50 Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids: A Local Mom's Guide (2026)

Every day, I help families figure out which top things to do in San Diego with kids actually make sense for their trip.

Most families do one activity in the morning, then spend the afternoons at their hotel pool or the beach. If you haven’t booked yet, see my guide to the best kid-friendly hotels in San Diego for where to stay based on what you want to do.

Below, I’ve organized 50 activities by type. Some you’ve probably heard of. Others are places I recommend to clients, but that don’t appear on most tourist lists. Throughout, I’ve noted the best ages for each activity, where to save on tickets, and what to realistically expect.

For more trip ideas and how to structure your days, see my complete San Diego family vacation guide.

If you already know where you’re staying or what part of San Diego you want to explore, jump straight to my family-specific neighborhood guides:

Neighborhood	What you’ll find
La Jolla with Kids	Seals, beaches, Birch Aquarium, and where to eat
Coronado with Kids	Hotel del, beaches, biking, and the ferry
Carlsbad with Kids	LEGOLAND, Flower Fields, and North County beaches
Pacific Beach	Boardwalk, Belmont Park, and a laid-back vibe
Oceanside with Kids	Harbor, surf culture, and Camp Pendleton area

Start Here

Our Community’s Favorite San Diego Family Activities at a Glance

See the full cheat sheet

Best For	Our Top Pick(s)	Why We Love It
First-Timers (All Ages)	San Diego Zoo	World-class zoo, essential SD experience, giant pandas, fun children’s area.
Toddlers (Ages 0-5)	The New Children’s Museum	Hands-on, interactive play spaces, great for rainy days.
Elementary School-Aged (Under 12)	LEGOLAND California	Theme park designed for this age group with rides, shows, seasonal water park, and LEGO building fun.
Teens (Ages 10+)	Belmont Park	Classic beachfront amusement park (rides, games, food). Combine with surfing lessons, beach, nearby watersports.
Free Activities (All Ages)	La Jolla Seals and Sea Lions	Adorable wildlife viewing! Pairs well with beach or winter tide pooling.
Animal Encounters (All Ages, Esp. 6+)	San Diego Zoo Safari Park	Open-range enclosures. Upgraded safaris, closer encounters like walking among wallabies.
Museum Buffs (Ages 6+)	USS Midway Museum	A real aircraft carrier with docents (many are veterans) sharing stories.
Beach Fun (All Ages)	La Jolla Shores	Wide, sandy beach with typically calmer waves for swimming/learning to surf/kayaking; adjacent playground, walkable to restaurants.
Outdoor Adventure (Various Hiking Levels)	Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve	Scenic coastal trails offering stunning ocean views, plus nearby beach access.

Top Picks

Top Things to Do in San Diego With Kids

If you only have time for one thing in San Diego with kids, make it the San Diego Zoo. From there, families typically build itineraries around LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld, and a beach day depending on ages and trip length.

The cheat sheet below shows our community’s favorites at a glance. The full guide breaks down each one.

Tip: Many kid-friendly activities are included on sightseeing passes, which I like as a smart way save on admission. I’ll explain how and when they’re worth it.

1. San Diego Zoo

The world-famous San Diego Zoo tops my list of things to do in San Diego with kids. We’re members. It’s home to over 3700 rare and endangered animals and over 700,000 exotic plants across 100 acres. Nearly every family we work with goes to the Zoo.

My favorite exhibits include giant pandas, Wildlife Explorers Basecamp (splash pads, playground, cool insects, and hands-on exhibits), koalas, polar bears, pygmy hippos, Galápagos tortoises, and Komodo dragons. Every dollar spent supports animal care and conservation efforts globally.

NearbyBalboa Park museums are right next door, and Old Town and the Downtown waterfront (with the USS Midway) are close by. The Zoo is a full-day outing, so these are good for other days of your trip.

Read More: San Diego Zoo Planning Guide · Save on admission: We have tips for buying discounted San Diego Zoo tickets and the BEST 1-Day price below ⬇️

2. San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Over 2,600 animals, including giraffes, elephants, lions, and rhinos, roam expansive open-air habitats at this sister park to the San Diego Zoo. You can explore on foot or join a safari (or both).

Top options include the free Africa Tram, Wildlife Safari through African and Asian savannahs, and the Skyline Safari zipline, which tweens and teens love.

We especially enjoy Tiger Trail and Walkabout Australia, where wallabies hop freely around you. Don’t miss the platypus exhibit. These are the only platypuses outside of Australia, and my family helped sponsor the exhibit.

The park also houses the world’s largest veterinary hospital and the innovative Frozen Zoo, which supports global species conservation.

