Free things to do with kids 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 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 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 can watch weekend mariachi and folklórico dancers in the courtyard.

Kids can sample market treats and listen to street musicians.

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.

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

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