Last updated on April 25th, 2026
Looking for the best San Diego activities and fun things to do with kids? You’re in the right place.
San Diego is packed with family-friendly attractions, from the world-famous San Diego Zoo to beautiful Balboa Park to sun-soaked beaches and amusement parks. But beyond the big names, there are also plenty of hidden gems and fun spots that locals love just as much as visitors.
I’ve lived in Southern California for more than 20 years and raised my kiddo exploring all the fun San Diego kids activities and attractions. While I could easily write an article featuring 100 things to do in San Diego with kids, I think featuring just the top 20 is more helpful. 🙂
These top San Diego activities highlight the very best of the city – places that deliver fun, learning, and lasting memories for the whole family.
Top 5 Picks: San Diego Activities & Attractions
If you are just looking for a quick list of the can’t miss, very best things to do in San Diego – I am here to help! Here are our Top 5 recommendations.
► See San Diego from a different perspective on a relaxing Narrated Harbor Cruise
► Enjoy the rides and shows at SeaWorld San Diego
► Explore the city on a Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
► Visit Balboa Park and check out some of their amazing museums and attractions
► Visit the San Diego Zoo
Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
Whether you are visiting San Diego on a family vacation or live nearby, here are the best family-friendly San Diego attractions to help you plan your trip.
1. Visit Old Town San Diego
Step back in time at Old Town San Diego, where the city’s rich heritage comes to life. Wander through historic buildings, enjoy live performances, and savor authentic Mexican cuisine.
Known as the birthplace of California, Old Town State Historic Park is the site of the first Spanish settlement in California, founded in 1769.
Today, it is a lively attraction with 50 shops and restaurants and numerous museums, historic sites, and educational experiences – many of which are free to explore. In fact, Old Town San Diego tops our list of best free things to do in San Diego with kids.
We love visiting Old Town San Diego! There is always something fun to see, shops to explore, and it is a great place to enjoy some of the best Mexican food in San Diego.
If you are visiting San Diego in May, be sure to check out Old Town’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration. There will be a fiesta at the park filled with entertainment for the whole family, including Mariachi music and dancing, tequila samples, a beer garden, and multiple food options. The event runs May 1-5, 2026.
Casa de Reyes is our favorite restaurant in Old Town San Diego. Sometimes we’ll just order margaritas and sit outside on the patio, munching chips and salsa and enjoying the lively atmosphere. There is also a stage in the courtyard where you can enjoy authentic free entertainment if you are visiting San Diego at night.
- 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego
- oldtownsandiego.org
2. San Diego Zoo
Start your family’s San Diego adventure with a visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. It is truly one of the absolute must-see attractions in San Diego.
► Visiting the San Diego Zoo is one of the city’s top things to do, but admission can add up. If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in San Diego, the Go City San Diego Pass can help you save significantly.
The zoo is huge. With more than 100 acres to explore, plan on spending an entire day here so you don’t have to rush. Kids will marvel at the diverse range of animals from around the globe and enjoy interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and even a few rides like the iconic Skyfari Aerial Tram.
It should also be noted that there are lots of hills, so it may take extra time getting around, especially if you have to push a stroller or keep little kids rounded up for the walk.
To help you get around and see everything the zoo has to offer, the San Diego Zoo offers the Kangaroo Bus – a complimentary, non-narrated transportation service that lets you hop on and off at four different stops around the zoo.
- 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego
- zoo.sandiegozoo.org
3. Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
Taking a ride on the San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley is the perfect way to maximize your time and get around, all while learning some cool facts about America’s Finest City. In fact, almost all of the activities on this list of top things to do in San Diego with kids are accessible via the trolley.
The fully narrated bus tour lets you get on and off at any of 11 stops, including Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway, Old Town, Little Italy, and many more.
► Read our San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Guide to see why it’s the best way to see San Diego in one day.
