Qué hacer en San Diego con niños: las mejores actividades familiares, zoológicos y acuarios

San Diego es un parque infantil para toda la familia durante todo el año

Las familias que busquen un clima siempre agradable y propicio a las actividades al aire libre no tienen que buscar más allá de San Diego, en la costa suroeste del Pacífico californiano. Esta ciudad de 1,4 millones de habitantes (3,3 millones en el área metropolitana) no tiene rival en Estados Unidos cuando se trata de razones para que las familias con niños de cualquier edad pasen aquí sus vacaciones. Claro que meter en la maleta un abrigo ligero y un paraguas puede ser una buena idea durante los meses de invierno, mientras que de primavera a otoño es completamente seco, pero podrá retozar bajo el sol, la arena y el surf en cualquier época del año. Con abundancia de playas, parques, atracciones, museos y eventos deportivos, su calendario de escapadas se llenará fácilmente de cosas que hacer de sol a sol, y más allá. Unas vacaciones en familia en San Diego deberían estar en su lista de cosas que hacer con sus hijos.

18 cosas interesantes que hacer en familia en San Diego

Nuestra lista recomendada de cosas que hacer en familia en San Diego incluye algo para todos los gustos. Hemos incluido algunas actividades de interior que también son magníficas, pero San Diego y el aire libre suelen ser sinónimos. Dado que cada cual tiene sus preferencias personales sobre lo que le gusta hacer, las sugerencias que figuran a continuación están ordenadas alfabéticamente para que usted pueda decidir el orden jerárquico de cada una. A nosotros nos encantan todas estas posibilidades, y hay muchas más que no han entrado en nuestra lista pero que quizá le interesen a usted.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park es la respuesta de San Diego al Central Park de Nueva York. Los visitantes encontrarán un sinfín de cosas que hacer en este extenso parque de 1.200 acres. Puede optar por pasar algún tiempo al aire libre recorriendo la Rosaleda, el Jardín de Cactus, el Jardín de Palmeras, el Jardín de la Amistad Japonesa, mientras admira la arquitectura y las esculturas, pero también puede entrar a explorar el Museo de Historia Natural de San Diego, el Museo del Aire y el Espacio de San Diego, el Museo de Maquetas de Ferrocarril de San Diego y el popularísimo Fleet Science Center, que incluye una sala IMAX donde se proyectan películas increíbles. Como siempre, le recomendamos encarecidamente que compre las entradas para los museos (y los eventos cinematográficos especiales) por Internet antes de su visita para evitar decepciones en las horas punta. El Parque Balboa está situado al este del centro de la ciudad y se puede llegar andando desde muchos barrios cercanos.

PETCO Park

Ver béisbol en el hermoso PETCO Park de los San Diego Padres en el centro de la ciudad es divertido para toda la familia. El estadio tiene capacidad para 39.860 espectadores y los precios de las entradas van desde muy asequibles a "hay que joderse". El calendario de 81 partidos en casa va de finales de marzo a septiembre. Si viajas con niños pequeños que pueden estar un poco ansiosos por sentarse a ver nueve entradas de béisbol, echa un vistazo a Gallagher Square, una zona de juegos especial para los más pequeños detrás de la valla del campo central que incluye un bate de escalada de 35 pies, un parque infantil y un campo de béisbol Wiffle. Los niños de estatura inferior a 36 pulgadas entran GRATIS si van acompañados de un invitado de pago.

Acuario de abedul

El Birch Aquarium del Instituto Scripps de Oceanografía (gestionado por la UC de San Diego), en La Jolla, es una instalación de tamaño medio perfectamente adaptada a las familias que visitan el lugar con niños. Con un fuerte énfasis en la educación STEM (Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería, Matemáticas), las fascinantes exposiciones se centran en la investigación oceánica, ofreciendo a los niños una visión cercana de los animales marinos, así como de los científicos que los estudian. Quién sabe, puede que una visita a este lugar inspire a su hijo a convertirse en biólogo marino. El acantilado ofrece vistas espectaculares del océano Pacífico desde el interior y el exterior de las exposiciones. En total, hay más de 60 hábitats expuestos, incluida la Plaza de la Piscina de Mareas, donde los niños pueden tocar las estrellas de mar y otros animales, y el hábitat de los Pequeños Pingüinos Azules, con algunos de los pingüinos más pequeños del mundo. Scripps también alberga uno de los hábitats de dragón marino más grandes del mundo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leafy_seadragon) y un caballito de mar que entusiasma a los visitantes.

