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Why You Can Trust Our San Diego With Kids Guide
Top Things to Do in San Diego With Kids
Let’s start with the fun, kid-friendly attractions that top most family sightseeing itineraries that I see.
As you read, keep in mind that sightseeing passes can help you save money on our top kid-friendly museums, tours, and attractions. I’ll go over the three most popular at the end.
Editor’s Picks: San Diego Family Activities at a Glance
| 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). Also consider: Surfing lessons, beach, watersports. |
| Free Activities (All Ages) | La Jolla Seals and Sea Lions | Adorable wildlife viewing! Combine with beach or winter tide pooling. |
| Animal Encounters (All Ages, Esp. 6+) | San Diego Zoo Safari Park | Open-range enclosures. Upgraded safaris, closer encounters (feeding lorikeets, 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 | Accessible trails offering stunning ocean views; includes nearby beach access. |
1. San Diego Zoo
Location: Balboa Park
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.
I’ve been to zoos around the world, and this is still one of the best. Every dollar spent supports animal care and conservation efforts globally.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My San Diego Zoo Guide
Recommended Time: Half to Full Day
Tickets & Passes: Included with CityPASS & Go City San Diego. We have tips for buying discounted San Diego Zoo tickets, or request the BEST 1-Day price below ⬇️
1-Day Pass— Use My Exclusive Promo Code
Use a mobile or printed ticket to go straight to the gate. Valid for one year from purchase.
Final price (after my discount): $68/ages 12+ and $58/ages 3–11
Use promo code lajollamom to save $8!
Get All San Diego Discounts by Email
You can also receive my San Diego Zoo promo code and list of theme park, tour, and sightseeing pass discounts to be sent to you. Request by email.
2. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Location: Escondido
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 nearby. Don’t miss the rare platypus exhibit—the only one outside Australia and one my family helped sponsor. The park also houses the world’s largest veterinary hospital and the innovative Frozen Zoo, which supports global species conservation.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My San Diego Zoo Safari Park Guide
Recommended Time: Half to Full Day
Tickets & Passes: Included with CityPASS & Go City San Diego. We also share tips for buying discounted Safari Park tickets, or request the best 1-Day price below ⬇️
1-Day Pass — Use My Promo Code For the Best Deal!
Use a mobile or printed ticket to go straight to the gate. Valid for one year from purchase.
Discounted price: $68/ages 12+ and $8/ages 3–11
Use promo code lajollamom for $8 off!
Get All San Diego Discounts by Email
You can also receive my San Diego Zoo Safari Park promo code and list of theme park, tour, and sightseeing pass discounts to be sent to you. Request by email.
3. LEGOLAND California
Location: Carlsbad
Best for: Ages 2-12
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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My LEGOLAND California Guide
Recommended Time: Half to Full Day
Tickets & Passes: Included with CityPASS & Go City San Diego. We have advice for buying discount LEGOLAND California tickets. First, check their online promotions. Then, compare to our discounted prices (use promo code SAVEMORE on our site for savings of $5).
4. SeaWorld San Diego
Location: Mission Bay
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 seems to satisfy all ages equally, 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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My SeaWorld San Diego Guide
Recommended Time: Half to Full Day
Tickets & Passes: Included with CityPASS & Go City San Diego. We have advice for buying discount SeaWorld San Diego tickets. Due to their dynamic pricing model, check their online promotions, then, compare our discounted prices.
If you’re a local, get an annual pass. Then, go a few hours before the park closes when the lines are shorter. My daughter and her friends do this successfully.
5. Sesame Place San Diego
Location: Chula Vista
Best for: Toddlers and elementary school age
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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More My Sesame Street Place San Diego Guide
Recommended Time: Half to Full Day
Tickets & Passes: Compare our discounted tickets with SeaWorld’s
6. Belmont Park
Location: Mission Beach
Best for: Ages 5+
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, mini golf, zipline, and laser tag.
