18 Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

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The  San Diego Zoo is one of the largest in the world. It’s a massive playground crawling with kids ready to explore nature’s wildlife. Climb into the Skyfari Aerial Tram for a bird’s eye view of the zoo’s 12,000 animals representing over 680 species and subspecies. 

Journey into the Children’s Zoo at Wildlife Explorers Basecamp for kid-sized animal exhibitions and interactive fun. Break off into designated kids’ play areas recreating polar bear habitats, an elephant play yard, and more. Drive through the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to get close to all your kid’s favorite animals.

2. Build your fun at Legoland California

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If your kids enjoy playing with Legos at home, wait until you see their excitement seeing life-sized versions of these playful blocks. Located in Carlsbad, this theme park immerses you in the world of Legos. 

At Legoland California, immerse yourself in a world of Lego adventures. Ride thrilling Lego-themed roller coasters, explore intricate, large-scale Lego landmarks from around the globe, and meet beloved Lego characters in Fun Town. For a truly unique experience, catch a 4-D Lego adventure at the LEGO Show Place Theater, designed to delight children of all ages.

3. Playdate at SeaWorld San Diego

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A couple of hours at  SeaWorld San Diego is enough to wear your kids out for the day. They will love petting and interacting with Beluga whales, sea lions, sea otters, penguins, and other friendly sea life. Ride kid-friendly rides like the Tentacle Twirl and Tidepool Twist. The Rescue Jr. play area is an aquatic-themed playscape where kids can climb, crawl, and create their own marine adventure.

Pro Tip: Kids can get free entry when visiting  San Diego in October.

4. Get hands-on at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps

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At the Birch Aquarium, children can dive into hands-on ocean exploration. The Tide Pool Plaza offers a chance to touch sea stars and sea urchins while enjoying Pacific Ocean views. Inside, touch tanks allow close encounters with friendly sharks and stingrays. For added fun, the Riveropolis exhibit encourages creative water play, making this aquarium a perfect destination for curious, tactile learners.

5. Catch a baseball game at Petco Park

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A San Diego Padres game at Petco Park offers a fantastic family outing. Arrive early to enjoy Gallagher Square, opening two hours before the first pitch, where kids can get face paint, balloon animals, and play in a bouncy house. 

Inside the stadium, cheer on the Padres, and after every Sunday game, children under 14 can run the bases for free. Plus, little ones under three feet tall get complimentary admission, making it a budget-friendly and memorable experience.

6. Kid-sized thrills at Belmont Park

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Belmont Park is a waterfront park designed for kids of all ages to have a blast. The iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster will test the bravery of the teens in your family. Waving kids going round and round on the Liberty Carousel brings a smile to the face of every parent. Get your game on with Tiki Town Mini Golf and Laser Tag.

Don’t forget to stop and get some ice cream on the Mission Beach Boardwalk after visiting the amusement park!

7. Explore Pacific Beach Playgrounds

The Pacific Beach area is popular for visitors traveling with kids—see our San Diego vacation rentals near Pacific Beach. You’ll have access to a plethora of playgrounds for your young travelers to run around and spend their energy before winding down at your accommodation. Here are a few of the nearby parks featuring playscapes and open grass areas:

• Kate Sessions Memorial Park
• Fanuel Street Park
• Pacific Beach Park

8. Play-Friendly Exhibitions inside the New Children’s Museum

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While known for its dining and nightlife, the Gaslamp District offers a delightful family experience at the New Children's Museum. This unique art museum transforms imagination into reality, inviting children to climb, explore, and create their own adventures. With both permanent and temporary exhibits designed for play and education, it's a perfect destination for engaging and inspiring young minds.

9. Go on sea adventures at the Maritime Museum of San Diego

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Boats are always intriguing to kids. From sailboats to submarines, The Maritime Museum lets you and your child experience how it truly feels to climb aboard these water-bound vessels. Tour the decks of the Star of India ship and become the ship’s captain behind the ship wheel. Experience the seafaring adventure for treasure in the San Diego Bay on the Boarded Pirate Adventure.

