We absolutely love San Diego and we’re lucky to be able to spend a lot of time there as it isn’t very far from home. There are plenty of things to do with kids in San Diego, with over 70 miles of gorgeous coastline, beautiful state parks, hiking trails, and tons of kid-friendly attractions and restaurants. The problem is never finding something to do, but finding a way to do it all!
To help narrow down your choices I have compiled a list of my Top 54 Things to do with Kids in San Diego… the BONUS…20 are completely FREE! Of course, we have also rounded up the best way to score discounted tickets for the activities that have a cost.
San Diego Favorites
Best Thing To Do with Kids | Visit the Secret Swings in La Jolla |
Best Eats | The Sugar Factory |
Best Place to Stay | Loews Coronado |
Kids Free San Diego This October!
Kids Free San Diego is taking place this month with 84 attractions, hotels, and restaurants scheduled to participate. There will be all sorts of great deals in which kids can eat, stay, and play for free!
Here are some of the best deals to take advantage of:
- San Diego Zoo – Up to 5 children (3-11) can enter the zoo for free when accompanying a paying adult.
- LEGOLAND California – Get one free One-Day Child Hopper Ticket (ages 2–12) with the purchase of a full-price One-Day Adult Hopper Ticket to LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE aquarium.
- SeaWorld – One child aged 3-9 can enter for free when accompanying a paying adult. This deal is actually good through the end of the year!
- San Diego Whale Watch – One free child’s ticket per paying adult.
- The Shores Restaurant in La Jolla – Kids eat free all month long!
Remember that some of the deals will require you to purchase an adult ticket or meal to get the free or discounted deal for kids. Click Here for More Information on Kids Free San Diego!
50+ Best Things to Do with Kids in San Diego All Year Long
My husband always says, “It’s better when it’s free” (especially for big families) and that is probably why we find ourselves in San Diego often. There are just SO many free activities to choose from. Let’s dive into my favorites!
Visit one of San Diego’s Iconic Beaches
We hit up many of San Diego’s Iconic Beaches throughout the summer. Del Mar Beach Is our absolute favorite, it is a great place to go boogie boarding or simply enjoy the sun and sand.
We also love the dog beach in Coronado. It feels like the happiest place on earth with dogs jumping in and out of the water.
Planning a day at one of San Diego’s gorgeous beaches is something we highly recommend adding to your list of things to do with kids in San Diego!
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla is one of those spots in San Diego that just really has it all. In fact, it is my favorite places to stay in San Diego.
Why do I love this spot so much? For starters, the sunsets that don’t disappoint and there are tons of activities from kayaking to snorkeling. La Jolla also has cool museums and an aquarium, cute boutiques that line the streets, and delicious restaurants.
The coolest things about La Jolla… many sea lions have made the gorgeous beaches here their home. It is incredible to see them in their natural habitat! You used to be able to get quite close to them but in an effort to protect them the city has recently put some restrictions in place including beach closures. Read more here to make sure you are fully informed before visiting.
Dine at the Sugar Factory
You might think that a restaurant isn’t that exciting of an adventure. Well, you never have been to the Sugar Factory. This place is fun for kids and adults.
Numerous celebrities have been here. There are mouthwatering meals, incredible drinks, and some of the most incredible desserts you will ever find.
Our personal favorite was the Nutella Banana Pancake. This could easily have served 3 or 4 people. It is massive. The kids all loved the incredible milkshakes as well.
Definitely check this place out. It is located in the heart of downtown San Diego in the Gas Lamp District. You can check out the Sugar Factory here.
Balboa Park
Museum exploring is something we think is great for things to do with kids in San Diego and Balboa Park is simply amazing! This isn’t just any ordinary park.
Balboa offers over 17 museums, 9 centers dedicated to the performing arts, a carousel, a miniature railroad, and even the San Diego Zoo. It’s safe to say there’s always something going on here.
Find more information here!
