Free Things to Do With Baby Near Me
I help people plan San Diego family vacations and am a trusted resource for locals searching for fun things to do in San Diego with kids. Why? I live here, and despite regularly traveling the world, I strongly believe that San Diego is ane of the all-time destinations in the United States to spend a holiday no matter how old you are.
There are baby activities in San Diego, toddler activities, and plenty of things to practice in San Diego with teens and tweens, besides. Some of these attractions are gratuitous to enter and many are near my favorite kid-friendly hotels in San Diego.
This is a Big list of insider tips, merely that'southward because I've included some ideas that fifty-fifty residents may not know almost. As well, I've noted where you lot can salve coin on tickets, tours, and hotels through my affiliations. If yous make purchases through some of the links in this post, I may be compensated.
Top Things to Practise in San Diego with Kids
Let'south start with the kid-friendly attractions that are at the top of most family sightseeing itineraries.
Tip: If you are going to visit more than ane of these San Diego activities for kids, information technology may exist worth considering a multi-attraction laissez passer like Go San Diego. (This laissez passer is not valid for the annual Kids Free San Diego promotions in Oct.)
ane. San Diego Zoo©
Location: Balboa Park
The world-famous San Diego Zoo tops my list of things to do in San Diego with kids. Nosotros're members. It'south dwelling house to over 3700 rare and endangered animals and a beautiful display of over 700,000 exotic plants throughout its 100 acres.
San Diego Zoo is part of San Diego Zoo Global, an organization dedicated to saving species worldwide. Every dollar y'all spend with them goes toward animal care and conservation efforts, which yous'll acquire more than about during your visit. Yeah, your day will involve animals and didactics — a perfect combination for kids.
I've written about my favorite San Diego Zoo animals and exhibits in detail. Still, I don't miss the koalas, polar bears, komodo dragons, new baby pygmy hippo, Galapagos tortoises, Keeper Talks, and Skyfari Aeriform Tram.
We also like to go right when information technology opens when the weather is cool, and some animals eat breakfast. However, I encourage you to check out their upgraded tours and experiences. Some begin before the park opens, so you'll already be inside with a caput commencement to favorite animals. Read all San Diego Zoo posts.
Admission MY Exclusive DISCOUNTS
Check for unpublished deeper savings on tickets through my partnership with aRes Travel, an authorized San Diego Zoo ticket seller.
*By texting the word SDZOO to i-833-490-0799 you concur to receive automated promotional messages with how to secure my deeper ticket discount and this understanding isn't a condition of any purchase. Msg and data rates may apply. 2 msg/mo. Respond Stop to cancel. Read my total privacy policy.
See besides: How to Buy Discounted Tickets to the San Diego Zoo
2. San Diego Zoo Safari Park©
Location: Escondido
Over 2600 animals, including giraffes, elephants, lions, and more, roam in large free-range enclosures at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Tour on your own or schedule a safari (or both). Two of the most pop safaris include the costless Africa Tram tour effectually the park and the Caravan Safari through the Asian Savannah and African Plains. Y'all can also zipline over some of the fauna enclosures on the Skyline Safari.
Exist aware that it gets pretty hot over here in the summer (though kids can become wet in the Savannah Cool Zone splash pad).
Animal enclosures are spread out so that they tin can house big animals, so wear walking shoes. Watching the afternoon cheetah run is one of the virtually popular attractions. We love the tigers of Tiger Trail, Nairobi Village (where the petting zoo is), Lorikeet Landing (where you can feed lorikeet parrots), and Walkabout Commonwealth of australia, where wallabies jump around yous — without a barrier. Small plug also for the platypus exhibit, which my family helped sponsor.
They're part of San Diego Zoo Global, home to the world's largest veterinary facility, and working on bringing back the Northern White Rhino from extinction, thanks to their Frozen Zoo. And, that's non even half of information technology.
ACCESS MY Exclusive Disbelieve
Cheque for unpublished deeper savings on tickets through my partnership with aRes Travel, an authorized San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket seller.
*By texting the give-and-take SAFARI to 1-833-490-0799 you agree to receive automatic promotional messages with how to secure my deeper ticket discount and this understanding isn't a condition of any purchase. Msg and data rates may employ. two msg/mo. Reply STOP to cancel. Read my full privacy policy.
3. LEGOLAND© California
Location: Carlsbad
LEGOLAND California is, of course, one of the most pop things to practice in San Diego with kids. The resort consists of LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE® Aquarium, LEGOLAND H2o Park, LEGOLAND Hotel, and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.
If pressed for fourth dimension, LEGOLAND California theme park can be visited in a half-day. The park is best for toddlers and younger kids as the suggested age is between 2–12. Teens would take to exist die-hard LEGO lovers to savour it without accompanying a younger guest equally nearly rides may exist also juvenile for them.
The average visit to Ocean LIFE Aquarium is about 45 minutes, and information technology's a fun stop, likewise. Don't forget to bring LEGO Minifigures to trade with staff members.
Important: During the school year, LEGOLAND California closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The water park is too seasonal. Exist certain to check their calendar before planning a visit.
SAVE ON TICKETS
You lot can find dandy pricing on LEGOLAND tickets here.
4. SeaWorld© San Diego
Location: Mission Bay
SeaWorld San Diego alone draws tourists to our urban center from all over the world to enjoy upward-shut animal interactions, fun rides, brute shows, and educational experiences.
Special behind-the-scenes tours permit guests to learn more than nigh penguins, rays, dolphins, sea otters, moon jellies, and more. You can touch reef sharks and marvel and giant ones in the walk-through shark tank.
Sesame Street Bay of Play® entertains young kids with balmy rides and lots to climb on. The Manta roller coaster and new Electrical Eel roller coaster thrill older riders. Shipwreck Rapids water ride is a great way to absurd downwards on a sunny day. SeaWorld San Diego uses its facilities to rescue local ocean life, including the La Jolla seals (which you lot will learn more almost below).
As a mom who has been here more than times than I tin count, I can tell you that most guests spend an entire twenty-four hours here. However, a fun one-half-day is doable if short on time.
