Building a bird house, learning about archeology, riding a train and playing soccer are among the free options for things to do for kids in San Diego County.
Many of San Diego’s most well-known arts and cultural institutions and outdoor programs not only make space for kids, but provide special programming.
This guide offers 24 ideas for free things to do with kids across the region. The events and activities come from places such as Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, Petco Park and the Living Coast Discovery Center.
Annie’s Canyon Trail: One of the county’s most intriguing hikes, Annie’s Canyon Trail is a natural playground for kids. Along with following the winding path, they can ire the sandstone walls and peak into hidden alcoves. At the end, stop with the family to enjoy a lookout point with a beautiful view of San Elijo Lagoon. 498-450 Solana Hills Drive, Solana Beach. https://naturecollective.org/location/annies-canyon-trail
Balboa Park museums: Explore Balboa Park and more than 10 of its museums for free throughout the month. Various museums offer free entry for county residents and active military, along with their dependents, on rotating Tuesdays. Visitors must show a valid ID with a local address to enter participating museums at no cost. Some of these museums include the Fleet Science Center, Comic-Con Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden, San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Natural History Museum. Plus, The Old Globe provides free one-hour behind-the-scenes tours of its facility. For a complete list of museums and free days of ission, visit the Balboa Park website. balboapark.org/resident-free-days
Children’s Park: The Children’s Park in downtown San Diego got a $9 million makeover in 2023. It now features a variety of amenities for the entire family. Visitors will find children’s play areas with slides and a jungle gym, foosball and ping pong tables, chess and checkers tables, tables and seating, adult exercise equipment, an off-leash dog park and staffed public restrooms. 326 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego. 619-525-8213, sandiego.gov/parks-and-recreation
Children’s story time at the Athenaeum: Children ages 1 to 9 are invited to a story time event, which takes place twice each week, at the Athenaeum. The nonprofit library celebrating music and arts also hosts a program called Creative Storytime with Ms. Katia at 10:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. Wednesdays and Fridays at 3 and 3:30 p.m. 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. 858-454-5872, ljathenaeum.org
Gallagher Square: When there are no events at Petco Park, locals can access this public park. Gallagher Square was renovated this year and several new amenities were added. These special features include a children’s playground, a dog park, a viewing deck, an artificial turf picnic space and mobile pickleball courts. 840 K St., San Diego. mlb.com/padres/ballpark/gallagher-square
Home Depot Workshops: Kids who are into building and crafting can participate in workshops led by Home Depot professionals. A bird buffet, a baseball game and a toucan mobile are among the recent activities provided for kids. Online registration is required. The Home Depot website also features DIY projects for kids through videos and guides. Check the nearest location to confirm where to participate. homedepot.com/c/kids-workshop
Humane Society scavenger hunts: Animal lovers can learn about the San Diego Humane Society and its adoptable animals through scavenger hunts. They can participate on their own with adult help or in groups of no more than 12. Print out the list online and bring it to any of the humane society campuses. Kids will observe various examples of animal behavior. 619-299-7012. sdhumane.org/programs/youth-programs/scout-programs.html
Junior Nature Rangers: Blue Sky Canyon is one of the many local natural spaces where families can find free events, such as puppy pals and a summer solstice hike. The City of Poway’s Junior Nature Ranger event, hosted on various dates throughout the year, is led by a docent who takes kids through activities emphasizing a love of nature. After, participants are given a Nature Ranger certificate. Kids ages 6 to 10 are invited to participate with an accompanying adult. RSVP required by emailing [email protected] or calling 858-668-4781. blueskyreserve.org/events
Kennedy Recreation Center and Skate Park: Visitors to the Kennedy Recreation Center and Skate Park have numerous free activities available to them. The skate park provides 11,000 square feet of skating amenities, including ramps, jumps, grinds and concrete bowls. The Kennedy Recreation Center features a gymnasium, basketball courts, a children’s playground, picnic tables and lighted ball fields. 1675 East Madison Ave., El Cajon. 619-441-1676, elcajon.gov/your-government/departments/recreation/recreation-centers/kennedy-recreation-center-skate-park
Kids craft: As part of the First Friday activities at the ARTS DISTRICT in Liberty Station, the San Diego Craft Collective offers a free crafting opportunity. Kids of all ages and their caregivers are invited to participate. Examples of recent activities are weaving and a poetry box. 5 to 6 p.m. on the first Friday of the month. San Diego Craft Collective, 2590 Truxtun Road, Studio 106. 619-273-3235, sandiegocraft.org/product/first-friday-free-kids-craft
La Jolla Tidepools: The La Jolla Tidepools are enchanting spaces to examine undersea life in San Diego, according to the National Park Service, and it can be done for free. When it is low tide, visitors to the La Jolla Tidepools might find barnacles, crabs, octopi, sea slugs and other underwater sea life. These tidepools can be found “throughout the La Jolla coastline, from Dike Rock near Scripps Pier on the north to Windansea Beach on the south,” the National Park Service says. The tidepools are closed during seal pupping season from Dec. 15 through May 15. nps.gov/places/la-jolla-tidepools-and-the-children-s-pool
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: As its name suggests, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego gives visitors a snapshot of what’s going on right now in the world in the form of modern art. The museum hosts rotating exhibits and events. Every second Sunday and third Thursday of the month, San Diegans can enter for free. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. 858-454-3541, mcasd.org
Make at Mingei: Embroidery, clothing design and personalized metal key chains are just some of the free, all-ages activities being offered at the Mingei International Museum. Each month, local artists and organizations collaborate with the Mingei to offer interactive workshops and activities such as storytelling, music performances and hands-on crafting. For more information on events and times, check out the Mingei’s website. 1439 El Prado, San Diego. 619-239-0003, mingei.org/learn/make-at-mingei
