23 Free Indoor Activities in San Diego for Kids
Free Indoor Activities in San Diego for Kids
Super hot or rainy days can often become very challenging for parents with younger children. Especially if you don't want to entertain at your house all day! There are plenty of great indoor activities in our county but most cost money. That can add up very quickly!
I thought I'd share a list I've compiled over the years of great indoor activities that are free! Beyond just being fun and entertaining, most are educational as well!
Honestly, this really is a list for EVERYONE, but being a new mom I now see the constant struggle to find new and engaging activities, ESPECIALLY when the weather is severe.
I highly recommend calling in advance to make sure the spot is open, especially if you're driving far. Many of these spaces are volunteer-run and therefore are subject to be closed during times they should be open.
1. Free Museums at Balboa Park
Balboa Park has the best museums and best of all, if your driver's license shows you're a San Diego resident, you get to go to their museums for FREE on Tuesdays! Different museums are free each Tuesday so I will give the list below:
Fleet Science Center (Not valid for films)
San Diego Natural History Museum (Not valid for films)
San Diego Model Railroad Museum – Excluding December
Natural History Museum
Second Tuesday:
San Diego Air & Space Museum (Not valid for special exhibitions) – Excluding December due to December Nights. There will be no Free Tuesday in January and will be closed to the public.
The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park
Comic-Con Museum – Excluding November and December
Third Tuesday:
San Diego Museum of Art (Not valid for special exhibitions)
Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum (Excluding March, which will occur on the first Tuesday). There will be no Resident Free Tuesday in December, and they will resume in January.
Mingei International Museum – Except August 2024 in preparation for Blue Gold: The Art and Science of Indigo. Entry Level open to the public.
The Old Globe – Except in January and September, free one-hour Behind-the-Scenes Tours available. In order to participate, please register here. If the link is not working, that means we are full, but walk-ups are accepted on a first come, first served basis. We begin promptly at 10:30 AM to ensure a timely finish at 11:30 AM. Access to spaces are subject to availability based on our year-round production schedules. Ages 8+ only. For groups of 10 or more, please fill out this form to schedule a separate tour, or visit our main page for more info or additional tour dates.
Fourth Tuesday:
San Diego Automotive Museum – Except in September and December
Museum of Us – Except December. Free admission does not include California Tower tours or annual membership to the Museum. California Tower tours are available on Residents Free Days for $10 per person and can be booked online or in-person.
Museum of Us
2. Santa Ysabel Nature Preserve
For those who live in San Diego's back-country or those wanting a beautiful drive in the heat, this is a neat little spot to check out! Inside the 6,000-square-foot LEED Gold, Zero Net Energy facility, visitors will find educational displays, hands-on exhibits, ranger offices, restrooms, a modern community room with a full kitchen that accommodates up to 99 guests, a water refill station, a staffed information desk, and Wi-Fi access.
This is also attached to the Santa Ysabel Preserve East Trail which is a great hike in cooler weather!
Address: 22135 Highway 79, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
3. Nautical History Gallery & Museum
Talk about a true hidden gem! Tucked away inside the historic Dick Laub NTC Command Center in Liberty Station is a very easy to miss FREE museum. The Nautical History Gallery & Museum was created by Veteran Joe Frangiosa as a true labor of love. I feel people from all walks of life will be able to appreciate the amount of time and dedication he has put into this space.
4. Cuyamaca State Park Visitor Center
The Cuyamaca State Park Visitor Center was definitely better than I had anticipated which is probably why I had never stopped by it before. I think the most captivating feature is the mock Kumeyaay village on the side of the center. Pretty cool to see an authentic replica up-close like this.
The inside of the visitor’s center doubles as a museum with a handful of taxidermied animals including a mountain lion. 
Address: Upper Green Valley Rd. Descanso, CA 91916
5. Libraries
Libraries are a great space for little kids and each library will have a special day each week when they do songs and read stories to the kids. The libraries will also have reading nooks and other fun things. Each one has its own unique touch so click the link above and find which ones you'd like to visit first or which ones you haven't visited yet!
6. Centro Cultural de Raza
San Diego’s Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park was founded in 1970 as a Chicano Community Cultural Center and functioned as an alternative space that encouraged and facilitated artistic growth and cultural interchange in the San Diego/Tijuana region. The Centro’s mission is to promote preserve and create Mexican, Chicano, Indigenous and Latino art and culture.
Addres: 2004 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101
7. Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead
I was really surprised when I first learned about the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead. It is literally across the street from the popular Westfield Mall in Escondido, which was my shopping center growing up. I had no clue this quaint, historical home sat quietly across the street.
If you’re into visiting well-preserved homes from the early pioneer era in San Diego, definitely add this one to your list. Best of all, it’s free to tour!
Address: 12655 Sunset Dr. Escondido, CA 92025
8. Humane Society
The Humane Societies don't require a reservation like many animal rescues do and have all sorts of animals. If you've been on the fence of adopting a pet, maybe this will be the perfect nudge to finally take the plunge! It was for us and now we have an adorable kitty! Just make sure if you adopt a pet that it will be your forever pet!
