Are you looking for one of the most kid-friendly vacation destinations in the world? Look no further than San Diego. With its warm weather, sandy beaches, and a huge selection of kid-centered activities, it’s the obvious choice if you’re looking for a family vacation spot.
The undisputed master of children’s rhyme, Dr. Seuss, lived here. And he was inspired to write about the Cat in the Hat, the Lorax, and other children’s favorites by the local scenery. So read our list of some of the best things to do in San Diego with kids, and you’re sure to be inspired too.
San Diego Zoo
One of the best attractions for kids is the San Diego Zoo. Kids of all ages love to see and learn about animals. So do not omit this fun activity from your vacation itinerary. Kids ages 3 and under get in for free.
It is open from 9 am to 6 pm and offers a discovery kart tour, various animals in action experiences as well as a Crazy About Cats experience.
If you are planning on visiting several attractions while in San Diego, get yourself a Go San Diego Sightseeing Pass. Most of the ticketed tours, museums, and children’s amusement in San Diego are included on one of the three Go San Diego passes.
Check online to find the best one for you. But you can build your own pass with greater savings if you already know which attractions you’ll be visiting.
Coronado Island
Yacht rentals in San Diego are an ideal way to explore all that this city has to offer. Be sure to sail to Coronado island just across from San Diego, and drop anchor at Coronado Beach.
The wide, flat stretch of sand and calm waters at Coronado Central Beach are safe for children. And you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas from The Hotel Coronado, conveniently located just beyond the beach.
The Coronado Promenade hosts free outdoor concerts in the summertime. And for some nighttime family fun, visit the hotel for some delicious s’more toasting.
Visit The San Diego Natural History Museum
This city enjoys year-round average temperatures of around 70 degrees. And luckily, your sightseeing will rarely be hampered by rainfall. But should you have inclement weather at any stage on your trip, a museum is a great alternate activity in that scenario.
Plus, museums are great fun for the whole family. So be sure to include the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park on your to-do list.
At the San Diego Natural History Museum your kids will discover fossils, enjoy scavenger hunts, and see exhibits that teach about the local history and geology of the region. Toddlers can play safely in The Backyard play area while you sit and enjoy a coffee next door at The Flying Squirrel Cafe.
Take Advantage Of The Kids Free San Diego Offers
If you have a choice about when to visit the city, plan your family trip for October. Each October, many attractions and facilities offer free admission for kids, when they enter with a paying adult.
Terms and conditions apply, but details for each year’s Kids Free October activities are usually available online by August.
San Diego Botanic Garden
Reservations for the Botanic Garden are strongly recommended unless you have a Museums for All admission. Walk-in admission may unfortunately not be possible on high-volume days. But do make the effort to get in, because you definitely won’t regret it.
Open every day except Tuesdays, from 9 am to 5 pm, the San Diego Botanic Garden offers countless fun activities for children. Aside from all the beautiful outdoor spaces, plants, flowers, and trees they also feature a variety of family-friendly events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Sesame Place San Diego
Who doesn’t love a great theme park? And this one is specially tailored to young kids.
They can sing and dance along with their favorite Sesame Street characters, and enjoy fun roller coaster rides and water slides. Hours are from 9 am to 6 pm. There are altogether 18 Sesame-street-themed attractions here and interactive photo opportunities in a recreated Sesame Street neighborhood.
And if you have children with learning disabilities or special needs, it may interest you to know that Seasame Place is a certified autism center as well.
