Kid Friendly San Diego
In January 2018 we moved to San Diego, California with our two kids! We were so excited to explore our new sunny hometown. From the ocean to farmers’ markets to hiking trails and beyond there is SO much to do in San Diego with Kids.
I frequently get asked what the best or must-do things are in San Diego with families that are visiting. The answer is really that there is SO much to do with kids in San Diego.
50+ Kid Friendly Things to do with Kids in San Diego
Below is our top (and growing) list of things to do with kids in San Diego. It is divided into activity type to hopefully help you find the best things to suit your family’s interests.
Beaches + Tide Pools + Boating
Beaches are a must in San Diego. There are enough that you could go to a different one every day of your visit.
Go to the beach. Or lots of beaches.
- Law Street Beach in Pacific Beach is one of our favorite spots to boogie board and the boardwalk has fun places to eat.
- Coronado’s North Beach is beautiful and has calmer waves that are great for younger kids.
- Mission Bay is extra calm. The park on Fanuel has a small playground and beach that is perfect for tots.
Other Water Fun in San Diego:
- Paddle board and Kayak in Mission Bay.
- Hunt for Sand Dollars in Mission Bay.
- Watch the Seals at Children’s Pool Beach in La Jolla
- Explore tide pools in La Jolla, Point Loma, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, and Shell Beach November-March
- Go Whale Watching in Mid-Dec-April to see Gray Whales.
- Kayak the Sea Caves at La Jolla Shores Beach
- Watch the Sunset from Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Hiking + Biking
Favorite Family Hiking Spots
- Hike at Torrey Pines State Park to the Del Mar Beach.
When people come to visit, this is our go-to place to take them. The views are stunning, it’s not a far drive, and while the hike uphill is a little strenuous, there are trails that are 100% doable for all ages.
- Hike in Mission Trails Regional Park.
- Also see below for a longer drive, day trip hiking spot that is one of our absolute favorites.
- Walk across the Suspension Bridge located down the street from First Avenue and Spruce Street.
- Hike Annie’s Canyon Trail.
The trail head is at the end of N Rios Ave. Park on the street and then walk about a half mile to the Canyon. Climb through the canyon’s gorgeous rock formations.
Best Family Bike Riding Spots
- Biking the Strand on Coronado is ideal for families. It’s flat, straight, and you don’t have to deal with traffic.
- Bike Ride the Boardwalk between Pacific Beach and Mission Beach (3m total) or along Mission Bay. Either is fun and smooth, but avoid them during peak hours on weekends and summer days because there is a lot of foot traffic that it can be hard to navigate around.
Playgrounds + Parks
San Diego has fun playgrounds and parks all over the city. This is a town that loves to be outside.
- Splash at Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park sits right on the water. It has a fun playground and fountain to splash in on warm summer days. It’s not far from Little Italy, the Midway Museum or anything downtown.
- Bonita Cove & Belmont Park
Right on Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean this part of San Diego can get crazy busy on the weekends, but if crowds don’t detour you or you’re able to go on a weekday morning then this is one of our favorite spots. Belmont Park is a small theme park that sits on the boardwalk, across the street from that is an awesome playground remodeled in 2020 that is huge and so much fun for all ages.
- Liberty Station
Liberty Station in Point Loma isn’t exactly a park, it’s an old Navy base that’s been converted into park/housing/shops. There are some great restaurants and often fun events, like ice skating in the winter. We love to pick food at the indoors Liberty Public Market and eat and linger at the playground a few blocks away.
- Stop & Play at Civita Park
Civita Park is tucked into a little planned community and it’s one of our favorite parks in San Diego. My kids love the Civita Park Playground which has lots of equipment for climbing (are you picking up on the fact that I have little monkeys?), swings, slides, and gardens to wander through as well. Civita Park isn’t far from the 8 so it’s an easy one to stop at on the way to and from things when we have time.
- Play at Kellogg Park in La Jolla
This is another one, like Fanuel Park on Mission Bay, that sits right on the water. This one sits on the ocean at La Jolla Shores. It’s a smaller beach, but gorgeous.
