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San Diego Activities with a 21-month old

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San Diego Activities with a 21-month old

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Old Aug 11th, 2007, 10:38 AM
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San Diego Activities with a 21-month old

Hi All!

I am heading out to San Diego this week with my husband and 21-month old son.

Any suggestions on attractions/things to do that my son would enjoy that my husband and I would enjoy as well? We'll definitely spend a couple of relaxing beach/pool days, but other suggestions would be really helpful. I am thinking Legoland and Seaworld. Would those be fun for a 21-month old?

Other suggestions? Nice areas to explore and walk around for dinner maybe in the evenings? Or other attractions to see?

Thanks, all!
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Old Aug 11th, 2007, 11:54 AM
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I guess I would do the zoo over Legoland at that age. I know my boys all loved both Sea World and the San Diego Zoo (they prefer this to the Wild Animal Park). I think most little ones love the animals!
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Old Aug 11th, 2007, 01:35 PM
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Our daughters were zoo lovers at an early age. I agree with vegasnative. Wild Animal Park is for an older audience.
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Old Aug 11th, 2007, 03:04 PM
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Good to know! I was considering Wild Animal Park.

Any other suggestions?
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Old Aug 11th, 2007, 07:10 PM
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Seaport Village, Gaslamp District, Balboa Park and even making a little trip to La Jolla (along with the zoo & Seaworld) would be what I would do...and of course a day or 2 at the beach....but that is me, some may so that is too much with a toddler in tow, I would just do it and enjoy.
San Diego is a beautiful town, probably my fave and so that is why i say 'explore" as much as your little man will allow you too!
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Old Aug 11th, 2007, 07:26 PM
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I loved taking my children to the La Jolla Cover when they were younger. It is protected, life-guarded, and has wonderful tide pools to explore.

He might also enjoy the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla - or the more hands on Aquarium in Chula Vista called Wergeland Family Discovery Ctr. It is designed for children of all ages.

Coronado has music (various types of bands play thruout the summer) in the public park (6th and Orange Ave beginning around 5 or 6pm)) every Sunday evening. It is a great place for families with small children. There is fun playground equipment to keep the kids busy. Take a picnic basket and meet other families.

The San Diego Zoo has a children's section where they can see the animals up close. My kids enjoyed petting the baby chicks.

The Rueben H. Fleet Space Center in Balboa Park - has a hands on science play area for kids of all ages.
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Old Aug 11th, 2007, 07:31 PM
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hi again cleo - sorry make that the La Jolla COVE (not cover!)
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Old Aug 12th, 2007, 10:54 AM
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Thanks! I will check out La Jolla Cove and possibly Balboa Park. Any specific recommendations within Balboa Park? Every time I look at the website I get overwhelmed!
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Old Aug 12th, 2007, 11:06 AM
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Yes, Balboa Park is rather large. I'd park along Park Blvd. and walk up the grassy hill to the farthest eastern end of the park. There you'll find the Ruben H. Fleet Space/Science center and the Museum of Natural History - they are part of a large plaza with a fountain where kids can splash around.
Just continue to walk west along the main street and you will see various museums which might be too "grown-up" for a toddler.
About half-way down, across the street from the San Diego Museum of Art is a restaurant kinda tucked away called The Prado. (Just ask some people and they can easily direct you.) They have wonderful lunches, I suggest eating out on their beautiful patio.
When you come out of the restaurant you can turn left and you will see the Organ Pavillion and to the right (or west) of that are the International Houses. Little bungalows really that are The House of Israel, or England, etc (there are about 14 of them). There is often a dance or muscial group there and is fun for kids to watch.
Going back to the main street about a block down is the Museum of Man (again might be too old for your son). But the famous Old Globe Theatre (well at least famous in San Diego!) is next door.
Of course, the San Diego Zoo is north of Balboa Park. As you inter the Zoo off to the left is a wonderful MERRY GO ROUND build in the 1920's that is a wonderful experience for a young kids (including parents!) There is a little train ride that is also worth checking out.
If you have trouble locating these ask for directions and most people can steer you in the right direction.
It's best to get there early as parking can be a problem.
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Old Aug 12th, 2007, 11:32 AM
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The House of Pacific Relations now has 31 member countries. They are only open on Sundays and each House takes a turn at putting on entertainment. They all have snacks which are typical of their country.

http://www.sdhpr.org/
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Old Aug 12th, 2007, 10:41 PM
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Thanks so much, everyone! I will check out all of these options.
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