Things to Do with Kids in San Diego, CA

San Diego has 69 kid-tested activities for families across museums, parks, zoos, restaurants, and outdoor adventures. Every listing includes age ratings (infants through teens), stroller access, cost estimates for a family of 4, and real parent tips you won't find anywhere else.

4.6 avgacross 69 rated

20 free

58 stroller-friendly

By Kit, KidPaths editor

Covers 71 cities. Reads a lot of parent reviews.

San Diego is one of the best family travel destinations in the US.

From world-class museums to outdoor adventures, there's something for kids of every age. Our guide helps you find exactly what works for your family. The KidPaths guide for San Diego currently includes 69 KidPaths-vetted activities, including 20 free options, 42 indoor or mixed-weather picks, 41 outdoor or partly outdoor picks, 58 stroller-friendly stops.

Use it to balance one anchor outing with a backup plan, especially when weather, naps, or meal timing start driving the day. Start with The New Children's Museum, Rise and Shine Play, Game Show Studio San Diego if you want a quick scan of the strongest local picks, then use the filters below for age fit, stroller access, cost, and rainy-day backup options.

Top kid-friendly places in San Diego

Balboa Park4.8 SeaWorld San Diego4.4 Mission Bay Park4.6 Los Angeles Zoo4.4 California Science Center4.7 The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens4.7 Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum4.6 Waterfront Park4.7 San Diego Air & Space Museum4.6 Sesame Place San Diego4.0 Maritime Museum of San Diego4.7 Botanical Building4.7

Plan San Diego by age, weather, and budget

Jump straight to the pages parents search for most, with only indexable KidPaths listings linked here.

One day itinerary →

No admission feeFree Activities20 picks Weather backupRainy Day Activities33 picks Climate controlledIndoor Activities42 picks Fresh airOutdoor Activities41 picks Easy accessStroller-Friendly58 picks

Toddler59 Infant22 Little Kids68 Big Kids61 Tweens37 Teen29

San Diego with kids: common questions

What are the best free things to do with kids in San Diego?

San Diego has 20 free family activities. Top picks: Liberty Station Playground, Lily Pond, Maruta Gardner Playground, Tecolote North Playground, Botanical Building. See all free activities at kidpaths.com/san-diego.

What can we do with kids on a rainy day in San Diego?

San Diego has 33 rainy-day options. Top indoor picks: Rise and Shine Play, Squarena, Bluebird Play, Game Show Studio San Diego, Museum of Illusions - San Diego.

What are the best activities for toddlers in San Diego?

59 activities in San Diego are rated for toddlers (ages 1 to 3). Parent favorites: Rise and Shine Play, Parker Aviary, Bluebird Play, Liberty Station Playground, Balboa Park.

Which San Diego attractions are stroller-friendly?

58 of 69 activities in San Diego are fully stroller-friendly. KidPaths rates stroller access as yes, limited, or no for every listing.

What are fun things to do with teens in San Diego?

29 activities in San Diego are rated for teens (ages 13 to 17). Top picks: Squarena, Game Show Studio San Diego, Museum of Illusions - San Diego, Balboa Park, California Science Center.

How much do family activities cost in San Diego?

KidPaths tracks family-of-4 cost estimates for 69 activities in San Diego. 20 are completely free. Each listing shows the real cost for a family of four, not just per-person pricing.