San Diego with kids
Sightseeing
Trying to do the San Diego Zoo in one day can be daunting. I recommend hopping on the double decker bus tour first thing, it’ll take you all around the zoo in a half hour or so. From there you can walk back to any of the places that spark interest. We often walk to the back and ride the Skyfari back to the front, the views are amazing and the kids love it. The Skyfari can carry single strollers as well so your stroller can travel back with you. Skyfari is included with admission. Pack lots of snacks and sunblock!
2510 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo DrTrying to do the San Diego Zoo in one day can be daunting. I recommend hopping on the double decker bus tour first thing, it’ll take you all around the zoo in a half hour or so. From there you can walk back to any of the places that spark interest. We often walk to the back and ride the Skyfari back to the front, the views are amazing and the kids love it. The Skyfari can carry single strollers as well so your stroller can travel back with you. Skyfari is included with admission. Pack lots of snacks and sunblock!
Sea world is more of a theme park and has a lot less shade then the zoo so make sure you bring lots of water and sun block. Have kids wear swim suits under clothes and bring extras cause there are lots of places to get wet. Go right when they open cause it does get crowded fast!
1754 locals recommend
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.Sea world is more of a theme park and has a lot less shade then the zoo so make sure you bring lots of water and sun block. Have kids wear swim suits under clothes and bring extras cause there are lots of places to get wet. Go right when they open cause it does get crowded fast!
Lots of fun activities for the kids, a very kid friendly cafe and an outdoor playground. Best for kids ages 2 to 7, older kids might get bored easily.
115 locals recommend
The New Children’s Museum
200 W Island AveLots of fun activities for the kids, a very kid friendly cafe and an outdoor playground. Best for kids ages 2 to 7, older kids might get bored easily.
The fun of Disneyland but much more manageable. Not many food options so pack snacks but it’s a great combo of rides and playground areas. Kids ages 3-9 will enjoy this park the most. Check Groupon for sales on the Legoland resorts, it’s a fun overnight stay. All the rooms are themed and come with legos to take home. This park can easily be done in a day.
1249 locals recommend
LEGOLAND California
One Legoland DrThe fun of Disneyland but much more manageable. Not many food options so pack snacks but it’s a great combo of rides and playground areas. Kids ages 3-9 will enjoy this park the most. Check Groupon for sales on the Legoland resorts, it’s a fun overnight stay. All the rooms are themed and come with legos to take home. This park can easily be done in a day.
Great playground and museums, lots of space to run around and explore even if your kids aren’t into the museums.
3290 locals recommend
Balboa Park
Great playground and museums, lots of space to run around and explore even if your kids aren’t into the museums.
One of our favorite summertime parks. Dress the kids in swimsuits and pack a picnic lunch, this park along the harbor is perfect for free entertainment. Kids will love the fountains that turn on at 11am and the huge playground. Not much shade though so sunblock up! Metered parking is free on Sundays! Underground parking is available and reasonably priced. Gorgeous harbor views for parents to enjoy
114 locals recommend
Waterfront Park
1600 Pacific HwyOne of our favorite summertime parks. Dress the kids in swimsuits and pack a picnic lunch, this park along the harbor is perfect for free entertainment. Kids will love the fountains that turn on at 11am and the huge playground. Not much shade though so sunblock up! Metered parking is free on Sundays! Underground parking is available and reasonably priced. Gorgeous harbor views for parents to enjoy
Gorgeous stadium downtown near the water. Great food and beer available. Often hosts kids fest where kid tickets are cheap and they have jumpy houses and games on the large lawn area just outside the stadium. Don’t expect to make it through a whole game but the experience and food will make it worth it on its own
709 locals recommend
Petco Park
100 Park BlvdGorgeous stadium downtown near the water. Great food and beer available. Often hosts kids fest where kid tickets are cheap and they have jumpy houses and games on the large lawn area just outside the stadium. Don’t expect to make it through a whole game but the experience and food will make it worth it on its own
Traveler advice
Traveling with kids
Gaslamp
Gaslamp is great for couples and night life but not for kids. Busy, dirty and crowded streets make me nervous when my littles are with me. Save this for a night out on the town alone. Message me if you need a babysitter I can give you some contacts we regularly use.