Things to Do with Kids in San Diego: 20 Fun Adventures Your Whole Family Will Love

Families will never run out of exciting things to do in San Diego with kids, thanks to the city’s mix of world-class attractions and sunny outdoor escapes. From animal encounters to hands-on science fun, San Diego makes it easy to blend play with learning.

Parents searching for unforgettable vacations will be thrilled by the many things to do with kids in San Diego, whether it’s riding a seaside roller coaster or exploring tide pools along the coast. Each activity adds a new layer of adventure that keeps kids smiling and adults relaxed.

San Diego’s unique combination of beaches, museums, and family-friendly parks makes it the ultimate all-in-one destination. This is your go-to list of fun-filled experiences that guarantee lasting memories.

The city is ready to surprise you with something new at every turn. Get set for a family adventure you’ll be talking about long after the trip ends!

Animal and Wildlife Experiences: Discover San Diego’s Wild Side with Kids

SeaWorld San Diego

If your kids are water-obsessed, things to do with kids in San Diego don’t get much splashier than SeaWorld San Diego. This marine park combines high-energy shows starring dolphins and orcas with interactive encounters where kids can touch rays or meet penguins.

Beyond the animal fun, the park ups the thrill factor with roller coasters like Electric Eel and Emperor, California’s tallest dive coaster. Seasonal San Diego events for kids—like Halloween Spooktacular or SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration—add bonus magic to your visit.

Families can recharge with plenty of on-site dining options ranging from kid-friendly bites to craft beer for the grown-ups. With its mix of rides, wildlife, and entertainment, SeaWorld tops the list of can’t-miss things to do with kids in San Diego.

San Diego Zoo

The legendary San Diego Zoo is basically the Beyoncé of animal parks—famous, fabulous, and always worth the hype. Spread across 100 acres in Balboa Park, it’s home to more than 12,000 animals representing 650 species, from playful pandas to towering giraffes.

Families can hop on the Skyfari Aerial Tram for a bird’s-eye view, or stroll through lush habitats like the Elephant Odyssey and the Australian Outback. Interactive kid zones, including Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, let little ones crawl through caves, splash in streams, and feel like mini-biologists.

Plan at least half a day here because the zoo is massive, and you’ll want to pace yourself between snack breaks and keeper talks. A visit to the San Diego Zoo guarantees the kind of stories your kids will be bragging about at school for weeks.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

A short drive inland brings you to the sprawling San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where 1,800 acres of savannas and trails recreate the feeling of an African adventure. Families can climb aboard the Africa Tram to glide past rhinos, antelope, and elephants roaming freely in wide-open habitats.

Thrill-seekers can upgrade with special tours like the Cart Safari, Cheetah Safari, or even the high-flying Flightline zipline over herds of animals. The park is also a botanical wonderland, featuring lush gardens with over 1.3 million plants that double as shade breaks for tired parents.

With wildlife talks and feeding sessions, kids learn just as much as they gawk, making it both fun and educational. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park transforms a family day out into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Museums and Educational Activities: Top Spots to Spark Curiosity in Kids

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Families hunting for nautical adventures will find the Maritime Museum of San Diego a must on their list of things to do with kids in San Diego. Kids can clamber aboard historic ships like the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing vessel, and even step into a real submarine.

Movie buffs will geek out when they recognize the H.M.S. Surprise, featured in Master and Commander. Located along the waterfront in Downtown San Diego, this museum mixes education with plenty of “wow” factor.

Exhibits cover everything from naval battles to cultural sea stories, keeping curious minds hooked. Plan for at least two hours—you’ll want time to explore every deck and corridor.

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Blast off into aviation history at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, one of the most exciting things to do for kids in San Diego. From replicas of the Wright Brothers’ first flights to futuristic space capsules, the exhibits make science feel like play.

Families can step into simulators to feel the rush of piloting a jet or docking at the International Space Station. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions and special programs, making it one of the top family activities in San Diego for repeat visits.

The hands-on areas mean kids don’t just look—they experience. Expect your little ones to leave with dreams of flying higher than ever.

USS Midway Museum

Docked along the Navy Pier, the USS Midway Museum is a floating aircraft carrier turned interactive museum. It’s one of the most immersive things to do in San Diego with kids, letting families explore over 60 exhibits and 30 restored aircraft.

Kids can climb into cockpits, walk the flight deck, and even try out flight simulators. Self-guided audio tours, available in multiple languages, make history engaging and easy to follow.

