10 Awesome Kid-Friendly Places in Southern California
If you are heading to the west coast for vacation, this list of kid-friendly places in Southern California will help. These 10 Awesome Places to Take Your Kids This Summer in Southern California will lead to amazing vacation memories!
The photo below is one I took in La Jolla, California which is in the San Diego area. We’re including a bonus spot to take kids to visit in La Jolla as we loved this area so much!
When people think of Southern California, they usually think of beaches and Hollywood. But there is so much more to the bottom half of the Golden State. This list of kid-friendly places in Southern California is just the beginning of the amazing experiences just waiting there for you and your family.
Spend time wandering the beaches in San Diego before heading off to spend time on the rides at Legoland. Hang out with the wonderful animals at the San Diego Zoo, considered by many to be one of the best zoos in the world. And if your travels take you inland, to the mountains or high desert, you’ll find fun activities to please your family there, as well. When you vacation in Southern California, there is an adventure around every corner!
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo – San Diego, CA (San Diego Zoo)
My daughter in the photo below checking out the hippo who has the sweetest expression on its face. My daughter loved the hippos
No list of kid-friendly places in Southern California would be complete without the world-famous San Diego Zoo. This incredible animal park was voted the #1 Zoo in the world in 2015 by TripAdvisor, with good reason. If your kids love animals, this zoo is the ultimate experience. And before you visit, be sure to check out the zoo’s website where you can plan your trip to make sure your kids see all of their favourite animals!
We went to the zoo during the summer and it was hot. Make sure to have hats, sunblock and sunglasses if you’re there in summer and lots of water. You can spend more than a day at the zoo, there’s a lot of walking involved so if you have little ones plan accordingly. 
Zimmer Children’s Museum
Zimmer Children’s Museum – Los Angeles, CA (Zimmer Children’s Museum)
When vacationing with children, it can be challenging to find ways for kids to relax and play and burn off energy. While big tourist attractions can be fun, they can also be stressful for children. When there are a lot of crowds or long lines to deal with, it is stressful for adults, too. If your kids need some time to just be kids, the Zimmer Children’s Museum is one of the best kid-friendly places in Southern California. Every exhibit in this interactive museum is designed to be immersive, encouraging play while teaching your kids all about the world and how people can live together in peace and harmony. And if you are lucky enough to live near this museum, be sure to check out their large selection of Spring and Summer camps!
LegoLand California
LegoLand California – San Diego, CA (LegoLand California)
If your kids love Legos and have always thought of them as just cool toys to play with, wait until they experience Legoland! One of the best kid-friendly places in Southern California, this incredible place takes Legos to a whole new level. There are water park rides and attractions, beautiful hotels, and even a huge aquarium experience where you can learn all about sea life! With so much to see and do, you may just want to take a few days to explore. And if you live in the San Diego area, be sure to check out their rates on an annual pass!
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier – Santa Monica, CA (Santa Monica Pier)
If you are vacationing in Southern California, you are probably looking for a great opportunity to enjoy the beach. The Santa Monica Pier is a great way to enjoy the beach and so much more! There are awesome places to shop, a variety of special events going on throughout the year, and wonderful places to enjoy a wide range of delicious foods. There are even great places to stay overnight so you can spend a few days taking in all the sights and experiences.
Gold Rush Mining Adventures
Gold Rush Mining Adventures – Big Bear Lake, CA (Gold Rush Mining Adventures)
For vacationers, it can be exciting to realize that Southern California offers up a lot more than beaches. Head on up into the mountains to Big Bear Lake and you’ll feel like you’re in a completely different world. Not only is it beautiful, but you’ll find one of the best kid-friendly places in Southern California – the Gold Rush Mining Adventure! You and your kids can check out rocks, minerals and fossils from all around the world. Even better, you can learn all about looking for gold just like the old time miners used to do it. It’s like taking a trip back to the old west without having to give up your cell phone!
San Diego Natural History Museum
The Nat -San Diego Natural History Museum – San Diego, CA (San Diego Natural History Museum)
Whether your kids love animals, plants, dinosaurs, or all of the above, the San Diego Natural History Museum is the place to be. This amazing place, lovingly referred to as “The Nat”, is a place where the wonder of science comes to life all around you. If you are planning to visit, be sure to check out their website beforehand so you don’t miss any of their special events and upcoming exhibitions. And if you live in the San Diego area, be sure to check out all the wonderful ways you can get involved with this incredible place!