It’s on my list of best things to do in San Diego with teens and is 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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My Belmont Park Guide
Recommended Time: An hour or two (longer with a meal)
Tickets & Passes: 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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My Balboa Park Guide
Recommended Time: Half to Full Day
Tickets & Passes: 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 in the case of Cafe Coyote and Old Town Mexican Cafe, with tortillas made before your eyes. Look for mariachi performances and staff dressed in period costumes.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My Old Town San Diego Guide
Recommended Time: A few hours plus a meal
Tickets & Passes: Go City San Diego includes Old Town Trolley and Whaley House. Most other museums are free.
Best Museums in San Diego for Kids
I am a huge fan of our museums. Before you go, check their calendars for special events and off-site programming.
See my full list of the best San Diego children’s museums, including hands-on exhibits, STEM spaces, and toddler-friendly favorites.
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 5 and under. You’ll learn how gravity works, build stuff, watch movies in the world’s first dome IMAX theatre, and then some.
Katie’s Tips
Read more: My Fleet Science Center Guide
Recommended Time: An hour or two
Tickets & Passes: Included with Balboa Park Explorer Pass and Go City San Diego. Buy direct or through our site (same price).
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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My Local Kids’ Guide to San Diego Natural History Museum
Recommended Time: An hour or two
Tickets & Passes: Included with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass and Go City San Diego. You can buy them directly.
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.
Katie’s Tips
Recommended Time: An hour or less
Tickets & Passes: 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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My San Diego Air and Space Museum Guide
Recommended Time: An hour or two
Tickets & Passes: Included with CityPASS & Go City San Diego or buy direct.
13. Comic-Con Museum
Location: Balboa Park
Best for: Tweens and teens (unless there’s an exhibit your younger kids would love.)
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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My Comic-Con Museum Guide
Recommended Time: An hour or two
Tickets & Passes: Buy Direct (Does not participate in any sightseeing passes)
14. San Diego Botanic Garden
Location: Encinitas
Best for: Toddlers to early grade schoolers (also great for stroller walks)
If you’re looking for outdoor activities for kids in San Diego and garden inspiration, this is your place. Leisurely 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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: Things to Do at San Diego Botanic Garden
Recommended Time: A few hours, especially if the kids want to play
Tickets & Passes: Buy direct
15. Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Location: La Jolla
Best for: All ages (toddlers, preschoolers, and grade-schoolers will enjoy it the most)
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 spanning from the chilly Pacific Northwest to tropical Mexican waters and engaging 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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My Birch Aquarium Guide
Recommended Time: A few hours
Tickets & Passes: Included with CityPASS & Go City San Diego or buy direct online.
16. USS Midway Museum
Location: Downtown San Diego
Best for: Preschoolers and above
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, engine room, flight deck, and 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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My Tips for Visiting the USS Midway Museum
Recommended Time: Half to Full Day
Tickets & Passes: Included with CityPASS & Go City San Diego. We have a discount, or you can buy direct.
17. Maritime Museum of San Diego
Location: Downtown
Best for: Preschoolers and above
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).
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My Maritime Museum of San Diego Guide
Recommended Time: An hour or so
Tickets & Passes: Included with CityPASS & Go City San Diego or buy direct.
18. The New Children’s Museum
Location: Downtown San Diego
Best for: Ages 0-10
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.
Katie’s Tips
Recommended Time: A few hours
Tickets & Passes: Included with Go City San Diego or buy direct (children under age 1 are free)
19. San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
Location: Escondido
Best for: Ages 0-10
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.
Katie’s Tips
Recommended Time: A few hours
Tickets & Passes: Included with Go City San Diego or buy online through SDCDM.
20. Museum of Making Music
Location: Carlsbad
Best for: Any kids interested in music
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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My Museum of Making Music Guide
Recommended Time: A few hours
Tickets & Passes: Included with Go City San Diego or buy direct.
21. Living Coast Discovery Center
Location: Chula Vista
Best for: Babies (in carriers), toddlers, preschoolers, grade schoolers
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 typically less crowded than other popular San Diego animal attractions.
Katie’s Tips
Recommended Time: A few hours (it’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Tickets & Passes: Included with Go City San Diego or buy direct.
Best San Diego Beaches for Families
Our beautiful beaches top most family sightseeing itineraries that I see year-round. We have 70 miles of stunning coastline, and each San Diego beach and beach town has its own characteristics.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: Best Beach Hotels in San Diego and top family-friendly beaches in San Diego.
