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.
|
|
Birch Aquarium (22)… (read more) is the public outreach center for world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where visitors of all ages can explore more than 3,000 colorful fish and invertebrates as well as cutting-edge ocean- and earth-science research. This is a must-see attraction, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla. The aquarium boasts more
| Map Directions Banquets Discount Coupon |
|
|
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)
| Map Directions |
|
|
Flagship Cruises & Events… (read more), a San Diego Harbor Excursion luxury brand, 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
| Map Directions Menu Banquets Discount Coupon |
|
|
For twenty-five years, Hornblower Cruises & Events (4)… (read more) has provided guests with spectacular views and ocean breezes aboard their dinner cruises, champagne brunch cruises, harbor tours and whale watching adventure cruises. Savor, indulge and unwind on a Hornblower Cruise, where you can enjoy the finest in gourmet cuisine, surrounded by spectacular bay views on one
| Map Directions Menu Banquets Make Reservations Discount Coupon |
|
|
If you feel the need for speed, visit K1 Speed’s indoor karting center to see firsthand what K1 Speed has to offer. Battle it out with friends and family and see who can set the fast lap! If you are looking for the perfect introduction to go kart racing in San Diego, K1 Speed in… (read more)
| Map Directions Discount Coupon |
|
|
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)
| Map Directions Discount Coupon |
|
|
La Bella Cafe & Games (8)… (read more) is the most popular pizza restaurant in Chula Vista. Boasting 55 years in business, they truly have it all including a huge games parlour. Yet, the games are just the latest attraction to go along with entertaining the hundreds of families who dine here everyday.
Without a doubt, the
| Map Directions Menu Banquets & Catering Discount Coupon |
|
|
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)
| Map Directions Discount Coupon |
|
|
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)
| Map Directions Menu Discount Coupon |
|
|
The fascinating floating museum at the Embarcadero consists of six historic ships: 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 deepest-diving submarine ever,
| Map Directions Banquets Discount Coupon |
|
|
This large 93,505-sq. ft. science center showcases more than 100 interactive attractions. Plus, they offer several films on Southern California’s only IMAX® Dome Theater that surrounds visitors, creating a “you-are-there” experience. Admission ($10) for adults, seniors and children 3–12 years are ($8.75).
IMAX films are extra. They open daily at 9:30 a.m. and close Mon.–Thurs.… (read more)
| Map Directions Banquets |
|
|
The fascinating San Diego Air & Space Museum, which is located in the historic Ford Building (25)… (read more) 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 museum displays famous aircrafts, engines, spacecraft and
| Map Directions Banquets Discount Coupon |
|
|
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 (pictured at right). Specialty exhibits rotate throughout the year and are included in the admission price.
There is also… (read more)
|
|
San Diego Bike & Kayak Tours (18)… (read more) makes exploring the seven caves of La Jolla and the Ecological Reserve , or an exciting free fall bike Tour down Mt. Soledad fun for everyone. The bold faced number in the text corresponds to its location on the La Jolla map.
Even snorkeling with leopard sharks is
| Map Directions Discount Coupon |
|
|
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)
| Map Directions Banquets |
|
|
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)
|
|
A must-see attraction in Balboa Park is the San Diego Zoo, which celebrates its 94th birthday this year. This 100-acre San Diego Zoo is an international animal experience where guests can see some of the earth’s rarest wild life including giant pandas from China, tree kangaroos from New Guinea and river hippos from Africa.
The… (read more)
| Map Directions Discount Coupon |
|
|
North County’s most visited attraction is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (5) (see map). This 1,800-acre park is home to more than 3,500 animals, representing 260 species. In the fall, the park is open daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m. In winter, the park opens daily at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. In the… (read more)
| Directions Discount Coupon |
|
|
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.
One of Balboa Park’s best-kept secrets is the… (read more)
| Map Directions Banquets |
|
|
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)
| Map Directions |
|
|
SeaWorld (13)… (read more) is set on 189 beautifully landscaped acres along the shores of beautiful Mission Bay Park a 4,600 acre aquatic wonderland, of which SeaWorld is the center piece.
This fun filled adventure park features thousands of fascinating mammals including Shamu colorful fishes, reptiles and birds including manatees at Manatee Rescue. Plus, they have polar
| Directions Discount Coupon |
|
|
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)
| Directions Discount Coupon |
|
|
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.
| Map Directions |
|
|
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)
| Map Directions Banquets |
|
|
Experience the magic aboard one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in U.S. Naval history, the USS Midway (13).… (read more). It’s a must-see San Diego attraction. On board you’ll enjoy a self-guided audio tours for adults and families and more than 60 exhibits and displays throughout the ship. These include the galley, berthing spaces, sick bay,
| Map Directions Banquets Discount Coupon |
|
|
The Whaley House is Southern California’s oldest two-story brick building. Built in 1865, this historic site served as a store, courthouse, school, home and the town’s first theater.
It is also listed by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce as one of only two haunted houses in California. The house is furnished with pieces dating as… (read more)
|
|
The Veterans Museum & Memorial Center (31)… (read more) houses military artifacts and memorabilia from the Civil War to the present. Impressive murals of Pearl Harbor and significant historical military events adorn the walls. The bold faced number in the text corresponds to it’s location on the Balboa Park Map.
A tour of Balboa Park would not
| Map Directions Banquets Discount Coupon |
| 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 |



Lindbergh Field, CA