Best of Family Fun!

Whether you love farm animals, wild and exotic animals, fish and ocean creatures, reptiles or birds,
San Diego offers a plethora of awesome spots to view, pet, feed, interact with and learn about
almost any animal you can think of. From zoos to aquariums, adoption centers to farms, and cat cafes to
bird sanctuaries, here are the best spots around San Diego County to encounter animals and get your fill of furry (or scaly) friends. 

Learn more about local farms and spots to see ocean animals in our two articles,
linked at the bottom of this list.

Birch Aquarium

La Jolla
www.aquarium.ucsd.edu

California Wolf Center

Julian
www.californiawolfcenter.org

The Cat Café

Downtown San Diego
www.catcafesd.com

Children’s Nature Retreat

Alpine
www.childrensnatureretreat.org

Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures

Wynola
www.fortcross.com

Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary

Del Mar
www.freeflightbirds.org 

Happy Heart Haven

Valley Center
www.thehappyhearthaven.com

Happy Hens

Ramona
www.happy-hens.com

Helen Woodward Animal Center

Rancho Santa Fe
www.animalcenter.org

Julian Farm & Orchard

Santa Ysabel
www.julianfarmandorchard.com

Legoland’s Sea Life Aquarium

Carlsbad
www.legoland.com/california/things-to-do/sea-life-aquarium 

Lions, Tigers & Bears

Alpine
www.lionstigersandbears.org

Living Coast Discovery Center 

Chula Vista
www.thelivingcoast.org

Oasis Camel Dairy

Ramona
www.cameldairy.com

Olivenhain Farms 

Encinitas
www.olivenhainfarms.com

San Diego Humane Society

Mission Valley
www.sdhumane.org

San Diego Zoo

Balboa Park (Downtown)
www.sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Escondido
www.sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org

Sand n’ Straw Community Farm

Vista
www.sandnstraw.com

SeaWorld

Mission Bay
www.seaworld.com/san-diego

A Simpler Time Alpaca Ranch

El Cajon
www.asimplertimestore.com

SoCal Mini Pigs

Valley Center
www.socalminipigs.com

Sugar Sweet Farm

Encinitas
www.sugarsweetfarm.com

Total Raptor Experience

La Jolla
www.totalraptorexperience.com

Wild Wonders

Bonsall
www.wildwonders.org

Get the inside scoop about where to visit local farm animals in our article “Where to Visit Farm Animals in San Diego."

Read details about local ocean animal adventures in our article “7 Ocean Animal Adventures in San Diego (and Beyond)."

Wondering where to go for a delicious cup of hot chocolate? Here are San Diego shops and eateries that are worth a visit.

 

Le Parfait Paris
www.leparfaitparis.com
Multiple Locations
Don’t miss the Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate topped with a chocolate macaron, a marshmallow and whipped cream. So good!

Nibble Chocolate
www.nibblechocolate.com
Multiple Locations
This San Diego-based small-batch chocolate maker serves up some mouth-watering hot chocolate with rotating flavors depending on the season.  

The Mission
www.themissionsd.com
3795 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach
2801 University Ave., North Park
1250 J St., SoMa East Village
The Mission is a local favorite breakfast spot where you'll find Mexican Hot Chocolate with Ibarra chocolate sprinkles or a traditional cup of hot cocoa. There are plenty of delicious coffee drinks for parents who prefer it. Organic soy or natural almond milk can be substituted in any drink. 

Hash House a Go Go
www.hashhouseagogo.com
3628 5th Ave., Hillcrest
Hash House is the go-to place for awesome hot chocolate. The delicious blend is served in a ginormous cup with several full-sized marshmallows. It’s sure to satisfy your cocoa cravings!

Romesco Mexiterranean Bistro
www.romescomexmed.com
4346 Bonita Rd., Bonita
Romesco’s offers classic Ibarra Mexican-style hot chocolate, served with an order of churros. Tijuana’s Border Churros (on the dessert menu) also include dulce de leche dip and vanilla ice cream. 

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
www.ghirardelli.com
643 Fifth Ave., Downtown San Diego
A family outing to the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop is a must. Well known for ice cream sundaes, Ghirardelli also specializes in hot chocolate (of course!), such as Sea Salt Caramel Hot Cocoa, topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce and sea salt; Decadent Drinking Chocolate, made with dark chocolate chips; and classic Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa topped with whipped cream.

Farmer’s Table
www.myfarmerstable.com
8141 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa
333 F St., Chula Vista 
Family-friendly dining with farm-inspired, upcycled fixtures, Farmer’s Table is a comfy setting to enjoy a rich cup of house-made hot chocolate or a Mexican Mocha.

Chocolat Cremerie
www.chocolatesandiego.com
509 5^th Ave., Downtown
Choose from a variety of velvety hot chocolates, traditional or mixed with spices. Yum!

Banyan Kitchen
www.banyankitchensd.com/drinks  
4655 Executive Dr. #100 San Diego
Grownups can indulge in a Spiced Hot Chocolate with dark chocolate, chili, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and honey and kids will love the Mexican Hot Chocolate made with chocolate, cinnamon and nutmeg.  

Maya Moon Collective
www.mayamooncollective.com 
3349 Adams Ave., San Diego
San Diego’s first cacao cafe and community collective, located in the heart of Normal Heights. Enjoy decadent, all-natural chocolate confections, drinking cacao and a selection of organic, gluten-free and vegan pastries, desserts and savory farm-to-table bites. 
 

Insider Tip: Did you know kids ages 12 and under can score a free cup of hot chocolate at Inn-N-Out Burger any day that it rains? There's no catch, just bring the kids to your neighborhood Inn-N-Out and let them drink away the rainy day blues with a delicious cup of Ghirardelli hot cocoa!

Do you have a favorite place in San Diego to get hot chocolate? Tell us about it! Email the details (including what makes it special) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Updated: November 2024

Is your family stuck in a rut of activity (or worse, no activity) and in need of fresh ideas to have fun together? Don’t give in to your regular routine—gather up the kids and do something out of the ordinary! Here are great ideas for a day of family fun:

TAKE A FIELD TRIP

Go on a scavenger hunt around your neighborhood. Find lots of ideas HERE!