Tip: Skip the lines with a Quick Queue® Premier pass. Discounted SeaWorld San Diego tickets are unremarkably all-time bought through them directly. If y'all're certain you'll spend an entire twenty-four hour period in the park, check out the All-Day Dining Programme.
5. SESAME PLACE SAN DIEGO (Opening March 2022)
Location: Chula Vista
A make new theme park arrives in San Diego in March 2022. Sesame Place San Diego, the only theme park on the West Coast based entirely on Sesame Street, replaces the Aquatica San Diego water park.
It will reimagine some of Aquatica's water attractions while adding 7 themed dry rides and an interactive musical play surface area. The park volition besides feature an interactiveSesame Street Neighborhood consummate with the iconic 123 Stoop, a live character show, a daily parade, photo opportunities, and of course, everyone's favorite characters.
Sesame Place San Diego tickets are on sale and you tin can buy them now through SeaWorld.
six. Belmont Park
Location: Mission Beach (free to enter)
Break from the beach for a few hours to pop into San Diego's seaside entertainment park. It'southward costless to walk around Belmont Park San Diego, merely you'll need tickets for the games and rides.
Nosotros're talking almost a historic roller coaster, an arcade, funfair rides, behemothic scoops of ice cream, a zero line, light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation tag, miniature golf, and a new get-kart track. With all of this, how tin can Belmont Park not be one of the nigh fun things to do in San Diego with kids? It's as well on my list of best things to do in San Diego with teens.
Information technology's abode to a couple of pretty good restaurants like Cannonball and Beach House. The latter is a family-friendly beach bar on the sand. Save room for dessert from the onsite Dole Whip® truck.
Don't pay for rides a la carte: The cost of rides and activities tin can add up quickly, but that'due south because kids beloved this park. You tin sometimes buy discounted unlimited ride tickets through Costco or Groupon. The Become San Diego sightseeing pass includes the all-admission combo pass. If y'all live in San Diego, consider the annual laissez passer, which will pay for itself afterwards a few visits.
If you want to pick upward bicycle rentals or skateboards to bask the Mission Beach boardwalk, you tin can grab them at the park.
vii. Balboa Park
Location: Balboa Park (free to enter)
The nation's largest urban cultural park is abode to 17 museums (the about kid-friendly options are enumerated in 9-13 beneath), many gorgeous gardens, celebrated buildings, the San Diego Zoo, restaurants, and performing arts venues. It is indeed 1 of the most fun places in San Diego for families because there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Balboa Park is costless to enter, though the museums accept individual ticket fees. If y'all're visiting multiple museums, y'all should purchase a Balboa Park Explorer laissez passer or the Get San Diego laissez passer. Both sightseeing passes include multiple museums for a apartment fee. I've enumerated our favorite family unit museums beneath.
Tip: Our favorite al fresco, counter-gild restaurants are Panama 66 and the Tea Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Kids too similar the colored courtyard tiles in the Spanish Village Fine art Heart, which I recall is often overlooked park gem.
Come across too: Where to Eat and Drinkable in Balboa Park
viii. Quondam Boondocks San Diego
Location: Old Boondocks San Diego (free to enter)
As California'south birthplace, Old Town San Diego is a fun half-day visit in San Diego with children. Kids tend to like The Whaley Business firm, ane of the coolest haunted houses in the state, and walking through the graves at El Campo Santo Cemetery.
If that sounds as well creepy, not to worry. You can savor our sunshine in Former Town State Celebrated Park in betwixt popping into the costless museums that showcase what life was like in early California. Simply above the park, yous'll notice the Serra Museum, which showcases Kumeyaay Indians Castilian and Mexican exhibits of local history starting in the 1700s.
Pick upwards a festive souvenir from i of the many shops. Yeah, most restaurants here serve good Mexican food and behemothic margaritas for parents on their patios. Old Town San Diego often has mariachi performances, people dressed in period costumes, alive music, and entertainment for free family fun in San Diego. Exist sure to check the event calendar.
See besides: Guide to Old Town San Diego – Restaurants, Shopping and More
Best Museums in San Diego for Kids
Even if you tin can't visit in person, don't forget that these museums offer incredible opportunities for online learning and fun that includes scientific discipline experiment tutorials, virtual after school programs and camps, at-home crafts, downloads and then much more.
If y'all do visit in-person, admission to the Balboa Park Museums tin can add up. They are non large, and you'll likely visit more than one or even 2.
Buy the Go San Diego pass or the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. This style, y'all'll avoid multiple a la carte ticket purchases to the pop San Diego children's museums mentioned below.
9. Fleet Science Middle
Location: Balboa Park
The whole family unit will love exploring the 100 hands-on exhibits scattered throughout the 8 galleries at Fleet Science Center. You'll acquire how gravity works, build stuff, watch movies in the world'southward showtime dome IMAX theatre, and and so some. Toddlers and even babies can arrive on the "do touch" fun in the special Kid City section for kids 5 and under.
10. San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT)
Location: Balboa Park
Located beyond the courtyard from the Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Natural History Museum is home to fossils, scavenger hunts, and exhibits regarding local geology, ecosystems, and history.
This is one of the best places for the whole family to larn about our binational region's biodiversity, from Southern California to Baja California.
Kids under 5 will love The Backyard play area. Parents can lookout them explore with a latte in-hand from The Flying Squirrel Buffet side by side door. I love this museum, and it's been a favorite of my daughter's, also, throughout her entire life.
Meet likewise: A Local Kids' Guide to the San Diego Natural History Museum
11. San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Location: Balboa Park
The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is North America's largest model railroad museum and a toy train enthusiast's dream. Inside, you'll detect four enormous scale and model railroad track layouts. The detail on the train models and the scenery is staggering. Visitors can admire and tinker with toy trains here, too.
12. San Diego Air and Space Museum
Location: Balboa Park
Go to the San Diego Air and Space Museum to acquire most the history of flight from early balloon ascents to space travel. Over 50 aircraft hang from the rafters, and the various galleries showcase the Wright brothers, the Golden Historic period of Flight, World Wars I and II, the Jet Age, and women in flight.
xiii. Museum of Us
Location: Balboa Park
Kids can channel their inner archeologist at the Museum of Us, our anthropology museum. They tin too apparel up as a Pharaoh and acquire about excavating and wrapping mummies. Other exhibit topics include cannibalism, beer, race, and living with animals.
