San Diego is a popular family vacation location. And there’s a reason behind it. There are so many fun activities to do with kids in San Diego that it’s impossible to list them all. There’s something for everyone here, whether they’re toddlers, pre-teens, or adolescents. We didn’t forget about you and your spouse, either. We’re delighted to share our recommendations with you if you’ve decided to visit this beautiful Californian city. Let the investigation begin.
Birch Aquarium
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a public discovery facility. It’s one of the best things to do in San Diego for a few hours with kids, especially if they enjoy marine life. Enter and move to the right to observe the 60 different fish and invertebrates habitats, which range from the chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest to the warm oceans of Mexico and beyond.
On the opposite side of the aquarium, children may engage in hands-on educational displays that emphasize the importance of conservation. Tidal Pool Plaza, a man-made tide pool on the rear terrace, offers spectacular Pacific Ocean views across La Jolla Shores Beach.
While answering inquiries, docents assist tourists in carefully touching starfish and anemones. We also recommend checking out their off-site programming, which includes whale watching trips (December through April), tidal pool tours (winter), leopard shark snorkeling (summer), summer camps, and other special events.
Legoland California
Of course, one of the most popular things to do in San Diego with kids is to visit LEGOLAND California. LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE® Aquarium, LEGOLAND Water Park, LEGOLAND Hotel, and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel are all part of the complex. The LEGOLAND California theme park may be explored in a half-day if you are short on time.
The park is suitable for toddlers and younger children, with a recommended age range of 2–12. Teens would have to be die-hard LEGO fans to appreciate it without a younger companion since most rides are likely too infantile for them.
The SEA LIFE Aquarium takes around 45 minutes to visit on average, and it’s a great trip. Remember to bring LEGO Minifigures to trade with the staff. Important: LEGOLAND California shuts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the school year. The water park is likewise only open at certain times of the year. Before booking a visit, be sure to check their schedule.
Belmont Park
One of the more fun things you can experience in San Diego. Located at Mission Beach. For a few hours of fun away from the ocean, visit San Diego’s coastal amusement park. Walking through Belmont Park San Diego is free, but tickets for the games and attractions are required. A classic roller coaster, an arcade, carnival rides, huge ice cream scoops, a zip line, laser tag, miniature golf, and a new go-kart track are among the attractions.
With all of this, how can Belmont Park not be one of the most enjoyable family activities in San Diego? It’s also on my list of the greatest things to do with teenagers in San Diego. Cannonball and Beach House are two of the best eateries in the area. On the sand, the latter is a family-friendly beach bar. Keep an eye out for the onsite Dole Whip® truck for dessert.
Paying for rides a la carte is not a good idea: The cost of rides and activities might soon pile up, however, this is due to the fact that children like this park. Costco and Groupon sometimes offer inexpensive unlimited ride tickets.
The all-access combination pass is included in the Go San Diego tourist pass. Consider purchasing an annual pass if you reside in San Diego; it will pay for itself after a few trips. The park provides bike rentals and skateboard rentals for those who wish to explore the Mission Beach boardwalk.
Seaworld San Diego
Let the young kids wander on a discovery trail and experience different sea creatures. SeaWorld San Diego alone attracts visitors from across the globe who come to see up-close animal encounters, thrilling rides, animal shows, and educational opportunities.
Guests may learn more about penguins, rays, dolphins, sea otters, moon jellyfish, and other animals on special behind-the-scenes excursions. In the walk-through shark tank, you can touch reef sharks and gaze at big ones. The Sesame Street Bay of Play® offers modest rides and plenty of climbing opportunities for young children. Older riders will like the Manta roller coaster and the new Electric Eel roller coaster.
On a hot day, the Shipwreck Rapids water ride is a terrific way to cool down. Local water life, especially the La Jolla seals, is rescued at SeaWorld San Diego (which you will learn more about below). The majority of visitors stay for the full day. If you’re short on time, a pleasant half-day is possible. Tip: Get a Quick Queue® Premier pass to skip the lineups.
SeaWorld San Diego tickets at a discount are typically best purchased straight from them. Check out the All-Day Dining Plan if you know you’ll be at the park for the full day.
One of the best things to do in San Diego for sure. Additionally, there are top things to watch and a generally great way to enjoy San Diego Activities in Downtown San Diego for the whole family.
Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego’s lone National Park, honors Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s arrival on the West Coast through the San Diego Bay in 1542. The discovery of California is commemorated by this historic event.
