Awe, San Diego!  It is beautiful city home to numerous picturesque beaches and alluring coastal landscapes.

However, did you know that San Diego is also a very kid-friendly city that caters to a broad, diverse range of interests and subjects.  Wherever your children’s interest may lie, you’re sure to find a place in San Diego, that will provide them with deeper insight, engagement and inspiration.  From the fine arts, including classical, contemporary and folk art, to science and natural history, San Diego offers an abundance of options for children.

Therefore, I have compiled a list of 75 kid-friendly places in San Diego County that love little visitors and hosts field trips for students.  Some of them are free.  Some cost a few dollars.  And as always, you know your children best, so please call ahead of time to make sure it is an appropriate venue to take your own family!

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Today my family and I met up with my parents at the San Diego Zoo to spend some time together.  They were in town for a conference of Vietnam Vets, and there is no better place to take a veteran, my dad, than to the San Diego Zoo.  His birthday is also on Tuesday, so our trip served a dual purpose.

The last time I visited the San Diego Zoo was over 10 years ago when I lived in the area.  Now, since relocating to Orange County, I rarely get back down to San Diego.  So today was extra special for the entire family.

During our visit, we enjoyed seeing the wide range of animals that the zoo had on display in their natural habitats.  From elephants to lions to giraffes and more, the San Diego Zoo does an outstanding job at providing a safe place for some of the world’s most endangered species, while educating the public about wildlife conservation.

5 Must See Animals at the San Diego Zoo

Here are the top 5 must see animals at the San Diego Zoo that we enjoyed the most.

Gregarious River Hippos

These little beauties (I mean big beasts!) were delighted to entertain and watch us for hours.  Back and forth the mama and baby hippo swam as they greeted visitors at their special underwater viewing window.   The state-of-the-art pool lets you see the hippos in all their glory, from above and below, whether in or out of the water!  I learned from the display that an adult hippo can hold its breath underwater for up to 30 minutes.  That definitely beats my son’s record of 10 seconds while in the bath tub!

Arboreal Orangutans

I was quite enamored by the orangutans who perched themselves upon on a deep layer of mulch right in front of the viewing window.  They happily devoured their snacks (daily treats consisting of papaya, corn, turnip, onion, popcorn, raisins, peanut butter, and walnuts) as they gazed bewildered upon us – the onlookers.  They didn’t seem to mind one bit that we were in their presence.   Now everyone can watch the orangutans from home on the zoo’s Ape Cam!

Guinean cock-of-the-rock

The San Diego Zoo is home to the second largest cock-of-the-rock group in the US after the Dallas World Aquarium.  Native to South America, the cock-of-the-rock not only has the coolest name ever, but the best fashion sense.  They are stunning to watch!  Located in the Parker Aviary at the San Diego Zoo, the Guinean cock-of-the-rock was friendly to my stepmom as he perched himself on the railing next to her.  He also happily fluttered about and put on a glorious show of flight.

Mountain Lion (Puma, Cougar)

Mountain lion, puma, cougar, panther—this cat is known by more names than just about any other mammal!  But no matter what you call it, it’s still the same cat, Puma concolor, the largest of the small cat species.

As a resident of Southern California, local authorities regularly advised us to watch out for mountain lions in the wilderness and canyon areas.  But at the San Diego Zoo, the mountain lions are behind a fence, so you able to watch them freely roam about.

Gerenuk

Today was the first time I have ever seen a gerenuk.  While strolling through the African Woods, one gerenuk in particular surprised me by jumping up to grab a plethra of tree branches.

The gerenuk is also the oddest-looking of the antelope family.   It has a slender body, impossibly tall, thin legs, and a long neck.  As I later learned online, giraffes feed at the top of the trees in the African savanna.  Other antelope graze around the bottom.  But the gerenuk gets the good stuff right in the middle by standing completely erect on its hind legs—an amazing sight!

The San Diego Zoo is open every day of the year, including all holidays, from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.  And right now with Kids Free San Diego children can visit the San Diego Zoo for FREE all October long!

The San Diego Zoo is located at 2920 Zoo Drive in Balboa Park, just north of downtown San Diego.

Happy Field Tripping!

Jilleen

Disclosure: We received complimentary tickets to the San Diego Zoo as a member of the media.  All points of view and opinions are my own.

photo credit: Prayitno

Last week, I shared with you that in October kids stay, eat and play for FREE throughout San Diego.  With over 100 participating partners such as hotels, restaurants and attractions, San Diego is the place for the ultimate family vacation.

Kids Ride Free to San Diego

But in October, Kids Ride Free to San Diego on Amtrak too!   The Kids Ride Free to San Diego on the Pacific Surfliner® offer is good for one child ages 2-12 rides to ride free with each adult rail fare purchased for travel to and from Oceanside, Solana Beach, Old Town San Diego and San Diego Downtown station.  You can travel from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Fullerton, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine and San Juan Capistrano.

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LEGO fans unite!  LEGOLAND^® California Resort announced earlier this week the addition of a new NINJAGO™ land coming in the Spring 2016!  Introducing NINJAGO™ – The Ride.

photo credit: LEGOLAND® California Resort

During the press conference, Taiko drummers, ninja warriors and a Spinjitzu Master filled the theater with energy.  Afterwards, General Manager Peter Ronchetti offered details of the exciting new land and unmasked the new ride which features technology guests have never experienced at any other theme park.

Guests will enter the new NINJAGO land through a giant archway behind Imagination Zone leading them into a courtyard where they begin their ninja training.   The new land will feature LEGO^® building stations, a game to test reflexes, spinners to test balance, Asian cuisine and a new shopping venue. Interactive experiences will test guests’ physical skills, balance and agility before they can prep for their ultimate training session: NINJAGO – The Ride.

Through 3D imagery, high-tech sensors and the use of hand movements in a striking motion, up to four riders per car, representing the four main NINJAGO characters, can blast animated fireballs, lightning, shockwaves and ice as they travel through dojos to master their skills before heading into battle.  Riders collect points for their training and battle efforts throughout the ride and scores are displayed when their quest is completed. 4D effects such as heat, smoke and wind are also incorporated throughout the adventure, giving guests the ultimate interactive experience.

NINJAGO –The Ride will be the ultimate experience providing interactive fun for all!  I know Field Trip Boy definitely can’t wait to go on it!

NINJAGO – The Ride will be included in the cost of admission to LEGOLAND California Resort.  We will be sharing more information about the ride and when it opens as it becomes available.

Happy Field Tripping!

Jilleen

Disclosure: This post is for informational purposes only.  All points of view are my own.