Picturesque La Jolla

Picturesque La Jolla, just 12 miles north of downtown San Diego is a must-visit destination for vacationers. Possibly the most scenic community in San Diego County, this area is as family friendly as it gets. Areas of interest include beautiful beaches with gentle waves, coastal walking paths, and bluffs where wildlife can frequently be observed. The Mediterranean feel to the coastline is a perfect place to swim or learn how to kayak and surf (local lessons are offered). The top attraction is La Jolla Cove, where the rocky coastline is home to scores of sea lions and seals. Some consider the spot to be the most beautiful beach anywhere on the California coast. And don’t forget to visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, which is described above. Parents will enjoy the local shops and dining options, and the entire family will no doubt be awed by the colorful sunsets.

The LEGOLAND

The LEGOLAND California resort is located in Carlsbad, about 30 minutes north of downtown. This interactive theme park is extremely popular with families who have kids in the 2-12 age range. Featuring more than 60 rides that are less intense than in the mega parks, and attractions that are designed with LEGO themes, a water park, shows/entertainment, and the Sea Life Aquarium, this is a full day of fun which will surely tire out even the most active kids, and their parents.

Living Coast Discovery Center

An educational wildlife center just south of San Diego, the Living Coast Discovery Center in suburban Chula Vista includes a small aquarium, 1.5 miles of walking trails through protected wetlands, and wildlife exhibits that will be of interest to kids and their adult companions. Visitors can interact with sea turtles, sharks, and rays in touch pools that are welcoming to everyone. Raptor Row features birds of prey including bald eagles, owls, and hawks, many of which have been rescued and cannot fly. Amazing lizards and snakes are also on-site for viewing. Typically quieter, and far less crowded to other major attractions, Living Coast offers kids more laid-back encounters with fascinating animals. The Center is a terrific addition to a visit to Coronado.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is a popular attraction for kids and adults located on the downtown Embarcadero and is home to the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship that was built in 1863. Comprised of numerous ships, some with massive sails that are docked on San Diego Bay, visitors can explore how sailors long ago lived and survived on lengthy voyages across the world. Ships from the mid-1800s to modern times are available for boarding including the steam-powered ferry “Berkeley” (1898), the “Medea” steam yacht (1904), a replica of the HMS Surprise British naval frigate, and the “USS Dolphin” (1968), a hybrid diesel/electric research submarine. The Maritime Museum is considered one of the three most impressive maritime museums in the world.

Mission Beach

When your kid says, “let’s go to the beach”, San Diego has no shortage of great options. Our favorite is clearly Mission Beach, a two mile long stretch of wide, sandy beach that has an energy perfect for families to explore. Dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean, go for a swim, take a surfing or paddleboarding lesson, watch some exciting beach volleyball games, or just chill on a bench and people-watch. With a small beach community feel, Mission Beach features a 12-foor wide boardwalk, the ideal place to rent e-bikes/bikes or take a casual walk. Dogs, smoking, alcoholic beverages, and glass containers are not permitted here, making for a very family friendly atmosphere. When the time comes to grab a snack or meal, Mission Beach has plenty of options for you along the boardwalk. Coffee, tacos, ice cream, burgers and fries, and many other affordable options are here. You may also choose a sit down meal, with a bevy of casual places to choose from.

If your kid(s) like amusement park rides (and who doesn’t) Mission Beach is also home to Belmont Park and it’s famous 73-foot-tall Giant Dipper wooden rollercoaster. You’ll also love the bumper cars, carousel, and other fun rides. There’s no admission charge to the park, so you can purchase rides individually or choose an unlimited rides wristband if you plan to stay a while.