A half-day vacation here normally begins with a picture opportunity at Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s monument, which overlooks the harbor and city. Then, while enjoying a mini-history lesson, go inside the Visitor Center to learn more about the site and collect the information needed for youngsters to receive a Junior Ranger badge.
You can see the star of India, the African Tram and plenty of things which are considered popular attractions. Other outdoor family activities in San Diego include beautiful hikes along the Bayside Trail and amazing tidal pools (which are best seen during the months of November to March when low tides occur throughout the day).
The inside of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse has been preserved in time, with furniture dating back to 1855.
Petco Park
You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of Petco Park year-round, even if the Padres aren’t playing. The tours run around 80 minutes and include roughly 1.5 miles of walking around the field, in the press box, and other locations.
The open-air ballpark is state-of-the-art, with vistas of downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, and beyond. If the team is in action, you should absolutely get tickets to a game. The sightlines at Petco Park are among the greatest in Major League Baseball.
A day game is one of the most popular summer activities for families in San Diego. An honorable mention here is Chula Vista.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The Torrey Pine tree, as well as some of the greatest San Diego coastal vistas and eight miles of hiking paths, many of which are suited for children, can be found at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
The Upper Reserve’s gorgeous 3/4-mile-long Beach Trail has wonderful vistas and steps down to the beach. (We don’t advocate going down to the beach with little children since the trek back up is difficult.) The Guy Fleming Trail, a 2/3-mile easy circle trek suited for all ages with panoramic Pacific Ocean vistas and the greatest display of wildflowers and native flora, is highly recommended.
It’s also now a one-way circle to offer more space between hikers. To observe native flora and animals, take advantage of the free public guided walks for families and small groups that take place on weekends and holidays. Torrey Pines State Beach is located just below the park, so you may enjoy some beach time before or after your visit.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, over 2600 species, including giraffes, elephants, lions, and others, wander freely in enormous free-range areas. Take a self-guided tour or book a safari (or both). The free Africa Tram excursion across the park and the Caravan Safari through the Asian Savannah and African Plains are two of the most popular safaris. On the Skyline Safari, you may even zipline over some of the animal cages. Please be advised that it gets rather hot here in the summer (though kids can get wet in the Savannah Cool Zone splash pad).
The San Diego Safari Park is one of the best places to visit, especially if you get your hands on some discount tickets. Also, check out some local plants. Wear walking shoes since the animal cages are spaced out to accommodate large animals.
One of the most popular activities is watching the afternoon cheetah sprint. Tiger Trail, Nairobi Village (where the petting zoo is), Lorikeet Landing (where you can feed lorikeet parrots), and Walkabout Australia (where wallabies leap about you without a barrier) are all places we like visiting. Also, a shout-out to the platypus exhibit, which my family helped to fund.
They’re part of San Diego Zoo Global, which houses the world’s biggest veterinary center, and its Frozen Zoo is helping to save the Northern White Rhino from extinction. That isn’t even half of it. For a premier experience and to enjoy most of the things free admission, consider buying safari park tickets before. Honorable mention here is the Carlsbad Flower Fields.
San Diego Natural History Museum
The San Diego Natural History Museum, located across the courtyard from the Fleet Science Center, has fossils, scavenger hunts, and displays on local geology, ecology, and history.
From Southern California to Baja California, this is one of the greatest sites for the entire family to learn about our binational region’s biodiversity.
The Backyard play area is ideal for children under the age of five. With a cappuccino in hand from The Flying Squirrel Cafe next door, parents can watch their children explore. This museum is one of my favorites, and it has been for my daughter her whole life.
Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego is a fascinating half-day excursion in San Diego with kids since it is the cradle of California. The Whaley House, one of the country’s coolest haunted homes, and wandering among the tombs at El Campo Santo Cemetery is popular with kids.
Don’t worry if it seems a little spooky. In between visiting the free museums that depict life in early California, you may relax in the sunlight in Old Town State Historic Park. Even enjoy the drive through the United States, on the Scenic Drive, on your way to Old Town San Diego.
The Serra Museum, located just above the park, has Kumeyaay Indians, Spanish, and Mexican displays of local history dating back to the 1700s. In one of the numerous stores, pick out a cheerful keepsake. On their patios, most eateries provide delicious Mexican cuisine and big margaritas for parents.
For free family fun in San Diego, Old Town San Diego often has mariachi performances, individuals costumed in historical costumes, live music, and entertainment. Make sure to keep an eye on the schedule of events.
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