Best of San Diego's Kids Picks For Fun & Families

San Diego is a destination that is perfect for families. Featuring year-round nice weather, breathtaking beaches, dozens of public parks, 70 miles of beaches a plethora of museums and the San Diego Zoo, there are plenty of activities to amuse children of all ages. This is your guide to San Diego's best activities, attractions, entertainment options, and museums for children and families.



Adventure R.I.B. Rides is San Diego’s Premier Whale and Dolphin  Watching Adventure Company
Adventure R.I.B. Rides in Harbor Island
1380 Harbor Island Drive in Harbor Island 92101 // Read Full Review Here
Medium Groups // Whale Watching // Call: (619-808-2822)

San Diego’s best kept secret is its incredible year round whale and dolphin watching just offshore. Passengers enjoy amazing sightings of Blue Whales, the largest animal ever know to have lived, throughout the Summer and Fall. 2011 was a banner year for Blue Whale Watching with regular sightings of 30+ whales and we anticipate 2012… (read more)



Broken Yolk Cafe with Nine Locations, Serving Delicious Breakfast & Lunch 6am-3pm Daily
The Broken Yolk Cafe in Pacific Beach
1851 Garnet Ave. in Pacific Beach 92109 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets // Breakfast & Lunch // Call: 858.270.YOLK (9655)

Serving home-style food since 1979, the Broken Yolk Café is a favorite among local San Diegans and hungry visitors alike. With a strong dedication to good food and equally good service, the Broken Yolk has built a reputation for its large menu, ample portions and freshly-made flavor. Real shredded hash browns – not dehydrated potatoes.… (read more)



Cabrillo National Monument Offers a Spectacular Panoramic View of the Picturesque San Diego Skyline
Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma
1800 Cabrillo Monument Dr. in Point Loma 92106 // Read Full Review Here
// National Park // Call: (619-557-5450)

On the windswept tip of Point Loma is Cabrillo National Monument, which is the third most visited national monument in the United States. From this vantage point, 422 ft high above the ocean, you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of San Diego and beyond. On a clear day… (read more)



Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego is  Where History Lives and the Fiesta Lasts Forever
Fiesta De Reyes in Old Town San Diego
2754 Calhoun St. in Old Town San Diego 92110 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets // Specialty Center, Stores & Restaurants // Call: (619-297-3100)

Festive Old Town comes alive at this new shopping and dining attraction in historic Old Town. Shop at the Beacon Artworks Gallery (619-823-6130) for colorful San Diego paintings. Sample San Diego’s best tasting wines at the Hacienda De Las Rosas’ tasting room (619-840-5579).
Dine on the spacious patio at the Casa de Reyes Mexican Restaurant,… (read more)



Gaslamp Museum at the William Heath Davis House, the Oldest House in the Gaslamp
Gaslamp Museum in Downtown San Diego
410 Island Ave. in Downtown San Diego 92101 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets & Weddings // Museum // Call: (619-233-4692)

The Gaslamp Museum at the William Heath Davis House, built in 1850, is the oldest house in San Diego’s Historic Gaslamp Quarter. Because of the shortage of lumber in the area at the time, 8 to 10 pre-cut houses were purchased from a manufacturer in Portland, Maine and shipped to San Diego. After a long… (read more)



Heritage of the Americas Museum in Rancho San Diego Takes You on a Journey Through Time
Heritage of the Americas Museum in El Cajon

The Heritage of the Americas Museum is located on the campus of Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego. The Museum is a cultural and educational facility featuring the prehistoric and historic art, culture and natural history of the Americas.
Early inhabitants of the Americas came from Asia, both across the land bridge in the north… (read more)



Kobey’s Swap Meet is The Largest Swap Meet in San Diego and a Popular Destination for Shopping Bargains Galore
Kobey's Swap Meet in Point Loma

Kobey’s Swap Meet is the largest swap meet in San Diego County and one of the largest in the state. Kobey’s Swap Meet is an open-air swap meet that is held in the huge parking lot of the Valley View Casino Center, which until recently was called the San Diego Sports Arena.
Each week, between… (read more)



La Jolla Kayak is the Original Kayaking Outfit in San Diego for Kayak Ocean Tours, Bikes & Beach Gear
La Jolla Kayak in La Jolla

Established in 1995, La Jolla Kayak (21) is the original ocean kayaking and snorkeling exploration outfit in San Diego County. Today, this full-service kayak, snorkel and beach rental company offers fascinating 90-minute guided tours of the spectacular sea cliffs at the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, the La Jolla Underwater Park and the Seven Caves of… (read more)



