Where slot canyons, sea stars, and surfboards spark young imaginations
As you can see in the photos, we arrived in Encinitas after 6 p.m. Low tide was at 7:30, so we went after work. The sun was peeking over the ocean as we stepped onto the sand after descending the stairs onto Swami’s Beach. The tide pools were nice and full of sea anemones and a few crabs, but we thought we might have been able to see more at the La Jolla Cove and Tide Pools. Especially the sea lions. We will do that next week.
The kids all enjoyed playing in the waves as the water was pretty warm. The sunset was beautiful, and it always reminds me of why we chose to live here. You can visit prehistoric dinosaurs in Hemet in the morning, hike Annie’s Canyon in Solana Beach after lunch, and hit the tide pools in the afternoon and still be home before bedtime.
Here are some fun and inexpensive ideas for day trips.
Coastal Exploration & Tide Pools
Encinitas and La Jolla Cove Tide Pools (near San Diego)
At low tide, little ones can roam among starfish, anemones, crabs, and maybe even peek at an octopus.
Search online for low tide. Bring sturdy shoes and make sure to teach young ones to step on the higher places to avoid damaging the sea life. Don’t forget to enjoy playing in the sand and the sea!
Hidden Sea Caves & Shoreline Trails
Head to the caves near La Jolla or Crystal Cove State Park, where shallow grottoes beckon families. Surrounded by sandstone cliffs, these beachside niches offer safe, memorable exploration.
You can rent boats, kayaks, bicycles, and maybe go snorkeling. Many of the beaches have rentals that make for an exciting day.
Slot Canyon Thrills
Annie’s Canyon Trail (Solana Beach)
A 1.6–2 mile loop dipping into a dramatic sandstone slot canyon, this trail blends easy hiking with playful challenges – narrow passages, a ladder scramble, and rewarding lagoon views
Families rave that “kids actually enjoyed it” even with the tight squeeze. For those wary of tight spaces, a switchback bypass is available.
Don’t let the short distance fool you – this 2-mile loop is packed with wonder.
Parent Pro-Tip: This hike is shady in parts, but bring sunscreen, water, and shoes with good grip – and expect lots of giggles.
Rides & Rails
San Diego Trolley & Coaster
Ride the vintage-style trolley through uptown neighborhoods and hop onto the Coaster train for scenic ocean views into San Diego County or into San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano,
Surf’s Up
Surf Lessons for Kids
From La Jolla Shores to Oceanside, kid‑focused surf schools offer specially tailored gear and instructors certified in child swim safety.
Parks & museums
Balboa Park (San Diego)
A cultural wonderland with playgrounds, artist studios, the Fleet Science Center offering interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater, providing hands-on learning experiences for all ages – from aviation galleries to space shuttles, planetariums, and dinosaur fossils.
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Focuses on the history of aviation and space exploration, showcasing artifacts from pioneers like the Wright Brothers and Neil Armstrong.
San Diego Natural History Museum
Explores the natural world with exhibits on fossils, Southern California ecosystems, and more.
Western Science Center (Hemet)
Home to “Max” the mastodon and “Xena” the Columbian mammoth, this hands-on museum features interactive dig‑site experiences and fossil exhibits ideal for young explorers.
Final note
From sandy slot canyons to marine life, prehistoric skeletons to painted canvases, Southern California delivers a vibrant, family‑friendly mosaic of adventure. Mix outdoor excitement with cultural charm, and you’ve got memories your kids will treasure.
Remember that where you go isn’t as important as the fact that you are spending time together, creating memories. The kids may remember how they felt spending a fun day with you as much as what they actually did.
Next week, we will focus on petting zoos, local hikes, and art classes.