Medieval Times
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament – Buena Park, CA (Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament)
When vacationing with children, it isn’t often when you get a chance to keep the kids entertained while still finding a moment to relax. But when you make your way to Medieval Times, you get exactly that! Enter a world of knights and steeds and strenuous competitions involving sword fights and jousting and all kinds of other exciting things. As you watch and cheer for your favorite knight, you dine on a delicious meal. Kids will especially love the fact that at Medieval Times, it is considered proper to eat with your hands! (92)
We all enjoyed Medieval Times, there were six of us in total, 4 adults and 2 kids and from the food to the show itself we had a good time. We were surprised at how much we liked it. Read our review of Medieval Times HERE.
Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town – Yermo, CA (Calico Ghost Town)
Located approximately 20-minutes Northeast from Barstow, Ca, you find the Mojave Desert ghost town of Calico. Once an active silver mining town in the late 1800’s, the ghost town was purchased by Walter Knott (of Knott’s Berry Farm fame) in the 1950s. This official California Historical Landmark is a lot of fun for kids and adults. Take a train ride around the town, enjoy a tour through the old Maggie Mine, or spend some time in the Mystery Shack where you can astound your own senses while watching water run uphill and brooms that balance at a slant!
Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm – Buena Park, CA (Knott’s Berry Farm)
Back in June of 1920, Knott’s Berry Farm was born. The 160-acre amusement park started off as a Boysenberry farm (and boysenberries world-wide can all trace their roots back to Knott’s Berry Farm!) Nowadays, this lovely former family farm is filled with thrill rides, family rides, and attractions designed to please even the tiniest tots. You can even stay in a nice hotel and enjoy a vast assortment of food. Knott’s Berry Farm is a truly delicious place to play!
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park – Escondido, CA (San Diego Zoo Safari Park)
If you and your family love animals, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an experience like no other. Choose from several types of safaris, depending on your finances and thrill levels. You can enjoy a leisurely ride through the park where you can watch the animals from a distance. Or get up close and personal on the caravan safari. As animals from Asia and Africa wander by, you’ll be feeding giraffes a tasty snack! If you’re really feeling adventurous, take a ride along a zip line through the trees or the physically challenging Jungle Ropes Safari where you can release your inner monkey.
BONUS for Kid-Friendly Places in Southern California- Check out the Seals & Sea Lions at the Children’s Pool
Guide to La Jolla Beaches – Okay it’s a beach but come on seals and sea lions and you can get see them quite close for free!
The hotel I stayed at recently in San Diego was a very short walk to this Children’s Pool (see below) that is now taken over be seals and sea lions. While the smell is not pleasant it is a sight to behold with all of these amazing creatures of the ocean to see them basking in the sun.
This “Childrens Pool” that is not a sun bathing spot for seals and sea lions is close to downtown La Jolla and walking distance from La Jolla Cove. It is a small cove protected by a concrete breakwater wall which apparently was originally built as a safe swimming area for children. Obviously that has changed as the seals and sea lions claimed this beach area for themselves. It’s a fun spot to sea this marine life quite up close (you can’t touch them or get right up to them but you’re close). 
With so many kid-friendly places in Southern California to choose from, you’re sure to find a way to make your vacation travels an amazing success. Make your plans and pack your bags. Southern California is calling you!
If there are other Kid-Friendly Places in Southern California that your kiddos just LOVED, leave us a comment we’d love to know about them!
2. Kid’s Guide to San Diego (Kid’s Guides Series) by Eileen Ogintz (Paperback)
3. Mojave Desert Trails by Florine Lawlor (Paperback)
4. Melissa & Doug On the Go Scratch Art Hidden-Picture Pad-Favorite Things
6. Kids’ Travel Journal (Interactive Diary, Notebook) by Peter Pauper Press
7. Calico (Images of America) by Paige M. Peyton (Paperback)
8. The Wild West! A Kid’s Guide to California’s Calico Ghost Town by Penelope Dyan (Paperback)
10. Bentgo Kids – Leakproof Children’s Lunch Box (Purple)
Travelling to Northern California? Make sure to check out our 10 Awesome Places To Take Your Kids This Summer In Northern California article. 