Recommended Time: A few hours to a full day!
Cost: FREE, though some beaches have paid parking lots
22. Coronado Central Beach
This wide, flat beach in front of Hotel del Coronado is great for families—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
23. La Jolla Shores Beach
This family-friendly beach is one of my favorites in town because it suits 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.
I list several popular things to do with kids at La Jolla Shores Beach below under outdoor activities. It’s an excellent spot for water sports like snorkeling and learning to surf.
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 tough. 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.
Fun Outdoor San Diego Kids Activities
The good news is that the whole family can enjoy these activities for kids in San Diego County year-round. I’ve included both all-in-one spots like Mission Bay and other family-friendly places across my hometown.
27. Kayak the Sea Caves
Location: La Jolla Shores
Best for: Tweens and teens
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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My kayak tour with Everyday California
Recommended Time: 2-3 hours (tours are 1.5-2 hours long)
Tickets & Passes: Rentals are included with Go City San Diego. Use promo code LJMOM20 at Everyday California for 20% off
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.
Katie’s Tips
Recommended Time: 1-2 hours (more if staying for a meal)
29. Learn to Surf
Location: Various beaches
Best for: Ages 5+
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 summer.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My Guide to San Diego Surf Schools
Recommended Time: 1-2 hours for a lesson, half-day for camps.
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!
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My Guide to Visiting the La Jolla Seals and Sea Lions
Recommended Time: Half to Full Day
Cost: Free (paid parking nearby)
31. Cabrillo National Monument
Location: Escondido
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 more 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 San Diego Bay, Coronado, and downtown.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My Guide to Cabrillo National Monument
Recommended Time: 2-3 hours
Tickets & Passes: $20 per vehicle
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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My Guide to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Recommended Time: 2-3 hours
Tickets & Passes: $10–25 per vehicle (based on lot and day of week)
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.
Katie’s Tips
Recommended Time: 1.5–3 hours
Tickets & Passes: Daily Tour is $43; game and other tour prices vary. Kids under 36″ are free on the Daily Tour.
34. Waterfront Park Fountains and Playground
Location: Downtown
Best for: Toddlers, grade schoolers, or picnics with a baby
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 views are beautiful, and in summer, the park 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.
Katie’s Tips
Recommended Time: Half to Full Day
Tickets & Passes: Free (paid parking nearby)
35. Queen Calafia’s Magic Circle
Location: Escondido
Best For: Toddlers and grade schoolers
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.
Katie’s Tips
Recommended Time: 30-60 minites
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—and 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 but 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.
Katie’s Tips
Recommended Time: Half to Full Day
Tickets & Passes: 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.
Katie’s Tips
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.
Katie’s Tips
Read More: My 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 – Second-largest in California
- Carlsbad Skate Park – Great for beginners
Katie’s Tips
Best San Diego Tours for Kids and Teens
If you’re wondering what to do in San Diego with kids regarding sightseeing tours, rest assured that these won’t be boring.
Be sure to check out my comprehensive guide to sightseeing tours in San Diego for kids, featuring even more boat, bike, train, and wildlife adventures.
40. San Diego Seal Tours
Location: Embarcadero or Seaport Village (Downtown)
Best for: All ages
San Diego Seal Tours are 90-minute, fully narrated tours on an open-air amphibious vehicle that first drives by 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.
- What We Love: Pick-up and drop-off in popular tourist areas.
- Good to Know: The narrators are funny.
- Tips: Consider layers; it can get breezy on the ocean and also while you’re driving around town.
- We Recommend Spending: A few hours
- Individual Tickets: Our Discount (use promo code SAVEMORE)
41. Speed Boat Adventures
Location: Harbor Island (Downtown)
Best for: Ages 5+ (need to be 18+ to drive)
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).
- What We Love: Boats have a two-way communicator, so you can hear narration from the guide.
- Good to Know: It’s a fabulous way to sightsee from San Diego harbor. They also offer sunset tours.
