Best Outdoor Activities for Kids in San Diego
27 outdoor adventures for families in San Diego. Parks, trails, playgrounds, and fresh-air fun for every age group.
Highest rated: Liberty Station Playground, Maruta Gardner Playground, Tecolote North Playground. 19 are free. Every listing includes age ratings, stroller access, and parent tips.
Top Picks
Liberty Station Playground
4.9 starsLiberty Station Playground is tucked within the Liberty Station arts and dining district, a beautifully redeveloped former Naval Training Center that
Maruta Gardner Playground
4.8 starsMaruta Gardner Playground sits right on the shores of Mission Bay, giving kids the rare combo of a full playground AND easy beach access in the same s
Tecolote North Playground
4.8 starsTecolote North Playground is Mission Bay's premier playground for younger kids, with some of the most highly-rated play equipment on the bay. The stru
Elephant Odyssey
4.8 starsElephant Odyssey at the San Diego Zoo is one of the most expansive elephant habitats in North America — a 2.5-acre environment where African and Asian
San Diego Botanic Garden Admissions
4.8 starsThe San Diego Botanic Garden admission gets your family into Hamilton Children's Garden — a purpose-built nature play area with treehouses, a hobbit h
FreeLiberty Station Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
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
FreeLily Pond
Ages: Best for ages 0-7
Urban Jungle
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
FreeKellogg Park
Ages: All ages
FreeTecolote Shores South Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
FreeMission Point Park
Ages: All ages
FreeWaterfront Park
Ages: All ages
FreeShelter Island Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
FreeWaterfront Park Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
San Diego Botanic Garden
Ages: Best for ages 0-10
FreeMission Bay Park
Ages: All ages
FreeBonita Cove
Ages: All ages
FreeHighland Ranch Park
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
Ages: Best for ages 0-8 as a stroll; all ages as a peaceful garden experience
FreePlayground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
FreeDe Anza Cove Park
Ages: All ages
Polar Bear Plunge
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
Wildlife Explorers Basecamp
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
FreeBalboa Park Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
FreeNorthern Wildlife Preserve
Ages: All ages
FreeSan Diego Children's Park
Ages: Best for ages 2-7
FreeNature Exploration Area
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Sesame Place San Diego
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Common Questions
- What are the best outdoor activities for kids in San Diego?
- 27 outdoor family activities in San Diego. Highest rated: Liberty Station Playground, Maruta Gardner Playground, Tecolote North Playground, Elephant Odyssey, San Diego Botanic Garden Admissions. Parks, trails, playgrounds, and more.
- Are there free outdoor things to do with kids in San Diego?
- 19 outdoor activities in San Diego are free, including Liberty Station Playground, Maruta Gardner Playground, Tecolote North Playground.
- How many outdoor activities in San Diego are stroller-friendly?
- 25 of the 27 outdoor activities in San Diego are fully stroller-friendly.
More Ways to Browse
Never Miss a San Diego Family Activity
Join parents in San Diego who get activity recommendations, seasonal event alerts, and insider tips.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.