Older kids may enjoy climbing to the top of the iconic California Belfry for spectacular San Diego views. A reservation is required for this family unit activity.
xiv. San Diego Botanic Garden
Location: Encinitas
If you're looking for outdoor fun for kids in San Diego and garden inspiration, the San Diego Botanic Garden is your place. Spend an 60 minutes or two walking through 29 gorgeous gardens with themes ranging from burn down rubber to olive trees to plants native to the Canary Islands.
Kids will honey the Hamilton Children's Garden with its fun treehouse, grass maze, and special kids' activities. You lot tin can also usually schedule a visit according to tours on offer ranging from bird watching to various walks catered toward specific age groups.
Tip: They have been able to remain open during the regional stay at home club as an outdoor recreation facility. It'due south a fantastic identify to push a stroller or walk for some do.
fifteen. Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Location: La Jolla
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the prestigious Scripps Institution of Oceanography. It'due south 1 of the best things to do in San Diego with kids for a few hours, especially if they're lovers of marine life.
Enter and walk to the right to see the sixty habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the Pacific Northwest's cold waters to the tropical waters of Mexico and across. On the other side of the aquarium, kids can play with easily-on educational exhibits that teach conservation value.
A human-fabricated tide pool area on the back patio chosen Tide Pool Plaza boasts panoramic Pacific Ocean views over La Jolla Shores Beach. Here, docents help visitors gently touch starfish and anemones while answering questions.
I also encourage you to have a look at their agenda of off-site programming, including whale watching tours (Dec through Apr), tide pool tours (winter), snorkeling with leopard sharks (summer), summer camps, and other special events.
Tickets: Buy directly through Birch Aquarium or entrance is included on the Become San Diego laissez passer.
See also: Guide to Birch Aquarium (Tips, Tickets, Offsite Adventures, and More)
sixteen. USS Midway Museum®
Location: Downtown
Ane of America'due south longest-serving aircraft carriers is now a popular maritime museum with 60 exhibits and 29 restored shipping. Kids beloved learning what life was like at body of water on the USS Midway, touring the engine room and galley, and trying two flying simulators (height restrictions utilise).
Some of the USS Midway Museum docents lived on board the ship, and it's one of my favorite places to recommend to anybody planning a trip to San Diego because there isn't another museum like information technology. Be sure to take the audio tour.
See too: Tips for Visiting the USS Midway Museum
17. Maritime Museum of San Diego®
Location: Downtown
This San Diego museum preserves ane of the largest collections of historic sailing vessels in the land. Visitors may climb on board to explore the sailing ships, some of which occasionally still sail (check the website for tours on the bay).
Highlights include the Star of India, the world's oldest active sailing send, and the Soviet-era B-39 submarine, one of the largest conventionally-powered submarines ever built.
Tip: Information technology'south easy to combine a visit to the Maritime Museum of San Diego with the USS Midway Museum and Waterfront Park as they are neighbors on the Embarcadero. (Grab a taco at Carnitas Snack Shack here, too.)
18. The New Children's Museum®
Location: Downtown
The goal of the New Children's Museum is for children of all ages to experience the arts in ways that are meaningful to them. Their motto is "recall, play, create," and that'south exactly what kids exercise there through craft, easily-on exhibits like the Sketch Aquarium, and performing arts.
Looking for things to do in San Diego with babies? This museum is gratuitous for babies under 12 months and is engaging for your littlest family members because they'll love watching other kids in motion.
The activities in the museum are advisable for toddlers up to teenagers. Information technology's one of the San Diego attractions for kids that will spark their love of learning early.
xix. San Diego Children'southward Discovery Museum
Location: Escondido
If you lot happen to be in the area, terminate by the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum. It's entirely dedicated to learning through play throughout 6000 square feet of indoor space and fifty-fifty more exterior, where there are chicken coops, worm farms, and other investigative stations. Themes of water and energy conservation are present throughout the facility.
Tip: It's very close to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and then you lot could visit both on the same (albeit long) day.
20. Museum of Making Music
Location: Carlsbad
This is a fun San Diego museum for children or adults interested in music or the history of music. Merely, permit me tell you why y'all need to go when the kids are young.
Kids don't always know what instrument they'd like to learn how to play. Sometimes, they need to cull 1 for a schoolhouse music class. At other times, parents encourage learning an instrument to augment their minds.
A big highlight of the Museum of Making Music is the instrument room where y'all can pick upwards and play hundreds of instruments from effectually the world. It'due south fun for the whole family, and it gives kids a chance to feel what playing an electrical guitar, trumpet, or flute might exist similar.
21. Living Coast Discovery Centre
Location: Chula Vista
Those interested in California's coastal flora and brute should plan a visit to The Living Coast Discovery Center, about 15 minutes s of downtown. It'due south a popular location for school field trips (typically also a less busy spot than many other popular San Diego beast attractions).
Yous tin can add various experiences like bat ray feedings and reptile run into and greets to raise your day there. Be sure to look at their events agenda as guests tin can participate in bird walks, composting classes, and much more family fun in San Diego.
All-time San Diego Beaches for Families
Our beautiful San Diego beaches top most family unit sightseeing itineraries and they are complimentary to utilise afterward y'all secure street parking.
Things to do in San Diego include going to the beach whether you're a resident or a tourist during any flavor. We have 70 miles of stunning coastline. Each San Diego beach and beach town has its own characteristics.
There is likely a family-friendly beach nearly where you are staying in San Diego, simply here are my top picks for families.
Run across likewise: 17 Best Embankment Hotels in San Diego
22. Coronado Central Beach
Location: Coronado Island (complimentary to enter)
This gorgeous beach is in forepart of the Hotel del Coronado® though it extends quite a distance past the luxury hotel. The water is usually pretty calm here, and the wide flat sandy beach is dreamy to chill out on. Y'all can walk up to eat at The Del and rent chairs and umbrellas from their Del Beach area, fifty-fifty if you're non an overnight guest.
