The first thing most of us want to know when we’re headed to a new duty station is, what is there to do nearby? We want to know what life is going to look like. Will it take every ounce of our creativity to entertain the kids or are there attractions to explore together as a family?
If you’re off to Camp Pendleton, then great news, as there’s so much to do. Date nights for you and your spouse, brunch with friends, and adventures for the whole family. It’s an incredibly diverse area geared toward all ages, and you won’t find yourself bored!
1) Stepp Stables - Camp Pendleton
Take a ride or sign kids up for horseback riding lessons right on Camp Pendleton! Enjoy a casual group setting or book your own private trail experience for a quieter, more intimate adventure through nature.
2) iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Oceanside
Actual skydiving might not make the best family-friendly adventure, so head to iFLY for a thrill second only to the real thing.
3) Mainstreet Oceanside Sunset Farmers’ Market - Oceanside
Stay close to Camp Pendleton for the Sunset Farmers’ Market, where over 200 vendors gather every Thursday to provide yummy food, live entertainment, and shopping. And don’t miss Dorothy’s KidZone where your littles can try their hand at a variety of fun activities!
4) Oceanside Pier - Oceanside
Dig your toes in the sand and let your kids play on the beach playground. Then head out onto the historic pier for an incredible view of the ocean and watch surfers. Grab a bite to eat at one of Oceanside's popular restaurants!
5) Legoland - Carlsbad
This theme park is sure to be a family favorite. Let the kids meet some of their favorite characters, and then cool off at the waterpark, let loose at the Duplo playtown, and explore the Sea Life Aquarium!
6) SeaWorld - San Diego
Find a little bit of everything at SeaWorld. With roller coasters, live shows, parades, and a ton of oceanic animals to watch, this stop is sure to make an impression on the whole family.
Plus, SeaWorld allows service members and three of their direct dependents one free day a year.
Photo from Pixabay
7) San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
“Zoo” is an understatement for these incredible attractions. Explore the more traditional zoo in the heart of San Diego or head to Escondido to venture through a more authentic representation of animals in their natural habitat at the Safari Park.
8) Disneyland - Anaheim
Make your kid's dreams (and yours) come true and take a short drive north to Anaheim where the whole family can experience the magic of Disney first hand. Ride rides, meet characters, eat food, and make memories that will last your family a lifetime.
9) Area Beaches
For a beautiful, fun, and free outing, head to one of the stunning beaches that line the coast of SoCal. To find the beach that’s the best fit for you and your family, check out the 10 Best MIlitary Family-Friendly Beaches Near San Diego.
10) Paintball Park - Camp Pendleton
Channel your inner child and take the family to the Camp Pendleton Paintball Park. With real castles, aircraft, tanks, tiki villages, dinosaurs, and more, this 30-acre park is fun for all ages.
Photo from Pixabay
11) Wineries - Temecula
It certainly doesn’t sound like a family-friendly activity, but one thing you might just fall in love with in Southern California is the bridged gap of adult and kid interests. Temecula is home to wineries like Miramonte Winery that offer food and live music on the weekends. With an open area covered in turf, parents sit back to enjoy a glass of wine while the kiddos run around and play with new friends.
The same can be said for Stone Brewing in Escondido. With a beautiful bamboo garden, delicious food, and excellent beer, it’s not uncommon to see adults enjoying their beverages while their children run around socializing.
12) Hiking
Is there anything that screams “summer” more than getting outside and soaking up a little sunshine? Pack a lunch and venture out on one of the many kid-friendly hikes near Camp Pendleton where you can soak up gorgeous views and wear your littles out before bedtime.
For even more ideas for family fun, take a look at 16 Free Things to Do in San Diego.
Want to learn more about the San Diego area? Download our free Military Family Guide to San Diego and create your summer bucket list before the kids head back to school!
