San Diego family guide
Things to Do in Coronado with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Coronado on the map
📍 Where Coronado is
Coronado sits in San Diego, Southern California. Nearest major airport: San Diego Intl (~3 mi / 5 km). It's roughly 113 mi (181 km) from Downtown LA — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in Coronado
Coronado Beach
Wide, sparkling-sand beach beside the iconic Hotel del Coronado, great for swimming and sandcastles.
Free (paid parking)
Coronado Ferry Landing
Bayfront shops and dining with skyline views, reached by a fun harbor ferry from downtown.
Free; ferry ~$8 each wayFamily attractions near Coronado
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Coronado.
Seaport Village
Waterfront shopping and dining village on the Embarcadero with a vintage carousel and bayfront strolls.
Free to stroll
USS Midway Museum
Tour a real retired aircraft carrier on the Embarcadero with flight-deck jets and a flight simulator.
~$34 adult / ~$24 child
The New Children's Museum
Downtown interactive art museum built for kids, with climbing installations and hands-on art studios.
~$15 per person
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Historic ships including the 1863 Star of India tall ship and a Soviet-era submarine to climb through.
~$24 adult / ~$14 child
Waterfront Park
Downtown bayfront park with a huge interactive fountain kids splash in and big lawns for play.
Free
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Iconic round Balboa Park museum packed with real aircraft, spacecraft, and a flight simulator.
~$24 adult / ~$15 childFarmers markets in Coronado
Coronado Certified Farmers' Market
Waterfront market at the Ferry Landing with bay views, fresh produce, flowers, and plants; scenic for a family outing.
Festivals & annual events in Coronado
What Coronado is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Coronado Flower Show
A two-day outdoor flower and garden show in Spreckels Park run by the Coronado Floral Association. The 2026 show was the 104th.
See site for admission
Coronado Independence Day Parade
An all-day island celebration built around a mid-morning parade down Orange Avenue, plus concerts in Spreckels Park, a Navy parachute demonstration and evening fireworks.
Free to watch
Local restaurants in Coronado
MooTime Creamery
Locally owned '50s-style shop with handcrafted ice cream and waffle cones.
Miguel's Cocina
Family-friendly Coronado favorite known for handmade tortillas and its famous white sauce.
Local shops in Coronado
Five Loaves Two Fish
Main-street Coronado boutique with its own label made from high-quality materials.
Little Locks Kids' Salon & Toy Boutique
Combined kids' hair salon and toy boutique, a Coronado fixture since 2002.
Bay Books
Independent bookstore with kids and YA titles and an on-site coffee shop on Orange Ave.
Fair Trade Decor
Colorful Orange Ave shop of sustainably made gifts sourced from 35+ countries.
Coronado Taste of Oils
Family-run specialty shop pouring fresh olive oils, aged vinegars, pastas, and spices.
Seaside Papery
Stationery shop on Orange Avenue since 2004 with custom and designer paper goods.
Art & Frames of Coronado
Orange Ave gallery and frame shop championing local artists, from seascapes to contemporary work.
Bay Books
Nearly 25 years on Orange Avenue, with a dedicated children's books and games section.
Seaside Papery
Coronado's go-to for custom stationery since 2004.
Emerald City
More than 37 years of swimwear, clothing, sunglasses, and hats on Orange Avenue.
Seasonal & outdoors near Coronado
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Coronado.
More San Diego family guides
Coronado family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Coronado with kids?
Family favorites in and around Coronado include Coronado Beach and Coronado Ferry Landing. Our guide lists 2 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Coronado?
Yes — free family spots near Coronado include Coronado Beach and Coronado Ferry Landing. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in Coronado?
Local, family-friendly spots in Coronado include MooTime Creamery and Miguel's Cocina — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Coronado guide cover?
Our Coronado family guide includes 2 things to do, 2 local eats, 10 local shops and 1 farmers market — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Coronado
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Coronado on one map — then book on your favorite site.