Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
Looking for the best things to do in San Diego with kids? My itinerary covers top attractions, dining spots, and family-friendly activities that made our San Diego trip unforgettable. My husband and I recently spent a weekend exploring the city with our two little ones. We found so many fun and easy ways to experience the city together.
We always travel with our sons, so here are some tips for Flying with Kids. You can also check out our recent family vacation at The Reef at Atlantis and our stay at The Grande Colonial La Jolla.
Where We Stayed: Town and Country Resort in San Diego
We wanted a hotel that was both comfortable and fun for the kids, and Town and Country San Diego checked all the boxes. Being centrally located made it easy to get to all the places on our itinerary without spending too much time in the car. It had a retro vibe with modern updates that made everywhere we went a photo-worthy moment.
What I love most about family resorts are all the fun activities included in the price. On the resort grounds, you can have fun in the sun playing cornhole, ping pong, and volleyball.
The pool area was a big draw for us. The resort has three pools and a water slide. There’s a children’s pool, specially designed for babies 3 and under. There’s also the Twister water slide. We could’ve lounged poolside all day if we didn’t already have plans.
On the property, we dined at Arlo for breakfast, where the menu had something for everyone, and Lapper for dinner, which was laid-back and perfect for dining with kids after a long day of exploring. (We’ll detail more dining experiences in San Diego in just a bit!)
Things to Do with Kids in San Diego
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo is a top attraction and was number one on our list. It’s one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids, especially toddlers who love animals. We started early to avoid the crowds, and we found that the best way to navigate with little ones was to hit a few key areas rather than trying to see everything.
The Skyfari aerial tram is a must. We visited the Urban Jungle, specifically to see the giraffes. There were plenty of shaded spots for breaks, and we packed snacks to keep the kids happy between exhibits.
Cost: General admission is $76 for individuals 12 and over and $66 for children ages 3-11. Kids under 3 are free! Save a couple of dollars by purchasing your tickets on the San Diego Zoo website ahead of your visit.
While you have to pay for parking at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the parking lot in front of the zoo is free (but it fills up fast). There’s more free parking in Balboa Park, and you can take a shuttle to the zoo from there.
Eco Boat Rentals
Switch things up with an outing on the water. We rented an Eco Boat, which was a fun, easy way to get on the bay without needing a boating license. The boats are electric, making them quiet and smooth—perfect for kids. (They offer paddle boats, too.)
They also allow you to bring snacks and nonalcoholic beverages on board. Our boys had a blast, and it was a nice way for us to relax while still keeping them engaged. The boats are also dog-friendly, if you’re traveling with a furry friend.
While this was a family activity, I do think this San Diego excursion would be great for girls’ trips and couples, too! They offer party boats, perfect for birthdays and bachelorette parties (alcohol is allowed there). And the Glow boats are perfect for seeing the downtown San Diego skyline on a romantic evening.
Cost: Prices for the electric boats start at $75, depending on the size of the boat. You can choose between 1 and 2 hours. Reservations aren’t required but are highly recommended, especially on weekends and for larger parties.
Balboa Park
If you’re looking for things to do with kids in San Diego for free (or cheap), Balboa Park is perfect! This public park is a staple in San Diego. We made a stop there for the miniature train ride and a few of the small amusement rides. The train was a highlight—just a short ride, but the perfect length for little attention spans. We let the kids burn off some energy by walking around the premises.
There are so many things to do in Balboa Park, from visiting museums to checking out the Puppet Theater. You can ride the carousel and then grab lunch at one of their cafes.
Cost: Parking and entry to the park are free, and they’re open 365 days a year. There’s also a no-cost tram to help you navigate the grounds.
Some attractions cost money, and that varies depending on where you go. But there are free attractions, like the rose garden and some of the museums.
Old Town San Diego
We spent time in Old Town San Diego, exploring the historic district. It’s a great place to wander with kids because there’s plenty to see without a strict agenda.
We popped into some of the shops, watched a few live demonstrations, and grabbed an early lunch. The relaxed atmosphere made it an easy outing with toddlers, and it was a fun way to get a little history in without it feeling like a museum visit.
Hillcrest Farmers Market
For some local flavor, we visited the Hillcrest Farmers Market. This market had a little of everything, from fresh fruit to gourmet snacks. It was also a great spot to support small vendors. I scored some cute strawberry earrings and had a delicious lobster roll. Check it out Sundays from 9 AM to 2 PM.
Where We Ate in San Diego
Breakfast at Morning Glory
We kicked off one of our mornings with brunch at Morning Glory, a spot that’s known for its fun, pink decor and indulgent breakfast options. We were prepared for a wait (this place is popular!), but it was worth it. The atmosphere was lively, and while it’s not the most spacious for strollers, the experience made up for it.
Must-tries include their famous Soufflé Pancake, iced matcha latte, and omelets.
Brunch at Arlo
Arlo is a restaurant on the Town and Country property. Breakfast at Arlo was the perfect mix of fresh and satisfying.
I had the Open-Faced Omelet, loaded with melty cheese, avocado, and microgreens, and it was just what I needed to start the day.
My husband went for the Smoked Salmon Bagel, which came piled high with lox, hard-boiled egg, pickled onions, and capers. We ordered the Housemade Granola & Yogurt with fresh berries for the kids, plus some French toast. It was a great spot to fuel up before a full day of exploring!
Lunch at Lapper
Mid-day, we ate at Lapper, a laid-back sports bar on the Town and Country property. It was perfect for dining with kids. The casual setting made it easy to unwind, and the menu had plenty of comforting options that worked well for the whole family. The outdoor seating and fire pits were a plus.
Dinner at The Marine Room
For a special night out, we dined at The Marine Room. This spot is famous for its oceanfront views, where waves crash right against the windows.
It’s not necessarily a “kid’s restaurant,” but our toddlers were mesmerized by the waves, which made it easier for us to enjoy the meal. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience in San Diego, this is one to consider—just be prepared for a more upscale atmosphere.
I started with their Signature Maine Lobster Bisque, which was rich, velvety, and topped with chunks of lobster claw. It came with a cheddar biscuit on the side, perfect for soaking up every last bit. For my main, I had the Glazed Swordfish, which was served with hominy and a flavorful pasilla de Oaxaca sauce, plus a bit of crunch from a hazelnut gremolata.
My husband ordered the Tasmanian Ocean Trout, which had a beautifully crispy skin and came with a coconut salsa macha and the most vibrant green sauce that tied everything together.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best things to do in San Diego with kids, this itinerary includes a mix of adventure, great food, and family-friendly activities. San Diego has so much to offer, and whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained while making great family memories.
Have you visited San Diego with kids? Let me know what your favorite spots were!
Frequently Asked Questions
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The San Diego Zoo sits on 100 acres of land.
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Balboa Park is a great place to explore for free, with open green spaces, a carousel, and playgrounds. Old Town San Diego is another fun, no-cost activity where kids can learn a little history while enjoying live demonstrations and unique shops. And of course, San Diego’s beaches are always a great (and free) way to spend the day.
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If you’re planning to visit multiple spots, renting a car is the easiest way to get around. However, some areas—like downtown, Balboa Park, and the waterfront—are walkable, and there’s a free tram that runs within Balboa Park to make getting around easier.
