2-Day Family-Friendly San Diego Itinerary
A relaxed, kid-focused 2-day plan in San Diego with stroller-friendly routes, regular breaks, and family-friendly meals. Designed for toddlers through pre-teens (recommended ages noted per activity). May (Spring) timing — mild weather and long daylight for beaches and outdoor play.
Highlights
- San Diego Zoo (easy walking, stroller rentals)
- Hands-on exhibits at the Fleet Science Center
- Balboa Park family activities: Carousel, Spanish Village
- Birch Aquarium and La Jolla Shores beach time
- Seal- and tide-pooling at Children's Pool (family-safe viewing)
Itinerary
Day 1
Full morning at the San Diego Zoo with a relaxed afternoon exploring nearby Balboa Park: interactive science, a carousel ride, and art courtyard time. Plenty of breaks and early dinner to wind down.
San Diego Zoo — morning visit (best for early energy)
Explore family favorites (Children's Zoo, Elephant Odyssey) with stroller-friendly paths, Skyfari tram for tired legs, and animal feedings to time naps around.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller info & rentals: the Zoo is stroller-friendly; rentals and accessible restrooms with changing tables are available near the entrance — great for ages 0–5.
- Plan the route: head to the Children’s Zoo and Elephant Odyssey first for hands-on encounters; use the Skyfari aerial tram midday to save little legs.
- Snack & shade breaks: there are shaded picnic spots and water refill stations — bring a refillable bottle and sun hats; avoid the hottest midday by starting at 09:00.
Lunch at Albert's Restaurant (inside San Diego Zoo)
Sit-down, family-friendly lunch inside the Zoo — quieter than food courts, with high chairs and kid-pleasing options.
Tips from local experts:
- High-chair & allergy notes: the restaurant accommodates common allergies — tell staff on arrival; high chairs available for toddlers.
- Kids menu & quieter seating: request a table by the windows or patio for a calmer experience if nap time follows.
- Short nap window: use this seated lunch time as a potential quiet nap window for younger kids after the morning's activity.
Short transfer: Walk from Zoo to Balboa Park central area
A brief 15-minute walk/transfer into the main Balboa Park museums and plazas — stroller-friendly paths and gentle slopes.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller fold if boarding trams: most paths are smooth but some routes have short ramps; keep stroller brakes on for slope sections.
- Restroom stop: Botanical Building or Plaza de Panama restrooms are good mid-transfer stops with changing tables.
- Hydration & snack: pick up a small snack near the exit if kids need a sugar boost before museum time.
Fleet Science Center — interactive exhibits and kid labs
Hands-on exhibits, kid labs, and short demonstrations tailored to ages 3–12; good for curious, active kids and offers quiet corners for cooling down.
Tips from local experts:
- Best for ages 3–12: exhibits are tactile and forgiving for toddlers and young kids — allow 60–90 minutes for highlights without rushing.
- Stroller path & nursing areas: ramps and elevators are easy; there are family restrooms and quiet spaces for breaks.
- Planetarium & show planning: check show times at arrival; shorter exhibits first if you plan to catch a scheduled mini-show.
Balboa Park Carousel & Miniature Railroad — short, joyful ride
A classic carousel and mini-railroad ride perfect for young kids; quick 5–10 minute experiences that re-energize little ones.
Tips from local experts:
- Age & height: ideal for toddlers through early elementary (ages 2–8); parents often ride with younger children.
- Stroller parking: fold or park strollers nearby (bring a small lock or keep within sight); rides are short, great as a calm reset.
- Token & schedule tip: rides operate on a token or ticket system — grab tickets earlier to avoid lines at peak times.
Spanish Village Art Center — courtyard browsing and kid art moments
Colorful artist studios around a shaded courtyard where kids can see art being made; low-key, photogenic space with places to sit.
Tips from local experts:
- Short visits for little ones: limit to 30–45 minutes so kids stay engaged — great for ages 3+ to see art in progress.
- Quiet spots & shade: the central courtyard has shaded benches and quick restroom access at nearby buildings.
- Kid-friendly souvenir: look for small, inexpensive souvenirs (postcards or stickers) instead of fragile items.
Rest break at the Botanical Building & Lily Pond
A relaxed 30-minute break in the beautiful Botanical Building area — good spot for a snack, diaper change, and a short rest.
Tips from local experts:
- Changing & restrooms: family restrooms and changing tables are nearby — ideal mid-afternoon reset.
- Shaded picnic spots: plenty of shade; bring a lightweight blanket for toddlers who might nap outdoors.
- Gentle stroll: let kids stretch legs along paved paths; the pond area is stroller-friendly and calm.
Early dinner at Panama 66 (family-friendly courtyard dining)
Outdoor courtyard dining with space for kids to move and a menu with approachable items; high chairs available.
