San Diego is one of the best family vacation destinations in the United States…and for good reason! With year-round sunshine and world-class attractions, it’s a place where kids (and parents) can stay busy from sunrise to sunset.
But beyond the big-name theme parks and famous landmarks, San Diego is packed with so many fun things to do. There are amazing museums, outdoor adventures, and of course our beautiful beaches that make exploring with kids especially fun.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full family vacation, this guide will help you decide which attractions and experiences are worth your time.
Top 5 Picks: San Diego Things to Do with Kids
If you are just looking for a quick list of the best things to do in San Diego, here are our Top 5 recommendations.
► See San Diego from a different perspective on a relaxing Narrated Harbor Cruise
► Enjoy the rides and shows at SeaWorld San Diego
► Explore the city on a Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
► Visit Balboa Park and check out some of their amazing museums and attractions
► Visit the San Diego Zoo
San Diego Things to Do with Kids
1. Visit SeaWorld San Diego
From thrilling rides to fun and educational shows featuring dolphins, whales, sea lions, and other marine life, SeaWorld San Diego is one of the most popular theme parks in California and a must-see attraction when you’re visiting San Diego.
In recent years, the park has moved away from relying on its resident marine life to entertain guests. While there are still shows, the message is focused heavily around conservation and education.
There are also lots of new rides, including roller coasters such as Manta, Emperor, Electric Eel, Journey to Atlantis, and their newest ride, Arctic Rescue. You’ll also find the new “Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience” and an updated Shark Encounter attraction.
There is also an entire section of the park with rides and activities just for little kids, making SeaWorld a park the whole family can truly enjoy.
- 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego
- seaworld.com/san-diego
► Click here to purchase discount tickets directly from SeaWorld!
2. Spend a Day at the Beach
Every day is a beach day in San Diego! With its year-round sunshine and 70 miles of coastline, there are so many opportunities to enjoy the surf and sand.
The wonderful thing about San Diego is the variety of beaches. For instance, in spots like Mission Beach and Oceanside, you’ll find endless stretches of smooth sand and an energetic boardwalk scene, while La Jolla is known for its gorgeous cliffs and tide pools. Coronado Beach has the iconic Hotel del Coronado as a backdrop.
One of our favorite beaches is in Del Mar. In addition to being a scenic and lovely beach, it is located close to Del Mar Village with all its great restaurants, as well as Torrey Pines State Park.
Another great spot for a beach day is Coronado Island. Coronado has one of the best stretches of sand in Southern California, lots of family-friendly activities, great restaurants and shops on Orange Avenue, and the world-famous Hotel Del Coronado perched on its shore.
Many beaches in San Diego also have piers you can walk out onto and grab an ice cream, go fishing, or just enjoy the views. During the summertime, most of San Diego’s beaches are staffed with lifeguards, and all have restroom facilities.
One word of caution – parking can be a challenge on the weekends and during the summer, so arrive early and allow extra time to hunt.
► Be sure to check out this guide to the Best Beaches in San Diego for Families.
3. Explore the San Diego Zoo
Start your family’s San Diego adventure with a visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. It is truly one of the absolute must-see attractions in San Diego.
► Visiting the San Diego Zoo is one of the city’s top things to do, but admission can add up. If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in San Diego, the Go City San Diego Pass can help you save significantly.
The zoo is huge. With more than 100 acres to explore, plan on spending an entire day here so you don’t have to rush. Kids will marvel at the diverse range of animals from around the globe and enjoy interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and even a few rides like the iconic Skyfari Aerial Tram.
It should also be noted that there are lots of hills, so it may take extra time getting around, especially if you have to push a stroller or keep little kids rounded up for the walk.
To help you get around and see everything the zoo has to offer, the San Diego Zoo offers the Kangaroo Bus – a complimentary, non-narrated transportation service that lets you hop on and off at four different stops around the zoo.
- 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego
- zoo.sandiegozoo.org
4. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Located about 40 minutes north of downtown San Diego is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where you can embark on a safari adventure.
