Ah, sunny San Diego. The sights…the sounds…the endless beachy views. It’s no secret that this SoCal city is perfect for lying back and relaxing. But let’s be real – when you’ve got kids in tow, you’re probably not lounging by the pool with a drink in hand. Nope, you’re on the hunt for fun, unique adventures that’ll keep them entertained (and burn off all that extra energy).
Well, you’re in luck! San Diego is full of exciting, family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for something adventurous, laid back, or the best of both worlds, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top 21 things to do in San Diego with kids, from theme parks to scavenger hunts, and even unforgettable experiences on the high seas.
1. San Diego Zoo®
Best for: Families with kiddos of all ages
Sleepy koalas, playful pandas, and majestic elephants – you name it, you’ll see it at the San Diego Zoo. With over 3,500 animals from around the world, it’s a wildlife wonderland that’s sure to spark your child’s curiosity. Don’t miss the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp where your kids can play, splash, and come face-to-face with adorable baby animal ambassadors.
2. San Diego Zoo Safari Park®
Best for: Families with kiddos of all ages
Get ready for the ultimate safari – no passport needed! Just 30 miles northeast of the zoo, the San Diego Safari Park feels like you’ve been whisked away to the African savanna without ever leaving California. Explore 1,800 acres of open grasslands and world-class botanical gardens, all teeming with wildlife (think: giraffes, rhinos, tigers, and more)!
3. LEGOLAND® California Resort
Best for: Families with kiddos ages 2-12
Brickmasters, assemble! At LEGOLAND® California Resort, families can enjoy over 60 rides, shows, and attractions. Take a spin on Unikitty’s Disco Drop, score a Driver’s License in Fun Town, and explore the prehistoric wonders of Dino Valley. With endless LEGO® building activities, meet and greets, and seasonal events, there’s brick-tastic fun around every corner!
4. SEA LIFE Aquarium
Best for: Families with kiddos of all ages
Located right next door to LEGOLAND®, SEA LIFE is your family’s ticket to exploring enchanting underwater worlds. Enjoy hands-on learning and up-close encounters with sea creatures including sharks, octopus, and rays! Don’t miss the Sea at Night exhibit where you can learn more about bioluminescence, one of nature’s most phenomenal light shows.
5. Belmont Park
Best for: Families with kiddos ages 3 and up
This beachfront amusement park is a true San Diego classic. Your little ones can enjoy the carousel and mini golf, while thrill-seekers can brave the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster or take on the Beach Blaster. Plus, with tasty treats like funnel cakes and giant ice cream cones, there’s something to keep everyone smiling!
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6. USS Midway Museum
Best for: Families with kiddos of all ages
When it comes to the best things to do with kids in San Diego, the USS Midway Museum might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But trust us, your family will have a blast exploring this historic aircraft carrier. Kids can climb into cockpits and take part in the Junior Pilot Program – where they can complete fun activities and earn their own pilot wings!
7. The Maritime Museum
Best for: Families with kiddos ages 3 and up
Another SoCal must-see! Located on San Diego Bay, the Maritime Museum is home to the world’s best collection of historic ships. Climb aboard steam-powered vessels and submarines – and don’t miss the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship that’s still turning heads on the high seas!
8. Tall Ship Sailing Adventure
Best for: Families with kiddos ages 5 and up
Ready to experience life on the open ocean? Set sail on the Californian, a replica of a gold rush era revenue cutter and the Official Tall Ship of the State of California. Your little sailors will have a blast exploring the deck, hauling lines, and even manning the helm. This adventure even includes admission to the Maritime Museum – a San Diego win-win!
9. La Jolla Sea Caves
Best for: Families with kiddos ages 6 and up
For a splashing-good time, set your course for the La Jolla Sea Caves and Ecological Reserve! Hop into a tandem kayak and paddle past picturesque shorelines, dreamy beaches, and of course, sea caves. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for marine life including seals, sea lions, friendly leopard sharks, and so much more.
