Welcome to sunny Southern California! If you are looking for things to do in San Diego with kids, you are in the right place.
At Apek Rentals, we love helping families plan the perfect coastal getaway. With over 15,000 happy stays and 7 years of hosting experience, we know exactly what makes a family trip special. San Diego has gorgeous weather, sandy beaches, and world famous attractions.
Whether your little ones love animals, science, or roller coasters, this city has it all. Let us share our top picks to help you make unforgettable memories during your stay in one of our beautiful San Diego vacation rentals.
Meet the Animals
San Diego is famous for its incredible wildlife parks. These spots are perfect for families who want to learn about animals and nature.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is a world famous park located right in the middle of the city. It is huge, beautiful, and filled with thousands of amazing animals.
Our guests always tell us how much they love the free guided bus tour to see the layout of the park. It is a fantastic way to rest your feet while still seeing lions, elephants, and monkeys.
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Price Level: $$$
- Location: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- Contact: +1 619-231-1515
- Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM every day
- Insight: 💡 Did you know? The San Diego Zoo is home to more than 12,000 animals and over 650 different species.
Learn more about San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
If you want a true safari adventure, you have to visit this massive park in Escondido. Instead of regular exhibits, the animals roam freely in large open fields.
Our visitors highly recommend the Africa Tram, which takes you right up to rhinos, giraffes, and gazelles. The park is very large, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes!
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027
- Contact: +1 619-231-1515
- Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM every day
Learn more about San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Birch Aquarium
The Birch Aquarium in La Jolla is a wonderful attraction that is very easy to explore with young kids. It features beautiful ocean habitats and an amazing outdoor patio.
Families love the hands on tide pools where kids can gently touch starfish and sea anemones. Plus, the patio gives you a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Contact: +1 858-534-3474
- Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (Open until 7 PM on Sundays)
Learn more about Birch Aquarium
Thrilling Theme Parks
San Diego has some of the best amusement parks in the country. From exciting rides to splash zones, these parks will keep your kids smiling all day.
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld is a classic San Diego destination that mixes marine biology with huge roller coasters. It sits right by the beautiful Mission Bay.
Our guests enjoy the amazing animal shows and the fun Sesame Street play area for younger children. Older kids will love the fast and exciting roller coasters.
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
- Contact: +1 619-222-4732
- Hours: 9 AM to 8 PM (Closes at 7 PM on Sundays)
- Insight: 💡 Fun fact: SeaWorld San Diego welcomes nearly 4 million visitors every year and does a lot of important animal rescue work.
Learn more about SeaWorld San Diego
LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND is a brightly colored dream for children ages 2 to 12. It is located just a short drive north in Carlsbad.
Families rave about Miniland USA, where you can see entire cities built out of tiny plastic bricks. The rides are very kid friendly and perfect for first time roller coaster riders.
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Contact: (888) 690-5346
- Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM every day
Learn more about LEGOLAND California
Belmont Park
For a more relaxed beachfront vibe, Belmont Park is a wonderful choice. This historic amusement park sits right on the sand in Mission Beach.
Our guests love that parking and entry are completely free. You only pay for the rides you want to go on. Do not miss the famous Giant Dipper Roller Coaster!
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
- Contact: +1 858-488-1549
- Hours: Open daily at 11 AM (Closing times vary by day)
Learn more about Belmont Park
Interactive Museums and History
Learning on vacation can be incredibly fun. San Diego has some truly unique museums that keep kids engaged for hours.
USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway is a real aircraft carrier floating in the San Diego Bay. It is massive and packed with real fighter jets that kids can look at up close.
Families tell us the audio tour is fantastic because it features real stories from navy veterans. Kids also love climbing into the cockpits of the planes on the upper deck.
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- Contact: +1 619-544-9600
- Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM every day
Learn more about USS Midway Museum
Fleet Science Center
Located inside Balboa Park, the Fleet Science Center is a paradise for curious minds. Everything inside is meant to be touched, built, or spun.
Our guests with toddlers especially love “Kid City”, a special zone just for kids under five. Older kids love the space exhibits and the giant ball pit.
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
- Contact: +1 619-238-1233
- Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM every day
Learn more about Fleet Science Center
Nature and Outdoor Play
Sometimes the best memories are made just walking around and enjoying the California sunshine. San Diego is full of beautiful green spaces and sandy shores.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is the cultural heart of San Diego. It is a giant park filled with gardens, fountains, walking paths, and museums.
Many of our guests spend an entire day here just exploring the Spanish style buildings. Kids love having so much open grass to run around on.
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Contact: (619) 239-0512
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Insight: 💡 Local tip: Balboa Park is actually bigger than Central Park in New York and welcomes about 13 million visitors a year!
Learn more about Balboa Park
Balboa Park Miniature Railroad
While you are in Balboa Park, you have to take a ride on this adorable little train. It is a quick and cheap activity that brings pure joy to young children.
We always suggest taking a spin on this train before heading over to the nearby carousel. It is a perfect way to break up a busy day of sightseeing.
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: 1800 Zoo Pl, San Diego, CA 92101
- Contact: +1 619-500-8978
- Hours: 11 AM to 5:30 PM every day
Learn more about Balboa Park Miniature Railroad
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach is one of our favorite spots to enjoy the ocean. The boardwalk is wide, flat, and perfect for walking or biking with the family.
Our visitors enjoy watching the surfers and building sandcastles. It is a very lively area with lots of great places to grab a quick taco or an ice cream cone.
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Insight: 💡 Good to know: If the ocean waves are too strong for little ones, head over to the calm waters of Mission Bay right next door.
Learn more about Pacific Beach
Plan Your San Diego Getaway With Us
San Diego truly is a playground for families. From the roaring lions at the zoo to the huge ships floating in the bay, there are endless things to do in San Diego with kids.
At Apek Rentals, our goal is to make your stay comfortable and worry free. After a long day of exploring, there is nothing better than coming back to a clean, spacious home where your family can relax.
We would love to host you on your next trip! Explore our San Diego vacation rentals to find your perfect home away from home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego worth visiting with kids?
Absolutely! San Diego is widely considered one of the best family destinations in the country. It offers beautiful beaches, mild weather all year, and world class parks that kids love.
What are some unique kid activities in San Diego?
Some unique activities include exploring the inside of a real aircraft carrier at the USS Midway Museum or seeing the wild seals resting on the beach at La Jolla Cove. Kids also love the hands on science experiments at the Fleet Science Center.
Do kids get into San Diego Zoo for free?
Children normally need a ticket to enter the San Diego Zoo. However, the zoo sometimes offers special deals in October where kids get in free with a paying adult. Always check their official website before your trip to see current ticket prices.
What to do today in San Diego with kids free?
There are many free things to do! You can walk around the beautiful gardens in Balboa Park, play in the sand at Pacific Beach, or visit Old Town San Diego to see historic buildings and listen to mariachi music.
