Going to the library as a child was always a treat. Now that I’m a parent, it’s exciting to discover what San Diego libraries offer kids. Many have unique areas that offer free, fun activities for kids, special clubs, reading incentives and more. In addition to checking out books, apps such as cloudLibrary and Libby grant access to eBooks and audiobooks on the go. Local libraries also support students and lifelong learners with programs like homework help, tech help and IDEA Labs.
With the kids starting school, now is an excellent time to get familiar with libraries in your area (and get the kids’ first library cards, if they haven’t registered already). Gather the kids and check out some of our favorite library branches (along with nearby parks for extra playtime).
City Heights/Weingart Library
This branch is definitely geared for families and kids! Highlights include a fantastic playroom with interactives to entertain children, homework center and two family workstations for working (or studying) parents. The workstations feature a desk with connected play space for a baby or toddler. Programs include Let’s Play (baby/toddler sensory play groups), story time, Science Club, baby signing and more.
Adjacent to this branch is the City Heights Performance Annex & IDEA Lab, a black box venue and theater which hosts cultural performances throughout the year. Their IDEA Lab is a multimedia studio for community training and production.
Nearby playground fun: After visiting the library or annex, spend some time at the Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, right on the property.
Point Loma/Hervey Library
Walking into this branch will feel like you’re setting sail on an adventure! The nautical-themed children and teens section includes a large sailboat reading room, surfboard-shaped tables and a functioning submarine periscope to view the library roof. Programs include Lego Builders Club, Chess Club, Sing & Sign Toddler Storytime and more.
Nearby playground fun: Drive to NTC Park in Liberty Station where there’s a playground near the water.
San Diego Central Library (Downtown)
The Central Library is one of the most noticeable buildings in Downtown San Diego, with nine stories, unique architecture and a huge dome on top. The 9,000-square-foot Denny Sanford Children’s Library, featuring colorful murals of Dr. Seuss characters, is stocked with games, computers, activities and thousands of books. It also has the Binford I CAN, Too! Center, offering resources and services for children with accessibility and neurodiversity needs.
Other notable kid-friendly features of the Central Library include a family restroom, nursing room and the Pauline Foster Teen Center, which has study areas, a game room and computers for ages 12–18 only. Ages 8 & up can use the awesome makerspace and digital arts tools, machines and resources in the IDEA Lab (appointments available). Register for a public tour of the Central Library at www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library/tours.
Nearby playground fun: Coordinate your visit to the Central Library with an open play day at Gallagher Square Playground at Petco Park. Access the Gallagher Square schedule at www.mlb.com/padres/ballpark/gallagher-square.
Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library
The architecturally beautiful Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library features a children’s library and Fairy Tale Mesa, an outdoor area designed (in partnership with First 5 San Diego) for young kids. Bonus: Little ones love watching airplanes across the street at Montgomery-Gibbs Airport! This branch hosts kid-friendly events such as Baby Toddler Explore Time, Mad Science and Ranger Read-Aloud.
Nearby playground fun: Cabrillo Heights Park is a short drive and features two playgrounds, one on each end of the park.
Scripps Miramar Ranch Library (Scripps Ranch)
Enjoy stained-glass windows throughout the library, story time in the wonderful children’s indoor amphitheater, and programs such as Girls Who Code, A Book and a Ballerina Storytime, Chess Club and homework help. Then, purchase duck food from Grace’s Book Nook (inside the library) and feed the ducks at Evans Pond just across the parking lot. This branch also has an IDEA Lab with access to a 3D printer, laser cutting machine, Cricut and more.
Nearby playground fun: Head to Lakeview Park to play, while taking in views of Lake Miramar.
Mission Valley Library
Mission Valley Library’s hidden gems include a wonderful reading room inside and a back patio with a “flowing river” sculpture (a relaxing area to spend time). This branch is also the primary location of the Homeschool Resource Center, offering educational kits for check-out, laptops for in-library use, sample curriculums, reservable meeting rooms and more to homeschooling families.
Nearby playground fun: Head to River Park near Snapdragon Stadium. Plan accordingly in case there are stadium events going on.
North University Community Library (UTC La Jolla)
This branch is located next to the Nobel Athletic Fields and Recreation Center, which adds to the number of activities available in one visit. The North University branch includes a Story Theater with a piano, which hosts various cultural story times for children (sometimes with songs). This location also has a large outdoor courtyard and community room that for performances and other events.
Nearby playground fun: Make your way behind the library and neighboring Nobel Rec Center to the on-site playground.
Rancho Peñasquitos Library
This branch is dedicated to bringing the outdoors in! There are several lovely gardens behind glass walls to admire while exploring the library. Outdoors is a large Kindness Rock Garden that continues to grow from participating library patrons. Rancho Peñasquitos is one of several branches that has a Seed Library program where families can check out seeds for personal use, grow plants at home, and send back seeds from your harvest to help continue the program. Additional programs include pajama story time, Everyone Plays @ The Library (board games), Garden Exchange and more.
Nearby playground fun: Head over to Views West Park for playtime after your library visit.
Did you know? San Diego has approximately 80 public libraries across the county. The branches are part of eight area library systems: San Diego Public Library, San Diego County Library, Oceanside Public Library, Carlsbad City Library, National City Public Library, Chula Vista Public Library, Coronado Public Library and Escondido Public Library.
Mira Mesa resident Olivia Moore is usually adventuring about San Diego with her two sons, ages 8 and 4. She provided all photos above. Follow Olivia on IG @SDplaygroundmom.
Discover all the library has to offer in our article “Beyond Books: 20 Reasons to Love the Library” at www.sandiegofamily.com/resources/education-directory/beyond-books-20-reasons-to-love-the-library.
