Fun Things to Do with Kids in San Diego
Whatever the weather is doing, San Diego has options. We track 38 places to take kids across the area, including museums & educational attractions (20), bounce & plays (7) and historic sites (3).
Find kid-friendly places to play, learn and explore in and around San Diego. Browse by category below, or jump to a few popular spots families visit.
Indoor activities for kids in San Diego
When it rains, or when it is simply too cold to be outside for long, there are 20 indoor places to choose from. Museums and indoor playgrounds are the usual answer, and both work at short notice.
Free things to do with kids in San Diego
A good share of what is on this page costs nothing. 6 of the places we list are free to visit, which makes a short trip perfectly reasonable when attention spans are short.
Best places by age in San Diego
Splash pads, wading pools and indoor play areas suit toddlers, because they are shallow, close by and easy to leave early. Older children get more out of the hands-on museums and the bigger play structures.
Browse by category in San Diego
Popular places in San Diego
Museum of Illusions – San Diego is a museum located in San Diego, California, where families can explore perspective-changing rooms, mind-bending installations…
The New Children's Museum in Downtown San Diego, California is dedicated to helping children learn and experience the world through the lens of contemporary art…
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A museum in Balboa Park devoted to cars and motorcycles, displayed across 17,000 square feet. The collection includes over 75 vehicles, arranged in both permanent…
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A Japanese garden and museum set across ten acres in San Diego, designed to share Japanese culture and aesthetics with visitors. Families can walk through…
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Mingei International Museum presents dynamic, changing exhibitions of historical and contemporary folk art, craft and design, fulfilling the Museum’s mission of…
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Fleet Science Center is a science museum located at 1875 El Prado in San Diego, California. Families and children can explore hands-on exhibits and activities…
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Nearby cities
Common questions
What are the best things to do with kids in San Diego?
We list 38 kid-friendly places in San Diego, led by museums & educational attractions (20) and bounce & plays (7). Every listing shows hours, prices and what other parents thought.
What can you do with kids in San Diego for free?
6 of the places we list in San Diego are free to visit, including playgrounds, splash pads and several outdoor spaces.
Where can you take kids in San Diego when it is raining?
There are 20 indoor places in San Diego, including museums, indoor playgrounds and family entertainment centers.