Exhibits highlight everything from World War II stories to modern-day naval life. The sheer size of the ship and hands-on activities guarantee memories that will stick long after the trip.

San Diego Natural History Museum

Dino fans and fossil lovers will have a field day at the San Diego Natural History Museum, affectionately called “The Nat.” With four full floors of exhibits ranging from sparkling gems to towering dinosaur skeletons, it’s one of the best things to do for kids in San Diego who are curious about the natural world.

Families can catch a film in the giant-screen theater or peek behind the scenes at the museum’s collections. Younger kids can marvel at real-life specimens like whale bones and desert creatures from Baja.

Seasonal highlights include Fossil Friday workshops, spring break’s “Spring Fling” scavenger hunts, summer’s “Nat at Night” with rooftop stargazing, and fall’s spooky Haunted Museum weekends packed with live creatures and eerie science fun.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Train lovers will light up at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, the largest of its kind in North America. With sprawling layouts that recreate California railroads in miniature, it’s one of the most family friendly destinations in Balboa Park.

The Toy Train Gallery is a hit with younger visitors, while detailed dioramas keep adults impressed. Free admission for kids under 12 makes it a budget win for parents searching for San Diego kids activities.

Volunteers often run the trains and happily share stories, giving the visit a personal touch. Expect to spend about an hour here, but your kids may beg for more time to watch every train chug by.

Reuben H Fleet Science Center

At the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, learning feels just like play thanks to dozens of interactive exhibits. This Balboa Park favorite is packed with San Diego kids activities like building contraptions, experimenting with light and sound, and tinkering in kid-sized labs.

The Kid City section is perfect for little ones, while older kids love testing their skills in hands-on science challenges. Families can also attend one of the center’s astronomy shows in the planetarium, which bring the night sky to life.

On the first Wednesday of each month, free stargazing nights make science accessible to everyone. No matter the age, this museum guarantees both laughter and learning.

Amusement and Entertainment: Thrilling Rides, Theme Parks, and Family Fun

Belmont Park

Step back in time with seaside charm at Belmont Park, San Diego’s historic amusement park on Mission Beach. The star of the show is the Giant Dipper, a classic wooden roller coaster that’s been thrilling families since 1925.

Beyond the big thrills, kids can enjoy bumper cars, arcade games, mini-golf, and even laser tag. Parents love the boardwalk vibes, where shops and snack spots make it easy to pause for funnel cakes or frozen bananas.

With free admission to enter and pay-as-you-go rides, it’s one of the most flexible things to do with kids in San Diego. The mix of old-school nostalgia and modern attractions makes Belmont Park a family favorite for all ages.

LEGOLAND California Resort

At LEGOLAND California Resort, imagination comes to life with over 60 rides, attractions, and shows built around those iconic plastic bricks. Families can test their ninja skills at NINJAGO World, ride the Dragon Coaster through a LEGO castle, or explore Miniland USA with its miniature cities.

Summer visits are extra refreshing thanks to the resort’s water park and the SEA LIFE Aquarium, both included with combo tickets. Kids ages 2–12 are the sweet spot for this park, but adults will still marvel at the creativity behind every corner.

Dining, shopping, and character meet-and-greets round out the experience, making it easy to spend a full day here. For hands-on fun and family bonding, LEGOLAND California Resort is a must on any San Diego itinerary.

Sesame Place® San Diego

Fans of Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster will be in heaven at Sesame Place® San Diego, a theme park designed with younger kids in mind. The park features more than 18 rides, including pint-sized coasters, plus nine water attractions that keep everyone cool in summer.

Live shows, interactive storytime, and the Furry Friends Dance Party add entertainment beyond the rides. Parents appreciate the balance of water fun and dry attractions, meaning there’s something for every mood.

The colorful streets and character meet-and-greets make the park perfect for capturing those frame-worthy family photos. A trip to Sesame Place® San Diego guarantees laughter, squeals, and plenty of memories.

Outdoor Family Activities: Where Kids Can Run, Play, and Discover Nature

La Jolla Cove

Nature lovers flock to La Jolla Cove, where wild sea lions lounge on the rocks just steps from the beach. The calm waters make it a favorite for snorkeling, swimming, and spotting colorful fish, while cliffs above offer postcard-worthy views.

Tide pools around the cove add an educational twist, giving kids a chance to discover starfish and crabs up close. Parking can be tricky, so arrive early or be ready for a short walk.

With its mix of wildlife and beachy charm, La Jolla Cove is as fun as it is scenic. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!

