San Diego Attractions for Kids

Mormon Battalion in Old Town San Diego

2012-01-17T18:40:00.000-08:00

The Mormon Battalion Historic Site in Old Town San Diego was completely rebuilt in 2010 with touch screen displays and a new interactive movie. Visitors take a simulated pioneer trek across the plains with members of the battalion. Outside kids can pan for gold, make adobe bricks and climb the observation tower that over looks all of Old Town. The historic site is open 7 day a week and admission is free. View photos of the new San Diego Mormon Battalion Historic Site.

Top 10 Kid Attractions in San Diego

2012-01-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

Old Town San Diego

Based on tourist popularity here are the top 10 attractions in San Diego you may want to visit while on vacation. If you are looking for directions to these and other attractions look at our Map of San Diego Attractions.

1. San Diego Zoo
2. Sea World
3. San Diego Wild Safari Park
4. Legoland California
5. La Jolla Beach
6. Balboa Park and Museums
7. USS Midway
8. Old Town (above photo)
9. Padres Baseball Park
10. Coronado Island Beach

Map of Popular San Diego Attractions

2012-01-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

View San Diego Attractions and Hot Spots in a larger map

San Diego with Kids Tips

2011-12-12T06:07:00.000-08:00

San Diego with Kids

When your looking to visit kid attractions in San Diego, our site has travel information from parents that have lived in San Diego and traveled all over San Diego and Orange Counties on vacation. Leave us a comment and tell us about your most favorite things to do in San Diego with your kids.

What are your favorite attractions?
What do you want to see most of all?
What are your tricks for getting out and about with toddlers?
How do you plan your day?
What advice can you share with out of town visitors?

San Diego Zoo Free Day is Every Day in October

2011-09-28T00:02:00.000-07:00

Every day in October at the San Diego Zoo is free day. The Zoo provides Free Admission for children 11 and younger all month long. Adults must pay the general admission ($35) but kid are FREE. This is for the Zoo in Balboa Park and not the Safari Park in Escondido, also shown in this slide show. If you want to visit both get the annual membership with parking. http://sandiegozoo.org/kidsfree/

San Diego Air Show and Kids

2011-09-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is the place to be the weekend of Sept. 30th for the largest Air Show in the country. The theme this year is “A Salute to San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation 1911 - 2011. The incredible U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform every year and are the highlight of the show.

We have been many times and our Kids enjoy climbing through and sitting in the air craft and helicopters. We have always felt safe but have needed earplugs, ear mufflers are best for kids when the jets fly over head.

You can bring your stroller or wagon through with your lunch and umbrella in. Bring sun screen and camera as there are lots of great photo opportunities for your family. Be prepared to walk a lot or ride the bus from the parking lot.

The Air Show will take place on Sept. 30, and October 1, 2 at MCAS Miramar. With the twilight show on Saturday at 5:30. To complement the aerial performances, the flight line will have military equipment exhibits, air show memorabilia, and plenty of food and refreshments.

To get there, take I-5 to the Miramar Rd. exit, and follow Miramar Rd. to the west gate of MCAS Miramar. You can sit on a blanket on ground or purchase special seating (grandstand, box seat, and chalet) at(619) 220-TIXS. For more information call (858) 577-1000 or visit www.miramarairshow.com.You can also check out Fleet Week in September, www.fleetweeksandiego.org

100 best places to take kids in San Diego

2011-08-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

We have compiled a list of over 100 vacation attractions in San Diego that are kid friendly. These are some of the best places to take kids in San Diego that we have been to. This map shows all of the things that makes San Diego so entertaining.

Mostly you will just want to relax at the beach. (La Jolla Shores has great tide pools at children's beach with snorkeling.) But if you take time to plan ahead you can do activities that are fun for the whole family.

Click to See a Map of San Diego Activites

Discount Vacation Ticket Book

2011-07-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

This is probably the best vacation ideas for families traveling to San Diego, CA. Before you plan your family vacation to San Diego see what the Southern California city pass has to offer.

The Southern California CityPass is a collection of thrilling theme parks, priced nearly 30% below regular admissions, and valid for 14 days from first use. Included are a 3-Day Park Hopper to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, and one-day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld, San Diego, with a choice of either the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park.

Click Here to Order the City Pass Online

Disneyland and San Diego Zoo Tickets

2011-07-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Here is how to get Disneyland with San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld combo package tickets.