Have a tea party at a local shop. Here’s a list of San Diego’s favorite tea shops.

Depending on the time of year, have a Snow Day at Laguna Mountain. Discover more snow-covered destinations near San Diego.

See a movie in luxury at Cinépolis in Vista, La Costa or Del Mar, The Lot in La Jolla and Liberty Station or Angelika Film Center Carmel Mountain.

Make the world a better place. Find dozens of ways to engage in random acts of kindness here.

Take a self-guided tour through the unique Stuart Collection at UC San Diego.

Go rock climbing at Mesa Rim in Mira Mesa, Mission Valley and San Marcos.

Take a spin around the track at K-1 Speed in Chula Vista.

Take a day trip to Julian or a nearby city. Get ideas here.

Visit one (or several) of San Diego’s amazing museums. Receive half-off admission during Museum Month (February) and San Diego County residents receive free admission at select museums during Residents Free Tuesdays.

More field trip ideas:

8 Fun Places that Expose Kids to STEM Learning

Field Trips that Teach Kids Culture and History

INDOOR FAMILY FUN

Make Beignets in honor of Mardi Gras or any day you want a special treat. Union Kitchen & Tap in Encinitas shared their delicious recipe.

Play leapfrog with the kids—fun for all ages!

Print your favorite photos and spend the afternoon scrapbooking. Add to the fun by making a memory book with a paper bag.

Make discoveries at home with DIY science experiments.

Have a potato sack race. Note: this can be done indoors with pillowcases if you don’t happen to have a potato sack handy!

Have a family cooking competition. Pick an ingredient and see who comes up with the best dish. Dinner solved.

Spend the day in your PJs, watch movies, eat popcorn, play games and order takeout.

Find tons of San Diego County adventures and fun places to go in our annual publication, Out & About: San Diego with Kids.

Go retro! We have lots of awesome old-school ideas in our article "How to Have a Retro Summer."

Lisa Gipson is San Diego Family’s managing editor.

Create epic family memories (and have tons of fun) with themed movie nights! Let me be clear, there’s nothing wrong with “regular” movie night. Any quality time spent with family is time well spent. Feel free to keep it simple with popcorn, Pizookies or root beer floats (hot chocolate bar if it’s chilly out). But for those who want to “kick it up a notch”, there’s no better time than when the kids are out of school.

The general ideas are as follows:

1. Make food inspired by a family-friendly movie. If the kids want to go all out, have them create a menu with clever names for food items, snacks and treats.
   
   
2. Consider seating/ambiance. Turn your living room or family room into a cozy home theater by moving the couch and chairs in theater seating formation. Build a fort or pitch an indoor tent. Or, set up an outdoor screen in the backyard.
   
   
3. Dress the part. Consider wearing costumes that match the movie theme or make it a PJ night.

Looking for more specific movie ideas? These movie themes (which also make excellent party themes) are for you!

Disney’s Frozen (rated PG)

EAT

• Bake and decorate delicious Blueberry Compote Cupcakes.
• Make Fruity Coconut Ice Pops.
• Make a frozen treat using ice cream science.

CREATE

• Colorful masterpieces by painting with ice. “Art with Alyssa” gives step-by-step ice painting directions here. 
• Beautiful snowflakes, using coffee filters and water-soluble markers. Instructions are here from Art with Alyssa.

VISIT

• Indulge at a local ice cream, gelato or shaved snow shop. Here's our list of favorite Frozen Treats to Beat the Heat.
• Take a field trip to one of San Diego's favorite local snow spots like Julian, Palomar or Mount Laguna. See our complete list here.  
  

CELEBRATE

• Dress in matching outfits and celebrate the power of sisterhood like Elsa and Anna with a mock photoshoot; or set up the karaoke machine and belt out a few tunes.

Ghostbusters (original is rated PG; note that Ghostbusters Afterlife is rated PG-13)

CRAFT

• Ghostbuster Trap (slime optional).
• Make and play the Greedy Ghosts Game.

EAT

• Roast marshmallows; or eat s’mores treats. Get inspiration from our Smore’s Round-Up.
• Make homemade marshmallows! Here’s a recipe from local blogger, The Seaside Baker: www.theseasidebaker.com/homemade-marshmallows.
• Prefer a healthier snack? Make Ghost Jicama and Dip.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (original is rated G; 2005 version is rated PG)

READ THE BOOK

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

VISIT

Take a field trip to a working chocolate factory or San Diego sweet shop with a plethora of indulgent treats! Here are some suggestions (find more at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/chocolate-in-san-diego): 

• The Something Sweet Shop at Seaport Village
• Läderach Swiss Chocolate Shop at Fashion Valley Mall
• Seabreeze Craft Chocolates in Carmel Valley
• Nibble Chocolate in Old Town
• Chuao Chocolatier in Carlsbad
• Extraordinary Desserts, Banker’s Hill or Little Italy

EAT

• Make delicious homemade Oreo Truffles.

CREATE

• Create your own candy wonderland by making life-size Candyland yard decorations.

Mary Poppins (original is rated G; Mary Poppins Returns is rated PG)

READ THE BOOK 

• Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

EAT

• Carousel Cupcakes are adorable with cocktail umbrella and animal cracker toppers.

CRAFT

• Paper Carousels, inspired by the carousel in Balboa Park.

VISIT

• Take a ride on the carousel in Balboa Park or Seaport Village.
• A local teahouse. Here is our list of San Diego's Best Spots for Afternoon Tea.
• Wilma's Carousel Bar in Little Italy is more of a fabulous date night idea, but hey, parents deserve a night out, too! They do serve brunch if you want to take the kids along.
• Seaport Village is also the home of Kite Flight, a specialty kite shop that lets customers “fly before they buy.” Consider buying a kite, then "send it soaring" like Mary and Bert. 

CREATE 

• Magical sidewalk chalk masterpieces like Bert. You can watch them come to life with the help of Chalk Alive, which uses augmented reality technology.

