Destinations

Favorite Inexpensive Things to do in San Diego with Kids

Are you looking for some affordable (especially when compared to the theme parks and zoos) family fun in San Diego? Of all the destinations for families in the US, San Diego is one of our favorites! Seaport Village offers some great options for the entire crew, especially the little ones!  Seaport Village is located harbor side on scenic San Diego Bay and offers over 75 shops, galleries, restaurants and sidewalk eateries.  Spending time at the Seaport Village is one of our favorite inexpensive things to do in San Diego and in our opinion is a must do for families. We have many happy memories tied to this nostalgic little village. Here are some of our “5 must do’s” for your family:

Top 5 Inexpensive Things to do at San Diego Seaport Village

1- I Want to Ride my Bicycle

Rent bikes at Wheel Fun Rentals near Seaport Village and the Marriott Marquis. You can rent bikes from regular types to surrey bikes (that seat 2-4 people).  Ride around Seaport Village, down through the historic Gaslamp Quarter and around the harbor and marina.  Helmets and bike locks are included in the rental.  This is an activity the whole fam is sure to enjoy.  

2-Let’s go Fly a Kite

On sunny days you are bound to see many colorful high flying kites being flown from the grassy areas harborside.  The shop Kite Flite is located within the village and has hundreds of kites starting at around $29.00.  The shop will let you “fly before you buy.”  Flying kites can provide hours of fun for the youngest member of the group to the oldest. Kite Flite also offers other inexpensive high-flying toys like frisbees and boomerangs that the kids might get a kick out of.

outside of Kite Flight store in San Diego to show some cheap things to do in san diego
Kite Flite at San Diego Seaport Village

3-Spin me Right Round

The enclosed carousel located in the heart of Seaport Village dates back to 1895.  There are 54 animals and 2 horse-drawn carriages to ride on.  At only $3.00 p/person (free to parents standing by their child’s side) it is inexpensive, nostalgic, and super cute.

little boy riding the carousel at San Diego Seaport Village and smiling big.
Beckham was obviously in love, the little cheeser!

4- Have Cake and Eat it Too

We love the little bakeries and ice cream shops scattered around. Ben and Jerry is always a favorite and stopping by Frost Me (a winner of cupcake wars) is a must. I personally LOVED the vanilla cupcake. It seems like such a boring choice but it is sooo good.

5- Watch and be Entertained

On any given day throughout Seaport Village (especially weekends)  there is entertainment galore.  Live bands, musical artists, special events, balloon artists and caricature and henna tattoo artists (some of these are free).  Our very favorites though are the “buskers” that regularly perform.  We have seen sword swallowers, fire eating humans and magicians.  Your whole family will be thrilled standing by and watching these uniquely talented performers in action.  Check the website schedule to see what entertainment is going on during your visit.

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a dusk view of a bridge in san diego sea port village wth text that reads affordable activities in san diego,

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10 thoughts on “Favorite Inexpensive Things to do in San Diego with Kids

  1. my niece & nephew are in San Diego right now for spring break so this post could literally not have shown up at a better time – i’m passing it on to my sister as we speak!

    1. I agree Tabbie! It can sometimes be SO hard to find good places to take kids. We hope you make it to San Diego soon! Xo Kam

  2. That’s a great list of fun things to do in San Diego Seaport Village. Flying a kite and riding a bicycle are my favourites. Also, not to miss the delicious cake. Vanilla is my favourite too. 🙂

  3. These are such great ideas! I am always looking for things to do with the kids around SoCal! Thanks for these ideas.

  4. I have been wanting to go to San Diego since I visited LA a couple years ago. Frost me sounds like a great place to check out. I’ll definitely keep that in mind. 🙂

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