LEGOLAND in Carlsbad is Home to Over 60 Exciting Rides, Fun Shows & Lots of Kids Attractions
LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad
1 Legoland Dr. in Carlsbad 92008 // Read Full Review Here
Medium Groups // Major Attraction // Call: (760-918-LEGO)

LEGOLAND California is home to more than 60 exciting rides, shows and attractions. But the really big news is the world’s first and only LEGOLAND Water Park.
The imagination really flows on Build-A-Raft river, where everyone floats on their own custom-built LEGO raft. The Water Park also features six-person raft slides, single-person tube slides, body… (read more)



Living Coast Discovery Center is Both a Unique Zoo and Aquarium on  San Diego Bay in Chula Vista
Living Coast Discovery Center in Chula Vista

A must-see for San Diego families! The Living Coast Discovery Center, formerly known as the Chula Vista Nature Center, is a unique zoo and aquarium located on the southern edge of San Diego Bay in Chula Vista. The center offers an intimate wildlife experience for animal lovers of all ages. Guests are able to get… (read more)



Maritime Museum of San Diego Invites You To Visit The World’s Finest Collection of Historic Ships
Maritime Museum of San Diego in Downtown San Diego
1492 North Harbor Dr. in Downtown San Diego 92101 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets & Weddings // Museum // Call: (619-234-9153)

The fascinating floating museum at the Embarcadero consists of six historic ships and two submarines: the Star of India, which is the oldest active sailing ship in the world, the steam ferry Berkeley, the steam yacht Medea, the San Diego Harbor Pilot, also an actual Soviet-era diesel B-39 submarine… (read more) and the



Marston House Museum & Gardens are One of California’s Finest Examples of the Arts and Crafts Movement
Marston House Museum & Gardens in Balboa Park, San Diego
3525 Seventh Avenue in Balboa Park, San Diego 92110 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets & Weddings // Museum // Call: (619 297-93277)

One of California’s finest examples of the Arts and Crafts movement, the Marston House was constructed in 1905 for George W. Marston and his wife, Anna Gunn Marston. George Marston is noted for many things but most prominently as a civic leader whose interest and work in historic preservation, conservation and history is well known.… (read more)



Miramar Speed Circuit Indoor Kart Racing Features Challenging Races and Adventures For All  Ages
Miramar Speed Circuit in Mira Mesa
8123 Miralani Drive in Mira Mesa 92126 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets & Catering // Race Track // Call: (858-586-7500)

Miramar Speed Circuit offers its guests a 1/4 mile technical (1,500 ft) asphalt racetrack. This track is considered to be one of the finest indoor tracks in the United States.
Their track has been designed by professional racers to challenge visitors, whether it’s your first time in a kart or you’ve been going to the… (read more)



Mission San Luis Rey is the Majestic Jewel of Early California History And Still Hosts Mass
Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside
4050 Mission Ave. in Oceanside 92054 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets & Weddings // Historic Mission & Museum // Call: (760-757-3651)

Founded in 1798, Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, known as the “King of the Missions,” is a National Historic Landmark. It is the largest of all the 21 California missions that flourished here in the 1700′s and 1800′s, is home to a community of Franciscan Friars and is open daily to the public… (read more)



Mission Trails Regional Park is the Largest of San Diego’s Parks and is Great for Hiking
Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego

Mission Trails Regional Park is the largest of the City of San Diego’s parks and is the third gem of the city’s park system. Mission Trails is larger than Mission Bay and Balboa parks combined. At 5,800 acres, it is the largest open space urban park west of the Mississippi. It includes two lakes, a… (read more)



Mormon Battalion Historic Site is Where Old Town History Comes Alive With Tours and Exhibits
Mormon Battalion Historic Museum in Old Town San Diego
2510 Juan St. in Old Town San Diego 92110 // Read Full Review Here
// Historic Museum // Call: (619) 298-3317

The Mormon Battalion Historic Site is located in Old Town, at the corner of Harney and Juan Streets. Walk in the steps of The 500 men Mormon Battalion, Army of the West, as they left Winter Quarters, Iowa, and began their infantry march from Fort Leavenworth to the California Pueblo of San Diego. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., there are also guided tours and admission is free.



