10 Kid Friendly Activities in San Diego
San Diego is home to the Padres, SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo and so much more! Narrowing down this list to only the top 10 Family Friendly Things to Do wasn’t easy, but I am so excited to share with you some of the top attractions and family fun activities that San Diego has to offer. With so many different neighborhoods and areas to explore, there’s never a dull moment in America’s Finest City.
1. Old Town San Diego
With a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, Old Town is known for its plethora of museums and artifacts, unique heritage, dining, shopping and entertainment. You can visit numerous historic sites and landmarks throughout Old Town, including the Colorado House, Casa de Bandini, the Old Adobe Chapel, and the most haunted house in the United States – the Whaley House. Old Town’s most popular restaurants include Cafe Coyote, Old Town Mexican Cafe & Restaurant, and Casa Guadalajara. You and the kids can enjoy a delicious and authentic meal (and adults can enjoy a margarita or two!), and spend the day exploring the museums, shopping and walking through Heritage Park. Check out their local entertainment and events calendar here.
2. San Diego Zoo/Safari Park
Arguably one of the city’s most famous attractions, the San Diego Zoo is committed to saving hundreds of species every year and to increasing wildlife conservation. With so many fun and exciting exhibits for you and your family to see and choose from, you’re sure to spend the day admiring all of the fascinating wild habitats and learning about some of the world’s most beautiful and endangered species.
Go on a safari ride with the whole family and tour the African plains and grasslands via tram, where you can see elephants, giraffes, lions, wildebeest and more, only at the Safari Park! Grab your passes, sunscreen, and hang on to your hats as you explore Tiger Trail, Nairobi Village, and the Gorilla Forest.
3. Coronado
Coronado Island is a beautiful and charming little city on the San Diego waterfront looking out over the Pacific Ocean and the San Diego Bay. Lay out on the sand, enjoy a picnic, or have fun doing a plethora of water activities like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or swimming at Glorietta Bay Park, Tidelands Park, and Silver Strand State Beach (also known for collecting the best sand dollars in all of San Diego!). Your family can soak up some time together beachside or explore downtown Coronado featuring some of San Diego’s best boutiques, restaurants and entertainment. Don’t forget to stop by Moo Time at the Hotel del Coronado for some delicious ice cream!
4. Del Mar
Del Mar is teeming with activities during the summer months, with the San Diego County Fair, followed by the Del Mar horse races. From June through almost November, you and the family can enjoy their weekend concert series that are sometimes even free on select race days. With a stunning coastline, Del Mar has multiple restaurants with ocean views, a downtown plaza with boutiques, several family-owned cafes and restaurants, and the Del Mar Public Library. Check out Free Flight, where you can learn more about birds including parrots, and even hold a few!
5. SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego features live attractions, rides, exhibits, and was voted one of the top 10 amusement parks in the ENTIRE world. That’s quite a feat! See and explore the shark aquarium, the Orca Encounter, the Wild Arctic, and the Penguin Encounter. With over 37,000 rescues and counting, SeaWorld San Diego takes pride in rescuing wild animals that need special care because of a sickness or injury. Bring the whole family and enjoy live performances and presentations, Sesame Street® meet and greets, thrilling roller coasters, and plenty of animal interactions.
6. La Jolla Cove
There’s something extra special when visiting La Jolla Cove and seeing the countless sea lions, the beautiful sunsets, and the majestic views from the cove itself. Numerous water activities like stand-up paddle boarding, kayaks, and snorkeling gear are available for rent, or you can take a swim in the Children’s Pool to see all of the species of local fish, from garibaldi and even sea turtles! Plenty of local restaurants and great dining options are available right off the cove, like Jose’s, Crab Catcher, and Cody’s La Jolla. Pack lots of sunscreen, towels, and snacks and enjoy the day at La Jolla Cove — don’t forget to take a selfie with the sea lions!
7. Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
The Birch Aquarium has over 60 habitats of marine life and showcases fishes and invertebrates from all around the world. It is their mission to protect and understand the earth’s oceans and its inhabitants, which is why a portion of ticket sales goes directly to supporting ocean science and research. Explore marine feedings and showings, various educational programs great for the entire family, and interactive tidepools where the kids can see the habitats up close and even hold starfish! See the Birch Aquarium’s event calendar to see what events are going on now.
8. Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter
You can truly experience San Diego by heading downtown, and exploring the New Children’s Museum, cheering on the Padres at Petco Park, or climbing aboard the USS Midway or the Maritime Museum. Discover hundreds of local great eats, cafes, breweries, restaurants, and more, from the bustling Gaslamp Quarter to beautiful Little Italy off of Kettner Boulevard. Take a walk with the whole family on the boardwalk to Seaport Village, where you can shop, dine and listen to live music along the waterfront. With plenty of activities, places to eat, and multiple neighborhoods to see within walking distance, downtown San Diego offers something special for everyone.
9. Balboa Park
With over 1,200 acres to explore at Balboa Park, the possibilities to see and discover new exhibits, walk through gardens, and play all day are endless. Visit the Natural History Museum, take a walk through the Japanese Friendship garden, or check out a puppet show at the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater. Stop by for a bite to eat at the Grill or Craveology or go on a guided tour – it’s perfect for all ages. Check out their events calendar here!
10. LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND is located just thirty minutes north of Downtown San Diego and offers 60 kid-friendly rides *ages 2-12*, an on-site waterpark, and the Sea Life Aquarium. Meet a LEGO star and see a variety of LEGO shows and attractions, where your kids can even interact and make their own LEGO toy. Visit and stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel, where you and your kids can stay in a lego-themed room, splash around at the outdoor LEGO pool, and even go on a scavenger hunt!
San Diego Guest Blogger
Guest post provided by Mallory Green, a San Diego Mom, Blogger and Owner of #FitWithMal. Connect with Mallory on any of her Social Channels to learn more about motherhood and health as she explores San Diego.
Website: Fit with Mal
Instagram: @malloryheathergreen