Things for Families to Do in San Diego

San Diego is the perfect family getaway with gilt sand beaches, entertainment parks, museums, zoo, hiking trails, and then much more than! Keep reading to discover 12 awesome things to practise in San Diego with kids.

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12 of the best things to do in San Diego with kids

1. Play at Waterfront Park

If you're looking for things to do in San Diego with kids, the Waterfront Park needs to be at the top of your list! This is one of the coolest city parks nosotros have always been to.

Waterfront Park is a downtown haven with grassy fields and picnic tables, along with the state of the art playground equipment that will go on your kids active for hours. The city also holds outdoor movies in the park during the summer months.

The h2o characteristic at first glimpse looks like it might be just for prove, but it is indeed a large splash puddle with interactive water fountains meant for playing and keeping kids cool in the summer heat.

The Waterfront Park is located downtown along the shoreline next to the Maritime Museum.

While you're in the area be certain to check out this museum where you can bout their collection of historic ships, similar the Star of India.

They as well offer a variety of exhibits and activities, check their calendar for the latest events.

*Related post: for more things to exercise in downtown San Diego, check out our guide, 72 Hours in Downtown San Diego with Kids!

2. Ride the Coasters at Belmont Park

With so many amusement parks in California, Belmont Park is one of the best-kept secrets. It is especially groovy for younger kids since information technology is smaller, meaning less walking between rides.

Despite being smaller, in that location is definitely no shortage of things to do. Between the rides, attractions, midway games, and arcade, there is enough to go on your kids entertained!

The crowds too tend to exist smaller, particularly on weekdays, so you will be spending less fourth dimension in line and more time on rides.

And best of all, it is more than upkeep-friendly. Access is gratis, which is helpful for parents who are planning to just watch and not ride.

You lot can choose to buy each ride or attraction separately, just I would recommend getting a combo laissez passer.

This allows unlimited admission to not only all of the rides but to the attractions too. Attractions include the laser tag, laser maze, mini-golf, heaven ropes, 7D theater, and the zip line.

You tin purchase wristbands online for a discounted rate of $41 for kids, BUT if you accept a Costco membership y'all are in luck! You lot can buy discounted combo passes for only $27.99! Groupon often offers deals as well.

We spent about five hours in the park. The older ones were getting bored at that betoken, but the younger ones were begging to stay longer.

I would say we definitely got our money'southward worth out of information technology!

In that location are enough of nutrient options ranging from fantastic beachfront restaurants to burger joints, hot dog stands, and a snack shack.

Information technology is even one of the few places in California where you tin take hold of a refreshing Dole Whip!

This iconic seaside amusement park is definitely a fun way to spend a twenty-four hour period in San Diego with kids!

Equally an added bonus, Belmont Park sits right on the shores of Mission Beach so you tin can accept a break and have a picnic on the beach, stroll the boardwalk, or play in the waves.

This is also a nifty spot to take hold of the nightly fireworks prove from Sea Globe.

*Related posts: While you're in California, be sure to check out our Family unit Friendly Los Angeles and Orangish County guides!

3. Explore Annie's Canyon Trail

I am making a bold statement hither, but I am pretty confident that Annie'due south Canyon Trail is the all-time hike for kids in the whole San Diego area! It is also our favorite stop on an Oceanside to San Diego route trip.

It is located a little further north in Solana Embankment, just definitely worth the 25-infinitesimal drive!

To get to the slot canyon, you're going to want to take the Due north Rios Avenue Trailhead .

The trail actually starts at the end of a cul de sac in a residential neighborhood. Information technology is a very unassuming spot for a slot canyon and I wasn't sure if nosotros were at the right spot!

Find parking on the street, so head to the trail where you'll follow an easy path along the San Elijo Ecological Lagoon.

Afterwards almost 0.6 miles, you'll come to the archway of Annie'southward Canyon Trail.

You'll immediately enter towering sandstone walls that begin to narrow into a slot coulee.

The trail through the canyon is only 0.25 miles and is perfect for kids. In that location are rocks to scramble upwardly and nooks and crannies to hide in. Our whole family loved it!

I am super claustrophobic and every bit you tin can tell, the trail is very narrow. I was worried about how I would do but honestly, information technology was totally fine for me.

Information technology is such a short trail that I e'er knew I could exit quickly if panic set in. I hope that helps any of yous that might be nervous about that!

The trail has a gradual incline but isn't too challenging. At the finish, you'll come to a steel ladder leading to the top of the canyon where you tin accept in the sweeping panoramic views.

