Kid-Friendly San Diego: Where Little Ones Can Run Wild

3115 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

Kids love the tropical palms and meandering boardwalks dotted with Tiki bars, open-air barbecues, fire pits and hammocks. The menu ranges from quesadillas, burgers and shrimp skewers to slabs of barbecued back baby ribs, and you can also try your hand at surfing the FlowRider, a simulated 10-ft. waves. But beware: The family-friendly atmosphere here only lasts until about 8pm.

224 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

Upscale, but kid-friendly steakhouse near the ballpark.

10785 Scripps Poway Pkwy., Poway, CA 92131 (map)

Pizza, pasta and salads continue to impress at this local, casual dining spot with kids menus and crayons.

222 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

If the family is crusing around downtown, walking the waterfront or biking the embarcadero, Cafe 222 is the perfect mid-morning pit stop. Think of it like a bright, modern So-Cal version of a diner. Owner Terryl Gavre knows food--she writes restaurant reviews, teaches cooking classes, and regularly appears on local tv stations--and her house specialties include low fat pumpkin waffles, famous orange-pecan pancakes and peanut butter and banana stuffed French toast.

2965 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106 (map)

A black and white checkered floor, chrome accented counters and real soda fountains fill the swingin' dining room which also displays a shiny, vintage corvette front and center. Waitresses don huge wigs and their colorful personalities are exaggerated during impromptu song-and-dance routines whenever Rock Around The Clock cranks on the juke box. Needless to say, kids get a kick out of the Corvette Diner. To top it off? After a meal, the wait staff blesses each table with a hand-tossed bunch of Bazooka Joe bubble gum.

2489 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110 (map)

A favorite with locals for nearly three decades and winner of numerous awards, this no-frills eatery serves up Mexican specialties like enchiladas rancheras and steak Azteca along with huge "combo plates." Kids love watching the tortilla makers roll and sizzle and tortillas fresh in the big picture window, and the patio out back gives larger families and groups plenty of room to groove.

2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

Everything here--from the striking animal habitats set amid winding canyons to the ampitheaters ad children's petting zoo--is expertly crafted. Stamina is essential for taking it all in: Open-air trams and a Skyfari ride aren't bad ways to see the sights, but on foot is best. With more than 500 animal species on hand, as well as 6,500 plant species, you'll need more than one visit to really appreciate the zoo's exotic charms. Be sure to hang on to your ticket stub, as it usualy contains a free bus ride around the park.

Laurel St at Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

Put simply, Balboa Park is San Diego's version of New York's Central Park. But locals like to tout one defining feature that makes it standout: It's actually bigger than Central Park. Designed by Kate Sessions originally back in 1892, the 1200-acre park now encompasses 15 museums, renowned performing arts venues like the Spreckles Organ Pavilion, dozens of gardens and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Follow signs to the visitor center to get maps, coupons and a game plan for the day.

1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

Catch an Imax movie in the famous RH Fleet Science Center and Museum or explore the hands-on science center. Kids can make electric shock waves, experiment with chemical reactions, test sound barriers and more. Be sure to visit the visitors center in Balboa Park before buying tickets to any museum, though, as they usually have discounts or coupons available. All museums are free to local residents on Tuesdays.

One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (map)

The 128-acre park is really designed for children age 2-12, but there are plenty of fun rides and hands-on attractions to keep older kids and adults entertained, too. Life-sized models throughout the park were created from more than 30 million LEGO bricks. Themed areas include Pirate Shores, Knight's Kingdom, Dino Island, Explore Village, Imagination Zone, and Mini Town USA.

230 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024 (map)

Grab the allergy medicine and set your kids free to romp in one of the city's most picturesque gardens. Set on 35 acres of scenic canyons and hillsides, this popular eco-friendly compound features more than 25 distinct gardens with plants from desert, tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean climates. It boasts the West Coast's first interactive children's garden, Seeds of Wonder, and a unique area with succulents and other plants simulating an undersea coral reef.

500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

Shamu and Friends will splash you, the penguin encounter will freeze you, the shark tunnel will scare you, and the water park will tucker everyone our by the end of a long day at Sea World. And here's a tip for making the steep entrance fee to SeaWorld worth your while: Buy a "park pass" that's good all year long. If you go only three times, it more than pays for itself.

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027 (map)

The Wild Animal Park is wilder than ever these days. Roar and Snore sleepovers allow you to spend the night out on the plains safari-style; new vehicles drive you right up to the animals roaming the African desert landscape; and hands-on craft stations, feeding areas and kids games really get the whole family to participate. It's a bit of a drive out to Escondido (and h-o-t in the summer) but surely worth the trip.

7100 Four Seasons Point, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (map)