Things to Do with Kids in San Diego, CA
53 kid-tested activities — museums, parks, zoos, restaurants, and more.
Squarena
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
Bluebird Play
Ages: Best for ages 0-7
Rise and Shine Play
Ages: Best for ages 0-6
Parker Aviary
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Museum of Illusions - San Diego
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
Game Show Studio San Diego
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
FreeLily Pond
Ages: Best for ages 0-7
FreeMaruta Gardner Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
FreeTecolote North Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Elephant Odyssey
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
San Diego Botanic Garden Admissions
Ages: Best for ages 0-10
Partially FreeBalboa Park
Ages: All ages
San Diego Botanic Garden
Ages: Best for ages 0-10
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Ages: All ages
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
FreeWaterfront Park Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
FreeTecolote Shores South Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
FreeKellogg Park
Ages: All ages
FreeMission Point Park
Ages: All ages
FreeBotanical Building
Ages: Best for ages 0-7 as a stroll; older kids as part of a broader Balboa Park visit
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
Ages: Best for ages 0-8 as a stroll; all ages as a peaceful garden experience
FreeMission Bay Park
Ages: All ages
FreeBonita Cove
Ages: All ages
FreeDe Anza Cove Park
Ages: All ages
Play City
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
City Fun Center
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
San Diego Natural History Museum
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
Polar Bear Plunge
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
Children's Museum of Discovery
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Wildlife Explorers Basecamp
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
SEA LIFE Aquarium
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
K1 Speed San Diego
Ages: Best for ages 8 and up (height requirement applies)
Tiny Tiger
Ages: Best for ages 0-7
THE PLAYGROUND
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Fleet Science Center
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
The New Children's Museum
Ages: Best for ages 2-10; art-focused exhibits work well for curious kids through age 12
SeaWorld San Diego
Ages: All ages, with different highlights by age group
Altitude Trampoline Park
Ages: Best for ages 2-16
Discovery Cube
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
Penguin Encounter
Ages: All ages
FreeBalboa Park Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Jump Around Now Trampoline & Adventure Park
Ages: Best for ages 2-16
FUNbelievable
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
FreeNorthern Wildlife Preserve
Ages: All ages
Ninja Factory Eastlake
Ages: Best for ages 4 and up
Boardwalk
Ages: Best for ages 2-16
Get Air Trampoline Park
Ages: Best for ages 2-16
FreeSan Diego Children's Park
Ages: Best for ages 2-7
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Family Travel Guide: San Diego, CA
Discover the best things to do with kids in San Diego, CA. Our family-tested guide covers top attractions, restaurants, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems — all rated by age, with stroller info, cost estimates, and real parent tips.
San Diego Family Guides
In-depth guides with real costs, age-by-age picks, and parent tips.
Best San Diego Activities for Toddlers (Ages 0–4)
Read guide →Rainy DayRainy Day Activities for Families in San Diego
Read guide →3-Day Itinerary3 Days in San Diego with Kids: The Perfect Family Itinerary
Read guide →Free & CheapFree & Cheap Things to Do with Kids in San Diego
Read guide →Cost GuideWhat Families Actually Spend in San Diego: Real Activity Costs
Read guide →Big Kids GuideBest San Diego Activities for Big Kids (Ages 6–12)
Read guide →Common Questions About San Diego with Kids
- What are the best free things to do with kids in San Diego?
- San Diego has 14 free family activities. Top picks: Lily Pond, Maruta Gardner Playground, Tecolote North Playground, Waterfront Park Playground, Tecolote Shores South Playground. See all free activities at kidpaths.com/san-diego.
- What can we do with kids on a rainy day in San Diego?
- There are 27 rainy day options in San Diego. Top indoor picks: Squarena, Bluebird Play, Rise and Shine Play, Museum of Illusions - San Diego, Game Show Studio San Diego.
- What are the best activities for toddlers in San Diego?
- 44 activities in San Diego are rated for toddlers (ages 1–3). Parent favorites: Bluebird Play, Rise and Shine Play, Parker Aviary, Lily Pond, Maruta Gardner Playground.
- Which San Diego attractions are stroller-friendly?
- 45 of 53 activities in San Diego are fully stroller-friendly. KidPaths rates stroller access as yes, limited, or no for every listing.
- What are fun things to do with teens in San Diego?
- 25 activities in San Diego are rated for teens (ages 13–17). Top picks: Squarena, Museum of Illusions - San Diego, Game Show Studio San Diego, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
- How much do family activities cost in San Diego?
- KidPaths tracks family-of-4 cost estimates for 53 activities in San Diego. 14 are completely free. Each listing shows the real cost for a family of four, not just per-person pricing.
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