Looking for things to do in San Diego with kids? Look no further. This sunny city has plenty of activities to keep little ones entertained.
San Diego is an awesome city to travel to while venturing out in the vibrant state of California.
From exploring zoos and museums to playing at the beach, there is something for everyone in San Diego. Keep reading for a list of our top picks for fun things to do with kids in San Diego.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is a must-see for animal lovers of all ages. With over 3,700 animals to see, it’s one of the largest zoos in the world. Kids will love getting up close to their favorite animals and watching them interact in their natural habitats.
San Diego Zoo is a world-famous zoo located in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. The zoo was founded in 1916 by Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth. It is one of the largest zoos in the world, housing over 3,700 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. The zoo is also home to the giant panda research station, which houses two giant pandas.
The San Diego Zoo has long been a leader in animal care and conservation. The zoo was one of the first zoos to implement an animal enrichment program, which provides mental and physical stimulation for the animals through activities such as playing with toys, climbing structures, and interacting with other animals.Â
The zoo’s animal enrichment program has been so successful that it has been copied by zoos all over the world.
How to Get to San Diego Zoo?
San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park, at 2920 Zoo Drive. The best way to get there is by car. From downtown San Diego, take I-5 south to Exit 163 for Pershing Drive/Zoo Place. Follow the signs to the Zoo. There is also a bus that goes to the Zoo, which you can take from various locations around San Diego. The bus stop is located at Park Blvd & President’s Way.
Spend a Day at SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld is another amazing park that you can enjoy with you family. You’ll be able to watch orcas, penguins, and other sea creatures frolic in their naturalistic habitat.
Get up close to beluga whales, manta rays, and leopard sharks in the Exhibits Gallery.
Kids will have a blast at Sesame Street Bay of Play, where they can meet their favorite characters and ride kid-friendly rides.
Don’t miss the Shamu Show, an exciting orca whale performance set to music.
How Can you get to SeaWorld?
The best way to get there is by car. From downtown San Diego, take I-5 south to Exit 163 for SeaWorld Drive. Follow the signs to SeaWorld.
There is also a bus that goes to SeaWorld, which you can take from various locations around San Diego. The bus stop is located at SeaWorld Drive & West Mission Bay Drive.
La Jolla Shores
For a fun day at the beach, head to La Jolla Shores. This family-friendly beach has gentle waves perfect for swimming and plenty of space for building sandcastles. Don’t forget to look for dolphins swimming just offshore.
There are plenty of fun things to do in La Jolla with the kids. From kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding to visiting the local museums and aquariums, there is something for everyone in this beautiful California city.
Here are just a few of the many great activities that your family can enjoy while visiting La Jolla:
- Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding at La Jolla Shores Beach: This is a great activity for kids of all ages and adults too! Several companies offer rentals and lessons, so it’s easy to get started.
- Visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography: This is a must-see for any family visiting La Jolla. The aquarium is home to more than 60 tanks of marine life, including sharks, rays, and octopuses. There are also plenty of hands-on exhibits for kids to enjoy.
- Explore the La Jolla Cove: This is a beautiful spot for a family hike or picnic. The cove is home to a variety of sea life, so keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, and birds as you stroll along the cliffs.
- Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: This museum has free admission for kids 12 and under, making it a great activity for families on a budget. There are often kid-friendly events and programs offered as well, so be sure to check the schedule before you go.
- Take a scenic drive down Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: This is a beautiful spot for a nature walk or hike. The reserve is also home to a variety of plant and animal life, so keep your eyes peeled for some wildlife sightings!
San Diego is a great place to visit with kids, and La Jolla is one of the best spots in the city. With so many fun things to do, your family is sure to have a blast.
How Can You get to La Jolla?
The best way to get there is by car. From downtown San Diego, take I-5 north to Exit 26 for La Jolla Parkway. Follow the signs to La Jolla.
There is also a bus that goes to La Jolla, which you can take from various locations around San Diego. The bus stop is located at Fay Avenue & La Jolla Parkway.
San Diego Fleet Center
If your kids are into science and history, they’ll love visiting the Fleet Science Center. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, they can learn about everything from outer space to underwater creatures.
The answer is, “a lot!” The San Diego Fleet Center is a bustling hub of activity for all ages. And, if you’re looking for fun things to do in San Diego with kids, the Fleet Science Center should be at the top of your list.
With more than 100 hands-on exhibits, the Fleet Science Center is one of the best places in town to learn about science and technology. Fun for kids and adults alike, the center has something for everyone.
Here are all the things you can enjoy with your family while in the Fleet Center:
- The Tinkering Studio – A space where visitors of all ages can tinker, build, and create.
- The Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater & IMAX Dome – A state-of-the-art theater showing the latest IMAX films.
- The USS Midway Museum – A floating museum dedicated to the history of aircraft carriers.
- Balboa Park – A sprawling park filled with museums, gardens, and hiking trails.
Whether a local or a visitor, the Fleet Science Center is a great place to spend a day with the family.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
Take the kids to Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens for a fun and delicious activity. They can tour the gardens, see the on-site brewery, and enjoy a meal made with fresh, local ingredients.
The Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens is a great place to visit with kids. There is a playground for them to explore and a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal. You can also take a tour of the brewery and learn about how beer is made.
Visit LEGOLAND California
Legoland California is located 30 minutes away from San Diego and is an awesome theme park with a miniature park for your kids to enjoy. There is plenty of activity that you and your family can enjoy.
Also, Legoland has life-sized legos such as the Ferrari car, which you can build on the site.
There are plenty of things to do in Legoland, including exploring the many rides and attractions, building Lego creations, and meeting characters like Emmet from The Lego Movie.
