Father&Son

I've read through a lot of your posts and it sounds like Legoland and the Zoo and/or the Wildlife park will be great for us. Seaworld is a maybe. We lived in Orlando for many years until recently... is the San Diego SW much different? We always LOVE going there, but I'm only planning on three days in SD, so if we have the time, we'll definitely go. Where should we stay? A Marriott is preferable, if not, then maybe something unique. What about food, and are there any fire museums? He's VERY into firefighting. Thanks in advance for the help. Also he is very easy going if that helps you any, it sure helps me!

sightseer

I haven't been myself, but I do know that there is a firefighting museum in San Diego. Here's the website: http://www.globalinfo.com/noncomm/firehouse/Firehouse.HTML

Legoland and the Zoo are good choices for a boy that age - both are favorites with my cousin's kids.

Islands restaurant is a good casual family restaurant in Carlsbad after your day at Legoland.

x

Legoland does have a height requirement for many of the rides. I don't know if the admission price will be worth it if your son can only go on half a dozen rides. Look up Legoland posts here...somewhere the requirement is listed.

Bonnie

We took our kids to SD when they were 8 and 10. Legoland was great, but the rides were made for younger kids. I think your son is the perfect age. You can buy discounted tickets at some of the visitors centers in the towns nearby.

We found the Wild Animal Park a little boring. Might not keep the attention of a 5 year old. The zoo was perfect. Grab the shuttle bus if the walking gets too much.
We stayed at the Hilton San Diego Resort, which I don't recommend. The beach is TOXIC, and no one told us. I read it in a travel book after my kids had already been in it.

julie

The Marriott Coronado Island is very
nice....just across the bay from downtown
S.D. Only a short distance to the Zoo...
but 40 to 50 minutes to Wild Animal Park.
I would do the zoo with a 5 year old...
WAP might be boring, as the animals are
far away...

Good Luck!

sd

There's a great model train museum in the Balboa Park area. Hundreds of yards of little train tracks in great settings. Little boys love that stuff. Really cheap too about $5.

Mario

The last time I was in San Diego, I took my kids to Dog's beach. They just loved it there. It's fun to watch all the dogs having so much fun. My Son started playing ball with the dogs and all the dog's were very friendly.
Just an idea

x

take him to la jolla cove. there is a second there that the sea lions beach and kids usually like that. also a good place to check out tide pools when the tides out.

Father&Son

Thanks for the replys so far. What is a good area to stay in? We both enjoy a little driving. Would it be to cold in mid-February for a convertible?

SD_Resident

Also at Balboa PArk in the NAtural History musuem is a wonderful Dinosaur exhibit, with animatronic dinosaurs & bones/skeletons, if he is into that. The NAtural HIstory Museum, The Model RR museum & Fleet Science Center are all FREE the first Tuesday of the month. We were just there today.

LegoLand will be great for your son as will the Zoo. HAve a great time!

x

how much do you want to spend per night?

the bahia might be a good idea - close to the beach, roller coaster (killer on the back) & the bay
pacific terrace or best western, blue sea lodge are both right on the beach
there is a high end hotel on mission bay - just off fwy 5 by visitor information booth that might be good. it is in the park so there are playgrounds close by he might enjoy. can't remember the name but it is a hyatt or marriot or something like that. maybe someone else will know.
maybe too chilly in february for a convertible but if you can afford it, go for it - may get some good weather.

aaa

Depends on your budget as far as hotel accomodations are concerned. For 3 days stay you want to cover a lot of territory. Catamaran, Bahia, or if you are seeking more economical, the Ramada in Old Town,is nice, or some hotels in the Valley. (mission valley, hotel circle.) They are by a busy free way but a good location. Have fun.

Sue

The Marriott Coronado is great. Very quiet and helpful staff. The evenings are very COOL. Make sure that you go to the zoo.

Nicole

I have to reiterate and say the zoo. I'm much older than 5 but loved the whole day we spent there. And the sea lions at La Jolla on the former children's beach are a pretty neat thing too. You can get fairly close to the seals and sea lions since you stand on an elevated sidewalk. Most kids seemed to enjoy it as much as I did and there are some cool tidal pools close by where you can explore and see fun marine life. And he'll probably really like the firefighter museum in San Diego too!

Janet

The Catamaran is your best bet. On the bay, a block from the beach, the boardwalk, the Fire Station and restaurants if you don't want to eat all meals in hotel. The zoo is wonderful and I'm sure he would love legoland. I would save a day for the pool at the hotel and walking on the boardwalk. There is a very nice playground just down from the Catamaran.