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Guide to La Jolla

Kid-friendly fun activities

You want to keep the kids entertained without sacrificing your own sanity.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
La Jolla Caves Snorkel & Watersports image 1
La Jolla Caves Snorkel & Watersports image 2
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Water sports equipment rental service

Water sports equipment rental offers top quality gear including wetsuits, drybags, and waterproof phone cases, with sizes for all ages. The atmosphere is chill and family-friendly, supported by knowledgeable guides who highlight local wildlife like sea lions and colorful fish. The experience includes calm, shallow waters and excellent customer care, with extras like snacks, towels, and flexible gear return.

Guides provide child-sized gear and coach kids on wetsuits and breathing. They offer flexible options like resting on rocks or staying in the cove, ensuring kids feel comfortable and safe throughout.

Snorkeling offers a fun, family-friendly introduction with a stress-free, patient approach for beginners. Staff go above and beyond to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

People are saying

"Alex made our snorkeling tour fun and stress-free, even for beginners."

"The staff is so patient and friendly with kids."

"I learned so much from Alex, my amazing local guide."

Good to know

1

All the gear is in great shape and quality.

2

Parking can be very difficult, so plan ahead.

3

The snorkeling adventure is suitable for all ages.

02
La Jolla Shores Park image 1

Large beach with spectacular ocean views and a spacious grassy area creates a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. Lifeguards and fire pits add to the safe, relaxed vibe. The park feels well-maintained and perfect for quiet afternoons or casual gatherings.

Calm waves create a safe environment for kids to play and learn to surf. Plenty of toddlers and children enjoy the easy beach access and the chance to see sea lions and seals up close.

Waves and a playground offer fun activities for all ages. Games, bars, and rides add to the lively atmosphere for family or friends to relax and enjoy.

People are saying

"The beach here is really clean and felt safe."

"It's a fun spot with awesome waves and outdoor areas."

"It's a great place for kid-friendly beach activities with calm waves."

Good to know

1

Parking at La Jolla Shores Park is limited, especially on weekends.

2

Free parking is available, but it can fill up quickly.

3

Public restrooms are located near the parking lot.

03
Seal Rock image 1
Scenic spot

Rocky coastline offers breathtaking ocean views and close encounters with seals in their natural habitat. The atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxing, with fresh air and the sounds of waves and seabirds. Visitors find the spot tranquil and scenic, ideal for unwinding and observing wildlife.

Kids can get close enough to take pictures of sea lions safely. The children's pool offers a great spot for play, and there are chances to see seals, pelicans, and black birds up close.

A gorgeous spot offering safe close encounters with seals. The area feels a bit rough but adds to the fun experience.

People are saying

"I loved the stunning sea views here."

"It's a great Kid Friendly spot to see seals and pelicans."

"It's a fun place to get up close to seals safely."

Good to know

1

Parking at Seal Rock is difficult on a Sunday afternoon.

2

Arrive early to secure a parking space at Seal Rock.

3

There are no lifeguards on site, so swim at your own risk.

04
Pedego Electric Bikes La Jolla image 1

Showroom offers extensive selection of high-end electric bikes and accessories with expert guidance focused on clear, informative advice. Atmosphere feels welcoming and family-owned, emphasizing personalized service and support for all e-bike needs.

Staff show patience with toddlers and engage them with interesting things. Kids get quick, VIP treatment for bike repairs and fixes, making visits smooth and friendly.

Riding the electric bikes offers a day full of fun, sun, and exercise. The staff are helpful and friendly, adding to the enjoyable experience.

People are saying

"This mechanic solves any problem you bring them."

"They're so patient and kind with kids, making it feel comfortable."

"Riding the e-bikes was the most fun activity."

Good to know

1

The shop offers a wide selection of electric bikes and accessories.

2

Test rides are available to help customers find the best fit.

3

They offer bike rentals for those wanting to explore the area.

05
Kellogg Park image 1

Open space with beach access and ocean views creates a relaxing atmosphere. Grassy areas and a playground attract families and picnickers. The vibe shifts from peaceful to lively with music and crowds near the sand.

A playground with swings, sandpit, and climbing structures offers fun for kids of all ages. The park sits right by the beach, providing plenty of shore space for children to explore.

Offers fun beach activities and amenities that make day trips easy. The setting is picturesque and great for family fun with kids.

People are saying

"Parking available, but you might need to arrive early."

"It's a really nice playground with loads of options for kids."

"It's a fun place for kids and families at the beach."

Good to know

1

Parking is free, but it can be challenging to find a spot during the day.

