It's not always easy to find the best vacation with kids. Where do you think of all the places to go that your children would enjoy their time the most? You likely want a mild temperature, where it's not too hot and not too cold. You want a place that's easy to get to and easy to get around, yet still as plenty of things to do. You may want to find a balance between education activities and just plain ol' fun stuff for everyone in the family. Beaches are great for family holidays so kids can play while parents put up their feet and relax.
We may be biased, but we think San Diego is one of the best vacation spots for kids. In Southern California, you'll discover a kid friendly vacation that suits everyone's needs.
There are 70 miles of coastline in San Diego County. If you are a beach lover, this is your spot. If the teens want to learn how to surf, the San Diego Surfing Academy is the place to learn.
Besides hitting the waves, the shopping is fantastic and there are many stores for you to explore during your trip. No vacation with kids is complete without a little souvenir shopping, right? Try Horton Plaza, in downtown San Diego, for a whimsical shopping experience.
The spring season is the time to catch a Padres' game at Petco Park. For the baseball fans in the family this will be quite an enjoyable treat. The stadium's downtown location and design were inspired by ballparks of yesteryear, like Boston's Fenway Park. You'll find fabulous restaurants and shopping close by, too.
The San Diego Zoo is located here and the number of attractions to see will keep you busy for a long time. This is one of the best zoos in the country to visit and you'll find various wildlife such as orangutans and pandas to keep you entertained.
The Wild Animal Park, located in Escondido, will allow you to get up close and personal with many of the animals. This is also a good place for children to learn about endangered animals and the ways they are being protected. Go to the Wild Animal Park Lion camp and visit with the lions. This area also has antelope and giraffe. The elephants are waiting for your visit as well. Take the family on a safari vacation and camp out in tents on the park's east. This area is overlooking the East Africa plains. This will be a trip to remember when you see animals that you have never before seen. Your kids will be in awe and you will never forget the special time you spent together on this San Diego vacation.
Need more? Hit up Legoland and the many museums found in San Diego. History enthusiasts will enjoy the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum and other sites at Balboa Park. Military buffs will get their fill of warships and seacraft dotting the bay.
At Sea World, you'll enjoy meeting the whales and watching them perform for your pleasure at Shamu Adventure. The amazing things trainers have taught the killer whales is hard to believe, but they are right there before your eyes to see.
If you love getting wet and wild, the Journey to Atlantis at Sea World is another great your destination. The story of Atlantis, the lost city, is told and you might even get a look at the dolphins here. Many shows are available with animals of all types - pigs, sea lions and many birds. For the youngsters, Shamu's Happy Harbor is a playground where the kids can take a day and learn how to become a trainer. This is for kids 13 years old and older. But it is something that is fun and learning at the same time.
If you are looking for the ultimate vacation with kids, you will do no better than the area of San Diego. With a little something for everyone, the chances are you will not get a lot of rest while vacationing. You may even need to take an extra week off to recuperate.
