 museums at Balboa Park, it is easy to overlook this great place for youngsters 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 Children’s Museum are age-specific, like Sketch Aquarium for ages 2+ and Reconnecting to Home for ages 6+. Other areas have interaction kids throughout age teams. It’s the right place to go when mother and father need to relaxation whereas the youngsters play.
14. Cabrillo National Monument
Bring the youngsters to Cabrillo National Monument for a San Diego historical past lesson. Then hike alongside the Bayside Trail to absorb attractive panoramic views of the ocean and metropolis under. You might 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 United States.
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
The spotlight of a go to to Cabrillo National Monument is Old Point Loma Lighthouse. This lit the way in which for sailors getting into San Diego Bay from 1855 to 1891. Today, guests get a glimpse of life within the 1800s via interval furnishings and lighthouse instruments on show.
15. LEGOLAND Water Park
For water lovers, LEGOLAND Water Park is certainly probably the greatest issues to do in San Diego with children. This aquatic middle affords 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 without doubt one of the greatest locations to go whale watching all yr lengthy. Gray 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’ll probably spot dolphins, too, throughout your San Diego whale-watching journey.
My daughter and I generally endure from seasickness and we each fared nicely on our San Diego whale watching tour. For households who are suffering from movement illness, pack some Dramamine simply in case.
Book your San Diego whale-watching tour now with our accomplice, GetYourInformation!
17. Sesame Place San Diego
Sesame Place opened within the southern suburb of Chula Vista in 2022. This theme park was designed particularly for youngsters aged 3 to 10.
Expect dwell reveals, 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 Super Grover’s Box Car Derby and the Sunny Day Carousel.
Enjoy a number of splashy water rides at this theme park, too. Think waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and The Count’s Splash Tower with a 500-gallon water bucket drop.
18. Seaport Village
Wander via quirky boutiques and memento outlets on the waterfront Seaport Village buying and leisure complicated. It’s located beside San Diego Bay close to downtown San Diego.
This is without doubt one of the greatest locations to absorb bay views over a restaurant meal. Kids will particularly benefit from the Historic Carousel and online game arcade right here.
19. Carlsbad Flower Fields
Every spring locals and vacationers alike flock to the Flower Fields at Carlsbad. Smell the ranunculus and pose for superb photograph alternatives amongst hundreds of blooms.
Ride a tractor-pulled wagon via greater than 50 acres of rainbow-colored rows of flowers. Then tiptoe via a maze manufactured 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 via Mother’s Day annually. Read my recommendation for visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields with children.
20. Petco Park
One of the good locations within the nation to observe a baseball sport is Petco Park. That’s as a result of it is constructed proper into the historic Western Metal Supply Company Building within the Gaslamp Quarter.
Take in 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 also be the one main league baseball stadium with a lodge 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 lodge to the stadium! Look for particular baseball packages on the Omni Hotel San Diego.
21. Hotel del Coronado
Yes, it is a lodge. But the Hotel Del Coronado can also be a vacationer attraction in its personal proper. Many folks come to this well-known resort only for the day.
The Hotel Del Coronado is famend for its extravagant weekend brunch, fancy-schmancy outlets, and immaculate stretch of seaside. The seaside 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. During winter holidays, day guests and lodge visitors alike can take a spin on the oceanside outside ice skating rink.
Adding to the glamorous vibe, many motion pictures have been filmed right here, most notably Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe.
The Hotel Del is situated on Coronado Island throughout from downtown San Diego. The “island” is definitely a peninsula, but it surely’s obtained an island vibe and feels worlds away from town. It made our record of the greatest seaside motels on the earth.
22. Little Italy
San Diego’s Little Italy packs a tasty punch. This is an excellent enjoyable place to walk and dine. Meander via artwork galleries and darling outlets on this neighborhood close to the Gaslamp Quarter.
Of course, the primary draw is scrumptious Italian delicacies. From gelaterias and pasta outlets to high-end delicacies, you will not go hungry in Little Italy.
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 clients ready for a desk. And the pizza? Fugheddaboudit!
23. Fleet Science Center
Located at Balboa Park, Fleet Science Center (previously Reuben H. Fleet Science Center) is crammed with interactive displays. Kids of all ages can 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 get pleasure from 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 contains the Star of India, the world’s oldest energetic crusing yacht. Kids get a kick out of pretending they’re pirates on the excessive seas.
25. USS Midway Museum
Not removed from the Maritime Museum, seafarers and navy buffs will admire the USS Midway Museum at Naval Pier. Climb aboard to discover this retired naval plane provider. Reserve your USS Midway Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets now!
26. Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium
Visitors get a glimpse of what it is wish to dwell below the ocean at Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium from encapsulated pop-up plastic bubbles in fish-filled tanks. Purchase separate tickets or select park hoppers to discover this aquarium situated at LEGOLAND California.
Learn 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 without doubt one of the few carousels on the earth that also affords the brass ring sport. Big children and adults who need to play ought to select an out of doors horse. Then attain out to understand the small rings on every spin. Iron rings don’t depend. Only the rider who nabs the brass ring wins a free experience!
28. Balboa Park Railroad
Climb aboard a miniature prepare situated simply outdoors the San Diego Zoo’s entrance. It takes 3 minutes to chug via 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 via the tunnel. It’s greatest to attend for the following prepare.
The prepare sometimes runs each day throughout summer season and spring break, however solely on weekends low season.
29. San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Got 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 earth.
This attraction is a large hit with the preschooler set. Find this museum celebrating all issues choo-choo at Balboa Park.
30. San Diego Natural History Museum
The total household will get pleasure from studying about dinosaurs, ocean creatures, geodes, and extra on the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park. Kids can be enthralled by the massive fountain out entrance, too.
31. Unconditional Surrender
In entrance of the USS Midway within the waterfront park, Tuna Harbor, you may discover the long-lasting Unconditional Surrender statue. This 25-foot-tall sculpture celebrates the victory of the Allied Forces after World War II.
It is predicated 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 is a few controversy about this statue as a result of the pair weren’t a pair. Rather, the girl was grabbed by a stranger who kissed her.
32. San Diego County Fair
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 via early July annually.
Expect theme park rides, carnival video games with prizes, livestock shows, uncommon retail choices, and dwell leisure. Food, backyard, and artwork contests are additionally enjoyable to peruse.
Fair 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 all the time successful, too. Parents will need to swing by the beer backyard for an grownup beverage to clean all of it down.
33. Whaley House
While exploring Old Town San Diego, older children may get pleasure from a tour of Whaley House. This supposedly haunted constructing was featured on the Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted.
It can also be San Diego’s first home manufactured from bricks. Over the years, the constructing has been used as a courthouse, theatre, billiard corridor, and college.
34. San Diego Air and Space Museum
The San Diego Air and Space Museum is well-liked with would-be pilots and astronauts. Experience aerospace historical past with a re-creation of the Wright Brothers’ 1901 glider. Also, view fighter planes from World War I, World War II, the Golden Age of Flight, and means past.
“Be the Astronaut” provides children and adults alike a style of area journey. This hands-on exhibit teaches in regards to 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’ll be taught in regards to the historical past of town alongside the way in which. Then your amphibious car will carry your loved ones into the harbor for a floating tour of the bay.
Save Money on Your San Diego Family Vacation
Want to economize on the perfect issues to do in San Diego with children? Of course, you do!
Get Away Today
Use low cost code TravelMamas to get $10 off any two-night or longer Southern California package deal (lodge and two-ticket minimal) if you guide via our accomplice, Get Away Today. Also, discover San Diego offers together with attraction ticket reductions!
Kids Free San Diego Month
Those contemplating a fall go to are in luck! October is Kids Free San Diego Month, with over 100 offers only for children. It’s an effective way to save lots of a bunch and offers households a great purpose to move to San Diego low season. Take a glance at which sights, motels, and eating places are providing freebies to households.
Go San Diego Card
It’s nicely value investing in a Go San Diego Card. You’ll save as much as 55% on enjoyable issues to do in San Diego together with the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, the New Children’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 is not any exception. View Groupon San Diego offers now.
Learn More About California with Kids
Looking for good meals in San Diego? Read my picks for the greatest San Diego eating places for households.
A wonderful San Diego trip wants fabulous lodging. Take a take a look at the greatest motels for youths in San Diego.
Check out my San Diego sights with children video that I made as a part of Expedia’s Kids within the City marketing campaign. This venture highlights 12 of America’s hottest locations, with suggestions from some prime household journey bloggers.
Explore extra of the Golden State with these California holidays for households.
Keep These San Diego Attractions
For future reference, save this record of issues to do in San Diego with children. The greatest means is to pin the picture above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll comply with Travel Mamas on Pinterest when you’re at it!
What do you suppose are the perfect San Diego sights for youths? Let us know your suggestions and questions within the feedback under!
Travel Mamas was compensated by Expedia for collaborating within the Kids within the City venture when this story launched in 2012. This weblog put up is up to date commonly to replicate San Diego’s present choices for households.
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