2

Arrive before 8am to secure a public parking space near the park.

3

The park has a great kids' playground right on the beach.

06
La Jolla Tide Pools image 1

Coastal tide pools reveal clear water and diverse sea life like crabs and fish, creating a family-friendly environment. Gentle waves break on rocks under scenic views with easy access from nearby parking. The atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxing, with people strolling or sitting quietly by the ocean.

Kids enjoy exploring tide pools filled with sea life. The area offers free entertainment and a fun sea life adventure for children.

Exploring the tide pools offers a fun, free way to find little creatures and shells. Crab hunting adds a catch-and-release thrill, while chasing waves brings extra excitement for kids.

People are saying

"It's a great Kid Friendly place to explore tide pools and see marine life."

"The views here are breathtaking, with waves crashing."

"Exploring the tide pools is a fun activity for spotting sea creatures."

Good to know

1

Parking near the tide pools is easier on weekdays than weekends.

2

Getting there early helps secure parking spots.

3

There is free street parking available.

07
Cuvier Park image 1

Park offers spectacular ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere with gentle waves and ocean breeze. Large green space invites families and children to explore tide pools and enjoy picnics. Seating areas and photo spots add to the relaxing, scenic experience.

Large open spaces invite picnics and play for kids of all ages. Tide pools and smaller waves make snorkeling and exploring easy and fun for children.

Large open spaces offer room for picnics and play with children. The clean beach and tide pool area provide extra spots for fun activities.

People are saying

"The ocean views here are beautiful and spectacular."

"It's a beautiful place for kids to explore and wander."

"It's a great place for family fun and exploring tide pools."

Good to know

1

Cuvier Park hosts many wedding ceremonies, especially on weekends.

2

Parking at Cuvier Park is often difficult; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Visitors should be cautious of seals and avoid bringing food due to aggressive behavior.

08
Mandell Weiss Eastgate Park image 1

Playground features brand new, innovative playsets with musical elements and shaded areas designed for both younger and older children. The park maintains a calm, peaceful atmosphere with clean, secure, and family-friendly surroundings. Access is sometimes restricted due to private events, making it less like a traditional public park.

Gated playground offers musical installations and spinning structures for younger kids. Games and rides accommodate children in wheelchairs, with over 10 activities including new slides and swings.

Lots of fun equipment and activities make it enjoyable for both kids and adults. The place offers a variety of options to keep everyone entertained.

People are saying

"This playground is beautiful and has innovative playsets."

"This playground is brand new and totally awesome for kids."

"It's a fun place with lots of great equipment for kids and families."

Good to know

1

The playground is closed every weekday until after 5pm from June through August.

2

Access to the park can be restricted due to events at The JCC, especially on weekends.

3

Street parking is available but limited, making it tricky to find a spot.

09
Ellen Browning Scripps Park image 1

Open coastal park offers spectacular ocean views and peaceful walking trails with lush greenery. Visitors often watch sea lions playing nearby and enjoy picnic areas with shade and grills. The atmosphere stays calm and relaxing, making it ideal for unwinding by the water.

Kids enjoy chasing seagulls and watching seals in the park. The area offers plenty of space for snorkeling, swimming, and walking with children.

Watching sea lions, seals, and otters provides fun and engaging wildlife moments. Walking along the boardwalk and exploring the park offers enjoyable family activities in a beautiful setting.

People are saying

"I loved the beautiful ocean views and sunsets here."

"It's a great Kid Friendly spot where children can chase seagulls and see seals."

"I had so much fun watching the sea lions and seals."

Good to know

1

The park hosts summer concerts every Saturday at 6pm.

2

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Free parking is available for up to three hours.

10
Children's Pool La Jolla image 1

Beach features cliffs and walkways overlooking seals resting on rocks and crashing waves. Atmosphere is laid back and relaxing, with beautiful sunset views and a family-friendly vibe. Visitors often watch wildlife from benches and stairs leading down to the water.

Waves stay gentle and water is shallow, making it easy for kids to play safely. Kids spot sea lions, crabs, and starfish nearby, adding fun nature moments to the visit.

Crowded but civilized beach offers a fun cove to watch young seals play in the surf. Visitors spend hours enjoying the wildlife and ocean views.

People are saying

"I loved watching the seals and sea lions sunbathing on the beach."

"It's so much fun watching the seals and sea lions play!"

"It's a great spot for kids to play in the water."

Good to know

1

Access to the beach is closed during winter months because of the sea lions.

2

Parking can be challenging at the Children's Pool La Jolla.

3

The beach has seasonal closures, so plan ahead to ensure it is open.

