If you’re looking for things to do in San Diego with kids, look no further! This sunny Southern California city offers tons of fun activities for families. There’s something for everyone, from exploring the world-famous zoo and SeaWorld to hitting the beach and playing in the park. This blog post will share nine extraordinary ideas that are sure to keep the whole family entertained. So get out and explore everything that San Diego has to offer!

What to Do Before Visiting San Diego

Before you even set foot in San Diego, there are a few things to take care of. While not necessary, they can make your life a lot easier once you’ve landed. To start, download the free Roadtrippers app. It has everything from gas stations and restaurants to hotels and attractions located along your route. In addition, you’ll want to pinpoint your hotel and parking options before you leave. If you’re staying for a few days, look into places with free parking – it can save a lot of time and money!

Do research on the country, for example, the weather conditions and time of the year. If you are going to San Diego with kids, it is good to plan your trip during March-May or September–October. There is a reason why most people come to San Diego in spring or fall. You can avoid scorching heat waves as well as crowds of tourists coming from all over the world.

It would be best to research the areas you want to explore. What are the activities for kids? Which places have restricted access to kids? You can also compare the prices of different hotels and tours, so you get the best deals possible. If you need more ideas for what to do in San Diego, here is another good list that was written by a local. Knowing where to go or activities to engage in can be a daunting task, but you can start making plans right away with some ideas in hand! This will also save you time and money as these guides have all the details you need to make your stay a success! It’s vital to ensure that, as a family, everyone is on the same page with the agreed places and activities planned.

When planning your family trip to San Diego, one of the first things to do is book your hotel. There are so many hotels in San Diego that it might be hard for you to pick just one. However, certain factors should play into your decision-making process.

Let’s say you’ve decided to take the kids to San Diego. Your main concern is getting a hotel with enough space for the whole family. Make sure you find accommodations that allow kids under a certain age limit (some hotels do not allow children at all, so be careful). Before making reservations, the next thing you should do is make sure that pets are allowed if you’ve got furry friends with you.

Traveling to San Diego is fun, especially if you are traveling with kids; however, you must plan carefully because it can be an exhausting experience for adults and children alike.

What to Pack While Traveling With the kids

It is always wise to keep a bag packed. This way, the kids know where everything is in case of an emergency. A great idea if traveling with the family is to have each member of your family pack one suitcase or bag full of clothes and toys for everyone. This way, when you get to the hotel, everyone knows where their belongings are. This will also help when you have to evacuate in case of a blizzard or other natural disasters.

Here are some great items you might want to consider packing:

• A change of clothes, including underwear and socks, for everyone
• Extra shoes if the kids take off their sneakers at the airport
• Safety whistle that can be used to call for help
• Pack singing songs, reading books, and playing games to keep the kids entertained on the plane.
• Sunscreen if you’re going to be outdoors a lot
• First Aid kit with band-aids and antibiotic cream for scrapes
• Snacks keep everyone happy and help keep your kids from complaining about being hungry. Before you leave for the airport, make sure the kids have eaten a decent meal and that they have snacks to take along if needed.
• Water
• An assortment of fruit like bananas, apples, and oranges empty plastic water bottles make great containers)

There are several items that you can purchase or create that will assist you in keeping kids entertained while traveling. Items such as books, coloring books, word searches, etc., are great to have on hand when the kids might need some quiet activity.

Fun Things to Do in San Diego

Take a Walk in Old Town San Diego State Park

Old Town is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego, but its rich history goes back much further than that. As part of the state park system, this location is one of few where you can go back to the days when it was home to Native Americans, Spanish settlers, and rancheros.

Old Town San Diego State Park is a large park with several attractions to enjoy, with over 30 historic buildings, including the Robinson-Rose House and adobe structures from the Mexican period. Facility tours are also available at Casa de Estudillo, a gorgeous example of Spanish Colonial architecture. A visit in springtime brings out the best in the park’s landscape.

Take a Trip to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Located north of La Jolla, this 1,000-acre reserve has trails that lead through dunes and coastal sage scrub. You’ll find a breathtaking view at the end of the trails that overlooks the ocean and Torrey Pines State Beach. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a beautiful place to visit. With its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and impressive sandstone cliffs, it’s easy to see why this reserve is so famous.

The park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and whale watching, so be sure to bring your camera! You’re sure to have an enjoyable experience at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Be sure to spend some time at the beach, where you can collect seashells and watch surfers in action. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat!