YOU GET TICKETS TO ALL 5 ATTRACTIONS LISTED BELOW:
> 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper including
> Disney California Adventure Park

PLUS ADMISSION TO:
> SeaWorld
> San Diego Zoo OR San Diego Zoo Safari Park
> and Universal Studios Hollywood

The cool thing is if you don't use all the tickets on your vacation you can sell the remaining unused tickets on Craigslist before the expire. If you buy this discount ticket book your are saving 32% off the regular price. Thats one way to get discount SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo tickets. The San Diego Wild Animal Park is now call San Diego Safari Park and you can choose either the zoo or safari park in this package.

Poway Park Train

2011-07-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

Old Poway Park on the Fourth of July is a great place to spend the day and have a family picnic. They have an old steam engine for train rides. There are lots of craft activities for kids like races and face painting. Also there is an antique car show, patriotic music in the grand stand, ice cream and a BBQ. The Poway Park train rides are open all year, 50 cents for kids and Adults are $2.50. Check the City of Poway event calendar for more details.

San Diego Science Center

2011-07-10T00:14:00.000-07:00

This summer went to the San Diego Science Center in Balboa park. Four things made this a great family day.
1. The Family membership at the Ruben H. Fleet Science Center only cost $79.00 for one year but that price also includes 8 tickets to the science center iMax theater, an $80.00 value.
2. The science center membership can be used at over 100 Association of Science-Technology Centers in the US and abroad.
3. They are always changing the exhibits and activities. Kids Ville has been upgraded and has more science oriented hands on displays.
4. They have great new exhibits that the older kids and adults find very interesting and love playing with. Everything is always so fun and cool. During the summer the science center has extended hours so check out their calendar of events. http://www.rhfleet.org/

San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

2011-06-11T23:05:00.000-07:00

June 10 - July 4th, 2011. (Closed on Mondays) The Del Mar Fair started this weekend and runs through July 4th. Today we went to the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fair grounds, just north of La Jolla in San Diego, and the kids had a great time. There was so much to do and see. We went to the Kiddie Land rides inside the horse track on the East side of the Fairgrounds. That's where the smaller rides are for little kids. Be sure to check the online calendar for events and activities as there is something different every day and weekend. Costco has discount ticket packages that include 4 admissions, parking, 4 drink tickets (with food purchase) and 50 ride coupons. Kiddieland rides are 3-4 tickets each and Fun Zone are 4-6 tickets. For an additional cost you can go in pony rides, bungee trampolines, sling shot and other things. Over all this was a great family day. Calendar of Events at the Del Mar Fair

San Diego County Fair

Things we did with kids:
Kiddieland rides - 3-4 tickets each (most rides have height restrictions)
Petting zoo - $1 for animal food otherwise its no extra cost
Classic Car Show
AgriFair and Livestock Barn
Dog Show (check calendar)
Fun Zone (Big kid rides)
Wood carving exhibit
And of course the food!

Coronado Beach

2011-05-28T00:32:00.000-07:00

Coronado Beach is voted to be the #2 beach in the USA. Here is the article from Dr. Beach's Best Beaches in America.

"Coronado Beach is the toast of Southern California; it is a veritable oasis by the sea, measuring hundreds of yards wide. With its lush subtropical vegetation, unique Mediterranean climate, and fine sparkling sand, beach-goers flock to this beach for great ship watching and the summer’s mild surf. The local landmark, Hotel del Coronado, was built over a hundred years ago, offering spectacular architecture and Old World elegance. Kings, sheiks, actors, and actresses have stayed at Hotel del Coronado, where food and drinks are served on the beach, and the hotel provides a great location for celebrities."

San Diego Summer Camps for kids

2011-05-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some popular summer camp to keep your kids entertained this summer.

1. YMCA Camp Marston in Julian
This is a nice location in the mountains just above San Diego. Swimming, climbing tower and lots of activities. We have visited this camp many times and it is in a beautiful location.
2. Surf Camp
There is no better way to spend the summer than at the beach. This surf camp is popular with the kids.
3. Birch Summer Learning Camp
Birch Aquarium is in one of the nicest locations. Your kids will have a great time at this ocean learning camp.
4. Sea World Summer Camp
This is San Diego so everyone has a ocean theme summer camp. Sea World would be a great place to spend your summer days.
5. More Summer Camps
There are a lot more summer camps for kids listed on this site. Check it out.

