Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids – 30+ Fun Activities
Last updated on October 21, 2026
Looking for the best things to do in San Diego with kids?
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 son exploring the many fun things to do in San Diego with kids, from toddler-friendly attractions to places that kept a teenager entertained.
This guide includes the San Diego attractions and experiences I would actually recommend to a family visiting the city, along with tips to help you decide which ones are right for you. They highlight the very best of San Diego – and all are places that deliver as much fun for parents as for kids!
Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
Whether you are visiting San Diego on vacation or live nearby, here are 32 top family-friendly San Diego activities and attractions. I’ve organized this list into sections to most easily help plan your trip.
Best San Diego Attractions & Theme Parks for Families
1. 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.
The zoo is huge. With more than 3,500 animals and 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 where you can take in panoramic views of the park and beyond.
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.
Top Tip: Arrive when the zoo opens in the morning to catch animals during their most active hours.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: Half to full day
- 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego
- zoo.sandiegozoo.org
Save Money on top San Diego Attractions
Theme park and attraction tickets can add up fast! San Diego CityPASS helps families save up to 48% by bundling popular attractions like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, LEGOLAND, Old Town Trolley Tours and more into one easy purchase.
2. 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.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: Half to full day
- 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego
- seaworld.com/san-diego
► Click here to purchase discount tickets directly from SeaWorld!
3. 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.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: Half to full day
- 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido
- sdzsafaripark.org
► Click here for discount tickets to The San Diego Zoo Safari Park
4. 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.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: Half to full day
- 1549 El Prado, San Diego
- balboapark.org
5. 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 completely 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.
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.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: 2 to 4 hours
- 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego
- oldtownsandiego.org
6. USS Midway Museum
It took me a hot minute to decide whether to include the USS Midway in the “Best Museums” section of this article or here, but ultimately decided that it is such a major attraction in San Diego, it needs to be toward the top of this list!
The USS Midway is America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier, now turned into a 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 a great opportunity to get up close and personal not just with the ship, but also with the many aircraft and fighter jets on the flight deck.
I think older elementary-age kids, tweens, and teens will get the most out of the experience, although younger kids will enjoy exploring the ship, too.
The USS Midway Museum is located on the waterfront near Seaport Village.
► Visiting the USS Midway Museum 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.
- Best for: Kids and teens
- Time needed: 2 to 4 hours
- 910 N Harbor Drive, San Diego
- midway.org
7. 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.
- Best for: Younger kids
- Time needed: Half to full day
- One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad
- legoland.com/california
8. 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.
- Best for: Younger kids
- Time needed: 2 to 4 hours
- 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
- aquarium.ucsd.edu
9. 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.
- Best for: Younger kids
- Time needed: Half to full day
- 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista
- sesameplace.com/san-diego
10. 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
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.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: 2 to 4 hours
- 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego
- belmontpark.com
Best Tours & Experiences
12. 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
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. San Diego Harbor Cruise
One of my favorite ways to see San Diego is from the water. If you want a relaxing way to see San Diego from the water, a harbor cruise is hard to beat!
A San Diego Harbor Cruise offers a completely different perspective of the city and is an especially easy activity to add to a family itinerary because you can sit back and enjoy the scenery while someone else does the driving.
Several harbor cruise options are available, including one-hour North or South Harbor routes and a two-hour Full Bay Tour. Depending on the route, you’ll see landmarks such as the USS Midway, Maritime Museum, Coronado, the Coronado Bridge, Navy ships, Point Loma, and the San Diego skyline.
The cruises also include live narration about San Diego’s maritime history and the sights along the bay.
Keep an eye out for sea lions and other marine life along the way, and bring a jacket because it can feel cooler out on the water than it does on land.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
15. San Diego Seal Tour
If your kids would think riding a bus that turns into a boat is the coolest thing ever, choose the San Diego Seal Tour.
Want to see San Diego by land and by sea without making your kids sit through two separate tours? The Seal Tour is a fun, family-friendly sightseeing experience that combines a narrated drive through the city with a cruise on San Diego Bay.
