san diego vacation for toddlers
We know that finding the right thing to do with your kids when you’re on vacation can be a real challenge. We’ve got the scoop on the best things to do in San Diego for kids during the COVID pandemic.
With all of the restrictions on travel and shopping, we understand how hard it is to find fun things for kids to do during this stressful time. Luckily, San Diego has some pretty amazing attractions that are perfect for young families. Here are our favorites:
-Old Town San Diego: This historic district is located just north of downtown and offers a ton of kid-friendly activities like street performers, historic buildings, and lots of shops that sell handmade items made by local artisans.
-SeaWorld: SeaWorld San Diego is one of the most popular theme parks in Southern California—and with good reason! It’s home to killer whales (as well as dolphins!), penguins, sea lions…and so much more! You definitely won’t be bored here! Bonus points if you go during whale watching season (December through April).
-Mission Beach Boardwalk: This boardwalk has been around since 1887 and features everything from an arcade that
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a large urban cultural park in San Diego, California, United States. It was established on 1,200 acres (4.9 km2) of land in 1915 and has grown to include over 1,100 acres (4.5 km2). In addition to open spaces for recreation such as golf course greens and walking paths, it contains museums, several theaters and many gardens including the San Diego Zoo.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is a great place to take your kids. It’s free and fun! You can visit on any day of the year except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, which makes it very convenient for planning a trip. The zoo opens at 9am and closes at 6pm every day of the year.
The San Diego Zoo has several exhibits where you can see animals from all over the world. There are also other activities that are included with your admission price, such as:
- Children’s Zoo (an interactive play area for children)
- Skyfari Aerial Tram Ride (gives you an aerial view of the park)
- Conservation Carousel
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego is a must-visit for families with little kids, and it’s been on the bucket list of most parents for a long time. There’s so much to do there that you could easily spend an entire day (or two!) in this park.
There are tons of rides, shows, and other activities that will keep your kids entertained. Some of them are geared toward younger children while others are more mature—but even the older rides have safety features built in so that everyone can enjoy themselves safely. And if you’re looking for something extra special to do at SeaWorld San Diego—you’ll find it! There are special events throughout the year that offer discounted pricing or special perks like free parking or early entry into certain areas of the park.
Legoland California Resort
This is a great option for kids of all ages. There are plenty of rides and attractions that will keep your children occupied for hours, even on a cloudy day!
In addition to the rides, there are many areas where kids can play freely. Many of these areas have cool interactive displays that teach them about science and nature. This is an excellent way for parents to spend some quality time with their kids while learning something new themselves!
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is a state park in San Diego, California, preserving and presenting the history of San Diego from its founding in 1769 to the 1930s. The park is located in the heart of San Diego’s oldest neighborhood, Old Town.
Old Town developed around a central plaza that has been restored to look as it did in 1850. Buildings are decorated with Victorian facades that have been preserved or recreated on site. In addition to shops and restaurants there are period performers and artisans who demonstrate their crafts daily. The historic district includes 24 buildings and has more than 20 acres (81,000 m2) of land designated as California Historical Landmark #128.[1] It was declared a National Historic Landmark District on May 27,[2] 1972[3].
The Presidio is an archeological site containing artifacts from early Native American tribes dating up to 5500 years old[4].
Coronado Island
Coronado Island is an easy day trip from San Diego. It’s a great place to visit with kids, especially if you’re hoping to check out some history and beaches. The island is home to the famous Hotel del Coronado, where Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman filmed “Casablanca” in 1942. You can also tour the hotel and even spend the night there!
Coronado Beach is one of our favorite spots on the island because it offers both sand and water activities: surfers ride waves while families play in gentle waves at low tide; children build sand castles while adults enjoy swimming or walking along miles of shoreline.
Mission Beach Boardwalk and Belmont Park
Mission Beach Boardwalk and Belmont Park are two fun places to spend the day with kids in San Diego.
- Mission Beach Boardwalk has rides, games, and restaurants along a beachfront amusement park.
- Belmont Park is a family-friendly amusement park with rides, games, and restaurants.
There are plenty of fun things to do in San Diego with toddlers.
The best part about San Diego is the variety of things to do with kids. There are so many fun options for families with young children, from zoos and aquariums to boat cruises and more. Here are some ideas for your next trip:
- Visit SeaWorld San Diego
- Enjoy whale watching in Coronado
- Take a water taxi tour on the harbor
- Check out LEGOLAND California Resort
Conclusion
San Diego is a great city for families, with so many fun things to do. The San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego and Legoland California Resort are just a few of the many attractions that you can visit while in town. If you’re planning an extended stay, there are also hotels near Balboa Park and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park where kids can play in an outdoor pool or splash pad.