NearbyThe Safari Park is fairly isolated and usually a full day on its own. If you want to add something nearby, there is Orfila Winery and the Children’s Museum of Discovery.

Read More: San Diego Zoo Safari Park Planning Guide · Save on admission: We also share tips for buying discounted Safari Park tickets and the best 1-Day price below ⬇️

3. LEGOLAND California

Of course, LEGOLAND California is one of the most popular things to do in San Diego with kids. The resort includes the main theme park, a seasonal water park, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and two hotels.

Most rides are best for toddlers through tweens. I think teens may find the experience too young unless visiting with younger siblings. And, the new LEGO Galaxy complete with indoor coaster is open!

NearbyThe closest add-ons are Carlsbad Village, the Carlsbad beaches, the outlets, and the Museum of Making Music.

Read More: LEGOLAND California Planning Guide · Save on admission: We have advice for buying discount LEGOLAND California tickets. First, check their online promotions. Then compare to our discounted prices.

4. SeaWorld San Diego

This park draws families for marine animal encounters, roller coasters, and educational shows. Behind-the-scenes tours introduce guests to dolphins, penguins, rays, and more. Kids can touch reef sharks, walk through a shark tank, and play in the Rescue Jr. zone.

Rollercoasters like Manta and Electric Eel thrill older kids, while Shipwreck Rapids is a great cooldown. This park appeals to all ages, so families with toddlers and teens (and all ages in between) visit.

As a mom who has been here more times than I can count (I can see the park from my house), I can tell you most guests spend an entire day here.

NearbyBelmont Park and Mission Beach are nearby in the Mission Bay area.

Read More: My SeaWorld San Diego Guide · Save on admission: We have advice for buying discount SeaWorld San Diego tickets. Due to their dynamic pricing model, check their online promotions, then compare them to our discounted prices.

5. Sesame Place San Diego

Sesame Place San Diego is the only theme park on the West Coast based entirely on Sesame Street. Here, you’ll find many water attractions and slides, seven themed dry rides, and a musical play area.

Kids can explore the interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood, which includes the iconic 123 Stoop, meet characters, and enjoy a daily parade and live shows.

NearbySesame Place is a standalone outing. There isn’t much nearby to pair it with, so plan it as its own trip.

Read More Sesame Street Place San Diego Guide · Tickets: Compare our discounted tickets with SeaWorld’s

6. Belmont Park

This classic beachfront amusement park is pure SoCal fun—think historic roller coasters, carnival games, giant scoops of ice cream, and ocean air. Highlights include the Giant Dipper roller coaster, arcade games, mini golf, zipline, and laser tag.

It’s on my list of best things to do in San Diego with teens, and it’s free to walk around, but you’ll need tickets for rides and games.

The park also has a few decent restaurants like Cannonball (we like it for sushi), Beach House, and Pizza Port, a local favorite I’ve loved for over three decades.

NearbyRight on the Mission Beach boardwalk, with SeaWorld and Pacific Beach close by.

Read More: Belmont Park Activity Guide · Tickets: Included with Go City San Diego. Get a Ride & Play Pass online before you go. It’s cheaper than at the booth.

7. Balboa Park

The nation’s largest urban cultural park is home to 17 museums, beautiful gardens, historic buildings, the San Diego Zoo, restaurants, and theaters. Entry is free, but most museums require tickets (favorites listed in #9–13).

This is one of the most fun places in San Diego for families. There’s something for everyone, and because exhibits rotate often, it never feels the same.

NearbyThe San Diego Zoo is right here in Balboa Park, so the two pair well. Downtown and Little Italy are close, with Old Town nearby.

Read More: Balboa Park Travel Guide · Tickets: Outdoor areas and the Timken Museum are free to enter. For museums, use the Balboa Park Explorer Pass (all but Comic-Con) or Go City San Diego (select museums). I highly recommend a pass.

8. Old Town San Diego

As California’s birthplace, Old Town San Diego makes a fun half-day visit. Kids particularly love The Whaley House, one of the most haunted houses in the U.S., and wandering the El Campo Santo Cemetery.

Take some time to explore the free museums depicting early pioneer life in Old Town State Historic Park. I also like browsing the shops for souvenirs and vintage candy.

Family-friendly restaurants serve Mexican food, and at Cafe Coyote and Old Town Mexican Cafe, tortillas are made before your eyes. Look for mariachi performances and staff dressed in period costumes.

NearbyClose to Balboa Park, the USS Midway, and Downtown.

Read More: Old Town San Diego Planning Guide · Tickets: Go City San Diego includes Old Town Trolley and Whaley House. Most other museums and historic sites are free.

