Things To Do in San Diego with Toddlers

San Diego Bay

San Diego is beautiful year round. It just happens to be a great place to enjoy with family. There's a little bit of everything for anyone, from young to young at heart here in San Diego, America's Finest City

Here is a short list of things to do and visit while you're in San Diego with your family.

La Jolla Shores

A favorite for all San Diego visitors, La Jolla has a nice grass area in front of the beach. It's a great family beach for BBQs, fire pits, park games, and more. The Scripps Institute of Oceanography pier is only a few steps away from where visitors can do a little fishing, get amazing views of the coastline, and more. 

Torrey Pines State Beach

When you see those "twisty" trees along the beach, you'll know you're at Torrey Pines State Beach. It's a great beach for walking with family. There's a large parking lot with a toll, but it's well worth the cost. 

La Jolla Cove

There's a concrete wall around a children's pool, which is usually taken over by local seals and sea lions. Whether you're looking for scenic sunsets or being a few feet away from wild sea lions, there's something for every member of the family at La Jolla Cove. It's also a popular spot for snorkelers, kayakers, and swimming. If you're looking for a gathering with your friends or family, there is plenty of grass areas and gazebos to do just that. 

Mission Beach

If you were to look at a map of the San Diego Bay, you'll notice about 2 miles of coastline between Pacific Beach and the opening of the San Diego Bay to the ocean. The best part of this stretch of beach? It's the perfect place to walk or bike with your family. 

Coronado Beach

One of the best beaches with plenty of sand for visitors to play in, the small waves are perfect for young children. There's nearby parking, public restrooms, lifeguards, and showers for visitors. The beach area is so large, there's plenty of space for everyone.  

Balboa Park

No visit to San Diego would be complete without a visit to Balboa Park. There on over 1200 acres, you'll find over 17 museums, restaurants, galleries, performing arts venues and more. It's also a great place to have a picnic with your loved ones. 

Legoland

Fans of the LEGO building blocks will have an amazing time at Legoland San Diego. There are 2 hotels on the premises and children under 12 will really enjoy the rides, SEA LIFE Aquarium, shows and more. During the summer, Legoland's waterpark is open for guests and features 5.5 acres of water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and of course, splash grounds. 

Carlsbad Flower Fields

If you're into taking pictures (who isn't), the Carlsbad Flower Fields is a favorite for families to take family pics. Every year, around Spring, this 50 acre Carlsbad field is filled with very brightly colored flowers. 

Free Flight Bird Sanctuary

If your family loves birds or being close to wildlife, Free Flight is an amazing place to be at. You'll find many adopted parrots, exotic birds, and family members will be able to get up close to feed them. If you're into koi fish, they've got a koi pond as well. 

SeaWorld

SeaWorld San Diego features 189 acres of fun. You'll find roller coasters, aquariums, water shows, and more. Guests can pet dolphins, stingrays, see polar bears, walruses, penguins, and so much more. Small guests will need to be at least 42-48 inches to ride many of the rides. 

San Diego Bay

The San Diego Bay and it's many shops, restaurants, marinas, and just pure beautiful open space is the stuff that San Diego memories are made of. Families will see sailboats, drifting around the bay, jet skis, boats, kayakers and more.  It's a great place to spend a day BBQing, picnicking, or just hanging out to watch the sunset. 

The World-Famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park

It's two separate parks, and both offer completely different experiences. You'll want to visit both when you're in San Diego with your family. The San Diego Zoo features around 4,000 animals and LOTS of walking for those who want to get in a good day's exercise. If walking isn't your thing, you can hop on the Skyfari or guided tour bus and tour the entire park from the comfort of your seat. 

If you're looking to take a vacation to Africa to see animals roaming around in their natural habitat, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park can give you that experience via their tram tour.  The animals roam the park in perfect harmony. 

Young guests will enjoy feeding many of the park's animals at both parks.

Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens

Like plants? The Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to see over 10,000 plant species that are local to San Diego.  You'll also find a Wild Bird Sanctuary, a butterfly garden, a barn, and even a few farm animals there. 

Cabrillo National Monument

This state park features tide pools, a view of Point Loma, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and a visitors center. 

New Children's Museum

If you've got young children, they'll really enjoy the New Children’s Museum in downtown San Diego. Kids will love all the art exhibits, play areas, climbing wall, and more. 

Whale Watching

Catch the migrations of local whales off of the San Diego coast with any of San Diego's whale watching tours. The best time to catch them is during the fall and winter months. 

Palomar Mountain Observatory San Diego

Palomar Mountain Observatory San Diego is a science lover and astrophotographer's dream. The observatory is used to view objects in the San Diego night sky including planets, stars, galaxies, and more our universe. 

Carlsbad Coaster

Got some time? Take a seat on the Carlsbad Coaster, a commuter train that runs up and down San Diego County and offers amazing views of the ocean. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi while riding the coaster. 

Birch Aquarium in La Jolla

Not only do you get amazing views of the coast from Birch Aquarium La Jolla, but you'll also enjoy outdoor tide pools, and plenty of aquarium exhibits ranging from salt and freshwater creatures. 


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