Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Mira Mesa

"Start the day in Balboa Park and try to get there early because this park is HUGE (and by huge I mean there is a freeway and several other roads running through it). Balboa park isn’t just green space, its packed with the best of San Diego’s museums and you’ll want to do some pre-planning to decide which museums you want to see in the time available (half a day). I’m a space and science nerd so I made a beeline for the Air and Space Museum."

"Comprising 1,200 acres in San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States, and also one of the oldest. It features over 15 museums, meandering paths, overflowing gardens, green belts, several theaters, gift shops, restaurants, a carousel, mini railroad, and San Diego Zoo. Admittance to the park is free, as is access to the luscious gardens, trails, The Botanical Building, and Timken Art Museum."

"Balboa Park is more than just a green space in the city — it’s a cultural oasis — home to more than 17 museums, theaters, and the famous San Diego Zoo. There are several playgrounds and a miniature railroad to keep the kids entertained, and various restaurants and cafes to grab a bite to eat. The iconic botanical building is a lovely visit with thousands of plants and a lilypond."

"The New Children’s Museum is an interactive arts-based museum that commissions contemporary artists to create pieces with tactile, physical, and participatory elements to introduce kids to art and create an opportunity for them to observe, play, and create. Getting in: New Children's Museum tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card All-Inclusive Pass."

"This interactive children’s museum offers interactive art meant for kids. Installations are designed by artists, so tykes can learn principles of movement and physics while simultaneously being exposed to art and working out the ants in their pants. Exhibits change every 18 months or so, so there's always something new."

"This unique museum collaborates with contemporary artists to create one-of-a-kind art installations. The exhibits include playhouses, clubhouses, and climbable towers. Kids can interact with the exhibits and engage in active play as they would at home."

"When the temperature climbs, it’s a sweet, creamy treat that really beats the heat. But it’s also the perfect cap to an evening out with friends or an end to a cozy date. Bobboi is renowned in the city for its commitment to using only the freshest local ingredients, experimenting with off-the-wall flavors, and for using refrigeration methods that they claim enhance the flavors and textures."

"This La Jolla gem is less than two blocks from La Jolla Cove. Grab a cup of their organic gelato, made-in house everyday from scratch and walk down to the park or eat it on one of their cute outdoor tables with ocean views. They change their flavors everyday and have an updated list on their website you can review before stopping in."

"This recognized state park is the perfect outlet to relax by the shore, surf the waves, snorkel in clear waters, or camp atop Beach cliffs!. High tide decorates the shoreline with shells, and sunsets on refreshing sands rank as a truly unforgettable privilege. Carlsbad State Beach offers a family friendly setting, awash in the constantly golden glow of friendly California sun."

"Every beach lover is guaranteed to fall in love with Carlsbad State Beach. Lay back and relax while enjoying the warm weather and bright sun just perfect for a tan, or head out into the ocean and enjoy bountiful waves that fulfills every surfers craving. Ever wanted to camp right next to the ocean?"

"Situated in the center of the action sport industry in Alicante Road, Carlsbad lies the 32-acre Alga Norte Community Park. It includes the skate park which opened in January 2014, boasting its urban plaza theme merging a color palette that reflects its prevalent Spanish style architecture, and a transition arch influenced by the form of Carlsbad’s historic mission."

"The Seeley Stable Museum is a reproduction of the Yuma to San Diego stage stop. It displays a wide collection of 19th-century transportation vehicles and equipment as well as other rare artifacts."

"The San Diego Asian Pacific Historic District, San Diego’s historic Chinatown, is an eight-block district adjacent to and in part overlapping with the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. The San Diego Chinatown is bounded by Market Street on the north, 2nd Ave. on the west, 6th ave. on the east and J st. on the south. 22 structures are considered historically contributing."

"The Chinese Historical Museum displays Chinese-American art, culture and history. Housed in a restored mission-style building, exhibits include miniature models, historic photographs and rare artifacts related to the heritage of San Diego’s Chinese community. *Small donation requested."

"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"I use to like this buffet but it has gone downhill recently. There is another choice in Pacific Beach that is way better."

"Last but not least, Bay Park Coffee is a great place to visit if you find yourself in Mission Bay. It’s not flashy and extravagant, but if you want some quality coffee in a quiet location, you really can’t do much better than this. Breakfast is also served until 1.30 PM, consisting of tasty and healthy dishes such as acai bowls, yogurt bowls, and stuff like that."

"This is one of my top three favorite coffee shops in San Diego. Sitting on a quiet street across from Mission Bay, Bay Park is an adorable coffee shop with a modern but homely feel and great coffee!. This is a super local spot and its definitely an up and coming hipster cafe making with super kind workers."

"Another one of the best places for coffee in San Diego is Bay Park Coffee. You can find here a large variety of coffee, which is great. These range from simple variants, such as a normal espresso, to more unique coffees."