Weekend Wild · United States
San Diego with kids
San Diego blends world-class wildlife, theme parks, beaches, museums, waterfront play, and easy outdoor adventures into one of America's strongest family destinations.
Family activities
San Diego Zoo
Explore one of the world's most famous zoos, home to over 12,000 animals, beautiful walking trails, the Skyfari aerial tram, and fantastic play areas. Plan to spend a full day here.
Zoos · All ages · Full day · Paid
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Take a safari adventure through expansive habitats where giraffes, rhinos, elephants, and lions roam. It's a completely different experience from the zoo and well worth another day.
Zoos · All ages · Full day · Paid
SeaWorld San Diego
Watch dolphins, sea lions and orcas, meet marine animals up close, enjoy thrilling rides, and cool off in splash zones that kids love.
Marine Life · All ages · Full day · Paid
Birch Aquarium
Discover California's marine life through colorful aquariums, interactive exhibits, tide pools, penguins, and incredible ocean views overlooking La Jolla.
Aquariums · All ages · 2-3 hours · Paid
Living Coast Discovery Center
Walk peaceful nature trails while meeting sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, and native California wildlife in a smaller, easy-to-explore setting.
Wildlife Centers · All ages · 2-3 hours · Paid
Children's Pool Beach
Watch dozens of seals and sea lions lounging on the beach from nearby viewing areas, one of San Diego's cutest wildlife experiences.
Wildlife Viewing · All ages · 30-60 minutes · Free
La Jolla Cove
Spot sea lions, snorkel in crystal-clear water, explore sea caves, or simply enjoy one of Southern California's most beautiful beaches.
Beaches · All ages · 1-3 hours · Free
Cabrillo National Monument
Explore dramatic coastal cliffs, fascinating tide pools, panoramic ocean views, and learn about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's historic landing.
Landmarks · All ages · 2-3 hours · Paid
LEGOLAND California Resort
Designed especially for families with children aged 2-12, LEGOLAND features over 60 rides, LEGO cities, interactive attractions, and endless hands-on fun.
Theme Parks · Ages 2-12 · Full day · Paid
SEA LIFE Aquarium
Walk through underwater tunnels, touch sea creatures, and discover sharks, rays, jellyfish, and colorful tropical fish right next to LEGOLAND.
Aquariums · All ages · 1-2 hours · Paid
LEGOLAND Water Park
Splash through water slides, lazy rivers, and LEGO-themed play structures, perfect on warm San Diego afternoons.
Water Parks · Ages 2-12 · Half day · Paid
Belmont Park
Ride the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, play arcade games, race go-karts, tackle laser tag, and enjoy classic seaside amusement park fun.
Amusement Parks · All ages · 2-4 hours · Paid
Sesame Place San Diego
Meet Elmo and friends, enjoy gentle rides, water attractions, live shows, and plenty of toddler-friendly entertainment.
Theme Parks · Toddlers-elementary · Half day · Paid
Old Town Trolley Tour
Hop on and off at San Diego's top attractions while learning fun facts about the city, an easy way to explore without lots of walking.
Tours · All ages · 2-4 hours · Paid
USS Midway Museum
Step aboard one of America's longest-serving aircraft carriers and explore real fighter jets, helicopters, flight simulators, and life at sea.
Museums · Ages 5+ · 2-4 hours · Paid
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Climb aboard historic sailing ships, submarines, and tall ships while learning about San Diego's rich maritime history.
Museums · Ages 4+ · 2-3 hours · Paid
San Diego SEAL Tour
Travel by both land and water aboard an amphibious vehicle that's part bus and part boat, a huge hit with kids.
Tours · All ages · 90 minutes · Paid
Coronado Ferry
Take a short ferry ride across San Diego Bay for beautiful skyline views and a fun transportation adventure.
Boat Rides · All ages · 30-60 minutes · Paid
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Watch hundreds of miniature trains wind through detailed landscapes in one of the world's largest indoor model railroad exhibits.
Museums · All ages · 1-2 hours · Paid
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Discover historic aircraft, space exploration, flight simulators, and interactive exhibits that inspire future pilots and astronauts.
Museums · Ages 5+ · 1-2 hours · Paid
Fleet Science Center
Experiment with hundreds of interactive science exhibits designed to encourage curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Science Museums · All ages · 2-3 hours · Paid
The New Children's Museum
A giant interactive art playground where children can climb, build, create, paint, and let their imaginations run wild.
Children's Museums · Toddlers-elementary · 2-3 hours · Paid
San Diego Natural History Museum
Meet dinosaurs, fossils, giant skeletons, and fascinating exhibits exploring Southern California's wildlife and geology.
Museums · All ages · 1-2 hours · Paid
Museum of Us
Discover world cultures, ancient civilizations, and fascinating human history through engaging exhibits suitable for older children.
Museums · Ages 7+ · 1-2 hours · Paid
Comic-Con Museum
Celebrate superheroes, comics, animation, gaming, cosplay, and pop culture with interactive exhibits and rotating displays.
Museums · Ages 6+ · 1-2 hours · Paid
Mingei International Museum
Explore beautiful folk art, crafts, textiles, and handmade objects from cultures around the world.
