San Diego is packed with family activities and things to do all year long. The gorgeous beaches, museums, and theme parks make the city a perfect destination for family vacations and staycations.
I was born and raised in San Diego, and as a mom to two very adventurous kids, our schedules are always packed with fun activities and things to do in our city.
If you are planning a family vacation to San Diego, you have come to the right place. Figuring out what to do with kids can be overwhelming, so I’ve rounded up the 10 best family-friendly activities in San Diego that you will not want to miss on your next trip.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of my favorite things to do in San Diego with kids, and you will want to plan an entire day at the park as there is so much to do. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park sits on over 1,800 acres and you’ll be able to see incredible animals from all across the world. You can get up-close views of gorillas, tigers, lions and so much more. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is also home to two platypuses– the only two outside of Australia! You’ll have the opportunity to walk amongst kangaroos and visit a petting zoo to interact with the animals too.
In addition to seeing a variety of animals from Africa, Asia and Australia, you will also learn about wildlife conservation efforts taking place in San Diego, adding a fantastic educational element to your visit with your kids.
Sesame Place
Sesame Place is San Diego’s newest theme park. It opened in March 2022 and has a mix of dry rides and water rides, making it a great option for kids big and small. The park features a Sesame Street Neighborhood where your kids will be able to meet with Elmo, Big Bird and all of their favorite characters. The shows and parades make it a popular attraction for younger kids, while the big kids will likely spend all of their time on the waterslides.
Sesame Place San Diego is also a Certified Autism Center with sensory guides available for children with sensory processing issues.
Cabrillo National Monument
Did you know that San Diego is home to a national park? Cabrillo National Monument tells the story of 16th century exploration, and the park is a cultural and natural resource in our region.
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse, located within the park, is a beautiful historical monument and a great place to go whale watching mid-December through March. The park also has access to my favorite tidepools in San Diego. Some of the animals you can find here are anemones, keyhole limpets, Black tegula snails, Kellet’s whelks and Sandcastle worms.
New Children’s Museum
Looking for a place to let your child’s creativity run wild? The New Children’s Museum, located in Downtown San Diego, is a must-do for kids of all ages. Younger kids will have fun playing in interactive art installations and older kids will enjoy art workshops and crafting. All installations allow parents to participate alongside their children, and the tri-level museum has something that everyone will enjoy.
Plan a Beach Day
Probably the most obvious thing that comes to mind when visiting San Diego is checking out the local beaches. There’s so many beaches to choose from and they all offer something different.
Here is a list of some of my favorite beaches in San Diego and what I like most about them. You can read a more thorough guide on San Diego beaches here.
- Coronado- Bike around the island, grab ice cream & lay out in the sun
- Mission Beach- People watch on the boardwalk
- Mission Bay- Kayaking, paddle boarding & other water activities
- Torrey Pines- Hike Torrey Pines before laying out at the beach
- Sunset Cliffs- Favorite spot to catch the sunset
- La Jolla Shores- Spot sea lions, grab lunch & shop nearby
- Windansea- Favorite beach to get in the water
- Marine Street- Popular surfing attraction
LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND is just 30 minutes north of Downtown San Diego, is one of the most unique theme parks we’ve ever visited. Kids can take part in interactive play through Lego building, boat racing, and so much more. There’s a great variety of rides for all ages, plus Legoland is home to Miniland- an impressive display of cities and buildings completely made out of Legos.
Visit Petco Park
If you’re visiting San Diego during baseball season, you’ll want to catch a Padres game at Petco Park. This MLB park has amazing views of Downtown San Diego and has some of San Diego’s best restaurants set up as vendors in the park. You’ll be able to indulge in food from restaurants like Puesto, Din Thai Fung and Buona Forchetta. Show up early so the kids can get a chance to catch a ball at batting practice and hit a ball at the kids miniature baseball field before the game. Kids can also get their wiggles out mid-game and run around in Gallagher Square, making it a great place for kids of all ages.
Corvette Diner
When it comes to kid-friendly dining, no one does it better than Corvette Diner, located in Liberty Station. And I should know– I had many birthday parties at this San Diego institution while growing up.
Inside, you’ll find a family-friendly menu with a variety of milkshakes and sweet treats to satisfy everyone. The 50’s-style diner theme and sassy waitresses make it the perfect place to celebrate any occasion or just have a fun night out with the family. A live DJ plays all the oldies hits and even takes requests from guests.
The best part? There’s an arcade filled with games so the kids can have something to do while you wait for your table and food.
Waterfront Park
Looking for a free activity to do with the kids? Waterfront Park is an immersive park located at San Diego’s waterfront. Kids can splash around in spray fountains and play structures, plus it makes for a great spot to have a picnic. The venue also features various events throughout the year, so keep an eye on the park’s website calendar.
Balboa Park
One of San Diego’s most popular and well-known attractions is Balboa Park, a cultural oasis that includes gardens, the San Diego Zoo and 15 museums. Balboa Park is free to enter, but each of the museums require separate entry. Balboa Park also has plenty of grassy areas for picnic play, dog parks, hiking trails and a golf course.
We love spending a day in Balboa Park and immersing ourselves in the culture of our city. Some of our favorite museums are the Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Natural History Museum (the Nat).
The Fleet Science Center is great for all ages and offers a variety of experiences and attractions for hands-on science experiments. You’ll learn about electricity, illusions and so much more.
The Nat is also a great experience for kids to learn about the science and history of the region. Get up close to fossil fuels, learn about dinosaurs, and take a journey through the habitats of California.
If you want to gain access to multiple Balboa Park museums, an Explorer Pass will save you money by allowing entry into multiple parks on your next visit!
Belmont Park
Belmont Park is San Diego’s beachfront park in Mission Beach, featuring various rides, carnival attractions and laidback beachfront shopping and dining. Your family will not be disappointed when you bring them down for a visit. Kids will enjoy the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster for a fun beachside thrill. We love the accessibility to the beach and dining to make the experience a perfect day for the entire family. Take advantage of unique experiences like the Sky Rope, Zipline and Tiki Town Mini Golf! Purchase a park pass to take advantage of all of the fun at Belmont Park.
We love sharing our favorite places and things to do in San Diego, and with so much to do year round, San Diego has something for every type of traveler. Whether you are seeking relaxation on the beach, a theme park adventure or discovering new museums, San Diego has something for everyone.
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This post is sponsored by Visit San Diego; all opinions are my own.
