Guides for Every Age & Interest
Every family is different, and so is every outing. This section helps you find the perfect activities, whether you’re planning a day with curious toddlers, adventurous teens, or the whole extended family.
A Local Mom’s Guide to San Diego for Families
By Katie Dillon • Last modified: October 18, 2025
Whether you’re a San Diego parent planning your next weekend outing or a visitor organizing a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you’ve come to the right place.
I’m a long-time local, mom, and professional travel advisor who has spent years helping families experience the very best of our city from must-see attractions to hidden neighborhood gems.
This category is your hub for handpicked resources that will help you build a San Diego itinerary that works for your family. Start with the 50 Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids or explore the guides below to dive deeper.
Kids Activities by Neighborhood
San Diego is a wonderfully spread-out city. Use these guides to plan your day geographically, whether you’re exploring a new area or looking for fresh ideas in your own neighborhood.
Fun by Season
Maybe you’re not sure which month to visit or perhaps you’re just looking for holiday activities. Don’t worry, we have guides.
Theme Parks and Amusement Parks
Home to world-class attractions, San Diego’s theme parks are a must-do for many families. Explore our in-depth guides to the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld, and more to get insider tips and plan your visit like a pro.
Family Planning Guides
Whether you’re planning a week-long vacation or a special staycation, these are my cornerstone guides for handling the logistics. Find the perfect kid-friendly hotel, get tips for building a flexible itinerary, and plan a seamless, stress-free family experience.
Helpful San Diego Family Resources
A great family outing is in the details. Here you’ll find the practical resources that a trusted travel advisor provides, from baby gear rentals and dining tips to our comprehensive family safety guide.
- Our discounted tickets and promo codes
- Baby and toddler gear rentals: BabyQuip
- Parking app for finding spots in popular areas: SpotHero
- Family photos while on vacation: Flytographer
- Favorite beach gear and travel games
San Diego for Families Articles
San Diego Airport Family Guide: Kid-Friendly Dining & Amenities for Sane Travel
Flying in or out of San Diego airport with kids? My practical guide to SAN includes family-friendly amenities, food options, and travel tips for parents.
25 Best Free Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
A curated list of no-cost experiences locals enjoy and families of all travel styles include in their San Diego itineraries.
20 Best San Diego Sightseeing Tours for Kids & Teens
You won’t find endless tour options for families in San Diego—but the really fun ones? They’re all right here.
Coronado Island with Kids: Detailed Stay & Play Family Planning Guide
I’m a San Diego mom and travel advisor who books families into Coronado Island hotels. I cover everything you need to know, including family-friendly beaches and activities, transportation, dining, and where to stay.
Our Family Guide to San Diego Parks with Playgrounds
San Diego has no shortage of sunshine—and these playgrounds make the most of it. Explore our favorite parks with epic views, splash pads, ziplines, and plenty of space for kids to climb, run, and play.
Guide: Fun Things to Do in Oceanside with Kids
Oceanside is our second most booked place to stay in San Diego for families because of the beachfront hotels and the kid-friendly activities on this list.
Halloween in San Diego with Kids (2026): Events, Pumpkin Patches & Trick-or-Treating Guide
Where families can safely go trick-or-treating, explore pumpkin patches, and attend fun Halloween events in San Diego.
Kids Free San Diego 2026: Guide to October Savings & Planning for Families
As a San Diego family travel advisor and longtime local, I’ve been helping families navigate Kids Free October for over a decade. This guide shares my insider tips for planning, saving, and exploring the city with these deals.
25 Fun Things to Do in San Diego With Teens (And Tweens)
I’m the mom of teenager in San Diego. This is a real-life list of activities our teens and tweens like including best beaches, museums, sightseeing tours, Instagram spots and more.
50 Things to Do in San Diego With Kids that Local Families & Tourists Love
My experience-tested planning list, shaped by thousands of real San Diego family itineraries, helps you find fun activities that match your kids’ ages, interests, and travel style.
Summer in San Diego: 31 Things to Do with Your Kids
It’s a very different summer than usual. The best activities in San Diego with kids right now are outside and at home. Here are some ideas.
15 Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in San Diego & Resorts the Whole Family Will Love
I’m a travel advisor, mom, and San Diego resident. These are the family-friendly hotels and resorts my clients most often consider and book.
Ready for Your San Diego Adventure with Our Tips?
We’re passionate travellers and La Jolla residents on a mission to simplify your travel planning with expert tips and insider knowledge so you can make the most of your San Diego visit. We’ll email you once monthly with San Diego best travel tips and special promotions.