Balboa Park

Address Balboa Park, San Diego Map, Website

Balboa Park is the country's largest urban cultural park. It houses 15 major museums, performing art venues, and the San Diego Zoo. Of course there are also beautiful gardens and playgrounds. The Balboa Park website lists a changing calendar of events.

Balboa Park Miniature Train

Address Florida Dr and Morley Field Drive Map, Tel +1 619 239 4748 Call, Hours 11a-4:30p Sa-Su in winter; extended hours during summer, Cost $2 for ages 1 and up Website

The miniature railroad, just outside the zoo entrance, is a fun three minute ride for little kids.

California Dreamin Balloon & Biplane Rides

Tel 951-699-0601 Call, Website

California Dreamin' offers sunset balloon flights over the Pacific Ocean and Coastal bluffs surrounding Del Mar. Champagne and sparkling cider are served in the air or once you have landed. They'll also take a photo in flight.

Java Mama

Address 8250 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91941 Map, Tel 619-337-0012 Call, Directions Entrance on Spring Street, behind the Wireless Toyz store, Hours Mon-Fri 7:30am-7:30pm; Sat 9:00am-7:30pm; Sun 9:00am-4:00pm Website

This coffeshop is the ideal place to hang out and relax for a little while. There's a kids play area, great snacks and food (including an extensive kids menu), and organized kids activities (see website for schedule. At this writing, upcoming events included: kids dance party, pajama story time ... (more)

Legoland

Address 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008 Map, Hours Reduced schedule during winter, check website for latest hours, Cost Adult $59, Ages 3-12 $47 Website

The lego theme park has more than 50 rides, shows and attractions to choose from, but the real draw is all the super-detailed lego models. Our favorite is the firefighter ride where kids get to drive a fire truck and hose down a "burning" building. We recommend buying tickets online ... (more)

Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre

Address 2130 Pan American Place, San Diego, CA 92101 Map, Tel (619) 544-9203 Call, Hours Performances Wed-Sun, check website for hours, Cost $3 for adults; $2 for ages 2+ Website

This puppet theatre has performances for all ages featuring hand puppets, marionettes, finger puppets, and other types of puppets. Performances are year round. The theatre has 200 seats, so arrive early for a seat near the front. Weekday morning performances are lightly attended.

Mission Bay

Address Mission Bay, San Diego, CA Map,

Mission Bay Public Park, is a 4,600-acre water park, the largest park of its kind in the world. It has 27 miles of shoreline and 15 miles of bayfront beaches. There are a wide variety of water and land based family activities, including swimming, powerboating, fishing, sailing, waterskiing and ... (more)

Pacific Beach Surf School

Address 4150 Mission Blvd. Suite #161, San Diego, CA 92109 Map, Tel 858.373.1138 Call, Website

If you've always wanted to learn to surf, Pacific Beach Surf School is a good place to start. They've been in business since 1998 and offer a wide variety of private lessons, semi-private lessons, and weekend clinics. Equipment rental is included in the price of the lesson.

Ruben H. Fleet Science Center

Address 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Map, Tel (619) 238-1233 Call, Website

The science museum has hands on activities for kids beginning at age 2, an IMAX theatre, and changing special exhibits. There is an indoor play area upstairs that's great on a rainy day.

San Diego Harbor Excursions (Whale Watching)

Address 1050 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 Map, Tel 619-234-4111 Call, Website

From Mid-December to mid-March, thousands of California gray whales pass by San Diego on their annual southern migration. Trained naturalists from the Birch Aquarium lead three-and-a-half hour cruises, and you're very likely to see whales, dolphins, harbor seals and sea lions). If you don't see a whale, you ... (more)

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Address 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Map, Tel (619) 696-0199 Call, Hours Tue-Fri 11:00 - 4:00; Sat & Sun 11:00 - 5:00, Cost 15+ $6.00; under 15 free Website

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is the world's largest model railroad museum. It contains four different model railroad layouts, all of which are works in progress for the model railroad clubs that meet here. Everything is at grownup height, so kids will need to stand on platforms or ... (more)

San Diego Wild Animal Park

Address 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, CA Map, Tel 760-747-8702 Call, Hours Change seasonally, check the website for details Website

The Wild Animal Park, built on 1,800 acres and situated about 35 miles north of downtown San Diego is more like an African safari than a zoo. There are activities for all ages, but the hilight is seeing the animals in a "natural" and "free roaming" setting on a ... (more)

San Diego Zoo

Address 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA Map, Tel 619-231-1515 Call, Bus Take the #7 bus from downtown Website

Considered one of the best Zoos in the country, the San Diego Zoo is spread across 100 acres and animals live in lush "natural" habitats rather than tiny cages. There's also a gondola to take you across the park and a miniature steam train! If you arrive early in ... (more)

SeaWorld San Diego

Address 500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 Map, Tel (619) 226-3901 Call, Hours Change frequently, check website for details, Cost Ages 3-10:$47; Ages 10+:$57 Website

One of the top attractions in San Diego, Sea World is part aquarium, part animal show, part amuseument park, and fun for all ages.

The New Children's Museum

Address 200 West Island Avenue, San Diego, California 92101 Map, Tel 619 233 8792 Call, Hours Closed Wed, Cost Ages 1 and up $10, Transit Bus Routes 3, 11, 120 & 992; Trolley Orange Line (Convention Center stop); Train (Santa Fe Depot) Website

The Children's Museum of San Diego has reopened in the summer of 2008 with a new name and in a new location. The center's focus is on art education, and art studios allow kids to get seriously messy with activities like "action painting" and clay. There's even ... (more)

Torrey Pines Gliderport

Address 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla CA 92037 Map, Website

Pack a picnic and take the kids out to watch hang gliders, paragliders and sailplanes at the famous Torrey Pines Gliderport. For the adventurous, lessons and tandem flights are also available.