My kids loved it then much they were begging to circle around and practice it over again!

4. Spend the day at Campland on the Bay

Campland on the Bay is an RV park and campground that is located right on the shores of Mission Bay.

In addition to the prime number camping lots, there are as well a variety of activities offered for both overnight guests and those planning to visit just for the day.

Watersport rentals are available at the Campland Marina where you tin spend the forenoon on the water.

Rent a kayak, pedal boat, Wave Runners, or a motorized gunkhole to explore the bay. Discover hidden coves and keep your eye out for body of water lions sunning on the rocks!

After a few hours on the water, y'all're certain to work up an ambition.

Head to the Campland Cantina, an open-air eatery where you'll find delicious food, generous portions, and breezy ocean views. I would recommend the Pescado Burrito or California Burrito!

Subsequently lunch, grab a scoop of cotton candy ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor next door.

Then spend the afternoon enjoying organized camp activities, backyard games, the arcade, sand volleyball, basketball, or the skate park.

Nosotros love that in that location are and so many options available that anybody in the family unit is sure to detect something to keep them decorated!

In the evening, rent beach cruisers from the marina and cruise along the paved wheel trail contouring the bay. Soak in the beautiful sunset as the palm trees lining the path are silhouetted confronting the chroma pinkish sky.

It really is the all-time mode to terminate such a fun 24-hour interval!

5. Run into the Sea Lions at La Jolla Cove

For the best chance at spotting body of water life, caput to La Jolla Cove! This pocket-sized cove is dwelling house to an abundance of sea lions and seals that love to sunbathe on the cliffs and rocky shores.

At that place is a parking lot at the top of the cove, but it fills up quickly. Street parking is bachelor (with a 2-hour limit) forth Prospect and Coast Blvd as well.

Once you park, walk along the cliffs until you reach a staircase leading down to the sandy cove.

Sea lions by and large hang out here, just there are seals too.

You tin can tell them apart in a few different ways. The seal's fur is grey while the sea lions are brown.

The sea lions are besides much more vocal and can utilize their flippers to walk on country, whereas the seals wiggle and scoot on their bellies.

If you walk southward forth the shore for near x minutes you'll come up to the Children'due south pool. Alternately, yous can drive to the puddle but parking is limited.

In 1931 a seawall was constructed to course a safety swimming area for kids, which was referred to as the Children'southward Pool.

Over time, the puddle filled with sand to form a beach that attracts mostly seals but also ocean lions every bit well.

The area has since been designated equally an underwater park and ecological reserve. The modest cove is still a great place for swimming and snorkeling, just be sure to keep your distance from any marine mammals.

Keep in mind that the Children'due south Puddle is airtight from Dec 15 to May 15 in lodge to protect the newly-born seal pups.

However, it is a treat to exist able to view the ambrosial seal pups while standing on the bounding main wall. You may fifty-fifty witness a nativity!

While you're at La Jolla Cove, exist sure to take advantage of the scenic Ellen Browning Scripps Park that lies on the bluffs adjacent to the cove. The park offers beautiful views over the water with plenty of grassy areas for a picnic.

Dr. Seuss had a abode overlooking this park and information technology is rumored that the windblown trees were the inspiration for the truffula trees in The Lorax.

Whether that is true or non, it is still a spectacular and scenic spot. In fact, AAA Mag claims that this is the most photographed location in all of San Diego.

On the south terminate of the park, you'll find a small staircase leading downward to Shell embankment. This pocket-sized sandy embankment has several tide pools that can exist explored during low tide.

Your kids will as well love taking a guided kayak tour to visit the La Jolla sea cave!

vi. Spend the twenty-four hours at Coronado Island

Coronado Beach was rated as one of the tiptop ten all-time beaches for families by Family Vacation Critic. Once yous take a drive across the expansive Coronado bridge you'll soon detect why.

With its relaxed vibe, mannerly celebrated homes, and white sandy beaches, you're leap to autumn in love at kickoff sight.

As an added bonus for families, the unabridged island is fume-gratuitous, so take a deep breath and relax!

There is plenty of sandy beaches to go around, even on busy days it still never feels overcrowded.

Coronado Island is also home to a Naval Air Station and the U. South. Navy SEALS center.

It's common to see war machine airplanes landing and taking off, or to see the soldiers out for a run along the beach. My kids were and so fascinated by this!

