"When You Travel With Children You Are Giving Them Something That Can Never Be Taken Away....Experience, Exposure And A Way Of Life." - Pamela T. Chandler

San Diego is a magnificent place, and it would not be wrong to regard it as Heaven on Earth. According to Canada's leading online travel agency, San Diego ranks among the world's 25 "most beautiful" cities to visit. It is renowned for its idealistic climate, serene beaches, and huge chains of family attractions.

San Diego is a place that is a must to visit for all those who have insatiable wanderlust in their hearts. It doesn't matter whether you are a solo traveler or prefer to travel with your partner or entire family; San Diego is suitable for all types of travel. The best thing about this extraordinary place is that there are plenty of attractions for kids as well. 

If you plan to visit San Diego with your kids this holiday season, believe me, it'll be one of the most memorable experiences of their life. Below, we will explore seven captivating attractions for kids in San Diego. But, before we continue, there are some things that you should keep in mind when traveling with your kids. 

Given the rise in the cases of Omicron globally, it is best to get yourself and your kids vaccinated before traveling. Also, if you plan to travel via your car, don't forget to get car insurance to protect your vehicle and family members in case of any unforeseen circumstances. 

In case you are engaging in air travel, you should try to get travel insurance to ensure a comfortable journey for yourself and your family members. 

Parents should also make sure to consider the safety of children in cars and have proper car seats for each child by age. Now, having discussed these important aspects, let's move on to explore the best tourist spots for your kids to visit in San Diego.

7 Fascinating San Diego Destinations for Kids

1. Cabrillo National Monument: 

If your children are fond of History, you should definitely take them to Cabrillo National Monument. This popular tourist spot will help them get well versed in the history of San Diego. There you'll learn about the adventurous history of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the Spanish explorer who found the magnificent port that is today known as the San Diego Bay.

Additionally, you'll also be enlightened about the WWI and WWII military presence on Point Loma. These things will certainly take your kids on an adventurous journey to the 16th century.

Further, Point Loma lighthouse is another captivating place to visit at Cabrillo National Monument. There you can see period furnishings and lighthouse tools on display. It'll be a thrilling experience for you and your kids. 

2. The New Children's Museum: 

The New Children's Museum is a must-visit for all kids who travel to San Diego. It is located in the heart of San Diego's downtown Gaslamp Quarter, and you can reach there easily through public transport or taxi service.

This museum is dedicated to inspiring children through art and creativity, stimulating their imagination, and sharpening their critical thinking skills by engaging contemporary art experiences. 

The learning experience is made fun for kids through gamification. The missing link and nature matching system are some interesting games your children can play at the New children's museum. Also, there are other exciting activities available for them to engage in. 

The rain house, where kids could play as they might on a rainy day at home, is an example. Furthermore, the wonder sound is another activity-oriented place within the museum where kids can go for continuous exploration. It is a labyrinth of rooms, nooks, and ropes where children can explore international art installations. They can also learn to name constellations.

All in all, New Children's museum guides your kids on the path of self-improvement by taking them from the real to unreal, the known to unknown and from the wild to the familiar. It ignites their curiosity and motivates them to pursue a journey of endless learning and possibilities.

3. La Jolla Cove: 

One of the most crucial aspects of traveling is to connect with nature. Industrialization and modernization have disrupted our connection with nature, which is otherwise essential for us to live a serene, fulfilling, and healthy life. 

On your trip to San Diego, you shouldn't forget to spend quality time outdoors in the loving embrace of nature. La Jolla Cove is a place that can give you one such opportunity. There you can eat a picnic lunch while losing yourself in the magnificence of nature. You can listen to live music on a picturesque grassy field overlooking the vast ocean at Scripps Parkway.

This place will give you a glimpse of heaven, and believe me, your visit to La Jolla Cove will be the best gift you can give to your kids' innocent souls. The overwhelming view of the ocean waves rising and falling, making their way through stones, splashing, and creating ripples, will captivate their heart. 

Moreover, you can also take a walk along sea cliffs on the beach at Children's Pool and experience the wonder of nature. This experience will nourish your soul and transform your life completely. 

4. Birch Aquarium at Scripps: 

If your kids are fascinated by the sea world, you shouldn't miss visiting Birch Aquarium at Scripps. This aquarium is especially dedicated to families running on a tight budget and facing time scarcity. You can see tanks filled with glowing moon jellies, octopuses, tortoises, sharks, and beautiful lionfishes in the aquarium. 

Children of all age groups love watching these sea creatures and getting insights into their lives. They stick to the tanks and don't want to go anywhere for a long time. 

Children can also enjoy the virtual and in-person educational programs conducted by experts at Birch Aquarium. One important thing that you need to know about this fascinating place is that you have to book your tickets beforehand. 

5. San Diego Botanic Garden: 

San Diego Botanic garden is a 37-acre urban oasis with four miles of trails. It takes pride in being West Coast's largest children's garden. There you can visit multitudinous gardens. Wall garden, Tropical and Temperate rainforest, Olive Tree Garden, Junior Quail trail, and Lawn garden are some of them. The Seeds of wonder children's garden is especially dedicated to youngsters. 

There they can engage in playful activities. As you enter the garden, you'll find tubs of soapy water and wands for making bubbles. With further exploration, you'll also find a child-sized playhouse and buried plastic dinosaurs for children to dig out. All these things make the botanical garden visit adventurous for young children. 

Additionally, they can also learn to read a sundial and climb the centerpiece treehouse. All in all, San Diego botanic garden is an invitation for your family to have a fun-filled time in the tranquil embrace of nature. You'll be overwhelmed by the beauty of the greenery around you and remain spellbound.

6. San Diego Zoo Safari Park: 

Zoos always appeal to children of all age groups. Whether you are traveling to San Diego with toddlers or young children, San Diego Zoo Safari Park can make your trip even more memorable. It can serve as a daytime adventure for them. At 1800 acres, the zoo is a host to a number of animals such as Rhinos, Giraffes, and Cape buffaloes. 

The African Tram is a major attraction in the zoo. It takes you around some of the Savanna habitats and gives you the opportunity to experience wildlife closely. If your kids wish to go even closer to the animals of their choice, the zoo lets you fulfill their wish with the help of a Caravan Safari. All you have to do is pay an additional fee. 

You can also attract lorikeet parrots by purchasing a cup of nectar at Lorikeet landing. If you visit the zoo safari park, all your interactions with wild animals and birds will leave you refreshed. You'll feel more connected to the entire life on our planet and experience deep fulfillment within.

7. Legoland California: 

Legoland California offers interactive activities for children of all age groups. Your children will have a completely different kind of experience at this resort. They can fulfill their dream of driving cars at the Volvo driving school. While driving their pint-sized cars across the streets, they have to follow working stoplights. 

This experience will fill your children with gusto. They can also build and race their own Lego vehicles. What can be more fun than that? Also, there are many family fun activities that you all can enjoy together. The Police and Fire Academy rescue rides involve you all in missions that are centered around catching the robbers and extinguishing a fire. 

If your family loves adventure, it is a must for you to visit Legoland California. You'll be grateful to yourself for making this decision on your trip to San Diego. Family travel is always fun. But, when you have children with you, you have to shoulder the additional responsibility of making the experience a memorable one for them. 


If you are thinking about a place that can give your kids the best holiday experience, pack your bags and set off to San Diego. There are chains of family destinations that you can visit and many activities for your kids to engage in. The above-mentioned are the most captivating destinations for kids in San Diego. Take your children there and see their faces dazzling with joy, fun, and gusto.