Ten Fun Family Things to Do in San Diego
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks ten fun family things to do in San Diego including the zoo, Balboa Park, SeaWorld, museums and an aqurium.
As a city break destination, San Diego has something for everyone – and that includes families. Whether you’ve got kids young or old, or a bit of both, the city has a wide choice of options, from the world-famous zoo and SeaWorld to museums, parks and aquariums. Here’s our guide to ten of the best fun family things to do.
Ten Fun Family Things to Do
in San Diego
1. San Diego Zoo
The world-famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park is a must-visit for families. Home to over 3,500 animals representing 650+ species, the zoo offers exciting exhibits like the African Rocks, Panda Trek (if pandas are on exhibit), and the Elephant Odyssey. Kids will love the guided bus tour, Skyfari aerial tram, and interactive animal encounters.
The zoo focuses on conservation and education, making it both fun and enriching. With play areas, dining options, and seasonal events (like Nighttime Zoo in summer), there’s something for all ages. For more information see our full page on San Diego Zoo.
Phone: (619) 231-1515
Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA
92101
Website: sandiegozoo.org
2. New Children’s Museum
The New Children’s Museum is an interactive, art-focused play space designed to spark creativity in kids of all ages. Unlike traditional museums, this one encourages hands-on exploration with exhibits like The Wonder Sound (a musical climbing structure) and Rain’s House (a whimsical, immersive art installation).
Rotating exhibits mean there’s always something new to discover. The museum also offers daily art workshops, a toddler play zone, and outdoor climbing structures. It’s perfect for kids ages 1-10, blending play, learning, and artistic expression in a vibrant, downtown setting.
Phone: (619) 233-8792
Address: 200 W Island Ave, San
Diego, CA 92101
Website: thinkplaycreate.org
3. Balboa Park Museums & Gardens
Balboa Park is a cultural hub with 17 museums, lush gardens, and kid-friendly spaces. The Fleet Science Center offers hands-on exhibits and an IMAX theater, while the San Diego Natural History Museum features dinosaur fossils. The Japanese Friendship Garden and Botanical Building provide serene outdoor exploration.
Free tram rides and playgrounds make it easy for families to enjoy a full day here. For more information see our full page on Visiting Balboa Park.
Phone: (619) 239-0512 (Visitor
Center)
Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego,
CA 92101
Website: balboapark.org
4. SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld combines thrilling rides (like Manta and Emperor roller coasters) with marine life encounters. Families can watch orca shows, pet bat rays, and visit penguin exhibits.
The Sesame Street Bay of Play offers kid-friendly rides and meet-and-greets. Educational animal rescue programs add a meaningful touch to the visit. For more, see our full page about SeaWorld in San Diego.
Phone: (619) 222-4732
Address: 500 Sea World Dr, San
Diego, CA 92109
Website: seaworld.com/san-diego
5. Belmont Park
This historic beachfront amusement park in Mission Beach features the Giant Dipper roller coaster, arcade games, mini-golf, and bumper cars. Families can enjoy the Plunge swimming pool, zip lines, and beachfront dining. Free entry (pay per ride) makes it budget-friendly.
Phone: (858) 228-9283
Address: 3146 Mission Blvd, San
Diego, CA 92109
Website: belmontpark.com
6. USS Midway Museum
A floating museum aboard the historic USS Midway aircraft carrier, this attraction offers flight simulators, cockpit tours, and over 60 exhibits. Kids can climb into aircraft and listen to veteran-led stories. The Junior Pilot Program includes a fun scavenger hunt.
Phone: (619) 544-9600
Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, San
Diego, CA 92101
Website: midway.org
7. Birch Aquarium at Scripps
This La Jolla aquarium showcases Pacific marine life, including seahorses, sharks, and a tide-pool touch tank. Interactive exhibits highlight ocean conservation, and outdoor decks offer stunning ocean views. For more information see our page about our visit to The Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
Phone: (858) 534-3474
Address: 2300 Expedition Way, La
Jolla, CA 92037
Website: aquarium.ucsd.edu
8. Waterfront Park
A free park with splash fountains, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The maritime-themed play structures and skyline views make it a hit with kids.
Phone: (619) 235-1122
Address: 1600 Pacific Hwy, San
Diego, CA 92101
Website: sdparks.org
9. Mission Bay Park & Sesame Place San Diego
Mission Bay Park is a 4,600-acre waterfront playground, perfect for biking, picnicking, and kayaking. Kids love the Bonita Cove Playground, while parents relax on the sandy shores.
Just minutes away, Sesame Place San Diego brings the magic of Sesame Street to life with water attractions, dry rides, and character meet-and-greets. Splash down slides like Big Bird’s Rambling River or dance with Elmo at the Neighborhood Party Parade. The park is designed for younger kids (ages 2-10) and combines water play with classic amusement park fun.
Phone (Sesame Place): (866)
459-2726
Address (Sesame Place): 2052
Entertainment Cir, Chula
Vista, CA 91911
Website: sesameplace.com/san-diego
Address (Mission Bay Park): 2688 E
Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Website (Mission Bay): sandiego.gov
10. Cabrillo National Monument Tide Pools
Explore ocean tide pools teeming with sea creatures at low tide. The visitor center offers history exhibits and scenic hikes.
Phone: (619) 557-5450
Address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr,
San Diego, CA 92106
Website: nps.gov/cabr
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