Coronado Primal Embankment ranks highly on national travel publication lists including Travel + Leisure. The north end is dog-friendly and suitable for surfing when waves cooperate.
Run into also: Detailed Guide to Coronado Beaches
23. La Jolla Shores Beach
Location: La Jolla (free to enter)
This family-friendly beach is one of our favorites in town because information technology suits people of all ages who crave ocean activities. The beach is apartment, sandy, and an especially bully identify for kids.
Lifeguards patrol the area, visitors may use the handful of fire pits (commencement come, first served), and the bathrooms are reasonably nice. The Kellogg Park playground and grassy area to run around in are steps from the sand, too.
Walk easily to Avenida de la Playa, the master street in the La Jolla Shores neighborhood, for snacks (grab a sandwich at The Cheese Store) or essentials like forgotten sunscreen. The parking lot is reasonably large but go early during summer months to avoid parking issues.
We list several popular things to do with kids at La Jolla Shores Beach nether outdoor activities beneath because it'southward an excellent spot for water sports like snorkeling and learning how to surf.
25. Moonlight Beach
Location: Encinitas (free to enter)
Farther north awaits Moonlight Beach. Due north San Diego Canton hotel concierges send guests here, even if there's a closer beach to their property. This is because it has the most family-friendly amenities of beaches in the surface area. Between picnic tables, fire rings, lifeguards, restrooms, beach volleyball courts, a snack bar, and even equipment rentals, guest needs are well taken care of here.
Fun fact: The name "Moonlight Embankment" dates back to the early on 1900s when residents used to picnic here late at nighttime.
24. Del Mar Beaches
Location: Del Mar (free to enter)
The Del Mar embankment betwixt 15th Street and 29th Street is very popular, especially during the summertime (when parking in this residential neighborhood is difficult). Walk from some of the nearly pop restaurants in Del Mar and L'Auberge Del Mar Hotel and a few smaller inns.
Another fun stretch of Del Mar beach is Torrey Pines State Beach, near the famous land reserve. The state park system administers it, so you'll need to pay at a kiosk to park.
The almost family-friendly part is located closest to Torrey Pines Route. Here, yous'll notice bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards. Kids similar to play in the trivial area where the shallow lagoon water trickles into the Pacific Ocean.
26. Mission Bay Beaches
Location: Mission Bay (costless to enter)
The largest human-made aquatic park in America is Mission Bay and it's heaven for water sports enthusiasts and family adventure. Rent boats, kayaks, stand-upwardly paddleboards, aqua cycles, jet skis, and more than from vendors in front of the Mission Bay hotels.
Bay beaches appeal to young families because in that location are no waves compared to the ocean beach. Older kids enjoy the water activities hither, just you tin can grab a bike rental and hit the flat, piece of cake, paved path around the bay.
The sand is soft, and the water is at-home though it can exist murky in spots. You tin can access the Mission Bay beaches from diverse places and resorts, just Sail Bay Beach in front end of Fanuel Park in Pacific Embankment is a favorite.
Encounter likewise: eight Best Mission Beach and Mission Bay Hotels in San Diego
Tip: South Mission Beach
Nigh Mission Bay, y'all'll find South Mission Beach. If you lot have older kids or teens that like to play beach volleyball, at that place are nets here. The only thing to note is that these sand courts are busy and competitive so it may have you some time to jump in.
Fun Outdoor San Diego Kids Activities
The good news is that the whole family tin can savour these activities for kids in San Diego County at whatsoever time of the twelvemonth.
27. Kayak the Bounding main Caves
Location: La Jolla Shores Beach (free to go with your own gear)
Rent a double kayak, bring your own, or join a tour. Kayaks launch easily from this beach, and many, many people employ them to explore the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park. While paddling, you can see bright orange Garibaldi fish and leopard sharks swim beneath the surface. Our friendly sea lions are always effectually for entertainment, too.
Most people kayak toward the La Jolla sea caves. All but 1 are only visible from the sea, and it'southward a marine life rich area. Some tours will take you through Mollusk's Cave, where the barks of sea lions are almost deafening (simply funny), though this is not something you should endeavour on your own. I recommend a body of water cave kayak tour with Everyday California.
Exclusive EVERYDAY CALIFORNIA DISCOUNT
Use code lajollamom for a 20% discount on kayak and snorkeling tours, lessons, and rentals. Book now.
28. Seaport Village
Location: Downtown San Diego (free to enter)
Yes, it'south a touristy spot, but Seaport Hamlet is a fun bayside entertainment surface area for local and visiting families.
We're talking about a fudge store, an awesome kite store (and a nearby grassy area to fly one), roaming entertainment, sea views, and dining at over 50 restaurants and specialty shops in full.
Information technology'south within walking distance of many hotels in downtown San Diego. And, the historic carousel isn't huge, but younger kids call up that it's fun.
29. Learn to Surf
Location: Various
1 of the coolest things to do in San Diego with kids is to get them up on a surfboard. Kids as immature every bit five tin accept surfing lessons. In fact, all ages tin can acquire to hang ten on our famous waves. It's never too belatedly to learn.
A swell style to book this quintessential Southern California experience is through private lessons, group lessons, or even a half-day summer camp that you can book by the day or calendar week.
I recommend Surf Diva® at La Jolla Shores or San Diego Surfing Schoolhouse in Pacific Beach, though there are accredited surf schools all up and down the coast. You tin as well find them in Mission Beach, Del Mar, and Carlsbad.
thirty. Children'south Pool Seals and La Jolla Cove Ocean Lions
Location: La Jolla (complimentary to enter)
One of the many gratuitous things to practice in La Jolla is to visit the seals and sea lions. They're cute, noisy, and perhaps a fleck stinky — but then adorable.
Harbor seals hang out at the Children's Pool, a small stretch of beach protected past a fractional seawall that was initially intended to be a swimming area for kids. Well, the seals took it over.
The embankment is closed to the public so that seals can accept their pups here between December 15–May xv. During peak tourist season they tend to exit the beach in the early morn, fish all solar day, and return in the evening.