The tour takes place aboard an amphibious Hydra-Terra vehicle, which means you stay in the same vehicle as it transitions from the streets into the water. It is like two tours in one, and a huge hit if you are traveling with kids.
But the part kids are likely to remember most is when the vehicle splashes into San Diego Bay and becomes a boat. Once you’re on the water, keep your eyes open for California sea lions and coastal birds as you cruise around the bay.
I especially like this tour for families visiting San Diego for the first time because it gives you an overview of several different parts of the city.
Top Tip: Pair the Seal Tour with a visit to Seaport Village, the USS Midway, or another downtown waterfront attraction. That way, you can turn the tour into part of a full day of exploring San Diego’s waterfront.
► 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.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: 2 hours
Best Beaches & Outdoor Things to Do in San Diego
16. 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.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: Half to full day
17. 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.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
- 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego
- nps.gov/cabr/
18. 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.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: Half to full day
19. 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.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: Half to full day
20. 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.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: 2 to 4 hours
- 849 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego
- seaportvillage.com
21. Explore Little Italy
For a taste of San Diego beyond the major attractions, spend a few hours exploring Little Italy. This walkable downtown neighborhood is filled with restaurants, cafés, shops, public art, plazas, and family-friendly outdoor spaces.
Start at Piazza della Famiglia, a pedestrian-friendly plaza in the heart of the neighborhood, then wander along India Street and explore some of the surrounding shops and restaurants. Families can also walk over to Amici Park or head toward Waterfront Park, where kids can run around and play.
If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday, check out the Little Italy Mercato, the neighborhood’s popular farmers market. The Saturday market is particularly lively, with local produce, specialty foods, and vendors spread throughout the neighborhood.
And, of course, save room for gelato. Little Italy is an easy place to combine sightseeing with a family meal or dessert stop, making it a particularly good choice when you want a more relaxed afternoon rather than another full-day attraction.
Top Tip: Little Italy works particularly well as part of a downtown San Diego day. You can combine it with the USS Midway, the Embarcadero, Waterfront Park, or a harbor cruise without having to spend a lot of time driving between attractions.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
22. 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.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: 2 to 4 hours
23. 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.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: 2 to 4 hours
- 12600 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla
- parks.ca.gov
24. Explore Mission Trails Regional Park
If your family enjoys getting outdoors, don’t overlook Mission Trails Regional Park. Located just eight miles northeast of downtown San Diego, this enormous open-space park encompasses thousands of acres of rugged hills, canyons, trails, and natural habitat.
You don’t have to tackle the challenging Cowles Mountain hike to enjoy Mission Trails. The park has trails for a range of abilities, along with the Mission Trails Visitor and Interpretive Center, where families can learn more about the area’s plants, wildlife, geology, and history. The park also includes the historic Old Mission Dam.
For families with younger kids, I’d focus on one of the shorter, easier trails rather than trying to conquer one of the park’s more strenuous peaks. Families can also look for free guided nature walks led by volunteer Trail Guides, which are offered regularly from the Visitor Center.
Mission Trails is also a great reminder that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a memorable family experience in San Diego. There are plenty of opportunities to hike, explore, watch for wildlife, and simply enjoy the scenery.
Top Tip: San Diego’s inland temperatures can be considerably hotter than the coast, especially during summer. Bring plenty of water and plan your hike accordingly.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: 2 to 4 hours
25. Visit the San Diego Botanic Garden
Located in Encinitas about 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego, the San Diego Botanic Garden is a wonderful place to escape the busy tourist attractions and spend a few hours outdoors. The 37-acre garden features 29 themed gardens and about four miles of walking paths, including several areas specifically designed for children.
Younger kids will especially enjoy the Hamilton Children’s Garden, where they can climb through Toni’s Tree House, splash in the Mountain Stream, explore the Incredible Edibles garden, and play with natural materials. The Seeds of Wonder garden is designed with preschoolers in mind and includes a miniature railroad, dinosaur garden, playhouse, and other hands-on experiences.
I especially like this as an option for families who want something a little different from the big San Diego attractions. Kids can run, explore, and learn about plants and nature while parents get to enjoy the beautiful gardens.
