39 Finest Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

La Jolla is a quaint oceanside town just North of San Diego that offers visitors breathtaking coastal views year round. La Jolla Cove is famous for the sea lions that call it home. Be sure to catch a close-up glimpse of the animals in their natural habitat. Enjoy outdoor activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) and bicycling at the numerous rental spots around the area. Family-friendly activities include visiting the local tide pools, a children's beach, Ellen Scripps park and family-friendly dining throughout the La Jolla area.

Belmont Park is a historic beachfront amusement park in Mission Beach. It's known for its iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster, a wooden coaster built in 1925, and offers a variety of rides, attractions, and dining options, making it one of the best things to do with kids in San Diego.

Plunge San Diego, located in Mission Beach, is a historic indoor swimming pool that originally opened in 1925. Now fully renovated, it features a retractable roof, floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views, and an inflatable obstacle course that's one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids when you have a couple hours to kill.

Cabrillo National Monument is located in Point Loma and overlooks downtown San Diego and the Bay with amazing panoramic views. A visitors center, nearby Old Point Loma Lighthouse, Junior Ranger activities for kids, tide pools to explore, hiking trails and more make this a great San Diego spot for families.

LEGOLAND California is a family-oriented theme park designed for children ages 2-12, featuring rides, shows, and attractions constructed from LEGO bricks. In addition to the theme park, the resort also includes a water park and SEA LIFE aquarium. Two resort hotels offer guests accommodations adjacent to the parks.

The Flower Fields is a 50-acre flower farm located just North of San Diego in Carlsbad. The farm is open to the public while its spectacular crop of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus bloom in bright and bold colors during a six to eight-week window from March to May each year. Walk along the designated paths or ride on the antique tractor wagon to see the beautiful blooms. Stop by the Armstrong Garden Center Gift Shop to purchase cut flowers, bulbs and other potted plants.

Kelly R said:  My family really enjoyed visiting the Flower Fields! The pictures just don't do it justice. In addition to the amazing ranunculus field, there is plenty more to see as you wander around...multiple other beautiful flower displays and gardens, a playground, and a fun sweet pea maze.

March-May