Museums · Ages 7+ · 1-2 hours · Paid
San Diego Automotive Museum
See classic cars, racing vehicles, motorcycles, and automotive history in a museum that car-loving kids will enjoy.
Museums · Ages 5+ · 1-2 hours · Paid
Museum of Making Music
Try musical instruments, explore music history, and discover how instruments have evolved over the decades.
Museums · All ages · 1-2 hours · Paid
Whaley House Museum
Visit one of America's most famous historic homes, known for its fascinating stories and reputation as one of the country's most haunted houses.
Historic Sites · Ages 8+ · 1 hour · Paid
Balboa Park
Spend an entire day exploring beautiful gardens, playgrounds, museums, fountains, walking paths, and family-friendly attractions in San Diego's cultural heart.
Parks · All ages · Half day · Free
Balboa Park Carousel
Ride a beautifully restored 1910 carousel featuring hand-carved animals that generations of children have loved.
Classic Rides · Toddlers-elementary · 30-60 minutes · Paid
Spanish Village Art Center
Wander colorful courtyards while local artists create paintings, pottery, jewelry, and handmade crafts.
Art Centers · All ages · 1-2 hours · Free
Mission Bay Park
Enjoy miles of waterfront bike paths, sandy beaches, picnic areas, playgrounds, paddleboarding, and calm swimming areas.
Parks · All ages · Half day · Free
Torrey Pines Guy Fleming Trail
A short ocean-view trail in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve with rare pines, cliffs, and big scenery that works best with steady shoes and close supervision.
Kid-Friendly Trails · Ages 5+ · 2-3 hours · Paid
Check tickets, hours, parking, and timed-entry rules before you go.
Choose a short section first and save longer loops for older kids or cooler weather.
Check current trail conditions, bathrooms, parking, dog rules, and weather before you go.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Walk
A dramatic coastal walk with wave views, sunset energy, and short out-and-back options; keep kids well back from cliff edges and rough water.
Kid-Friendly Trails · All ages · 1-2 hours · Free
Check current hours, parking, restroom access, and weather before you go.
Choose a short section first and save longer loops for older kids or cooler weather.
Check current trail conditions, bathrooms, parking, dog rules, and weather before you go.
Mission Trails Regional Park Family Trail
Choose a short family section from the visitor center area for native plants, wildlife spotting, and mountain views without committing to a long hike.
Kid-Friendly Trails · All ages · 2-3 hours · Free
Check current hours, parking, restroom access, and weather before you go.
Choose a short section first and save longer loops for older kids or cooler weather.
Check current trail conditions, bathrooms, parking, dog rules, and weather before you go.
Visit information for Mission Trails Regional Park Family Trail
Kate Sessions Park
Relax with picnic areas, open grassy fields, playgrounds, and incredible panoramic views across Mission Bay.
Playgrounds · All ages · 1-2 hours · Free
Waterfront Park
Run through giant splash fountains, climb modern playground equipment, and enjoy wide-open lawns beside San Diego Harbor.
Playgrounds · All ages · 1-2 hours · Free
Liberty Station
Explore parks, playgrounds, local shops, public art, restaurants, and one of San Diego's best family-friendly gathering places.
Parks · All ages · 2-3 hours · Free
Coronado Beach
Build sandcastles on wide golden beaches, splash in gentle waves, and admire the iconic Hotel del Coronado nearby.
Beaches · All ages · Half day · Free
La Jolla Shores
One of San Diego's most family-friendly beaches with calm water, soft sand, playgrounds, kayaking, and beginner-friendly surfing.
Beaches · All ages · Half day · Free
Mission Beach
A lively beach with a long boardwalk, volleyball courts, bike rentals, Belmont Park, and plenty of family entertainment.
Beaches · All ages · Half day · Free
Del Mar Beach
A quieter stretch of coastline perfect for relaxing beach days, swimming, picnics, and scenic walks.
Beaches · All ages · Half day · Free
Moonlight State Beach
Enjoy playgrounds, beach volleyball, picnic facilities, fire pits, and easy access for families with young children.
Beaches · All ages · Half day · Free
Ocean Beach Tide Pools
Search for crabs, sea stars, anemones, and tiny marine creatures in fascinating tide pools during low tide.
Tide Pools · All ages · 1-2 hours · Free
La Jolla Kayak Tour
Paddle along dramatic cliffs, explore sea caves, and look for sea lions, leopard sharks, and colorful marine life.
Water Activities · Ages 6+ · 2-3 hours · Paid
Mission Bay Bike Path
Cycle around flat waterfront paths with beautiful views, parks, playgrounds, and plenty of picnic stops.
Biking · All ages · 1-3 hours · Free
Coronado Bike Rentals
Ride bikes along scenic coastal paths past beaches, parks, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.
Biking · All ages · 1-3 hours · Paid
Belmont Park Mini Golf
Challenge the family to a fun round of mini golf before enjoying rides, arcade games, or ice cream nearby.
Mini Golf · All ages · 1-2 hours · Paid
The Plunge
Splash, swim, and play in San Diego's historic indoor heated swimming pool that's perfect year-round.
Swimming · All ages · 1-2 hours · Paid
Check current opening times, prices, and booking requirements with the venue before setting out.