Museums

Best Museums in San Diego for Kids

If you can only pick one museum in San Diego for kids, make it the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. Fleet and theNAT (the Natural History Museum) appeal across age groups and are right across from each other, so families with mixed ages can do both in one visit. The Model Railroad, Air and Space, and Comic-Con Museums are all in the same park, making it easy to combine. For little-kids-only trips, the New Children’s Museum downtown is purpose-built for ages 0 to 10.

Every museum here does more than the exhibits you see. Check calendars before you go for libraries, summer camps, classroom resources, and off-site programming.

9. Fleet Science Center

Location: Balboa Park

The whole family will love exploring 100+ hands-on exhibits across eight galleries—including Kid City, a touch-friendly zone just for ages five and under. You’ll learn how gravity works, build stuff, watch movies in the world’s first dome IMAX theatre, and then some. 

Time: An hour or two · Tickets: Included with Balboa Park Explorer Pass and Go City San Diego. Buy direct or through our site (same price). · Read More: Fleet Science Center Guide

10. San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT)

Location: Balboa Park

Located across from the Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT) explores the natural wonders of Southern California and Baja, from dinosaurs and fossils to local ecosystems and geology.

The Backyard play area is a hit with kids under 5, while parents can sip lattes from the Flying Squirrel Café next door. This museum has been a favorite of my daughter’s since preschool, and we still love visiting.

Time: An hour or two · Tickets: Included with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass and Go City San Diego. You can buy them directly. · Read More: Local Kids’ Guide to San Diego Natural History Museum

11. San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Location: Balboa Park

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is North America’s largest model railroad museum and a toy train enthusiast’s dream. Inside, you’ll find four enormous scale and model railroad track layouts and rotating exhibits.

Time: An hour or less · Tickets: Included with CityPASS & Go City San Diego. Buy direct — kids ages 12 and under are FREE with a paid legal guardian.

12. San Diego Air and Space Museum

Location: Balboa Park

Learn about the history of flight, from early balloon ascents to space travel. Over 50 aircraft hang from the rafters. Galleries cover everything from the Wright brothers to WWII fighter jets, the Jet Age, and women in aviation.

Time: An hour or two · Tickets: Included with CityPASS & Go City San Diego or buy direct. · Read More: San Diego Air and Space Museum Guide

13. Comic-Con Museum

Location: Balboa Park

This pop culture museum features high-tech, rotating exhibits celebrating comics, movies, video games, and fandoms of all kinds. During my last visit, I found the activities more suitable for older kids, but the hands-on drawing lab is great for grade schoolers.

Best For: Tweens and teens (unless there’s an exhibit your younger kids would love.) · Time: An hour or two · Tickets: Buy Direct (Does not participate in any sightseeing passes) · Read More: Comic-Con Museum Guide

14. San Diego Botanic Garden

Location: Encinitas

If you’re looking for outdoor activities for kids in San Diego and garden inspiration, this is your place. Stroll through 29 stunning gardens, each with its own unique theme, from fire-safe landscaping to Canary Islands plants.

Kids will love the Hamilton Children’s Garden’s fun treehouse, grass maze, and special activities like bird-watching walks.

Best For: Toddlers to early grade schoolers (also great for stroller walks) · Time: A few hours, especially if the kids want to play · Tickets: Buy direct · Read More: Things to Do at San Diego Botanic Garden

15. Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Location: La Jolla

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public outreach center of the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. It’s one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids, especially for marine life lovers or families looking for fun, hands-on science learning.

Inside, you’ll explore 60 marine habitats, from the chilly Pacific Northwest to tropical Mexican waters, and engage with exhibits that promote ocean conservation. The Little Blue Penguins exhibit, home to the world’s smallest penguins and exclusive to the Western U.S., is a favorite with all ages.

Tide Pool Plaza, located on the back patio, offers panoramic ocean views and docent-led interactions with starfish and anemones. It’s also a perfect spot for a family photo.

Best For: All ages (toddlers, preschoolers, and grade-schoolers will enjoy it the most) · Time: A few hours · Tickets: Included with CityPASS & Go City San Diego or buy direct online. · Read More: Birch Aquarium Planning Guide

16. USS Midway Museum

Location: Downtown San Diego

One of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers is now one of San Diego’s most popular museums. Families love exploring the 60 exhibits, 29 restored aircraft, the engine room, the flight deck, and the galley. The flight simulators (extra cost) are a big hit with kids, though height restrictions apply.

Many of the docents served aboard and share firsthand stories that bring the ship’s history to life. I recommend this stop to nearly every family visiting San Diego. There’s nothing else quite like it.

