7 Family-Friendly Things to Do During Your Trip to San Diego

If you’re planning a trip to San Diego with your family, you’re probably wondering what things you can do. The great thing about San Diego is that there’s so much to do, you’ll be left wondering how you’ll fit everything in! With over 70 miles of coastline, numerous state parks, and a vast array of other attractions, there’s plenty to do no matter how old your kids are. To help you narrow down your options, here are seven family-friendly things to do in San Diego.

Visit the San Diego Zoo

One of the first things that many families think of when planning a trip to San Diego is the San Diego Zoo. This zoo is known as one of the best zoological centers in the world. Four thousand animals from 800 species make up the residents of the San Diego Zoo, including lions, koalas, kangaroos, and many more. If you have younger kids, be sure to check out the Children’s Zoo, which houses a playground and petting zoo.

Spend the Day at LEGOLAND

Another popular attraction in San Diego is LEGOLAND, an interactive park that’s fun for kids big and small (it’s fun for the adults who still have a bit of kid in them, too!). Kids can drive around in little cars, build race cars to compete with one another, and even program robots.

The fun doesn’t stop there. You can purchase separate tickets or get park-hopper passes to the LEGOLAND Water Park or Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium. If you plan on making LEGOLAND a multi-day expedition, you’ll also be happy to find that there are plenty of kid-friendly hotels in San Diego close to the Park as well.

Catch a Baseball Game at Petco Park

Is your family filled with baseball fans? If so, no visit to San Diego is complete without a trip to Petco Park. You can go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Padres home stadium, which includes a visit to the dugout and a peek into the press box. If you visit during baseball season, you may even be able to catch a home game.

Wander Around Old Town

If your kids are a bit older, a trip to Old Town can be a lot of fun. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s first buildings, Presidio Park, and homes from the 19th century. The historic buildings and architecture are a sight to behold. When you get hungry, you’ll have plenty to choose from. With 25 eateries in a one-mile radius, you’ll find something that suits everyone’s tastes.

Play at the Children’s Museum

For more interactive fun, take a trip to the New Children’s Museum in the Gaslamp Quarter. There’s an array of rotating exhibits and permanent installations that your kids are sure to love. Some areas are age-specific (such as the Sketch Aquarium for kids two and older) while others are designed to engage kids of various ages. The hands-on exhibits are designed to encourage kids of all ages to think, play, and create.

Discover the Natural Beauty of San Diego at Torrey Pines

If you’re looking to get away from the bustle of the city, take a trip to Torrey Pines and discover the natural beauty of the area. Torrey Pines State Reserve features eight hiking trails where you and your family can catch unforgettable views of the Pacific Ocean. If you have younger kids, don’t worry. The trails range in difficulty, and there are some fairly short and easy-to-traverse loops.

Dip Your Toes in the Ocean

Of course, no trip to San Diego is complete without a trip to the beach. You can relax on the gorgeous sands, cool off in the ocean, rent a kayak, or even take a surfing lesson. If you happen to be in San Diego during the cooler months, you can even just take a walk along the water and collect seashells.

San Diego is an incredibly family-friendly city. There’s so much to do for kids (and adults!) of all ages. No matter if you’re planning to stay for just a few days, a whole week, or maybe even longer, you’ll never run out of fun things to do!