We’re not kiddin’ around when it comes to having fun around town. From major attractions like Belmont Park to museums and waterfront fun, there’s something in America’s Finest City for children of all ages.
You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 30+ kid-friendly activities around San Diego.
All about the arts
San Diego Museum of Art | With free entry for kids age 17 and under, young art enthusiasts can enjoy the museum’s collections featuring 32,000+ objects from across the world. Kids ages 5-12 will remember learning next to you at Family Art Adventures events on select dates.
Comic-Con Museum | Family memberships available | This is a great spot for big imaginations keen on superheroes, comic books, and beloved pop culture characters. Kids will remember the interactive elements throughout the museum — it’s like you’re inside a comic book.
Spanish Village Art Center | This colorful landmark in Balboa Park features studios filled with working, local artists. Kids will remember the camps + classes where they can dive deeper into specific mediums.
Monart School of Art | Memberships available |Owner Mona Brookes specializes in teaching children how to draw realistically as they develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem solving.
Kids will remember the studio classes geared toward different age groups.
Art With Larisse | Memberships available
Kids ages 5+ can learn the basics of drawing, painting, and fine arts across mediums like pastel, charcoal, watercolor, and oil — and there are classes for adults, too. Kids will remember the feeling of finally finishing their masterpiece after weeks of shading and blending — hang it up proudly.
Great outdoors
Japanese Friendship Garden | Family memberships available | Get the wiggles out with a walk along the pretty trail, check out the bonsai display, and treat the kiddos to tea on the pavilion. Kids will remember looking for colorful koi in the pond.
Mission Trails Regional Park | Take your little explorers out on the trails. The paved Father Junipero Serra Trail is great for riding scooters or bikes, the Fortuna Region offers easy hikes for families, and the Oak Canyon Trail is great for a longer excursion. Kids will remember trekking down to the water at the Old Mission Dam.
Ocean Front Boardwalk | Grab the bikes and scooters and get active on the flat, paved beachfront path. Pack lunch and eat on the seawall or take a break to search for seashells and gaze at the Pacific Ocean.
San Diego Botanic Garden | Memberships available | The Encinitas garden offers nature-themed children’s activities every Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Kids will remember the 8,000-sqft, glass-enclosed Dickinson Family Education Conservatory featuring rare tropical plants from around the world.
Poway-Midland Railroad | Find this full-size, narrow-gauge railroad at Old Poway Park, with rides on most weekends on either its Steam Locomotive, Cable Car, or Speeder. Check the schedule before you go; tickets cost only $1(!) for children. Kids will remember the 1907 Baldwin steam engine — and the fun crew.
Balboa Park Miniature Train | This cute, mini train — one of only ~50 remaining G6 models — takes passengers on a 3-minute, half-mile loop through a small portion of Balboa Park. Kids will remember spotting animal sculptures along the route.
Balboa Park Carousel | The historic ride was restored in 2023. If you’re lucky during your visit, you might run into Bill Brown — the carousel manager and proud San Diegan who’s worked at the ride for the past 51 years. The carousel follows the San Diego Unified School District’s academic calendar, so it’s open on weekends and school holidays year-round — and daily during the summer. Kids will remember picking out their ride.
Animal encounters
San Diego Zoo | Memberships available | A bonafide San Diego staple, kids will go wild checking out the animals, riding the guided bus tour, and discovering the play areas. Kids will remember the fun activities inside the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp and soaring over the zoo on the Skyfari aerial tram.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a must-do for kids who love marine life.
Photo via Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography | Memberships available | With a variety of marine life in 60+ habitats including the new Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery, there is so much to discover
at the La Jolla aquarium overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Kids will remember the Little Blue Penguins (don’t miss the daily feeding presentation at 10 a.m.) and the 70,000-gallon Giant Kelp Forest.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park | Memberships available | The San Diego Zoo’s sister park in North County is known for its up-close animal activities and play areas. Kids will remember the Africa Tram expedition and the animals roaming in the savanna habitats.
Living Coast Discovery Center | Family memberships available | Through animal experiences, exhibits, and nature walks, kids will connect with the local coastal environment at the National Wildlife Refuge on San Diego Bay while learning about conservation. Kids will remember Emerald, the facility’s wild sea turtle ambassador who lives at Turtle Lagoon.