Coronado Island
If you are in San Diego with Kids, you have to hit up Coronado Island. Drive here across the bridge from busy downtown San Diego and you’ll suddenly find that you are in a laid-back beach town straight out of a book.
The cozy, slow-paced vibe makes it one of my favorite places in San Diego. There are tide pools to explore, kayak and surrey bike rentals, delicious food, and you absolutely have to stop at Mootown Creamery for a sweet treat.
Check out my Ultimate Guide to Coronado with Kids here for more inspiration!
Go Shopping and Eat Ice Cream at the Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp is the heart of San Diego with its renovated Victorian architecture, boutiques, and art galleries. There is a ton of shopping, delicious restaurants, and an incredible Ghiradelli’s Ice Cream Parlor.
At nighttime, the bar scene takes over but during the daytime this is a great place to explore as a family.
Go for a beach hike at Torrey Pines Natural Reserve (FREE!)
An overlooked family-friendly activity in San Diego with kids in tow is hiking. Torrey Pines is one of our favorite places to hike with the kids. There are over 8 beautiful trails to explore, this is the perfect spot for any level hikers to take in some natural California beauty.
Try the Guy Flemings Trail it’s only ⅔ of a mile long making it perfect for little ones. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuits because the beach below has lifeguards on duty, showers, and restrooms. We like to pack a lunch and make a day out of it.
Find more information here!
Take a walk along Seaport Village (FREE!)
Seaport Village is a great spot for a family stroll. You can check out over 50 unique shops and eateries. Check out their calendar to see what events they’ve got going on.
Find more information here!
Hike Potato Chip Rock (FREE!)
Another great hike makes the cut! If you’re up for a longer hike, Potato Chip Rock has become one of the most insta-worthy spots to get up to. Just make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. You can check out our full guide here.
Visit the Secret Swings in La Jolla (FREE!)
There is something about a “secret” spot that makes it infinitely more fun, especially for kids. The Secret Swings in La Jolla are the perfect scavenger hunt type experience for kids of all ages.
Simply head to Scripps Aquarium and park in their parking lot (it’s usually free, except on the weekends). At the end of the parking lot you will see a trail that leads you right to the secret swings.
Legoland
Legoland in Carlsbad is must-do for any family with kiddos under 10. There are water cannons to shoot, the chance to earn a driver’s license, and a Dragon roller coaster that’ll take you soaring through the sky.
Legoland also has its’ own water park and the Sea Life Aquarium, making it even more worth it to spend the day here.
You can read about the 11 ways to save at Legoland Here. Typically the best places to get discount tickets are ARES Travel & Undercover Tourist.
Catch a Game at Petco Park
Petco is one of the most family-friendly ballparks we’ve ever been to. It’s so fun to catch a Padres game here and if you sit in the “Park at the Park” section, tickets are only $10-$17! It’s not only cheap but gives your little ones the chance to run around the grass while you watch the game.
For true sports fans, Petco Park also offers tours guided tours every day, multiple times a day.
Find more information here!
San Diego Safari Park
You probably know about the zoo, but have you visited the Safari Park yet? It’s a great place for the whole family to learn about animal conservation efforts and see firsthand how we can help endangered species.
Their tram ride makes it feel like you’re out on the African Sahara and there are tons of animals to see. Older kids might like to check out the Flightline, the Safari Park’s own fast-paced zipline experience.
Or for a staycation that makes you feel like you are in a whole new world check out the park’s Snore & Roar Campground. Although, I’m not sure I would get much sleep with the sounds of the jungle going on all night- ha!
Once again, there are two great places to save on San Diego Safari Park tickets: ARES Travel & Undercover Tourist.
Belmont Park
This beachfront amusement park has no admission cost and parking it free! This means you can stroll along this little beachfront amusement park completely free.
Of course, if you’d like, there are all kinds of rides that you can purchase individual tickets or an all-day wristband for.
Find more information here.