My Kids Clubhouse is a Great Place to Bring Kids For Playtime & Adventure in Bonita
My Kids Clubhouse in Bonita
5034 Bonita Road, Suite C in Bonita 91902 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets // Childrens Playground // Call: (619)434-8676

At My Kids Clubhouse, watch your kids laugh as they race down their triple wave slide and climb through a maze of tunnels in one of San Diego’s largest indoor play structures. Plus try out their rock climbing wall at the new Bonita location.
Your imaginations soar in their dress up area, where your little… (read more)



My Kids Clubhouse is a Great Place to Bring Kids For Playtime & Adventure in Poway
My Kids Clubhouse in Poway
12636 Poway Road, Suite 4 in Poway 92064 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets // Childrens Playground // Call: (858-668-2838)

At My Kids Clubhouse, watch your kids laugh as they race down their triple wave slide and climb through a maze of tunnels in one of San Diego’s largest indoor play structures. Plus try out their rock climbing wall at the new Bonita location.
Your imaginations soar in their dress up area, where your little… (read more)



San Diego Air & Space Museum Displays Famous Aviation Artifacts & Aerospace Memorabilia
San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park, San Diego
In the Ford Building in Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets & Weddings // Museum // Call: (619-234-8291)

Don’t miss Balboa Park’s fascinating aeronautical museum. It’s the San Diego Air & Space Museum, which is located in the historic Ford Building. The building is directly under the flight path of aircraft bound for nearby Lindbergh Field. You can hear these massive jetliners overhead as you browse this astounding collection of aircraft.
This huge… (read more)



San Diego Automotive Museum Features Incredible Cars, Motorcycles and Memorabilia
San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park, San Diego
2080 Pan America Plaza in Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets & Weddings // Museum // Call: (619-231-2886)

The museum showcases an amazing permanent collection of classic & vintage cars, racers, motorcycles, and special one-of-a-kind cars like Louie Mattar’s Fabulous $75,000 Car (distance driving record set in the 1950′s) and a rare 1948 Tucker. Specialty exhibits rotate throughout the year and are included in the admission price. Their most popular exhibits include the… (read more)



San Diego Botanic Gardens is San Diego County’s World-Renowned Botanical Garden Attraction
San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas
230 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas 92024 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets & Weddings // Botanical Gardens // Call: (760-436-3036)

The San Diego Botanic Garden are a place of year-round beauty. Explore four miles of garden trails, enjoy restful vistas, flowering trees, majestic palms, and the nation’s largest bamboo collection. Thanks to our mild climate, plants from all over the world thrive here. Our diverse topography provides a variety of microclimates giving the visitor a… (read more)



San Diego Harbor Excursions Offers Private Yacht Charters, Harbor Tours, Whale Watching & Much More!
San Diego Harbor Excursions in Downtown San Diego
1050 N. Harbor Dr. in Downtown San Diego 92101 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets & Weddings // Private Charters // Call: (619-234-4111)

San Diego Harbor Excursions has a premiere fleet of yachts available for booking private charters and event cruises. It has luxury yacht charter packages for weddings, corporate events, holiday parties, group outings and more. Each package can be customized and consists of stellar service, gourmet food prepared on board by chefs, full bar options and… (read more)



San Diego Model Railroad Museum is North America’s Largest Model Railroad Exhibit
San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park, San Diego
1649 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets & Weddings // Museum // Call: (619-696-0199)

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum features interactive toy trains, Lionel-style electric trains and a 20-scale mile long rail crossing of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Plus, this museum is the only accredited railroad museum in the entire United States. It is the largest permanent operating model railroad exhibit in North America with 27,000 sq.… (read more)



San Diego Padres Baseball: Experience Padres Baseball at Beautiful PETCO Park
San Diego Padres Baseball in Downtown
100 Park Blvd. in Downtown // Read Full Review Here
// Baseball Field // Call: (619-795-5000)

The San Diego Padres (619-795-5000) of the National League play home games (April-Sept.) at PETCO Park.Call (888-697-2373) for ticket information. Tickets are ($5-$65). Night games begin at 7:05 p.m.; day games at 1:05 p.m. Games, days and times are subject to change. Parking is ($8-$15). Pre-sold parking ($15).
To avoid traffic james, take the Metropolitan… (read more)



San Diego’s Natural History Museum is Filled With Life-Sized Prehistoric Animals & Exhibits
San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park, San Diego
1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets & Weddings // Museum // Call: (619-232-3821)

This huge Balboa Park treasure, which is the oldest museum in Southern California, is where you’ll find life-sized dinosaur models and hands-on natural history exhibits. The museum’s permanent exhibition is Fossil Mysteries, which takes you on a journey through 75 million years of Southern California’s rich history. Popular 2013 exhibits include On the Trail of (read more)



Seaport Village is a Bay Front Shopping & Dining Extravaganza at the Embarcadero in Downtown
Seaport Village in Downtown San Diego

Seaport Village is a charming 14-acre waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment complex. You can also get two hours of free validated parking with any purchase.
Fifty yards south of The Fish Market Restaurant is Seaport Village. Celebrating 30 years, Seaport Village is a one-of-a-kind attraction consists of more than 70 fascinating little shops and charming… (read more)