Pinnacle things to do on Coronado Island:

• Check out the famous Hotel del Coronado. It was built in 1888 and is listed every bit a National Celebrated Landmark. It is also rumored that this hotel was the inspiration for the Emerald Urban center in Baum'southward Wizard of Oz. If you're hungry you tin relish a delicious meal on the terrace, or grab an ice-cream cone at their MooTime Creamery. Be sure to popular in and bank check out the photographs and history exhibits downstairs.
• Speaking of Baum, you can drive by the home that he rented while writing three books in the Wizard of Oz series. The address is 1101 Star Park Circle. Another cool fact about this home is that Alexandar Graham Bong installed the original electric wiring and it is however in use today!
• The Coronado Museum of History & Art is free to visit. Here you'll find iii outset edition Wizard of Oz books past Braum.
• Take a stroll through downtown and browse the beautiful boutiques and shops.
• Pick upwards some souvenirs at Ferry Landing Marketplace. With over 30 shops, restaurants, and galleries, you're bound to discover something you dear.
• Visit Tidelands Park for a fun playground and cute views of the San Diego skyline and Coronado bridge.
• Hire a bike and take advantage of the 15 miles of paved bike paths along the beach. Rentals are bachelor at Hotel Del Coronado or Ferry Landing Market. There is too a rental shop located downtown on Orange Avenue.
• Visit the tide pools at Coronado Central Beach during depression tide and find cool sea creatures.
• Spend an evening relaxing by the fire using the public fire pits located on the northern department of Coronado Beach.
• If you lot're visiting during the winter months, Hotel del Coronado installs an water ice rink correct on the beach. At that place are not too many places where you can ice skate by the ocean!
• Consider staying at Glorietta Bay Inn, a charming historic boutique hotel.
• You may notice the sand dunes that lie on the shore just due north of the Hotel Coronado. They are fun to play on, but from an aerial view on Google Maps you tin see that they actually spell out the word "Coronado". At that place is even a whale buried in the letter R!
• Later a potent rainstorm and winds, the remains of the SS Monte Carlo shipwreck tin can be seen off the shore near the Hotel del Coronado. The ship even has a few large openings that create pools to swim in!

vii. Tour the USS Midway

Climb aboard the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century and acquire virtually its long and dramatic history.

This send simply missed serving in WWII by one week, only information technology played a critical part during the Common cold War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and many other missions in between.

Purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance that include the audio guide.

The self-guided audio bout details what life at bounding main would accept been like and shares some cool stories. The audio bout offers a kids bout and an adult bout.

There are 60 exhibits and 26 restored air crafts on the landing deck that your kids volition dear climbing on and exploring.

I dear it when history comes alive for my kids. We all learned so much and they couldn't stop talking about it!

eight. Visit the San Diego Zoo

We've been to a lot of zoos, but the San Diego Zoo is something special. Get-go of all, information technology is HUGE!

Sitting on over 100 acres with over three,700 animals, information technology is one of the largest zoos in the earth.

It is also i of the showtime zoos to steer away from cages and introduce the concept of natural habitat open-air exhibits.

If you're a fan of cuddly Panda bears, then you lot're in luck! The San Diego Zoo is one of the few zoos in the world to successfully brood the giant panda.

Tips for visiting the San Diego Zoo:

• You'll definitely need to plan for a lot of walking, just they do offer a complimentary bus tour that will have you lot around about 75% of the park.
• There is also a Skyfari tram where you tin can savour a bird'due south center view of the park. This will too connect y'all from the front end of the zoo to the back past the polar deport exhibit.
• If you are visiting in Oct, be certain to accept reward of the Kids Gratis October where kids 11 and under are free all calendar month long.
• Animals are most agile in the morning and evening, particularly in the summertime.
• You lot are allowed to bring outside food and drinks into the park. You lot can also purchase a souvenir cup and become free or discounted refills throughout the park.
• I'yard usually not a huge fan of souvenirs, merely if you are looking for ideas we bought these little binoculars at the gift shop and the boys loved spotting all the different animals with them. It kept them actively engaged and they definitely got their money's worth out of it!
• If you lot have fourth dimension, it'due south also worth purchasing tickets to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

If y'all're visiting San Diego with kids, the San Diego Zoo definitely needs to be at the top of your list! I would also recommend purchasing a skip-the-line ticket in accelerate.

nine. Detect Balboa Park

The San Diego Zoo is located at Balboa Park, a sprawling metropolis park filled with a diversity of things to do. Every bit stated on their official website, Balboa Park is where "culture, science, and nature collide".