Best For: Preschoolers and above · Time: Half to Full Day · Tickets: Included with CityPASS & Go City San Diego. We have a discount, or you can buy direct. · Read More: Tips for Visiting the USS Midway Museum

17. Maritime Museum of San Diego

Location: Downtown

This San Diego museum preserves one of the country’s largest collections of historic sailing vessels, including the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing vessel. You can climb aboard most ships, and some still sail on select tours (check the schedule).

Best For: Preschoolers and above · Time: An hour or so · Tickets: Included with CityPASS & Go City San Diego or buy direct. · Read More: Maritime Museum of San Diego Guide

18. The New Children’s Museum

Location: Downtown San Diego

This interactive museum is a favorite among local parents, encouraging kids to think, play, and create through hands-on art, crafts, performing arts, and exhibits like the Sketch Aquarium. Babies under 12 months are free, and even little ones enjoy the colors, shapes, and watching older kids explore.

Looking for things to do in San Diego with babies? Babies under 12 months visit this museum for free. They love the colors and shapes, as well as watching other kids in motion.

Best For: Ages 0-10 · Time: A few hours · Tickets: Included with Go City San Diego or buy direct (children under age 1 are free)

19. Children’s Museum of Discovery

Location: Escondido

This hands-on museum offers 6,000 square feet of indoor exhibits and outdoor play spaces, including chicken coops, worm farms, and science stations. Kids explore water, energy, and conservation through interactive play.

Best For: Ages 0-10 · Time: A few hours · Tickets: Included with Go City San Diego or buy online through the museum.

20. Museum of Making Music

Location: Carlsbad

This fun, hands-on museum introduces kids (all ages, really) to the history of music and lets them explore different instruments, perfect for those still figuring out what they might want to play. A highlight is the instrument room, where the whole family can pick up and try guitars, trumpets, flutes, drums, and more.

Best For: Any kids interested in music · Time: A few hours · Tickets: Included with Go City San Diego or buy direct. · Read More: Museum of Making Music Guide

21. Living Coast Discovery Center

Location: Chula Vista

Located about 15 minutes south of downtown, this smaller animal and nature center focuses on California’s coastal plants and wildlife. It’s a popular spot for school field trips and is typically less crowded than other popular San Diego animal attractions.

Best For: Babies (in carriers), toddlers, preschoolers, grade schoolers · Time: A few hours (it’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays) · Tickets: Included with Go City San Diego or buy direct.

Beaches

Best San Diego Beaches for Families

The best beach in San Diego for families is La Jolla Shores, with lifeguards, a playground at Kellogg Park, and walking-distance dining. Coronado Central Beach is the next pick when the ocean is open for swimming.

San Diego has 70 miles of stunning coastline, and each beach town has its own character.

Time: A few hours to a full day! · Cost: FREE, though some beaches have paid parking lots · Read More: Best Beach Hotels in San Diego and Top Family-Friendly Beaches in San Diego.

22. La Jolla Shores Beach

This family-friendly beach is one of my favorites in town because it appeals to people of all ages who crave ocean activities. The beach is flat, sandy, and an especially great place for kids.

Lifeguards are on duty, fire pits are first-come, first-served, and restrooms are decent. The adjacent Kellogg Park has a playground and grassy space steps from the sand. Avenida de la Playa, the main street in the La Jolla Shores neighborhood, has casual dining like The Cheese Shop and small shops, and is an easy walk. The parking lot is big, but fills early in summer.

23. Coronado Central Beach

This wide, flat beach in front of Hotel del Coronado is excellent for families with gentle waves, soft sand, and public access to The Del’s chair and umbrella rentals (and dining on the beach here and in the restaurants). The north end allows dogs and occasional surfing.

Highlights: Clean restrooms, great views, easy beach dining, and high national rankings. · Important: The ocean does periodically close for swimming (see above) · See also: Detailed Guide to Coronado Beaches

24. Moonlight Beach Encinitas

It’s a North County favorite for families thanks to restrooms, lifeguards, playgrounds, picnic areas, and rentals. It is also walkable to downtown Encinitas.

North San Diego County hotel concierges we work with send guests to Moonlight Beach even if there’s a closer beach to their property because of its all-in-one features.

Highlights: Snack shack, volleyball courts, and an easygoing vibe.

25. Del Mar Beaches

Del Mar’s main beach (15th–29th Street) is popular for swimming and picnicking, though summer parking is tricky. Nearby Torrey Pines State Beach is scenic, with amenities (bathrooms and showers) and a kid-friendly lagoon near the road that flows into the Pacific Ocean.