Charlotte’s Web (rated G)

EAT & DRINK

• Mini corn dogs
• Strawberry lemonade.
• Caramel corn. Local blogger, The Seaside Baker, shares her recipe for Movie Night Caramel Corn. Photo courtesy of The Seaside Baker.
• Birthday Cake Popcorn features white chocolate chips and M&Ms.

VISIT 

• A local farm or the animals at the San Diego County Fair.

The Lorax (rated PG)

READ THE BOOK

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss 

CRAFT

• Lorax Puppet Theater and Lorax Puppets
• Lorax-themed party bags, Truffula Tree Seed Treats and more.

The Princess and the Frog (rated G)

EAT

• Order some gumbo and other Bayou faire from Bud's Louisiana Café in Kearny Mesa or Louisiana Charlies in Seaport Village.
• Try your hand at homemade beignets just like Tiana makes with our recipe. Find it here! 

CRAFT

• Princess Tiana may not carry a wand, but that doesn’t mean your little princess can’t. Follow these instructions for a DIY Wand that she can decorate to her heart’s content.

Top Gun: Maverick (rated PG-13)

VISIT

• High Pie is a small hand pie bakery in Oceanside in a house that was made famous by the iconic 1986 movie, Top Gun, as it was the oceanfront residence of Charlie (Kelly McGillis), Tom Cruise’s co-star. What a fun photo opportunity!
• In Sorrento Valley there is a Top Gun Street that crosses Viper Way. Another photo opp for Top Gun fans.
• Visit the USS Midway Museum to explore a real naval aircraft carrier and get an insider look at the life of an aviator.

Star Wars Movies (rated PG and PG-13)

EAT

• Indulge in Sarjenn Snowcaps and Blue Milk Pudding.
• The Seaside Baker shares directions to make Galaxy Donuts with swirled, colorful glaze and edible glitter. Photo courtesy of The Seaside Baker.

CRAFT

• Make super easy Pool Noodle Lightsabers.
• Grab some paint and egg cartons to make unique 3-D portraits of Baby Yoda, Boba Fett and BB-8.
• Find more themed crafts and games at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/may-the-fourth-be-with-you.

VISIT

• Did you know there’s a Mark Hamill Drive in Clairemont Mesa? It’s a nod to the actor’s teenage home of four years. He even attended the dedication ceremony in 2017. Seek out the sign (corner of Castleton Dr. and Mt. Abernathy Ave.) and take a photo!

Managing editor Lisa Gipson loves a reason to celebrate! Her summer plans include watching “Mary Poppins Returns” and visiting Wilma's Carousel Bar. Follow her on IG @sandiegoeditor.

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San Diego’s Best Spots for Afternoon Tea  

A tea party is a fun outing for the holidays, Mother’s Day, a group field trip, mom’s day out or any special occasion. Enjoy afternoon tea service (or "high tea") at these favorite San Diego shops.

Aubrey Rose Tea Room
8362 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa
www.theaubreyrosetearoom.com
The Aubrey Rose Tea Room is, simply put, San Diego’s pinnacle of Victorian elegance. The ornate décor is only outdone by its delicious scones with cream. Gluten-free tea service available.

Coral Tree Tea House
2490 Heritage Park Row, Old Town
www.coraltreeteahouse.com
Relax in a beautiful Victorian home located in Old Town’s historic Heritage County Park. Enjoy high tea, afternoon tea, cream tea or princess tea. Gluten-free and vegetarian tea service available.

The Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Del Mar
www.fairmont.com/san-diego/dining/afternoon-tea/
Enjoy elegance in the comfortable library of this luxury resort. Beautiful music, fine tea, pastries and tea sandwiches complete the time-honored tradition.

The Grand Tea Room
145 West Grand Ave., Escondido
www.thegrandtearoom.com
Enjoy the relaxing, unique experience of Grand Tea, Garden Tea or Children’s Tea.

Marlene’s Tea & Cakes
14677 Via Bettona, Carmel Valley
www.marlenesteaandcakes.com
Marlene’s Tea & Cakes is a small tea shop, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious menu. Their freshly made food selection is a perfect pairing for their savory tea.

The Britannia Tea Rooms
2323 Midway Dr, Point Loma
Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe and Afternoon Tea
3719 India St., Mission Hills
www.afternoonteasandiego.com 
Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe is a British family-owned small, cozy tea shop. Enjoy the casual elegance of afternoon tea on their covered patio.


The Westgate Hotel
1055 Second Ave., Downtown
www.westgatehotel.com
Melodious harp music plays while you indulge in an array of delicious treats at the luxurious Westgate Hotel. Traditional tea service and private parties available.


Do you have a favorite spot in San Diego for afternoon tea? Tell us about it (including what makes it special). Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Lorea Mendiguren is a student at USC and a former intern at San Diego Family. She is also a self-proclaimed tea aficionado.

Updated: Feb 2019

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San Diego is indeed spectacular—and the best way to see this gorgeous city is from up high. Enjoy beautiful panoramic vistas when your family discovers the best bird’s eye views in San Diego.

California Tower at the Museum of Us

Balboa Park

The California Tower opened for public tours in 2019 for the first time since 1935. While accompanied by a museum tour guide, climb seven stories and 125 stairs to a spiral staircase that leads to an outdoor viewing deck. With Balboa Park below and the harbor, mountains and city beyond, San Diego is an inspiring canvas of sight and color. You may even see a red-tailed hawk soar overhead. On a clear day, you may even see all the way to Mexico. Purchase tickets and reserve your time slot online.

Skyfari at the San Diego Zoo

Downtown
Before embarking on your animal adventure, take a trip across the treetops of the Zoo and Balboa Park. The gondola-like ski lift transports riders high above the trees with great views of the Zoo’s lush landscape and animals below. From our swaying perch, we spotted the California Tower and magnificent San Diego skyline beyond. Free with Zoo admission.

Cabrillo National Monument

Point Loma

Cabrillo National Monument offers spectacular views of the bay, Pacific Ocean, downtown skyline, Navy ships and the Coronado Bridge. Use the educational boards located throughout the park to spot different types of Navy and civilian ships, aircraft and landscape features. Telescopes provide opportunities for closer views or borrow binoculars from the visitor’s center. Check website for entrance fees, discounts and hours of operation. 