- Sightseeing Pass: Go City San Diego
- Individual Tickets: Direct
42. Old Town Trolley Tours
Location: Various stops from Old Town to Coronado
The orange and green open-air Old Town Trolley Tours cars allow guests to hop on and off at various stops around town.
- What We Love: This fun service can eliminate the need for a rental car in San Diego.
- Good to Know: The standard hop-on, hop-off tour circles downtown Balboa Park, Old Town, and Coronado Island neighborhoods. They also have a haunted night tour.
- Tips: Check the trolley’s interactive map for information about stops, tourist attractions, places to eat in San Diego near trolley stops, and more. Ensure you board the right trolley tour, as not all go as far north as La Jolla Cove.
- Sightseeing Pass: CityPASS & Go City San Diego
- Individual Tickets: Direct | Our Discount (BEST – see below ⬇️ )
Exclusive La Jolla Mom Discount
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
Best for: Tweens and teens or daredevil little kids (must be 48″ tall to ride)
If you need fun San Diego family activities to entertain teens and tweens, look no further than the Patriot Jet Boat! It’s a 30-minute tour of San Diego Bay on a speedboat that reaches speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. They’ll love the twists and turns, as well as the blaring rock music.
- What We Love: It’s like a thrill ride on the water. But you can see some sights and enjoy our sunshine in a short amount of time.
- Good to Know: You may (ok, will) get wet!
- Sightseeing Pass: Go City San Diego
- Individual Tickets: Buy Direct
44. Sea Monkey Adventures Family Sailing Tours
Location: Departs Harbor Island (Downtown)
Best for: All ages
Join a sailing tour designed specifically for family memories on a lovely 25-foot sailboat yacht that seats up to 12 people. Sea Monkey Adventures offers private sails, whale-watching, morning, day, and sunset, or all-day tours without the loud music and booze cruise vibes.
- Book Your Tour: Use promo code lajollamom to save 10%!
Family-Friendly Seasonal Activities
Some of the top family activities and tourist attractions are best enjoyed during specific times of the year. Plan around these.
45. Winter Tide Pooling
Location: Various
Best for: All ages (can be slippery for young kids, so be mindful of where you walk)
Tide pooling season begins in November and extends roughly in March when tides are low during the day. These low tides reveal sea creatures galore, including sea anemones, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs, octopuses, sea stars, sea slugs, and more living in our tide pools.
Birch Aquarium leads tide pool tours near Scripps Pier at La Jolla Shores Beach during select low tide dates. Other great locations include the Cabrillo National Monument, Shell Beach La Jolla tide pools, Tourmaline Surfing Park in Pacific Beach, in front of the Hotel del Coronado, and more.
See also: Top 8 Places to Go Tide Pooling in San Diego County
46. Snorkel or Swim With Leopard Sharks (Summer)
Location: La Jolla Shores Beach (free to go with your own gear)
Best for: Strong swimmers
While this doesn’t sound like an activity for a list of best things to do in San Diego with kids, we residents send our offspring into the water with the leopard sharks. It’s fun!
La Jolla Shores Beach is home to the largest aggregation of leopard sharks in the world. They start to arrive in June, but the numbers peak around August and September. You’ll see them even in knee-deep water, mostly while snorkeling (swim slowly to avoid scaring them).
- What We Love: Where else in the world can you do this?
- Good to Know: They don’t bite.
- Tips: You’ll see them even in knee-deep water, mostly while snorkeling (swim slowly to avoid scaring them).
47. Whale Watching Tours
Location: Cruises typically depart from Downtown San Diego, Mission Bay, or Oceanside
Best for: All ages
Whale watching in San Diego is viable for about nine months of the year. The types of whales seen on these tours depend on the season. Roughly 20,000 gray whales make the 10,000-mile migration from Alaska to the warm waters of Mexico annually to give birth. Gray whale season is roughly between mid-December and April.
Blue whales are among the largest creatures on earth and are spotted between mid-June and September. Various local companies offer whale watching tours, including some that depart from downtown, Mission Bay, and Oceanside in North San Diego County.
- What We Love: A lot of companies offer a sighting guarantee.
