Ready for a fun-filled summer in San Diego? Here are 31 exciting ideas—one for each day in July!
- Late-Night Pancake Party: Take the kids out for chocolate chip pancakes in PJs at 9 pm. It’s a fun, school-free treat!
- Play Tourist: Hop on an Old Town Trolley Tour to discover new facts about San Diego. Use the Hometown Pass for free rides!
- Beach Day: Build epic sandcastles with the kids. Book a family lesson with San Diego Sand Castles for pro tips.
- Julian’s Fourth of July: Stay overnight in Julian on July 3 to snag a spot for the noon parade on Main St., featuring bands, mariachi, and classic cars.
- Stargazing: View the Milky Way at Desert View Park in Julian or catch a planetarium show at Fleet Science Center.
- Summer Reading Rewards: Set reading goals for kids with prizes like a special parent-child outing. Check local library programs.
- Ice Cream Adventure: Try every spot on the “Frozen Treats to Beat the Heat” list, pairing each with a new beach or park visit.
- Farmers Market Fun: Let kids pick fresh produce at a local market, then cook a new recipe together.
- Family DIY Project: Build a bird feeder, fort, or PVC sprinkler. Find inspiration on Pinterest’s Cool DIY Projects board.
- Backyard Camping: Set up a tent, make s’mores, and stargaze. Kids can play in it all day, even if they don’t sleep outside.
- Viejas Fun Day: Go roller skating and bowling at Viejas Casino & Resort. Bring clothes for the interactive fountains (weekends).
- Summer Games Day: Host a three-legged race, pie-eating contest, or hula hoop challenge with friends and family.
- Padres Game: Cheer at Petco Park and check for themed events or promotions.
- Picnic Concert: Pack a picnic for a free summer concert in a local park.
- Block Party: Organize a BBQ with games or a simple ice cream sundae party with neighbors.
- Park Hopping: Create a schedule to visit San Diego’s best parks and playgrounds.
- Sesame Place: Spend a day at Sesame Place in Chula Vista with water slides and Sesame Street characters.
- Summer Scrapbook: Have kids start a scrapbook with photos and journal entries to keep writing skills sharp.
- Tide Pool Exploration: Visit Birch Aquarium or Cabrillo National Monument to see marine life up close.
- Hidden Gems: Discover a lesser-known San Diego spot or explore several in one day.
- Harbor Cruise: Take a Hornblower cruise, or make it a brunch cruise for special occasions.
- Outdoor Movie Night: Watch a film at Summer Movies in the Park, Rooftop Cinema Club, or Cinema Under the Stars.
- Water Play: Enjoy water balloon baseball, sprinklers, or a water gun fight.
- USS Midway Museum: Explore San Diego’s naval history on the USS Midway. Plan for a full visit.
- Hiking Adventure: Walk one of San Diego’s scenic hiking trails.
- Night Fishing: Try fishing at Santee Lakes after dark.
- Fairy Garden: Create a magical fairy garden with ideas from Pinterest’s Fairy Garden board.
- Water Sports: Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski for a day on San Diego Bay.
- Torrey Pines Gliderport: Watch hang gliders and enjoy stunning ocean views.
- Balboa Park Day: Ride the carousel, visit the Zoo, explore museums, or relax by the fountain.