Things to do with Your Kids this Summer in San Diego
Okay, let’s be real. Summer is beautiful… but long. And if your kids are anything like mine, they’re bouncing between “I’m bored,” “I’m starving,” and “Don’t talk to me” about 12 times an hour while being glued to a screen of some kind. So here it is: my lovingly curated list of magical (and some free!) things to do this summer with your kids in San Diego. Divided by age—but honestly, mix and match however your soul (or their mood) needs.
For the Littles (Preschool-ish)
1. Timken Museum Scavenger Hunt (FREE)
Yes, an actual museum experience that works for preschoolers. The Timken has a beautifully simple scavenger hunt that keeps their tiny eyes looking and hands semi-busy. Plus: it’s free and inside (bless).
Balboa Park, 1500 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
2. San Diego Craft Collective Free Friday Classes
Liberty Station is already stroller heaven, and on select Fridays, you can pop into free kids’ craft classes. It’s chill, creative, and usually low-mess (thank the art gods).
2590 Truxtun Rd, Studio 106, San Diego, CA 92106
3. San Diego Botanical Gardens
This is an easy place to lesurly push a stroller around while your toddler can get their wiggles out. There is a tree house, maze, outdoor games, and lots and lots of nature to explore (29 gardens to be exact).
300 Quail Gardens Dr. Encinitas, CA 92024
4. Old Poway Park: Trains + Charm
There’s an actual vintage train your kiddos can ride for $3 and free museums sprinkled around. You’ll feel like you stepped into a Hallmark movie (but with toddlers).
14134 Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064
There are so many great parks in the San Diego area. Here is a list of my favorite ones you can take your kid to this summer.
For Your Big Kids (Elementary Magic)
1. Mission Trails Visitor Center + Lake Kumeyaay Loop
A totally free, fascinating museum about the local wildlife, followed by an easy loop trail around the lake. Pack snacks and let them “lead” the way.
One Father Junípero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119
2. Pick Your Own Fruit & Veggies
Got a picky eater? Take them out to a farm to pick their own fruit or veggies and guaranteed that some will end up in their mouth. U-pick strawberries is available most of the summer, but more seasonal picking like apples, pears, citrus, pumpkins, and all kinds of veggies are available as well. Check the website below for locations and when to pick. Also, you can check out my fav strawberry picking here.
Locations vary around the county
4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110
3. Liberty Station Art Walk (and Free Museums!)
Map out your own DIY scavenger hunt through the art installations, pop into museums, and get ice cream after.
640 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
4. Los Peñasquitos Trail
Gentle enough for younger ones, but just rugged enough to feel like an adventure. Bonus: there’s a waterfall if you make it far enough.
Canyonside Park Entrance, 12115 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129
For the Preteens (The ‘Don’t Talk to Me’ Crowd)
1. San Diego Jr. Theatre: Lion King Jr. or The Prom
Support young performers and keep your kids culturally inspired. Pro tip: The Jr. versions are shorter and keep their attention longer. I’ve been to a Peter Pan version and my kids loved it.
Casa del Prado Theater, Balboa Park
2. National Comedy Theater
Belly laughs and ridiculousness are in abundance with this local comedy compay. Based completely on audience suggestions the cast creates an entire 100 minute improv comedy show on the spot. There’s no script, the cast has no idea which way the show is going to go, and each performance is a unique experience. The show is completely appropriate for all audiences. This is one my teens favorite special outings.
3717 India Street, San Diego, CA 92103
3. Savannah Banana Baseball Game
If you’ve never heard of the Savannah Banana’s think baseball with tricks, dancing, silliness, and a whole lot of fun. This is a show inside a baseball game. Think Harlem Globetrotters, but baseball. This technically isn’t until the beginning of September, but getting tickets is a bit tricky, so get them now.
4. Zombie Shakespeare
Preteens are about the fear factor, something I’m not a super fan of, but if it’s paired with Shakespeare, it doesn’t feel as yuck. A production of the Twelfth Night of the Living Dead is a free play put on by the San Diego Shakespeare Society. Playing June 21 - July 7th, this show is a fun twist on a classic.
3795 Fairmount Avenue SAN DIEGO, CA 92105
Big Family Vibes: Summer Concerts + Events
This summer, heading out with the family to get in some quality time can be something other than the beach or eating out. There are summer concert series, festivals, and movies in the park. Here are just a few. Make sure to check your citi’s parks and rec website for more info.
El Cajon Dinner and a Concert
Fridays, May 1–29, 2025
Prescott Promenade, 201 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020
Coronado Summer Concert Series
Sundays, May 25–Aug 31, 2025
Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Santee Summer Concerts + Food Trucks
Thursdays, June 12–Aug 14, 2025 (skip July 3)
550 Park Center Dr, Santee, CA 92071
TGIF Concerts in the Park – Carlsbad
Fridays, June 20–Aug 22, 2025
Various parks in Carlsbad
SWITCHFOOT Bro-Am
June 21, 2025
Moonlight Beach, Encinitas
So, here's your permission slip to skip the Pinterest-worthy plans and just go do stuff. Make the memories. Let the sunscreen melt into their eyeballs and the popsicles drip down their arms. You’re doing summer right.
And if you're looking to capture this chapter—sandy feet, freckled noses, and all—bring me along. I’ll bring the camera. You bring the snacks.
—Alison
Hi I’m Alison…
a San Diego-based film photographer, writer, and forever seeker of beauty in the in-between. I use my camera to honor real connection, feminine power, and the quiet magic of everyday life. My sessions are slow, intentional, and artful—crafted to help you feel deeply seen.
You can learn more about me and how I work here, follow along on Instagram, or explore my creative side through writing—like this piece I wrote for Shoot It With Film on how to shoot blind double exposures.
Let’s make something meaningful together.
