Kid-friendly places in San Diego

Kids can use the playground and grassy space before a picnic.

Kids can try the new inclusive bayfront climbing and play equipment.

Kids can use the playground and roam a flat patch of grass with bay views.

A bayfront tot lot and rope-climbing play area provide separate options for younger and older kids.

Kids can use the little playground before a bayfront picnic.

Two play areas serve younger and older kids, with a sandbox, slides and picnic tables.

Kids can use the heated outdoor pool and you can make meals in your suite.

Kids can use the renovated wood-themed play structures in the Marina District.

Two large bayfront play areas give kids climbing, swings, slides and room to run.

Kids can try the inclusive zipline, swings, climbing coves and a shaded sand area beside the bay.

Waterfront play zone pairs a playground and lawn with nearby interactive splash fountains.

A tot lot and swings give younger kids a park stop near the fields.

A tot lot, slides, swings and grass give kids room to play at the east edge of Morley Field.

Kids can play on swings and slides before running on the lawn.

Kids can climb under shade and play lawn games nearby.

Kids can swim and spread out in a suite with a kitchen.

Kids can use the tot lot, swings and slides beside an open lawn.

Slides, swings and a climbing wall give kids a play stop by the sports fields.

A frog sculpture, tot lot and climbing structures give kids several ways to play.

Two tot lots and open fields give kids varied play at Liberty Station.

Wide sand gives kids space for beach play with lifeguards on duty.

Swings, slides and monkey bars give kids a neighborhood playground.

Kids can play on a playground next to the big Mission Hills lawn.

Kids can play on slides and sand structures beside broad lawns.

A small sandy tot playground gives kids a break from the surrounding sports fields.

Kids can climb and swing by the bayfront promenade.

Kids can watch boats from the pier and explore the long waterfront path.

Fire-engine-themed play for under-fives and climbing obstacles for older kids.

Kids can watch waves and look for migrating whales from safely back on the bluff.

Kids can try a small playground and spot the colorful birdhouses.

Kids have a dedicated Santiago family pool instead of the resort adult-only pool.

Calm bay beach, playground, pool and kid-focused activities suit a low-friction stay with kids.

A kids' menu and patio overlooking Old Town plaza make it an easy stop after the historic park.

A heated pool and views of boats give kids activity between outings.

Pools and select suites with kitchens make a comfortable stay with kids.

Kids can swim in the outdoor pool and use the shaded arcade.

Suite layouts and kitchenettes make meals and bedtime easier with kids near Balboa Park.

Kids can watch weekend mariachi and folklórico dancers in the courtyard.

The pool and some suites with a separate sleeping area make space for kids.

The Tiki Pool and beach sandcastle area give kids two kinds of play.

Kids can sample market treats and listen to street musicians.

Kids can choose pizza or pasta from a dedicated kids’ menu.

Waterfront hotel has two outdoor pools, including a kid-focused splash area.

Kids can see the desks and stove in an 1865 one-room schoolhouse.

Dedicated young-kids and teen areas make reading time easy to fit into a Hillcrest walk.

An interactive video tour followed by gold-panning and brickmaking demonstrations gives school-age kids a hands-on Old Town stop.

Kids can browse produce and snack stands on a neighborhood market walk.

Kids can choose produce or snacks and meet growers at a busy street market.

Outdoor museum cafe has a dedicated kids' menu next to Balboa Park sights.

A sailboat reading nook and working periscope make books an outing for kids.

A bay beach, large pool, kids' wading pool and kid-friendly activities give kids several easy on-property options.

Kids who love vehicles can inspect historic stagecoaches, wagons and carts.

Open-air chicken restaurant with lawn games and space for kids to move.

An outdoor pool makes this an overnight option for kids who love a swim.

A kids menu and relaxed daytime patio make a simple meal stop.

Inventive gelato flavors give kids a sweet stop near the North Park edge.

Rotating gelato flavors give kids a treat just off the beach.

A 1910 carousel offers animal rides and a brass-ring game beside the zoo.

Kids can ride a short loop on the miniature railroad outside the zoo.

Oceanfront rides include a carousel, rides for younger kids, mini golf and an arcade.

Kids can play arcade games for a break from the beach.

Pancakes and French toast make breakfast fun for kids before park time.

A swim gives kids another active outing at Morley Field.

Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge while learning about Point Loma.

At a suitable low tide, kids can watch crabs and anemones in the rocky pools.

Kids can watch tortillas being made through the window and share a Mexican meal.

Kids can eat outdoors while watching music and dancers in the courtyard.

Shakes, retro music and a large arcade give kids a meal with a game stop.

Oceanfront restaurant pairs a kids' brunch option with easy access to Belmont Park rides and the boardwalk.

Kids can split pizza or pasta in an old-school Italian dining room.

Hands-on science galleries include Kid City and the giant-dome theater.

Gymnastics equipment and a foam pit let kids burn energy indoors.

Kids can choose pizza or ice cream while you pick from other food counters.

Waffles on an open patio give kids an easy brunch treat.

Burger sizes suit kids with smaller appetites after a beach visit.

Kids curious about local history can see the early San Diego exhibits and hilltop view.

Kids can split a breakfast burrito or take breakfast onto the beach.

Kids can choose a slice of pizza for a quick meal in Little Italy.

Different food counters let kids choose their own lunch and eat together outside.

Kids can finish a beach walk with a cone or waffle ice-cream sandwich.

Kids can watch a live puppet show inside Balboa Park.

Kids can climb aboard historic ships with you.

Kids can combine a recreation-center visit with the adjacent frog-themed park.

Kids can try scheduled art, cooking or pee-wee sports classes.

Pizza and the nearby play space give kids a break between courses.

Historic lighthouse rooms let kids imagine life beside the old beacon.

Kids can watch fresh tortillas being rolled and try them with lunch.

Free restored buildings, a broad plaza and living-history activities make local history tactile for kids.

Tented dining and table-side s’mores make dinner feel like a campout for kids.

Kids can get gelato after walking around Little Italy.

Pizza, root beer floats and arcade games make this an easy stop for kids.

Kids can watch fishing boats while eating a casual seafood lunch.

Kids can explore aircraft and space history with you.

Kids who like cars can see rotating displays of classic vehicles.

Kids can see old fire engines and firefighting gear in a former station.

Kids can follow miniature trains through detailed landscapes.

The Backyard gives kids five and under a protected space to climb, explore and learn about nature.

Kids can pick pancakes or French toast for a Hillcrest breakfast.

A garden and kids food choices give kids more room than a small café.

Kids can choose cookies and ice cream for a made-to-order sandwich.

Kids can paint pottery or make a take-home craft.

A movie and seat-side meal can make an indoor break for older kids.

Shareable pancakes and fruit give kids a straightforward breakfast choice.

Three floors of hands-on art installations and a museum park built for play.

Kids can putt through a Tiki-themed mini-golf course.

Kids can hand-dip a candle in layers and take their work home.

Kids can share a pizza after a North Park stroll.

Kids can follow a junior-pilot audio tour through an aircraft carrier.

Kids can eat on the spacious resort patio with room for a little wiggle.

Older kids who like spooky history can tour this 1856 house with you.