This is the one tour I always recommend to people visiting San Diego, especially if it is their first time. If for no other reason, riding over the Coronado Bridge in an open-air trolley is exhilarating.
► Grab your discount tickets for the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour
4. SeaWorld San Diego
From thrilling rides to fun and educational shows featuring dolphins, whales, sea lions, and other marine life, SeaWorld is one of the most popular theme parks in Southern California and a must-see attraction when you’re visiting San Diego.
In recent years, the park has moved away from relying on its resident marine life to entertain guests. While there are still shows, the message is focused heavily around conservation and education.
There are also lots of new rides, including roller coasters such as Manta, Emperor, Electric Eel, Journey to Atlantis, and their newest ride, Arctic Rescue. You’ll also find the new “Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience” and an updated Shark Encounter attraction.
There are so many great new attractions, I wrote this guide to the best things to do at SeaWorld San Diego.
There is also an entire section of the park with rides and activities just for little kids, making SeaWorld a park the whole family can truly enjoy.
► Planning to spend the day at SeaWorld? Check out my review and details on how you can save money with the SeaWorld San Diego All Day Dining Pass.
SeaWorld San Diego hosts several great events throughout the year! If you are visiting San Diego in the spring, check out the Seven Seas Food Festival. Another one of our favorite events is the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration, which kicks off every year in mid-November.
- 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego
- seaworld.com/san-diego
► Click here to purchase discount tickets directly from SeaWorld!
5. San Diego Beaches
Every day is a beach day in San Diego! With its year-round sunshine and 70 miles of coastline, there are so many opportunities to enjoy the surf and sand.
The wonderful thing about San Diego is the variety of beaches. For instance, in spots like Mission Beach and Oceanside, you’ll find endless stretches of smooth sand and an energetic boardwalk scene, while La Jolla is known for its gorgeous cliffs and tide pools. Coronado Beach has the iconic Hotel del Coronado as a backdrop.
One of our favorite beaches is in Del Mar. In addition to being a scenic and lovely beach, it is located close to Del Mar Village with all its great restaurants, as well as Torrey Pines State Park.
Many beaches in San Diego also have piers you can walk out onto and grab an ice cream, go fishing, or just enjoy the views. During the summertime, most of San Diego’s beaches are staffed with lifeguards, and all have restroom facilities.
One word of caution – parking can be a challenge on the weekends and during the summer, so arrive early and allow extra time to hunt.
► Be sure to check out our complete guide to the Best Beaches in San Diego for Families.
6. Seaport Village
Seaport Village is a lively 14-acre waterfront park with shopping and dining right on the harbor in downtown San Diego. One of the most popular things to do in San Diego, visiting Seaport Village is a great way to enjoy a meal on the waterfront. You can poke through the many shops, or just get some exercise along the waterfront. Live music, artisans, and entertainers make Seaport Village a lively spot.
There is also a wonderful old merry-go-round for the kids.
If you are in Seaport Village and want to hop on a great tour, I recommend the San Diego Seal Tour. This kid-friendly tour is awesome because it travels on both land and water!
The amphibious bus departs from the heart of Seaport Village and takes you on a tour of the city before slipping into San Diego Bay for a ride past SeaWorld and other waterfront points of interest. It is like two tours in one, and a huge hit if you are traveling with kids.
► The San Diego Seal Tour is one I highly recommend because it combines sights on both land and sea in one unique experience! The tour departs several times a day from Seaport Village. Book discount tickets here for the San Diego Seal Tour.
- 849 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego
- seaportvillage.com
7. Balboa Park
At 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and an absolute must-see attraction in San Diego. In fact, it is so big, there’s a free tram that will take you around to different areas of the park.
Spend a day exploring Balboa Park, home to an array of family-friendly attractions including 18 museums (more on those below!), numerous beautiful gardens, the Balboa Park Miniature Train, Spanish Village Art Center, Balboa Park International Cottages, the Old Globe Theatre, playgrounds, gardens, a carousel, and of course the San Diego Zoo.
