Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

Aquariums offer kids a peek underwater so they can learn about the fish, sharks, whales, and other marine life living off the Pacific Ocean coast and around the world. If your kids are animal enthusiasts, a trip to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps is sure to delight.

See huge tanks filled with brightly-colored fish, visit the Tide Pool Plaza and touch tanks for more hands-on fun, and even watch a feeding of the Birch Aquarium’s famous little blue penguins. With a Go City San Diego pass, get admission to the museum and schedule a snorkeling tour afterward to see these creatures in their natural habitat, all for a discounted rate!

The beaches of San Diego County just can’t be beat, especially when you’re looking for fun activities to do with your kids. One of the area’s best kid-friendly beaches is North Pacific Beach, thanks to its wide, sandy shores with plenty of space to build sandcastles and play in the surf.

North Pacific Beach has excellent surfing conditions for beginners, so consider signing up for some lessons and renting a surfboard for discounted rates with the Go City San Diego pass. It’s also bordered by the Pacific Beach Boardwalk so families can keep the fun going after a day in the sun.

If you’re vacationing on a budget, skip the aquarium and head down to the beach instead. Many of San Diego’s rockier beaches may not be well-suited to sunbathing and playing in the sand, but these same conditions allow for tide pools to form.

Kids can take a peek inside the ocean when they stand at the edge of tide pools and observe the sea creatures within. Both the La Jolla Tide Pools and the pools at Marine Street Beach are free to visit and observe. Just be sure to visit during low tide for the best chances of seeing marine life.

South Beach, also called Coronado Shores Beach, is a beloved swimming beach along the coastline of Coronado Island. Home to the iconic Hotel del Coronado, this beach also goes by another nickname from the locals: Shipwreck Beach.

The name comes from the remains of a real wrecked ship that lies offshore. Once used as an offshore casino, the SS Monte Carlo was never claimed or moved from the spot where it wrecked. During high tide the ship is usually hidden, but if you visit during low tide in the Winter, you’ll have the best chances of spotting this little piece of history.

Visiting the San Diego Zoo is a top five family-friendly attraction in San Diego on almost every list you’ll find, including mine! My family visits all the time and I can say that it’s especially fun if you have animal loving kids.

In October, up to six kids from 3 to 11 years old can visit for free with an accompanying paid adult, allowing them to enjoy all of the incredible animals and habitats without needing to pay for their tickets.

You can also double up a bit by planning to visit during a weekend evening in October to join in on the annual HalGLOWeen celebration, which has kid-friendly performances and themed animal shows. Most special attractions can be enjoyed by all ages, even adults!

The Kids Free in San Diego program makes it all the sweeter to visit SeaWorld San Diego in October. Kids 12 and under can enter the park for free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

The park is known for its marine wildlife, live animal shows, and interactive animal encounters, but also features roller coasters, water rides, and carousels. It’s not uncommon to hear live music, see circus performers, light shows, and more.

Like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego also holds an annual all age Halloween event on weekends for no additional charge. Halloween Spooktacular includes a trick-or-treat candy trail, pumpkin patch, scavenger hunt, pirate sea shanty band and more. I think it’s a special, not-so-spooky treat for families visiting in the fall!

La Jolla is renowned for its massive surfing scene, but if your kids aren’t ready to try riding waves just yet, you can still have fun in the ocean. Rent a kayak with a Go City San Diego pass discount and explore the unique sea caves that dot the shoreline.

La Jolla’s sea caves are natural formations that are best seen up close from a kayak. Consider booking a tour, or do a self-guided trip if you’d rather go at your own pace.

Each year, blue and gray whales pass by San Diego’s coast during their migration seasons. Taking a whale watching tour and seeing these marine giants for yourself as they pass right by the boat is an unforgettable experience, especially for kids.

On the voyage, you’ll learn interesting facts from the captain’s narration while also getting to look out over the natural beauty of the San Diego Bay. The whole family is sure to have a whale of a time!

Revisit the classic diner aesthetic of the 50s at Corvette Diner, where you can step back in time while you enjoy your meal. Put a quarter in the jukebox and enjoy a malted milkshake, whether you’re old enough to remember when these diners were everywhere or you simply love the retro interior.

In addition to comfort foods and a kid’s menu, Corvette Diner houses its own arcade with dozens of different games. Machines range from golden oldies like air hockey and skee ball to boardwalk favorites, with a little something for guests of all generations.