- Best for: Young children
- Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
- 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas
- sdbg.org
Best Family-Friendly 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 several of our favorites that are definitely worth checking out if you are looking for cool things to do in San Diego with kids.
26. San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
Affectionately called The Nat, San Diego’s Museum of Natural History brings the natural world to life through exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, regional wildlife, and the environment. Temporary exhibitions often rotate, so there’s always something new to discover.
For families who love dinosaurs, fossils, animals, and science, the San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is one of the best museums in Balboa Park. The museum explores the natural history of Southern California and Baja California through five floors of exhibits, with plenty of interactive and hands-on experiences for kids.
Although we’ve visited this museum many times over the years, we recently took advantage of half price tickets during San Diego Museum Month so we could check out their newest exhibit, Amazement in the Basement. More of an experience than an exhibit, it offers a “backstage” glimpse into the museum’s collections and research work. You can even watch staff members at work through the glass!
One of the things I like about The Nat is that there is something here for a wide range of ages. Younger kids can participate in hands-on activities and family programs, while older kids and teens may enjoy the more in-depth science, paleontology, and natural history exhibits.
Top Tip: If you are looking for things to do in San Diego at night, The Nat stays open until 10 p.m. on the third Friday of every month so families can explore the museum at night.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: 2 to 4 hours
- 1788 El Prado, San Diego
- sdnhm.org
27. San Diego Air & Space Museum
If your kids are fascinated by airplanes, spacecraft, or aviation history, the San Diego Air & Space Museum is another excellent choice. Located in Balboa Park, the museum has an impressive collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft along with exhibits exploring the history of flight.
This is a particularly good option for older kids and teens who enjoy science, engineering, and aviation.
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.
- Best for: Older kids and teens
- Time needed: 2 to 4 hours
- 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego
- sandiegoairandspace.org
28. New Children’s Museum
For families traveling with younger kids, The New Children’s Museum in downtown San Diego is one of the best choices.
Instead of traditional museum exhibits, there are hands-on activities designed to encourage creativity. This is one museum where kids can be active rather than having to quietly look at exhibits, making it a particularly good choice for toddlers and preschoolers.
The New Children’s Museum is located in the heart of downtown San Diego right outside the Gaslamp Quarter.
- Best for: Younger kids
- Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
- 200 West Island Avenue, San Diego
- www.thinkplaycreate.org
29. 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).
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.)
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: 1 hour or less
- 169 El Prado, San Diego
- sandiegohistory.org
30. San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Train-loving kids will want to make time for the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. The museum features enormous model railroad layouts depicting different regions and eras, with intricate details that make it fun to slow down and explore.
Even if your kids aren’t serious train enthusiasts, the sheer size and detail of the displays make this a fun stop, especially for younger children.
The museum is located right below the San Diego History Museum in Balboa Park.
- Best for: Younger kids
- Time needed: 1 hour or less
- 1649 El Prado, San Diego
- sdmrm.org
31. Comic-Con Museum
The Comic-Con Museum celebrates pop culture, comics, and the creative arts with rotating exhibits and hands-on workshops. Fans of all ages can explore comic book history, movies, and interactive displays inspired by the annual San Diego Comic-Con convention.
- Best for: Older kids and teens
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
- 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego
- comic-con.org/museum
32. Maritime Museum of San Diego
For another unique San Diego experience, head to the waterfront to explore the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is comprised of nearly a dozen ships, vessels, and even a submarine. Rather than walking through a traditional museum building, you’ll explore a collection of historic ships and vessels, including the famous Star of India.
The museum is a great choice for families who enjoy history and hands-on exploration. Kids can climb aboard historic vessels and get a sense of what life was like at sea.
- Best for: All ages
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
- 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego
- sdmaritime.org
discount tickets
Save Money on Top San Diego Attractions
Save up to 48% on admission to San Diego theme parks and attractions with San Diego CityPASS® tickets. Options include either SeaWorld San Diego or LEGOLAND (or both!), plus your choice of three of the following: San Diego Zoo or Safari Park, USS Midway Museum, City Cruises, Birch Aquarium, Old Town Trolley Tours and Maritime Museum of San Diego – all with one convenient ticket.
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 30+ 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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