Top things to practise in Balboa Park:

• The beautifully manicured 1,200-acre park is domicile to the botanic gardens and a 4.1-mile breathtaking trail. The trail starts at Sixth Avenue and Upas Street and continues along a paved path through the gardens, past the museums and fountain and over the historic Cabrillo Span.
• If you don't take time to complete the whole trail, at least make fourth dimension to explore the Zoro garden. This sunken 6-acre garden is located about the Fleet Science Middle and is domicile to colorful native flowers and unique copse, as well as a variety of butterflies. My kids loved exploring this beautiful park, but don't tell them it was once the home of a nudist colony!
  

• Balboa Park features 16 museums. Our favorite was the Fleet Scientific discipline Center. Information technology was filled with so many fun and educational interactive exhibits, we could hands spend a whole mean solar day here.

• Take a ride on the historic Balboa Park Carousel. This Herschell-Spillman carousel was built in New York in 1910. It was also temporarily housed in Los Angeles and Coronado earlier calling Balboa Park home in 1922. It has only had iii operators and the most recent operator has had the job for the past 45 years.
• Take time to walk through the Castilian Village Art Heart. Here yous can admire a diversity of creative person's work displayed in the 40 studios and galleries.
• Stop by and see the Spreckels Organ. This organ was built in 1914 and is the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world. If you visit on a Sun and then yous are in for a treat as renowned organist, Raul Prieto Ramirez performs a costless show every Sunday afternoon.
• At that place are several cafes, but the Panama 66 outdoor cafe located in the San Diego Museum of Art's sculpture garden is something special. With a fresh seasonal menu, live music, and a cute setting that tin can't be trounce!

10. Sentinel history come up alive in Sometime Town San Diego

Old Boondocks San Diego is the birthplace of California. In 1769 with the structure of a mission and a fort information technology became the get-go settlement in California.

Today, Old Town is a bustling historic district filled with charming shops and cafes, historical architecture, parks, cultural events, and museums.

Visit the Heritage County Park with old Victorian homes lining Heritage Park Row.

The homes take all been relocated to this street in social club to preserve the historic architecture. Some fifty-fifty believe that these houses are haunted!

There are numerous celebrated sites worth a visit, such as the Seeley Stables. This is an old stagecoach stop and reconstructed barn that at present serves as a complimentary museum open up to the public.

If yous want to get a thrill and larn some history too, visit the Whaley Business firm. This historic home is known as 1 of the most haunted places in America, according to the Travel Channel. It is now a museum that you can tour.

While y'all're at it, make a stop at the El Campo Santo Cemetery simply downwardly the road. This graveyard has been around since 1850.

The Junipero Serra Museum is too a great spot to learn more than most the history of the area. Admission is free, although donations are greatly appreciated.

My kids also enjoyed the free Mormon Battalion Museum. Along with learning more about the history of Mormons in the American/Mexican war, they also take hands-on activities for the kids such as panning for gold.

Run into our guide 6 Cool Things to exercise in Sometime Town San Diego for more fun things to do

11. Visit Sea Globe

Ocean Earth is 1 of the principal tourist attractions in San Diego and is fun for all ages.

Discover the mysteries of the body of water with diverse aquariums and exhibits, entertaining shows, interactive encounters, and educational opportunities.

They also have a few amusement park rides that your older kids will especially dearest.

Tips for visiting Sea World San Diego

• Proceed in mind that during the month of October you tin can become a free kid'due south admission with each paid developed admission.
• Parking is discounted on weekdays. Yet, not all food options and shows are available during the week. The park likewise closes early on on weekdays, simply the crowds are smaller then you'll still have fourth dimension to do it all.
• Consider purchasing the Quick Queue pass for unlimited express entrances at Journey to Atlantis, Wild Arctic, Shipwreck Rapids, Bayside Sky Ride, and the Manta. You tin besides purchase the Quick Queue Premier where in improver to the limited entrance, yous'll as well receive reserved seating at most of the shows.
• Bring ponchos if you plan to sit in the splash zones during the shows. They likewise come in handy for Journey to Atlantis and Shipwreck Rapids.
• Nutrient and beverages (besides h2o) are not allowed in the park. They do take picnic tables bachelor near the archway if you lot want to pack a lunch and go out it in the automobile.
• Sesame Street Bay of Play is the perfect toddler zone where your footling ones can get some free energy out. In the summer months, they have fountains to play in and then information technology'south worth packing a swimsuit and towel if they want to cool off.

