FUN THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN SAN DIEGO! | San Diego Lifestyle Maternity, Newborn, + Family Photographer
Summer is here! 😻💚🙌🏻☀️🌴🌊 I am home with my kids everyday, which I love, but during the summer I find it helpful to have a list of fun activities and outings to reference when we want/need to get out of the house. I had some friends ask for my list so I thought I would post my favorite ideas on my blog incase it's helpful to any other families out there. 😊If you end up trying any of these out let me know how you liked it. Also, I'm always looking for fun new ideas so please comment with your faves. Ok, here you go!
For my favorite places to eat in San Diego [including family-friendly restaurants] click here.
BALBOA PARK
As a member of Fit4Mom Balboa Park Stroller Strides for 5 years I was fortunate enough to spend many mornings in Balboa Park with my two boys. Balboa Park became one of my favorite places in San Diego. Although my kids are a little old for the stroller these days we still venture over there to meet with friends, run around the park, visit amazing museums, and occasionally have lunch outside at Panama 66.
Last Christmas we were gifted family explorer passes meaning the entire family can visit ALL the museums ALL year long! It's definitely a deal, but if you don't want to get the explorer passes you can visit museums for free on any of the resident free days! Click here to check the schedule.
Some of my family's favorite museums are:
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
SAN DIEGO PUBLIC POOLS
Beat the heat and visit one of San Diego's public pools. Most cost a small fee, but some have unique splash pads, and fun areas for kids that are a little different than the standard pool. Here are some of our favorites that are great for kids.
They have a small water slide perfect for toddlers and kids in a separate fenced off area from the main pool. It's a great place to meet friends and spend part of the day.
With our YMCA membership we are able to visit any of the YMCAs around San Diego County. Many of them have some awesome pools! Last summer [when we didn't have a Y membership] we went to the Santee Aquatic Center on a day that was free to the general public, and it is pretty amazing. We are excited to return again this summer! Check the YMCA website for a pool near you.
Waterfront park is great for something out of the ordinary. Be sure to check the fountain hours as Mondays they don't start until 11am. If you show up early you can always kill time on the massive playground close by.
SAN DIEGO BEACHES
**First, a friendly reminder to PLEASE always keep a close eye on your littles when around water- even if they are strong swimmers, and please visit beaches staffed with lifeguards. Stay safe friends!**
If you live in San Diego you've probably already got a favorite beach- comment below and tell me your go-to beach. I love them all but when I'm with my kids these are my favorites:
Set on Mission Bay this beach is great for kids. The bay water is calm and the atmosphere is quiet [compared to how loud and busy the ocean front can be]. There is a lifeguard on duty in the summer and a great playground right next to the beach. I bring a chair and can watch my kids run back and forth between the playground and the beach.
There are so many great spots in the mission beach area. Playgrounds on the bayside, shops and food on the beachside boardwalk, and Belmont Park with rides, games, and more food. Go for a couple hours or plan to stay all day.
Speaking of rides and games- if you haven't gone to the San Diego County Fair yet- you still have time! The fair is in town until July 4th.
San Diego County Fair
Wednesdays and Thursday are POP days [pay one price to ride all day]. Although I don't love shelling out the $38 each kid per wristband, I do think it's worth it. The kids can ride things over and over and we don't have to ration out tickets or have conversations with overstimulated kids as to why they can't ride anymore rides.
Trusty San Diego Standbys
If you've set foot in San Diego- chances are you've probably visited one of the following attractions, and for good reason! They are amazing, and San Diego is lucky to be the home to these fun, unique places!
Comment below or email and let me know if I left out your favorite destination or activity. I'm open to adding to this list. I hope you have a fun and safe summer, and that my summer fun list gave you a couple new ideas. See you around San Diego!