Mission Beach parking is free but does fill up quickly during peak season. Arriving early is a clever idea, and with Sea World nearby, the two popular attractions can make for a very full day.

The New San Diego Children’s Museum

The New San Diego Children’s Museum is three floors of interactive exhibits and art installations especially designed for youngsters to spark their inner creativity and imagination. Conveniently located near the Gaslamp Quarter, the facility is great for some indoors time where kids can focus better and have more freedom to move about. Climbing, crawling, building, drawing, and touching are highly encouraged as the world around them is open to exploration. This museum is best for toddlers and preschool age children.

Old Town Trolley Tours

Families with kids especially enjoy the popular Old Town Trolley Tours that features 11 stops in San Diego and across the bridge in Coronado. This educational and scenic narrated excursion offers single and two-day passes. If just want to ride and see the sights from the trolley, figure on an hour of 45 minutes from start to finish. The 16-square-block Gaslamp Quarter is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is just one of the fascinating hop-off/hop-on places of interest.

San Diego Zoo

Everyone loves animals, and San Diego offers three incredible ways to view and interact with them. The 100-acre San Diego Zoo is considered by many to be one of the world’s great zoos and is home to more than 12,000 animals. Featuring natural surroundings without cages, visitors stroll through the Lost Forest, Elephant Odyssey, Polar Bear Plunge, Panda Ride, and the Africa Rocks exhibits. With a superb location just blocks from the city center, the zoo is easy to get to, with Balboa Park offering many other attractions as well.

Another not-to-be-missed attraction for animal lovers, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, located in suburban Escondido 32 miles north of downtown San Diego, is an enormous 1,800-acre wildlife park that is completely different from its inner city relative. Featuring an open-range environment, the resident animals live in natural habitats that feels like you’re in Asian grasslands and African savannahs.

If visiting both zoos is too much animal time for you or the family, you may want to consider that many online posters swear by Safari Park being the most enjoyable part of their visit to San Diego. Be sure to ride the free Africa Tram Safari trolley where you’ll see herds of rhinos, antelope, giraffes, water buffaloes, zebras, and many other beautiful animals. Taking a walk along the Tiger Trail is another favorite activity of visitors, as is seeing the park from above via the hot air Balloon Safari.

Sea World San Diego

For those who prefer marine animals to those on land, Sea World San Diego in Mission Bay is an incredible theme park based on marine life featuring animal presentations, educational exhibits, and fun rides for the entire family to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities include the Orca Encounter, Dolphin Adventures, a family-friendly show about sea lions and otters, and displays with penguins, sharks, walruses, beluga whales, sea turtles, and polar region animals.

Beyond the exhibits are fun rides including the Emperor, a fast diving roller coaster, the Manta coaster with twists and plenty of dives, and the Arctic Rescue coaster based on animal rescue. Kids of all ages (and their parents) will enjoy the Journey to Atlantis big splash flume ride and Shipwreck Rapids, a white-water ride on a highly active raft. And just in case no one has told you yet, you will get wet, but it’s all in good fun.

Seaport Village

When you’re seeking a big less active time without a theme park environment, Seaport Village is a fun spot for a relaxing stroll, browsing through some local shops, or for a bite to eat in downtown San Diego. Relax and view the beautiful ships, sparkling waters, with more shops and dining options at the adjacent Embarcadero.

San Diego FC

Sports fans are in luck in “America’s Finest City” as the San Diego FC Major League Soccer play their home games at Snapdragon Stadium, a 35,000-seat facility on the SDSU campus in Mission Valley. The 17-game home schedule runs from early March to November.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park offers coastal bluffs high above the Pacific Ocean with stunning daytime and sunset views. People flock here to see the magnificent sunset with unobstructed views across the water. Many arrive an hour or more before sunset to follow the sun’s gradual descent into the waters below.

