fun to do kids mission bay san diego california   Travel for Kids
  | California | San Diego
     
   

San Diego - Mission Bay

Around Mission Bay, it always feels like summer. The bay is lined with sandy beaches, palm trees and grassy areas. No rough waves in calm, warm waters of Mission Bay. There's nothing like a picnic dinner, where you can relax while the kids dig in the sand or splash in the water, as the sun gently dips over the horizon.
  Mission Bay is the perfect spot to picnic, play in the sand and swim in the warm water (no waves in the bay). All around Mission Bay are grassy areas and picnic tables. Bike paths for biking or surreys. Lifeguards at swimming areas in spring and summer.
      Watersports – Rent sail boats, hobie catamarans, pontoon boats, kayaks, paddle boards, and take a turn around the Bay. There are plenty of places to explore, and nice breezes if you're sailing.
Mission Bay
    Crown Point Shores – Swimming area, picnic tables, playground, bike path. The bike path extends west for miles around Mission Bay, ending at Sail Bay.
    Ventura Cove – Swimming area.
    Bahia Cove – Watersports.
      Dana Landing – Swimming area, picnic tables, watersports.
      Bonita Cove – Swimming area, picnic tables, playground.
      Tecolote Shores Park Swimming, playground and picnic areas, watersports. Fly kites here.
SeaWorld San Diego Photo Album
 

SeaWorld San Diego – SeaWorld is fun for the whole family, from the littlest ones to bigger kids.

  Tip: Admission included in Go City San Diego pass
      Exhibits
video seaworld san diego sharks
    - Shark Encounter – Our Travel for Kids video is just a preview of what kids will see as you walk through a glass tunnel with sharks gliding overhead!
    - Penguin Encounter – The penguin exhibit is filled with penguins – Emperor, gentoo, adelie, macaroni, paddling around, diving under water, and hopping around on the rocks.
      - Turtle Reef – This is the place to see all kinds of amazing sea turtles - green sea, hawksbills, loggerhead, and leatherback turtles.
      - Explorer's Reef – Kids can dip their hands into freshwater and saltwater touch pools with reef sharks, fish.
      - Dolphin Point – See bottlenose dolphins up close, check the schedule for opportunities to touch or feed the dolphins.
      - Jewels of the Sea – Immersive exhibit with jellyfish beautifully displayed in tanks from all angles (including looking at upside-down jellyfish), and digital adventure through eyes of a jellfish.
      - Bat Ray Shallows – Touch pool where little kids can touch silky bat rays (they feel both rough and smooth at the same time), and underground aquarium.
      Live Shows – Check out the daily schedule of live shows with dolphins, sea lions, and more. You should get to the show at least 15 minutes in advance to get a good seat.
      Rides
      - Emperor – Tallest, fastest, longest dive coaster in California with penguin theme.
video seaworld san diego bat rays
    - Journey to Atlantis – Hoping to cool off on a hot day, at the end of the ride, your boat plummets down a water cascade, sending up a huge splash of water (and you'll get soaked).
    - Manta – Teens will want to step into this thrilling roller coaster ride.
      - Rescue Jr – Rescue-themed rides Rescue Rafter, Rescue Rider, and Tidepool Twist, soft play areas, and Rescue Bay Splash Zone - kids water play area.
      Tips for enjoying SeaWorld
      Getting wet Come prepared to get wet (hey, remember, most of the marine animals at SeaWorld live in the water). Getting soaked is refreshing in summer, but in cooler winter weather, kids might want dry clothes.
      Lockers – Get a locker to stow purchases and any extra things you don't want to lug around all day.
Belmont Park roller coaster
  Belmont Park (Mission Beach) – Belmont Park is 100 year old amusement park with a big Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, bumper cars, tilt-a-whirl, speedway, carousel, and indoor playland.
    Plus zip lines, climbing wall, climb a coconut tree, mini golf, laser tag.
      Belmont Park also has cafes and restaurants for meals and snacks. South of the amusement park is a grassy area, perfect for kite flying.
beach rentals San Diego

Here's our own Travel for Kids list of beach vacation rentals, all styles and price ranges, right on Mission Bay or Mission Beach (roll out of bed in the morning and walk to the bay or beach):

San Diego family beach vacation rentals
 
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