San Diego is a fantastic destination for families looking for fun and adventure. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are plenty of exciting attractions and activities that are sure to keep kids of all ages entertained. To help you and your family plan your next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of San Diego’s best family-friendly activities.
Explore Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a massive urban park that’s home to over 15 museums, gardens, and theaters. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to find something for the whole family to enjoy. Kids can hop on the Balboa Park Miniature Train and take a trip through four acres of the park or go for a spin on the historic carousel.
If your kids are fascinated by wildlife, they’ll love the San Diego Zoo, which is home to over 3,700 animals representing approximately 660 species and subspecies. You can observe elephants, lions, giraffes, and many other animals. The zoo also offers interactive experiences, such as the “Animals in Action Experience,” where kids can get up close and personal with the zoo’s residents.
Visitors can also take a guided bus tour, or aerial tram ride to see the park from a different perspective. Balboa Park is also home to the Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Natural History Museum, which offer interactive exhibits and educational programs all year round.
Spend the Day at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary that is home to 3,000 animals. The zoo offers several exciting safari experiences that are sure to delight and amaze your family. If the kids are looking for a more hands-on experience, they’ll love touching and brushing the goats at the Petting Kraal.
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Visitors can see and interact with a variety of marine animals, including dolphins, sea lions, and orcas. Those looking for a little more adventure will love the thrilling rides the park has to offer, such as the Emperor roller coaster or Journey to Atlantis water ride.
The park also offers educational presentations, such as the “All-New Sea Lion and Otter Spotlight” talk, where you can learn about the behaviors and abilities of these animals.
Spend the Day at LEGOLAND California Resort
Located just 30 minutes north of San Diego, LEGOLAND California Resort is a theme park based on the popular toy brand, LEGO. The park features more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions, including the LEGO Ninjago ride. Visitors can experience a 4D adventure with their favorite Ninjago characters.
The park also has an impressive display of LEGO sculptures, including a life-sized model of an X-wing Starfighter from Star Wars. Looking to cool down on a hot day? The waterpark has heaps to keep the kids entertained, including a lazy river, a wave pool, and several water slides.
Explore the USS Midway Museum
If your kids are into history, they’ll love the USS Midway Museum, which is built on the USS Midway aircraft carrier. It features over 60 exhibits and 29 restored aircraft. Visitors can explore the ship and learn about the brave men and women who served on it.
Want to live the life of an aviator aboard the USS Midway? Then enter one of their flight simulators to experience what it’s like to launch off the flight deck. You can then engage the enemy, and then land again safely.
Soak up the Sun at La Jolla Cove
With its picturesque beach, clear blue waters, and pristine coastline, La Jolla Cove is a great spot for your family to enjoy a day of swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The cove is home to a variety of marine life, including sea lions and colorful fish, making it a great destination for exciting wildlife.
There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. So after a day at the beach, you can grab a bite to eat or do some souvenir shopping.
Spend the Day at the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
The San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum offering a variety of exhibits and interactive activities that encourage children to learn through play.
With four different areas for your kids to discover, they’re sure to be entertained all day. They can build with blocks, and become a storyteller in the Puppet Theater. Additionally also explore the Discovery Sailboat, and even water plants in the Edible Garden.
Visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is located at the University of California. The aquarium features more than 60 habitats of marine life, including seahorses, sharks, and jellyfish.
Explore research and conservation efforts at Scripps Institution of Oceanography through interactive exhibits and programs. Kids can participate in daily feeding shows and touch tanks, where they can interact with sea creatures up close.
Discover the Beautiful Beaches at Coronado Island
The beautiful resort town, located just across the bay from downtown San Diego, is home to several stunning beaches, including Coronado Beach, which has been named one of the best beaches in the country.
After a couple of hours basking in the sun, your family can explore the historic Hotel Del Coronado, which was built in 1888 and has hosted many famous guests throughout its history. The island also offers plenty of restaurants with beautiful views of the bay, making it a dining experience you’ll never forget.
Ride the Giant Dipper at Belmont Park
Belmont Park is an amusement park located on Mission Beach. The park features a variety of rides and attractions, including the Giant Dipper roller coaster, which was built in 1925 and is considered a national landmark. The park also offers mini-golf, an arcade, and a zip line.
After a day of rides and adventure, head to the beach for a sunset picnic or a dip in the sea.
The 10 Best Family-Friendly Activities in San Diego Overview
San Diego is a fantastic destination for families looking for fun and adventure. From its world-renowned zoo to its stunning coastline, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these top 10 family-friendly activities are sure to provide hours of entertainment and memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, grab the kids, and head to San Diego for a fun-filled family adventure!
