LEGOLAND® has a number of attractions that everyone can enjoy. To avoid long lines, start in the back of the park and visit some of the area’s less popular but just as enjoyable spots, including the Adventurers’ Club, Police and Fire Academy, or DUPLO® Playtown. Then, head to the park’s latest attraction, the Ferrari Build and Race interactive exhibit, to give your little Formula 1 fan a chance to be in the driver’s seat.

This 100-acre (40.5-hectare) park features more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals from around the world, including koalas, polar bears, tortoises, tigers, and more. Don’t miss the endangered Sumatran tiger cubs. These cub siblings are two of only 400–600 Sumatran tigers left on Earth. You can also enjoy interactive shows, animal encounters, and the iconic Skyfari Aerial Tram. Tickets include a complimentary bus tour—helpful for families because the terrain around the zoo is hilly.

Give your kids a history lesson on what life was like living in a floating city with a visit to the USS Midway Museum—the largest aircraft carrier in the world that you can tour. Explore the ship’s galley, engine room, jail, flight simulators, and more. Plus, climb aboard one of several historic sailing vessels at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The San Salvador, the 92-foot (28-meter) galleon, is a historically accurate reconstruction of the ship that entered San Diego harbor in 1542.

Home to 17 museums—plus carousels, trains, and scavenger hunts—Balboa Park is a must-stop on your vacation to San Diego. From the city’s most well-known museums like The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) to the under-the-radar spots like the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, there’s something for every age and interest. Hop on the Balboa Park Mini Train for a brief ride through a man-made jungle. Afterward, walk south from the museums along Park Boulevard to Pepper Grove Playground.

Take the family to Petco Park, where you’ll find breathtaking views of the city and one of the best craft beer experiences. The San Diego Padres offer an extra special kid-friendly perk on Sundays: Kidsfest. This is when gates open early (two hours before the first pitch) so families can enjoy bounce houses, face painters, balloon artists, and more. A behind-the-scenes tour of the waterfront park is an excellent choice for sports-loving families.

La Jolla, the posh coastal village located about 13 miles (20 kilometers) north of downtown, is home to Birch Aquarium; La Jolla Shores Beach (one of the best beaches in San Diego for families); and Sunny Jim Sea Cave, the only cave you can access by land on the California coastline. There are 144 stairs involved, so be prepared to both descend and climb. Choose from other active adventures such as kayaking or paddleboarding, or just kick back and relax on the sandy beach.

From Waterfront Park to Seaport Village, exploring San Diego Harbor with your family is a great way to spend the day. Enjoy views on land and then from the harbor on a Seal Tour. Step aboard the amphibious vehicle and cruise past SeaWorld and Vacation Isle, experiencing the best of maritime San Diego. While there, indulge in some throwback candy at The Something Sweet Shop in Seaport Village.

Coronado Island is across the bay from downtown San Diego—to get technical, it’s a tied island connected by a sandy isthmus called Silver Strand. Whether you drive across the Coronado Bridge, take a ferry or water taxi across The Big Bay, or drive across the 7-mile (11-kilometer) peninsula, your trip to the charming spot is part of the adventure. From shopping to dining, there’s plenty for the whole family to do along the famous Orange Avenue.

Moonlight Beach in Encinitas is a local favorite and an ideal spot for kids of all ages. Stop by the grassy area, which includes a fun playground at the beach entrance. The Moonlight Beach Concession Stand is stocked with food for hungry beach-goers, and you’re close enough to walk to local ice cream shops. For an extra adventure, take a guided bike tour to get an insider's feel for the beaches throughout North County. As the day comes to an end, watch the sunset—a truly magical experience.