With more than 800 species of animals on exhibit, the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world. This zoo sits on more than 100 acres and is one if the few places where visitors can see the giant panda on display. The warm weather in the San Diego area is a suitable location for many animals and plants, making the city-owned complex unique in that it is able to reconstruct livable, natural habitats for its many animal residents.
Guests of the zoo can wander through Panda Canyon, see polar bears in the Polar Rim exhibit, get up close and personal with African elephants and see rare animals from all over the world including the Australian Outback and rain forests in Asia.
The San Diego Zoo offers tours that lets visitors see what goes on behind the scenes and hosts sleepover events that allow for viewing of animals after the crowds leave for the day. Botanical gardens are also located on site, and the Wild Animal Park is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of downtown San Diego near Escondido, California.
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego, California 92102
619-231-1515
sandiegozoo.org
If thrill rides are what the family seeks, then Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia is the perfect destination. This Six Flags location has 17 roller coasters ranging from kid-friendly to intense, and a full range of attractions within the park that parents and children can enjoy together.
Take the family to Bugs Bunny World to experience thrills for the whole clan on rides such as the Canyon Blaster or Daffy's Adventure Tour. Families with older kids might wish to try The Movie District with rides like the Scrambler or Sandblasters.
Six Flags Magic Mountain also hosts a number of entertaining shows, and they schedule concerts from popular artists throughout the season. The park is open on weekends and school holidays throughout the year and opens daily from mid March through mid September.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
26101 Magic Mountain Parkway
Valencia, California 91355
661-255-4100
sixflags.com
Walt Disney's original amusement park has become a world famous destination for families looking for magical fun in California. This park is the one that started it all in 1955, and it is still as relevant today as it was then. More than a half a billion people have visited the park since it opened, making it the second most popular theme park behind Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Florida.
With eight magical "lands" including Tomorrowland, Mickey's Toontown, Fantasyland and more, Disneyland offers everything from unique shops to memorable meals and of course rides. Ranging from the thrills of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain to the family adventures such as the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, there is something for everyone. Kids will enjoy meeting and getting autographs from all their favorite Disney characters.
Disneyland
1313 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, California 92802
714-781-4565
disneyland.disney.go.com