Nature scavenger hunts: The San Diego Bird Alliance offers able scavenger hunt activities, which can be used in neighborhoods throughout San Diego County. They are grouped for students from kindergarten to second grade and third to fifth grade, and cover various parts of nature, including weather, insects and birds. San Diegans can participate in English or in Spanish. sandiegobirdalliance.org/what-we-do/education/educationactivitiesandresources.html
Outdoor movies: Summer movies under the San Diego County skies are back this summer. On May 24, the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting a free showing of Disney’s “Moana 2” at Waterfront Park. Movies start 15 minutes after sunset. In previous years, the county has hosted free movies at various parks during evenings throughout the season. Check online for locations, movie titles and more. summermoviesinthepark.com
Rohr Park: With close to 60 acres and several sports fields, Rohr Park has a variety of free activities for children and adults. This public park in Bonita features basketball fields, kids playgrounds, soccer fields, walking trails, open green space for picnics, sheltered gazebos for parties and barbecue grills. There is also a fitness court with various stations for pull-ups, sit-ups and stretching. Plus, on the second weekend of each month, the Chula Vista Live Streams provide free train rides on mini steam locomotive trains that go around the park from noon to 2:30 p.m. 4548 Sweetwater Road, Bonita. chulavistaca.gov/departments/public-works/parks/locations-features-amenities-photos/rohr-park
San Diego Model Railroad Museum: Children 12 years and under get in for free with a paid adult ission at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. This attraction at Balboa Park has 27,000 square feet of space filled with model trains, which highlight Southern California’s railroad history. Some of the train models include the Santa Fe Depot, the Southern Pacific on the Tehachapi and the Pacific Desert Lines. The museum also has rotating exhibits and a library where visitors can learn about trains.1649 El Prado, San Diego. 619-696-0199, sdmrm.org
San Diego Public Library: The San Diego Public Library has over 30 branches and most host free workshops, story times and activities throughout the year. Past events have included an arts and craft session at the Carmel Valley Library, a LEGO building club at the La Jolla/Riford Library, a science quest at the Rancho Bernardo Library, ballet folkorico classes in City Heights, dancing story time at Logan Heights Library and reptile storytelling at the Ocean Beach Library. sandiego.librarymarket.com
Storytime with an archeologist: The San Diego Archaeological Center offers an opportunity to investigate human history over thousands of years. At this archeologist-led event, kids get to pick out the book for a read aloud session. After, they can explore the museum on a designated scavenger hunt known as an “Archaeology Quest.” Participants can earn a junior archaeologist badge if they complete the mission. The story time event is free for kids under age 12. The San Diego Archaeological Center also frequently hosts free art-making workshops on Saturdays. 10 a.m. Thursdays. 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido. 760-291-0370, sandiegoarchaeology.org/event/story-time-with-an-archaeologist/2025-04-03
Sweetwater Safari Hike: The Living Coast Discovery Center, a nonprofit zoo and aquarium that teaches about the coastal environment, hosts a short, free hike on the Sweetwater Trail Trail. Participants can learn about the Sweetwater Marsh and its ecosystem in addition to other activities. Participants can meet outside the front doors of the Discovery Center. The center offers a range of other free hikes, including bilingual options, that are listed throughout the year on its online hiking calendar. RSVP for the hikes in advance online. 11:30 a.m. Saturdays. Living Coast Discovery Center, 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista. thelivingcoast.org/programs-events/-events/trail-to-bay
Tidepools at Cabrillo National Monument: This unique, intertidal area in Point Loma is a beautiful space where kids can (carefully and respectfully) explore ocean plant and animal life up close. While entrance to Cabrillo National Monument requires a fee, there are certain scheduled dates where families can visit for free. The dates, which include Juneteenth, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day, can be found on the National Park Service website. Fourth graders also have access to National Parks, including this one, for free through the Every Kid Outdoors program. nps.gov/thingstodo/visit-the-cabrillo-tidepools.htm
Trail Tykes at Mission Trails: Kids from age 2 to 5 can learn about nature, sing, dance and try other fun activities at Trail Tykes at Mission Trails Regional Park. Participants can explore the visitor’s center, do nature-themed crafts, enjoy a story time and more. Registration required. Mission Trails also hosts a free Family Discovery Walk at 1 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month. 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday and Monday of each month. 3:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Mission Trails Regional Park, 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego. 619-668-3281, eventbrite.com/e/trail-tykes-a-program-for-little-explorers-tickets-494217105667
Volo Sports: Volo is an organization that provides free athletic opportunities to kids. The options for sports are soccer, basketball, flag football, dance, volleyball, yoga, softball and baseball. Programs are offered throughout the year for kids from ages 5 to 13. Players are given a team shirt and equipment, coaches and snacks are provided. volokids.org/city/san-diego
Waterfront Park: One of the first things visitors will notice at Waterfront Park is the many water fixtures. This public park has two large water basins on the north and south ends, with several water fountains that splash into the basins. The public can jump into the water during park hours. The fountains are currently closed for maintenance and are scheduled to reopen in May or June, according to the county’s website. Waterfront Park also has children’s playgrounds, slides, a small garden, public restrooms, open grass fields and picnic areas. The public park also hosts free events throughout the year. 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego. 619-232-7275, sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/Waterfront