Children’s Pool

For parents searching for free things to do in San Diego with kids, the Children’s Pool is a no-brainer. Originally built as a safe swimming spot for kids, it’s now one of the city’s most famous hangouts for harbor seals and playful sea lions.

Families can watch the animals sunbathe, splash in the water, or bark loudly at each other—basically free entertainment with a marine twist. The seawall makes it easy to get close views without worrying about the tides.

Kids love the up-close encounters, while parents love that it doesn’t cost a dime. The Children’s Pool offers one of the most unique and memorable family photo ops in the city.

Mission Beach

For a mix of sand, surf, and boardwalk thrills, Mission Beach tops the list of things to do in San Diego with kids. Families love the wide sandy shoreline for boogie boarding, volleyball, or simply building the ultimate sandcastle.

The lively boardwalk is lined with shops, bike rentals, and casual eats, keeping everyone fueled between activities. Belmont Park adds rides and games just steps away, creating an all-in-one family friendly outing.

Evening visits are perfect for sunset strolls or grabbing ice cream cones before heading back to the hotel. With so much packed into one destination, Mission Beach is a guaranteed hit for families of all ages.

Scenic Spots: Iconic Views and Family-Friendly Landmarks

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Step into the past at Old Town San Diego, where adobe buildings and wooden sidewalks bring the 1800s back to life. This state historic park lets families explore restored shops, museums, and even a working blacksmith forge.

It’s one of the best free things to do in San Diego for families, offering plenty to see without opening your wallet. Kids love meeting costumed interpreters and sampling Mexican treats from the lively restaurants.

Souvenir shops and cultural festivals add extra fun for repeat visits. History lessons have never been this colorful—or this entertaining.

Cabrillo National Monument

At the southern tip of Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument offers some of the best ocean views in the city. Families can tour the old lighthouse, wander through exhibits, and explore tide pools brimming with marine life.

It’s one of the most rewarding free things to do in San Diego, especially for families who love mixing history with nature. Winter visitors might even spot migrating gray whales from the cliffs.

Hiking trails around the monument give kids room to run while parents soak up the scenery. Don’t forget a camera—this is one of San Diego’s most Instagram-worthy spots.

San Diego Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

One of the easiest ways to explore is with the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley, a sightseeing adventure that makes travel part of the fun. Families can tick off multiple landmarks in one day, from Balboa Park to Coronado, without stressing about parking.

As one of the most flexible things to do in San Diego with kids, it lets parents relax while kids enjoy the ride. Stops run every 30 minutes, so you’ll never feel rushed to explore a favorite spot.

Narrated tours add fun facts that keep everyone engaged. If you’re planning to visit San Diego, this trolley tour is the perfect way to cover a lot of ground stress-free.

Seaport Village

Downtown’s Seaport Village blends waterfront views with charming shops, making it one of the best free kid-friendly things to do in San Diego. Families can enjoy live music, watch street performers, or simply stroll along the bay without spending a dime.

The historic carousel is a budget-friendly ride that keeps little ones smiling. Parents will appreciate the variety of cafes and restaurants when it’s time for a snack break.

Seasonal festivals and art markets make every visit feel unique. This is the perfect low-key stop to recharge between bigger attractions.

Torrey Pines Nature Preserve Park

Hikers and nature lovers flock to Torrey Pines Nature Preserve Park, one of the wildest stretches of Southern California coastline. Families can choose between easy trails like Guy Fleming or more challenging hikes down to the beach.

Along the way, kids will spot rare plants like the namesake Torrey pine, plus breathtaking ocean vistas. The park’s 2,000 acres are packed with rugged cliffs, sandstone formations, and quiet coves.

Parking fills fast, so arrive early or visit during off-peak hours. For a dose of exercise and natural beauty, Torrey Pines Nature Preserve Park delivers every time.

Ready to Pick Your Family’s First Stop?

With so many exciting things to do in San Diego with kids, it’s clear this city was built for unforgettable family adventures. From animal encounters to hands-on museums and beaches made for sandcastles, there’s no shortage of things to do with kids in San Diego.

Planning your San Diego trip is simple when you bundle tickets and activities into vacation packages through Tripster, making it easy to save while keeping everyone entertained. You can also secure the best deals on San Diego attractions and hotels in one convenient place, taking the stress out of organizing your itinerary.

Every memory you create here—from roller coasters to tide pools—will be worth the journey. Start packing now, because San Diego is waiting for your family adventure!

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