Balboa Park

San Diego’s cultural epicenter features tranquil gardens and fountains, hidden trails, fairs and festivals, fabulous museums, the world-famous San Diego Zoo and more. Visit www.balboapark.org for info about Residents Free Days.

Balboa Park Carousel Park Blvd. at Zoo Pl.

www.balboaparkcarousel.org

This historic, 100-year-old, hand-carved carousel delights visitors of all ages. One of the few carousels in the world that still offers the brass ring game.

Balboa Park Miniature Train www.balboapark.org/attractions/miniature-train Hop aboard this antique locomotive and enjoy the halfmile loop tour in Balboa Park. You might even spot some animal friends along the way!

Comic-Con Museum

619-546-9073 www.comic-con.org/museum

Embrace the magic of Comic-Con all year long at this unique museum dedicated to San Diego’s renowned celebration of art, pop culture, storytelling and more.

Fleet Science Center 619-238-1233 www.fleetscience.org

Explore interactive exhibits and enjoy an immersive 360-degree IMAX film under the Giant Dome Theater. Discover fascinating facts about tornados, electricity, microorganisms, outer space and more.

Japanese Friendship Garden

619-232-2721 www.niwa.org

Learn about Japanese culture while winding your way through the peaceful 12-acre garden, featuring bonsai, koi ponds, waterfalls, rock gardens and special exhibits.

The Old Globe 619-234-5623 www.theoldglobe.org

Theatergoers of all ages enjoy theatrical productions and free family-friendly AXIS events. Visit the website for schedule and special events.

San Diego Air & Space Museum 619-234-8291 www.sandiegoairandspace.org

Experience interactive flight simulators and enjoy a unique collection of historic artifacts, air and spacecrafts, special exhibits and more. Check out the new kids area, Moonbase San Diego.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum 619-696-0199 www.sdmrm.org

Discover the junction of engineering and imagination as San Diego’s railway history is brought to life through fascinating scale model exhibits. Free admission for kids 12 and under with paying adult.

San Diego Natural History Museum

619-232-3821 www.sdnat.org www.sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org

From dinosaurs and fossils to rattlesnakes and gemstones, there’s something for naturalists of all ages to investigate at The Nat. Enjoy four floors of exciting exhibits and events for kids.

San Diego Zoo 2920 Zoo Dr.

Check out thousands of rare and endangered animals from around the world. Kids love the double-decker bus tour and Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, an interactive, educational play space. Unique animal encounters also available.

Spanish Village Art Center www.spanishvillageartcenter.com Watch art in action as local artisans create masterpieces in bungalow studios. Enjoy live demos, stroll through artist guild shows and shop for beautiful handmade gifts. Free admission.

Portside Pier www.portofsandiego.org/projects/portside-pier

1360 N Harbor Dr.

Waterfront dining with spectacular views of San Diego Bay. Options include Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar, Miguel’s Cocina and Ketch Grill & Taps. Kids (and parents) love Portside Coffee & Gelato for a quick treat.

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park 222 Marina Park Way www.theshell.org

619-235-0804

Enjoy incredible concerts and performances—and breathtaking views of downtown and San Diego Bay—at this stunning open-air music venue on the waterfront.

San Diego Central Library

330 Park Blvd; 619-236-5800 www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library

Visit the ninth floor of this world-class library for downtown views from the iconic dome. Don’t miss the Children’s Library with life-size murals of Dr. Seuss characters, and the Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center. Also offers a teen center and the Binford, I CAN, Too! Center for families with special needs.

San Diego Firehouse Museum

1572 Columbia St.

619-232-3473 sandiegofirehousemuseum.com

Stop by to check out firefighting equipment dating back to the 1800s, La Jolla’s first fire engine, and a piece of steel from the World Trade Center.