- Good to Know: Your chances of seeing gray whales from land are better earlier in the winter season. This is when they swim closer to shore on their way to Mexico. They swim further away from shore when they head back north with their calves. Torrey Pines State Park and Cabrillo National Monument are great places to try.
- Tips: Sunscreen and hats are very necessary year-round.
- Read More: My Guide to Whale Watching in San Diego
- Sightseeing Pass: Go City San Diego
- Individual Tickets: Browse whale watching tours by local companies like Flagship Cruises and Events and San Diego Whale Watch.
48. Summer Concerts at Rady Shell
Location: Downtown
Best for: All ages, depending on the concert theme
While you should check the San Diego Symphony calendar year-round, their outdoor summer concert series is one of the fantastic seasonal things to do in San Diego with kids.
Whether you picnic on the lawn and let the kids run around or order a bottle of champagne to a reserved table, you’ll listen to fantastic live music themed to the event.
- What We Love: Concerts at the Rady Shell are sometimes themed to popular movies and television shows, such as Star Wars and Disney.
- Good to know: Locals should look into season passes.
- Tips: Bring glow sticks for the kids.
- Individual Tickets: Buy online.
Free outdoor concerts take place across San Diego County from Memorial Day to Labor Day—bring a blanket and enjoy live music under the stars at spots like Coronado, Balboa Park, Del Mar, and Carlsbad.
49. Carlsbad Flower Fields
Location: Carlsbad
Best for: All ages
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. It’s a tradition going over 60 years strong.
- What We Love: It’s way more than just flowers.
- Good to Know: You can sometimes pick blueberries, too.
- Tips: If your family trip coincides with the Flower Fields being open, bring your camera to take stunning holiday card photos.
- Individual Tickets: Direct
50. Attend the San Diego County Fair
Location: Del Mar
The San Diego County Fair, held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, is a lively summer event offering a wide array of attractions for families. From thrilling carnival rides to engaging exhibits, live concerts, and non-stop entertainment, all ages love it. It is a big deal that people drive from Orange County and further north and east to experience.
- Dates: Roughly Memorial Day weekend through July 4th weekend
- Tips: Local kids probably go once per season because the ride tickets and food are expensive.
Things to Do in San Diego With Toddlers and Babies
If you’re not traveling with a toddler, jump to saving money in San Diego with kids.
Families email me quite a bit for recommendations for the best things to do in San Diego with toddlers. So, I’ve created a shortlist of the above ideas to address this age group.
First, note that ages two and under receive free admission to various major San Diego attractions for kids on this list. Taking a San Diego family vacation before kids require a child’s ticket (the same goes for Disneyland) is a great way to save money.
Residents in San Diego with toddlers take them to SeaWorld San Diego to visit the new Rescue Jr. section (formerly Sesame Street Bay of Play). Tame amusement park rides focus on conservation and animal rescue. There’s also a climbing structure and splash pad (bring a bathing suit). After spending time in this colorful, kid-friendly land, you can visit the turtles, penguins, and other park residents.
We also now have Sesame Place San Diego, which is entirely dedicated to the popular show and cast of characters — fantastic for visiting San Diego with little kids. It’s a seasonal water park with character greetings, parades, water slides, and rides appropriate for kids of all ages.
The New Children’s Museum’s mission is to encourage young children to think, play, and create. Toddlers and elementary school children interact with exhibits, make crafts, listen to stories, and more.
Pushing a stroller around the San Diego Zoo is great exercise and a fun day out of the house. The Wildlife Explorers Basecamp (the new Children’s Zoo) has fantastic animal exhibits, hands-on learning, splash pads, and play structures. It’s almost like you want to go there last. Otherwise, you may get stuck in this part of the zoo because kids love it so much!
Balboa Park is actually one of the fantastic toddler activities in San Diego. You can walk the trails and gardens and stop in a few museums. San Diego Natural History Museum and Fleet Science Center have play spaces for kids under 5.
All ages love the La Jolla seals and sea lions at Children’s Pool Beach and La Jolla Cove. As soon as you see that your baby or toddler reacts to animals, they’ll be sure to smile at these loud, active residents.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is another favorite of residents in San Diego with toddlers. Arrive when it opens to grab a parking space. Then, spend a few hours looking at fish, playing with hands-on exhibits, and seeing the Little Blue Penguins.