This park is a bit off the beaten path because they needed lots of open land to build it. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an 1,800-acre preserve where wild animals can roam free in their natural habitat. Instead of enclosures, the animals wander across open land and it’s the park visitors who must observe them from lookout points or vehicles.
Enjoy an open-air tram ride which is included with any basic 1-Day Ticket. For an additional cost you can add on a safari experience. Popular safaris (aka tours) include the Flightline Safari zip line, Wildlife Trek walking tour, and Wildlife Safari open-air truck tour.
- 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido
- sdzsafaripark.org
► Click here for discount tickets to The San Diego Zoo Safari Park
5. Seaport Village
Seaport Village is a lively 14-acre waterfront park with shopping and dining right on the harbor in downtown San Diego. One of the most popular things to do in San Diego, visiting Seaport Village is a great way to enjoy a meal on the waterfront. You can poke through the many shops, or just get some exercise along the waterfront. Live music, artisans, and entertainers make Seaport Village a lively spot.
There is also a wonderful old merry-go-round for the kids.
If you are in Seaport Village and want to hop on a great tour, I recommend the San Diego Seal Tour. This kid-friendly tour is awesome because it travels on both land and water!
The amphibious bus departs from the heart of Seaport Village and takes you on a tour of the city before slipping into San Diego Bay for a ride past SeaWorld and other waterfront points of interest. It is like two tours in one, and a huge hit if you are traveling with kids.
► The San Diego Seal Tour is one I highly recommend because it combines sights on both land and sea in one unique experience! The tour departs several times a day from Seaport Village. Book discount tickets here for the San Diego Seal Tour.
- 849 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego
- seaportvillage.com
6. Visit Old Town San Diego
Step back in time at Old Town San Diego, where the city’s rich heritage comes to life. Wander through historic buildings, enjoy live performances, and savor authentic Mexican cuisine.
Known as the birthplace of California, Old Town State Historic Park is the site of the first Spanish settlement in California, founded in 1769.
Today, it is a lively attraction with 50 shops and restaurants and numerous museums, historic sites, and educational experiences – many of which are free to explore. There is always something fun to see, shops to explore, and it is a great place to enjoy some of the best Mexican food in San Diego.
Casa de Reyes is our favorite restaurant in Old Town San Diego. Sometimes we’ll just order margaritas and sit outside on the patio, munching chips and salsa and enjoying the lively atmosphere. There is also a stage in the courtyard where you can enjoy authentic free entertainment if you are visiting San Diego at night.
- 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego
- oldtownsandiego.org
7. Take the Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
Taking a ride on the San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley is the perfect way to maximize your time and get around, all while learning some cool facts about America’s Finest City. In fact, almost all of the activities on this list of top things to do in San Diego with kids are accessible via the trolley.
The fully narrated bus tour lets you get on and off at any of 11 stops, including Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway, Old Town, Little Italy, and many more.
► Check out this Old Town Trolley Tour Guide for all the details and a full list of all the stops.
This is the one tour I always recommend to people visiting San Diego, especially if it is their first time. If for no other reason, riding over the Coronado Bridge in an open-air trolley is exhilarating.
► Grab your discount tickets for the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour
8. Visit Balboa Park
At 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and an absolute must-see attraction in San Diego. In fact, it is so big, there’s a free tram that will take you around to different areas of the park.
Spend a day exploring Balboa Park, home to an array of family-friendly attractions including 18 museums (more on those below!), numerous beautiful gardens, the Balboa Park Miniature Train, Spanish Village Art Center, the Old Globe Theatre, playgrounds, a carousel, and of course the San Diego Zoo.
If you are interested in checking out multiple attractions, be sure to look into the Balboa Park Explorer Pass for the best deal on admission.
- 1549 El Prado, San Diego
- balboapark.org
9. Go to a Museum
Beyond just Balboa Park, San Diego is packed with many amazing museums! Here are a few favorites worth checking out if you are looking for cool things to do in San Diego with kids.
