It’s a Date! 14 Spots for Your Next Family Date Night

Harmumam Noodles & Buns has four locations throughout the county, with another on the way in Ocean Beach, and earned the title of most Instagrammed restaurant in San Diego for good reason. They've reimagined traditional Japanese recipes and infused them with a cute, modern flair in a fun and lively atmosphere. Offering a wide selection of savory noodle dishes, handcrafted character buns, and delicious bites, there is something for everyone to love. As they say — get your buns over there. 

Insider Tip: They don't take reservations and tend to get very busy so opt for an early weeknight dinner if possible. 

Multiple Locations
Online: harumamasd.com/locations-menus

Happy Hour at One Paseo

One Paseo, a retail space oasis located between Del Mar and Carmel Valley, welcomes families with plenty of grassy areas to lounge and play, a ping-pong table, and a giant tree log structure kids love to climb! Book a date there on a Thursday and enjoy a Kids Happy Hour! Every Thursday this summer from 3-5 pm you and your kiddos can enjoy family-friendly entertainment and a snack from one of our restaurants. Puppets, bubbles, balloons, storytelling and more! Cap off the evening with dinner at one of their delicious restaurants (Shake Shack is always a crowd-pleaser) and don't leave without a visit to Salt & Straw.

Visit the events page for updates. 

Turf Area Below Sweetfin's Patio
3725 Paseo Place
San Diego, CA 92130
858.523.2298
Online: onepaseo.com/

Picnic at Kate Sessions Park

A neighborhood park with views all the way down the coast, a playground, a bbq grill, and a large grass area. Bring the dog (leash required) and let little picnickers run, roll (there’s a slight slope) and play while you lay out a blanket (tables go early) and enjoy a pretty day or evening with the entire fam. 

5115 Soledad Rd.
San Diego, Ca
Online: Kate Sessions Park 

Park 101

Park 101 is a unique multi-level, plaza-style complex located in the heart of Carlsbad Village perfect for dining, lounging and sipping. The family-friendly, 8000-sq. ft. establishment has open-air seating, cozy fire pits and multiple concepts, from a coffee shop to a bar, within the space. Kids can keep busy playing with life-size Connect Four, Giant JANGA or corn hole, while parents sip watermelon mimosas and catch a few rays. After they finish their meal, children can exchange their “token”, which they are handed when ordering, for free cotton candy! And on Wednesday’s, Park 101 invites the neighbors to join them for family-friendly movie night and complimentary popcorn. Don't forget to BYOB (bring your own blanket)! The California-style menu features fresh salads, grilled and BBQ meats, healthy smoothies and kid-friendly options.

3040 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad, CA
760-434-2217
Online: park101carlsbad.com

Roller Skating

Keep the good times rolling and head over to a rollerskating rink with your crew. You can opt to take a class or if you're feeling bold strap on some skates and cruise around on your own. Either way, it'll be a fun date night that gets you moving and laughing as a family. Outdoor spaces are opening up throughout San Diego or opt for Skateworld, San Diego's only indoor space. 

Skateworld San Diego
6907 Linda Vista Rd
San Diego, CA 92111
Online: skateworldsandiego.com/

San Diego Food Halls

Food halls keep popping up all over the city! They're the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat because there's an array of delectable options that will please every palate. No more trying to agree on which cuisine to chow down on as a fam because food halls give diners the ability to pick and choose between everything from tacos to Thai food and BBQ to pizza.

Read our story on the best food halls open in San Diego now and which food halls are currently in development.

Crack Shack

Take the fam out for gourmet fried chicken and fluffy biscuits! In fact, it's fun to meet up with another fam, because this hot spot is entertaining for everyone. Of course, pint-sized eaters can have the nuggets and fries (plus, they come with a juice box and cookie). Meanwhile, we recommend the Firebird chicken for the grown-ups. Still more, you'll find a full bar and little chicks love the sandbox filled with toys. And sometimes Mr. Chicken himself shows up! 

Insider Tip: They have dairy and gluten-free items on the menu, just ask the server when you order.

407 Encinitas Blvd.
Encinitas, CA
760-230-2968
Online: crackshack.com

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

For one thing, space to move around helps family date night run smoothly. Eating outdoors among expansive gardens and grass is a great way to dine. For a start, it allows kids to run and explore their surroundings, while you relax with an appetizer. Then, at dinner, everyone's ready to talk. Even more, kids eat healthily with items like salmon teriyaki and grilled chicken. And, for grown-ups the baby back ribs and craft brew score points.

Insider Tip: If you live in South San Diego, there's a Liberty Station location that's great too.

Escondido
1999 Citracado Pkwy.
Escondido, CA
760-294-7866
Online: stonebrew.com

Liberty Station
2816 Historic Decatur Rd., #116‎
San Diego, CA
619-269-2200

Corvette Diner

With poodle skirts, pinball machines and a lively arcade, you'll find this a perfect family date night spot. Not only are the shakes scrumptious, but your kids will also enjoy their crazy straw hair and the fun fifties tunes. On one hand, swing in for a mid-day frosty treat or on the other, cruise the dinner scene. Make sure to save a few dollars for the awesome arcade!

Insider Tip: Score a hole-in-one at the outside putting green after splitting a milkshake with your dates.

2964 Historic Decatur Rd.
San Diego, CA
Online: corvettediner.com

Liberty Public Market

You'll find plenty of families having date night here and there's a good reason why. You'll be spoiled for choice of food from lobster rolls and Thai to a stuffed burger and a gourmet popcorn store to top it all off. The outdoor seating (think fake grass and tables) makes dining al fresco fun––and dogs are allowed too (on the patio). Even more, you get to park for free and take a nice stroll after dinner.

Insider Tip: If possible, a weeknight or early dinner date night is better if you want to avoid crowds. 

2640 Historic Decatur Rd.
San Diego, CA
Online: libertypublicmarket.com

Lucha Libre Taco Shop

Dine out at this spot that's boisterous and cool. Not to mention, well known for our faves the Surfin' California burrito and Knockout fries. Good to know that it gets busy so visiting during off-hours is more enjoyable. The chips and salsa are sure to open up your fam to talk time. Plus, the cool decor is a definite conversation starter.

Insider Tip: It's worth it to book the champions table. (Online the day before). You'll pass up the line and eat at the gold table with cool accessories.

1810 W. Washington St.
San Diego, CA
619-296-8226.
Online: luchalibretacoshop.com

Catch a Flick as a Fam

From drive-in theaters to luxury cinemas and family flashback films to the newest blockbusters, seeing a movie as a family is a super fun outing for film fans. We've rounded up the best movie theaters in the city so all you have to do is decide what you want to see and bring your appetite for popcorn! Click here for our list.

La Jolla Cheese Shop

A nice family day in La Jolla is always a good thing. A walk from La Jolla Shores beach (and playground) you'll find the Cheese Shop's scrumptious sandwiches and retro candy. Order up, then eat outside on the patio. Also, good to know that hamburgers and pizza options are nearby for littles who aren't into sandwiches.

Insider Tip: Treat yourselves to one of their freshly made "world famous flourless oatmeal cookies."

2165 Avenida De La Playa
La Jolla, CA
858-359-4921
Online: cheeseshoplajolla.com

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle Garden

Truly, a nice morning family date spot. Walk (or run) among the creative sculptures and quirky snakes created by Niki de Saint Phalle. Even more, littles love the maze entryway. If you go on the second Saturday of the month, you'll find a docent who's full of facts about the artwork.

Insider Tip: This is a great spot for a family photo.

3333 Bear Valley Pkwy.
Escondido, CA
760-839-4000
Online: queencalifia.org