Autumn is the perfect time for a San Diego weekend getaway. As summer dwindles down, beaches become less crowded and rates start to drop, but the weather is still mild and comfortable. With school starting, a weekend getaway is a fantastic way to alleviate those back-to-school blues. You can even incorporate educational experiences into your trip that your children will benefit from. There are so many family activities in San Diego. Read on to find out more.
Balboa Park is a Must on a San Diego Weekend Getaway
When you think of kid-friendly things to do, Sea World and Legoland may come to mind, but there is so much more in San Diego. A visit to Balboa Park should be on your list. Not only does it house the San Diego Zoo, but it is also home to a multitude of museums sure to delight your child.
San Diego Air & Space Museum
For future astronauts, the San Diego Air & Space Museum is the place to be. Explore interactive exhibits like Space: Our Greatest Adventure. Here you can see Gumdrop, the actual Apollo 9 Command Module, land the Space Shuttle or take a selfie in a Mars spacesuit. For those more interested in flight, check out the displays of fighter planes from World War I and II and other interesting aircraft. There is plenty to keep everyone entertained.
San Diego Natural History Museum
Fans of the creepy and crawly will love the Living Lab exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Dinosaur enthusiasts will want to take a walk though Fossil Mysteries where they can touch real fossils. Don’t miss Skulls with over 200 skulls of the weirdest and wildest animals on display. Peek at scientists at work. Your kids will definitely not be bored.
Other museums of interest for the family at Balboa Park include the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, the Comic-Com Museum, the Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Automotive Museum and the San Diego Museum of Art.
After your done touring the museums, take a ride on the Antique Miniature Train or the Original Menagerie Carousel. Have a picnic in the park or expend some energy at one of the six available playgrounds.
Create Art at the New Children’s Museum
Located in downtown San Diego, the New Children’s Museum will engage and inspire your budding artist. With interactive art installations and hands-on workshops, you and your child can discover your inner Picasso. The museum works with real artists to keep exhibits fresh and relevant. Just about all ages can take part in the clay and paint studios, the Innovators Lab (ages 6 and up) and the museum park. If you get hungry, Bean Sprouts Café offers snacks for even the pickiest of eaters.
Take a Tour of the San Diego Harbor with Eco Boat Rentals
It’s not a San Diego weekend getaway without time spent on the ocean. At Eco Boat Rentals, your entire family can cruise the San Diego Harbor taking in the magnificent sights and observing a variety of sea life. What type of birds and mammals might you encounter? Click here to find out.
Choose a Pedal Boat for a more active experience. Each boat can hold up to three adults and one child (600 lbs. total) and runs on people power. The boats are comfortable and easy to pedal. They are a great way to get some exercise while having fun. If your family includes a furry four-legged member, Pedal Boats are dog friendly.
If you prefer someone else to do the work, then a Pink Party Boat is the choice for you. A private captain will pilot you on a 2-hour cruise of the harbor. Bring aboard your favorite drinks and bites, sit back and marvel at the spectacular city skyline, watch the playful sea lions or keep it lively with the onboard Bluetooth speaker system and Karaoke microphone. Is it someone’s birthday? A Pink Party Boat is ideal for celebrations.
Make Time for Dinner and a Movie at The LOT Liberty Station
After a busy day pedaling an Eco Boat or visiting museums, a relaxing dinner and a movie might be in order. The LOT Liberty Station is an upscale movie theater for the whole family. Watch the show from comfortable recliners. Savor brunch or dinner in their onsite restaurant or al fresco on their outside patio. Short on time? Order food inside the theater with just a push of a button. A full bar will keep the adults happy. Reservations recommended for restaurant dining.
Ride a Roller Coaster on Your San Diego Weekend Getaway
When it’s time to let loose, head on over to Belmont Park at Mission Beach. This beachfront amusement park features the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, a historic landmark built in 1925. Other rides include the Flip Out, the Beach Blaster, the Tilt-A-Whirl, the Krazy Kars and the Dip & Dive. For the more adventurous, try the Zipline, Rockwall or Coconut Climb. Play games in the lively arcade. Fall Fest returns to the park September 9, 2023, with a pumpkin patch, live music and seasonal beer on-tap for the grown-ups.
Dive Into the Plunge San Diego
The entire family will want to dive into the Plunge San Diego. This historic landmark is Southern California’s largest heated pool. Residing in a building with floor to ceiling windows and a retractable roof, you can swim any time of the year. Kids can test their skills on the inflatable obstacle course while adults may prefer to swim laps. Grab a bite to eat at the snack bar or at the Beach House restaurant. Day passes include access to the obstacle course, lap lanes, pool locker rooms, keyless lockers, hot showers, aqua programs and the turf fitness area. Go ahead and take the plunge.
Are you ready for your San Diego weekend getaway? Share with us your children’s favorite activity in the comment section below.
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