Highlights: Walkable to popular restaurants, L’Auberge Del Mar Hotel, a few smaller inns, and scenic cliffs. · See also: Guide to Del Mar Beaches

26. Mission Bay Park (Beaches and Fantastic Playgrounds)

Calm bay waters and soft sand make this huge aquatic park a hit with young kids. Rent paddleboards, boats, or bikes and stop at kid-friendly beaches like Sail Bay or Bonita Cove. Playgrounds are everywhere, and rentals are in front of the Mission Bay hotels.

Highlights: There are no waves (the water can be murky in spots), tons of space, and easy paved paths for walking and biking around the bay—all great for toddlers and big kids alike.

Beach Volleyball Tips

Near Mission Bay, South Mission Beach has sand volleyball courts popular with older kids and teens, though they’re often busy and competitive. Expect to wait for a turn.

Outdoor

Fun Outdoor San Diego Kids Activities

Outdoor activities for kids in San Diego work year-round thanks to the mild climate, with the best picks varying by age: kayaking and surfing for tweens and teens, tide pools and seal viewing for younger kids.

The list below covers all-in-one spots like Mission Bay and family-friendly places across San Diego County.

27. Kayak the Sea Caves

Location: La Jolla Shores

Launch from La Jolla Shores Beach with your own kayak, rent one nearby, or join a guided tour to explore the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park. As you paddle, keep an eye out for bright orange Garibaldi fish, leopard sharks, and our playful sea lions. Tours head toward the La Jolla sea caves that are only visible from the ocean.

Some tours even enter Clam’s Cave, where the sea lion barks echo off the rocks. I personally recommend Everyday California, and many of the families I book local hotels for say this was a highlight of their trip.

Best For: Tweens and teens · Time: 2-3 hours (tours are 1.5-2 hours long) · Tickets: Rentals are included with Go City San Diego. Use promo code LJMOM20 at Everyday California for 20% off. · Read More: My Kayak Tour with Everyday California

28. Seaport Village

Location: Downtown San Diego (free to enter)

Seaport Village is a bayside shopping and dining area that’s fun for both local and visiting families. Yes, it’s a little touristy, but it has a nostalgic charm—with fudge shops, an old-fashioned carousel, a kite store, and occasional live entertainment along the waterfront near many downtown San Diego hotels.

You’ll find over 50 restaurants and shops, plus grassy areas perfect for kite flying. It’s a great stop before or after a harbor cruise or visit to the USS Midway.

Time: 1-2 hours (more if staying for a meal)

29. Learn to Surf

Location: Various beaches

One of the coolest things to do in San Diego with kids is to get them up on a surfboard. Kids as young as five can take surfing lessons. All ages can learn to hang ten on our famous waves. It’s never too late to learn.

Certified instructors offer private and group lessons, and many local schools run day-by-day surf camps during the summer.

Best For: Ages 5+ · Time: 1-2 hours for a lesson, half-day for camps. · Read More: Guide to San Diego Surf Schools

30. Children’s Pool Seals and La Jolla Cove Sea Lions

Location: La Jolla

Seeing the seals and sea lions is one of the most beloved free things to do in La Jolla. At the Children’s Pool, you’ll find harbor seals resting on the sand, especially during pupping season (December 15–May 15), when the beach is closed to protect them.

Just a short walk north along the coast, you’ll encounter California sea lions near La Jolla Cove, usually sprawled on the rocks or barking loudly from the water. Because the two viewing areas are close together, there’s almost always something to see, and kids love it. I never get tired of seeing them, either!

Time: Half to Full Day in the area · Cost: Free (paid parking nearby) · Read More: Guide to Visiting the La Jolla Seals and Sea Lions

31. Cabrillo National Monument

Location: Point Loma

San Diego’s only National Park honors the 1542 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo—an event often referred to as the discovery of California. A visit here blends history, nature, and incredible views, making it one of the most educational things to do in San Diego with kids.

I like to walk the Bayside Trail, explore the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and visit the famous tide pools (best viewed November–March at low tide). The Cabrillo statue viewpoint offers sweeping panoramas of America’s Finest City, including the San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and downtown.

Time: 2-3 hours · Tickets: $20 per vehicle · Read More: Guide to Cabrillo National Monument

32. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Location: La Jolla

This protected reserve is home to the rare Torrey Pine tree, dramatic ocean cliffs, and eight miles of family-friendly hiking trails. The Guy Fleming Trail is the most popular for kids, just ⅔ of a mile with panoramic ocean views, wildflowers, and native plants.

The Beach Trail leads down to the sand, but I don’t recommend the steep return climb with younger kids. You can also join a free guided walk on weekends and holidays to learn about the local ecosystem.

Time: 2-3 hours · Tickets: $10–25 per vehicle (based on lot and day of week) · Read More: Guide to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Focused on No-Cost Activities? I Have a Guide for That.

