The first five years of your child's life are the most transformative.
According to First 5 San Diego, "Ninety percent of a child's brain develops by age five."
Before you bust out the flash cards, keep in mind that children learn through play. Luckily for us, there's an abundance of free and low cost resources, recreation, and outdoor play spaces for little ones. There's also plenty of low cost activities, and memberships to the zoo, aquarium, and museums that are worth the investment.
The La Jolla Recreation Center
615 Prospect St, San Diego
This rec center has a great outdoor space with plenty of room for kids to run and play, picnic tables, basketball courts (check out a basketball or bring your own). There are two levels of playgrounds, one for smaller children and one for older kids. There are swings and tetherball, foosball and four square. There's something for children of all ages. If you have an active toddler, rest assured the playground is fenced in so it's easy to monitor your child. There's also plenty of street parking. The rec center has an array of classes for children that are low cost. Tiny Tots Sports Classes are offered at this center which is a great introduction to athletics for little ones. My own child took a Pee Wee Sports Class, and Preschool Italian at La Jolla Rec years ago. I highly recommend LJR for your children. For more information visit: https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/recctr/lajolla
The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater
2130 Pan American Road San Diego (In Balboa Park)
The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater has been entertaining young audiences since 1947. Shows run Friday through Sunday at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM. Classic children's stories are brought to life on stage as well as brand new productions. Tickets- General Admission: $5.00, Seniors/Military $4.00, Children Under Two Are Free. We saw many productions at The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, and it's a great memory building experience for young children. For a current show schedule click here!
San Diego Children's Discovery Museum
320 North Broadway, Escondido
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum provides early learning supplemental educational resources to children, parents, and educators. Their educational programs and exhibits are for ages 0-10, and prepare young children for school through hands-on interactive opportunities. There are gardening classes, storytime, arts and crafts, cultural fairs, and Farm Animal Fridays. For a calendar of events click here! Members (and children under the age of one): Free Children & Adults: $11.50 per person Military & Veteran Discount: $8.00 per person (with valid ID and dependent ID) EBT / SNAP or CalFresh / WIC Cardholders Discount: $1.00 per person (up to four per card) Group Rate (10 or more people): $10.00 per person. Must book ahead.
San Diego Natural History Museum 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park
Kids can play under a shade tree, search for hidden secrets along a wooden fence, climb on a giant ladybug, or read their favorite book in a cozy potting shed. There's even a cushioned area for protected exploration for children that are crawlers.The Backyard is packed with experiences that encourage curiosity about the natural world. Parents or caregivers can actively participate with children or sit, relax, and observe with a beverage from The Flying Squirrel Café. The Backyard is suggested for children five and under, and accompanied by an adult. Access to The Backyard is included with general admission and free for members.
The San Diego Model Railroad Museum
1649 El Prado, San Diego
Free Entry for Children 12 & Under!
The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is 27,000 square feet of trains, tracks, and trestles in the heart of Balboa Park. The museum showcases the history of railroading across Southern California. Magic happens at The San Diego Model Railroad Museum, children young and old are captivated by the great lengths the museum has gone through to recreate San Diego. It's truly amazing.
200 West Island Ave. San Diego (Downtown)
This museum is part playground with interactive art installations like an indoor labyrinth, a rainbow cave and more. Kids can paint an old car in the patio, there are workshops, playgroups and even a storytime. The New Children's Museum is a great place to spend the day with your child, and maybe even make some new friends. Click here for the events calendar
Memberships Worth Having:
Your child will not only learn about animals and animal conservation, but they will have access to year round entertainment. The zoo has holiday celebrations for Halloween and Christmas, Night Zoo during the long hot days of summer, a children's zoo with a playzone, and more. The membership also includes to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido. Memberships for children 3-17 is $79, Adult memberships start at $99.
500 SeaWorld Drive
Rescue Jr. is now open! Enjoy rescue-themed rides, make waves in the splash zone, see real rescue vehicles up close, and much more in this exciting new kid spot. Best of all, you’ll have fun learning about animals and how you can help with conservation every day! Purchase a Fun Card, pay for a day and visit SeaWorld all year long.
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