Weekend in San Diego
This weekend itinerary offers a fantastic mix of free community events and worthwhile ticketed attractions, ensuring families with children aged 3-12 create lasting memories. We've balanced interactive learning with active outdoor play and festive experiences, all while keeping a close eye on your budget and incorporating convenient timings for little ones.
Friday Evening - Creative Lights & Nature Fun
Friday, November 14Pinecone Bird Feeders
Engage in a hands-on workshop at the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum, where children can create their own pinecone bird feeders.
This activity sparks creativity and an appreciation for nature, perfect for little hands and curious minds.
This workshop is ideal for children aged 3-12, offering a fun and educational experience. The museum also features various interactive exhibits suitable for young explorers. Restrooms and stroller access are available throughout the museum. Plan for approximately 1-1.5 hours for the workshop and some museum exploration. Remember, Escondido is North County, so factor in travel time if coming from central San Diego.
Free parking is available on-site at the Children's Museum of Discovery. It's best to drive to this location.
Lightscape Gardens
Step into a world of light, color, and imagination as Lightscape returns to the San Diego Botanic Garden.
This enchanting mile-long trail features over 20 immersive light installations, festive music, and seasonal treats, offering a magical experience for the whole family. It's a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.
Suitable for all ages, this outdoor walking experience takes approximately 60-90 minutes. Kids will love the dazzling lights and interactive displays. Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly. Restrooms are available along the trail. Consider bringing a stroller for younger children, though some dirt pathways exist.
Advance purchase parking is recommended for $10-$15. On-site parking is limited and costs $20-$25. Carpooling or ride-sharing is a good option to avoid parking hassle. Encinitas is north of Escondido, so this makes a logical progression for Friday evening.
Saturday - Wild Wonders & Ocean Adventures
Saturday, November 15San Diego Zoo Safari
Embark on a wildlife adventure at the world-renowned San Diego Zoo.
Explore diverse habitats and see thousands of animals, from playful primates to majestic elephants. The 35-minute guided bus tour is a great way to see much of the park, and the Skyfari Aerial Tram offers panoramic views.
The Zoo is open from 9 AM to 5 PM in November. Plan for at least 4-6 hours to see most exhibits. Children aged 3-12 will be captivated by the animals and interactive displays. Stroller rentals are available, and restrooms are plentiful. Consider using the free shuttle service from Inspiration Point on weekends.
Free parking is available in the lot in front of the Zoo and throughout Balboa Park. A complimentary shuttle service runs from the Inspiration Point parking lot on weekends. Public transportation (Bus 7 or 215) also serves the area.
Balboa Park Picnic
Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch and some playtime at one of Balboa Park's family-friendly playgrounds.
Pepper Grove Playground is a local favorite, offering ample space to run around, unique climbing structures, and shaded areas for parents.
Perfect for energetic kids to burn off some steam after the zoo. Pack your own lunch and snacks to save money. The playground has facilities including restrooms and easy stroller access. The duration is flexible, allowing for as much play as your kids desire.
Ample free parking is available throughout Balboa Park, often within walking distance of Pepper Grove. The free weekend shuttle also serves various points in the park.
Birch Aquarium Dive
Dive into the wonders of the ocean at Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
Discover diverse marine life, get hands-on with tide pool animals, and explore fascinating exhibits that highlight cutting-edge ocean research. Daily feedings and talks add to the immersive experience.
The aquarium is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM in November. This indoor activity is excellent for all ages, especially 3-12, with plenty of interactive displays. Kids will love the Giant Kelp Forest and tide pool touch tanks. Restrooms and stroller access are available. Plan for 2-3 hours.
Free 3-hour parking is available on-site. Full-day permits can be purchased. Large vehicle parking is available along La Jolla Shores Drive. It's a drive from Balboa Park to La Jolla.
Belmont Park Fun
Experience classic beachfront amusement at Belmont Park.
Ride the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, play arcade games, and enjoy some tasty treats right by the ocean. The boardwalk itself offers free entertainment and beautiful sunset views.
While rides and games are ticketed, simply walking the boardwalk, enjoying the atmosphere, and watching the sunset is free. A few rides or an ice cream treat can be a perfect early evening wind-down. Restrooms and food vendors are readily available. Ideal for younger kids for a quick visit before bedtime.
Parking lots are available around Mission Beach, but can fill up quickly. Consider public transit or ride-sharing if possible, or arrive a bit earlier to find parking.
Sunday - Local Flavors & Beach Bliss
Sunday, November 16Hillcrest Market Morning
Start your Sunday morning at the vibrant Hillcrest Farmers Market, San Diego's original and largest market.
Browse over 175 vendors offering fresh produce, local crafts, flowers, and a wide variety of prepared foods with an emphasis on international cuisine. Enjoy live music and soak in the lively community atmosphere.
Free to enter and browse. Kids will enjoy the diverse sights, sounds, and smells. It's a great spot for an affordable and diverse family brunch or lunch. Restrooms are available nearby. Allow 1-2 hours for exploration and food. This market is year-round and confirmed for November 16, 2025.
Parking is available at the DMV lot and surrounding streets. Public transportation is also an option, with several bus lines serving the Hillcrest area.
Coronado Beach Fun
Spend your afternoon at the beautiful Coronado Beach, consistently ranked as one of the best family beaches.
Enjoy building sandcastles, playing in the gentle waves, and exploring tide pools at low tide. Nearby Tidelands Park offers an amazing playground with bay views for additional fun.
Perfect for all ages, with clean sand and calm surf. Kids can run, play, and search for shells. Tidelands Park's playground is expansive and well-maintained, with restrooms and picnic areas. Remember beach essentials: sunscreen, towels, and water. A great free activity to enjoy San Diego's natural beauty.
Free street parking is available in Coronado, but can be competitive. Tidelands Park has its own parking lot. The Coronado Ferry is another option for a scenic ride from downtown (paid).
Downtown Playtime
Wind down the weekend with some active playtime at the recently revamped Children's Park in downtown San Diego.
This fully fenced, multi-zone playground offers a variety of equipment for different ages, including climbing nets, slides, swings, and interactive water jets (weather permitting).
Ideal for toddlers through pre-teens, providing a safe and engaging environment. It's a great way for kids to get their last bursts of energy out before heading home and preparing for the school week. Facilities include restrooms and a soft rubber surface. Plan for about 1-1.5 hours.
Metered street parking and paid parking garages are available in the downtown area. It's also accessible via public transportation (MTS trolley and bus lines).
This weekend itinerary for San Diego can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.