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

La Jolla

We refer to the views from the top of Torrey Pines as “seeing to forever” because the trails offer scenic overlooks and sweeping, endless vistas of the Pacific Ocean. The paths at Torrey Pines feature miles of undeveloped coastal areas with windswept cliffs and unspoiled coastal beaches. Thank goodness we packed binoculars, as a pod of dolphins happened to swim by, giving the kids an unexpected thrill.  

Mount Soledad

La Jolla


Mount Soledad (822 ft.) offers unbelievable 360-degree views of the ocean, La Jolla, north coast and Mexico. Kids love a good story, and Mount Soledad has several. One 1930s urban legend claims a group of little people who appeared in Hollywood films like The Wizard of Oz, built miniature houses on the slopes of Mount Soledad. Asked if it was true, we could not confirm or deny. What we do know is that Mount Soledad is the last known residence of Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka, the famous Dr. Seuss.

USS Midway Museum

Downtown

If the planes and helicopters of the USS Midway aren’t exciting enough, the views of the busy San Diego harbor from the lofty flight deck will do the trick. Sailboats gliding by, the Coronado Bridge in the distance, and one of the best vantage points of North Island’s massive Navy aircraft carriers. Visit the website for admission fees and information.

Mr. A’s

Bankers Hill


Located on the 12th floor, the award-winning Mr. A’s is a special occasion dining venue. Plenty of window seating provides beautiful skyline and bay views. As we sat on the outdoor balcony, the kids got excited when huge jetliners swept past us, seemingly at eye level.

Noreen L. Kompanik is a freelance writer and San Diego resident.


Find more family-friendly adventures in San Diego at www.SanDiegoFamily.com/out-and-about/over-600-things-to-do.

Do you know of an awesome place to view San Diego from above? Tell us about it! Email details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Put “Bird’s eye view of San Diego” in the subject line.

San Diego Family has rounded up a wide variety of exciting opportunities to play, explore, learn and have a blast, without leaving the couch. Here's a list featuring free virtual camps, story times, art and nature activities, museum tours and field trips, animal encounters and more. To find even more fun, family activities, check our calendar of events HERE. 

VIRTUAL CONCERTS/PERFORMANCES

• Start a free 7-day trial with BroadwayHD, and stream family-friendly Broadway shows.

• From the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, experience the world’s largest outdoor musical instrument. Weekly Spreckels Organ concerts online include music ranging from rock and classical to contemporary and Broadway. Webcasts will be streamed every Sunday at 2 pm.

FREE VIRTUAL CAMPS

• Engage in a variety of delightful activities for ages 6-12, courtesy of This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Write a comic book, learn how to cook easy recipes, find soccer and basketball drills to develop your skills and more.
• Have a young techie in the family? Best Buy’s Geek Squad Academy at Home offers free DIY tech projects for ages 10-18 which help them build new tech skills and boost their creativity. Create video games and websites using free software, explore 3D design, practice new photography skills, learn to write in the secret language of computers and more.
• Little ones are treated to arts and crafts, singing and dancing at a fun Virtual Summer Camp with The Wiggles and Rascal + Friends.
• Kids can make a difference in the world by attending CAMP@HOME by UNICEF USA and S’More Ideas featuring more than 75 short videos that guide children through engaging activities. As campers complete videos, they can unlock therapeutic food packets for UNICEF to send to severely malnourished children around the world, as well as critical donations for their communities. 
• Parents can fill their children’s summer with exploration, creativity and fun with Camp PBS KIDS. Discover ideas, games and parent-led activities around different themes such as PBS KIDS Read, Blast Off into Space, Dive into Dinosaurs, Get Creative with the Arts and more.

PLAY & ENTERTAINMENT

• UNICEF Kid Power is a FREE, interactive video platform that turns fun activities for kids into a real-world impact. As kids interact with the physical activity and social-emotional learning videos (at home or school), they unlock critical support (food, medical supplies and more) that UNICEF distributes to children around the world!
• Experience the thrill of your favorite SeaWorld park rides through first-person coaster videos, and enjoy park-inspired recipes, easy-to-assemble crafts and coloring pages through SeaWorld@Home. Also, get the chance to be featured on SeaWorld’s website by sharing photos of your activities on social media with hashtag #SeaWorldAtHome.
• Get your fireworks fix with a touch of Disney magic! Check out the Disney Parks Youtube channel to get a front-row seat right in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort, and watch as the castle becomes a canvas for the stories of beloved characters in the Happily Ever After fireworks show.
• Hang out with your favorite Marvel superheroes at Marvel HQ where you can play free online games featuring Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and more. Also includes comics, cartoon videos and fun activities.
• Boss Baby, Shrek, the Trolls and other favorite Dreamworks characters unite to bring you hours and hours of fun and entertainment through the Dreamworks Activity Center. Have a blast with crafts, games, coloring and connect-the-dots pages, recipes, music and irresistible Zoom backgrounds!
• Keep the kiddos engaged and their imaginations active with Play@Home Theater by Toys “R” Us. Includes DIY videos, indoor activity videos featuring movement and mindfulness, puzzles and word searches, Play-Doh projects, no-mess, digital coloring pages and more.
• Make simple LEGO projects courtesy of LEGOLAND Building Challenge by LEGOLAND California Resort. Watch how-to-build videos hosted by a Master Model Builder, and learn how to build a LEGO sphere, pirate, dog, skateboard and more.

WORKOUTS

• Have the whole family participate in a variety of free online workouts. Search YouTube for family-friendly cardio and Zumba workouts, check out Beachbody Kids workouts on their Vimeo page, and get 30 days of free access to workouts from NEO Kids.
• Join Cosmic Kids Yoga, a YouTube yoga series that tells a story while promoting movement for kids, ages 3-6.
• Reach fitness goals with videos from Special Olympics' School of Strength.