It is technically okay to swim at the Children'due south Pool when the beach is open to the public, but the water is non of the highest quality. It's quite a scenic spot for photographs, though.
Walk north forth the boardwalk from here to the Cave Store forth Declension Blvd. You'll also run into a myriad of sea lions on and in between the sandstone cliffs of La Jolla Cove.
Because these two pinniped spots are well-nigh each other, this is definitely a kid-pleaser because i or both groups are probable to be around. I never get tired of seeing them, either.
DON'T Go out HUNGRY
We have plenty of coincidental, cheap, kid-friendly places to eat virtually La Jolla Cove that are outstanding (but also designer shops and fine dining if that suits you ameliorate). Delight your gustatory modality buds with an ice cream cone or grab a coffee. Refer to my lists of things to do in La Jolla and the all-time La Jolla restaurants.
Acquire exactly how to visit them in my Guide to Visiting the La Jolla Seals and Sea Lions .
31. Cabrillo National Monument
Location: Indicate Hill
Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego'south merely National Park, commemorates the 1542 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo on the W Coast, via the San Diego Bay. This historic event is historic as the discovery of California.
A one-half-day visit here unremarkably starts with a photograph op at Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo'due south statue with the panoramic view of the bay and downtown backside you lot.
Then, stride into the Visitor Center to learn a piddling more about the site and get the data necessary for kids to earn a Inferior Ranger badge while enjoying a mini-history lesson.
Other outdoor family things to practice in San Diego hither include lovely walks on the Bayside Trail and fantastic tide pools (the all-time viewing of them is November–March when low tides happen during the day).
You can walk into the Old Point Loma Lighthouse to see its frozen-in-time interior with effects that appointment back to 1855.
32. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Location: La Jolla
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is abode to the rare Torrey Pine tree, some of the all-time San Diego ocean views, and eight miles of hiking trails — many of which are suitable for little ones.
The scenic 3/4-mile-long Beach Trail in the Upper Reserve boasts lovely views and stairs down to the beach. (I don't recommend heading downwardly to the beach with immature kids because it's a steep climb back up.)
I do recommend the Guy Fleming Trail, a 2/3-mile-long balmy loop hike suitable for all ages, complete with panoramic Pacific Body of water views and the best show of wildflowers and native plants. Besides, correct now, information technology'south a one-way loop to provide better distance between hikers.
Take advantage of the free public guided walks for families and small groups that happen on weekends and holidays to spot local flora and fauna.
And, Torrey Pines State Beach is beneath the park so information technology's easy to add on some fun in the sand before or after your visit.
Exit THE STROLLER AT HOME
It's easier to carry immature kids in a infant carrier or backpack. Similar Discovery Trail well-nigh the Visitor Center, some trails are wheelchair accessible, but you will desire to explore more than than a stroller will let.
33. Petco Park Baseball and Tour
Location: Downtown
Even if the Padres aren't playing, you tin take a behind the scenes tour of Petco Park year-round. The tours concluding approximately eighty minutes and involve nigh i.v miles of walking around the field, in the press box, and more. The state-of-the-art, open-air ballpark boasts views of downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, and across.
If the team is playing, definitely grab tickets for a game. Petco Park boasts some of the best sightlines in Major League Baseball. A day game is ane of the popular family things to do in San Diego during the summer.
34. Waterfront Park
Location: Downtown (gratuitous to enter)
Families love this big waterfront park (hence the name) with its interactive h2o fountains (yeah, they can play in them) and playground equipment.
Its big grassy area is an excellent identify for picnics and games, and for lilliputian ones to run effectually. They fifty-fifty show outdoor movies here in the summer.
The views over San Diego Bay from the park are as well spectacular. It'south located across from the Maritime Museum of San Diego and next door to the Wyndham San Diego Bayfront.
TIP: GRAB A PICNIC LUNCH IN LITTLE ITALY
Waterfront Park is located at the edge of Little Italy San Diego, where there are many great family-friendly places to grab delicious slices of pizza, sandwiches, and ice foam to-become.
35. Falconry Lessons
Location: La Jolla, Alpine, Ramona
If y'all'd like to learn falconry or see raptors in action up-close, you have a couple of bang-up options.
Full Raptor eXperience offers falconry experiences at Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla. Participants interact with and larn to wing a raptor. All ages are welcome in the introductory course.
Nosotros enjoyed a falconry lesson with Heaven Falconry at the Torrey Pines Gliderport a few years ago. They now merely offer these lessons at their beautiful Tall ranch. If yous're looking for things to do in San Diego with kids involving beast interaction, I would highly recommend them.
These lessons bond people with raptors and educate them about the human-related threats (climatic change, pollution, etc.) these majestic creatures face that I even so think about years later.
36. Electric Bicycle Tours
Location: La Jolla, Pacific Embankment, or Downtown
Fun things to do in San Diego with teens include electric bike tours. Riders must be 13 or older, but y'all can pedal when yous like and rely on the motor to get you upwards steeper hills. Tour La Jolla beaches like La Jolla Cove, in addition to breathtaking hilltops, downtown sights, and more.
Or, hire ane of these absurd bikes for a few hours to ride on your own. Nosotros like San Diego Fly Rides (tours are temporarily unavailable).
37. Queen Calafia®'south Magic Circumvolve
Location: Escondido (gratuitous to enter)
A somewhat subconscious gem in North San Diego County, Queen Califia's Magic Circumvolve is the just American sculpture garden by French creative person Niki de Saint Phalle, famous for her colorful mosaics.
This brandish includes nine large sculptures, a circular "snake wall" (400 feet long with varying heights), and a maze entryway in addition to some bench seating. Yous'll discover this touchable art is within Kit Carson Park.
38. The Stuart Collection at UC San Diego
Location: La Jolla
A different striking fine art installation is woven throughout the campus of UC San Diego. The Stuart Drove features xx rather large pieces of public fine art ranging from an actual house hanging off the side of the Engineering Building (Fallen Star by Doh Ho Suh) to the Sun God by Niki de Saint Phalle.