Skydive San Diego Hosts the Newest, Safest, and Largest Jumpships in the Skydiving Industry
Skydive San Diego in Jamul
13531 Otay Lakes Road in Jamul 91935 // Read Full Review Here
Medium Groups // Sky Diving // Call: 619.216.8416

When a president of the United States jumped out of an airplane to celebrate his 85th birthday, it said a lot about how safe and fun this thrill of a lifetime has become! The president was George H. W. Bush, our 41st president of the United States. And he made a tandem jump from 10,500… (read more)



SOHO San Diego Promotes & Supports the Preservation of San Diego’s Historical Landmarks
SOHO San Diego in Old Town San Diego
2476 San Diego Avenue in Old Town San Diego 92110 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets & Weddings // Museum // Call: (619-297-9327)

Since 1969, the Save Our Heritage Organisation has lead San Diego County as a powerful voice for historic preservation. They believe that the historic architecture and sites entrusted to this generation should be passed down to the next, so that they too will know the unique character of San Diego County.
Through education, advocacy and… (read more)



Spanish Village Art Center is a Balboa Park Attraction Where You Can See Artisans at Work
Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park, San Diego
1770 Village Place in Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets & Weddings // Art Galleries // Call: (619-233-9050)

A visit to Balboa Park would not be complete without visiting the 37 working artist studios managed by over 250 local artists and see and speak to many of these artists while they create their works of art that are all offered for sale. This unique venue is showcased in The Spanish Village Art Center… (read more)



Surf Diva Surf Boutique has been Voted Best Beach wear Shop in All of San Diego by the NBC A-List for The Last Three Years in a Row
Surf Diva in La Jolla
2160 Avenida de la Playa in La Jolla 92037 // Read Full Review Here
// Surf Lessons // Call: (858-454-8273)

Surf Diva Surf School and Boutique was established in 1996 by twin sisters Izzy and Coco Tihanyi. Today, through their hard work and vision, Surf Diva Surf School and Boutque is the number one surf school and beach wear boutique in San Diego.
Be sure to use the Surf Diva Discount Coupon in print or … (read more)



The Museum of Making Music Features  500 Instruments, Interactive Exhibits & Live Shows
Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad
5790 Armada Drive in Carlsbad 92008 // Read Full Review Here
Medium Groups // Museum // Call: (760-438-5996)

The focus of this impressive museum is to present a nostalgic walk through the past 100 years of American music and music-making. Featured are more than 500 vintage instruments. Plus, there are lots of interactive exhibits and hundreds of audio and video clips. This is an educational adventure for everyone!
General admission is ($8); seniors,… (read more)



The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Offers Smart Fun in San Diego
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park, San Diego
1875 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 // Read Full Review Here
Banquets // Museum // Call: (619-238-1233)

This large 93,505-sq. ft. science center showcases more than 100 interactive exhibits. Plus, they offer several films on Southern California’s only Giant Dome Theater that surrounds visitors, creating a “you-are-there” experience. Admission is ($11.75) for adults; seniors and children 3–12 years are ($9.75).
Explore the ends of the Earth, dive deep into the ocean, float… (read more)



The Trolley Is a Great Way to Travel San Diego City & County For Getting from A to Z
San Diego (MTS) in San Diego
Mutiple Locations in San Diego // Read Full Review Here
// Transportation // Call: (511)

Now you can enjoy the many cities and suburbs that the trolley passes through just as if you lived in them when you click on the hot links identified with an underline. When clicked on they will open up with a through description of insider information for what it is to live there, personally reviewed… (read more)



Warner-Carrillo Adobe Ranch House Served as the Butterfield Stage Stop from 1858 to the Civil War
Warner-Carrillo Ranch House in Warner Springs

Built in 1857 by Vincenta Carrillo, a prominent early Californio woman rancher, the adobe known as the Ranch House at Warner’s served as the Butterfield Stage Stop from 1858 until the beginning of the Civil War in 1861. As California’s first regular overland transcontinental stage connection with St. Louis, this pioneering stage route ran along… (read more)



Whaley House is Americas Most Haunted and One of SoCal’s Most Popular Visitor Destinations
The Whaley House in Old Town San Diego

A classic example of mid-nineteenth century Greek Revival architecture, the Whaley House was formally dedicated as a historic house museum on May 25, 1960 and has been open to the public ever since; it is one of southern California’s most popular visitor destinations. Over 100,000 people visit the Whaley House annually, with guests traveling from… (read more)





Tags: San Diego Attractions For Kids, Kids Events, Family Activities, Activities for Kids, San Diego With Kids, Things to do in San diego with Kids