Here is a list of 22 kid-friendly activities that may be enjoyed in San Diego, ranging from amusement parks to beaches.
San Diego is an ideal location for vacationers of all types due to its consistently pleasant climate, breathtaking beaches, and abundance of activities suitable for people of all ages and with a wide variety of interests. This includes families, who will enjoy the city's educational and entertaining attractions such as museums, hiking trails, amusement parks, and activities that combine the two. You can choose to stay downtown, near the beach, or in a location that is conveniently close to Balboa Park, and San Diego has a wide range of accommodations to pick from at a number of pricing points.
Here is a list of 22 activities that are suitable for children to enjoy in San Diego.
Discover local flora and fauna on a trek along the coast.
A number of different hiking trails, as well as information about the geology and human history of the region, are available to visitors at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The reserve is home to native plants that are in danger of extinction and provides habitats for a variety of animals, including shorebirds, quail, mule deer, coyotes, and bobcats.
Discover the ideal beach for swimming, riding waves, and basking in the sun.
Because it boasts more than 70 miles of coastline, San Diego has a beach that is suitable for everyone, including many that allow your pets to join you there. At Mission Bay, visitors can do kayaking, water skiing, sailing, kite surfing, and boating; meanwhile, on the shore, they can picnic, grill, or enjoy a bonfire. Other water sports include sailing and kite surfing.
Attend a game of Major League Baseball or take a tour of Petco Park, both of which are located in Downtown San Diego.
Petco Park, which is the home of the San Diego Padres, provides guided tours that take visitors to areas behind-the-scenes of the ballpark, such as the press box, luxury suites, and the Padres Hall of Fame. During the season, you should go to a game and gorge yourself on hot dogs, nachos, burgers, pizza, and ice cream. Of course, you should also get some hot dogs.
Experience model trains depicting scenes from California's history, complete with lifelike scenery and authentic detailing.
Fans of toy trains will have a good time perusing the displays at the Railroad Museum. The models of the Cabrillo Southwestern and the San Diego & Arizona Eastern railroads depict California in the 1950s. The model of the Pacific Desert Line, on the other hand, depicts the original path that was proposed in 1855; make sure to check closely for surprises concealed in the model.
Visit the Fleet Science Center to expand your scientific knowledge.
Optical illusions, electricity, solar power, and nanotechnology are just few of the topics that can be explored through the engaging activities offered at the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. Kid City and the Little Learner's Lab are both available for exploration by guests aged five and younger.
Learn more about San Diego's past by paying a visit to Old Town.
Learn about Old Town, the location of the first European colony in California, by going on a guided walking tour that lasts for one hour. Other options include going to a park, museum, or haunted building. After the brief history lesson, you can take a break for a snack, watch some roaming mariachis, or look through the unique shops that Old Town has to offer.
At Legoland, you may embark on a roller coaster that is based on Legos.
More than sixty rides, shows, and other attractions at Legoland are oriented toward families with children in the age range of two to twelve years old. To get the full Legoland experience, book a room at either the Legoland Hotel or the Legoland Castle Hotel, and then go on a factory tour to witness how Lego bricks are produced.
Seaport Village is a great place to go shopping and eating.
At Seaport Village, you can purchase mementos, buy a kite to fly on the beach, and indulge in ice cream or alcoholic beverages. You can also shop for these items. Or, if it's time for lunch or supper, treat yourself to a meal while taking in the view of the boardwalk or the water.
Visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps to be amazed by the marine life there.
You can get an insider's view into the fascinating world of seahorses on a private tour that is available every day, or you can go on a real-life outdoor learning adventure by exploring tidal pools with a naturalist. Guests who are nine years old and older are welcome to participate in a walking tour of Scripps Pier that includes interactive encounters.
Amphibious vehicles will allow you to have the best of both land and sea while seeing San Diego.
During a SEAL Tour, after winding your way through the city's streets, you will splash into San Diego Bay and cruise among seals, sea lions, pelicans, and other types of wildlife. Experienced tour guides will lead you on a sightseeing trip of San Diego, which will begin either in Seaport Village or at the Embarcadero.
Paddle along the sea caves of La Jolla in your kayak.