Download the map and employ your inventiveness to make exploring the collection a fun scavenger hunt for kids. Allow the pieces serve as something fun to look out for when touring the campus with a potential educatee.
39. San Elijo Lagoon
Location: Cardiff (complimentary to enter)
The almost 1000-acre San Elijo Lagoon is one of San Diego's most diverse littoral wetlands. See if you can spot some of the over grand species of birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals that phone call this area home.
Before visiting, check their website for special programming (and trail closures if it'south just rained) that the whole family volition love. Hiking here is one of the fun things to do in San Diego for kids outside because the hiking trails are suitable for immature children.
40. Junior Golf
Location: La Jolla, La Costa, Carlsbad
If your child has ever wanted to try golf or needs to smooth his or her skills, San Diego is the perfect place for it. Be sure to check out the outstanding junior golf academies at Torrey Pines Golf Course, Omni La Costa, Aviara Golf Academy (near Park Hyatt Aviara and Four Seasons Aviara), and elsewhere.
When you stay at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, kids ages 12 and under receive complimentary tee times and society rentals when accompanied by a paying developed.
See besides: The All-time Child-Friendly Hotels in San Diego
42. Skate Parks
Location: Diverse (free to enter)
Some of the world'south most famous skateboarders, including Tony Militarist, have called San Diego home. Needless to say, we have a multifariousness of skate parks scattered beyond the canton that cater to various levels. They are complimentary to use. Try:
- Linda Vista Skate Park (the second-largest in California)
- Carlsbad Skate Park (skillful for beginners)
- Washington Street Skate Park (good for experts)
43. San Diego Missions
Location: San Diego (Grantville neighborhood) and Oceanside
A very popular reason for a San Diego family vacation is to learn well-nigh California history, particularly when kids who live in the state need to set for their 4th grade Mission project.
Mission San Diego de Alcala was the starting time of the 21 California Missions. Its original location was in One-time Town San Diego, but due to infertile land, it was moved vi miles eastward into Mission Valley around 1774.
Yous can besides visit Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, which is the largest of the California Missions. Both are open to the public daily.
44. Sandcastle Classes
Location: Del Mar and Coronado
This came on my radar recently every bit a fantastic idea, particularly since families are looking for more than outdoor activities. Bond together over a sandcastle building class! You'll be completely blown away by the professional quality sandcastle your group will build with some instruction and tools.
It'south best for kids over the age of 9 who take the patience and bulldoze for a project like this (though younger kids have participated with reasonable expectations).
Book in Del Mar through San Diego Sand Castles. The famous Sandcastle Man, who often leaves his works of art in front of Hotel del Coronado, also offers lessons.
All-time San Diego Tours for Kids and Teens
If yous're wondering what to practise in San Diego with kids when it comes to sightseeing tours, rest assured that with these they will not be boring.
45. San Diego Seal Tours
Location: Embarcadero or Seaport Hamlet (Downtown)
San Diego Seal Tours are xc-infinitesimal, fully-narrated tours on an open up-air amphibious vehicle that bout scenic downtown spots on land first. Kids will love that it next "drives" into the San Diego harbor for skyline views and seal sightings.
TICKET Communication
San Diego Seal Tours books through Trusted Tours directly. Book your date and time at the Embarcadero or Seaport Village.
46. Speed Gunkhole Adventures®
Location: Harbor Island (Downtown)
Even if yous've never driven a gunkhole, you can drive these. Speed Boat Adventures boats are 13′ mini speed boats with tranquillity, eco-friendly motors that carry up to three people (pocket-sized children sit in the heart).
Boats take a 2-way communicator so you can hear narration from the guide. It's a fabulous way to sightsee from San Diego harbor. They also offer sunset tours.
GUARANTEE YOUR DATE AND Time
The only way to guarantee your date and time at time of booking is to book directly.
47. Old Town Trolley Tours®
Location: Diverse stops from La Jolla to Downtown
The orangish and green open-air Quondam Town Trolley Tours cars permit guests to hop on and off at diverse stops effectually boondocks. This fun service can eliminate the need for a rental motorcar in San Diego.
Check the trolley's interactive map for data almost stops, tourist attractions, places to eat in San Diego about trolley stops, and more than. Ensure you board the correct trolley tour every bit non all go as far n equally La Jolla Cove. The standard hop-on, hop-off bout circles neighborhoods in downtown, Balboa Park, Sometime Boondocks, and Coronado Island.
DISCOUNTED TICKETS
They, like SEAL Tours, sell tickets through Trusted Tours. You can currently buy a discounted Silver Laissez passer.
48. Patriot Jet Boat
Location: Downtown San Diego
If you lot demand fun San Diego family activities that volition entertain teens and tweens, await no further than the Patriot Jet Gunkhole!
It's a xxx-infinitesimal tour of the San Diego Bay on a speedboat that reaches speeds of up to 50 mph. They'll love the twists and turns and the clarion rock music.
Information technology'due south like a thrill ride on the water. But, you lot can really see some sights and enjoy our sunshine in a short amount of time. You may (ok, will) get wet! At that place is ordinarily a Patriot Jet Boat Groupon.
Family-Friendly Seasonal Activities
Some fun family activities and tourist attractions are best enjoyed during certain times of the year.
49. Wintertime Tide Pooling
Location: Diverse (free afterward y'all park a motorcar)
Tide pooling season begins in November and extends roughly March when tides are low during the day. These low tides reveal sea creatures galore, including sea anemones, bounding main cucumbers, hermit crabs, octopus, body of water stars, sea slugs, and more living in our tide pools.
Birch Aquarium leads tide pool tours nigh Scripps Pier at La Jolla Shores Beach. Other great locations include the Cabrillo National Monument, Trounce Beach in La Jolla, Tourmaline Surfing Park in Pacific Beach, in front of the Hotel del Coronado, and more.
Come across also: Top viii Places to Go Tide Pooling in San Diego Canton
50. Snorkel or Swim with Leopard Sharks (Summertime)
Location: La Jolla Shores Beach (costless to go with your own gear)
While this doesn't audio like an activity for a list of best things to do in San Diego with kids, we residents send our offspring into the water with the leopard sharks. It's fun! And, no, they don't bite.
