Children in San Diego

San Diego is a family-oriented destination, with many attractions geared to kids. You'll find strollers for rent, diaper-changing facilities, kids' menus, and special activities for kids at most major attractions.

The monthly San Diego Family Magazine is filled with listings of events and resources; it's available by mail for $3.50, which covers postage and handling, or free in San Diego at Longs Drug Stores, Blockbuster, MacDonald's, and local libraries.

Local Information

San Diego Family Magazine (Box 23960, San Diego, 92193. 619/685-6970. www.sandiegofamily.com).

Babysitting

Many agencies specialize in on- and off-site group and individual child care for conventions, special events, and tourists. They are licensed, bonded, and insured. Hotel concierges can usually recommend a reliable babysitting service.

Agencies

Marion's Child Care (10491 Pine Grove St., Spring Valley, 91978. 619/303-4379. www.hotelchildcare.com).

Panda Services (4655 Ruffner St., No. 100, San Diego, 92111. 858/292-5503. www.sandiegobabysitters.com).

Food

Most San Diego restaurants make at least some accommodation for kids: child-sized portions, seats for children, amusements such as crayons and coloring paper, or, at a minimum, friendliness. The Gaslamp Quarter and La Jolla both have a Hard Rock Cafe, which is a big hit with kids and teenagers. Of the places reviewed in the Where to Eat chapter, the Cheesecake Factory, Fish Market, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop, Hob Nob Hill, and Ricky's Family Restaurant are particularly suited to families; your children's din will blend right in.

Lodging

Most hotels in San Diego allow children under a certain age to stay in their parents' room at no extra charge, but others charge for them as extra adults; be sure to find out the cutoff age for children's discounts. Kids will find plenty to keep them busy at any of San Diego's waterfront hotels, including the Hotel Del Coronado, the Dana on Mission Bay, and the Bahia Resort Hotel, also on Mission Bay.

Best Choices

Bahia Resort Hotel (998 W. Mission Bay Dr., Mission Bay. 858/488-0551). Hotel Del Coronado (1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. 619/435-6611).

The Dana on Mission Bay (1710 W. Mission Bay Dr., Mission Bay. 619/222-6440).