San Diego > Where to Bring the Kids

Indeed the youngsters have plenty to do in San Diego, from lions to dolphins to legos. Listed below are four of the most common opportunities. --Located in Balboa Park is the internationally renowned San Diego Zoo. Spread over about 100 acres, the zoo cares for more than 3,800 animals of 800 different species, in addition to a plant collection of more than 6,500. One thing that makes this zoo so great is that visitors are able to view animals up close—at least, as up close as possible without endangering you or the animals. There’s also a bus tour to relieve the walking, animal shows, dining and countless other amenities. * * * --Located in north San Diego County, just 32 miles northeast of the Zoo, is the San Diego Wild Animal Park.  The park is actually 20 times larger than the zoo and offers a different experience than its world-famous counterpart. Visitors can safely explore the 1,800-acre wildlife preserve and view herds of exotic animals as they might have been seen in their native lands. The park has over 3,500 animals representing 260 species, and is also an accredited botanical garden. * * * --Sea World Adventure Park in San Diego is also one of the city’s most acclaimed attractions. From high-energy shows, to rides, to animal interaction, to Shamu, to shark encounters and more, Sea World is pretty self-explanatory and is always a good time for the kiddies.   Sea World is open year-round with varying operating hours and days. However, the park rarely opens before 10am, and it is always best to get there as early as possible anyway to avoid crowds. Simply call for the hours on a specific date during 2000 to find out when the park closes. Directions: From Interstate 5, exit Sea World Dr. and turn west towards Sea World's park entrance. From Interstate 8, exit Interstate 5 north to Sea World Dr. and turn west towards the park entrance. * * * --LEGOLAND is perhaps the most unique park in San Diego. This gigantic park, made almost entirely of legos, features numerous “neighborhoods” to explore, as well as games, rides, dining and more. This is the first LEGOLAND in the United States and is designed specifically for children ages 3 through 12 and their families. Directions: The Park is located one hour south of Disneyland in Anaheim and approximately 40 minutes north of downtown Sand Diego at One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Exit Interstate 5 at Cannon Road in Carlsbad. Go east, following signs to LEGO Drive.