La Jolla Shores Beach is home to the largest aggregation of leopard sharks in the earth. They beginning to arrive in June, simply the numbers peak effectually Baronial and September. You lot'll see them even in knee-deep water, but more often than not while snorkeling (swim slowly to avert scaring them).
51. Whale Watching
Location: Cruises typically depart from Downtown San Diego, Mission Bay or Oceanside
Whale watching in San Diego is feasible for about nine months of the twelvemonth. The types of whales seen on these tours depend on the season.
Roughly 20,000 gray whales brand the 10,000-mile migration from Alaska to the warm waters of Mexico annually to give birth. Greyness whale flavor is roughly between mid-December and Apr.
Your chances of seeing them from land (Torrey Pines State Park and Cabrillo National Monument are two excellent spots) are better earlier in the season when they swim closer to shore on their style to Mexico. They swim further away from shore when they head back north with their calves.
Blueish whales are amongst the largest creatures on globe and spotted between mid-June and September. A diverseness of local companies offer whale watching tours including some that depart from downtown, Mission Bay, and Oceanside in Due north San Diego County.
Scan whale watching tours by local companies like Flagship Cruises and Events.
52. Butterfly Farms
Location: Encinitas
Butterfly Farms is a nonprofit arrangement dedicated to the survival of our native butterflies and pollinators. Information technology'south open daily for public visits from Apr to Nov.
Docents are on paw to brainwash guests well-nigh the research and conservation efforts that happen at Butterfly Farms, and you'll be able to walk through the 3000-square-human foot Vivarium where butterflies fly gratuitous. Looking for butterfly-friendly plants? Yous tin can also purchase them here.
53. Bayside Summer Nights Concerts
Location: Downtown
While you should cheque the San Diego Symphony agenda twelvemonth-round, their outdoor summer concert serial is 1 of the fantastic seasonal things to do in San Diego with kids. I'one thousand devastated that the 2020 season had to be canceled.
Whether you picnic on the lawn and allow the kids run around (bring some glow sticks) or society a bottle of champagne to a reserved table, you'll listen to fantastic live music themed to the consequence. At that place is usually a Harry Potter themed concert and others on the schedule that are themed to popular movies and television receiver shows.
54. Carlsbad Blossom Fields®
Location: Carlsbad
Every spring, a 50-acre Carlsbad hillside turns into a rainbow of color as thousands of ranunculus flowers bloom against an ocean properties.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is a family unit-friendly San Diego attraction open up to the public for about 6-8 weeks, with hayrides and other special events.
It's a tradition going over 60 years strong. If your family trip coincides with the Flower Fields beingness open, bring your photographic camera for some stunning vacation card photos.
55. Costless Outdoor Summer Concerts
Location: All over San Diego
Gratuitous outdoor summertime concerts pop up around San Diego County throughout the summer. Bring a blanket, a picnic, and listen to live music under the stars betwixt roughly Memorial Twenty-four hour period and Labor Mean solar day. Some of the many calendars to cheque out include:
- Coronado Promenade Summer Concert Series
- Balboa Park Twilight in the Park
- Del Mar Summer Twilight Concerts
- TGIF Concerts in the Park (Carlsbad)
Things to Do in San Diego with Toddlers
If y'all're not traveling with a toddler, jump to saving money in San Diego with kids.
Families email me quite a fleck in search of recommendations for the best things to do in San Diego with toddlers. So, I've created a shortlist of the above ideas here specifically to accost this age grouping.
First, note that ages iii and under receive free admission to various major San Diego attractions for kids on this list. Taking a San Diego family vacation before kids require a child'southward ticket (the same goes for Disneyland) is a great way to save money.
Residents in San Diego with toddlers take them to SeaWorld San Diego to visit Sesame Street Bay of Play. Tame amusement park rides include Elmo's Flying Fish, Oscar's Rocking Eel, and Abby's Sea Star Spin. After spending time in this colorful, kid-friendly land, you lot can visit the turtles, penguins, and other park residents.
The unabridged mission of The New Children's Museum is to go young kids to remember, play, and create. Toddlers and elementary schoolhouse kids interact with exhibits, make crafts, listen to stories, and then some here.
Pushing a stroller around San Diego Zoo is bully exercise in addition to a fun mean solar day out of the house. The Children's Zoo is under renovation, but you can curl kids up to exhibits, allow them waddle around the playgrounds, and run across them bleat after spying their favorite animal.
Balboa Park is actually one of the fantastic toddler activities in San Diego. You can walk the trails and gardens but also stop in a few of the museums. San Diego Natural History Museum and Fleet Science Center both have play spaces for kids under 5.
All ages love the La Jolla seals and bounding main lions at Children's Pool Beach and La Jolla Cove. As before long as you lot see that your babe or toddler reacts to animals, they'll be sure to smile at these loud, active residents.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is another favorite of residents in San Diego with toddlers. Go far when it opens to catch a parking space. Then, spend a few hours here looking at fish and playing with hands-on exhibits.
As soon as your kids show an involvement in LEGOs, yous can take them to LEGOLAND California. Usually, this hits around historic period 2. In that location are tame family rides they will enjoy, too.
Bring a carrier and consider a walk forth some of our mild hiking trails with the whole family. There's a 1-mile loop at San Elijo lagoon, easy trails throughout Cabrillo National Monument in Point Hill, or yous can have in views at Torrey Pines Land Natural Reserve.
(Annotation that in 2021, we may accept a Sesame Place theme park in Chula Vista that will be fantastic for visiting San Diego with kids in this age group.)
How to Save Money on Your San Diego Family Holiday
With a piffling planning, your San Diego trip doesn't take to break the bank.
Buy Sightseeing Passes
If you plan on visiting 2 or more of our attractions, consider purchasing the Go San Diego sightseeing pass.
Most of the ticketed tours, museums, amusement parks on this list are included on ane or more of the 3 Go San Diego passes. If you know exactly where you're going, Build Your Own pass with savings starting at 20% off.
