San Diego w/3 small kids
 

We are vacationing in San Diego July 26-Aug. 2 with our children (7,4,& 1), and I'm trying to plan our itinerary. Should I plan two days for Sea World? We also plan to visit the zoo and legoland. Also, we're traveling from Phila., direct flight, first time with a baby. Should I bring a carseat on the plane or check it? We have a seat for him, but I doubt he'll sit in it for 5 plus hours. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Definitely bring the carseat for the baby. They're just not safe if you check them--any mishandling and the seat could be compromised and you wouldn't even know it. Even though you don't think he'll sit in the seat the whole time, he'll be safer at takeoff and landing in it and if you need to contain him due to turbulence it will be right there for you. Also he is more likely to take a nap in his carseat than in the big person's seat.

I think one day is fine for Sea World. My kids like the San Diego Wild Animal Park more than the zoo -but then again we have a great zoo in our hometown so that may be why. The Wild Animal Park is also a bit of a drive from San Diego.

If you spot a "Ralph's" supermarket (big chain), their paper sacks have $5 off coupon for Legoland good for 6 people. With a 7 yr old, Legoland might well be the place that they'll want to visit twice.

For the 7 & 4 yr olds, we like those little puzzles that come in a tiny box, not much bigger than a deck of cards? The puzzle fits well into the seat trays on the airplane and it occupies them for a bit. Lots of snacks help, too. We like to board the plane on the hungry side and then bring out snack after snack which helps pass the time and keep them seated and quiet.

The "Islands" casual burger restaurant chain has a good kid's menu, I know there's one not far from Legoland.

not sure if it's true but someone said sea world is offering a deal where you buy a ticket, you can go back as much as you like. i think i'd go twice with kids that age. i never get tired of seeing the shamu show. i'd go one day from opening till around 2:00, then go enjoy the beach or your pool. then i'd go back a second day, maybe after an afternoon snooze and see some more shows and enjoy the fireworks.
there is a lot of walking involved with the zoo. just prepare you 4 & 7 yr olds. again, you might want to break up the day. go home for a couple of hours in the heat of the afternoon and enjoy your pool. the animals avoid the really hot times anyhow. then return around 4:00. the restaurant in the zoo is suppose to be pretty good.

Definitely use your car seat on the plane - make sure it's certified for air travel first. Your baby will be safer and less unhappy in a familiar seat.

You're only going to be in San Diego for six full days. Your kids are really young, don't spend more than one day at Sea World. It's very crowded and very hot.

Spend the rest of your time on the beach, where your kids will have the most fun. Buy a beach umbrella for shade from Costco or Vons, or pretty much anywhere.

Lots of fun stuff for kids in Balboa Park besides the Zoo (which is the best!!)-- museums, activities, events, just great strolling. I would hope you'd put a day aside for that.

The zoo could easily take 2 days (but I love them and take my time) but we did Sea World in less than a day and didn't miss anything. It is basically one show to the next with a few stops at the pools to see the animals. Just plan your day as soon as you get there and you can see it all. All the shows are good, the surprise hit with my husband and I was the Pets Rule show and I loved the rays.

I have heard legoland is great for your ages. If you have a seat for the baby then take the carseat on the plane, safer and more comfortable.

topping for kgn :S-