Del Mar Racetrack
Kids get in free on the weekends (adults are only $6) + they have tons of free kid’s activities to do! Check out the schedule to find out when their Family Fun Weekends are this summer.
Find more information here!
SeaWorld
While there’s been a lot of negativity surrounding SeaWorld lately, it can still be a great stop for the family. If animal shows aren’t for you there are fun rides and some pretty awesome aquariums.
Looking to step up your game? Try the Wild Arctic Interaction Program where families get to meet barking seals, giant walruses, and polar bears before climbing into the water with gentle beluga whales.
Get discounted SeaWorld Tickets Here!
San Diego Zoo
Visiting the zoo is a great way to get out of the house and walk around somewhere other than a park. San Diego Zoo is world-class with beautiful trails winding around the park to explore.
Catch a Show at Moonlight Amphitheatre
This is known to be San Diego’s #1 outdoor theatre and such a fun idea when you are looking for what to do in San Diego with kids.
Each summer the theatre company puts on amazing shows like The Little Mermaid, Lion King, and so many more. We’re super excited to see what they will do next and you should be too!
Learn more about the Moonlight Amphitheatre here!
Exploring Old Town San Diego
Visiting and exploring Old Town San Diego is such a fun way to enrich yourselves with the culture and history of San Diego. From colorful shops to eclectic restaurants there is so much to explore and see in Old Town San Diego!
Learn more about exploring Old Town San Diego here!
San Diego with Kids – Museums
If you want to visit some museums on your California vacation, San Diego has some of the best options in the state. There are some incredible museums that are fun for the whole family.
San Diego Natural History Museum
Visiting the San Diego Natural History Museum is a must during your trip! It’s always cool to find museums that are kid-friendly and interactive enough to keep the munchkin’s attention, and the Natural History Museum does just that. Check out the 3D films that are included with entry here!
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Maybe not everyone is a train enthusiast, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the really cool miniature train models at this museum. They’re super detailed and fun to walk around and look at.
Find more information here!
The New Children’s Museum
The New Children’s Museum is an arts-based children’s museum but it is so much more than art. This museum is so fun and interactive for kids. Your kids will love the whammock, a 28′ wide and 20′ high hammock! It’s perfect for your kids to swing climb and play.
Located in downtown San Diego, the Museum includes three levels of interactive, immersive galleries and studios to expose children to art and creativity.
Grab tickets for as little as $13 here!
Museum Of Making Music
This is an interactive journey through a century of musical instrument innovations that helped shape American Popular Music from the 1890s to the present day.
It includes over 500 vintage instruments on display, hundreds of audio and video examples at the push of a button, and an interactive area where visitors can play on a variety of hands-on instruments. Grab Tickets Here!
San Diego Museum of Man
The Museum of Man is super engaging and has tons of exhibits from the creation of beer to the evolution of humans. It’s a great place to drop in with the family.
Find more information here
USS Midway Museum
Visiting the USS Midway is an awesome way to get up close and personal with a naval ship. It’s cool to show the kids how our navy lives their daily lives from the mess hall to the engine room.
We went when my cousin came ashore with his crew and all the kids had an amazing experience.
Get Discounted Tickets for the Midway Here!
Art Galleries at the University of San Diego (FREE!)
This a fun place to go look around and see up-and-coming local artists.
Find more information here!
Water & Beach Activities in San Diego
Sesame Place
Sesame Place is definitely my favorite water park in all of Southern California. Technically a theme park there are so many water rides. It is incredibly clean, they have fun rides for the little kids and big kids as well.
*Pro Tip* – Buy the Quick Queue pass. We got the unlimited quick queue pass and went on every slide 4-5 times during a 6-hour day. It was unbelievable
Dive In Movies at The Pearl (*FREE but don’t forget to make reservations!)
Come chill out at this poolside lounge and watch a movie like Jaws or Grease. There’s food and a bar on site.
Find more information here.
Imperial Beach Sun and Sea Festival (FREE!)