The more than attractions you add, the higher your savings will be. You can also choose a comprehensive All-inclusive pass, which saves up to 55% off of 35+ attractions, or the new Explorer Pass, which lets you visit 3, 4, 5, or 7 included attractions that you don't have to preselect.
Look at Discount Tickets & Philharmonic Tickets
You tin too search for ticket combo packages or purchase cheap tickets a la carte through my aRes Travel site as means to save money on a San Diego vacation.
And, don't forget that I accept the best prices for Zoo and Safari Park tickets.
Visit in Oct
If you lot're visiting in October, Kids Free San Diego offers free admission, meals, and hotel stays at over 100 participating restaurants, hotels, and San Diego attractions for kids.
It's a great fourth dimension of year to experience all of the cool stuff to practise in San Diego for kids without going over budget. Adults will need to buy a qualifying ticket (which you can at a disbelieve through me when the time comes) to take advantage of this promotion which is easy to exercise.
Come across also: San Diego Discounts: Experience the City for Less
FAQs Near San Diego for Kids
These are the about ofttimes asked questions about things to exercise in San Diego with kids that I receive from readers.
Is San Diego family unit-friendly?
Yes! San Diego is one of the best family-friendly destinations in the world no thing how old your kids are.
Our year-round temperature average of 70 degrees means that sightseeing at our most popular attractions like San Diego Zoo Safari Park, LEGOLAND California, and the San Diego Zoo are rarely express past rainfall.
You can get to the beach year-round and the vast majority of our restaurants of whatsoever caliber welcoming to kids. I am your get-to resource for planning your San Diego family vacation.
What is at that place to do in San Diego with a babe?
Mild hikes are popular with families visiting with babies. We have fantastic beachfront parks, like Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla where you tin lay out a blanket and let them curlicue around or sit in shade or sunday for bird watching or a peek at the seals.
Dip their toes in the ocean at one of our family-friendly beaches and get them upward-close with fish at Birch Aquarium or fifty-fifty bigger animals at the San Diego Zoo. Check my list of all-time San Diego hotel pools for 1 to swish around with them in at the finish of the day.
If your baby naps well in the auto, drive parts of our famous 59-mile scenic drive. While he or she sleeps, y'all tin can listen to tunes and sightsee. Plan at least three hours to make the loop or split up it into multiple days.
What is at that place to do with a 1-year-old in San Diego?
A fun action for 1-year-olds is to accept a walk around Balboa Park. Stop into the Lawn play infinite for ages 0-5 at San Diego Natural History Museum. Kid City within Fleet Science Center also has a soft play area for this age.
Admission to these museums for this age grouping is free and they are correct next to each other. This age group also gets a kicking out of the La Jolla Cove body of water lions and the embankment.
What tin a 2-twelvemonth-onetime do in San Diego?
One of the best places to take a two-year-old is Birch Aquarium at Scripps. This age grouping loves looking at the fish, touching bounding main creatures in the tide pools, and playing with hands-on exhibits in a safe, contained space.
Sesame Street Bay of Play at SeaWorld San Diego is also a favorite of local 2-year-olds especially if they are Elmo fans. At the age of 2, my daughter also loved the San Diego Zoo every bit at that place are plenty of animals to see up-close.
What is there to do in San Diego with teenagers?
Aside from touring our fantastic colleges, we have plenty of fun activities for older kids. SeaWorld San Diego is domicile to a few roller coasters that teens love and they can learn how to shred some waves or showcase mad skills at a skate park.
In that location'south no lack of selfie spots. We have murals, cute cafes, and decorative desserts (from decadent donuts to massive ice cream cones) that are perfect for their Instagram feeds. Read the full list of things to do in San Diego with teens and tweens.
What is complimentary for kids in San Diego?
Luckily, some of the best things to do in San Diego with kids are free. Kids ages 3 and under become in complimentary to theme parks like the San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND California. Superlative ideas for costless family unit fun in San Diego include:
- San Diego beaches (of course).
- Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego with its play structures and water play fountain.
- A visit to the La Jolla seals and La Jolla Cove sea lions.
- Family-friendly hiking trails.
- Exploring Former Town San Diego's historic buildings and park.
- Kids eat free restaurant promotions, though equally these modify, yous should cheque before you go.
And don't forget most Kids Free San Diego in October where kids enter free with a paid adult. Restrictions apply and details for the promotion are typically released in August.
What can a family in San Diego do at night?
San Diego kids' activities at night vary by flavor, just there are ever fun things to do. Check event calendars at local museums and attractions. Suggestions include:
- Evening Padres baseball game games at PETCO Park.
- Belmont Park (unremarkably open until 8 p.m).
- Evening Old Town Trolley Tours that drive by haunted sights or vacation lights.
- Evening bay dinner cruises.
- Embankment bonfires or southward'more than roasting (the latter y'all can do at Hotel del Coronado).
- Family-friendly plays at local theaters such equally The Old Globe (run across The Grinch during the holidays), Prado Theatre, and San Diego Borough Theater.
- Bayside Summertime Nights concerts.
What to do with kids in San Diego when it rains?
A rainy mean solar day is a perfect excuse to explore one of our many child-friendly San Diego museums. Balboa Park is my elevation selection because its museums are close together which means that with an Explorer or Go San Diego pass, y'all tin bounce between them at leisure without worrying nearly paying admission each time. Plus, y'all're just walking short distances between many of them.
What is at that place to do in La Jolla with kids?
My seaside community of La Jolla offers kids fantastic opportunities to unplug in the outdoors, exist information technology a day at La Jolla Shores Beach, kayaking past our sea caves, or just gawking at our resident seals at the Children'due south Pool and bounding main lions at La Jolla Cove.
Dr. Seuss lived in La Jolla, and the current of air-diddled trees thought to accept inspired the truffula trees in The Lorax are located in Ellen Browning Scripps Park. We take playgrounds and parks, Birch Aquarium, and family-friendly restaurants. Please read my full rundown of things to exercise in La Jolla with kids.
Source: https://lajollamom.com/best-things-to-do-in-san-diego-with-kids/
0 Response to "Free Things to Do With Baby Near Me"
Postar um comentário