My 10 favorite places to explore with kids in San Diego

Summer is here and we are all looking for fun (and hopefully not too expensive) activities to do with our kids, right? I would like to share some of my favorite places to explore with kids in San Diego. I am talking about smaller places that took some time for me to discover myself in the area. Places that are either free or fairly inexpensive.

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1) EcoVivarium in Escondido

This is one of the best places to explore with kids in San Diego -a living museum featuring reptiles, amphibians and arthropods! Most of the animals are rescues that have been rehabilitated and trained by the staff to serve as a part of the program. One of their animal ambassadors will take you (possibly together with another small group) on an educational, hands-on tour, where they will tell you about each and every animal on site. They know the animals very well, care for them and will tell you each animal’s personal history. They will let the kids touch or hold many of the animals, depending on what kind it is. The ambassadors are extremely patient and child friendly.

This is a small place, but count on spending at least a couple of hours here. They charge a small entrance fee, but it is SOO worth the money! EcoVivarium is a non-profit organization. Open Wednesday-Sunday, but please check their website for updated hours.

Website: https://www.ecovivarium.org/

Address: 136 S Juniper St, Escondido, CA 92025

Parking: Free public parking across the street or street parking

Admission: Adult $10, children $8 (senior and military discounts)

2) Roynon Museum of Science & Paleontology

This is an impressive collection of geological specimens that can’t be missed! It was started by Mr and Mrs Roynon in 2000, “to educate students, scouts, and the general public in earth sciences, as well as to emphasize the meaning of the sequence of life throughout geological time.” Mr Roynon started the collection in his own garage and both spouses keep on adding more specimens from their travels in the US all the time.

An extremely knowledgeable docent will be on site to answer questions and to tell you about the specimens and overall history of paleontology. This might sound a bit “heavy” for some, but the fact that the docent was knowledgeable and spoke in a language relateable to kids -as well as adults- made it a very interesting experience for everyone!

The Roynon Museum is also a non-profit organization that welcomes school groups of all kinds. It is open in the afternoons throughout the week and Saturday. Sunday closed. Check their website for updated opening hours.

Website: http://roynonmuseum.org/

Address: 457 East Grand Ave Suite 1-3, Escondido, CA 92025

Parking: Free roof top parking (enter from 2nd ave) or street parking

Admission: Adult $12, children 2-4 $5, youth 5-17 $8, children under 2 are free (senior and military discounts)

3) Bates Nut Farm

If you’re looking for a quiet and super low-key activity, Bates Nut Farm is a great choice! We visit Bates Nut Farm frequently, as the kids love it so much. And it’s FREE! It is located in a lush oak valley of Valley Center. The Bates Nut Farm is known for their enormous pumpkin patch, but they are open year round. As a matter of fact, it is more enjoyable on a regular day when there are no events.

You can purchase inexpensive corn in the store and while the kids hand-feed the animals, you can take a seat at one of their picnic tables, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. (Even though I have to admit I enjoy feeding the animals too!) They have goats, sheep, mini-donkeys, llamas, pigs, emus, chickens, peacocks, ducks, geese, pigs and a tortoise..

Originally Bates Nut Farm was a walnut farm, but today they sell all kinds of nuts, dried fruits, candies, gourmet delights and home made fudge in the store. They also carry toys and vintage gift items. There is also another really fine gift store called “The Farmer’s Daughter” located in the original barn building next to the main store. I sometimes shop there for nice gifts or designer items. Check out their website for more events. They organize lots of special family friendly events throughout the year. Open daily 9-5.

Website: https://batesnutfarm.biz/

Address: 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, CA 92082

Parking: Free parking, except on special events

Admission: FREE

4) Hiking in Daley Ranch -the Boulder Loop

If you love hiking/moderate climbing with an ultimate picnic with a view over a lake -this is for you! This is one of our very favorite destinations when we hike with the kids. Reason being, it satisfies both mine, my husband’s and the kids needs. Me and my husband like to hike and while the kids like hiking to some extent, they also tend to whine if it gets too hard (familiar?). Well, not on this hike! You know why? They know the destination is worth the sweat. Once we get up on the top, there are endless rock formations where they can climb and play. And believe me -the rock formations can really bring out the kids in most of us…

We usually bring a picnic lunch up there with us, because once up there, the kids don’t want to leave! (Please don’t leave trash behind!) You can eat while you enjoy the view of Dixon Lake and the surroundings. On clear days, you might be able to see as far as the ocean!

So how do we get up there you might ask… Enter the park at the La Honda drive entrance. There are usually maps put out at the trail head. You can also find a map online. Take the asphalt path towards the Ranch House. After almost half a mile, take left on the Boulder Loop trail. It is rather steep at the beginning of the trail. Once you get pass that steep part of the trail, take right on a smaller path called Rock Ridge. Follow this one until you see some really big rocks to your left. That’s where you find the rock formations. Remember to bring lots of water, as it might be very hot during the summer months! And watch out for snakes..

