Say goodbye to the boring weekends and routine birthday parties. Think outside the box and dare to try something new. Take a look at what your city has to offer – all within driving distance of your location. You might be surprised!
(858) 228-9283
3146 Mission BlvdSan Diego, CA 92109 Directions Website
Belmont Park truly has a little something for everyone. It has the distinction of being the only beach-side amusement park in southern California and its biggest draw is the Giant Dipper which is an original wooden rollercoaster.
Another popular attraction is the Plunge, a 175-foot-deep indoor heated pool, the largest in the state. There's also Pirate's Cove which is literally a 7,000-square-foot indoor playground. Plenty of places to shop and dine can be found here, too, so make plans to head to Belmont Park and leave happy.
(858) 534-3474
2300 Expedition WaySan Diego, CA 92037 Directions Website
Dating back to 1903, the Birch Aquarium is regarded as one of the best in the world. The impressive facility features 30 tanks and each one is filled with a stunning variety of fish and various other coral species.
One of the most popular exhibits is one called "Blue Planet" that focuses on water's importance to the earth. Another crowd-pleasing attraction is an interactive exhibit that allows you to generate your own thunderstorm!
(714) 220-5200
8039 Beach BlvdBuena Park, CA 90620 Directions Website
If you and the kids are ready to take a really wild plunge, then Knott's Soak City Waterpark is the perfect place to land. If you've got a daredevil in your family, there's plenty here to make him or her really happy.
Knott's Soak City Waterpark features high-speed slides, tube slides and body slides that move at lightning-fast speeds. For those who prefer a little slower pace, there's a ¼ mile lazy river and wave pool that will allow for a more relaxing aquatic experience. Plus, there's also a kid's pool, mini-slides and a pool playground area - this attraction has something for everyone in the family. Knott's does a great job of recreating a cool 50s and 60s vibe, so get ready to catch a wave in classic style!
(760) 918-5346
1 Legoland DrCarlsbad, CA 92008 Directions Website
"If you build it, they will come" goes the popular saying. But in the case of LEGOLAND, the building is always a work-in-progress and that seems to suit all the visitors of this amazing park just fine.
In addition to traditional theme park rides, LEGOLAND built its identity on the reputation of the classic building blocks you used to play with as a kid, but now, that fun is on a much bigger scale. The kids can play with the Lego exhibits when in line for rides to not only pass the time, but they can express their creativity as well. Plus, don't miss Miniland USA, a collection of miniature models of famous cities and landmarks that is too incredible to be missed! If Legos were an essential part of your childhood, you won't want to miss this attraction.
(619) 231-1515
2920 Zoo DrSan Diego, CA 92101 Directions Website
Don't just take the kids to the zoo; take them to the best zoo in the country! Widely regarded as the best zoo in the United States, the San Diego Zoo takes pride in their state-of-the-art habitat attractions that often house more than one species of animal in a single exhibit.
And since the zoo has been recognized as having a highly successful breeding program, you'll likely see baby koalas, pandas, monkeys, elephants and tigers cohabitating with their moms and dads. Plus, don't miss the aviaries and the reptile houses that offer even more wildlife that is just as interesting as it is entertaining.
(619) 231-1515
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdEscondido, CA 92027 Directions Website
Safari Park is an extension of the San Diego Zoo and features over 3,200 animals in approximately 1,800 carefully designed, African-themed acres.
The African Plains habitat is the main attraction, which means the kids will get to see giraffes, cheetahs, and a wide variety of birds. Explore Nairobi Village and see residents as diverse as gorillas and lemurs. You can explore on your own down the paths that take you through all the exhibits or take a guided tour. Plus, there are special programs like sleepovers for the kids and behind-the-scenes tours that will make your time in Safari Park absolutely untamed!
(619) 222-4732
500 Sea World DrSan Diego, CA 92109 Directions Website
The Seaworld park in San Diego offers visitors the chance to not only have fun and see some of nature's most famous aquatic creatures, but there's also great fun to be had on the rides that are found on the premises, as well.
See interactive dolphin exhibits and presentations, enjoy more interactive fun with Backyard Adventures, and of course, you won't want to miss the appearance of Seaworld's top attraction, Shamu! There are several concession areas as well as scenic lookout points in which you can relax and take a brief rest from all of the fun.
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