It’s no secret that San Diego is a great place for families. From exciting museums to the San Diego Zoo, the city is home to a wide range of mesmerizing sights and fun-filled activities. There is a very long list of ideas to choose from when it comes to entertaining the little ones, and you can discover our top 16 things to do with kids in San Diego below!
1. Explore SeaWorld – and enjoy the fireworks
Sometimes it’s hard to hit the jackpot with the littles ones…but SeaWorld rarely fails. Besides learning about the animals and their environment, SeaWorld is even more fun during the summer. Until September 1st, you can enjoy all-new vibrant parade and nostalgic ’90s/’00s concert series (ok, this one’s for you, not for the kids) to thrilling stunt shows, dazzling fireworks, and immersive marine experiences. They also have extended hours and fresh attractions like the Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience. There’s fun and inspiration for all ages!
2. Enjoy this epic dinosaur exhibit
Come face to face with moving dinosaurs at the Dinos Alive Exhibit! See (and take selfies with) over 40 animatronic dinosaurs, waiting to guide you through the Age of Reptiles. The experience is a combination of life-like dinosaurs and charging dinosaur holograms. There is also an unprecedented dive into the prehistoric oceans that allows you virtually to interact with serious sea giants. It takes place at 1210 W. Morena Blvd. (near San Diego University).
3. Find comfort in the cinema
The cinema remains an old reliable for a reason. A lot of people turn to the cinema for support when it comes to planning birthday parties or escaping the rain (although this reason might be less frequent in San Diego). It’s a win-win for both parents and kids: an easy way to keep an eye on your little ones while also being entertained. Also, a plan involving popcorn and their favorite on-screen characters is something impossible for children to pass up on. Fortunately, San Diego’s cinemas are taking the movie experience to the next level.
4. Let them relive Edward Scissor Hands
Free to visit and proving extremely popular among tourists and locals, Harper’s Topiary Garden is a green wonderland reminiscent of the garden in Edward Scissor Hands. The owners created the garden in front of their house and it features 50 life-sized topiaries shaped by hand. Drop by and challenge the kids to spot the whales, bunnies, elephants, and more, inspired by the owners’ travels around the world.
5. Take the kids to the beach
As soon as you mention the word “beach”, the kids will be jumping up and down. The thought of running, swimming, building sandcastles, picnics, ice cream, flying kits, and so much more will flood through their young minds. Whether you think they’d like to give surfing a try or would prefer a relaxing day in the sand, San Diego boasts some very impressive beaches.
Don’t forget that between November and May, it’s low tide time, which also makes for a great activity to do with kids.
6. Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
During the holiday season, this is simply one of the top things to do in the city. Step into a winter wonderland at the San Diego Botanic Garden with this immersive light and sound experience. The garden will be completely transformed into a glowing world. You and your little one can wander through sparkling installations, sip on seasonal drinks, and lose yourself in an unforgettable adventure. Grab your tickets here – they go pretty fast!
7. Escape to a new setting
Explore some of the best places to disconnect from reality for a spell in California. Surround your family in 120 acres of lush lands in Esalen, book exciting kids activities at the Resort at Squawk Creek (Lake Tahoe), while you enjoy a spa treatment, and more.
8. Take them to a Candlelight concert
If your youngster (8 years old or older) is a fan of music, then these enchanting Candlelight concerts illuminating San Diego’s finest venues make for the perfect evening out. Talented musicians take to the candlelit stage to perform classical takes on some of the greatest music of all time. Book your seats at a holiday special, tribute to Taylor Swift, a performance celebrating ABBA, and more.
Check out what shows are on and grab your tickets here.
9. Spend the day at Sesame Place San Diego
This family theme park is guaranteed to be a hit! Between being able to dine with Elmo & friends, discovering great rides and attractions, enjoying shows and parades, and attending themed events, Sesame Place is always bringing the fun in San Diego. Keep an eye on their website to confirm opening hours. A single-day ticket costs $89.99 (ages 3-9) and children under the age of 3 enter for free.