When your kids are interested in LEGOs, you can take them to LEGOLAND California. Usually, this hits around age 2. There are tame family rides they will enjoy, too.
Bring a carrier and consider a walk along some of our mild hiking trails with the whole family. There’s a one-mile loop at San Elijo Lagoon, easy trails throughout Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma, or views at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, which offers eight hiking trails.
How to Save Money on Your San Diego Family Vacation
Sightseeing passes and seasonal deals can save you money, especially if you’re visiting theme parks or museums.
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 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
Get Help Finding Family-Friendly Places to Stay
We offer access to VIP perks—upgrades, daily breakfast, resort credits, and more—at many top family hotels in San Diego. Our curated list covers all price points near top kid-friendly attractions, but you can research our hotels category to find even more lists by neighborhood and feature.
FAQs About Activities in San Diego for Kids Answered by a San Diego Mom
These are the most frequently asked questions about things to do in San Diego with kids, based on what I hear from readers and the families we help with tickets and hotel bookings.
What is there to do in San Diego with a baby?
Mild hikes are great for families with babies, and beachfront parks like Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla are perfect for spreading out a blanket and watching birds or seals.
Dip their toes in the ocean at a family-friendly beach, visit Birch Aquarium for fish, or see larger animals at the San Diego Zoo. Afterward, relax in one of San Diego’s best hotel pools. If your baby naps in the car, drive parts of the 59-mile scenic loop to explore San Diego while they sleep; allow at least 3 hours, or break it into shorter drives.
What is there to do with a 1-year-old or 2-year-old in San Diego?
San Diego has plenty of toddler-friendly activities. Stroll through Balboa Park, where the Backyard play area at the San Diego Natural History Museum (ages 0–5) and Kid City inside Fleet Science Center offer safe, interactive spaces. Admission to both is free for this age group, and they’re located right next to each other.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is perfect for little ones who enjoy watching fish, exploring tide pools, and playing with hands-on exhibits in a contained space. SeaWorld San Diego’s Rescue Jr. play area is also a toddler favorite.
Finally, toddlers love visiting the La Jolla Cove sea lions, running on the beach, and at age 2 my daughter loved seeing animals at the San Diego Zoo.
What is free for kids in San Diego?
Luckily, some of the best things to do in San Diego with kids are free. Kids ages two and under get in free to theme parks like the San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND California. Top ideas for free family fun in San Diego include:
San Diego beaches (of course).
Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego features play structures and a water play fountain.
A visit to the La Jolla seals and La Jolla Cove sea lions.
Family-friendly hiking trails.
Exploring Old Town San Diego’s historic buildings and park.
Kids eat free restaurant promotions, though, so be sure to check before you go. And don’t forget about Kids Free San Diego in October, where kids enter various attractions for free.
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. Ideas include Padres games at PETCO Park, Belmont Park (open most nights), Old Town Trolley ghost or holiday tours, bay dinner cruises, beach bonfires (or s’mores at Hotel del Coronado), local theater performances like The Grinch at The Old Globe, and summer concerts at The Rady Shell. Check museum and attraction calendars for cool seasonal events.
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.
Do you have a list of activities in La Jolla for kids?
My seaside community of La Jolla offers kids fantastic opportunities to unplug in the outdoors, whether it’s a day at La Jolla Shores Beach, kayaking past our sea caves, or simply gazing at our resident seals at the Children’s Pool and sea lions at La Jolla Cove.
Dr. Seuss lived in La Jolla, and the wind-blown trees thought to have inspired the truffula trees in The Lorax are located in Ellen Browning Scripps Park. We have playgrounds and parks, Birch Aquarium, and family-friendly restaurants. Please read my full rundown of things to do in La Jolla with kids.
Should I stay in Downtown San Diego with kids?
Parents often ask me if downtown San Diego is a good place to stay with children since there aren’t big resorts there. It can be, if you’re fine with boutique or business hotels. Downtown offers top family attractions like the USS Midway Museum, New Children’s Museum, and San Diego Zoo (about 10 minutes away).
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.
Katie Dillon
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