Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around San Diego - 2021
Best Places for Kids in the San Diego region!
2021's best places to take kids in San Diego, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. But there is LOTS more to do in San Diego! Get great ideas here! What is listed below are far from the only opportunities for family fun and learning; they're just what was voted this year.
1. San Diego Zoo
The Zoo, located adjacent to downtown San Diego in Balboa Park, is 100 acres in size. It is well known for its lush, naturalistic habitats and unique animal encounters and is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals representing approximately 650 species and subspecies and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 plants. It is viewed in several ways, first and foremost by walking along pathways, into aviaries, and through bioclimatic zones. There is a 35-minute Guided Bus Tour that gives a good overview of the Zoo, along with an Express Bus that stops at several locations to assist guests in accessing different areas. We suggest taking the Guided Bus Tour upon your arrival to acquaint yourself with the various areas where you would like to spend additional time. The Zoo is a unique walking experience that exhibits animals in the most natural way possible, adding shows and animal presentations throughout the day for additional enjoyment. We recommend a minimum visit time of at least three to four hours.
2. Ninja Factory
Ninja Factory, located in the Eastlake Community just off the 125 S, is a family owned and operated Ninja Warrior style play place. Where fitness meets fun! At Ninja Factory, children, from crawler to 12 years of age, navigate the inflatable obstacles, structures, warped walls, zip lines and more. While having fun, kids grow their minds and bodies while burning off all their endless energy. There is a dedicated toddler area (to keep little hands safe from bigger feet) with age appropriate obstacles to help babies to toddlers develop their motor skills while having fun! Enjoy it for a day, month, and even for birthday parties with their many admission options! Ninja Factory is known for being clean, safe and FUN!
3. Plunge San Diego
Dive into fun at Plunge San Diego, the spectacular oceanside venue at Belmont Park in Mission Beach. Thanks to a five-year restoration project, the historic swimming pool originally built in 1925 is now a state-of-the-art attraction with a retractable roof and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Swim in a sunlit paradise and enjoy the dining deck attached to the pool’s renovated Beach House Restaurant. The heated pool has seven (7) lap swim lanes, and a shallow area with an obstacle course for family fun. Open to the public, The Plunge offers premier programs including swim lessons for every age, a masters swim team, aqua aerobics classes, and recreational swim time. The iconic facility features a floating obstacle course, basketball hoop, dry sauna, hot showers, lockers, functional fitness area and direct beach access. For current schedules, programs and rates, visit Plunge SanDiego at plungesandiego.com
4. SeaWorld San Diego
Only at SeaWorld® San Diego theme park can you get close to dolphins, penguins, sharks and more! See awe-inspiring shows with magnificent killer whales, playful dolphins, humorous sea lions plus an amazing pet show featuring adopted animals. Dive under the sea at Explorer's Reef and touch a crab, shark, or playful cleaner fish. Experience exhilarating rides, roller coasters and water rides. See dozens of amazing attractions. Enjoy fresh California cuisine. Experience this beautiful park located on scenic Mission Bay. SeaWorld® is a top-rated, all-age attraction and a must-see for any visit to San Diego.
5. Oma's Family Farm
Oma’s Family Farm offers a wide variety of activities and events throughout the year. Visit us for Recess, Schedule a private event, or stop by for our Pumpkin Patch & Christmas Tree Farm in the fall. We would love to have you visit! All tickets are pre purchased through our website.
6. Fleet Science Center
The Fleet Science Center connects people of all ages to the possibilities and power of science to create a better future. Our mission is to realize a San Diego where everyone is connected to the power of science.
At the science center, you can explore and investigate more than 100 interactive exhibits that pique your curiosity and become immersed in an IMAX film adventure that shows the wonders of the planet—and beyond—in the Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. For young science enthusiasts, the Fleet hosts school field trips, science workshops and educational camps.
7. Agua Hedionda Lagoon
This 400-acre lagoon is home to a wide array of flora and fauna and invites us to appreciate our water resources through such uses as a YMCA day camp, recreational boating, a mussel and oyster aquaculture facility, a white-sea bass hatchery, and a power generating plant. It connects us to a greater world in so many ways.
8. Birch Aquarium
Dive into the world of sharks, seahorses, and coral reefs at Birch Aquarium. As the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, Birch Aquarium features amazing creatures including a rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle, a Giant Pacific Octopus, Weedy Seadragons, and Moon Jellies. Get hands-on with local creatures while enjoying stunning ocean views.