If you are interested in checking out multiple attractions, be sure to look into the Balboa Park Explorer Pass for the best deal on admission.
- 1549 El Prado, San Diego
- balboapark.org
8. San Diego Museums
Beyond just Balboa Park, San Diego is packed with amazing museums, including many great interactive museums kids will love. If I could list them all, I probably would, but here are five of our favorite museums that are definitely worth checking out if you are looking for cool things to do in San Diego with kids.
USS Midway Museum
Climb aboard the USS Midway, America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier turned floating museum. Kids will love exploring the flight deck, cockpits, and below-deck exhibits while learning about naval history.
We’ve visited this museum several times over the years, most recently when my son was in high school and very interested in learning about the military. It was wonderful to get up close and personal not just with the ship, but also with the many aircraft and fighter jets on the flight deck. This is definitely a great museum for older kids, but young ones will enjoy it, too.
The USS Midway Museum is located on the waterfront near Seaport Village.
- 910 N Harbor Drive, San Diego
- midway.org
San Diego History Museum
If your family loves learning about the places you visit when you travel the way mine does, you won’t want to miss the San Diego History Museum (also called the San Diego History Center). It is one of nearly 20 world-class museums in Balboa Park.
Engaging exhibits and hands-on activities offer a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike, highlighting the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Best of all, this museum is totally free to enjoy! (Although of course, donations are appreciated.)
- 169 El Prado, San Diego
- sandiegohistory.org
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
All aboard for a miniature adventure at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Marvel at intricate model train displays depicting different eras and landscapes, sure to delight train enthusiasts of all ages. It is also located in Balboa Park, right below the San Diego History Museum.
- 1649 El Prado, San Diego
- sdmrm.org
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Ignite young minds with a journey through aviation history at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Interactive exhibits and flight simulators offer an exciting glimpse into the world of aerospace. This popular attraction is easily one of the best museums in all of San Diego.
- 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego
- sandiegoairandspace.org
Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is comprised of nearly a dozen ships, vessels, and even a submarine. It enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining, and operating historic vessels. It boasts one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, including the Star of India.
- 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego
- sdmaritime.org
New Children’s Museum
Another museum not to be missed if you are visiting San Diego with young kids is the New Children’s Museum. Interactive installations, art-making workshops, sensory experiences for toddlers, and outdoor spaces ensure hours of fun and creativity. The New Children’s Museum is located in the heart of downtown San Diego right outside the Gaslamp Quarter.
- 200 West Island Avenue, San Diego
- www.thinkplaycreate.org
9. Cabrillo National Monument
Located just 10 miles away from downtown San Diego on the Point Loma Peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument honors Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo – the first European explorer to arrive on the West Coast. I lived in San Diego for many years before finally visiting, and when I did I couldn’t believe we didn’t go sooner!
Cabrillo National Monument is the only National Park Service site near San Diego. The monument itself is beautiful, a stark white statue towering over San Diego Bay with Coronado and the San Diego skyline in the distance. The view alone is worth the trip!
Beside the monument there is a visitor center and bookstore, and small museum which tells the story of Cabrillo and other Spanish explorers. A short walk up the bluff from where the monument stands, you’ll find the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
But perhaps my favorite thing about Cabrillo National Monument is the tide pools. You’ll have to hike or drive down, but the stunning coastline of the Point Loma Peninsula gives serious Big Sur vibes. You can hike along the shore or just enjoy the view and fresh, salty air.
- 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego
- nps.gov/cabr/
10. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Located about 40 minutes north of downtown San Diego is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where you can embark on a safari adventure.
This park is a bit off the beaten path because they needed lots of open land to build it. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an 1,800-acre preserve where wild animals can roam free in their natural habitat. Instead of enclosures, the animals wander across open land and it’s the park visitors who must observe them from lookout points or vehicles.
