San Diego with kids: U.S.S. Midway attraction

I can't tell you how many times I've been in San Diego with kids and not gone to the U.S.S. Midway attraction. This incredible museum is comprised of the actual aircraft carrier that now sits in the San Diego harbor. Kids who love military vessels and planes will be in heaven, and even if your level of interest for these items is usually closer to lukewarm, you'll still be blown away. We spent an … [Read more...]

Beyond the San Diego Zoo: three Balboa Park museums you’ve overlooked

Over 20 museums and family attractions await kids at Balboa Park in San Diego, but I bet you've only heard of a few of them, the famous San Diego Zoo most likely one of them. While families need days to see them all (and hours to see some), the following three Balboa Park museums for kids you've overlooked include: Museum of Man: Before touring the Museum of Man, I didn't have a clear … [Read more...]

Homebase for a San Diego vacation: Manchester Grand Hyatt review

When most families dream of vacationing in San Diego, they picture themselves staying right on the beach. And this option does exist: namely in Coronado or north in Del Mar. But if you plan to spend the majority of your time in the city (and not in the car), you'll want a downtown hotel by the harbor. I spent three nights at the Manchester Grand Hyatt and was pretty blown away by this perfect home … [Read more...]

San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina

The Marriott Marquis and Marina is located in the heart of San Diego, California's Gaslamp Quarter, situated directly on the bay. It does not include beach access, but the water is in easy reach via the harbor, where kids can watch the boats and parents will appreciate the family-friendly dining. A major convention hotel, families can count on plenty of business and conference traffic … [Read more...]

Old Town San Diego

San Diego has so much going for it, by all rights, the rest of Southern California should be burning with jealousy. But there's something about this city's relaxed, unassuming air that makes it beloved...and a natural a choice for traveling families. Visitors are drawn quickly to San Diego's main family-friendly attractions, including its pristine beaches and all that entails Balboa Park, such … [Read more...]

Legoland California

As lifelong Disney fans, we didn't see it coming, but Legoland California has become my family's favorite theme park. Located just north of San Diego in Carlsbad, CA, this answer to any Lego-lover's dream is perfect for the 2-12 age set. Plus, it has a Kidscore rating of 96. (Learn more about Kidscore.) And due to recent expansion, it's now three parks in one: Legoland, Sea Life Aquarium, and … [Read more...]