The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park provide the opportunity to view animals in the wild as well as in a traditional zoo setting. Both offer opportunities for toddlers to learn by doing and by getting up close with animals and their handlers. They also offer sleepovers where families can stay and participate in a variety of fun, educational activities.
The San Diego Zoo is located next to downtown in Balboa Park, and it features more than 4,000 animals from all over the world. While walking is the best way to take in the exhibits, aviaries and bioclimatic zones, a guided bus tour is also available.
Located 35 miles northeast of San Diego in Escondido, the Wild Animal park covers 1,800 acres and features more than 3,000 animals. Herd-style animals from Africa and Asia are featured, as well as giraffes, rhinos, and antelope. It is a great opportunity for toddlers to see the animals in their native habitat.
When planning a visit, be sure to allow four to six hours for each location. Be sure to bring sunscreen and a stroller for tired toddlers. Admission is free for toddlers, $27 for children ages 3 to 11, and $37 for adults (ages 12 and up). Multi-day passes are available. Check the website or call for operating days and hours, which vary depending on the season.
The San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 234-3153
sandiegozoo.org
The San Diego Zoo Wild Animal Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road
Escondido, CA 92027-7017
(760) 747-8702
sandiegozoo.org
A popular destination for families with young children, Sea World features performances by Shamu the Killer Whale, dolphins, sea lions and other marine mammals. Sea World also offers fun rides and adventure day camps designed just for toddlers.
Toddlers up to 2 years enjoy free admission, and kids ages 3cthrough 9 are $59 a day. Those aged 10 and older are $69 a day. Admission includes all shows, exhibits, rides (except for the Skyride and Skytower) and aquariums. Call or check the website for park hours and showtimes, which vary by season.
Sea World
500 Sea World Dr.
San Diego, CA 92109
(800) 700-7786
seaworld.com
The Birch Aquarium is a great place for toddlers to explore and learn about all kinds of marine creatures. Located at Scripps Institute on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, the Birch Aquarium is the center for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. More than 60 habitats of cold to tropical water fish are on display. Children will be enthralled with the seahorses, sharks and coral reefs. Hands-on and multimedia displays will keep them entertained. There's even a "fish nursery" where they can see miniature fish bred and raised by aquarists at the Birch Aquarium.
Admission is free for toddlers, $8.50 for kids 3 to 17 years, $12.00 for 18 to 59 years, and $9.00 for seniors over 60. The Birch Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Birch Aquarium
2300 Expedition Way
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 534-3474
aquarium.ucsd.edu
Belmont Park, San Diego's historic amusement park located on the Mission Beach Boardwalk, is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. Take a break from the rides and play, wade or just beach comb on Mission beach. Stop for an ice cream and a souvenir. Bring sunscreen and a stroller for a tired toddler, and walk the miles of boardwalk bordering the Pacific.
Rides at Belmont Park and ticket prices are designated for height under or over 50 inches. Children under 50 inches are $12.95 and over 50 inches $19.95 and includes unlimited rides for the entire day.
Belmont Park
3146 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, CA
(858) 228-9283
belmontpark.com