TAMARA N says
We are planning a trip this year. THanks for the great ideas for this area.
Mary M. says
I’ll just have to live vicariously through your beautiful pictures. I haven’t even been out of my own state in 13 yrs., and there is no way I will ever get to California.
Sarah L says
I loved the San Diego zoo. And the trip to Calico was fun.
Pam Gard says
the excursions sound wonderful. To discover the oceans, the zoo and gold rush mining would be my favorites.
Michelle S says
I had the chance to see the San Diego Zoo as an adult and thought it was wonderful! Although I have two teenagers, I still this they would love it too.
Carol Trautwein says
We are planning a trip to Southern Ca. next year. I found your suggestions helpful, Thank You!!
Paula Pennachio says
I would love to go and the pictures are beautiful
Deborah D says
I have yet to visit California but would love to do so. I think my first stop would be the San Diego Zoo.
Linda Madden says
We are planning a trip to California. I can’t wait! Thanks for the tips!
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
I’ve always wanted to visit California! I would love to take my kids to the San Diego zoo!! They would flip to see the Sea Lions too!
tiffany c says
Zimmer Children’s Museum sounds cool! We’re looking forward to going to CA towards the end of this year. These look like great places to go visit!
kjasus says
thank you for these tips, as we are headed to this area in July!
Rosie says
I didn’t realize how much there is to do in Southern California. I’d like to see the La Jolla beaches and the San Diego Zoo.
Deanna Marissa says
These all are great places to take kids to visit. Bookmarked! Thanks!
Deanna Marissa says
These places looks so much fun. Definitely adding them to my travel list. thanks!
ellen beck says
I like most of these places and would enjoy them as much as any kid ha! I love the zoos and all the things you can see. I would love to watch he sea lions!
Abigail Gibson says
I love Medieval Times. There is one two hours away in Orlando that we like going to. Good food and great fun.
Phyllis A Huebbe says
Your kids look like they had a ball. Your photos are amazing.
Sue E says
These are excellent suggestions! I just had to pin this. I visited California a few times and I really liked Knotts Berry Farm, Legoland, San Diego Zoo, and Of course, the beaches. I didn’t visit Medieval Times, because we have one here in IL.
. says
Never been to SoCal myself, sounds like the weather is wonderful and many places to hang out at
Sarah L says
So many great places. Just wish it wasn’t 1,000 miles away.
Terry says
These are some really amazing places to take children. I would love for my granddaughter to go to southern California to experience some of the things offered in the area.
Jenna Hudson says
The Gold Rush Mining Adventures sound like a blast! Thanks for the round up!
Tracy Robertson says
The San Diego Zoo is incredible! I was lucky enough to get to visit once as a kid. I would love to go see it again!
Crystal Walker says
I have never been to CA. I have had cousins and other family members there, Love all the sites to visit, maybe I can visit these places one day
D.B. says
This is a great list of places to visit. I would love to take my grandchildren to them. I know LegoLand would be a big hit! The Natural History Museum would be really interesting too!
Debbie P says
These are all really great places to take kids in southern California. Or just for adults too. Now I just need to get to southern California.
Darren Scrubb says
Great looking places to visit in California I know many children will like to see.
LeAnn Harbert says
This looks like so much fun, I hope I can take my family one day.
Sally says
I’ve never been to California but one day i will for sure! I would love to see Calico Ghost Town and the Natural History Museum especially.
Sandy Bonesteel says
I don’t have small children, but I’ve always wanted to visit the San Diego Zoo.
Cathy Jarolin says
I have never been to California.. I would love too go for a vacation there with my husband. It sounds like a very nice place to visit. There are also so many places to take your Children or Grandchildren. Thank you for this awesome list and nice review..
Sandra Watts says
I have always wanted to do the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. I think that would be so cool to watch.
kathy m says
Having spent a lot of time in San Diego and California the entertainment just never stops! I have visited all the places you mentioned by Legoland. Thanks for the list and all the information!
Jessica W. says
I’ve only been to California twice. I would love to see San Diego next, especially the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Jeanine Carlson says
We’ve been to many of those places and could easily visit every one of them over and over again, plus see the ones we haven’t seen yet. Oh, the possibilities!