Free or Almost Free San Diego Vacation Ideas

2011-04-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of some of some great California Vacation Deals. Some are Free and most are inexpensive. This will help you plan your vacation on a budget this summer.

San Diego Vacation Deals

1. San Diego Zoo - Discount Tickets
When you sign up for a San Diego Zoo as an Diamond Member you get 4 free tickets two - for the Zoo and two for the Wild Animal Park, if you sign up as a Diamond member. With an annual membership four people will be able to get in to each location (Zoo and Wild Animal Park) in for the price of one membership. Usually we pay $99 a year for a membership. If your going to the Wild Animal Park a lot buy parking as it is not free like the Zoo.

2. Sea World Annual Pass
Right now Sea World has a special where you can "pay for a day get a year free." This means that the second year annual pass is free with a ticket purchase this year.

3. Balboa Park Museums
Every Tuesday is Free day. The first Tuesday of every month is free day for some of the main museums and Science Center. Just Google "balboa park free tuesday" and you will see the calendar. Residents of San Diego must show ID to get in on these days. This is still a great bargain and Balboa Park is a fun place to just walk and take photos. Take a walk through the gardens or along El Prado on a sunny day and you will see lots of places to sit and take in the sun.

4. La Jolla Shores Children's Beach and Embarcadero
If all you do is go to La Jolla shore and then take a walk along the Embarcadero at sunset you will have a great day. The Embarcadero has some great sea food restaurants and leads into the Gas Lamp district. You can also visit Sea Port Village for some treats and shopping.

View more More San Diego Attractions

Visiting San Diego with Kids

2011-03-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

San Diego Attractions for Kids

Are you visiting San Diego with kids this summer? Here are 5 kid friendly mini San Diego vacations. These are things that are easy to do with small children in a morning or afternoon so your kids won't get too tired and are sure to have fun.

1. Coronado Island - the beaches on Coronado are flat which makes it easier for kids to be in the water. When the waves are not huge this means the kids will have an easy time in the water. Bring a shovel to dig a small pool for kids to swim in while building a sand castle. Put sea weed in front of the pool to block the waves.

2. Tide Pools - The tide pools just north of La Jolla shores and past Scripps Pier are a great place to explore. Check the internet for the tide pool schedules and bring your camera to take your kid's photos as they explore.

3. Birch Aquarium - Just up above La Jolla shores is Birch Aquarium. This only takes a few hours to tour through and see the amazing fish. They often have hands on pools for kids to play in and touch stuff so bring a dry shirt for your kids to change into. Afterward eat your lunch on the picnic tables out front and take a break.

4. Marina and Submarine - down on the San Diego Embarcadero there is an old Soviete B-39 Submarine along with other boats like the The H.M.S. Surprise from the movie "Master and Commander." Kids love running and climbing around on these "floating playgrounds." If you want to make a full day of it, visit the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier next door.

5. Balboa Park - The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center will take all afternoon to explore. There are always new kid friendly attractions and we have always had a great time with the hands on exhibits.

Photos of Stuff for Kids to do in San Diego

2011-02-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo gallery of some of the best San Diego vacation ideas. These are things you will want to do with your kids on your next trip to San Diego Ca. Enjoy!

Torrey Pines Farmers Insurance Open - Kids are Free

2011-01-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

The Torrey Pines Farmers Insurance Open has lots of fun things for kids to see and do in between the rounds of golf. Kids will love the booths with free stuff. Kids 15 and under are free with adult ticket. Jan 24-29, 2011
Click Here to get your discount golf tickets.

Winter Time Activities for Kids

2010-12-07T00:04:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the best winter time activities in San Diego.

Ice Skating
There are several ice skating rinks in the area. Here are a few
San Diego Ice Arena
Ice Town UTC
Iceoplex Escondido

Drive Through Lights
Candy Cane Lane and more
http://www.sdfair.com/holidayoflights/ Del Mar Fairgrounds

Old Town San Diego
http://www.oldtownsandiegoguide.com/

Holiday Bowl
http://www.holidaybowl.com/

More San Diego Holiday Events
http://www.sandiegochristmas.net/

Kids are Free in October at the San Diego Zoo

2010-10-04T01:08:00.000-07:00

Kids are Free in October at the San Diego Zoo.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/kidsfree/

The San Diego Zoo has improved it's attractions and enclosures. Now Elephant Odyssey is the newest exhibit for the elephants. http://www.elephantodyssey.com/elephants/. Many of the elephants have moved from the Wild Animal park (now called Safari Park over to the San Diego Zoo.