12. Spend the day at the beach

And last, only most definitely not least, savour i of the many beautiful golden sand beaches in San Diego!

Ocean Beach is a popular local embankment and home to the Westward Coast's longest concrete pier, jutting out nearly a half-mile into the ocean.

Your kids volition love watching fishermen bringing in their daily grab and you'll often spot pelicans, sea lions, and sometimes even dolphins.

It besides makes for the perfect spot for a dusk stroll. If you're hungry, caput downwards the pier to the OB Pier Cafe for some fresh seafood. Or your kids will be happy to know there is a McDonald's located next to the beach as well.

At depression tide, you can explore the tide pools under the pier. So as the sun goes downward, warm up around i of the many fire pits and roast south'mores.

Ocean Embankment is also located right next to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a popular spot to catch an iconic California sunset.

You can likewise find tide pools, a cliff walk, and an open ceiling cave at Sunset Cliffs. We have withal to visit the cave, but the all-time instructions I have found for accessing the cave is on THIS site.

Best family beaches in San Diego

• Windandsea Beach: This beach is a hidden gem among locals. Although there isn't a lot of sand, it is a great place for tidepooling. It is located south of La Jolla on the corner of Palomar and Neptune. In that location is usually enough of parking, especially along Palomar. Once you lot park yous'll see a staircase down to the beach.
• La Jolla Shores Beach: This pop beach is nifty for kids with a prissy grassy area for picnics forth with the Kellogg Park playground. Information technology's also conveniently located close to Avenida de la Playa where you lot tin catch some lunch or snacks. Burn pits are bachelor for public utilise, merely come early to merits one as they become quickly. Equally an added bonus, parking is free. Just north of the beach, you'll find the highly photographed Scripps Pier. If you're visiting in the summer months, you'll also have the privilege of witnessing the largest gathering of leopard sharks in the world. They beloved hanging out in the warm shallow waters, especially near the Marine Room restaurant. They are not aggressive and don't bite. It is safe to snorkel alongside them, but be respectful, calm and give them space.
• Mission Bay: Spend an afternoon kayaking with bounding main lions. Kayak or SUP rentals are available at Mission Bay Sports center by the Hyatt Regency. Rates are affordable at only $18/60 minutes and you can paddle out to a dock where the sea lions love to sunbathe and swim. You can also rent jet skis for a fun twenty-four hour period on the water!

Other family-friendly things to practice in San Diego:

• Kayak to the La Jolla caves: Take a guided kayak tour to these awesome sea caves.
• SD Adventures Boat Rental: I think the kids would take a boom cruising around the ocean in a speed boat or jet skis! I have found Groupon deals for $110/hour, so keep your eye out if you're interested.
• Cabrillo National Monument and Lighthouse: This historic and scenic park commemorates the discovery of San Diego and has a museum, lighthouse, tide pools, and cliff walk. There is an archway fee, simply if you have a 4th grader be sure to take advantage of the free National Parks pass.
• Torrey Pines State Reserve: My sis-in-law lives in San Diego and this is i of her very favorite spots. There is a visitor centre, hiking trails, Torrey Pines Country Beach, and sculpted sand cliffs. The best place to see the sand cliffs (equally well equally the rarest pine tree in the nation) is from Broken Colina.
• San Diego Harbor Prowl: Take in the city views from the water. Prowl around the harbor with options for a sunset dinner cruise as well.
• Cat Cafe San Diego: When I told my hubby I wanted to go hither, he didn't get it. What'south non to get about being able to play with cats while enjoying a warm beverage and pastry? I just know my kids would love this!
• Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruise: The coast of San Diego offers some of the best opportunities to spot whales or dolphins. Taking a whale-watching bout is something your kids will always remember!
• South Bay Drive-in: Relive days gone by at the Southward Bay Drive-in picture palace. Pack some dinner and treats then catch a double feature from the comfort of your car. It is located near Royal Beach, be certain to stop and grab some Stardust Donuts on your way!
• Explore downtown neighborhoods: The Gaslamp Quarter is a vibrant and fun celebrated commune. Visit Little Italy for the best pasta in the metropolis. Seaport Village is the best spot to go for seaside shopping, dining, and entertainment forth with a historic carousel.
• Purchase a Get San Diego Pass for discounted access to a variety of activities!

At that place really is so much to do in San Diego with kids! Hopefully, these ideas will help you as y'all plan a memorable vacation with your family!

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