Looking for fun things to do in San Diego with kids?
Family-friendly attractions in San Diego range from the world-famous San Diego Zoo to beautiful Balboa Park. But there are plenty of hidden gems and fun spots in between.
The city is also known for its amazing beaches, family-friendly amusement parks, and world-class museums.
I’ve lived in Southern California for more than 20 years and raised my kiddo exploring all the fun attractions in San Diego. 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. 🙂
Top 5 Picks: San Diego Activities
If you are just looking for a quick list of the can’t miss, very best things to do with kids in San Diego, I am here to help! Here are our Top 5 recommendations.
► Visit the San Diego Zoo
► Spend time on the beach on Coronado Island
► 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 great family-friendly museums
Keep reading for more details on these top five family-friendly San Diego attractions, plus lots more ideas to help you plan your trip!
Family-Friendly San Diego Attractions
Whether you are visiting San Diego on a family vacation or live nearby, here are the very best San Diego attractions, including tips on what to expect and where to find more details.
1. Balboa Park
At 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. 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, the Old Globe Theatre, playgrounds, 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.
Another great activity you might want to check out is the Balboa Park Electric Scooter Tour. This guided tour will take you on a fun ride all over the expansive park, led by a a guide who will tell you all about the sights, and lots of stops for photos, too!
- 1549 El Prado, San Diego
- balboapark.org
2. 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.
- 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego
- belmontpark.com
3. 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 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.
We love visiting Old Town San Diego! There is always something fun to see, 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.
- 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego
- oldtownsandiego.org
4. 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. 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.
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. 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.
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!
- 849 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego
- seaportvillage.com
7. 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 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. There are lots of new rides, including roller coasters such as Manta, Emperor, Electric Eel, Journey to Atlantis, and their newest ride, Arctic Rescue. 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.
- 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego
- seaworld.com/san-diego
8. 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.
► See why the hop on hop off trolley tour is 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
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
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.
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.
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. 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
11. San Diego 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
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 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.
14. 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.
- 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista
- sesameplace.com/san-diego
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.
► Travel Insight
LEGOLAND California also has a water park, which requires an additional ticket to enter.
- 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. 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, and picnicking. 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.
18. 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.
- 12600 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla
- parks.ca.gov
19. Petco Park
Catch a ball game at Petco Park, where the whole family can cheer on the San Diego Padres in a casual and vibrant atmosphere.
Even if it’s not game day, you can still take a behind-the-scenes at Petco Park tour. The ballpark is conveniently located right in downtown San Diego near the Gaslamp District.
- 100 Park Blvd., San Diego
- mlb.com/padres/ballpark
20. San Diego Museums
San Diego is packed with amazing museums! From Balboa Park to Oceanside to everywhere in between, you’ll find a museum to meet your family’s interest. Here are our five favorite that you might like, too!
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).
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.
- 169 El Prado, San Diego
- sandiegohistory.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.
- 200 West Island Avenue, San Diego
- www.thinkplaycreate.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.
- 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.
- 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego
- sandiegoairandspace.org
Kids Free San Diego
If you’re planning to visit San Diego in October, you’re in luck!
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. You can find the full list of this year’s offers at sandiego.org.
How to Save on Your San Diego Vacation
There are a variety of ways to save money on hotels and tickets to San Diego’s many theme parks and attractions – including AAA discounts, military or student discounts, and bundling tickets through CityPASS San Diego. I recommend booking tickets and hotel packages through authorized seller and our trusted partner, Get Away Today. Get Away Today has discount tickets to many area attractions, and they offer a variety of ticket types to suit any budget.
Use discount code CFT10 to get an additional $10 off any vacation package when you book your hotel and two or more tickets through Get Away Today.
Final Thoughts: Kid-Friendly San Diego Attractions
San Diego – with its famously perfect weather and stunning beaches – is the perfect destination for families seeking unforgettable experiences. From exhilarating theme parks to museums and outdoor adventures, there’s something for kids of all ages – and parents, too!
These 20 must-do activities in San Diego with kids are my top picks, but there are many more if you choose to explore further. However, if you have limited time or just want to hit the high notes and check out the very best places on your San Diego family vacation, this curated list promises laughter, learning, and vacation memories that will last a lifetime.
Save These Family-Friendly Things to Do in San Diego for Later!
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