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Daycations: Fun in the Sun – Family Friendly Adventures in San Diego
By Susan Somers
It’s hard to think of a better vacation spot than San Diego. America’s eighth largest city is known for its miles of beaches and near perfect weather year round, particularly in the summer when the average temperature hangs around 75 degrees. But when it’s time to plan your family summer getaway, it’s also important to consider how family friendly your destination might be. While urban settings may not always be a perfect fit, San Diego stands apart from the pack by offering a wide range of exciting activities, ensuring a season full of fond memories for all involved.
Parks and Recreation
One of the city’s most famous destinations has to be Balboa Park. Situated on 1,200 acres, it’s the nation’s largest urban cultural park, offering a full complement of major museums, lush gardens, unique performing arts venues and one of the most famous zoos in the entire world.
Science and Nature
Budding scientists will want to check out the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (www.rhfleet.org). With over one hundred interactive science exhibits in eight galleries, traveling exhibits and the world’s first giant IMAX® Dome Theater, kids and families can nurture their love of science and enjoy giant screen films and amazing planetarium shows. A motion simulator ride will thrill smaller visitors with journeys into exciting realms. Exhibitions include Origins in Space, which details the scientific accomplishments and technological spinoffs that have resulted from NASA missions, while the Tinkering Studio will spark creativity with activities such as making origami and Spirograph artwork or creating digital bling using a variety of colorful LED lights.
Nature aficionados will love the San Diego Natural History Museum (www.sdnhm.org). Bug enthusiasts can meet Madagascar hissing cockroaches, zebra tarantulas and emperor scorpions at the Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic Wonders exhibition. The Dino Jaws exhibition will take you back in time to a world populated by dinosaurs, where you can even touch real fossilized dinosaur poop. The smallest dinosaur lovers can enjoy Camp-O-Saurus, a special play area that features a campground with a dinosaur’s nest to play in, robotic butterflies and a “Campfire Pit.”
Meditation Vacation
Once you’ve had your fill of the museums, you can help your little ones get their Zen on with a trip to the Japanese Friendship Garden (www.niwa.org). The Garden originated as a teahouse during the Panama-California Exposition of 1915–16 and now sits on two acres near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Wander the peaceful paths and take in the relaxing atmosphere as you explore a Zen garden for meditation, an exhibit house, a koi pond, a bonsai exhibit, a ceremonial gate and a beautiful Fujidana (wisteria arbor). Be sure to check out the Handcrafted Journeys exhibit, on display through July 28th, which chronicles the evolution of Japanese-American woodworking and features pieces from local collections and stories that go with them.
Wild Kingdom
For the animal lovers in your vacationing brood, carve out some dedicated time to visit the world famous San Diego Zoo (www.sandiegozoo.org). The 100 acre park is home to more than 4,000 exotic, rare and endangered animals from over 800 different species. From giant pandas from China to orangutans from Borneo and Sumatra, you and your “pack” will be transported to the most colorful habitats in the world. Africa Rocks is home to the zoo’s five big cat species: mountain lion, snow leopard, jaguar, Siberian lynx and Chinese leopard. The Asian Passage takes you through a tropical rain forest with sun bears and lion-tailed macaques. Don’t forget to ride the Skyfari tram for a bird’s eye view of the nation’s most amazing animal kingdom.
On the Waterfront
No trip to San Diego would be complete without taking in the fresh maritime air. Head south from Balboa Park to the East Village area that houses Petco Park (www.petcoparkevents.com), home of the San Diego Padres baseball team. Plan ahead, check out a game schedule and pick up your tickets so you can watch the boys of summer take the field. For the littlest fans, the adjacent Park at the Park offers playground equipment and a miniature baseball diamond fit for pint sized sluggers. Young ones can also sign up for the Jr. Padres Baseball Clinic or attend Sunday Signings to meet some of the players. True baseball addicts can go behind-the-scenes with a VIP guided tour of Petco Park, a must for any Major League Baseball fan that includes a tour of the Writer’s Row press box, the Padres dugout and the historic Western Metal Supply Company.
If just being near the water isn’t enough, aqua-loving families can rent out a boat or WaveRunner or take a scenic whale watching tour, all of which can be procured through Seaforth Boat Rentals (www.seaforthboatrental.com). For a unique twist on a traditional sightseeing outing, book a seat on the fully narrated San Diego SEAL Tour (www.sealtours.com), an amphibious sea and land adventure with a “Boat on Wheels” that cruises the San Diego streets as a bus, then turns into a Hydra-Terra vessel that tours the San Diego Bay. Younger sailors will delight in learning about San Diego’s military history and ecological wonders and may even spot a California sea lion.
Shop, Snack & Sleep
It’s not a vacation if you and the family don’t take some time out to indulge yourselves. Pay a visit to Seaport Village (www.seaportvillage.com), a family friendly complex situated on the San Diego Bay. Accented by lush landscaping, Seaport Village offers over fifty boutiques and specialty shops that range from casual to quirky. All that touring around is bound to have made you hungry, so take time out to sample some homemade fish tacos while enjoying live blues, jazz, country or swing. If you like to dine alfresco, Buster’s Beach House & Longboard Bar provides a laid back menu that includes sushi, soups and chowders, sandwiches and more against a waterfront backdrop. After your meal, stroll the boardwalk with the family or wander the cobblestone paths to check out the variety of street performers and artisans that provide free roaming entertainment. The younger set will especially enjoy a ride on the historic carousel.
After a long day in the sun, you’ll be ready to rest your weary head. One of the best family friendly lodging options is the Hilton San Diego Bayfront (www.hiltonsandiegobayfront.com). Located a short walk from Seaport Village and just across a pedestrian bridge from Petco Park, the hotel recently underwent a multi-million dollar remodeling of its pool and lounge areas. Little ones will make a beeline for The Splash Zone, a kids-only pool and waterslide where youngsters can swim, slide and play with the hotel’s water toys. For more youth oriented fun, kids can also plan their own activities through the Hilton’s Kids Club, where they can spend part of their lazy summer days creating sand art by the pool, designing cupcakes and much more.
For summer destinations, San Diego has everything you could want and more. Whether you’re a grown up looking for something fun to do or a young one who’s eager to explore exciting new things, this is one vacation spot that’s got plenty of good times in store for the whole family.
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