San Diego with a 4 year old - What to see?
 

We're heading over to San Diego soon with Legoland being the main destination. What else would interest a bright 4 year old?

San Diego zoo?

Legoland rocks...but get there early when it opens, and try to do it on a weekday. Also, bring plenty of sunscreen and a jacket. It is close to the ocean so it can be overcast and cool, but it also tends to get hot in the summer afternoons, and all of the trees haven't grown in to the point where there is quite enough shade.

The Zoo is great, but a long ways away from Legoland...gotta do it on a different day. While at the zoo you can do other stuff in Balboa Park. He might be old enough for the Rueben H. Fleet Space Theater. You can also check out the model train setup.

There is Sea World too, but that is more money and more commercial imho.

The science center is one possibility. My daughter loves the one here in Phoenix and it's not one of the best. We've got a membership that applies around the country so it would be free. What about the Birch Acquarium? Is it worth the trip?

I think we've already decided against the zoo for this trip. We had a Phoenix Zoo membership last year and my daughter got burned out on zoos.

I have heard San Diego has a great maritime museum but I am not sure where it is - if they like ships it would be something to consider.

I haven't been to the Aquarium in about 25 years, so I can't comment (actually I worked at Scripps one summer in high school sorting critters under a microscope). You could also just do a day at the beach. The beach near Scripps is nice. If you want the local surf breaks I can point you that way too ;)

There also is the wild animal park, but this time of year it is wicked hot...

After your day is over, maybe an evening whale watch / boat ride at Dana Point / Oceanside.

Where are you staying?

Is that on *your* boat? ;)

Naw, I'm up at Redondo. I'd do that, tho. Am there now, thinking of going sailing as soon as the wind comes up. Am in Dallas all next week in the Sim for my every six months check, so all the fun ends today.

We're staying in Carlsbad.

I know my wife mentioned the whale watching tours, but I worry about keeping my daughter entertained. We did a harbor tour of Seattle that was about 1.5 hours and she spent most of the trip running around in circles on the lower deck. My daughter's pretty smart, but the naration about the shipping industry didn't hold her attention.

We've even talked about heading up to the aquarium at Long Beach for a day trip.

Lee - does he like superheroes? The San Diego Comic Book Convention is next week. If you're there at that time, you should check it out.

Otherwise, there's the zoo, and also Wild Animal Park.

He?

Who he?

There's also Belmont Park at Mission Beach (carnival rides and all), there's a merry go round at Seaport village (don't remember if there's more stuff...been awhile), don't remember if the merry go round in Balboa Park is still operating. Used to take my kids to the lighthouse, just to let them run. Second Nostatic for La Jolla Shores at Scripps Pier. Balboa Park is always good for letting kids run...as is the zoo.

My 2 cents

"Who is he?"

Ugh! Contractions! The bastardizing of our language!

Her only superheroes are Santa Claus and Blue from Blue's Clues. ;)

Sea World
Babboa park Museum (s)
Rubin H Fleet ( science center )
Wild Animal Park in Escondido.

Info from my sister who is a local teacher..

Actually, I should have said 'What he?'

Lee's bright 4 year old is a she.

And thank you, I AM a bastard.

For a 4 year old I'd have to give a thumbs DOWN to the Wild Animal Park - especially this time of year with the heat. Other than a few animal shows the only real viewing is from Tram and the animals are far away. Kids lose interest fast and there is a lot of uphill walking (carrying little ones).

Stick to coast this time of year. Legoland is the greatest park for a kid. As mentioned, sunscreen as trees are still immature. Try to go on the weekday - call ahead for hours. I believe the park is closed one of the weekdays. For dinner go to the Oceanside pier area and walk in the surf - or do take out on the cheap and eat it on the beach just south of Palomar Airport road. If you're in the mood for a beer there is the Carl Strauss brewery close to the Legoland exit. Wife and I go there and they've got good food for kids too.

Second day head downtown and do the zoo. If you're staying in Carlsbad area plan on leaving around 9:30 to avoid the daily Southbound commute on the I-5. Then either stay the whole day in San Diego or leave early (~2:00 pm) to avoid the North bound commute. Kids hate sitting in traffic especially after a full day.

My kids were board with the Scripps Aquarium, as was the first grade class that was touring that day. One last shot, The Aircraft Carrier Midway is now a floating museum on the water front downtown - next door to the cruise ship terminals.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm sure we've got enough stuff to do on our four day trip.

David, our hotel is off of Palomar Airport Rd. so those specific suggestions will be very helpful.

for the zoo I would recommend getting there mid afternoon (say 2-3pm) and having dinner there. You will split traffic (assuming you're at Balboa Park by 3pm at the latest), and the animals get more active in the early evening...plus dusk there is cool.