9 Best Kid Friendly Attractions in San Diego

Family fun never ends at theme parks, museums, aquariums, water parks, zoos, and more! These 9 San Diego attractions are beloved by both parents and kids.
Todd Sarouhan
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Fun Kid Attractions at Belmont Park in Mission BeachKids next to Gorilla Statue at the San Diego Zoo

With its abundance of attractions and activities for all ages, there are few better locations for a family vacation than San Diego!

The region’s picturesque beaches are a major draw, with plenty of family-friendly ways to spend the day like swimming, surfing or just building sand castles at the area favorites such as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Mission Bay, and La Jolla.

But while parents might have no problem spending all day relaxing on Southern California shores, we understand that many families have active kids who want to see and do everything San Diego County has to offer. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly activities!

The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido are favorites among animal-loving kids, as are SeaWorld San Diego and the San Diego Botanic Garden. These attractions are best experienced with a Go City San Diego pass, which you can use to score big discounts on admission prices on these and many other kid-friendly spots throughout the city.

If education and inspiration are important to you for your kids even when on a family vacation, San Diego has many opportunities for kids to learn while they play! Visiting a San Diego museum encourages kids to take an active role in their own education and makes learning fun. Introduce your kids to real military history at the USS Midway and Maritime Museum, read about San Diego’s founding at Cabrillo National Monument, and get your kids excited about STEM at Fleet Science Center.

As you prepare your San Diego itinerary, know that each season features a host of fun things for families to do too, like pumpkin picking in October and Christmas activities in December. It’s really a blast to spend the holidays in San Diego but no matter when you visit, the entire family is guaranteed to have an unforgettable time, especially when visiting the best kids’ attractions!

The 9 Best Kid-Friendly Attractions in San Diego

From San Diego’s beautiful shores of La Jolla Cove and Mission Beach to the fun-filled thrills that await at SeaWorld San Diego and the LEGOLAND California Resort, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly activities perfect for vacationing families of all sizes.

Read on to explore our hand selected list of the best attractions in San Diego your kids are sure to love!

Huge Ice Cream at Belmont Park
Huge Ice Cream at Belmont Park

1) Have a Blast at the Historic Belmont Park

San Diego Attractions: Belmont Park
Address:
3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

Boardwalk amusement parks have been a staple of family beach days spent along the coast in San Diego for more than a hundred years!

Once you’ve spent some time among the sand and waves, head to Belmont Park, a historic attraction that dates all the way back to 1925. Belmont Park is a massive playground for kids and their families, complete with rides and games alongside souvenir shops and food stands selling classic fair and carnival treats. Best of all is it right on the beach in Mission Beach.

Relax with your family at the Beach House restaurant, grab some ice cream at Sweet Shoppe, and visit the Plunge, the largest indoor swimming pool in San Diego. The famous Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster awaits for kids who enjoy thrill rides, while options like the carousel and the Belmont Express train ensure younger kids can have a fun time too.

There’s lots to do at Belmont Park with kids and that’s why it makes our grand list of the Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids. If you have a little extra time during your trip, you might even want to come back to the park for multiple days. The most cost-effective way to do so is with the park’s ride and play combo pass which is part of the All-inclusive version of the Go City San Diego pass. Use our affiliate discount code, GVSD5OFF, for additional savings!

Plus, the Go City San Diego pass also nets you access to other popular activities around the city, from admission to The New Children's Museum to kayak rentals.

Visit Belmont Park
Big Bird at Sesame Place San Diego
Big Bird at Sesame Place San Diego

2) Meet Elmo at Sesame Place

San Diego Attractions: Sesame Place San Diego
Address:
2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911

If your kids are fans of Sesame Street, then Sesame Place is a must-see attraction. Recently converted from a park by the name of Aquatica, the magic of 123 Sesame Street is now brought to life, with the chance to meet beloved characters like Cookie Monster, Grover, Oscar the Grouch, and of course, Elmo!

Not only will children love it, but character meet-and-greets also make for perfect photo ops for parents looking to capture fond memories they’ll look back on for years to come.

Sesame Place is filled with setpieces straight from the show, from the titular neighborhood to iconic spots like Hooper’s Store and Big Bird’s Nest. Parades, live shows, and dance parties take place every day. There are also amusement and water park rides for kids of all ages, including water slides, a lazy river, and some thrill rides.

With its kid-friendly atmosphere and endless opportunities for interactive fun, Sesame Place is an easy choice for our list of the Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids.

Visit Sesame Place
Birch Aquarium Kids Shark Photo Booth
Birch Aquarium Kids Shark Photo Booth

3) Interact with Sea Life at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps

San Diego Attractions: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Address:
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

La Jolla is best known for its abundance of surfing beaches, including the excellent Scripps beach. Some vacationers might be interested in taking a surfing lesson or renting a surfboard and hitting the waves, but if your kids aren’t quite old enough to surf yet, they can still have a blast at the interactive Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

The aquarium is home to hundreds of species of tropical fish, sharks, turtles, penguins, and other marine life. Exhibits like the interactive touch tanks in the Tide Pool Plaza let kids get hands-on experience with their nautical neighbors.

