San Diego family guide

Things to Do in La Jolla with Kids

La Jolla pairs upscale coastal charm with genuinely wild encounters: at La Jolla Cove and the Children's Pool, kids watch sea lions and harbor seals haul out just feet away. The shallow, protected coves are made for first-time snorkelers, and the Birch Aquarium on the bluff above adds tide pools, seahorses, and big ocean views.

Curated by Simir Shah

Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.

📍 Where La Jolla is

La Jolla sits in San Diego, Southern California. Nearest major airport: San Diego Intl (~8 mi / 14 km). It's roughly 101 mi (162 km) from Downtown LA and 11 mi (17 km) from San Diego — 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.

💡 Local tip: Parking near the Cove is brutal midday, so arrive before 9am or walk in from the Village.

Things to do in La Jolla

Animals & Nature

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

La Jolla aquarium overlooking the ocean with kelp tanks, a seahorse exhibit, and tide-pool touch experiences.

~$25 adult / ~$20 child

Animals & Nature

La Jolla Cove & Children's Pool

Scenic cove where families watch sea lions and harbor seals haul out on the rocks and beach.

Free

Beaches & Coast

La Jolla Shores Beach

Wide, gentle-surf beach ideal for young swimmers, sandcastles, kayaking, and beginner surfing.

Free

Farmers markets in La Jolla

Sunday · 9am–1pm

La Jolla Open Aire Market

A breezy schoolyard market benefiting the local elementary, with produce, crafts, and easy parking near the village.

See all SoCal farmers markets →

Local restaurants in La Jolla

Sweets & Treats

Froglander's Frozen Yogurt

La Jolla institution of 25+ years serving dense frozen yogurt with classic toppings.

Sweets & Treats

Scoops La Jolla

Family-oriented beachside scoop shop near La Jolla Shores.

Breakfast & Brunch

Harry's Coffee Shop

La Jolla landmark diner since 1960 serving generations of families hearty breakfasts and classic comfort fare.

Mexican & Tacos

The Taco Stand

Bustling Tijuana-style taqueria with adobada and fish tacos that draws lines of locals.

See all local SoCal restaurants →

Local shops in La Jolla

Books & Stationery

Warwick's

Charming family-run bookstore and stationer — one of the oldest family-owned bookstores in the U.S.

Toys & Games

Geppetto's

Family-run La Jolla toy shop of 40+ years stocking classic games, puzzles, and the newest must-haves.

Gifts & Home

Hi Sweetheart

Charming Ivanhoe Ave gift boutique with kitchenware, jewelry, stationery, books, candles, and baby gifts.

Boutiques & Apparel

La Jolla Outpost

Locally owned coastal general store of California-lifestyle apparel, gifts, and seaside essentials.

See all local SoCal shops →

Seasonal & outdoors near La Jolla

The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from La Jolla.

Photo spot · 1 miLa Jolla Cove & Sea Caves July 4th fireworks · 1 miLa Jolla Sky Show (drones)Toddler spot · 2 miBirch Aquarium at Scripps Birthday venue · 2 miBirch Aquarium at Scripps Dog-friendly · 5 miFiesta Island Splash pad · 8 miCivita Park Splash Pad Pumpkin patch · 8 miGoff Family Pumpkin Patch Christmas lights · 10 miSan Diego Zoo — Jungle Bells

More San Diego family guides

San Diego →Carlsbad →Encinitas →Chula Vista →El Cajon →Oceanside →Escondido →Santee →Borrego Springs →La Mesa →National City →Fallbrook →

Browse all SoCal city guides →

Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.