VIRTUAL STORY TIMES/READING

• Join beloved icon Julie Andrews for story time! Check out Julie’s Library, a literacy podcast where she reads children’s books alongside her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton. Every story comes to life with music, sound and activities.
• Enjoy stories, songs and delightful activities with San Diego County Library’s Story Time Shorts. Spanish storytimes are also available.
• Enjoy daily story times, chapter-a-day read-alongs, crafts and sing-alongs courtesy of Stay-in Storytime Club, a Facebook group led by San Diego Public Library librarians.
• Join a weekly story time that includes beloved children’s books and classic tall tales through Seaport Village’s digital video series, Seaport Streams. Every Friday, 10:30 am. Story times are followed by interactive kids’ workshops.
• Celebrated actors read children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations courtesy of Storyline Online, The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website.
• Tune in to San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum’s Facebook Live Storytime from Monday to Friday at 12:30 pm. SDCDM also shares a lot of interactive art and live activities on their page.
• Cast a Vanishing Spell on boredom with Harry Potter at Home, a special hub at WizardingWorld.com that offers magical craft videos, quizzes, articles, puzzles and child-friendly activities. Also, watch as some of the best-loved faces from global entertainment, music and sports read different sections of the first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Sorcerer’s Stone
• Young book lovers, rejoice! Instantly stream an incredible collection of audiobooks for free, including titles in six different languages (English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Japanese), with Audible Stories.

VIRTUAL NATURE EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES

• San Diego Botanic Garden offers activities that will keep kids connected to the natural world. Enjoy Tree Bingo, learn about kitchen counter gardening, head outside for a neighborhood garden scavenger hunt and more.
• Experience the beauty of nature and be reminded of our responsibility to protect the wildlife and habitats that help sustain life on Earth as you view Nature’s Witness, a virtual photography exhibition by the National Wildlife Federation. 
• Hang out with the Lorax on Seussville and let him show you some fun-filled activities that teach kids the importance of taking care of the environment. Activities range from whipping up a Truffula Tree Cake to creating Lorax Leis.
• Play educational and nature-themed games with your favorite characters on PBS Kids. Build your own rainforest ecosystem, Help Cat in the Hat clean up the neighborhood by recycling and composting items, and plant seeds and tend to a garden with Abby and Elmo. 
• Check out Planet Arcade Games by NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), a portal to games and interactive activities focusing on ocean and air themes, and promoting environmental stewardship.

VIRTUAL ART

• Learn how to draw Captain Underpants, Dog Man, Li’l Petey and other beloved Dav Pilkey characters courtesy of Dav Pilkey at Home. You can also read Dog Man comics, watch fun videos, get free coloring sheets and enjoy games and activities including the opportunity to create your own Dog Man graphic novel.
• Bring your favorite Peanuts characters to life! Learn how to draw Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Woodstock and the rest of the gang through lively video demos on the Snoopy YouTube channel. Also, visit the Schulz Museum at Home page for step-by-step illustrations on how to draw the characters.
• Learn how to draw during "Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems," author of the Elephant and Piggie book series for early readers. Tip from Mo Willems: Put butcher paper down on the table and have a family dinner doodle!
• Download coloring pages on The New Children’s Museum’s Facebook page inspired by its art installations and spaces. New coloring pages will be featured each week on their Facebook page. The museum also offers weekly virtual Innovators LAB Design Challenges where kids are encouraged to make their own art piece using household items.
• Add some Disney magic to your day by learning how to draw Mickey Mouse with a Disney Parks artist on the Disney Parks Blog. Learn to draw a vintage 1920s Mickey as well as the more contemporary and whimsical versions. Find other popular character drawing tutorials such as Anna from “Frozen,” Buzz Lightyear, Tinker Bell, Pluto and more.

VIRTUAL SCIENCE & NATURAL HISTORY

• NASA lets you explore the universe from the comfort of your couch. Check out NASA at Home where you can learn how to draw Artemis (NASA’s Space Launch System rocket), find science experiments you can do using household items, create a video game that lets players explore Mars with a helicopter, travel into deep space in search of exoplanets and more. 
• Connect to the power of science through the Fleet Science Center’s FLEETtv filled with experiments, hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes interviews, bloopers and more. Visit their Facebook page for more awesome science facts, videos and more.
• Discover tons of fascinating facts about animals, science, geography and history, and play fun games with National Geographic Kids.
• Visit San Diego Natural History Museum’s The Nat @ Home page which features online resources and at-home activities. Check out Nature Bytes, an online library of three-minute videos on natural history topics, visit the Explore the Region from Coast to Cactus website to learn more about the plants and animals that call this region home, and join Digital Nature & Me Story Times.

VIRTUAL MUSEUM TOURS/FIELD TRIPS

• Have a high-flying time as you take a virtual tour of the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum’s various aircraft. Also, discover interesting facts about an array of featured aircraft in a special online gallery.
• Art experiences abound in All About Art, a series of virtual tours of The New Children’s Museum’s interactive art installations. Join mascots Art and Play for a fun-filled adventure! Also, check out #thinkplaycreatefromhome at www.thinkplaycreate.org/learn/creative-resources for hands-on, DIY activities, coloring pages featuring museum installations, Innovators LAB Design Challenges and more.
• Tour more than 1,200 museums and galleries around the globe without leaving your couch, courtesy of Google Arts and Culture.
• Explore the USS Midway Museum most popular spaces and exhibits from home. View a naval aircraft gallery, listen to the audio tour, check out the Little Skippers section with activities for the kids, read historical accounts of the USS Midway and more.
• Missing The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch? Let the flowers come to you! Revel in the beauty of this floral paradise as owner, Paul Ecke III, take you on a virtual tour of The Flower Fields’ many attractions.
• See what home life looks like for the Queen of England as you take a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace in London. Tours feature the Grand Staircase, the White Drawing Room, the Throne Room and the Blue Drawing Room.
• Helen Woodward Animal Center presents fun facts about their animal ambassadors and offers a delightful educational activity. Mon.-Fri., 11 am. Themes change daily.
• Explore the National Museum of Natural History in New York as you take self-guided, room-by-room tours of select exhibits and areas.
• Explore The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York with #MetKids, a special section of their site where children can tour The Met with an interactive map, journey through more than 5,000 years of art by hopping in a time machine, learn amazing facts about works of art and engage in fun, creative projects.