Learn more about free things to do in San Diego with kids, including hidden gems, wildlife experiences, and beaches.

33. Petco Park Baseball Game and Tour

Location: Downtown

Even when the Padres aren’t playing, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of Petco Park, one of Major League Baseball’s most scenic stadiums. The open-air ballpark offers incredible downtown views and is a fun stop for sports fans of all ages.

If you’re visiting during baseball season, a day game is a great family outing, especially in summer. Tour options include Daily Tours, Pregame Tours, and VIP Tours, each offering unique access.

Time: 1.5–3 hours · Tickets: Daily Tour pricing is dynamic and starts around $40; game and other tour prices vary by date. Kids under 36″ are free on the Daily Tour.

34. Waterfront Park Fountains and Playground

Location: Downtown

This spacious downtown park is perfect for cooling off on warm San Diego days. Kids can run through the interactive fountains, climb on the nice playground equipment, and run around the wide, grassy areas that are ideal for games or a picnic.

Located right on San Diego Bay, the park offers beautiful views and in summer, it often hosts outdoor movies and events. It’s just across from the Maritime Museum and next to the Wyndham San Diego Bayfront, and it’s easy to pair with other nearby attractions.

Best For: Toddlers, grade schoolers, or picnics with a baby · Time: Half to Full Day · Tickets: Free (paid parking nearby)

35. Queen Calafia’s Magic Circle

Location: Escondido

This hidden gem in North County is the only American sculpture garden by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle, known for her vibrant, large-scale mosaics. Kids love exploring the colorful maze, serpentine wall, and nine giant sculptures all tucked inside Kit Carson Park.

Best For: Toddlers and grade schoolers · Time: 30-60 minutes · Cost: Free

36. San Elijo Lagoon

Location: Cardiff

The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve spans nearly 1,000 acres and is one of San Diego’s most diverse coastal wetlands. It’s home to over 1,000 species of birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals. It’s also a fantastic spot for nature walks. Hiking here is one of the fun things to do in San Diego for kids outside, because the trails suit young children.

A standout feature is Annie’s Canyon Trail, a short yet exciting slot-canyon loop that feels like a real adventure for kids (and adults). The narrow sandstone passageway and scenic overlook at the top make it one of the coolest short hikes in North County.

Time: Half to Full Day · Tickets: Free (street parking available)

37. Junior Golf

Best For: Ages 5–12

We’ve had clients lately come to San Diego because the kids are attending golf clinics or the family wants to tee off together in a temperate climate. Top options include Torrey Pines Golf Course, Omni La Costa, and Aviara Golf Academy near Park Hyatt Aviara and Four Seasons Aviara.

If you’re staying at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, kids 12 and under get complimentary tee times and club rentals when accompanied by a paying adult.

38. Hotel Pool Day Pass

Location: All over San Diego County!

Book a day pass to a local resort pool through platforms like ResortPass. It’s a fun way to enjoy luxury hotel amenities without an overnight stay.

Read More: Guide to the Best San Diego Hotel Pools

39. Skate Parks

Location: Across San Diego County
Best For: School-ages through teens

San Diego has long been a skateboarding hub. Even Tony Hawk calls it home. The county features free public skate parks for all skill levels. Notable spots include:

• Washington Street Skate Park – For advanced skaters only
• Linda Vista Skate Park – The second-largest in California
• Carlsbad Skate Park – Great for beginners

Tours

Best San Diego Tours for Kids and Teens

The best San Diego tour for kids is the San Diego Seal Tour, an open-air amphibious vehicle that drives downtown and then enters the harbor for skyline views and seal sightings. Other picks below: speed boats, the Old Town Trolley, the Patriot Jet Boat (summer), and family sailing tours.

40. San Diego Seal Tours

Location: Embarcadero or Seaport Village (Downtown)

San Diego Seal Tours are fully narrated, open-air amphibious tours that first drive past scenic downtown spots on land. Kids will love that the vehicle then “drives” into the San Diego harbor for skyline views and (hopefully) seal sightings.

Time: 90 minutes · Tickets: Our discount (use promo code SAVEMORE)

41. Speed Boat Adventures

Location: Harbor Island (Downtown)

Even if you’ve never driven a boat, you can drive these. Speed Boat Adventures boats are 13′ mini speed boats with quiet, eco-friendly motors that carry up to three people (small children sit in the middle). Boats have two-way communication so that you can hear the guide’s narration.