In addition to being a fun family activity, visiting the aquarium is an excellent opportunity for your kids to learn outside of the classroom. Exhibit signage teaches visitors about the natural habitats of marine mammals, as well as local environmental and conservationist efforts. This blending of education and entertainment makes a visit to Birch Aquarium truly special.

With a Go City San Diego pass, your visit doesn’t have to break the bank either. Grab a pass for discounted admission to the aquarium plus many other attractions perfect for animal lovers like the San Diego Zoo or a whale watching trip.

Visit Birch Aquarium
Beautiful Flowers with a Tractor at the Flower Fields in Carlsbad
Beautiful Flowers with a Tractor at the Flower Fields in Carlsbad

4) Watch Beautiful Flowers Bloom at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch (Seasonal)

San Diego Popular Events: The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Address:
5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008

San Diego is home to many farms and ranches, but none are quite as inviting as Carlsbad Ranch. Stroll with your family through the fields in the spring to be surrounded by stunning floral blooms, or take a wagon ride with your kids for a tour of the ranch.

This is one of the few places where you can see rolling fields of Tecolote Giant Ranunculus, a gorgeous strain of buttercup native to Asia. Bring home a fresh-cut flower to commemorate the experience, and take plenty of pictures of the kids with the ranch’s idyllic backdrop.

Other activities offered to visiting families include picking blueberries, sifting for gems at the Carlsbad Mining Company, playing on the playground, and solving the Sweet Pea Maze!

Carlsbad Ranch is open to visitors starting in March every year, as the flowers only bloom for about six to eight weeks in the spring. The best time to visit is typically between late March and early May. If you’re planning to visit another time, check out our article on the seasons in San Diego for more information about the city at different times of year.

Visit The Flower Fields
Kids Admiring the Lego Knight at Legoland California
Kids Admiring the Lego Knight at Legoland California

5) Get Lost in All Things LEGOs at LEGOLAND California

San Diego Attractions: LEGOLAND® California
Address:
One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008

LEGO is one of the biggest brands in kids’ toys today. If your child is a fan, or if you’re just looking for somewhere fun to spend the day with your younger kids, the LEGOLAND California park in Carlsbad is a great choice!

LEGOLAND California has everything you could ask for in a theme park, from live performances and LEGO character meet-and-greets to dozens of themed rides, and of course, plenty of opportunities for kids to get creative and build their own LEGO creations! Head over to the LEGOLAND Water Park to cool down on slides and splash pads, or visit the park’s SEA LIFE Aquarium.

If you’re looking to upgrade your experience to the next level, why not stay right next to the park? Our team’s picks for the best hotels near LEGOLAND include the immersive LEGOLAND California Hotel and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel, which are located right by the park entrance, plus other close options like the budget-friendly Quality Inn Encinitas Near LEGOLAND and West Inn & Suites, which offers guests LEGOLAND California park packages.

Visit LEGOLAND
Kids next to Gorilla Statue at the San Diego Zoo
Kids next to Gorilla Statue at the San Diego Zoo

6) Explore the World-Famous San Diego Zoo

San Diego Attractions: San Diego Zoo
Address:
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Even people who have never set foot on the West Coast have likely heard of the San Diego Zoo, and with good reason! This is one of the best zoos to take kids to in the whole country, especially if you have young animal lovers at home. Located in the heart of Balboa Park it is a sight not to be missed.

The animals are the main attraction at the San Diego Zoo. From exotic species from around the globe to California natives, the zoo is sure to have your child’s favorite animal, many of which roam in open-air exhibits that are integrated into the park to provide an enriching experience for both the animals and the guests.

The San Diego Zoo also contributes to numerous conservation efforts and wildlife rehabilitation programs. Alongside the zoo’s educational and interactive shows, this is a great way to encourage an appreciation of nature in kids of all ages.

As one of the premiere attractions in San Diego, don’t forget to grab a Go City San Diego pass before you visit which will allow you to skip the ticket lines upon arrival. With an All-inclusive pass, you’ll also receive admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido alongside over 50 more local attractions!

Visit The San Diego Zoo
Beluga Whales Being Fed at SeaWorld San Diego
Beluga Whales Being Fed at SeaWorld San Diego

7) Enjoy Thrilling Rides, Live Shows, and Marine Life at SeaWorld San Diego

San Diego Attractions: SeaWorld San Diego
Address:
500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109

Looking for more animal encounters for your family in San Diego? Look no further than SeaWorld San Diego.

SeaWorld is filled with rides and other attractions suitable for kids of any age. Some rides are tailored for young children, such as the Octarock swing and Tidepool Twist, while others like the floorless dive coaster Emperor and the immersive Journey to Atlantis are great for older kids.