Enjoy an open-air tram ride which is included with any basic 1-Day Ticket. For an additional cost you can add on a safari experience. Popular safaris (aka tours) include the Flightline Safari zip line, Wildlife Trek walking tour, and Wildlife Safari open-air truck tour.
- 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido
- sdzsafaripark.org
► Click here for discount tickets to The San Diego Zoo Safari Park
11. Belmont Park
Belmont Park is an old school boardwalk amusement park. Located right on the boardwalk at Mission Beach, Belmont Park is one of the quintessential Southern California Amusement Parks. It is home to the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, and many other rides. You can play arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, or even zip line.
Belmont Park offers free admission. You can walk around, just pay to play! They have a fun variety of kid-friendly restaurants and to-go food too – pizza, ice cream, even gourmet coffee. It is open late in the summertime.
If you are visiting San Diego in October, be sure to check out Belmont Park’s Beachside Fall Festival. It features live music and lots of fall-themed activities and decor.
- 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego
- belmontpark.com
12. Coronado Island
Located just across the bay from downtown San Diego, there are tons of fun things to do on Coronado Island with kids. Coronado has one of the best stretches of sand in Southern California, lots of family-friendly activities, great restaurants and shops on Orange Avenue, and the world-famous Hotel Del Coronado perched on its shore. Coronado Beach is our favorite place to visit for a beach day.
If you want to go to Coronado Island during the summertime, my best advice is to arrive early! Traffic can be a beast, and parking is nearly impossible once it gets to be later in the day. Getting there early might even score you a free spot on one of the side streets near the beach.
13. Whale Watching Cruise
Depending on the season, embark on a whale watching cruise to witness the magnificent migration of gray whales or the playful antics of dolphins. It’s an unforgettable oceanic adventure for the whole family.
Check out this popular San Diego Whale Watching Cruise aboard a replica of a historic sailing schooner that won the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851.
► Travel Insight
The best time for whale watching in San Diego is December through April, when they are migrating past the area, but you can see whales almost any time of year.
If it is not the right time of year to enjoy a whale watching cruise, there are lots of other options to get out on the water! Be sure to check out this round-up of the best San Diego harbor cruises and boat tours.
14. La Jolla Cove
Head to La Jolla Cove for a day of seaside fun. Let the kids splash in the gentle waves, search for sea creatures in the tide pools, check out the sea lions, or simply relax on the sandy shores of this picturesque beach.
Snorkeling and ocean kayaking are popular activities in La Jolla, since there are caves and cliffs and all sorts of beautiful scenery to check out along the coast.
My husband, son, and I went on the La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour and absolutely loved it. This is an especially fun activity to try if you are visiting San Diego in summer. (The tours run throughout the year but the water can be very cold.)
If you want to see the caves without getting wet or paying for an excursion, check out Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave in La Jolla.
15. LEGOLAND California Resort
For a day filled with thrills and LEGO-themed adventures for little kids, head to LEGOLAND California. From fun rides and shows to LEGO building stations, this theme park is a paradise for little builders.
Located north of San Diego in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND offers more than 60 interactive play areas, shows, and kid-friendly rides.
When my son was younger we visited often. The park’s emphasis on creativity and learning through play makes it an ideal destination for families with younger kids. Not only can they build things with LEGO bricks themselves, but they will love wandering through Miniland USA, which features more than 30 million LEGO bricks in its fascinating displays.
LEGOLAND California’s newest themed area – Galaxy Land – made its debut in March, bringing out-of-this-world fun to kids and adults alike. With a brand-new roller coaster, junior astronaut play zones, and interactive space-themed attractions, this expansion adds a major reason to visit. LEGOLAND California also has a seasonal water park, which opens this year on March 21, 2026.
- One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad
- legoland.com/california
16. Birch Aquarium
Dive into the wonders of marine life at the Birch Aquarium. Kids will be captivated by colorful fish, mesmerizing jellyfish, and playful sea otters.