Website: http://daleyranch.org/explore/hiking/

Address: 2198 La Honda Drive, Escondido, CA 92027

Parking: Free parking if parked on the upper parking lot (can be crowded on weekends)

Admission: FREE (unless you enter the Dixon Lake parking, they charge a fee on weekends)

5) Queen Califia’s Magical Circle

If you would like to share an amazing and unusual art experience with your kids -the Queen Califia’s Circle is the the place for you! This is the only sculpture garden in the US by the French artist Niki de Saint Phalle. With its’ size and bright colors it’s bound to amaze the whole family! When you enter the court yard it is a bit like entering a world of whimsical fantasy. There are 9 free standing sculptures in the garden, inspired by California’s mythical, historic and cultural roots. They are all equally amazing! The art work has to be seen to be appreciated.

We once hosted our daughter’s birthday party at the nearby park and took a tour to show the kids the sculpture garden and it was a hit. It’s located within the Iris Sankey Arboretum in Escondido’s Kit Carson Park. The site used to be open to the public all the time, but due to vandalism, entrance is now limited to certain hours. Please check website for opening hours.

Website: https://www.escondido.org/queen-califias-magical-circle

Address: Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025

Parking: Free parking, follow signs to the location within the park

Admission: FREE

6) Museum of Making Music

This is a super fun place to visit with your kids in San Diego to escape the summer heat! The exhibits will take you on a journey through time, showing the history of music and musical instruments. There are lots of hands-on exploration for your kids on the way through the exhibit. At the end the visitors get to try all different kinds of musical instruments. It’s not only interesting for the kids, but for all ages.

The museum offers various events throughout the year, including music concerts by various talented musicians. Open Tuesday-Sunday, Monday closed. Please check website for exact hours.

Website: https://www.museumofmakingmusic.org/

Address: 5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA

Parking: Free parking behind the building

Admission: Adult $10, Students $7, children under 3 are free (senior and military discounts)

7) Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

So much to see here! We usually park at the south parking lot (tried on top, but it’s filling up fast) and walk up the road to the top, where we stop at the visitor center. We’re always impressed by the information provided and the kindness of the staff at the lodge. After visiting the lodge, we descend through the Beach Trail to the beach. It is a fun hike with wonderful views all the way down. I’m always hit by the beauty of the beach and admire the busy bird life down there.

What the kids enjoy the most on this hike are probably the tide pools on the beach. There is a big flat cliff/rock, where you can explore all kinds of marine life! We have seen sea anemones, sea stars and small octopuses! After hours of exploring you can walk back on the beach (the kids run in the water!) Park is open early morning to sunset.

Website: https://torreypine.org/

Address: 12600 North Torrey Pines Road, San Diego CA 92037

Parking: North or south lot, limited parking available on top, price varies according season, $10-25/vehicle

Admisson: FREE with parking

8) The Living Coast Discovery Center

Yet another place to visit with kids in San Diego! Many of you might not be aware of this little gem’s existence. Located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, the Living Coast Discovery Center hosts many local coastal animals, such as Eastern Pacific green sea turtles, sharks and rays. They also have a shore bird aviary, where you can see and learn about many kinds of birds living in the region. They recently opened a native pollinator garden, where you can learn about local plants and different pollinators.

My kids especially enjoyed the interactive pool where you get to touch the soft sting rays as well as the feedings and public talks throughout the day. Open every day 10-5.

Website: http://www.thelivingcoast.org/

Address: 1000 Gunpowder Point Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91910 You will drive to the corner of Bay Blvd. and E St, park and take a shuttle

Parking: FREE parking at lot, Access to the facility is available from the public parking lot via free, convenient shuttles (run every 15 minutes, I believe).

Admisson: Adult $16, Children 3-12 $11, children 2 and under FREE

9) Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach is our very favorite beach to visit in the summer! Our favorite spot is in front of Hotel Del Coronado’s majestic buildings, and a little bit to the left (south). We always walk just past the rocks. The beach is sometimes not as clean here, but it is a lot less crowded AND the rocks provide many hours of fun for the kids. Underneath and in between the rocks you can watch crab-fish hiding. On some days we have collected many different kinds of beautiful sea shells as well! Just watch out as you climb the rocks: there are sometimes glass shards. In addition the rocks also provide a beautiful photo shoot with “the Del” as a back drop!

Website: http://coronadovisitorcenter.com/what-to-see/home-of-the-u-s-a-s-1-beach/

Address: Coronado Beach, Coronado, CA 92118

Parking: FREE street parking along Ocean Blvd or nearby streets. Tip: Come early to get a spot

Admisson: FREE

10) Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens & Nursery

Welcome to a lush garden of beauty and tranquility! There are several historical buildings from the 1800’s onsite. Check out the Farmhouse gift shop where you can find artisan-crafted gifts for the home and garden. There is also an area where you can plant your own mini fairy garden! (This is NOT free, you will have to purchase what you use). If you would like you can purchase a “Goat treats and children’s Fairy Garden package”.

Also, make sure to stop by Cafe Bloom, where you can buy freshly made scones and homemade lemonade or maybe something from the creperie. If you wish to eat out on the grass lawn, they provide you with a blanket to sit on! Open Wednesday through Monday 9-5, Tuesdays closed.

Website: https://discovermyrtlecreek.com/

Address: 2940 Reche Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Parking: Free parking

Admission: Free

Enjoy!

As you can see there are many inexpensive or free places to explore with kids in San Diego! And these are only a few of our favorites -there are many more! Sometimes it might be worth going beyond the well known tourist attractions. Comment below if you have any questions. Enjoy all that San Diego has to offer!

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