VIRTUAL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

• Explore Birch Aquarium’s online learning space designed for families, teachers and scientists of all ages. Find science activities, ocean crafts, coloring pages for kids and adults, and more. Also, visit their YouTube page for behind-the-scenes peeks as well as videos including fun animal facts and tranquil underwater moments.
• Craving for a dose of wildlife? You’re in luck! San Diego Zoo Kids Corner brings you half-hour virtual “funshops” filled with trivia, arts and crafts, humor and exciting activities. Visit intriguing animals at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, as well as other zoos and aquariums around the world, and learn fascinating wildlife facts.
• Go birdwatching! The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has various live bird cams that offer a virtual window into the diverse and intimate world of birds. Get up close and personal with barred owls, red-tailed hawks, Bermuda petrels and more.
• Encounter otters, moon jellies, sharks, African penguins and other fascinating sea creatures with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s live cams.
• SeaWorld San Diego invites you to explore the world of animals and nature with a wide array of free online resources. Revel in the wonders of wildlife through the Saving a Species series from ShamuTV, check out Animal Bytes for quick, fun facts about some of the most interesting creatures in the animal kingdom, and browse Animal InfoBooks for details about animals, environments, conservation issues and more.
• Check out a live webcam featuring the world-famous sea lions of PIER 39 in San Francisco. Find out how they came to live at Pier 39 after the 1989 earthquake and discover fun sea lion facts.

SPORTS-THEMED FUN

• Compadres Kids is stepping up to the plate with daily fun and educational activities for the family. Go online to test your knowledge of Padres history, stay active with a 10-minute kids’ workout with Pad Squad, design your own custom Padres baseball card and more. New activities will be posted every Monday.

VIRTUAL MATH

• Middle school students can brush up on various math concepts with Math Snacks featuring educational animations, fun games and interactive tools.

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Find more ways that San Diego businesses are offering creative solutions for families HERE.

Jenny Burman, mom of two, is San Diego Family’s calendar editor.

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Updated: September 2020

Parents may be feeling overwhelmed with uncertainty, daily news, quarantined kids at home, the prospect of homeschooling and more. San Diego Family is here to help parents navigate the new “norm”, which may be scary, but IS temporary. Here’s a list of unique things to do with kids, many of which double as educational activities. Don't miss the free, printable blank schedule below! Fill in with your own selected daily activities.

In the Kitchen (it’s math in disguise)

Have a cooking competition

Bake brownies

Enlist the kids’ help with dinner prep

Make creative snacks (get inspiration from “Snacking with Joy” posts at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/dining-and-recipes) 

Fun, Educational Activities (writing, reading, STEAM)

Have a read-a-thon

Check out eBooks from the library

Write a gratitude list

Start a book club with friends (FaceTime each other to have book discussions)

Build with LEGOs

Go on an alphabet scavenger hunt (indoors or outside)

Do science experiments (find great ones at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/family-science)

Invest Time in Others

Write letters to friends & family

Write thank-you notes to healthcare workers, first responders and grocery store employees

FaceTime Grandma

Deliver cookies to the doorstep of an isolated neighbor

Write chalk messages on the sidewalk or driveway to encourage passersby (this counts as creativity and outdoor time as well!).

Take a Virtual Field Trip

Check out the live web cams at the San Diego Zoo: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams

Take a virtual tour of the British Museum: https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/

Explore Yosemite: www.virtualyosemite.org/

Be Creative 

Work on a scrapbook

Do arts & crafts (find tons of cute projects at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids)

Paint rocks with inspirational messages and place around the neighborhood for others to find

Get Outside

Breathe fresh air

Take a walk

Go for a hike

Lay on a blanket and watch clouds

Camp out in the backyard

Bonus Tech Time

Create a fun family video to share with friends

Have a PlayStation tournament

Playtime

Have a dance party

Plan a family pajama party

Organize a tea party

Designated Family Time

Build a fort and camp out in the living room

Watch a family-friendly movie

Play board games

Have a family check-in meeting or brainstorming session

Plan a vacation to look forward to in the future

Have the kids pick a few activities that sound fun and supplement with downtime or free play. Then print the blank fill-in-yourself daily schedule (below) and post where the kids can see it. It helps minimize confusion and questions about what to expect during the day. Try to make the most of this incredibly unique opportunity for togetherness!

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Lisa Gipson is the managing editor of San Diego Family. She’s working from home while quarantined with a graduate student and a Class of 2020 high school senior.

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Looking for fun ways to beat the heat in San Diego? Here are 12 great ways for kids and parents to cool off on a hot day. Photo courtesy of @playdatesandpints.
 

Visit a Splash Pad or Spray Ground   

Visit one of San Diego County’s many splash pads and state-of-the-art spray grounds for a hassle-free way to stay cool on a hot day. Find one near you at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/out-about/parks-with-water-splash-pads-san-diego. 
 

Indulge in a Frozen Treat    

Enjoy a delicious frozen treat from one of San Diego’s popular ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato or shaved ice shops. Discover our favorite spots at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/out-about/ice-cream-shops.
 

Water Balloon Fight   

Start a water balloon fight for some old-fashioned backyard fun. Invite your neighbors and friends over and divide into teams; then see who is victorious! Celebrate with ice cream, of course. Note: Consider buying biodegradable water balloons from Amazon or your local party store. Either way, be sure to pick up all balloon pieces afterwards.
 

Make Your Own Frozen Creations  

Have the kids come up with their own popsicle creations with fresh fruit and juice, or make one of the delicious recipes below.  

• Watermelon Popsicles
  
  
• Tropical Mango Popsicles  
  
  
• Coconut Berry Popsicles  

Visit a Waterpark or Indoor Pool  

In addition to splash pads and spray grounds, San Diego has several waterparks and indoor pools that take water play to a whole new level. Local favorites include Sesame Place in Chula Vista, The Wave Waterpark in Vista and The Plunge San Diego at Belmont Park.     