10. Whale encounters on whale-watching cruises

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Winter is the best time of year in San Diego to see whales. Spot these gigantic sea creatures up close during a whale-watching cruise. Kids will love being out on the water while your expert boat captain navigates you to the best spots to see whales. The highlight of the cruise is finally encountering whales breaching the water’s surface. Keep your camera ready!

11. Explore Kid City at the Fleet Science Center

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Located inside Balboa Park, the  Fleet Science Center knows how to turn science and learning into fun. Kids aged five and under can get a taste of ‘adulting’ inside Kid City. This learning-based exhibition lets kids experience what it’s like to shop in a supermarket, ride on a fire truck, conduct science experiments in the Little Learners Lab, and more.

12. Interact with birds in the Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary

Escape to a tropical oasis north of San Diego in Del Mar for an interactive experience with exotic birds. The  Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary surrounds you with colorful parrots who love interacting with visitors. Feed your new feathered friends fresh fruits and veggies. Talk to the birds, and you might hear them squawk back in response! Advanced reservations are required for all visitors.

13. Cool down at the Sesame Place San Diego water park

Cool off on a hot day at  Sesame Place San Diego. This Sesame Street-themed water park is one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids during the summer. Make a splash on 18+ water rides, including Elmo’s Silly Sand Slides and Big Bird’s Rambling River. Count the hours of fun you’ll have at The Count’s Splash Castle and catch kid-sized waves at Big Bird’s Beach.

14. Free rides for kids on the Old Town Trolley Tour

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A ride through Old Town San Diego on a  trolley tour reveals one of the most historic parts of town filled with Mexican influence. This tour lasts just two hours and takes you to more than 100 sites, including the haunted Whaley House, Little Italy, San Diego Harbor, Balboa Park, Hotel del Coronado, Seaport Village, and the Gaslamp Quarter. The hop-on, hop-off service allows kids to explore their favorite sites before continuing the tour. Kids aged 4-12 ride the trolley free with a paying adult.

15. See Sea Lions at the Children’s Pool

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Before packing up your swimsuits to head to the Children’s Pool, you should know that it’s more popular for spotting sea lions than swimming—check out the  best beaches on the La Jolla shores for swimming! 

This site along La Jolla Cove features a protective seawall that makes this beach attractive for the local sea lion community. Heads up—there will be plenty of barking and sea lion scents filling the air. Lucky for you, this is a completely free thing to do.

For even more pool fun, check out these  San Diego vacation rentals with private pools.

16. Explore Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

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Put down the tablets and video games. It’s time to let your kids enjoy some of the fresh outdoor air!  Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has several easy hiking trails that are excellent for families. Take in views of the Pacific Ocean along the Broken Hill Loop Trail. The Guy Fleming Trail is a short route accessible by a parking lot at the trailhead. See wildlife and coastal fauna on the Yucca Point Trail. You can expect to complete each of these trails in less than one hour.

17. Earn Junior Pilot Wings at the USS Midway Museum

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Climb aboard the legendary aircraft carrier docked at Navy Pier and enter inside the USS Midway Museum. Walk the flight deck and sit inside your favorite historic aircraft. Take flight in the virtual cockpit on the Screaming Eagles Virtual Reality Flight Experience. Take the Junior Pilot program audio tour to earn your Junior Pilot Wings after successfully completing the scavenger hunt that takes you through the entire aircraft carrier.

18. Become a Junior Ranger at the Cabrillo National Monument

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Stop by the  Cabrillo National Monument Visitor Center when you arrive to receive your official Junior Ranger activity guide. This guide will keep kids engaged while visiting the Point Loma Peninsula to learn more about its history, famous attractions, and more. Complete the guide and earn a Junior Ranger badge!

Kid-Friendly Accommodations in San Diego

Searching for accommodations that your kids will approve of? San Diego Vacation Rentals features the perfect properties they will love! From thoughtful rooms designed with child-proof furniture and bunk beds to child-approve amenities like private pools and gated backyards, we have the perfect accommodations for your family vacation to San Diego.

Start planning your trip today!