Adults (aka me) will love the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from the Birch Aquarium’s cliffside location in La Jolla. In addition to being an aquarium, it is the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego.
The aquarium is a good size, but not overwhelmingly huge, so you won’t need more than an hour or two to get through the whole facility. Don’t miss the interactive tide pools where kids can touch sea stars and hermit crabs.
- 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
- aquarium.ucsd.edu
17. Sesame Place San Diego
Opened in 2022, Sesame Place offers a mix of rides, water attractions, shows, parades, games, interactive play areas, and of course opportunities to meet favorite Sesame Street characters. Kids will love the 500,000 gallon wave pool on hot summer days. No roller coasters or thrill rides here, so this is definitely a park for younger kids.
In September 2025, Sesame Place announced that it would transition to a seasonal theme park, so only plan on visiting if you are traveling to San Diego from late spring through early fall.
- 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista
- sesameplace.com/san-diego
18. Mission Bay Park
Enjoy a day of outdoor recreation at Mission Bay Park, offering more than 25 miles of shoreline perfect for walking, swimming, kayaking, kite flying, or having a picnic. You can rent bikes, paddleboards, or even a sailboat for an active family outing.
You can easily spend a whole day enjoying all the outdoor activities available in this great spot along Mission Bay. Plus, it is located very close the beach as well as SeaWorld San Diego.
19. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Does your family like to hike? If so, you’ll definitely want to check out Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
The park features breathtaking ocean views and unique coastal landscapes. Trails cater to varying skill levels, making it suitable for young explorers.
► Be sure to check out these other kid-friendly hikes in San Diego.
- 12600 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla
- parks.ca.gov
20. Petco Park
Catch a ball game at Petco Park, where the whole family can cheer on the San Diego Padres. Even if it’s not game day, you can still take a behind-the-scenes at Petco Park tour.
The ballpark is conveniently located downtown near San Diego’s historic Gaslamp District and the beautiful waterfront.
- 100 Park Blvd., San Diego
- mlb.com/padres/ballpark
How to Save on San Diego Attractions
Planning to visit multiple attractions in San Diego? A sightseeing pass lets you bundle and save up to 50% – potentially saving your family a ton of money! There are two popular passes in San Diego.
Go City San Diego – My personal favorite and the one I highly recommend, Go City San Diego is the most robust and flexible, with 40+ top attractions like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, USS Midway Museum, and many more. You can choose between the Essentials Pass and All-Inclusive Passes, depending on your trip style and how many days you have to explore.
San Diego CityPASS – This pass is good for shorter trips, but also way more limited. Choose it only if you plan to visit LEGOLAND California and/or SeaWorld San Diego. You’ll also get to choose three additional attractions from a list of six.
► Check Go City San Diego Pass Deals
► Compare with CityPASS Options
Kids Free San Diego
If you’re planning to visit San Diego in October, you’re in luck! There is an incredible way to save money on your San Diego family vacation.
Every October, San Diego gifts parents with an amazing treat: Kids Free San Diego! During the entire month of October, dozens of San Diego hotels, attractions, museums, and more offer families the chance to explore San Diego while saving big – including many spots on this list of best things to do in San Diego with kids.
Final Thoughts: Kid-Friendly San Diego Activities
San Diego – with its famously perfect weather and stunning beaches – is the perfect destination for families seeking unforgettable experiences. If you’re wondering what to do in San Diego, have no worries! From exhilarating theme parks to museums and outdoor adventures, there’s something for kids of all ages – and parents, too.
These 20 must-do San Diego attractions and activities are my top picks, but there are many more things to do if you choose to explore the city further.
If you have limited time or just want to hit the highlights and check out the very best places on your San Diego family vacation, this curated list promises fun family adventures and vacation memories that will last a lifetime.
Save These Family-Friendly Things to Do in San Diego for Later!
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