The park’s biggest claim to fame is its marine life exhibits. See exciting live shows starring the park’s dolphins, orcas, sea lions, and otters. Attractions like Sea Lion Point and Explorer’s Reef Touch Pools are interactive, letting kids learn through hands-on experience with sea creatures.

Animal experiences are also part of the SeaWorld San Diego experience. These allow everyone in the family to swim with dolphins, feed penguins, see walruses up close, and much more. Some experiences are ticketed separately, but like so many of the best attractions in San Diego for kids and families, you can minimize admission costs with a Go City San Diego pass.

Visit SeaWorld San Diego
The Front of the USS Midway Museum As Seen from a Boat
The Front of the USS Midway Museum As Seen from a Boat

8) Take a Self-Guided Tour of the USS Midway Museum

San Diego Area Museums: USS Midway Museum San Diego
Address:
910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

San Diego is full of history, from the storied streets of Old Town San Diego to the shores of Point Loma. Among the city’s most famous landmarks is the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, which currently resides permanently docked on the San Diego Bay in Embarcadero. The USS Midway once saw active military use, though today it has been repurposed to house the USS Midway Museum.

You and your family will learn about the history of this famous naval ship as you tour its decks, from the key role it played during the Cold War in 1946 to its final missions during the 1990s. Also, be sure to stop by the Battle of Midway Theater to watch the Voices of Midway film.

Admission to the USS Midway Museum includes a self-guided audio tour you can access from your phone. You can walk through this floating museum at your own pace as you listen to tales from the past and learn what life was like for military members stationed on the ship during its operation.

The ship’s Flight Deck houses real aircrafts, while below decks you’ll find exhibits on the crew’s quarters. The museum also features flight simulators that put you right in the action.

Visit the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

9) Marvel at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Balboa Park Museums: San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Address:
1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

When we were kids, we loved stringing together a railroad through the living room and taking our toy trains for a ride!

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is a unique museum that we think your family will really love! The exhibits explain the history of Southern California’s railroad networks and the trains that enabled westward expansion. You’ll get to watch to-scale model trains and railroad tracks that carefully recreate beloved landmarks like Downtown San Diego and the Carlsbad Flower Fields.

The museum’s permanent exhibits include dioramas of the Tehachapi Pass, Pacific Desert Lines, Cabrilo Southwestern rails, and more. It’s a train-lover’s dream come true, but it’s also plenty of fun for anyone who wants to learn about the history of the area and how San Diego developed during the age of the Transcontinental Railroad.

In addition to its permanent displays, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum also has a rotating exhibit that changes every few months, so there’s always something new to see. Swing by the gift shop to grab a commemorative keepsake, from children’s books and conductors hats to plushies of the museum’s friendly mascot, Butch the Locomotive.

The Model Railroad Museum offers free admission for kids 12 and under and discounts through the Go City San Diego pass, making this one of the most affordable activities for large families!

Visit the San Diego Model Railroad Museum
FUN with Go Pass!
Belmont Park Ride and Play Pass
Belmont Park Ride and Play Pass
Enjoy a day of FUN with your All-Inclusive Go City Pass San Diego! Belmont Park is a beachfront amusement park with thrilling roller coasters, games and activities! You can also jump on the zip line or play mini-golf. Don't forget to peep the view!
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Local Tips
Who can use a Go City San Diego pass?

Adults and children (ages 3 to 12) can use the Go City San Diego pass – All-Inclusive or Explorer pass – to visit the area’s top attractions and activities.

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Local Tips for Exploring the Best Kid Friendly Attractions in San Diego

What Are the Most Affordable San Diego Kids Activities?

You don’t have to break the bank to have a good time in the area with your kids!

If you happen to visit in the fall, many attractions offer free admission on Kids Free San Diego days in October. Additionally, our list of Free Things to Do in San Diego with Kids is a great place to start if you’re looking for budget-friendly options.

We always recommend a day at one of the area beaches or time exploring the tide pools as these are free activities. Balboa Park and Old Town are also a great ways to spend the day in San Diego with your family. You can also visit one of San Diego’s best malls, stroll through Seaport Village or along the boardwalk for an incredible sunset.

Getting Go City San Diego passes for your family before you arrive is another insider tip which opens up the options to everything from the San Diego Zoo and Living Coast Discovery Center to the kid favorite Museum of Making Music plus so much more, all at a discount from standard admission prices!

What San Diego Hotels are Best for Families?

San Diego offers numerous kid-friendly hotels near popular attractions like those near the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND California.

Our Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in San Diego article is another helpful resource for parents.

Popular Activities

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
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The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
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USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
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PETCO Park Tour
PETCO Park Tour
$22 per person
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LEGOLAND California Hotel
Legoland California Hotel
Beaches
Beaches
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Families
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Golf
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Experience themed rooms with treasure hunts, a kid-centric hotel with nearby attractions, and, of course, EVERYTHING LEGO at the LEGOLAND California Resort.
Prices Starting at $249
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Tours & Adventures
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
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The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
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