From San Diego Vacation

Kidtopia at La Costa’s club for kids in Carlsbad CA... COOL!

2010-09-25T23:09:00.000-07:00

The La Cost website says " La Costa’s exciting club for kids in Carlsbad, CA, that takes children’s resort programs to a whole new level." and by looking at the pics of this resort it looks like this would be an amazing vacation. Water slides, beach, play room, pools. But best of all really comfortable beds to jump on! What could be more fun.
Visit: www.lacosta.com/kidtopia/

Boomers Party Place for Kids in San Diego

2010-08-07T23:05:00.000-07:00

Boomers is a fantastic kid friendly place to hold Birthday Parties. The fun center is full of attractions that will entertain the whole party for hours. Some of these attractions include a intricate Go-Kart race track, two themed miniture golf courses, cool and refreshing bumber boats, several kid friendly rides, and an arcade full of exciting games for all ages. So why not schedual the perfect party at boomers http://www.boomersparks.com/

Crafts for Kids to do at Home for Free

2010-07-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

If your looking for crafts for kids to do at home for free. Here is a fun craft for kids to do with water cups and straws. The next time your at IN-N-OUT Burgers in California keep your water cups and make these musical instruments

3 Reasons to take a San Diego Family Camping Trip

2010-04-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

1. The standard hotel room is 400 square feet, a vacation rental is about 2,000 square feet for the same price. Both cost way too much!

2. Camping is what kids like more than anything. If you take your kids out doors they will be in their element. If you want one of the best family vacations the go camping. You can do things at your own pace and relax. You will feel like you can unpack and unwind.

3. These days most families are driving to their vacation destinations. Pack your camping gear in your car and save a lot of money and your kids will have more fun than Disneyland.

Here is a map with Beach Camping Sites in San Diego and a great inland campgrounds in San Diego.

San Diego Vacation Plans Made Easy

2010-03-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

Plan your vacation in 3 easy steps. Follow this map to three days of fun filled family entertainment. Embassy Suites San Diego puts you right in the middle of the fun.

1. Start by booking a room at Embassy Suites San Diego.
2. Pick three attractions using the Embassy Suites Local Guide

3. Enjoy your vacation

La Jolla San Diego Beach Vacation and Hotel

2010-03-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Start the best family beach vacation you will ever have at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Hotel.

Reserve your La Jolla Hotel room today

When you want to stay near all the best San Diego attractions this location will put you in the middle of all the fun; world class golf, Legoland, Sea World, La Jolla beaches and Torrey Pines State Reserve.

San Diego Hotels - Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa

2010-03-07T00:47:00.000-08:00

This is one of the best San Diego resort and spa for kids. This family vacation spot is ideal because the have beach and water sports for the whole family at the Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa.

Reserve your San Diego Resort room today

California Vacation Ideas

2010-02-20T13:12:00.000-08:00

San Diego Vacation Tickets

Having lived all over Southern California I feel qualified to write some interesting tips to help you plan your California Vacation. If you only have one week to spend in California I suggest you follow either Plan A or Plan B.

Plan A - I Want to Do It All
1. Don't spend more than 2 days at Disneyland. After the second day your so tired you don't want to go back. Use the California Vacation Guide to plan your Disney trip.

2. If you go to Disneyland for 3 days take a break and go to Sea World or the San Diego Zoo on the third day and then back to Disneyland. Click here to get discounts on your San Diego Vacation Plans.

3. Take time to visit the beach but make sure it's a good one and your bring sun screen. You don't want to get burned and ruin your vacation. Map of So. Cal Beaches

4. For the last few days decide if you are going to San Diego or to Los Angeles. If you in for a third amusement park then visit Universal Studios. If you want a package deal on tickets for lots of California Attractions then you may want to get the So Cal City Pass.

Plan A is a busy vacation that requires lots of travel and walking. After completing plan A you may need a vaction from your vacation. Plan B is designed to be a more relaxing vacation.

