24 Fun-filled Summer Activities in San Diego
Written by Lindsey Chronert
Picture this. It’s the start of summer and school just let out. I’m ten years old, and I have my CD player blasting Janet Jackson. Saved by the Bell was my go-to show, and my favorite afternoon treat on a hot day was a frozen Capri-Sun. I loved choreographing my own dances, making home cooking shows and swimming in the pool with my BFF Sarah.
At the beginning of summer, Sarah and I grabbed my Pentel marker set and jotted down a list of all the fun things we wanted to do: Paint our nails hot pink, boogie board, bake apple crisp, read 10 books, sleep outside, jump on the trampoline, and muster the courage to ride The Zipper at the Del Mar Fair.
That summer, our moms bought us tickets to the Del Mar Fair and the unlimited ride wristband for $17. My mom dropped us off with a few bucks in our pockets while she went to work. Sarah and I dressed in matching outfits—denim shorts, white baby tees, mini backpacks, and glitter jellies. Looking back on it, did we eat any food besides cotton candy? We rode as many rides as possible until the sun started to go down. We didn’t have a care in the world. We were just two ten-year-olds with the whole summer ahead of us.
The memories of summers evoke a deep nostalgia for many of us as adults. We all crave the sense of unbridled freedom of our childhood. The feeling of the warm sun baking on our skin, the taste of pizza after a long day at the beach, watching a marshmallow toast on a crackling fire, the scent of grass and sounds of splashing water. It’s a sensory journey back to a time when our biggest worries were which ice cream flavor to choose or whether we could stay out just a bit longer.
Summer beckons all of us to relive those carefree days. It invites us to embrace the present with the same enthusiasm and wonder we had as children. It’s a reminder that the spirit of summer can always be rekindled.
As a nod to the ten-year-old still in me, I made a bingo card of all the summer activities you and your family can do this summer. Print it out, hang it on your fridge and get started checking off the boxes to make this summer an epic one!
Emily Henderson Art
Fun-filled Summer Activities in San Diego
MCASD - Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) for a day of artistic exploration. The museum features a range of modern and contemporary artworks, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly events. But, what's really unique here is the museum’s ever-changing calendar, featuring artistic workshops, live music, and creative dinners.
Tye Dye - Host an indigo tie-dye party at home and dive into the art of Shibori folding patterns. I love buying a bunch of white tea towels for the group. They’re lovely in your home and make great gifts! Here’s a kit and tutorial to get you started.
Camp - Plan a family camping trip to one of San Diego’s beautiful campgrounds like San Elijo State Beach or Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Enjoy hiking, star-gazing, and roasting marshmallows around the campfire. Check WanderingLabs.com for last-minute camping reservations.
Waterpark! Nothing beats a day at the waterpark! Hang in the lazy river, slide, and soak up the fun at one of southern CA’s many waterparks. It’s the perfect way to cool off and entertain the kids (and adults).
Balboa Park - Spend a day at Balboa Park, San Diego’s cultural heart. Visit its numerous museums, stroll through lush gardens, and discover attractions like the Fleet Science Center or Museum of Art. There’s so much to do, you might need more than a day!
San Diego Symphony - The summer season at the Rady Shell brings the San Diego Symphony to life. With an outdoor venue and a breathtaking backdrop, enjoy classical music, movie scores, and popular hits performed live under the stars.
Explore a new neighborhood - Spend a day exploring a different San Diego neighborhood. Walk around, try a new cafe, and visit local shops. Each area, like Little Italy, South Park or Leucadia, offers unique experiences and a chance to discover something new.
Pool Day - Whether you have kids or not, a day at the pool with floaties is a blast. It’s a fantastic way to cool off, relax, and and play! Looking for access to a pool? Get day passes at Town & Country for the whole family. They also have a 150-ft waterslide, pools for the kiddos and lawn games!
Padres Game - Catch the excitement of MLB at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just there for the nachos and peanuts, it's a fantastic outing for the entire family.
Ride Bikes - Take a bike ride on San Diego’s scenic trails or streets. Rent bikes and ride along the Mission Bay Bike Path or just go out for a family spin around the neighborhood.
Read a book - Relax with a book in a favorite spot. Whether it's at the beach, in a park, or at home, reading provides a great escape. Visit a local bookstore or library to find your next read and enjoy some quiet time.
Road trip - Plan a road trip to explore California. Take the Pacific Coast Highway up to Cambria or Big Sur. Pack some snacks, create a playlist, and enjoy the journey.
Hike - There’s no better way to kick-start your day and beat the heat with a morning hike. Torrey Pines offers stunning coastal vistas and the option for a refreshing dip in the ocean afterward, while Mission Trails provides serene nature and panoramic views. Don’t forget water, sunscreen, and a treat for the top. Pro-tip: bring coffee in a thermos for a sunrise sip!
Kayak/SUP in La Jolla - Be a tourist in your own city by exploring La Jolla’s stunning coastline. Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and paddle through sea caves, spot marine life, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Guided tours and rentals are available at local shops. Pro-tip: grab sandwiches at the Cheese Shop afterward to complete your adventure.
Farmer’s Market - Visit a farmers' market to enjoy fresh produce and local goods. Markets like Little Italy Mercato or Hillcrest Farmers Market offer a variety of foods and crafts. Nothing beats fresh summer produce.
Movie Night - Set up a backyard projector or join a local community event for a summer movie night. Classics like The Sandlot, Grease, or The Great Outdoors are perfect choices for a nostalgic evening under the stars.
San Diego Zoo - During the summer, the world-famous San Diego Zoo stays open late! Home to thousands of animals from around the globe, the zoo offers educational exhibits, interactive shows day and night, and gorgeous gardens. It’s a wild way to spend a day (and night) with family.
Backyard BBQ - Fire up the grill for a classic summer BBQ in your own backyard. Think burgers, veggie kabobs, and hot dogs, complemented by lawn games and ice cream cake. It’s a relaxed and tasty way to spend time with loved ones. Simple pleasures often taste the best!
Swim in the Ocean - Enjoy San Diego’s beautiful coastline with a beach day at La Jolla Shores or Moonlight Beach. Bring your gear, build sandcastles, splash in the waves, and soak up the sun. It’s a quintessential summer experience you can’t miss.
Concert - Enjoy live music at various venues in San Diego. From the outdoor Rady Shell to smaller local clubs, there’s a concert for every music lover. Ms. Lauryn Hill & The Fugees, Glass Animals, and so many more!
Game Night - Host a game night at home with board games, card games, and snacks. It’s a wonderful way to engage in friendly competition, laughter, and quality time with family without leaving the house.
Picnic in the Park - Pack a picnic and head to one of San Diego’s picturesque parks, such as Balboa Park, Bird Park, Presidio Park, or San Dieguito. Enjoy a relaxing day with food, games, and the natural beauty around you. Perfect for family bonding and easy to accomplish during the week after work.
Dance! Whether it’s a 90’s hip hop dance party at Booty Basement, Taylor Swift night at Music Box or blasting Queen with the family in the living room, make a night of it and have a dance party!
San Diego County Fair - The San Diego County Fair is a nostalgic summer tradition. The hits for me include the rides, people-watching, flower exhibits, elote (Mexican street corn), chair massages, and indulgent fried Australian potatoes. They even host musical acts like Ludacris and TLC—so keep an eye on the schedule!