A Day in Balboa Park, San Diego, California

Spend a half day taking in the beautiful gardens and playgrounds at Balboa park, and when you're ready to head inside, choose one of the excellent kids attractions. Because of the variety of options, this itiniary is suitable for any type of weather.

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Bread & Cie

Address 350 University Ave, San Diego, CA Map, Tel 619-683-9322, Hours M-F 7am-7pm; Sat 7am-6pm; Sun 8am-6pm, Bus 1, 3, 16, 25, or 908 Website

Bread & Cie is known as the best bread bakery in San Diego. It's a great spot to pick up sandwiches and salads for a picnic at the Zoo or Balboa Park. Try the Roasted Eggplant and Feta cheese sandwich served on black olive bread with roasted red peppers & red ...

Balboa Park

Address Balboa Park, San Diego Map, Website

Balboa Park is the country's largest urban cultural park. It houses 15 major museums, performing art venues, and the San Diego Zoo. Of course there are also beautiful gardens and playgrounds. The Balboa Park website lists a changing calendar of events.

Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre

Address 2130 Pan American Place, San Diego, CA 92101 Map, Tel (619) 544-9203, Hours Performances Wed-Sun, check website for hours, Cost $3 for adults; $2 for ages 2+ Website

This puppet theatre has performances for all ages featuring hand puppets, marionettes, finger puppets, and other types of puppets. Performances are year round. The theatre has 200 seats, so arrive early for a seat near the front. Weekday morning performances are lightly attended.

Ruben H. Fleet Science Center

Address 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Map, Tel (619) 238-1233, Website

The science museum has hands on activities for kids beginning at age 2, an IMAX theatre, and changing special exhibits. There is an indoor play area upstairs that's great on a rainy day.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Address 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Map, Tel (619) 696-0199, Hours Tue-Fri 11:00 - 4:00; Sat & Sun 11:00 - 5:00, Cost 15+ $6.00; under 15 free Website

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is the world's largest model railroad museum. It contains four different model railroad layouts, all of which are works in progress for the model railroad clubs that meet here. Everything is at grownup height, so kids will need to stand on platforms or ...

San Diego Zoo

Address 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA Map, Tel 619-231-1515, Bus Take the #7 bus from downtown Website

Considered one of the best Zoos in the country, the San Diego Zoo is spread across 100 acres and animals live in lush "natural" habitats rather than tiny cages. There's also a gondola to take you across the park and a miniature steam train! If you arrive early in ...

Balboa Park Miniature Train

Address Florida Dr and Morley Field Drive Map, Tel +1 619 239 4748, Hours 11a-4:30p Sa-Su in winter; extended hours during summer, Cost $2 for ages 1 and up Website

The miniature railroad, just outside the zoo entrance, is a fun three minute ride for little kids.

The Mission - University

Address 2801 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104 Map, Tel (619) 220-8992, Hours 7am-3pm Website

The Mission restaurant, popular with locals, specializes in simple, healthy, Mexican inspired breakfasts and lunches. There are three locations, SOMA (downtown), Mission Beach, and University Ave. The mapped location is close to the San Diego Zoo.