Plan B - Just Chill at the Beach in San Diego
After all of the amusement parks just hang out at the beach. Most likely you will want to visit La Jolla Shores just north of San Diego. This is the premiere beach is Southern California and right next to it is Birch Aquarium. This is a small but nice marine aquarium that you can see in 2 hours or less and it does not cost a lot.

Stroll through Balboa park just north of downtown San Diego and take in a movie at the iMax theater. There are lots and lots of museums in Balboa park and the Science Center and Natural History Museum both have iMax theaters.

In the evening walk along the embarcadero to the Gas Lamp district where there are over 100 restaurants. You may also want to take a harbor cruise and vistit the Maritime museum our USS Midway. In the summer you can take the trolly over to a Padres baseball game and then head back to your hotel for a relaxing bubble bath.

Saturday morning you will want to eat at the breakfast buffet at the Hotel Del Coronado. After breakfast you can walk along the beach, build a sand castle and soak up some sun.

No matter which plan you use A or B make sure you plan ahead so you can relax and enjoy your vacation.

San Diego Beach Map

2010-02-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

View Orange County and San Diego Beaches in a larger map

Are you ready to take a tour of California beaches on your vacation? San Diego has some of the nicest beaches starting on Coronado Island and moving north to the inviting sands of La Jolla Shores, then on to the tall cliffs of Torrey Pines State Beach. In North County San Diego there are Carlsbad State Beach and campground and Oceanside harbor. Here is a list of all the best beaches in San Diego.

Imperial Beach

Silver Strand

Coronado Beach

Point Loma

Ocean Beach

Sunset Cliffs

Mission Beach

Mission Bay

Pacific Beach

La Jolla Cove

Windansea

La Jolla Children's Pool

La Jolla Shores

Carlsbad

Oceanside

San Onofre

Torrey Pines State Beach

Del Mar

Del Mar Beach Trail

Solana Beach

Cardiff

Swami's

Encinitas

Leucadia
Moonlight Beach

San Diego Vacation Packages

2009-10-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

San Diego Vacation Packages
The following list has some of the most popular San Diego vacation packages and deals. These include discount hotel packages, combination discount ticket books for Disneyland, Sea World and San Diego Zoo. We have also included links to San Diego Beachfront vacation locations.

1. Discount San Diego Zoo and Sea World Ticket Book

2. Southern California Vacation Packages

3. San Diego Hotel Discounts

4. Disneyland Vacation Packages

We love living in San Diego and it's time for for you to go on vacation here. There is nothing better than sunny San Diego in the summer. As one of the most ideal and loved cities in the country San Diego continues to attract families from all over the world. The city's natural beauty, warm climate and many outdoor attractions make this resort town ideal for families with kids.

There is no better way to enjoy everything this place has to offer than SeaWorld. With one of our San Diego Getaway Packages you can enjoy quality accommodation at a number of hotels in the most popular spa towns. Then add-on San Diego area attractions like the Zoo or Legoland to your package, and prepare for some fun in the sun!

Sit back and relax on the beach and enjoy over seventy miles from the sunny Oceanside to the silver Strand. Get splashed by Shamu at SeaWorld Adventure Park Popular, see new exhibits of the animals at the world famous San Diego Zoo or build your own city at Legoland. With so much to do, your hardest decisions will be where to start first and how long to stay.

Traveling with Kids - Vacation Planning Tips

2009-04-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

As you plan your family vacation to Southern California there are several things you need to do to make sure your kids have an enjoyable trip.

1. Where will you stay?
2. What will you do?
3. How will you get around?

1. Stay in a Discount Hotel
If you are traveling with kids a discount hotel room is what you need. Near Disneyland the Anaheim Gateway had great rates http://www.anaheimgateway.com/.

2. Look at all So. California Attraction Options
The Southern California CityPass allows you to visit Disneyland for 3 days and then you can go to Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and Universal Studios all at a discounted rate. Click here for Discount CityPass Tickets to Disneyland

3. Transportation Options
Rental cars are convenient but expensive. Public transportation options along the coast from San Diego to Anaheim are the Coaster and Metrolink. These have improved to the point that you can now travel from Costal San Diego to Anaheim with one transfer in Oceanside. Staying near the beach during or after your Disneyland days can provide a vacation from your vacation. Click here for Transportation Maps

Look at the bigger picture meaning don't make your vacation more work than fun. Usually after three days most kids have had their fill of Disneyland and are ready for leisurely beach activities or other attractions. Here is a map of our favorite beaches