USS Midway Museum
Climb aboard the USS Midway, America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier turned floating museum. Kids will love exploring the flight deck, cockpits, and below-deck exhibits while learning about naval history.
We’ve visited this museum several times over the years, most recently when my son was in high school and very interested in learning about the military. It was wonderful to get up close and personal not just with the ship, but also with the many aircraft and fighter jets on the flight deck. This is definitely a great museum for older kids, but young ones will enjoy it, too.
The USS Midway Museum is located on the waterfront near Seaport Village.
- 910 N Harbor Drive, San Diego
- midway.org
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Ignite young minds with a journey through aviation history at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Interactive exhibits and flight simulators offer an exciting glimpse into the world of aerospace. This popular attraction is easily one of the best museums in all of San Diego.
- 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego
- sandiegoairandspace.org
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
All aboard for a miniature adventure at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Marvel at intricate model train displays depicting different eras and landscapes, sure to delight train enthusiasts of all ages. It is also located in Balboa Park, right below the San Diego History Museum.
- 1649 El Prado, San Diego
- sdmrm.org
Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is comprised of nearly a dozen ships, vessels, and even a submarine. It enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining, and operating historic vessels. It boasts one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, including the Star of India.
- 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego
- sdmaritime.org
New Children’s Museum
Another museum not to be missed if you are visiting San Diego with young kids is the New Children’s Museum. Interactive installations, art-making workshops, sensory experiences for toddlers, and outdoor spaces ensure hours of fun and creativity. The New Children’s Museum is located in the heart of downtown San Diego right outside the Gaslamp Quarter.
- 200 West Island Avenue, San Diego
- www.thinkplaycreate.org
10. Cabrillo National Monument
Located just 10 miles away from downtown San Diego on the Point Loma Peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument honors Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo – the first European explorer to arrive on the West Coast. I lived in San Diego for many years before finally visiting, and when I did I couldn’t believe we didn’t go sooner!
Cabrillo National Monument is the only National Park Service site near San Diego. The monument itself is beautiful, a stark white statue towering over San Diego Bay with Coronado and the San Diego skyline in the distance. The view alone is worth the trip!
Beside the monument there is a visitor center and bookstore, and small museum which tells the story of Cabrillo and other Spanish explorers. A short walk up the bluff from where the monument stands, you’ll find the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
But perhaps my favorite thing about Cabrillo National Monument is the tide pools. You’ll have to hike or drive down, but the stunning coastline of the Point Loma Peninsula gives serious Big Sur vibes. You can hike along the shore or just enjoy the view and fresh, salty air.
- 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego
- nps.gov/cabr/
11. Belmont Park
Belmont Park is an old school boardwalk amusement park. Located right on the boardwalk at Mission Beach, Belmont Park is one of the quintessential Southern California Amusement Parks. It is home to the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, and many other rides. You can play arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, or even zip line.
Belmont Park offers free admission. You can walk around, just pay to play! They have a fun variety of kid-friendly restaurants and to-go food too – pizza, ice cream, even gourmet coffee. It is open late in the summertime.
If you are visiting San Diego in October, be sure to check out Belmont Park’s Beachside Fall Festival. It features live music and lots of fall-themed activities and decor.
- 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego
- belmontpark.com
12. Take a Whale Watching Cruise
Depending on the season, embark on a whale watching cruise to witness the magnificent migration of gray whales or the playful antics of dolphins. It’s an unforgettable oceanic adventure for the whole family.
Check out this popular San Diego Whale Watching Cruise aboard a replica of a historic sailing schooner that won the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851.
► Travel Insight
The best time for whale watching in San Diego is December through April, when they are migrating past the area, but you can see whales almost any time of year.
If it is not the right time of year to enjoy a whale watching cruise, there are lots of other options to get out on the water! Be sure to check out this round-up of the best San Diego harbor cruises and boat tours.
13. Sesame Place San Diego
Opened in 2022, Sesame Place offers a mix of rides, water attractions, shows, parades, games, interactive play areas, and of course opportunities to meet favorite Sesame Street characters. Kids will love the 500,000 gallon wave pool on hot summer days. No roller coasters or thrill rides here, so this is definitely a park for younger kids.