10. Experience Belmont Park Ride & Play
In keeping with the theme of things, we move on to Belmont Park – San Diego’s beachfront amusement park. Their adrenaline will be pumping after a ride on the Giant Dipper roller coaster and the Beach Blaster. And for the adults, there are plenty of shops and full-service beachfront restaurants to choose from. Or, of course…also many rides! Grab your tickets here.
11. Open their minds at a museum
For curious minds and kids with a passion for flight, animals, science, and more, taking them to some of the best museums in San Diego is a great way to let them explore their interests and learn new things. Head to the Natural History Museum, Air and Space Museum, USS Midway Museum, The New Children’s Museum, The Fleet Science Center, or others, for an eye-opening experience.
12. Visit a 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park
Balboa Park is a place where art, culture, attractions, experiences, park trails, and gardens all come together to offer a unique place for San Diegans. Aside from wandering through a tropical oasis, butterfly garden, cactus garden, you can also visit the Comic-Con Museum. The kids can’t miss out on the chance to ride on the original menagerie carousel at Balboa.
13. Indulge in a perfect stack of pancakes
Win their fickle hearts over with a fluffy stack of delicious pancakes. Richard Walker’s Pancake House offers traditional buttermilk pancakes and Farmer’s Table is serving up pancakes with a variety of toppings. Between the chocolate chips, maple syrup, whipped cream, and sugar…yeah, we don’t have to tell you why this would be the a great thing to do with kids in San Diego. Well, at least for them! Here is a list of some of Secret San Diego’s favorite pancake spots to get you started.
14. Go for a refreshing (easy) hike
It’s important to teach the small ones early: there’s nothing more important than staying healthy. Going for an easy hike isn’t just great for their health, but their mind too. Fresh air has loads of benefits, and discovering nature, and wildlife, is extremely important – and fun! – for them. With sunny weather all year round, it’s almost always a great time for this adventure. Here are some of our favorites.
P.S.: don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks!!!
15. Enjoy whale watching, when in season
Here’s another thing we’re blessed to witness from our city: these amazing animals on their journey. Over 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000-mile roundtrip from Alaska to Baja California each year. They travel to Baja to give birth to their calves in the warm Californian waters, so they grow strong enough to swim back north in the spring. This incredible distance of 10,000 miles demonstrates how amazing these animals are. The peak time to see them in San Diego is between December and April.
16. Visit The New Children’s Museum
As quite a new addition to San Diego museums’ scene, this one aims to “spark creativity, exploration and a sense of belonging through interactive art experiences.”. Through many rooms and art installation, this museum explores every sense. Think of a breathing room, vibrant murals, a disco-themed paradise, or even a peak in the backstage world of a travelling theater caravan. Some are suitable for all ages, some for toddles, and some for toddlers only. A fun time here is guaranteed, so this museum is a must-add to your “things to do with kids in San Diego” list.
17. Explore the wonderful Queen Califia’s Magical Circle
If you’ve spent time at Kit Carson Park, you know it’s a place that packs in a little of everything—hiking trails, sports fields, an amphitheater, a fitness court, and more. But its true showstopper is Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, a dazzling explosion of color and imagination that’s bound to make you grin. Step inside and you might feel transported to Barcelona’s Park Güell. It’s also the only sculpture garden in the United States created by the legendary French-born artist Niki de Saint Phalle. At its heart, stands a 24-foot-tall mosaic sculpture of Queen Califia herself, dressed in golden armor and balanced atop a five-legged eagle. Check out this article for all you need to know.
18. Visit a local farm
America’s Finest City is surrounded by local farms, full of fresh produce. Sometimes though, they feature a lot more than that: pumpkin patches in the fall, hay rides, mazes, petting zoos, live music, and more. From Carlsbad Strawberry Company to the Bates Nut Farm Or Oma’s Family Farm, there’s so much to discover at these magical spots. Check their websites for the latest events and start planning the perfect weekend day out.