Looking for free things to do in San Diego for kids? Whether you decide to take your kids to the museum or go to a concert, visiting San Diego is a surefire way to give your kids something fun to do – plus, these are all learning opportunities in disguise!
Read on to check out our top 5 free things for you and your family to do:
Have Fun in the Sun at the Beach
San Diego is home to plenty of beautiful beaches. America’s Finest City boasts 70 miles of coastline and a mild and sunny climate all year-round, making it a wonderful beach spot for your family. Plus, spending time in nature, exploring tide pools and reefs, can be a wonderful learning experience! Try searching for different sea animals, talking about the eco-systems together, and learning about the wonders of the ocean.
Explore the Museums
Maybe your child is fascinated by art? Maybe they like science? Maybe they just like looking at new things? Whatever the case is, San Diego is home to a bunch of museums. Many of them offer discounted tickets for children, while some are completely free. San Diego residents can take advantage of free admission to several museums in Balboa Park every Tuesday, for example. The Timken Museum, known as San Diego’s “jewel box” of fine art, is always free, and hosts a wide variety of European, Russian, and American masterpieces.
Many of these museums offer programs specifically for kids, with hands-on learning and guest speakers. It’s a fun way to sneak some learning in, while your kids are having fun!
Experience Live Music
Exposing children to music is important to their development. Children that spend time listening to and playing music are shown to have increased memory and verbal skills, and San Diego’s many festivals and events are wonderful opportunities for this.
Every Sunday at 2 p.m., for example, Spreckels Organ Pavillion in Balboa Park hosts an organ concert, featuring one of the world’s largest outdoor pipe organs. You can also check out the Coronado Promenade Concert Series, which runs from May to September each year. There’s usually something for everyone on the concert schedule!
Check Out Some Books
Is your child a bit of a bookworm? Another one of the free things to do in San Diego with kids is to take him or her to one of the many San Diego libraries, and spend the afternoon exploring new worlds and getting lost in all of the books! The Central Library downtown in particular is beautiful, and is sure to awe the whole family. It also features games and activities throughout the week catering to kids and teens, as well as a media room and a Homework Help Center.
Take a Day Trip
Ready for an adventure? Pack up the kids and take a day trip to Julian, a small town that was established during the gold rush in 1869. Known for its beautiful apple orchards, it is often visited by families for tours, apple picking, and horseback riding.
Whatever You Do, Enjoy It!
Visiting new places is a chance to have fun with your family, to bond and create new memories together. There are so many free things to do in San Diego with kids that offer the opportunity for both fun and learning. Whatever it is that you decide to do, enjoy!
Want to experience more of San Diego, check out these 21 top things to do in San Diego.
Photo by Jonathan Silverberg
Megan L.