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San Diego · 5 days
This is the big-ticket San Diego trip — Zoo, LEGOLAND, and SeaWorld spread across five days with enough downtime that nobody dreads the next park. We've front-loaded the Zoo when energy is highest, saved SeaWorld for midweek when crowds thin, and built pool afternoons into every park day. Snack stops and line rides are mapped for toddlers; older kids get the coasters.
30 min
45 min
3 hrs
1 hrs
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1.3 hrs
Three full theme-park days are balanced with a culture-and-museum day and a safari afternoon. Hotel breakfasts and built-in drive time give legs a chance to recover between parks.
Full day at the world-famous zoo with bus tour, exhibits, and Balboa Park.
Marine shows, roller coasters, splash zones, and aquarium exhibits all day.
Full day at LEGOLAND with rides, Miniland USA, and the Water Park.
Aircraft carrier museum, Fleet Science Center, Old Town, and Gaslamp Quarter.
Safari Park tram and wildlife encounters, then a farewell dinner downtown.
Family Score rates each venue 0–100 based on age-appropriateness, safety, and fun factor.
LEGOLAND California
dedicated under-5 driving school, gentle rides, and interactive LEGO play
San Diego Zoo
bus tour covers the park without walking, stroller-friendly, nursing rooms throughout
Wildlife Explorers Basecamp
water play and climbing structures designed for active toddlers
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Africa Tram, lorikeet feeding, Walkabout Australia with wallabies
Fleet Science Center
Kid City area for ages 2–5, interactive exhibits with buttons and levers
SeaWorld San Diego
Sesame Street Bay of Play, dolphin shows, splash zones
USS Midway Museum
flight simulators, cockpit sit-ins, 29 restored aircraft on the flight deck
Old Town San Diego
hands-on candle making, historic adobe buildings, authentic cultural experiences
Gaslamp Quarter
shopping, street performers, historic architecture exploration
A typical 5-day San Diego family attractions trip for a family of 4
Estimated total
$1,550 – $2,500
ex. lodging · family of 4 · 5 days
Theme parks & attractions
~$800–$1,200 (Zoo + Safari Park combo, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND — book online for discounts)
Meals
~$80–$150/day (mix of $$ casual spots, theme park dining, and one $$$ farewell dinner)
Rental car + parking
~$50–$80/day car + $20–$30/day parking (needed for LEGOLAND and Safari Park day trips)
Buy Zoo + Safari Park combo tickets for ~$30 savings per person. SeaWorld and LEGOLAND also offer multi-day and advance-purchase discounts.
Use hotel breakfasts on Days 2, 3, and 5 to skip restaurant breakfast costs — saves ~$60–$80 over the trip.
Visit in October for Kids Free month — 100+ San Diego venues offer free children’s admission, including the Zoo and several museums.
Buy all theme park tickets online 1–2 weeks in advance for the best prices. Zoo, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND all offer significant online discounts vs. gate prices.
Rent strollers or wagons at the Zoo and Safari Park entrance — you’ll walk 3–5 miles per park day. LEGOLAND and SeaWorld also offer rentals inside.
LEGOLAND Water Park (may need add-on ticket) and SeaWorld splash zones will soak kids. Bring towels, change of clothes, and water shoes.
LEGOLAND (Carlsbad) is ~45 min north and Safari Park (Escondido) is ~1 hour northeast. Pack car snacks and entertainment for both drives.
San Diego is mild year-round (70s) but mornings can be cool. Pack layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and hats for full days outdoors at the parks.
Swap stops, change dates, add your own picks. Rosie keeps the rhythm intact.