Kayak tours of the La Jolla Sea Caves and Ecological Reserve are available to guests starting at the age of six and going up to adults. A tour that lasts for two hours gives participants the opportunity to see the local marine life and get a better look at the stunning environment.
Discover the wonders of the San Diego Zoo.
Because it is widely regarded as one of the finest zoos in the United States, the San Diego Zoo is frequently visited by families who are in the region for vacation. Walk around the exhibits to see some of your favorite animals, and then learn more about the park on a guided bus tour, a ride on the Skylar Aerial Tram, or a trip on the miniature train.
At Belmont Park, you may ride an old-fashioned roller coaster made of wood.
This retro amusement park offers a variety of traditional rides and attractions such as bumper cars, a carousel, and more, in addition to a selection of shops, restaurants, and food stands. Have a good time here all day, and then stick around to see the sun go down over the water.
Visit The New Children's Museum to exercise your creative side.
Young children will have a good time visiting the museum thanks to its entertaining displays, vibrant interactive play spaces, and hands-on art pieces. In addition, during the weekends, the museum provides chances for people of all ages, including children, to create their own works of art in the Museum Park.
On two wheels, you may explore the Mission Bay area.
Paved bike pathways that are car-free offer excellent opportunities for sight-seeing and pass through Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla. Both the Mission Bay Bike Route and the Ocean Beach Bike Path, which together cover a distance of 12 miles, take riders past parks, businesses, and restaurants along the way.
Visit Cabrillo National Monument and go for a hike there.
At Cabrillo National Monument, visitors can take in the scenery, trek a beautiful two-mile trail, explore the tidal pools, and keep an eye out for whales migrating by (during the winter months). The monument honors the voyage of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and provides opportunities for visitors of all ages to participate in Junior Ranger programmed, explore the vast Visitor Center, and gain some knowledge of California's past while enjoying the park's natural splendor.
When you go to Sesame Place, you can ride the Sunny Day Carousel or participate in story time with Big Bird.
A kid-friendly roller coaster and Elmo's Rocklin' Rockets are just two of the many exciting rides that can be found at Sesame Place, which spans 17 acres. In addition, there will be a parade, a dance party, and meet-and-greets with the characters. You can get a meal or a snack at Grover's Grill or Oscar's Grouchy Grub, respectively.
Reserve a room at the illustrious Hotel Del Coronado.
The Hotel Del Coronado, more commonly referred to as "Hotel Del," is an iconic building that dates back to 1888 and serves as more than just a resort. The Hotel Del is an excellent choice for families since it provides a wide range of lodging options, including guest rooms, suites, and the brand-new Shore House, in addition to a breathtaking beach, various pools, and an Ocean Explorers programmed for children aged five to twelve.
At the San Diego Natural History Museum, visitors can observe researchers at work and examine fossils.
In the Demonstration Lab of the San Diego Natural History Museum, which is located in Balboa Park, guests get the opportunity to observe researchers as they prepare and examine specimens. There is also an exhibit called The Living Lab, which features animals such as rattlesnakes, arachnids, frogs, and centipedes. Children under the age of five are welcome to play in The Backyard, which is a special area designed for them.
Check out Liberty Public Market if you have the chance.
The Liberty Public Market may be found in the historically significant location of Point Loma's Liberty Station. Visitors can participate in a walking tour to gain insight into the history of the region, or they can go on a treasure hunt to discover works of public art. After that, it's time to go shopping for artisan goods and dining on a wide variety of foods, from Nashville hot chicken to tacos.
Observe several sea lions lounging about on the beach.
La Jolla Cove has become a permanent residence for the sea lions, and it is entertaining to watch them compete for territory from the elevated coastal promenade that overlooks the cove. You might even get to see their newborn puppies if you visit during the right time of year. While you are there, take in the breathtaking scenery and go for a stroll through the charming coastal town, which is filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Chicano Park is home to a vibrant collection of murals that you may walk amid.
The expansive collection of murals, sculptures, and other forms of outdoor art that may be found in the Barrio Logan neighborhoods under the San Diego-Coronado Bridge is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. The artwork, which is displayed annually in front of hundreds of people, is intended to honors the cultural history of the Mexican-American community. While you're in the area, you shouldn't pass up the opportunity to indulge in some of the real Mexican cuisine, specialty coffee, or handcrafted beers.