Debbie Welchert says
It’s been over 20 years since I last visited California. I did go to a few places on your list and had the most wonderful time. Someday I would love to take my grandchildren there. They would love it.
Christy Peeples DuBois says
There looks like plenty of fun for children and adults there. And each can be learning experiences as well.
Susan Bilger says
I was born in San Diego and I still love the ocean even though i almost drowned twice due to undertow. Fortunately my dad was a medic in the navy. Don’t know how my parents kept track of 7 kids @ the same time but they did. The zoo was a special place that we all enjoyed to. But I will always consider myself a beach bum
Cheryl k says
Thanks for sharing this article. These places sound great!
Jessica Lodge says
We are taking a family trip to So Cal this summer and I am excited to visit Medieval Times. It’s been on my list for a long time.
Casey Garvey says
I love to travel! The san Diego zoo looks fun for both kids big and small!
Tawny says
Pretty pictures. I loved the rainbow in the first one especially.
Brianna lafond says
I am going to have to look into these places more
Edye says
Looks like great places to make memories! 😀
Anita Duvall says
I have not been to California since I was twelve years old!! We did Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm way back then. The San Diego Zoo is on my bucket list!
Darlene Carbajal says
Very fun places to travel too! I’ve been wanting to go to Medieval Times.
Susan Hartman says
I live in New Jersey. Last time I was in California was back in 1974. I would love to bring my grandson to some of those fun places.
Sharon Rooney says
I have not been to California in a long time. I would love to go to the San Diego Zoo, it looks like a lot of fun.
LeAnn Harbert says
I would love to take my granddaughters to the San Diego Zoo one day.
michelle r says
San Diego is on our bucket list! Thanks for inspiring me to get down there again!
Jeanne Coulombe says
What a awesome place I want to go out there some day soon.
sheila ressel says
Visiting California is on my bucket list. Hopefully I will get to visit soon so that I can enjoy some of the many amazing activities it has to offer.
ROCHELLE HAYNES says
This looks like a lot of fun
Lori Thomas says
Lot of nice places to visit with the family
ANNETTE FISHER says
NEVER BEEN BUT WOULD LOVE TO GO, LOOKS AMAZING.
Stephanie Hirsch says
These pictures are beautiful, makes me want to visit southern Cali sooner rather than later, I especially love the pictures of the ocean! We don’t have any of that in Illinois, lol.
vickie couturier says
good to know,,hoping one day to travel with the grandkids and go see exciting places
connie danielson says
I have been to San Diego once and I did get to La Jolla and saw the beaches but my visit was very short and i didn’t get to see everything love the sites!
Sandy Cain says
I was in Southern California just once – San Diego. It was a week-long business conference, so sadly I had no time to see the sites, except for Coronodo. But oh, how gorgeous it all seemed to me! Definitely a place I’d love to revisit!
Melissa Storms says
The Children’s Pool looks like an amazing place to visit. A little far for me, we have indoor aquariums but I would think the experience isn’t even close.
Seyma Bennett says
This is really awesome! We are on the east coast and have been planning a trip to California. This will save us so much time in trying to figure out what the kids will like!
Tamra Phelps says
So many of them look fun. the zoo, Legoland, etc., seem like big fun for adults, too.
Michelle Castagne says
Great list of places to visit for big kids and little kids.
Brandon Sparks says
Thanks for all the great info. My kids are going to be so happy when we go to Cali this summer. Thanks so much..
Mary M. says
California is a long way from where I live and I do not think I will ever travel that far. There are many attractions in California and I enjoyed the blog post.
Cynthia C says
I hope I can make it back to southern California some day. It’s really a beautiful place.
Erin Shafto says
I enjoyed this blog post. It’s scary traveling with small kids, when we don’t know how kid friendly it will be.
Betty Curran says
I agree. There are so many wonderful places in Southern California that are kid friendly. I must be just an oversized kid because I love all of those places.
Trisha McKee says
Thank you for this list. I have been to California but my daughter has not. We are planning to go soon. When I was there, I went to the Palm Spring Garden and Zoo and it was such an amazing day! So many things to do, and it is great to see a list like this narrow it down for kid-friendly activities.