Check Out the USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum is great for taking your kids to San Diego. They can explore the different decks of the ship, learn about naval history, and see some amazing aircraft.
The USS Midway Museum is a naval aviation museum in downtown San Diego, California. The museum is housed aboard the aircraft carrier Midway, the lead ship of her class and the first warship larger than an aircraft carrier built by any navy. The ship was named for the Battle of Midway, fought in World War II.
The Midway was commissioned a week after the end of World War II and served for 47 years, having seen action in the Vietnam War and receiving nine battle stars.
She now serves as a living museum to 21st-century visitors, who can experience what life was like for her sailors during operations around the globe and gain insight into America’s military history.
Explore Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a large urban park in San Diego, California. It is located just north of downtown San Diego and south of Mission Valley. Balboa Park covers 1,200 acres and is home to many museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Balboa Park with kids! Here are some ideas:
Visit the San Diego Zoo: The world-famous San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. With over 3,700 animals, the zoo is a great place to learn about wildlife and see some amazing animals up close.
Explore the museums: Balboa Park is home to several museums, including the Museum of Man, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the San Diego Natural History Museum. There are also several smaller museums, like the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and the Veterans Museum & Memorial Center.
Take a scenic walk: Balboa Park is filled with beautiful gardens and landscaping. Take a stroll through some of the gardens, like the Japanese Friendship Garden or the Botanical Building & Lily Pond.
Ride the streetcar: One of the best ways to see Balboa Park is to ride the vintage electric streetcar. The streetcar runs from downtown San Diego to Balboa Park and makes stops at all of the major attractions along the way.
Visit during one of the special events: Throughout the year, Balboa Park hosts a variety of special events, like the San Diego Pride Parade, the December Nights holiday festival, and the Summer Solstice Celebration.
Have Fun at Belmont Park
Belmont Park is an exciting oceanfront amusement park in San Diego that has something for everyone in the family. With a wide variety of rides, games, and attractions, Belmont Park is the perfect place to spend a day of fun in the sun.
Some of the most popular rides at Belmont Park include the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Wave House, Tilt-A-Whirl, and Fun House. For those who are looking for a more thrilling experience, there are also several extreme rides, such as the Vertical Drop and Skycoaster. In addition to rides, Belmont Park also offers a variety of games and arcades for everyone to enjoy.
Belmont Park is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a day of thrills or just want to enjoy some family fun. You will surely have a great time at this iconic San Diego attraction with so much to do.
Soak up the sun and enjoy the rides at Belmont Park!
Explore Mission Beach
Mission Beach is a vibrant and lively beach community in San Diego, California. The boardwalk is bustling with activity day and night, and the beach itself is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, or just relaxing and taking in the stunning views. Mission Beach is also home to a number of great restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two with family or friends.
If you’re looking for some fun things to do in San Diego with kids, then Mission Beach should definitely be on your list. Here are just a few of the many great activities that you and your family can enjoy at this beautiful beach destination:
Swimming: Mission Beach offers a wide variety of swimming options, from the calm waters of Crown Point to the waves at Pacific Beach.
Sunbathing: Mission Beach is one of the best places in San Diego to soak up some rays. The beach is well-equipped with plenty of umbrellas and chaise lounges for lounging in the sun.
Surfing: Surfing is a popular activity in Mission Beach, thanks to the strong waves that roll in from the Pacific Ocean. If you’re new to surfing, there are plenty of surf schools in the area where you can take lessons.
Shopping: There are lots of great shops lining the boardwalk at Mission Beach, selling everything from souvenirs to beachwear to snacks and drinks.
Eating: Mission Beach is home to some great restaurants, cafes, and bars, so you’ll definitely be able to find something to suit your taste.
People Watching: One of the best things about Mission Beach is that it’s always bustling with activity. Whether you’re watching the surfers ride the waves or people strolling along the boardwalk, there’s always something to see.
So if you’re looking for a fun-filled beach destination in San Diego, be sure to add Mission Beach to your list.
Do you have any other suggestions for Fun Things to Do in San Diego with Kids? Share them in the comments below!
Check out the San Diego Museum of Art
The San Diego Museum of Art is a fine art museum located in Balboa Park in San Diego, California that opened in 1926. The Museum’s collection includes European works from the Baroque period through to early 20th-century examples as well as a comprehensive selection of American art. The Museum also has a contemporary art collection and frequently stages exhibitions by internationally renowned artists.
The San Diego Museum of Art is a great place to take kids of all ages. There are plenty of interactive opportunities for children to enjoy, as well as plenty of interesting artwork on display for adults to appreciate.
One of the best things about the Museum is that it is always free for kids under the age of 12. If you are looking for something fun and educational to do with your kids in San Diego, the Museum is a great option.
See the Animals at the Living Coast Discovery Center
The Living Coast Discovery Center is a unique wildlife experience where you can get up close and personal with some of the amazing animals that call San Diego home. The center is open daily from 10 am to 5pm and offers a variety of animal encounters, educational programs, and fun activities for kids of all ages.
One of the most popular attractions at the Living Coast Discovery Center is the Penguin Encounter. Visitors can watch as these adorable birds swim and play in their natural habitat. The center also offers feeding demonstrations and educational talks about these fascinating creatures.
Another must-see at the Living Coast Discovery Center is the Sea Turtle Exhibit. This exhibit features four different species of sea turtles, all of which are native to San Diego. Visitors can learn about the different types of sea turtles, their habitats, and their diets. The exhibit also has a touch tank where kids can get up close and personal with these gentle giants.
The Living Coast Discovery Center is also home to various other animals, including sharks, stingrays, eels, crabs, and more. There is something for everyone in this unique wildlife experience.
