Ultimate List of Dog and Toddler-Friendly Activities in San Diego

Sunny San Diego is known for being super kid friendly and also super dog friendly. But many of the kid friendly activities are museums or attractions where dogs are not welcome. If you are looking for activities that are both dog friendly AND toddler friendly, then this list of dog and toddler friendly San Diego activities has you covered! No need to leave any member of the family home on this San Diego family vacation. Your favorite pup is more than welcome at all of these activities, and your toddler will have a blast too!

1. Dog Friendly Beaches

San Diego has the perfect weather for enjoying the beach. And dog friendly San Diego has their fair share of designated dog beaches. But putting your active toddler in the midst of off leash dogs is probably not the most relaxing beach day. Your dog may be used to an active toddler, but other dogs may not be. It is a handful to watch your child, the ocean, and off leash dogs all at once.

To have a better chance of actually enjoying the beach with a toddler and a dog, look for beaches that have designated dog friendly sections or beaches that allow dogs but on leash. If the beach has a designated dog friendly section, stay to the edge of the dog section. Then you are far enough away from the majority of the off leash dogs, but still following the dog rules.

2. Balboa Park

Balboa Park is the perfect place for high energy toddlers and pups to burn off some steam in a stunning setting. Dogs obviously are not allowed in the zoo or museums. But there are plenty of gardens in Balboa Park that welcome dogs on leash. The Spreckels Organ Pavilion was a surprise hit with both our toddler and dog. They both loved racing up and down the corridors of the columned pavilion. This tired them both out enough for the adults to enjoy the rest of the stunning architecture in the park. And bonus if you catch a fire truck sighting in the park like we did! There is also a miniature train and a carousel for the toddler, though those are not dog friendly so one parent will have to stay behind with the doggo.

3. Scenic Hikes

For an easy, flat, but very scenic hike, head to the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Dogs are allowed on leash, toddlers will love the thrill of watching the crashing waves below as you hike, and parents will enjoy the romantic views.

4. Pumpkin Patches

The pumpkin patches are obviously seasonal, but October is a great month to visit San Diego because museum entrance is free for kids in October through a program called Kids Free San Diego. We visited a Pumpkin Station pumpkin patch on a weekday and there were no lines for any of the rides. There are five Pumpkin Stations scattered throughout San Diego so you are sure to find one convenient to you. Parking and admission to the Pumpkin Station pumpkin patches are free, but you do have to pay for the rides. They all welcome dogs on leashes (though be warned, there is a lot of hay so they will get dirty).

5. Liberty Station Public Market

Liberty Station is a former naval training base that has been transformed into a dining and shopping destination. There are plenty of green lawns for toddlers to zoom around and dogs are also welcome on leash. Many of the restaurants are dog and kid-friendly, and many of the stores welcome dogs as well. If you are very adventurous, you can even rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard and take your pup and kiddo out on the water.

6. Bonita Cove

Bonita Cove is nestled in the calmer side of Mission Bay. There is a great playground and a nice paved walking trail that runs along the cove, perfect for a family walk. If you want to make an afternoon of it, there are plenty of grassy areas and picnic tables to relax for a picnic. There is also a small beach right on the bay with very calm water, in case your kiddo wants more beach time.

7. La Jolla

The La Jolla Beach Trail is another great family friendly walk. The easy paved trail hugs the coastline, and takes you past a beach where sea lions and seals lounge. Your toddler will have a blast watching the antics of the sea lions, though your dog will probably be pulling to leave the pungent smells.

Looking for kid and dog friendly places to stay in San Diego?

We have rounded up our favorite family friendly places to stay in San Diego in our complete San Diego itinerary!