Catherine - Savvy Family TravelIf you’re heading to San Diego, do not miss a visit to Balboa Park with kids. This sprawling 1,200-acre park is the Central Park of the west coast. With Spanish-style architecture, tile roofs, palm-lined walkways, koi ponds, and street musicians—it felt like we’d been dropped in Seville for the day.
We spent a full day exploring Balboa Park with kids, and still didn’t get to everything. So whether you’re planning your first trip or just want to experience the park differently with children in tow, here’s your ultimate guide to Balboa Park with kids—based on real experience and loaded with practical tips.
Balboa Park with Kids
Top Museums in Balboa Park with Kids
Model Railroad Museum
Admission is FREE for kids under 12, and the intricate train layouts are absolutely mesmerizing—even for adults. There are buttons kids can press to make the scenes come to life, and a dedicated play area with train tables.
Natural History Museum (The Nat)
Dinosaurs, fossils, and interactive exhibits galore. Our ASTC membership got us in free, which was a huge bonus. If your kiddo is even remotely into animals or earth science, this museum is a winner. Our favorite exhibit was the Living Lab vivarium.
Fleet Science Center
Also included with ASTC, this one is more hands-on than the Nat, and perfect for toddlers through tweens. Plus they have a preschooler-only zone and an IMAX theater.
Air & Space Museum
The Air & Space Museum will blow the minds of any kid who loves planes or space. From flight simulators to real planes hanging overhead, it’s easy to spend a couple hours here without realizing it.
Comic-Con Museum
If your family is into superheroes, this pop culture gem is a must. Interactive exhibits and rotating displays keep things exciting. Check their event calendar to see if you can stumble on one of their themed programs.
Automotive Museum
Classic cars, lowriders, and quirky finds like Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine make it fun even for little ones who don’t know what horsepower is.
Timken Museum of Art
It’s free to enter, small enough to not be overwhelming, and gave us a quiet pause in our otherwise high-energy day. Perfect spot to feel out an art museum with kids in tow.
More Attractions & Activities for Kids
Miniature Train Ride
Right outside the zoo, this $4.50 ride is the perfect breather for little legs. It loops through a shady area and never gets too crowded.
There really isn’t a lot to look at during the ride, but for the price, it was worth the novelty of a miniature train.
Spanish Village Art Center
This colorful courtyard is packed with working studios. Kids can watch potters, glassblowers, and painters doing their thing. We loved wandering through and letting the kids pick a small handmade souvenir.
International Cottages
These stole the show for me.
On Sundays, you’ll often find free snacks, crafts, and cultural performances. We tried foods from around the world, saw a parade of traditional dancers, and stumbled into a global marketplace.
The cottages take turns being the “host” of the snacks on a given Sunday, but many others offer their bites for purchase as well.
Gardens & Outdoor Fun
You don’t need tickets to enjoy the Botanical Building, Lily Pond, Rose Garden, or the Desert Garden. These spots also make great places for snack breaks or quick picnics.
Botanical Building and Lily Pond
The Botanical Garden is an architectural gem to admire in addition to the 2000+ plants. It’s completely free and the kids loved spotting turtles and koi out front in the Lily Pond.
Rose Garden
Cross the pedestrian bridge to the other side of Park Boulevard to enjoy the scents and colors of the sprawling Rose Garden. Visiting Balboa Park with kids we really loved watching the dog photo shoots taking place here as well.
Desert Garden
Adjacent to the Rose Garden, the Desert Garden is a great place to take a peaceful walk if you’re pushing kids in the stroller.
Playgrounds in Balboa Park
If you need to burn off steam, there are several playgrounds throughout the park:
- Pepper Grove Playground – the main one, tucked behind the Fleet Science Museum.
- Morley Field Playground – Quieter and located near the sports courts and fields.
- Nature Exploration Area – near the trailheads and tennis courts in the northeast corner of the park.
Where to Eat in Balboa Park with Kids
The Tea Pavilion – Great view, decent kid options, and boba.
Panama 66 – American fare with laid back setting.
Bring a picnic – This is our go-to. We packed sandwiches and fruit, then let the kids graze while we listened to a street museum outside the Botanical Building.
Live Entertainment & Unique Events
Theaters
Check the event calendar for the revered, Old Globe Theatre to see what’s playing while you’re in the area.
International Cottages’ Events
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, the International Cottage Day activities bring music, crafts, and snacks from all around the world.
Often you’ll find cultural festivals taking place on weekends in the main courtyard as well.
Organ Concerts
If your schedule allows, try to catch the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ in action at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion—free concerts are usually at 2pm on Sundays.
Save Money: Budget Tips for Balboa Park with Kids
- ASTC Membership: Gets you into both the Nat and the Fleet Science Center for free.
- Free Resident Tuesdays: San Diego residents can enter select museums for free on rotating Tuesdays.
- Timken Museum: Always free and low-key.
- Parks, Botanical Building, and Gardens – all free.
- The Organ Concerts are free to the public at 2pm on Sundays.
Planning Your Day in Balboa Park with Kids
- Arrive early for a more peaceful stroll through the streets, gardens, and porticos.
- Street parking fills fast. There are free lots, but they involve a bit more walking.
- Bring a stroller: Even for older kids—you’ll walk way more than you think.
- Pack snacks and sunscreen: There’s food around, but it’s nice to have your own stash between museums.
- Download a map or use the app: Some areas are surprisingly tricky to find.
- While the San Diego Zoo is part of Balboa Park, doing both in one day would be A LOT, especially with if visiting Balboa Park with kids.
Final Thoughts: Why Balboa Park with Kids is a Must
There’s nowhere quite like Balboa Park with kids. It’s part museum wonderland, part cultural hub, part playground. We loved that we could let the kids get messy with science one minute, then wander through a peaceful garden the next.
So, if you’re heading to San Diego, don’t just hit the zoo and the beach—make a full day for Balboa Park with your kids.
Trust me, it’ll be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.
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Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”