Tips from local experts:
- Outdoor seating & kids space: the courtyard is roomy and shaded in late afternoon — pick a corner table for stroller access.
- Allergy & flexibility: kitchen can often adapt simple items (grilled chicken, plain pasta) — tell staff about allergies.
- Dessert & downtime: end the meal with a calm walk through the museum plaza to wind down before heading back.
Day 2
La Jolla-focused day: a relaxed beachfront morning with a family breakfast, hands-on aquarium visit, beach play at La Jolla Shores, seal viewing at Children's Pool, and an easy seaside lunch.
Breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla — family-friendly start
Popular local brunch spot with a sunny patio; high chairs and a kids' menu make it a comfortable family start.
Tips from local experts:
- Early arrival to avoid lines: arrive around 08:30 to reduce waiting time with kids and strollers.
- High chairs & kids options: staff are used to families — ask for a low-table or patio spot for stroller parking.
- Allergy & picky eaters: menu has simple egg/toast options; mention allergies when ordering.
Short transfer to Birch Aquarium (easy drive up to Scripps bluff)
A 15–20 minute drive from central La Jolla — stroller-friendly ramps and elevator access at the aquarium entrance.
Tips from local experts:
- Parking & stroller notes: bring a light stroller — parking lot has stroller-friendly paths and a short ramp to the entrance.
- Time buffer: allow extra 10–15 minutes for parking on busier spring weekends.
- Bring a wind layer: bluff-top breezes can be cool even in May — keep a light jacket handy for kids.
Birch Aquarium — tidepool touch tanks & marine exhibits
A compact, family-friendly aquarium with interactive tide pools, views of the Pacific, and manageable walking routes for strollers.
Tips from local experts:
- Best for ages 2–12: the touch tanks and hands-on exhibits engage toddlers and school-age kids; plan for 90–120 minutes.
- Stroller & elevator access: ramped routes and elevators make it easy to navigate with a stroller; nursing/quiet areas available.
- Timing for tide pools: visit touch pools early in your visit before lines form; watch scheduled feedings at posted times.
Transfer to La Jolla Shores (short drive, load up beach gear)
Quick drive to the sandy, gentle La Jolla Shores — restrooms, showers, and easy access make it ideal for families.
Tips from local experts:
- Beach kit: pack a sunshade or umbrella, sand toys, and a small picnic blanket — Shores has shaded picnic areas near Kellogg Park.
- Restrooms & rinse: public restrooms and outdoor rinse stations at the Shores parking lot make post-beach cleanup easy.
- Parking & stroller access: use the boardwalk for smoother stroller rolling from parking to sand.
La Jolla Shores beach time & picnic lunch
Gentle surf and long stretches of sand perfect for sandcastles, shallow paddling, and a relaxed picnic lunch (bring or pick up to-go).
Tips from local experts:
- Lifeguards & safety: lifeguard towers are active at the Shores — keep floaties and close supervision for ages 1–6.
- Shade & naps: set up a shade canopy or umbrella; a post-lunch stroller nap is common for toddlers on quieter parts of the beach.
- Snack options: if you prefer to buy lunch, nearby cafés at the Shores offer kid-friendly plates and high chairs; check for allergy-friendly choices.
Children's Pool — tidepool viewing and seal watching
Short walk to a protected cove where seals often rest; excellent, educational seal viewing from a respectful distance (seasonal closures possible).
Tips from local experts:
- Seals safety & viewing: watch quietly from designated viewing areas — do not approach seals; best viewing for ages 3+ with a supervising adult.
- Stroller caution: path to the viewpoint includes steps and uneven sections — bring a baby carrier for toddlers if possible.
- Check closures: the Children's Pool may have restricted access during pupping season — view from the promenade if beach access is limited.
Family lunch/early dinner at Duke's La Jolla (seaside dining)
Kid-friendly menu, spacious seating, and ocean views — a relaxed spot after active beach time with allergy-aware staff.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids menu & seats: high chairs and kids portions available; request a window or patio table for calmer seating.
- Allergy flexibility: the kitchen can accommodate simple swaps (gluten-free or dairy alternatives) — mention restrictions on arrival.
- Timing: arriving mid-afternoon (around 15:15) minimizes waits and lets kids finish before an early bedtime.
Ellen Browning Scripps Park — gentle seaside stroll to end the day
A short, shady stroll and playground-adjacent green space for final playtime and photos before heading home or to your hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- Playground and shade: a small play area and many shaded lawns make this a good cooldown spot for ages 2–8.
- Sunset & photo spot: gentle evening light on the bluff is perfect for family photos; bring a light sweater for kids as it cools.
- Short walks: paved paths are stroller-friendly and ideal for a calm end-of-day walk without long distances.
