Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

Beth Wood said:  The USS Midway Museum at Navy Pier features over 60 different exhibits located on the aircraft carrier Midway. Exhibits are located throughout the carrier on the hangar deck, flight deck, below deck and aircraft gallery. Over 30 restored aircraft and helicopters are on display and available to explore. Hands-on activities like the Junior Pilot Program, Flight Simulators, Guided Island Tour and more will keep guests entertained. The Fantail Cafe and Jet Shop Gift Store are great spots to check out on board. Click Here to Purchase Tickets

Cost: $8 Youth 6-12, $21 Adult, FREE 5 & under

Beth Wood said:  Located just North of San Diego, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Beach features over 1,500 protected acres offering breathtaking coastal views, miles of hiking trails, lagoons, beach areas and numerous wildlife viewing opportunities. The visitor center and museum shop feature educational nature exhibits and souvenirs for all ages. Free guided walks are offered at the Visitor Center on weekends beginning at 10 AM & 1 PM. Parking is available at the North Beach and South Beach entrances and top of the Mesa.

Cost: Hourly Rate North Beach Only $3-$15, Day Rate South Beach $10-$20 per car

Beth Wood said:  SeaWorld San Diego is a theme park featuring animals, aquatic life, marine mammals, aquariums and more. Explore the park exhibits and aquariums featuring fish, killer whales, sea lions, penguins, dolphins, sharks, otters, turtles, walruses and beluga whales. Take in entertaining live shows, ride amusement park style rides and coasters, see the Sesame Street themed parade featuring your children's favorite characters, take a special tour or in-water program, grab a bite to eat at numerous dining locations, shop at park gift shops and more during your visit.

Cost: 1 Day Ticket Start at $59.99

Beth Wood said:  Old Town San Diego is a historically and culturally rich area within San Diego that offers dining, eclectic shopping, historical buildings and sites, state parks, picnic areas, sprawling greens and more. It's a great area to walk around and explore. Top recommended spots include the Visitor's Center, The Whaley Museum, Casa Guadalajara, State Historic Park, Presidio Park, Mormon Battalion Historic Site, Cygnet Theatre and more. Special events and festivals occur throughout the year around Old Town to add to your visit. Click Here for a map of Old Town with list of attractions.

Beth Wood said:  Do you have a train lover in the family? Then be sure to plan a trip to the Old Town Model Railroad Depot where you'll see a 2,500 square foot exhibit of model trains and their surrounding landscapes set in the 1950's. The exhibit features over 100 lit city buildings, a farm, mountain range, lake, ballpark, zoo, train depot and more. The interactive remote controlled display allows you to become the engineer for added fun. An on-site gift shop is a perfect place to find a train-themed souvenir to remember your visit.

Cost: FREE - donations encouraged

Beth Wood said:  The San Diego Botanic Garden features over 4,000 different plant species. It sits on 37 acres with 29 specialty-themed gardens. The popular Hamilton Children's Garden features hands-on exhibits and experiences including Toni's Treehouse, Spell & Smell Gardens, Earth Builders, Art Garden, Birds & Butterflies, Quail Haven, Mountain Stream, Scavenger Hunt and more. Guided and self-guided youth and adult tours are available daily at the gardens. An on-site gift shop sells unique gifts and decor for the garden and home.

Cost: $8 Youth 3-12, $14 Adult, FREE 2 & Under, $2 parking

Beth Wood said:  Old Town Trolley's Hop On Hop Off Tour offers passengers a narrated trolley tour that travels daily along a 25-mile loop through 10 neighborhoods with 10 destination stops throughout San Diego and Coronado. Passengers can hop on and off at their leisure throughout the day at designated stops to explore over 100 points of interest including museums, parks, the zoo, dining and shopping areas and more. It's a great way to tour the city of San Diego! Click Here to purchase tickets. You will get a full-color map with ticket purchase.

Cost: $22.45 Youth 4-12, $35.95 Adult, FREE 3 & Under

Katie G. said:  Little ones will love looking at the tall ships at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Located on the San Diego Bay, the museum is known for restoring, maintaining and operating historic ships. The most famous ship at the museum is the Star of India, which is the world's oldest active sailing ship. In addition to the tall ships, visitors can enjoy walking through several exhibits inside the museum to learn about the history of sailing in San Diego.

Cost: Tickets start at $8/person

Katie G. said:  Experience the beautiful sights of San Diego atop the Hornblower Cruise. These sight seeing tours offer you two tours in one, sightseeing and wildlife watching. View several attractions throughout the San Diego Harbor, including the Star of India, Midway and Cabrillo National Monument. While on the ship, learn about the history of San Diego and search for marine animals and sea birds. Cruises are offered in one or two hour tours. In the summer and winter, check out the whale and dolphin watching tours.

Cost: $27 - $32/person

Beth Wood said:  The restort town of Coronado is located just across the San Diego Bay from downtown San Diego. Drive over or hop on the ferry and spend the day exploring its pristine beaches, historic downtown area, Bayside & the Ferry Landing, Glorietta Bay, Silver Strand and more. Be sure to visit the historic Hotel Del Coronado which is the inspiration for the Wizard of Oz's Emerald City. Hotels, parks, beaches, museums, bike rentals, kayak tours, restaurants, shopping, special events, trolley tours and more make a visit to Coronado action packed with fun for the whole family.

Katie G. said:  If you're visiting San Diego with the family, you won't want to miss Seaport Village. Located next to downtown on the San Diego Bay, Seaport Village has over 50 shops, waterfront dining restaurants and outdoor entertainment. Kids will love to take a ride on the carousel, have a cartoon character balloon or a caricature drawing to remember the day. During the summer months (busy season), enjoy outdoor concerts at the gazebo. Looking for a bite to eat? Head to my favorite restaurant, Buster's Beach House & Longboard Bar. Save room for ice cream at Ben & Jerry's or candy from Cousins Candy Shop.