Best For: Ages 5+ (need to be 18+ to drive) · Time: 90 minutes (for the most popular tour) · Tickets: Go City San Diego or Direct

42. Old Town Trolley Tours

Location: Various stops from Old Town to Coronado

Hop aboard one of San Diego’s iconic orange and green open-air trolleys for a fun and flexible way to explore the city. The hop-on, hop-off route covers major family-friendly areas like Balboa Park, Old Town, downtown San Diego, and Coronado with narrated tours along the way. There’s also a separate haunted night tour if you’re up for spooky fun.

Time: I think you need a full day to get the value out of your ticket. · Tickets: Go City San Diego, CityPASS, or use promo code SAVEMORE to save up to $6-14 on Old Town Trolley Tours.

43. Patriot Jet Boat (Summer and Weekends Year-Round)

Location: Downtown San Diego

Looking for something fast, loud, and unforgettable? The Patriot Jet Boat is a thrill ride around San Diego Bay that reaches speeds up to 50 mph, complete with sharp turns, rock music, and sea spray. It’s a hit with older kids and anyone who loves an adrenaline rush.

Best For: Tweens and teens or daredevil little kids (must be 48″ tall to ride) · Time: 30 minutes · Tickets: Go City San Diego or Buy Direct

44. Sea Monkey Adventures Family Sailing Tours

Location: Departs Harbor Island (Downtown)

Set sail on a gentle, family‑friendly experience aboard a 25‑foot yacht. Sea Monkey Adventures offers private boating, whale‑watching, and tours in the morning, day, sunset, or full‑day times—without the music, crowds, or “party boat” feel.

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Seasonal

Family-Friendly Seasonal Activities

Seasonal family activities in San Diego depend on when you visit: tide pooling peaks November through March, the Carlsbad Flower Fields bloom in spring, and summer brings leopard shark snorkeling, Rady Shell concerts, and the San Diego County Fair.

Some of these tourist attractions are best enjoyed in their season. Plan around these.

45. Winter Tide Pooling

Location: Various

Tide pooling in San Diego is best during the winter months, roughly from November through March, when daytime low tides reveal fascinating marine life like sea stars, sea slugs, sea anemones, hermit crabs, and more sea creatures.

Time: A few hours

46. Snorkel or Swim With Leopard Sharks (Summer)

Location: La Jolla Shores Beach
Best For: Strong swimmers

While this doesn’t sound like an activity for a list of the best things to do in San Diego with kids, locals love doing this every summer. It’s fun!

La Jolla Shores Beach is home to the largest aggregation of leopard sharks in the world. They begin arriving in June, but the numbers peak around August and September.

47. Whale Watching Tours

Location: Cruises typically depart from Downtown San Diego, Mission Bay, or Oceanside

San Diego is one of the best whale-watching destinations in California, with tours running nearly nine months of the year.

• Gray Whale Season (mid-December–April): About 20,000 whales migrate past our coast from Alaska to Baja.
• Blue Whale Season (mid-June–September): Spot the largest animals on earth feeding offshore

Time: 3-4 hours · Tickets: Browse whale watching tours by local companies like Flagship Cruises and Events and San Diego Whale Watch. · Read More: My Guide to Whale Watching in San Diego

48. Summer Concerts at Rady Shell

Location: Downtown

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is a stunning outdoor venue on San Diego Bay where the San Diego Symphony hosts live summer concerts under the stars. These family-friendly performances often feature themes like Star Wars, Disney favorites, and movie soundtracks.

Best For: All ages, depending on the concert theme · Tickets: Buy online

49. Carlsbad Flower Fields

Location: Carlsbad

Every spring, a 50-acre Carlsbad hillside turns into a rainbow of color as thousands of ranunculus flowers bloom against an ocean backdrop. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is a family-friendly San Diego attraction open to the public for about 6-8 weeks, with hayrides and other special events.

50. Attend the San Diego County Fair

Location: Del Mar

The San Diego County Fair, held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds between Memorial Day and the July 4th weekend, is a lively summer event offering thrilling carnival rides, engaging exhibits, live concerts, outrageous food, and nonstop entertainment. People drive from Orange County and further north and east to experience it.

Save Money

How to Save Money on Your San Diego Family Vacation

The two best ways to save money on a San Diego family vacation are sightseeing passes (Go City San Diego, CityPASS, or the Balboa Park Explorer Pass, depending on what you’ll visit) and Kids Free October, when many attractions offer free kids’ admission with a paid adult.

The breakdowns below help you decide which pass fits your itinerary.

The Three Popular Sightseeing Passes

Deciding which sightseeing pass to buy takes some number crunching and itinerary planning. Here is a quick cheat sheet:

• Go City San Diego: Best for visiting multiple attractions, including theme parks, Balboa Park museums, and tours. Save up to 50% on All-Inclusive or Explorer passes. Use code GOSDO5LJM for 5% off.
• San Diego CityPASS: Choose only if you’re visiting LEGOLAND California or SeaWorld San Diego and either visiting San Diego Zoo OR Safari Park.
• Balboa Park Explorer Pass: Covers most museums in Balboa Park (except Comic-Con).