- Play at Kit Carson Park and Visit the Sculpture Garden.
I like to sneak this in after the Safari Park if my kids aren’t exhausted. The playground is decent but it’s Queen Califia’s Magical Circle that’s worth the trip. This is a sculpture garden that’s seriously unique. My kids love running around looking at it from different angles. It’s not huge, but a super fun stop for a little art.
- Play at Encinitas Community Park in Encinitas
If you’re up in Encinitas, this is a super fun playground. Huge, with lots of fun things to climb. Moonlight Beach also has a playground waterfront that’s another good option.
- Other playgrounds we’ve loved are; Carmel Creek Neighborhood Park and Kate Sessions Park – don’t miss the view!
Attractions
- Visit the San Diego Zoo
- Go to Safari Park in Escondido
This is the lesser known half of the San Diego Zoo but it is awesome. The highlight is a safari ride around an open safari area.
Spend the Day at Balboa Park visiting the many museums. These are our favorites for families:
- For a full guide, read my In Depth Look at Balboa Park for Families
- Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art
- Fleet Science Center
- San Diego Natural History Museum
- San Diego Model Railway Museum
- San Diego Air and Space Museum
Other San Diego Attractions & Museums:
- Board the USS Midway Museum
- Visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography
- Visit the Living Coast Discovery Center
DEAL ALERT! You can save up to 50% on a lot of these attractions with GoCity passes. If you’re planning to do more than one of these spots, definitely check it out. Learn more here.
- Create art and play at the New Children’s Museum
- Visit Sea World
- Ride the Rides at Belmont Park
- Visit Legoland
- Listen to a Bayside Summer Nights concert.
- Play Mini-Golf in Del Mar at Pelly’s Mini Golf
Explore History
- Get your passports stamped at Cabrillo National Monument and Old Point Loma Lighthouse
- Go to Old Poway Park early on a Saturday morning
- Visit the Wells Fargo Museum
- Visit the Seaport Village
- Visit Old Town
Farms + Farmers’ Markets + Gardens
- Go to a Farmers’ Market such as the one in Little Italy on Saturdays or the Pacific Beach one on Tuesday evenings
- Visit the San Diego Botanic Garden or the Japanese Friendship Garden
- Visit Carlsbad Flower Fields
- Go to a Pumpkin Patch (like Bates Nut Farm) and/or Corn Maze
Eating with Kids
- Devour ice cream sandwiches at Big Bear in Pacific Beach (pictured above) one block off Mission Beach.
- Go to a Kid Friendly Brewery like Chuck Ale K, Stone Brewing, or Lady Ale House)
- Eat at Liberty Station – something for everyone.
Liberty Station has a huge variety of food in it’s market. Bring your choices outside to each and then hang out while the kids play on the playground.
- Eat Tacos at Tacos el Gordo or a million other amazing taco shops.
- Eat at Breakfast Republic in Ocean Beach for delicious Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Make S’mores at Coronado Central Beach
- Watch the Sunset from Scripp’s Pier where you should eat from The Taco Stand while you wait.
- Near Balboa Park we recommend Solomon Bagels which also has yummy donuts (and lots of vegan options).
- In La Jolla? Stop at Scoops Ice Cream for a cool treat (dairy free ice cream available and delicious!)
Looking for Dairy Free Treat Ideas? We have a few in this post, but Maya’s Cookies is our favorite.
Day Trips from San Diego
- Hike Mount Laguna in the Cleveland National Forest.
An hour east of San Diego is Mount Laguna. There are dozens of beautiful trails. One of our favorites is the Meadow Trail loop.
- Hike in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Hike in Joshua Tree National Park
This is a little bit further of a trip and we often stay the night, either camping or in nearby Palm Springs, but it is 100% possible to drive up early, hike, eat, and drive home in a day. We have done that a couple times with our kids.
- Visit Los Angeles with Kids: Griffith Observatory, Original Farmers’ Market, and La Brea Tar Pits
- 5+ Kid Friendly San Diego Day Trips