These artists make crazy detailed sculptures out of sand and you can walk along the beach to see them.
Find more information here.
Waterfront Park (FREE!)
Image Credit:Courtesy of county of San Diego
Waterfront Park is located right along the harbor with a large grassy area to hang out AND over 830 feet of interactive fountains to be played in. It is perfect for cooling off in after touring the USS Midway or the Maritime Museum.
Bring a change of clothes for the kids and head to Little Italy when you are done for a full day of family fun!
Learn more about Waterfront Park here!
California Surf Museum
Learn the surf history and culture of California at this cool museum. Bonus- it’s FREE on Tuesdays!
Find more information here.
Carlsbad Lagoon
If you’re looking for water activities this is the place for you. They’ve got everything; boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, aqua cycles, and jet skis. The water is calm so everyone can enjoy the water without having to worry about the waves.
Plus, the weather in Carlsbad is just stunning. It really is one of my favorite things to do in San Diego with the family.
Learn more about Carlsbad Lagoon here!
San Diego Speedboat Adventures
One of my older boy’s favorite things to do in San Diego is the Speedboat adventures. They have a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor with over 800 reviews!
You receive a guided and narrated San Diego Harbor Tour with some serious speed.
Plus, you are able to navigate and captain your own speedboat for the entirety of the tour while following their trained and knowledgeable guides to experience the best of both worlds – the THRILL of driving your own speedboat, and the safety of having a skilled guide introduce you to the beauty of San Diego Harbor.
Bonfire at Mission Beach (FREE!)
Bonfires on the beach are a great way to end long, hot summer days. Grab some marshmallows, a blanket, and a log. Then, head to Mission Beach with the family and friends!
Catch a Sunset at Scripps Pier (FREE!)
Pack a picnic, or hit up a local’s favorite, we recommend The Taco Stand, and head to the Scripps Pier. There are plenty of picnic tables on the grass above the beach. And, the sunsets here never fail to amaze me.
We actually have used this pier numerous times for family photos. The pier along the sunset is absolutely stunning.
Kayak in the La Jolla Caves – One of our favorite San Diego Kids’ activities!
Another activity that is so much fun is kayaking in the La Jolla caves. We headed out and had an absolute blast. It is fun for kids and adults. The guides have great stories about Dr. Suess (who lived in La Jolla), cliff divers, and all sorts of fun facts.
Then you head into the caves which is a one-of-a-kind experience. Grab Tickets here to save money on your tour!
Visit The San Diego Bay (FREE!)
San Diego Bay is a wonderful place to bring kids because it offers a wide range of family-friendly activities. The bay is home to several museums, including the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum, where children can learn about naval history and explore historic ships.
There are also several parks and beaches along the bay, such as Embarcadero Marina Park and Coronado Beach, where kids can enjoy outdoor activities and water sports.
The bay is also home to SeaWorld San Diego, a popular attraction for families with its thrilling rides and aquatic animal shows. With its beautiful views and endless entertainment options, San Diego Bay is a must-visit destination for families with kids.
Learn to Surf
Do you ever go on vacation with your kids and need their energy to run out? We took our kids surfing and it was one of the best things we did on vacation. There are a ton of great places to learn to Surf in San Diego.
Our travel editor used Menehune Surf School with her kids and had an amazing experience.
Go Whale Watching
Whale watching in San Diego is the perfect thing to do for all your marine animal lovers! Hornblower Cruises has a ton of cruise options available. Their most popular is the blue whale watching tour.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Cool off with the kids at this beautiful and interactive hands-on aquarium. Beyond the exhibits, you will find educational shows, engineering challenges & more. We love watching them feed the different marine life.
Check the feeding times here before you go.
Iron Mountain Trail
Head to Poway and check out the popular Iron Mountain Trail. This one may be best for older kids as it is 5.8 miles but if your kids like to explore they will be just fine. Just be sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks.
Find more information here!