If you’re craving authentic Mexican with plenty of kid-friendly options on the menu, San Diego has the ultimate spot for you and your family! Head down to Mission Beach to grab lunch at the La Playa Taco Shop, which serves up some of the best tacos this side of the border.

If you’re not craving tacos, choose from their selection of burritos, quesadillas, and more. This is the ideal place to swing by and refuel before heading out on more adventures with the family, or to grab some takeout to enjoy later with a picnic in the park or while overlooking the coastline at the beach.

We’re always looking for unique experiences for our kids and this makes the list as one of our personal favorites!

Visiting the San Diego Zoo is tons of fun day or night. While most people only visit during the daytime, the zoo becomes a different beast once the sun goes down. Watch nocturnal animals at play, walk lamplit paths, and listen to live music, all while introducing kids to the majesty of the animal kingdom.

The Nighttime Zoo is held from late May to early September each year. If you’re planning on visiting another time, a trip to the San Diego Zoo is still worth it, especially if you’ve got an All-inclusive Go City San Diego pass.

If you’re looking for a nighttime activity that’s fun and practically free, this is a hometown favorite you should consider. Setting up a campfire at the beach is an excellent family-friendly activity, especially when s’mores are involved! Seeing sunny beaches transform under moonlight is an unforgettable sight for all ages.

There are many San Diego beaches that allow for campfires, but some of the best can be found in Mission Bay. Beaches like Vacation Isle Park are free and you can use the fire pits located along the bay, so all you need to bring is a bag of marshmallows.

Other excellent spots for an evening visit include Crown Point Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Mission Point Park.

Many people head to Point Loma for whale watching and to spend time surfing and watching the tide pools at its beaches. You can easily spend your entire vacation in this area, but even if you’re not planning on staying nearby, it’s worth a visit for the hiking trails.

Heading up the trails at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is an unbeatable experience, especially if you manage to time your visit just right. There are few better views of the sunset in all of San Diego than from the Point Loma cliffside, so be sure to bring a camera.

Known for its gorgeous natural landscapes and picturesque sunsets, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a stunning natural playground filled with plant and animal life, from its namesake Torrey pines to the dozens of bird species that nest in the park.

While Torrey Pines has its fair share of more challenging trails, there are also multiple options that are accessible for younger children. One of the easiest is the Guy Fleming Trail, which is less than a mile in length. If you’re up to the challenge, a family photo at either the North or South Overlooks can’t be beat!

Kids interested in science and engineering are sure to appreciate a visit to the San Diego Air and Space Museum. At this museum, they can learn about the history of flight, from the Wright brothers’ first gliders to the jets and spacecraft of the modern age.

No visit is complete without watching a movie in the Air and Space Museum’s 4D movie theater, which plays a rotating selection of all-ages documentaries. Moving chairs and special effects will leave you feeling like you’re really traveling through the skies and deep space, all while learning about the world.

If you’re looking for an engaging way to teach kids about military history, the USS Midway Museum is one of the best and most notable spots for this in San Diego.

Not only can kids watch a movie about the battle that gave the ship its name and learn from the exhibits, they’ll also have the truly unique experience of getting to climb aboard the real, enormous, retired aircraft carrier that houses the museum!

Located in the harbor in Embarcadero, the USS Midway Museum features an array of real military aircrafts on the hangar and flight decks. There’s even a flight simulator, offering an immersive experience beloved by guests of all ages.

No trip to the beach is complete without visiting the boardwalk. If you’re headed to Mission Beach, set some time aside to go to Belmont Park, an oceanfront amusement park that dates all the way back to 1925. The park is filled with rides, games, and sweet treats served daily at the Sweet Shoppe.

Like many of San Diego’s best attractions, Belmont Park is even better with a Go City San Diego pass! Grab a Ride & Play Pass for endless thrills, both within Belmont Park and at dozens of other spots around the city.

There’s no better place to take a Sesame Street fan than Chula Vista, home to one of San Diego’s newest parks, Sesame Place. Here, all your kids’ favorite characters from the TV screen come to life. Walk through a recreation of the show’s famous neighborhood, take photos with costumed characters, watch live shows, and join in a dancing parade!

Sesame Place also has regular themed rides and water park rides, with options for kids of all ages. Older kids can enjoy water slides and thrill rides, while younger ones can play at the splash pad. There's sure to be a little something for every member of your family at Sesame Place.