San Diego, CA
Fun Things to Do with Kids in San Diego
Whatever the weather is doing, San Diego has options. We track 103 places to take kids across the area, including museums and educational attractions (19), amusement parks (13) and arcades (9).
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.
Last updated 22 September 2026. Hours and prices come from each business.
Indoor activities for kids in San Diego
When it rains, or when it is simply too cold to be outside for long, there are 32 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
15 categories, 103 places. Counts change as businesses add listings.
Popular places in San Diego
8 of 103, ordered by distance from San Diego.
San Diego Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a large wildlife park in Escondido where kids can get close to animals through safari tours and other hands-on activities. A highlight…
Museum of Illusions – 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
Accepts ACM Reciprocal NetworkThe 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…
Historic Carousels
San Diego Automotive Museum
Accepts NARMA 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…
Asylum
Virtual Play Zone
Japanese Friendship Garden
Accepts AHS Garden NetworkA Japanese garden and museum set across ten acres in San Diego, designed to share Japanese culture and aesthetics with visitors. Families can walk through…
Nearby cities
The closest other places we cover.
Common questions
What are the best things to do with kids in San Diego?
We list 103 kid-friendly places in San Diego, led by museums and educational attractions (19) and amusement parks (13). 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 32 indoor places in San Diego, including museums, indoor playgrounds and family entertainment centers.