The San Diego Botanic Gardens (*FREE the first Tuesday of the month)
The Botanic Gardens are a great place to spend nice afternoons. You can walk around the trails for a while and eventually end up in Hamilton Children’s Garden, which is a really unique playground.
Make sure to check the website for all the kid’s activities available.
Coronado Summer Concert Series at Spreckels (FREE!)
Summer nights in Coronado are breezy and perfect for setting down a blanket in the park and listening to some live music.
Find more information here!
Browse a Farmer’s Market (FREE)
Farmer’s Markets are a great place to pick up some fresh produce and show the kids where their food comes from. There are tons of great options in San Diego and varying days of the week.
Find more information here.
Summer Movies in the Park (FREE!)
San Diego offers movies in a couple of different parks around the city. There’s one every Friday and Saturday. It’s a great way to spend a relaxing evening.
Find more information here!
Cabrillo Monument & Old Point Loma Lighthouse (FREE!)
These attractions being right next to each other is the perfect excuse to spend the day taking the scenic walk of Point Loma. AND, they both offer some pretty incredible views.
Find out more information here!
Kit Carson’s Park & Queen Califa’s Magic Circle (FREE!)
This may not entertain you for a full day, but it’s totally worth it to stop at this sculpture garden done by a renowned artist, Niki de Saint Phalle. There’s also a surrounding area with duck ponds, a skate park, hiking trails, and playgrounds.
Check here for the sculpture garden hours!
Mission Trails Regional Park (FREE!)
Mission Trails is a great place to get out and enjoy nature as a family. Check out their schedule for days full of family activities.
Find more information here.
Picnic at Presidio Park (FREE!)
Having a picnic is always a good idea, but it’s even better when you can pop a bottle of champagne on the beach while having one. At Presidio Park and select other parks in San Diego alcohol is permitted from 8 am-8 pm. Date night!
Find out more here!
Fun Ways to Get Around Town in San Diego with Kids
My kids dread getting back in the car on our vacations. Sometimes it’s fun to break up the monotony by using a different form of transportation. San Diego has lots of different fun options to get around town. Here are our favorites:
Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego
Old Town Trolley Tours seem to go hand in hand with a beach town. I have been on so many Old Town Trolley Tours from Key West to San Diego.
The kids and I always enjoy them. The drivers are always fun for the kids but also provide great fun facts about the city throughout the tour. It is also a great way to get around San Diego as the tour stops at many of San Diego’s most popular spots.
Seal Amphibious Tour
I’ll be honest, I was a little skeptical of these tours, but then we took a similar version in Washington D.C. and the kids absolutely loved it.
The Seal Amphibious Tour in San Diego is actually more fun than the one we had in D.C. as you can see Sea Lions and sometimes even dolphins. The whole family will enjoy the experience. Grab Tickets here!
Cool Dining in San Diego for Kids
Breakfast Republic
Hit up Breakfast Republic in Ocean Beach for a fun-themed atmosphere and delicious Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Or head to Bo-Beau’s Kitchen Garden for happy hour.
The kids will love the retrofitted school bus they can climb around on and the chalkboard wall is perfect for your aspiring artists.
Learn more here!
Liberty Station
Liberty Station is a modern public square with trendy restaurants and artisan shops. Their food hall also hosts over 30 artisan food vendors.
This is a great place to eat in San Diego with kids because there are so many places where everyone will find something they enjoy.
Plus, you’ll be dining in a really cool environment and your kids might start to think you’re hip….ok maybe not. Check their event schedule and eatery listings here.
Donut Bar
If you want to treat the kids to something sweet while in San Diego, this is the place. They have some of the most amazing donuts you will ever find, from maple bacon to unicorn donuts. These are some of the best donuts you will ever find.
Make sure to show up early as these donuts sell out every day. Check out Donut Bar here!
Get the Go San Diego Card to Save on Tons of Kid-Friendly San Diego Activities!