10. Go Whale Watching
Best for: Families with kiddos of all ages
There’s something so magical about spotting whales in the wild. And luckily for you, San Diego is a hotspot for these migratory giants. Set sail and search the waves for grey, finback, humpback, and adorable minke whales. Your kiddo’s eyes will light up as they watch these incredible creatures breaching, spouting, and waving their tails.
11. Build a Sandcastle
Best for: Families with kiddos of all ages
What’s a trip to San Diego without a fun-filled beach day? Bring along all the essential sandcastle tools such as shovels, buckets, and your imagination! Some of our favorite family-friendly spots include Coronado Central Beach, La Jolla Shores Beach, and Moonlight Beach.
12. Befriend a Falcon
Best for: Families with kiddos of all ages
If you’ve got a family full of animal lovers, then this Intro to Falconry Lesson is a San Diego must-do. Come face-to-beak with falcons and hawks while learning the basics of handling these magnificent birds. Aspiring falconers of all ages can experience the thrill of watching raptors soar through the air. It’s a feathered adventure they won’t soon forget!
13. Explore San Diego in a GoCar
Best for: Families with kiddos ages 7 and up
Beep Beep! Ready for a family adventure that’s both exciting and interactive? Hop into a GoCar and cruise around San Diego in style. These quirky, GPS-guided mini cars will take you on a thrilling tour of the city’s top sights, with fun commentary and interesting tidbits along the way. It’s easily one of the best kid-approved San Diego Driving Experiences!
14. Try Indoor Skydiving
Best for: Families with kiddos ages 3 and up
Your kids will feel like superheroes as they float, fly, and soar through the air at iFly! With expert instructors guiding every step, this is an adventure they’ll never forget – and will be bragging about for years to come!
15. Go Horseback Riding
Best for: Families with kiddos ages 6 and up
Giddy up! During a Temecula horseback ride, you’ll feel like you’ve just been transported to the wild west (without having to venture too far from San Diego). Plus, with gentle horses and experienced guides, even first-time cowboys and cowgirls can saddle up and enjoy the ride.
16. Photo Scavenger Hunt
Best for: Families with kiddos of all ages
Turn your family outing into a playful challenge! With these whimsical, app-led hunts, all you need to get started is your smartphone. Together, you’ll trek through San Diego, solving challenges and taking photos along the way. For an adventurous twist, don’t miss this zombie-themed hunt that’ll have everyone on their toes and grinning from ear to ear.
17. Fly High on a Trapeze
Best for: Families with kiddos ages 7 and up
If you’re looking for the most exciting thing to do with kids in San Diego, trapeze lessons definitely take the cake. With all the proper safety gear, expert instructors, and nets in place, your little daredevils can soar through the air worry-free. They’ll be flipping, flying, and feeling like circus stars in no time.
18. Float in a Hot Air Balloon
Best for: Families with kiddos ages 7 and up
While you’ll need to venture outside the city for this one, it’s a bucket-list adventure you can’t pass up. Just imagine soaring over vineyards and hills while your kiddos gasp in awe. Some flights even include a champagne toast for the grown-ups and sparkling cider for the youngsters.
19. Cozy Up With Kittens
Best for: Families with kiddos ages 6 and up
The Cat Café is ‘paws-itively’ one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids. You’ll love it because you can sit down and re-energize with a hot cup of coffee. They’ll love it because there’s a parade of adorable cats wandering around!
20. GoCity Pass
Best for: Families with kiddos of all ages
GoCity makes exploring San Diego a breeze! With access to top attractions and activities like SeaWorld® San Diego, the San Diego Zoo, and Knott’s Berry Farm, you’ll have endless family fun at your fingertips (attractions are subject to change). Just show your pass and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
21. Tide Pooling
Best for: Families with kiddos ages 5 and up
San Diego’s rocky shores are perfect for tide pooling! At low tide, gaze into these enchanting underwater worlds. Watch colorful crabs skitter across rocks, discover colorful sea stars, and stare at sticky green anemones. For some of the best tide pooling around, check out Cabrillo National Monument and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.
Summary
So, there you have it! From immersive museums to thrilling adventures, there’s tons of fun and unique things to do in San Diego with kids. Looking for even more family-friendly experiences in SoCal? Plan your next adventure with Virgin Gifts!