11
Nautilus Tavern image 1
American restaurant

Small American restaurant with outdoor seating and a friendly, relaxed vibe. Live music and a DJ create a lively atmosphere in the evenings, while multiple TVs show sports. The place is dog friendly and offers free video games for kids.

Free video games keep kids entertained. The menu includes Nacho plate and Chicken fingers that kids enjoy. A Monday promotion lets kids eat free.

A dog friendly spot with a beachside bar and plenty of seating. Nighttime brings a DJ that turns the vibe into a lively club atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and flavorful."

"It's a fun atmosphere with TVs and live music."

"The kids loved the food, especially the chicken fingers."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day with half-price appetizers.

2

Trivia night occurs every Thursday with a $5 entry fee.

3

Free parking is available in the garage downstairs.

12
Concrete Steps to the Beach image 1
Tourist attraction

Concrete steps lead down to a clean beach with clear water and natural sandstone formations. The area offers peaceful ocean views, tide pools rich with sea life, and occasional sea lions nearby. Visitors find it ideal for relaxing, picnics, and watching sunsets in a serene setting.

Kids can explore tide pools and find crabs along the beach. Restrooms are a walk away at the Children's Pool. Seagulls may snatch food and peck into drinks, so watch out.

Exploring tide pools offers a lot of fun with interesting sea life to see. Playing in the water adds to the overall enjoyment of the activities.

People are saying

"The ocean views here are beautiful and peaceful."

"The beach here is beautiful with natural sandstone formations."

"It's kid friendly for finding crabs and collecting shells at the beach."

Good to know

1

Parking may be an issue, so bring patience.

2

The beach is free to access.

3

Timing your visit is important to see the best marine life.

13
The Spot La Jolla image 1

Bar and grill with ocean views and an indoor-outdoor second story creates a lively, cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating is dog friendly and popular, while multiple sports TVs show several games simultaneously. The place fills up and gets loud, especially later in the evening.

Kids enjoy fresh chicken strips and a hotdog praised as the best they've had. A well-behaved golden retriever adds to the friendly atmosphere, and vegetarian options satisfy different tastes.

A super fun atmosphere makes this spot great for hanging out with friends. It stays open late and hosts the Guinness Mustache challenge for extra entertainment.

People are saying

"The bar food here is some of the best I've ever had."

"The food here is so Kid Friendly, even picky eaters loved it."

"It's a fun sports bar with lots of TVs to watch the game."

Good to know

1

Parking at The Spot can be challenging.

2

They have Trivia Night on Tuesdays.

3

Happy Hour gives $3 off appetizers.

14
The Cave Store image 1
Tourist attraction

Steep, slippery stairs lead down to a small deck inside a sea cave with beautiful ocean views and the sound of crashing waves creating a relaxing atmosphere. An adorable gift shop at the top offers unique finds and a friendly dog. The space feels like a hidden treasure with a cool, refreshing cave interior.

Many items like cute nicknacks, clothing, and artwork catch kids' attention. The store offers a wide variety of options for all ages and gives a free gift for kids with admission.

A fun and unique adventure involves descending 145 steps into a sea cave. Wearing tennis shoes is important for safety during this quirky and memorable experience.

People are saying

"Walking down into the cave and being inside with the ocean splashing was so cool."

"I found the experience to be a fun little adventure."

"It's a great place to take kids for a fun adventure."

Good to know

1

The entrance fee is $10 for adults and $6 for children.

2

Check the tide schedule before visiting, as the cave is only accessible during low tide.

3

Expect long lines and a one-hour wait during peak times.

15
Sunny Jim's Sea Cave image 1
Tourist attraction

Wooden stairs descend through a narrow, damp cave to a small deck overlooking the ocean. Crashing waves create a peaceful sound inside the cave, offering breathtaking ocean views. Visitors navigate low ceilings and wet, slippery steps in a space with a historic tunnel dug over a century ago.

Kids find the cave visit exciting and the price includes discounts for children. The descent is not suitable for small kids, but nearby Brockton Villa offers views of seals and Children's Pool within walking distance.

Exploring the historic stairway down to the sea cave offers a unique and fun experience. Arriving early helps avoid lines and makes the visit more enjoyable.

People are saying

"The cave is surprisingly Kid Friendly, just watch the wet stairs."

"It's a cool, unique experience with a great view."

"Exploring the cave was a fun and unique adventure."

Good to know

1

The entrance fee is $10 per person.

2

Wear non-slip shoes as the steps can be wet and slippery.

3

The cave has a maximum capacity of six people.

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La Jolla, San Diego

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