💡 Note: During Kids Free October, individual tickets are often cheaper than sightseeing passes.

Visit in October When Kids Are Free!

Every October, kids get in free to 100+ attractions, restaurants, and hotels across the county. It’s the best time of year to experience all the cool stuff to do in San Diego for kids without going over budget.

You’ll still need a qualifying adult ticket (which you can buy at a discount through us), and some restrictions apply. Kids Free October deals usually start to go live in August.

See also: San Diego Discounts: Experience the City for Less

Family Hotel Picks

Picking a Hotel for Your Trip

We help families book San Diego hotels every day. Here are five we end up recommending most often, by the kind of trip you’re planning. You can also browse our full hotels category for neighborhood-specific picks.

• Hotel del Coronado (Coronado): Iconic beachfront landmark with kids’ programs and beach access. The marquee San Diego family stay.
• Shore House at The Del (Coronado): Residential-style villas at Hotel del Coronado with full kitchens. Good for longer trips or larger families.
• Park Hyatt Aviara (Carlsbad): North County luxury resort with family programming and easy access to LEGOLAND and Carlsbad beaches.
• Catamaran Resort (Mission Bay): Mid-tier bay-side option with free kids’ activities and a classic SoCal family-vacation vibe.
• La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club (La Jolla Shores): Private beachfront club on La Jolla Shores. Tennis, pools, and the beach right out the door.

We book families at San Diego hotels through Virtuoso, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Hyatt Privé, and Hilton for Luxury. Privileges typically include room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and resort credits where the program offers them.

Read more about kid-friendly hotels in San Diego

Eating Out

Eating Out With Kids

We eat out with our kids constantly. These are spots in the tourist areas you’re likely to visit, with the neighborhood in parentheses.

• Campfire (Carlsbad): California open-fire cooking with shareable plates and a big covered patio. Easy real-dinner for families.
• Duke’s La Jolla (La Jolla): Hawaiian-California beachfront with a long happy hour and a kids’ menu. Big windows over the Cove.
• The Crack Shack (Little Italy): Casual fried chicken with an enclosed turf play area, cornhole, and giant Connect 4. Order at the counter, kids run around between bites.
• Panama 66 (Balboa Park): Tucked into the San Diego Museum of Art’s sculpture garden patio. Casual menu, beer and wine, kid-friendly. The non-Zoo lunch inside Balboa Park.
• Cafe Coyote (Old Town): Hand-pressed tortillas in the window, strolling mariachis, fountains, big patio. The festive Old Town experience kids remember.
• Miguel’s Cocina (Coronado): Forty-year Coronado institution across from Hotel del. Famous creamy white sauce for chip-dipping kids, easy menu for parents.

See our full guide to family-friendly San Diego restaurants

Questions

FAQs About Activities in San Diego for Kids Answered By a San Diego Mom

These are the questions readers and the families we book trips for ask most often.

What can a family in San Diego do at night?

San Diego kids’ activities at night vary by season, but there are always fun things to do for the entire family. Check event calendars at local museums and attractions. Suggestions include:

• Evening Padres baseball games at PETCO Park
• Belmont Park (usually open until 8 p.m.)
• Evening Old Town Trolley Tours that drive by haunted sights or holiday lights
• Evening bay dinner cruises
• Beach bonfires or s’more roasting (the latter you can do at Hotel del Coronado)
• Family-friendly plays at local theaters such as The Old Globe (see The Grinch during the holidays), Prado Theatre, and San Diego Civic Theater
• Summer concerts at the Rady Shell

What do you do with kids in San Diego when it rains?

A rainy day is perfect for exploring one of our many kid-friendly San Diego museums. Balboa Park is my top pick because its museums are close together, which means that with an Explorer or Go San Diego pass, you can bounce between them at leisure without worrying about paying admission each time. Plus, you’re only walking short distances between many of them.

Should I stay in Downtown San Diego with kids?

One question I receive quite a bit, since there are no big resorts in downtown San Diego, is whether it’s a fun place to stay with children. It can be if you don’t mind a boutique or business hotel. Some of the most fun things to do in San Diego with kids are downtown, like the USS Midway Museum and New Children’s Museum. San Diego Zoo is about 10 minutes away by car.

If your favorite things to do in San Diego with kids aren’t listed, let me know! Thanks for reading and supporting our small business. I hope you love San Diego as much as I do