USS Midway Museum

USS Midway Museum/One of the most population attractions in San Diego, this maritime museum is a favorite of first-time visitors to San Diego. Climb aboard the USS Midway aircraft carrier that is permanently moored at the downtown Embarcadero/Navy Pier. Guests can explore the massive ship both inside and out.

From the flight deck to the hangar deck and the multitude of fascinating inside spaces, the longest-serving U.S. Navy aircraft carrier (1945-92) will open your eyes to the life at sea experienced by more than 200,000 sailors that served on the vessel. A highlight of the museum, especially for kids, are the more than 30 restored Navy aircraft on the flight and hangar decks, including helicopters and fighter jets.

Waterfront Park

With its prime location on San Diego Bay close to the Embarcadero, Waterfront Park is not only FREE, it’s a fun place where kids can release some energy during the usual beautiful Southern California weather. There are hugely popular interactive splash fountains so you may want to bring some towels along. Jets of water shoot up from the ground, and there are shallow basins to splash through. Boats in the bay and aircraft arriving at San Diego International Airport are fun to watch, and there are also playgrounds and grassy areas for non-water related activities. If you have stroller age kids the walking paths are wonderful, and yes, there are public restrooms, too.

Family Friendly Hotels Abound In San Diego

All major cities, including San Diego, offer high-end luxury hotels that are fantastic places to stay. But realistically, most families with youngsters in tow are seeking mid-range properties in a suitable location, with amenities such as a free or affordable breakfast being especially important. In-room features such as a microwave, refrigerator, and wide array of television viewing options including Netflix, the Disney Channel, and the ability to stream from your home provider. A kitchenette may be important to you as well, while in a destination like San Diego having a hotel pool isn’t crucial with so many beaches nearby. Proximity to the attractions you plan to visit is often high on the list of must-haves, reducing your driving time or putting some tourist sites within walking distance.

Listed below are just a few options for you to consider, though the more than 200 hotels in San Diego available via our preferred hotel booking website, Travelated, may have somewhere that is more appealing to you. Rates for these hotels are based on a three night weekend stay in September for a family of two adults with two children just for comparison purposes. By entering your specific dates and number of travelers you will find more accurate hotel room rates.

1. Ocean Park Inn

Dirección: 710 Grand Avenue, San Diego, 92109, CA, US

Ocean Park Inn, 3 stars, beachfront, pool, and FREE BREAKFAST.

2. Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport-Liberty Station

Dirección: 2576 Laning Road, San Diego, 92106, CA, US

Homewood Suites by Hilton - San Diego Airport/Liberty Station, 3 stars, pool, FREE BREAKFAST, FREE AIRPORT SHUTTLE, kitchen with dishwasher/microwave/refrigerator.

3. Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area by IHG

Dirección: 3950 Jupiter Street, San Diego, 92110, CA, US

Holiday Inn Express by IHG San Diego - Sea World Area, 2 stars, pool, FREE BREAKFAST, kid-friendly buffet, FREE PARKING.

4. Hampton Inn San Diego Mission Valley

Dirección: 2151 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, 92108, CA, US

Hampton Inn San Diego Mission Valley, 3 stars, pool, FREE BREAKFAST.

5. Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Old Town

Dirección: 3900 Old Town Avenue, San Diego, 92110, CA, US

Fairfield Inn by Marriott San Diego Old Town, 3 stars, pool, FREE BREAKFAST.

6. Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU

Dirección: 6474 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, 92115, CA, US

Lamplighter Inn at SDSU (San Diego State University), 3 stars, pool, FREE BREAKFAST, FREE PARKING.

7. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla

Dirección: 4550 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, 92122, CA, US

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla, 3 stars, pool, FREE BREAKFAST.

San Diego Is A Vacation Gem

What more can you ask for in a vacation for the entire family? San Diego is an ideal getaway for kids of all ages, their parents, and you can even bring along grandma and grandpa if you’d like as you explore this welcoming American city with a superb year-round climate. Sunshine, the Pacific Ocean, wide sandy beaches, stunning bluffs, spectacular sunsets, and some of the best animal attractions and museums in the world. We honestly can’t think of a better place for you and your family to spend some quality time together.