San Diego Family Vacation: Best Things to Do with Little Kids

So you’re planning a trip to San Diego, huh? How fun! If you’re anything like us and planning starts to get you feeling some type of way, have no fear… we’ve compiled the ultimate list of things to do with babies and toddlers in San Diego. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello, sunshine!

Quick Tips for Visiting San Diego with Little Kids

Before we get too far into this, we’d love to give a few “quick-hitter” tips to help you plan your travel. Because let’s be real, when’s the last time you were able to sit down and read a whole article? Probably the last time you had sat and had hot coffee! 

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• Hit the San Diego Zoo Early – Arrive when it opens to avoid crowds, see the baby animals, and rent a stroller if needed.
• Balance Park & Museum Time – Spend mornings at Balboa Park playgrounds or Waterfront Park, then visit toddler-friendly, indoor spots like the Fleet Science Center when the sun heats up.
• Choose Calm Beaches – La Jolla Shores or Coronado Beach are great for toddlers, with shallow water and nearby bathrooms.
• Use Family Passes – Many attractions, like the Zoo and Safari Park, offer combo tickets or multi-visit passes to save money and skip lines.
• Eat at Kid-Friendly Spots – Try casual favorites like The Crack Shack, Café 21, or Seaport Village for meals toddlers will enjoy.

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Top Attractions & Activities

Here are some of our favorite things to do, broken down by category:

Zoos & Wildlife

• San Diego Zoo
  
  • Famous for pandas and kid-friendly exhibits, it’s easy to explore with a stroller. It’s pricey for sure, but many parents agree that it’s worth a splurge. 
  • $76 (Adults), $66 (Children 3–11); Free for children under 2
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  
  • Open spaces and a tram make it a toddler-friendly way to see exotic animals. Also pricey, but can make a great day excursion.
  • $76 (Adults), $66 (Children 3–11); Free for children under 2
• Birch Aquarium
  
  • Small, colorful, and hands-on, perfect for little ones to explore marine life.
  • $31.95 (Adults), $26.95 (Children 3–12)
• Hidden Gem: Living Coast Discovery Center 
  
  • A quieter, more affordable spot to see turtles, sharks, and other local wildlife.
  • $20 (Adults), $15 (Children 3–12); Free for children under 2

Parks & Outdoor Fun

• Balboa Park Playgrounds
  
  • Big gardens, playgrounds, and open lawns make it easy to let toddlers run wild (and maybe grab a snack yourself).
  • Free admission
• Waterfront Park
  
  • Splash fountains, grassy areas, and picnic spots mean little feet can burn energy while parents chill.
  • Free admission
• Mission Bay Park
  
  • Shallow waters and sandy spots are perfect for tiny toes and first sandcastle experiments.
  • Free admission
• Kate Sessions Park
  
  • Endless fields and city views make it a relaxed spot for exploring and running around.
  • Free admission
• Hidden Gem: Harbor Island Park 
  
  • A quieter waterfront escape with plenty of open space for toddlers to roam safely.
  • Free admission

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Beaches & Water Play

• La Jolla Shores
  
  • Soft sand and gentle waves make this a toddler-friendly beach where everyone can relax. Yes, even you!
  • Free
• Coronado Beach
  
  • Wide, flat sands are perfect for toddling little feet and building epic sandcastles.
  • Free
• Pacific Beach (Family Area)
  
  • Casual, lively, and close to snacks (major key!), this spot is great for a quicker beach visit with little ones.
  • Free
• Fiesta Island
  
  • Peaceful, shallow waters make it easy for toddlers to splash safely without crowds.
  • Free
• Hidden Gem: Silver Strand State Beach 
  
  • A calm, open beach that’s great for families wanting a quieter seaside afternoon.
  • $15 per vehicle (day use)

Museums & Educational Spots

• Fleet Science Center
  
  • Hands-on play labs and a giant IMAX keep kids busy. Also is quite stroller-friendly with a café and plenty of Balboa Park picnic space.
  • $24.95 (Adults), $19.95 (Children 3–12); Free under 3
• San Diego Natural History Museum ("The Nat")
  
  • Dinosaurs, fossils, and a kids’ lab they can actually touch (praise!). Easy with strollers and way better snacks at the food trucks outside.
  • $24.95 (Adults), $14.95 (Children 3–17); Free under 2
• New Children’s Museum
  
  • Think giant art playground: messy projects, climbable structures, and good coffee for parents. Stroller-friendly and right by Little Italy eats.
  • $20 (Adults & Children); Free under 1
• Museum of Us
  
  • Mummies, masks, and a tower climb for bigger kids. Strollers fine inside (skip the tower); Balboa Park snacks and ice cream are right outside.
  • $19.95 (Adults), $16.95 (Children 6–17); Free under 5
• Hidden Gem: San Diego Model Railroad Museum
  
  • Trains galore! Kids can watch huge model railways chug along and even get hands-on in the kids’ play area. Super stroller-friendly, quick to explore, and right in Balboa Park.
  • $19.50 (Adults), $12 (Children 6–14); Free under 5

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Unique Local Experiences

• Old Town Trolley Rides
  
  • Hop-on, hop-off is a lifesaver with kids—ride as long as they’ll sit still, then bail when it’s meltdown time. Strollers fold up, and drivers usually toss in fun trivia that even littles giggle at.
  • $52 (Adults), $32 (Children 4–12); Free under 4
• Harbor Tours (Multiple operators)
  
  • Boats, sea lions, and skyline views keep kids entertained (bring snacks, trust me). Most tours are stroller-friendly on deck, but carriers are easier if your toddler won’t sit.
  • $28–$35 (Adults), $15–$18 (Children 4–12); Free under 4
• Hidden Gem: Coronado Ferry
  
  • A short (15-minute) boat ride that feels like a big adventure to little kids—plus you land right at a park and ice cream shops. Strollers roll right on, so it’s easy breezy.
  • $8 each way (Adults), $4 (Children 4–11); Free under 3

Food & Snacks (Because, well… kids!)

• Liberty Public Market
  
  • Everyone eats what they want: tacos for you, mac & cheese for the tiny humans. Stroller-friendly and perfect for when patience is low and appetites are high.
• Extraordinary Desserts
  
  • Seriously, it’s dessert theater. Cakes that make you gasp, pastries that make kids squeal. Tight space, but worth it IMO.
• Phil’s BBQ
  
  • Messy, loud, and gloriously unapologetic. Toddler throws a rib? No judgment. High chairs and quick service make us big fans.
• Seaport Village Treats
  
  • Ice cream, fudge, and plenty of space to park strollers.
• Hidden Gem: MooTime Creamery
  
  • Small, local ice cream shop where the flavors are wild and the kids’ eyes go huge. Stroller-friendly outside seating, and honestly, it’s worth the sugar bribe.

Where to Stay (That’ll Actually Relax You)!

Looking for the best place to stay? We’ve already broken down 5 great options across the greater San Diego area, as well as a range of price points. You can check out that blog here. 

Ready to pack your bags for your San Diego adventure? Check out more kid-tested spots, hidden gems, and family-friendly tips on Kidgo, and make your next trip fun for everyone… even the tiny humans!

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