Create an Ice Painting Masterpiece  

Learn how to create art using frozen paint cubes and popsicle sticks. For instructions go to www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids/how-to-paint-with-ice 

Cool off “Under the Sea” at SeaWorld San Diego 

Dare to sit in the “Soak Zone” at one of SeaWorld’s outdoor shows or enjoy a thrilling water adventure on the Shipwreck Rapids ride. www.seaworld.com/san-diego 

Embrace Your Wild Side  

Visit the San Diego Zoo’s newest attraction, Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, complete with splash pads and spray fountains for kids of all ages. https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/wildlife-explorers-basecamp 

Make it a Beach Day 

No pool? No problem. Make it a beach day at one of San Diego’s award-winning beaches.  

Find a Designated “Cool Zone”  

San Diego County has authorized dozens of air-conditioned libraries and recreation centers to be designated “cool zones” during the warm weather months. To find a cool zone near you visit: www.sandiegocounty.gov/hhsa/programs/ais/cool_zones.
 

Rent Hydrobikes, SUPs or Kayaks 

Enjoy a family day on the water! For families with older kids, consider taking a guided kayak tour for the ultimate aquatic adventure.   

Go to the Movies   

Escape the heat by catching a movie at UltraStar Cinemas-Hazard Center (Mission Valley), where you’ll find the best ticket deal in town. Tickets are just $10 all day, every day. For movie schedule and tickets, visit www.ultrastarmovies.com.

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Adrienne Sigeti is the Editorial Assistant at San Diego Family. Her favorite way to cool off is to visit local ice cream shops and "do research" for future San Diego Family Magazine articles. Someone has to do it! 

Thank you, San Diego Family Magazine readers, fans and followers for answering the call for your favorite family hangouts and hot spots around the county and beyond. Here you’ll find the complete list of Best of Family Fun winners and top picks in each category (as of 2018). We don't do the BFF contest anymore, but love to use this as a bucket list for year-round entertainment!

BEST STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) EXPERIENCE
STEM comes to life at the Fleet Science Center where rotating exhibits keep kids entertained and engaged with the world around them. Also in Balboa Park, the San Diego Air & Space Museum teaches little aviators and astronauts about the science of flight. Plus, don’t miss the annual San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering—always in March.

BEST FREE ACTIVITY/EVENT
San Diego is bustling with free family-friendly activities and events all year long. There’s something for everyone whether it’s spending a day playing in the surf and sand at one of San Diego’s gorgeous beaches, attending Summer Movies in the Park or exploring one of Balboa Park’s museums on Residents Free Tuesdays.

BEST SPOT FOR MOM’S NIGHT OUT
Even supermoms need an occasional night out on the town. Grab your girlfriends and check out The Rose Wine Bar in South Park for happy hour or dinner and drinks; then head over to Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach for live music and dancing, or catch a movie at The Lot, complete with reclining chairs and snacks delivered to your seat.

BEST PLACE TO GET CREATIVE
Grab your paintbrushes and head to The New Children’s Museum downtown where little artists are free to cultivate their creative side with interactive art installations and hands-on activities. For more inspiration, spend an afternoon exploring the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum in Escondido or creating a masterpiece at AR Workshop.

BEST DRIVE-THRU FOOD STOP (not obvious fast food)
Do you ever have a hankering for your favorite food but don’t feel like getting out of the car? You’re in luck! Panera Bread in El Cajon, Otay Ranch in Chula Vista, and Carmel Mountain Ranch locations offer a drive-thru for on-the-go customers looking for a healthier option, while popular burger chains The Habit (Mira Mesa) and Sonic Drive-In are serving up burgers and shakes right to your car window.

BEST MOM BLOG
The old adage “mommy knows best” is especially true when it comes to these mom bloggers. In first place, Mom’s Guide to San Diego offers a variety of resources for local families. In second place, San Diego Moms Blog provides a community of support from parents who've “been there.” Last but not least, Scary Mommy offers readers a refreshingly honest perspective on parenting with advice for “imperfect parents.”

BEST SPOT FOR A COUPLE’S DATE NIGHT
Tired of the traditional dinner-and-a-movie date night? Try something new like a romantic gondola ride through the Coronado Cays in San Diego Bay, dinner and drinks at The Prado in Balboa Park, or an indulgent meal and ocean view at Jake’s Del Mar.

BEST PARTY VENUE FOR TODDLERS
Planning a party for little ones is a breeze with these family favorites that will make your celebration fun filled and stress free. In first place, FUNbelievable Play offers a variety of party packages for celebrations big and small. In second place is Kid Ventures followed by Gymboree Play & Music. Let’s get this party started!

BEST FAMILY RESORT OR GETAWAY
Clearly there are tons of people who already know the awesomeness of Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground (up the coast in Buellton) because they won best family resort! Glamping in safari tents with bunk beds for kids, outdoor fire pits, swimming, bocce ball—what’s not to love? Other family favorite getaways include the Disneyland Resort and Great Wolf Lodge, both in Anaheim.

BEST RESTAURANT WITH KID-FRIENDLY PLAY SPACE
Corvette Diner reigns as best restaurant for kids: 50s music, themed rooms, an arcade and servers who decorate your hair with straws. I mean, come on! But don’t miss John’s Incredible Pizza in National City—arcade games, rides and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Landon’s Gourmet Kitchen in San Marcos helps parents have a much-needed date with onsite childcare.

BEST ACTIVITY TO DO WITH TEENS
Attractions featuring The Walking Dead, Fast & Furious and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter make Universal Studios Hollywood the favorite destination for families with teens. Top picks include Belmont Park’s beachfront amusement park and K-1 Speed‘s indoor go-kart racing.

BEST ACTIVITY FOR THRILL-SEEKERS
Well known for it’s extreme coasters and thrilling rides, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia tops the list for best activity for thrill-seekers. Additional favorites include soaring over rhinos at the Safari Park’s Flightline Safari (zipline), and the exhilarating freefall experience of indoor skydiving at iFly.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE A FAMILY PHOTO
It’s no wonder local families flock to Balboa Park’s 1,200 sprawling acres for photos. Gorgeous gardens, stunning architecture, and a variety of backdrops make it ideal for many styles and preferences. Other photo hotspots include La Jolla Cove and San Diego beaches, such as the ones in world-famous Coronado.