9. LEGOLAND® California Resort
AWESOME AWAITS at LEGOLAND® California Resort with more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions for families with children ages 2-12. The LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race experience is now open! See the world’s first life-sized LEGO Ferrari F40 and race your own creation. Then soak up the sun at the LEGOLAND Water Park or chill out at SEA LIFE® aquarium. Plus, stay and play at the amazing LEGOLAND Hotel or Castle Hotel located right at the main entrance.
10. Balboa Park
Ever changing. Always amazing. Where culture, science, and nature collide, Balboa Park is home to more than 16 museums, multiple performing arts venues, lovely gardens, trails, and many other creative and recreational attractions, including the San Diego Zoo. With a variety of cultural institutions among its 1,200 beautiful and lushly planted acres, there is something for everyone.
11. San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are an American professional baseball team based in San Diego, California. The Padres compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West division.
12. The New Children's Museum
At The New Children’s Museum, we believe play and art-making promote the skills that our future leaders need: creativity, confidence, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, collaboration, resiliency and optimism. The New Children’s Museum unlocks children’s innate creativity by exposing them to art and the creative process.
13. Aquatica San Diego
Get ready for summer at Aquatica® San Diego water park where the South Seas meets Southern California in this whimsical, tropical oasis. Discover your inner Aquatican with waves from serene to extreme, up-close animal experiences, private cabanas, and attractions for the whole family. If you're looking for the biggest thrill in the park, make a splash at the newest attraction Taumata Racer® - a high-speed competitive mat ride where you'll find adventure head first!
14. Belmont Park
Sure to please the entire family, Belmont Park is located on the surf and sand of Mission Beach and offers free parking and free park admission.
Belmont Park is San Diego’s only beachfront amusement and entertainment complex. Visitors can enjoy traditional and contemporary amusement park rides including the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, play laser tag, visit the arcade, climb the Sky Climb Rock Wall, Dine at Draft or Cannonball, enjoy a round of golf at Tiki Town Mini Golf, glide on the Zip Line or play midway style games - to name a few. The Park features a wide array of cuisine including oceanfront restaurants Beach House Bar & Grill, Draft and Cannonball as well as quick service concepts Belmonty's Burgers, Hot Dog on a Stick and Dole Whip.
15. YMCA of San Diego
The Y focuses on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, and incorporates the core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith into all we do. The Y is more than a gym. We are a community with something for everyone in your family regardless of age, income, ability, ethnicity, or faith. When youth play sports at the Y, they gain more than just exercise. They learn what it takes to be a leader in sports and in life. Youth learn the fundamentals of the game while building character, developing self-confidence, and creating healthy relationships.
16. "My local library"
Of course, our local library system is not really ONE place, it is MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication.
17. Cabrillo National Monument
Climbing out of his boat and onto shore in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped into history as the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. In addition to telling the story of 16th century exploration, the park is home to a wealth of cultural and natural resources. Join us and embark on your own Voyage of Exploration.
18. La Jolla by the Sea
From world-class shopping to one-of-a-kind dining. Shimmering ocean views to timeless landmarks. Beach culture to high culture. Each day, there's a new experience waiting for you. Welcome to La Jolla. Take it in.
19. San Diego Children's Discovery Museum
The mission of San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is to inspire children to learn about our world through exploration, imagination, and experimentation.
20. San Diego Botanic Garden
Established in 1970, San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG) is a 37-acre urban oasis that creates, shares and applies plant wisdom with people of all backgrounds, ages and interests. The Garden’s four miles of trails display more than 5,000 plant species and varieties, including 300 plants for which SDBG is the only garden maintaining a population. SDBG has 15 gardens that represent different regions of the world, 12 demonstration gardens, and the largest public bamboo collection in North America. SDBG has three children’s gardens, including its flagship, one-acre Hamilton Children’s Garden, the largest kids’ garden on the west coast.
Winners in Special Categories
In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in three categories. Here were their choices.Top Arts Educator
Little Artists
Top Sports Educator
YMCA of San DiegoThe Y focuses on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, and incorporates the core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith into all we do. The Y is more than a gym. We are a community with something for everyone in your family regardless of age, income, ability, ethnicity, or faith. When youth play sports at the Y, they gain more than just exercise. They learn what it takes to be a leader in sports and in life. Youth learn the fundamentals of the game while building character, developing self-confidence, and creating healthy relationships.
Top STEM Educator
San Diego ZooThe Zoo, located adjacent to downtown San Diego in Balboa Park, is 100 acres in size. It is well known for its lush, naturalistic habitats and unique animal encounters and is home to more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals representing approximately 660 species and subspecies and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 plants. It is viewed in several ways, first and foremost by walking along pathways, into aviaries, and through bioclimatic zones.
