SeaWorld San Diego is a 189-acre premier marine park packed with shows that are guaranteed to produce awe (ever pet a dolphin? fed a stingray?) and close encounters with polar bears, beluga whales, walruses and more. And don’t overlook the rides. One of the fastest is a simulated 400-mph jet helicopter thrill. Many rides require kids to be 42 to 48 inches tall and/or ride with a supervising companion.
Special packages include dinner with Shamu and educational camps, tours and sleepovers for kids. The brand new Sesame Street Bay of Play is set up for the little ones. If they can walk, they can ride Elmo’s Fishing Fish, Abby’s Sea Star Spin and Oscar’s Rocking Eel. And opting for a disposable waterproof camera and leaving your pricey one behind is highly recommended. Your family will get wet, even drenched, in the splash zones, so bring towels and rain jackets. Strollers run $10 for a single, $15 for a double. Tickets are $65 for guests 10+, $55 for guests ages 3 to 9 and free for guests 2 and younger. Parking is $12 per car.
As of 2014, SeaWorld San Diego debuts Explorer’s Reef, a new beach-themed park entrance with four kid-friendly touch pools in the 3-acre (1.2 hectare) space. Each touch pool will measure 24,000 gallons (90,850 liters) and allow children to pet thousands of fish, including 400 brown-banded and white-spotted bamboo sharks. The ticket booths in the entryway will be replaced by a themed concierge-style ticketing area.
To learn more about SeaWorld San Diego, please visit SeaWorld San Diego Family Vacations.