There are currently 5 locations in San Diego County so click the link above to choose which one you'd like to visit!
9. Barona Cultural Center & Museum
The Barona Cultural museum sits on the Barona Indian reservation near Lakeside and is dedicated to the presentation of the local Kumeyaay People. The museum has a diverse collection which represents thousands of years of Kumeyaay history, with some objects dating back close to 10,000 years.
Address: 1095 Barona Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040
10. Rancho Penasquitos Adobe
The Rancho Peñasquitos Adobe is located within the Los Peñasquitos Canyon and is most notable as the second oldest colonial structure in San Diego County. Built in 1823, the adobe was the recipient of the first Mexican land grant in San Diego County, given in 1823 to Francisco María Ruiz. This is probably where the Camino Ruiz trail got its name, which is connected to this canyon.
Address: 12122 Canyonside Park Dr. San Diego, CA 92129
11. Oceanside's Heritage Park
Oceanside’s Heritage Park is a representation of what the area looked like over a century ago. The park was created in the 1970’s as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebration and is open to the public with several museums and a beautiful gazebo perfect for events.
The historic buildings featured here were relocated from various parts of Oceanside. San Diego actually has several heritage parks, the other one we’ve visited being in Old Town.
Address: 220 Peyri Dr. Oceanside, CA 92058
TIP: If you're enjoying this post, make sure to check out our list of Hidden Gems in Orange County next!
12. Anza Borrego Visitor Center
The Anza-Borrego Visitor Center is a unique, award-winning, underground facility housing exhibits on the park's natural history, paleontology, and archaeology. Located west of Borrego Springs at the end of Palm Canyon Drive, it offers films, a bookstore, and rangers to assist visitors. Outside, a desert garden features native plants, and the center's hidden roof provides an elevated view of the surrounding landscape.
Address: 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92000
13. Historical Societies
14. World Beat Cultural Center
The World Beat Cultural Center is one of Balboa Park’s most treasured spots. It is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, present and preserve both African and Indigenous cultures. They do this through unique events surrounded by music and dance, educational classes, delicious food and displays within the center.
Address: 2100 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101
15. Mission Trails Visitor Center
Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor's Center is a great stop-off before heading into the park. Here you can learn about the Kumeyaay people and further educate yourself about their culture, beliefs and traditions.
There is also a 94-seat theater that runs 4 educational shows about the park and its history daily. There is a collection of taxidermied animals of some of the creatures that live in this area, an art gallery, artifacts found in the area and more. I imagine the exhibits change occasionally giving reasons for revisits.
16. Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center
Address: 7380 Gabbiano Ln. Carlsbad, CA 92011
17. Elfin Forest Preserve Nature Center
The interpretive center contains many permanent artistic components, including several original works by James Hubbell and his collaborations with other artists. The building also features green design elements such as recycled building materials, solar panels powered by photovoltaic cells, and a green “living” roof.
Address: 8833 Harmony Grove Rd, Escondido, CA 92029
18. Tecolote Nature Center
Nature Play: The Tecolote Nature Center in San Diego hosts a wide variety of programs for all ages. Its monthly evening programs highlight topics such as butterfly migration, tropical birding, and local raptors. Each year, the center also presents nature-themed special events, including the Birdhouse Auction, Endangered Species Day Open House, and Nature Summer Camp. First Wednesdays 1:30–3:00 PM. Play and get crafty. For ages 4-12 years old, adults must be present throughout the event.
Address: 5180 Tecolote Rd, San Diego, CA 92110
19. Desert View Tower
Located in Jacumba. the Desert View Tower exceeded all of my expectations the first time I visited. Inside is like an oddities shop.
To be fair, if you want to walk up all 5 stories it is around $5, but the bottom floor filled with fun oddities is free to explore. This is not a destination spot, this is a spot that you stop by while on your road trip. It's basically in the middle of nowhere but definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area!
Address: In-Ko-Pah Park Rd. Jacumba, CA 91934
20. World Beat Cultural Center
The World Beat Cultural Center is one of Balboa Park’s most treasured spots. It is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, present and preserve both African and Indigenous cultures. They do this through unique events surrounded by music and dance, educational classes, delicious food and displays within the center.
Address: 2100 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101
21. San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
Enjoy a kids crafting station, live and taxidermied animals, educational facts and all sorts of fun activities. When the weather is nice, there are fun trails that wind you along the lagoon as well!
Address: 2710 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007
22. Malls
I will start off by saying I am not a mall person. I do think that pretty much every indoor mall as a kids section though. You will have to call the mall of your choice to make sure before you go if your sole intention is to enjoy the play area.
23. Buena Vista Audubon
The Nature Center hosts a variety of programs for all ages. Its monthly evening programs explore topics such as butterfly migration, tropical birding, and local raptors. Each year, the center also offers nature-themed special events, including the Birdhouse Auction, Endangered Species Day Open House, and Nature Summer Camp.
Address: 2202 S. Coast Hwy. Oceanside, CA 92054