Lions Tigers & Bears | Memberships available | This 93-acre, accredited big cat and bear sanctuary run by Bobbi Brink is a safe forever home to 60+ furry residents rescued from the exotic animal trade. Kids will remember the peaceful environment and animals like Louie the Lion and Sugar Bear.
Splash around
Sesame Place San Diego | Memberships available | Since its 2022 debut in Chula Vista, locals have been enjoying “Sunny Days” at this adorable theme park + waterpark dedicated to all things “Sesame Street.” The attraction revolves around water slides and rides during the warm summer months, plus dry rides year-round. Kids will remember The Count’s Splash Castle and the countdowns to the big waves at Big Bird’s Beach.
The Plunge San Diego | Family memberships available | Swim, splash, and play at this historic indoor pool in Mission Beach built in 1925. Kids will remember the inflatable obstacle courses.
Santee Lakes Sprayground | When that East County heat just won’t quit, head to this sprayground located inside Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve. It’s typically open daily April-September, and weekends only in March + October. All-day wristbands cost $4-$6, depending on the day. Kids will remember standing under the big bucket, waiting for the water to drop on their heads.
Waterfront playgrounds
Waterfront Park | This 12-acre downtown park with views of the Embarcadero is a perfect place to cool off and picnic with the little ones on a hot day. Kids will remember the interactive splash fountains.
Maruta Gardner Playground | There’s so much to do at this bayfront playground — from climbing and swinging, to sliding and spinning. Kids will remember finally reaching the top of the ropes and going down the big slide.
Kellogg Park | This grassy area with views of La Jolla Shores is a great spot for the kids to play while you take in that ocean breeze. When they’re open, kids will love climbing the seal statues.
The New Children’s Museum in downtown San Diego.
Photo via The New Children’s Museum
Educational activities
New Children’s Museum | Family memberships available |This interactive museum is known for its hands-on art installations that allow kiddos of all ages to discover something new. The museum unveiled fresh spaces + programming in spring 2025, too. Kids under the age of 4 will remember “Wobbleland,” an area that resembles a giant kitchen sink filled with oversized, soft sculptures shaped like foods.
Fleet Science Center | Family memberships available | Curious minds will appreciate 100+ interactive exhibits exploring topics like memories, illusions, electricity, and outer space. Kids will remember watching an IMAX movie in the center’s immersive Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Dome Theater featuring a 76-ft wraparound screen.
Maritime Museum of San Diego | Family memberships available | Ahoy, matey. Little fans of tall ships will get a kick out of this floating museum featuring historic vessels like Star of India, Steam Ferry Berkeley, and San Salvador. Kids will remember embarking on sailing adventures on the water.
USS Midway Museum | Memberships available |There’s so much to explore at the historic US Navy aircraft carrier-turned-museum — from exhibits to flight simulators. Kids will remember the Junior Pilot Program’s entertaining audio tour and earning their Junior Pilot Wings.
San Diego Air & Space Museum | Family memberships available | This museum debuted in February 1963. Today, its incredible collection includes the Apollo Command Module, a replica of Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis plane, and many other historic aircraft. Kids will love uncovering every detail about the wonder of flight.
Thrill-seeking fun
SeaWorld San Diego | Memberships available |Thrill-seekers who are a minimum of 52 inches tall can ride the record-breaking Emperor, the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster in California. The Arctic Rescue coaster that debuted in 2023 is also pretty epic. Kids will remember the animal encounters, from sharks to dolphins, too.
A view of Mission Beach from atop the Giant Dipper at Belmont Park.
Photo via Belmont Park
Belmont Park | Memberships available |This Mission Beach landmark turns 100 years old in July 2025 and is beloved for its arcade, games, food, rides, and seasonal themed events. Kids who are 50 inches or taller will remember riding the historic Giant Dipper, the big-thrill, classic wooden roller coaster offering twists, turns, and views of the ocean.
Everything is awesome at LEGOLAND California Resort.
Photo via LEGOLAND California Resort
LEGOLAND California Resort | Memberships available |Theme park enthusiasts will enjoy the rides, while LEGO fans will love hands-on activities like building a boat or digging for dinosaur fossils. Kids ages 6-13 will remember getting behind the wheel of a LEGO car and earning their LEGOLAND driver’s license.
