What makes a perfect playdate? Whether your kid is spending time with their bestie, or handing with a new kid the secret to success is finding a venue that provides plenty of outdoor space, activities to keep kids busy, and structured play. This list is compiled of places near and far that provide all of the above!
Nobel Athletic Fields And Recreation Center
This city park offers open fields for sports, basketball courts & a pavilion, plus a public library. Small children can enjoy the playground with a sandbox, mini bouncy vehicles, and jungle gym. Afterward, stop by the library and check out some books and DVD's. Address: 8810 Judicial Dr, San Diego, CA 92122 Visit: https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/recctr/nobel
Kensington-Normal Heights Library
This library has a great selection of children's books, an amazing art class two Saturdays a month, and has a fenced in playground for little ones. Picnic tables and benches face the playground so you can always view your child. Kensington is a fun neighborhood with plenty of shops, perfect for a stroll after a playdate. 4121 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116 Visit: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/kensington-normal-heights-library
Fanuel Street Park
I discovered Fanuel Street Park years ago and continue to visit this hidden gem. This playground is located on the bay side of Pacific Beach. Children can play in the fresh bay air, with plenty of space to roam, and it's safe to splash if they decide to get wet. 4000 Fanuel St, San Diego, CA 92109
Grape Day Park - City of Escondido
Kids will love the grapevine climbing structure, a slide decorated with giant purple grapes , and benches in the shape of oversized grape leaves. There are plenty of picnic tables, 5 horseshoe pits, and a swimming pool (25-yard swimming pool and small children's pool). It is a registered landmark and home to a turn-of-the-century working barn, Santa Fe Railroad depot, blacksmith shop, and other historic buildings, museums, and monuments all of which are free and open to the public. Located across the street from the world famous San Diego Children's Discovery Museum-321 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025 Visit: https://hiddensandiego.net/grape-day-park.php
San Diego Children's Discovery Museum
This museum is awesome and worth the trip especially for active, curious kids 0-9 years of age. What makes it an awesome place for a playdate? It has playhouses, a pirate ship, STEM stations, fenced in play area, with a garden, chicken coop, plenty of daily events like storytime and Farm Animal Meet and Greets and more! After exploring the museum, check out Grape Street Park across the street. 320 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025 Visit: http://sdcdm.org/
The New Children's Museum
Another great children's museum in our city! The New Children's Museum is ideal for kids 0-9. There is a padded play area for toddlers, a massive indoor tree house for bigger kids, and a large playhouse safe for all ages, art classes, an automobile kids can paint, pottery, outdoor garden, and much more. There is even a small playground across the street from the museum Time well spent! Kids can enjoy free admission in October. Tip-Pick up a free pass to the museum year-round for up to 6 people, and discounted museum parking at your local library. 200 W Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 Visit: https://thinkplaycreate.org/
Tecolote Canyon Park
This park is like hanging out in your own backyard. It is located next to the rec center which has basketball courts, playground, sandbox and a hiking trail. It is also next to the Tecolote Nature Center, a great free educational center with lots of activities for children. Get to know this park with so much to offer. 5180 Tecolote Road San Diego, CA 92110 Visit: https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/osp/tecolote/tecltevisitor
The Nat | The Backyard
San Diego Natural History Museum Backyard is an indoor playspace for little ones 0-5. This safe play area mimics a backyard in a typical San Diego neighborhood. There is a tree, plenty of outdoor toys, and benches for parents. This is a place where your child can play safely with their peers, parents can get a break and socialize. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park San Diego, CA 92101 Visit: https://www.sdnhm.org/exhibitions/the-backyard/
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Kids will love running through this museum, seeing the trains ride the rails, playing in the all new Discovery Depot on the first floor, and checking out a train themed story time. Fun for all ages. 1649 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101 Visit: http://sdmrm.org/
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