In September 2025, Sesame Place announced that it would transition to a seasonal theme park, so only plan on visiting if you are traveling to San Diego from late spring through early fall.
- 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista
- sesameplace.com/san-diego
14. LEGOLAND California Resort
For a day filled with thrills and LEGO-themed adventures for little kids, head to LEGOLAND California. From fun rides and shows to LEGO building stations, this theme park is a paradise for little builders.
Located north of San Diego in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND offers more than 60 interactive play areas, shows, and kid-friendly rides.
When my son was younger we visited often. The park’s emphasis on creativity and learning through play makes it an ideal destination for families with younger kids. Not only can they build things with LEGO bricks themselves, but they will love wandering through Miniland USA, which features more than 30 million LEGO bricks in its fascinating displays.
LEGOLAND California’s newest themed area – Galaxy Land – made its debut in March, bringing out-of-this-world fun to kids and adults alike. With a brand-new roller coaster, junior astronaut play zones, and interactive space-themed attractions, this expansion adds a major reason to visit. LEGOLAND California also has a seasonal water park, which opens this year on March 21, 2026.
- One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad
- legoland.com/california
15. Birch Aquarium
Dive into the wonders of marine life at the Birch Aquarium. Kids will be captivated by colorful fish, mesmerizing jellyfish, and playful sea otters.
Adults (aka me) will love the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from the Birch Aquarium’s cliffside location in La Jolla. In addition to being an aquarium, it is the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California.
The aquarium is a good size, but not overwhelmingly huge, so you won’t need more than an hour or two to get through the whole facility. Don’t miss the interactive tide pools where kids can touch sea stars and hermit crabs.
- 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
- aquarium.ucsd.edu
16. Mission Bay Park
Enjoy a day of outdoor recreation at Mission Bay Park, offering more than 25 miles of shoreline perfect for walking, swimming, kayaking, kite flying, or having a picnic. You can rent bikes, paddleboards, or even a sailboat for an active family outing.
You can easily spend a whole day enjoying all the outdoor activities available in this great spot along Mission Bay. Plus, it is located very close the beach as well as SeaWorld San Diego.
17. Catch a Ball Game
Does your family love baseball?
Catch a ball game at Petco Park, where the whole family can cheer on the San Diego Padres. Even if it’s not game day, you can still take a behind-the-scenes at Petco Park tour.
The ballpark is conveniently located downtown near San Diego’s historic Gaslamp District and the beautiful waterfront.
- 100 Park Blvd., San Diego
- mlb.com/padres/ballpark
How to Save on San Diego Attractions
Planning to visit multiple attractions in San Diego? A sightseeing pass lets you bundle and save up to 50% – potentially saving your family a ton of money! There are two popular passes in San Diego.
Go City San Diego – My personal favorite and the one I highly recommend, Go City San Diego is the most robust and flexible, with 40+ top attractions like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, USS Midway Museum, and many more. You can choose between the Essentials Pass and All-Inclusive Passes, depending on your trip style and how many days you have to explore.
San Diego CityPASS – This pass is good for shorter trips, but also way more limited. Choose it only if you plan to visit LEGOLAND California and/or SeaWorld San Diego. You’ll also get to choose three additional attractions from a list of six.
► Check Go City San Diego Pass Deals
►Compare with CityPASS Options
Final Thoughts: Things to Do with Kids in San Diego, California
San Diego makes traveling with kids easy, in the best way possible. The weather is beautiful, it’s an easy city to navigate, and there are so many fun things to do in San Diego with kids! Whether you’re exploring world-famous attractions, relaxing on the beach, or discovering local gems, there’s something here for every age and interest.
If it’s your first visit, start with a few of these top picks and build your itinerary from there. And if you’ve been before, you’ll quickly discover that San Diego is the kind of place families return to again and again.
Save These Family-Friendly San Diego Activities for Later!
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