Things to do for Families

Traveling to San Diego with your family? Want to give your kids the trip of a lifetime? Navigate through the tabs below to find suggested itineraries to best plan your San Diego visit!

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Suggested One-Day Itinerary for Families
Day One

  1. The most popular thing to do in San Diego for families with only one day is visit one of the world-renowned attractions. SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park are some of the favorites. With animal stadiums, shows, wildlife encounters, Lego cities and sculptures, rides, and more, the kids will be begging you to go!

  2. Or you can never go wrong with a full day out at one of San Diego’s beaches! Your kids will have a blast playing in the sand and jumping the waves. You can rent or buy a boogie board and some snorkel gear, and the fun will be endless.

Suggested Three-Day Itinerary for Families
Day One

  1. Have a fun filled day of adventure and visit one of the world-renowned attractions in San Diego such as SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Day Two
  1. One thing you do not want to miss in San Diego are the views around La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores. Kick the day off with a stop to La Jolla Cove. The kids will love seeing the pods of seals playing in the water and being lazy on the cliffs. If the tide is right and it is not packed with seals, just around the corner you can take them for a dip in the Children’s Pool.

  2. Then head to one of San Diego’s beautiful beaches to have a day packed with soaking up the sun, playing in the sand, boogie boarding and jumping the waves.

Day Three
  1. San Diego is a prime location for education on marine life. Spend some time at the Birch Aquarium so the kids can explore a variety of stunning exhibits.

  2. Next, head to the picturesque Balboa Park and take the kids to the San Diego Natural History Museum. After, you can head to the notable Balboa Park Carousel and take a ride on the hand-carved European work of art, crafted in 1910.

Suggested Five-Day Itinerary for Families
Day One

  1. Have a fun filled day of adventure and visit one of the world-renowned attractions in San Diego such as SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Day Two
  1. One thing you do not want to miss in San Diego are the views around La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores. Kick the day off with a stop to La Jolla Cove. The kids will love seeing the pods of seals playing in the water and being lazy on the cliffs. If the tide is right and it is not packed with seals, just around the corner you can take them for a dip in the Children’s Pool.

  2. Then head to one of San Diego’s beautiful beaches to have a day packed with soaking up the sun, playing in the sand, boogie boarding and jumping the waves.

Day Three
  1. San Diego is a prime location for education on marine life. Spend some time at the Birch Aquarium so the kids can explore a variety of stunning exhibits.

  2. Next, head to the picturesque Balboa Park and take the kids to the San Diego Natural History Museum. After, you can head to the notable Balboa Park Carousel and take a ride on the hand-carved European work of art, crafted in 1910.

Day Four
  1. Have another beach day! This time, head to Mission Beach and in between soaking up the sun and playing in the water, take the kids to Belmont Park to play some games and go on some rides.

Day Five
  1. End your trip with a day around downtown. Take the kids into Ghirardeli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop in the Gaslamp Quarter and to some of the souvenir shops.

  2. Then head to Seaport Village where you can usually find some street performers, enjoy some shopping, and book the San Diego SEAL Tour, which you will take in a hydra-terra vehicle from the road and right into the water…the kids will love it!


Best for Families in San Diego

1. Seaport Village


Looking for things to do in San Diego? Seaport Village offers waterfront dining, shopping, events and tours, making it your one-stop for fun.



2. Tiki Town Adventure Golf


Tiki Town Adventure Golf, located in San Diego is the newest addition to to Belmont Park. This tropical themed 18-hole interactive course takes golfers indoors and outdoors on an island adventure with surprises around every turn.



3. Birch Aquarium


Explore where the wonders of the ocean come alive! The mission of Birch Aquarium is to provide ocean science education, to interpret Scripps Institution of Oceanography research, and to promote ocean conservation.



4. SeaWorld San Diego


A 200 acre theme park that is home to exotic animals, rides, shows, exhibits, and water fun!



5. Sky Zone San Diego


Come fly high and have fun in the Foam Zone, Ultimate Dodgeball, SkySlam, free jump, and more and Sky Zone San Diego!



6. LEGOLAND California


Enjoy your vacation at LEGOLAND California Resort with over 50 rides, shows, the CHIMA Water Park and more attractions.



7. San Diego Model Railroad Museum


The mission of the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is to preserve the heritage of railroading through a series of miniature representations of California railroads, as well as research and preserve the history of model railroading.



8. Belmont Park


Beachfront amusement center with rides, indoor children's play center, and attractions, and much more!



9. San Diego Natural History Museum


Out vision is to interpret the natural world through research, education and exhibits; to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California; and to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment.



10. K1 Speed San Diego


Our K1 Speed San Diego center brings indoor go-kart racing to the heart of America’s Finest City! We invite you to come down today – it’s the same thrilling experience, much closer to home.



11. San Diego Zoo Safari Park


1800 acre wildlife preserve houses over 3500 animals representing 260 species and is a botanical garden.



12. SEAL Tours


Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets before splashing down for a cruise through the waters of San Diego Harbor. Experience the history and ecological wonders of San Diego in the comfort and security or our virtually unsinkable Hydra-Terras. Here you will learn first-hand of our rich military history and cruise through the waters that are the playground of the California Sea Lion.



13. Urban Jungle Fun Park


Urban Jungle is unlike anything you have ever seen before. Our Urban City metropolis is filled with adrenaline inducing, high adventure activities designed for kids of all ages. Come experience the ultimate in family friendly entertainment where participating URBANITES move from one activity to another.


San Diego Spotlight

Lake Jennings Park
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Skydiving San Diego - Sky Dive Elsinore

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