The Go San Diego card is a great way to save money if you want to do a ton of events in San Diego. You can go to all the places listed below for as little as $92. Once you purchase the All-Inclusive Pass you will have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 days to see and experience as much of the city as possible.
- Asylum Outdoor Bouldering
- Belmont Park Ride & Play Pass
- Best of San Diego eBike Tour
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Coronado 90-Minute Tandem Kayak Rental
- Coronado Full-Day Bike Rental
- Coronado Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
- Coronado Museum of History & Art
- Gaslamp Walking Ghost Tour
- Gaslamp and Balboa Park Bike Rental with Unlimited Biking
- GoCar San Diego Tours: 30-Minute Navigational Tour
- Haunted Old Town Walking History + Paranormal Investigation
- Historical Old Town Walking Tour
- Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego
- Japanese Friendship Garden
- Knott’s Berry Farm
- Knotts Soak City Water Park (seasonal)
- La Jolla 90-Minute Kayak Rental
- La Jolla 90-Minute Stand-up Paddleboard Rental
- La Jolla Full Day Bike Rental
- La Jolla Full Day Snorkel Rental
- La Jolla Surfboard Rental
- LEGOLAND® California
- Living Coast Discovery Center
- Madame Tussauds Hollywood
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- Mingei International Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art (La Jolla)
- Museum of Making Music
- Museum of Us
- One-Hour San Diego Harbor Cruise by City Cruises
- One Way Coronado Ferry
- PETCO Park Tour – Home of the San Diego Padres
- Plunge San Diego
- Richard Nixon Library
- San Diego Air and Space Museum
- San Diego Automotive Museum
- San Diego Hiking Tour
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- San Diego Museum of Art
- San Diego Natural History Museum
- San Diego Pier Fishing
- San Diego Speed Boat Adventures
- San Diego Zoo
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- SeaWorld San Diego
- South Coast Plaza Shop & Dine Package
- TCL Chinese Theatre Tour or Movie with Drink
- The Fleet Science Center with IMAX
- The Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
- USS Midway Museum
- UTC Ice Sports Center
- Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruises-Newport Beach
- Whale Watching by City Cruises
Save money on the Go San Diego Card Here!
Where to Stay in San Diego with Kids
Kona Kai
One of my favorite resorts in San Diego is Kona Kai Resort. This adorable resort offers free bike rentals and some incredible dining. Plus, it is located on the adorable Shelter Island.
Loews Coronado
If you want to stay on Coronado Island Loew’s Coronado is one of our favorite places to stay in San Diego with kids. They have an amazing pool area with ping pong, Connect Four, billiards, and fun contests like hula hoop.
Plus for the adults, they have some delicious food and amazing cocktails. We have spent our entire day there and had an amazing time. This is my favorite place for a San Diego staycation!
Airbnb Options
San Diego has some amazing Airbnb’s available for families. You can stay in a beachside bungalow or even an iconic castle. You can check out my favorite San Diego Airbnb’s here!
What Are Your Favorite Things to Do with Kids in San Diego?
Comment Below
Frequently Asked Questions about Things to do with Kids in San Diego
What can you do for free in San Diego?
Mission Bay Park and Mission Bay
Moonlight State Beach
La Jolla Shores Beach
San Diego Embarcadero
San Diego Bay
Children’s Pool La Jolla
Picnic at Presidio Park
Cabrillo Monument and Old Point Loma Linda Lighthouse
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Beach
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Balboa Park
Farmer’s Market
Coronado Beach
What can you do with kids in San Diego?
Old Town San Diego
Cabrillo National Monument
The New Children’s Museum
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Carlsbad Flower Fields
La Jolla Cove
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Sea World San Diego
Legoland California
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
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I wish I read this before visiting last February!
All of these places look so fun. We have only done a few of the things on your list. Now we need to plan another trip to San Diego!
Free Tuesdays at San Diego botanical garden are now free ONLY for residents of San Diego county
Potato Chip rock looks epic! So many fun places to visit, so little time!