Relax on Coronado Beach

Located across the bay from Downtown San Diego, Coronado Island is home to the city’s most famous beach. The sand is golden and soft, making it hard to resist taking off your shoes and walking barefoot. The water is just as inviting, especially when you’re looking out toward San Diego Bay or Point Loma. Coronado Beach is located on the Silver Strand Peninsula, near Point Loma.

Families are welcome to enjoy this beach year-round. The water temperature never drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so there’s no need for a wetsuit here! Be sure to bring your camera if you plan to head out onto the water. You can rent a boat or kayak, or you can sit back and watch the pros doing their thing. Families will find volleyball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms on land.

Engage in Play at Belmont Park

Belmont Park is one of the most popular amusement parks in San Diego. The Pacific Beach location offers many exciting activities for the whole family, including arcade games, kiddie rides, and an assortment of carnival-style food stands.

Belmont Park is located directly next to the beach, so you’ll have plenty of space to watch your kids from a dry spot as they play in the sand. The park is open for visitors year-round, and on weekends!

San Diego hosts a number of new water parks so that everyone can stay cool on those hotter days. 

Discover the Chollas Lake Trail

This urban hike offers a convenient escape from the bustle of Downtown San Diego and Coronado Island. The 3-mile loop begins and ends at Chollas Lake Park, with plenty of parking available. You can start your hike at any trailheads that lead into the park. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow, but be sure to bring plenty of water if you’re visiting during warm summer months.

Once you’ve finished your hike, you can cool off in Chollas Lake or take a walk along its shores before grabbing some lunch at one of the picnic areas. Chollas Lake Park is located in San Diego’s City Heights neighborhood, close to University and Wightman streets.

Visit Kids Beach at Coronado Central Beach

This stretch of sand is one of the best beaches for kids and toddlers in all of San Diego. The shallow waters and calm waves make it ideal for little ones to play without worrying about any sudden splashes.

There’s also a large grassy area where families can relax before heading into the water, as well as restrooms and outdoor showers. Other amenities include volleyball courts and picnic tables. This beach is located at the Coronado Central Beach Park on Ocean Boulevard in Coronado, across the street from the ferry landing. The park is open daily during daytime hours (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.).

Discover the Adventure Zone in Carlsbad

Located in Carlsbad’s Lechuza Beach Park, this activity center is designed for children ages 5 to 12. Kids will find climbing structures, games, and activities, including a jumping pillow (a trampoline-like structure that’s great fun for kids).

The $5 admission fee also lets parents use the park’s picnic tables and barbecue grills so that they can make a day of it. The Adventure Zone is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting (check online for rain closures).

Lechuza Beach Park is located at 3400 Avenida de Portugal in Carlsbad, south Palomar Airport Road.

Relax at the Lakefront in Lakeside

This small lake is ideal for kids who love to fish or splash around on a hot day. You can also rent pedal boats and kayaks from the Lakeside Marina if you prefer more active water sports. The best thing about this lake is the lack of traffic. This is a great place to spend some time unwinding and enjoying nature with your family, away from the noise of the city.

You can also explore the lake’s nature trails or go for a bike ride on Lakeside’s scenic and flat 15-mile loop. If you bring your dog along, remember that dogs aren’t allowed within 100 feet of the water, so leave Fido at home if he loves to swim. Lakeside Lake is located at 1404 Park Way in Lakeside, near Mackenzie Road and Park Way.

Discover Balboa Park with Kids

This urban oasis is home to 17 museums and performing arts venues, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo. To fully explore Balboa Park’s more than 1,200 acres takes at least half a day. Combine your visit with some family-friendly activities in the surrounding area.

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum offers free admission on Tuesdays after 2 p.m. so that you can take little ones for an interactive train ride around the miniature city. Another option is to head back toward Downtown San Diego to the Timken Museum of Art. This private art collection offers free admission on Wednesdays after 1 p.m., so kids can enjoy some time sketching or drawing in the museum’s Beaux Arts-style galleries don’t forget your art supplies. Afterward, you can walk it off at Balboa Park’s lush gardens. The Timken is located at 1500 El Prado in San Diego, near Presidents Way and El Prado.

In summary, there are a lot of fun activities for kids in San Diego, from the beach to outdoor adventures. Be sure to pack smart, include all your travel documents, check the weather, and consider your budget before heading out. San Diego is one of the most popular Cities in Southern California, and it is well known worldwide for its beaches and pacific ocean. There are so many things to do in San Diego that often parents will find that they haven’t done them all by the end of vacation. So, if you’re stuck on ideas, consider these tips and enjoy your family vacation.