Wave House

Address 3115 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego Map, Cost $20 per hour plus a one-time $10 registration fee Website

This unique gym has simulated surf platforms perfect for learning to surf even when the waves outside aren't cooperating.

Hotel Del Coronado

Address 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118 Map, Website

This huge destination resort is the place to stay if you plan to spend most of your time at the beach and within the bounds of your hotel. The hotel is enormous, with a beautiful beach and tons of activities. For kids their are organized crafts and "camps," surfing lessons ... (more)

Pacific Terrace Hotel

Address 610 Diamond St, San Diego, CA 92109 Map, Tel 800-804-6835 Call, Website

This 3 1/2 star resort is popular both because of its Pacific Beach location (close to La Jolla) and because rooms are spotless, having been renovated in 2006. Family friendly features include free continental breakfast, a variety of suite configurations, a swimming pool, cribs, and refrigerators on request. Wireless ... (more)

Tower23

Address 723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109 Map, Tel 866-Tower23 Call, Website

Located on popular Pacific Beach, this small (44 room) trendy hotel is a fun place to stay if you want a beach hotel without all the amenities of a major resort. Rooms are recently renovated and come with all the modern amenities, including XBox game systems. The "Sweet Suite" can ... (more)

Bread & Cie

Address 350 University Ave, San Diego, CA Map, Tel 619-683-9322 Call, Hours M-F 7am-7pm; Sat 7am-6pm; Sun 8am-6pm, Bus 1, 3, 16, 25, or 908 Website

Bread & Cie is known as the best bread bakery in San Diego. It's a great spot to pick up sandwiches and salads for a picnic at the Zoo or Balboa Park. Try the Roasted Eggplant and Feta cheese sandwich served on black olive bread with roasted red peppers & red ... (more)

Broken Yolk

Address 1851 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109 Map, Tel (858) 270-9655 Call, Hours 6am-3pm Website

A local favorite since 1979, this is a great place to get an omelet in the morning. The outdoor (rooftop) dining room is pleasant in warm weather. Not interested in omelets? There's also a large selection of other breakfast standards like pancakes, waffles, and French toast.

El Zarape

Address 4642 Park Blvd., San Diego , CA 92116 Map, Tel 619-692-1652 Call, Hours Mon-Sun 10am-10pm

This casual and inexpensive Mexican restaurant serves dishes that are creative without being trendy. Try the excellent shrimp burritos and shrimp tacos.

Gringo's

Address 4474 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA Map, Tel 858/490-2877 Call, Meals Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch Website

The menu at this upscale mexican restaurant is divided between Cal-Mex favorites and traditional Mexican dishes. After a long day with the kids, you'll also appreciate the excellent Margaritas. There are lots of high chairs and outdoor seating.

In-n-Out Burger

Address 3102 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110 Map, Hours 10:30 a.m.-1:00 a.m. Website

In-N-Out is a local chain of fast food hamburger restaurants. What makes it special is their focus on using fresh ingredients (potatoes are cut into French fries on site). If you're tempted to take the kids out for fast food, skip the big chains and find out what all ... (more)

Lanna Thai Cuisine

Address 4501 Mission Bay Dr # 1B, San Diego, CA 92109 Map, Tel (858) 274-8424 Call, Website

This beautifully designed and reasonably priced Thai restaurant serves some of the best Thai food in San Diego. Their menu includes Thai specialties not often found outside of Thailand. Delivery is available if you're in the mood to stay in your hotel room.

Niederfrank's Ice Cream

Address 726 A Ave, National City, CA 91950 Map, Tel (619) 477-0828 Call, Locations Also available at different venues around town Website

Niederfrank's ice cream is made with 100% natural ingredients in old fashioned freezers which don't add compressed air. Need I say more?

The Mission - Mission Beach

Address 3795 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA Map, Tel (858) 488-9060 Call, Hours 7am-3pm Website

The Mission restaurant, popular with locals, specializes in simple, healthy, Mexican inspired breakfasts and lunches. There are three locations, SOMA (downtown), Mission Beach, and University Ave. The mapped location is close to Pacific Beach.

The Mission - University

Address 2801 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104 Map, Tel (619) 220-8992 Call, Hours 7am-3pm Website

The Mission restaurant, popular with locals, specializes in simple, healthy, Mexican inspired breakfasts and lunches. There are three locations, SOMA (downtown), Mission Beach, and University Ave. The mapped location is close to the San Diego Zoo.

Hamel's Skate and Surf

Address 704 Ventura Place, San Diego, 92109 Map, Tel 858-488-5050 Call,

This popular skateboarding and surf shop sells surf and skate gear, but also rents surfboards, boogie boards, bikes and beach gear.

Kruiser King

Address 3830 Mission, San Diego Map, Tel 858-488-6341 Call, Website

Kruiser King rents bikes, surfboards, and skateboards. For $45 per person you can borrow whichever equipment you need for an entire week.

So Childish

Address 1947 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102, (619) 238-0800 Map, Tel (619) 238-0800 Call, Website

Warwick's Bookstore

Address 7812 Girard Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037 Map, Tel 858.454.0347 Call, Hours Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 11am-5pm Website

Warwicks is one of the few independently owned bookstores in San Diego. In addition to a great selection of children's books, the store also hosts kids book readings.

Rady Children's Hospital

Address 3020 Childrens Way, San Diego, CA Map, Tel (858) 576-1700 Call, Website

The Emergency Care Center at Children's Hospital is the only emergency care center in the region solely dedicated to caring for kids.