BEST LIVE PERFORMANCES FOR FAMILIES
What’s better than dressing like your favorite princess or Disney character and seeing them perform live in Disney on Ice? Not much when you’re a kid! Other fabulous live performances for families include the whimsical holiday classic Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas at The Old Globe and concerts by the wildly popular band, Hullabaloo.

BEST PLACE TO PLAY INDOORS     
Great Wolf Lodge in Orange County is an epic spot for indoor play with a giant water park, character appearances, miniature golf, a mini bowling alley and so much more! Want to stick closer to San Diego? There’s tons of fun to be had at FUNbelievable in Lakeside and Altitude Trampoline Park in Vista.

BEST AMUSEMENT CENTER
Three words: Beachfront amusement park. It’s not rocket science, but it is a BLAST! Belmont Park reigns as a San Diego fave, featuring the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, midway games, laser tag, mini golf, a newly updated two-level sky ropes course and so much more. Top picks in this category include Dave & Buster’s and Boomers.

BEST FAMILY DAY TRIP
When it comes to day trip destinations, San Diegans have a lot to choose from. Topping the list is a fun-filled day of character encounters and rides at the happiest place on earth, Disneyland Resort. Always a local favorite, a day trip to historic Julian to pan for gold or pick apples is a must for many families, or plan a fantastic adventure at Balboa Park.

BEST PARTY VENUE FOR KIDS (ages 5-11)
Let the kids run wild at Altitude Trampoline Park, Vista’s new favorite party spot, featuring wall-to-wall trampolines, Extreme Dodgeball and the Battle Beam. San Diego families also love hosting parties at FUNbelievable in Lakeside and Corvette Diner in Point Loma.

BEST MUSEUM FOR FAMILIES
Spend a day exploring San Diego’s world-class museums and learning something new. At the top of everyone’s list is The New Children’s Museum downtown, where kids are free to create new worlds through imaginative play and hands-on activities. Make scientific discoveries at the Fleet Science Center and be sure to hop aboard the historic USS Midway, a real aircraft carrier that doubles as a floating maritime museum.

BEST RESTAURANT FOR VEGAN FAMILIES
Vegan eaters and health-conscious foodies rejoice! San Diego is home to dozens of healthy food establishments with a flair for flavor. Stop by Veggie Grill for delicious dishes such as the Bombay Bowl and the “crab” cake sandwich, visit Native Foods Café for vegan sandwiches, salads and tacos or channel your inner hippy at Flower Child for meatless options such as the Thai Dye Rap and Mother Earth Bowl. 

BEST PLACE TO CONNECT WITH NATURE
San Diego has no shortage of natural spaces to explore and relax with the family. Spend an afternoon enjoying the beautiful ocean views at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, wander the scenic trails at Mission Trails Regional Park or play in the tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument. Whatever you choose, a wonderful adventure awaits!

SAN DIEGO’S BEST HIDDEN GEM
Some of San Diego’s favorite hidden gems are hiding in plain sight! Take to the sky and you’ll see that the Coronado Sand Dunes actually line up to spell out the word “Coronado.” Other local favorites include the seven bridges walk through Balboa Park and it’s surrounding communities as well as Barrio Logan, a neighborhood known for Chicano Park and delicious Mexican eats.

BEST PLACE FOR AN ANIMAL ENCOUNTER
Watch a cheetah run up to 70 miles per hour at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park or meet an adorable animal ambassador like Xena, a two-toed sloth, at the San Diego Zoo. Looking for an underwater animal adventure? Head to SeaWorld where visitors can swim with the dolphins and even feed a Beluga whale.

BEST LOCAL BREAKFAST SPOT
Don’t let the funny name fool you, Hash House A Go Go takes breakfast to the next level with outrageously large portions of Midwest-inspired dishes like Sage Fried Chicken & Waffles and Biscuits & Gravy. Other San Diego breakfast favorites include The Mission with unique offerings like the Soy Chorizo Burrito, and Breakfast Republic, best known for its French Toast Sampler. 

BEST FROZEN TREAT
San Diego’s favorite ice cream sandwich spot, The Baked Bear, takes number one for Best Frozen Treat. Choose from freshly baked brownies, donuts or warm cookies for your sandwich (or mix and match). Runners-up include Hammonds’s Gourmet Ice Cream, known for flights of mini ice cream cones, and Portland-based newcomer Salt & Straw.            

BEST EDUCATIONAL OUTING
It’s no secret that learning and playing go hand in hand. At the Fleet Science Center, budding scientists explore 100 interactive exhibits covering topics from outer space to the human body. At the Birch Aquarium kids learn about marine life with hands-on interactions at the touch pool, while at the Natural History Museum little archeologists discover real Mastodon bones from the Ice Age!

BEST KID’S MENU
A favorite of locals and visitors alike, Corvette Diner specializes in traditional diner fare like old-fashioned ice cream shakes and melt-in-your-mouth burgers. In second place, The Old Spaghetti Factory offers unusual kid-friendly treats like Cotton Candy Limeade and a variety of Italian cream sodas. Also check out Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar for build-your-own pizzas and ice cream sundaes.

BEST DRIVE-THRU FOOD (not obvious fast food)
Do you ever have a hankering for your favorite food but don’t feel like getting out of the car? You’re in luck! Panera Bread in La Mesa and El Cajon offer a drive-thru for on-the-go customers looking for a healthier option, while popular burger chains The Habit (Mira Mesa) and Sonic Drive-In are serving up burgers and shakes right to your car window.

BEST PLACE TO GET WET OR COOL OFF
Grab your swimsuits and boogie boards and head to one of Southern California’s various beaches and water parks. Rent a kayak or take a surf lesson at La Jolla Shores, enjoy the white sandy beach at Coronado or opt for an indoor water adventure at Great Wolf Lodge in Orange County.

BEST LOCAL TOURIST ATTRACTION
San Diego’s sunny weather and stunning coastline attract visitors from San Francisco to Tokyo. But what do tourists look forward to when they get here? It’s no surprise that the world-famous San Diego Zoo was voted our #1 tourist destination followed by beautiful Balboa Park and the USS Midway Museum.

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Published June 2018

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