Are you headed to San Diego for your next family vacation? No matter what time of year you come, there are lots of fun things to do in San Diego with kids! In fact, there’s so much to choose from, it’s easy to overlook some of the best ways to make memories that will last a lifetime. Consider some of the following choices and make every minute of your vacation count.

1. San Diego Zoo

Most lists that focus on kid-friendly attractions start with the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There’s so much to do and see, it will have them talking about their adventure long after the trip ends. The zoo is home to more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals, all featured in spacious animal enclosures. Kids can watch as polar bears plunge into the water, observe the popular pandas, and ride the Skyfari tram. There are lots of options whether you want to spend the day or get a week-long pass.

2. Whale and Dolphin Watching

Not only will watching whales and dolphins thrill kids of any age, it’s something you can enjoy during any time of the year. There are a number of species to see during different seasons. Take a catamaran charter for close-up viewing from a steady platform. If you prefer, add the fun of riding a RIB boat and get an even closer view!

3. LEGOLAND California

First came the century-long tradition of building with LEGO blocks. Next, the fun of the LEGO movie. Now, kids can go to LEGOLAND California and enjoy their favorite characters and themes on a larger scale. The resort includes two water parks, the Sea Life Aquarium, a LEGOLAND Castle Hotel, and more. It’s a great way to entertain the younger kids in the family.

4. Sea World San Diego

People come from around the world to visit Sea World San Diego. You won’t be disappointed if you include it on your list of things to do in San Diego with kids. There are mild rides for young kids and more thrilling ones for those who are older. Kids can learn about the different marine life in the area. Make Sea World San Diego part of your visit to Mission Bay.

5. Anchor and Play

A private San Diego yacht rental is another way to enjoy places like ocean play at Mariner’s Cove in Mission Bay. Kids will love stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, and jet skiing. It’s one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids when the weather is at its hottest.

6. Belmont Park

This attraction brings together everything kids love about amusement parks and spending time at the beach. The seaside amusement park offers lots of rides, including a historic roller coaster ride. Game fans can pass some time at the arcade while more adventurous kids take a ride on the zip line. There are also kid-friendly restaurants and lots of treats including ice cream.

7. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

What makes a museum one of the best places to visit in San Diego with kids? When it’s a hands-on, science museum, you know the little ones will have a blast! Kids love the idea of learning through touch. At the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, there are eight galleries with more than 100 exhibits for them to dig their hands into. They can build stuff, watch movies in the dome IMAX theatre, learn about gravity, and a whole lot more!

8. Birch Aquarium at Scripps

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is another place where kids can enjoy hands-on education exhibits focused on the value of conservation. They can also observe sixty habitats featuring the fish and invertebrates indigenous to the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest, the tropical waters of Mexico, and more.

9. Coronado Central Beach

Coronado Central Beach is one of the more kid-friendly beaches in the area. The water is typically fairly calm and there’s a nice, smooth beach. It’s also dog-friendly in case you bring your fur-baby along on the trip!

10. La Jolla

A walk along the beach in La Jolla takes you to the Children’s Pool where you can see seals. It’s not really a pool for kids, but for the cute, noisy seals that took over the pool. It’s also a great place to see lots of sea lions.

11. Old Town Trolley Tours

Trolley tours are a great way to see the city and get ideas about some of the things you might like to visit. Old Town Trolley offers a variety of San Diego tours including their Seal Tour, the La Jolla & San Diego Beaches tour, and a Ghosts & Gravestones Night Tour. Choose the tour that’s right for your kids’ ages.

12. Learn to Surf

They’ll get to the heart of the San Diego lifestyle when you give them the chance to get on a surfboard. There are options for kids as young as five years old to take lessons. Look for private lessons, group lessons, and camps on La Jolla Shores or Pacific Beach and make a reservation. Make sure you choose one that’s accredited.

13. Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is located downtown where there are grassy areas for picnics and games. During the summer, they show outdoor movies. The reason it’s one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids? The interactive water fountains that the kids can play in are fantastic in the California sun!

14. Fishing in the Bay

The coast of San Diego is well-known for great fishing.

Take in the luxury of sailing on a luxury catamaran and have a great experience that every member of the family will treasure.

If you want to enjoy the best sailing experience in San Diego, contact Adventuress Luxury Catamaran. Reserve your luxury yacht tour and give your kids an experience that the entire family can enjoy together. There’s never a bad time to see the whales and dolphins or to enjoy the beautiful water off of San Diego Bay.