Got little night owls at home? Consider taking them to these kid-friendly after-dark activities throughout San Diego
San Diego offers so much family fun during the day (not to mention free family fun!) that parents often sleep on nighttime activities, literally! Instead of sticking to your regularly scheduled bedtime routine, why not treat your little monkeys jumping on the bed to an after-dark adventure! We’ve rounded up a bunch of kid-friendly things to do in San Diego at night with family, from drive-in movies to roller rinks. And if neon lights aren’t enticing enough, many of the best San Diego night activities for kids are outdoors—and under the stars! Read on to plan an evening out on the town with your little night owls.
1. Lace up and Hit the Roller Rink
Roll it out with the whole family in the evening at Skateworld, a family run business that prides itself on creating an enjoyable, safe space for skaters to move and groove, no matter what age—or what time! With skate sessions for all ages, skate school, and other roller sports, there is something for everyone! And you can’t beat the trip down memory lane: Parents, show your kids your favorite moves from when you were little. You’ll find disco lights, great music, and lots of laughs.
Insider Tip: Be sure not to show up for a late-night skate with the little ones on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. From 8-11 p.m., those nights are adults only.
Skateworld
6907 Linda Vista Rd.
Online: skateworld.com
Related: 8 Super Family Date Spots in San Diego
2. Score a Strike at the Bowling Alley
Whether you hit the lanes and enjoy the neon lights or you try a roll at cosmic bowling, the bowling alley at nearby Bowlero in San Marcos is a family favorite for a little kid-friendly competition, all while grabbing a bite to eat. With 40 bowling lanes, you’ll always have a turn—and for kids less interested in knocking over pins, an action-packed arcade is on site.
Bowlero
945 San Marcos Blvd.
San Marcos, CA
Online: amf.com
3. Go All Out at Belmont Park
All sorts of nighttime adventure awaits at this beachside carnival. Twirl around in the ice cream cone-themed pods on the Tilt a Whirl or defy gravity and take a dive on Zero Gravity, the popular space-themed ride.
Insider Tip: Tag, you’re it! Don’t sleep on laser tag at Belmont Park: Little game players love tagging each other in the foggy darkness lit up with laser lights, and parents can appreciate how the laser vest must fit comfortably to play.
Belmont Park
3146 Mission Blvd.
Online: belmontpark.com
4. Make S’mores on the Beach
No need to pack up the towels and sand toys just because the sun is setting. Instead, break out the marshmallows and skewers for s’mores beachside! Many beaches have fire pits available on a first come, first serve basis, including Coronado Beach and San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff. Fires have to be out by midnight, but the little ones will be fast asleep by then.
Coronado Beach
838 Ocean Blvd.
Coronado, CA
Online: sandiego.org
San Elijo State Beach
2050 S Coast Hwy 101
Cardiff, CA
Online: parks.ca.gov
Related: 15 Places to Get Your S’mores Fix (No Campfire Required)
5. Buckle Up for a Drive-in Movie
Drive-in movies aren’t just a thing of the past! Places like the Santee Drive-In and South Bay Drive-In offer current releases—several are family-friendly!—from the comfort of your own car. Bring food with you or buy classic movie night snacks from the concession stand. Make sure everyone takes a nap because they often show double features! Prefer to keep it simple? San Diego has plenty of family-friendly movie theaters, car not required.
Santee Drive-In
10990 N. Woodside Ave.
Santee, CA
Online: santeedriveintheatre.com
South Bay Drive-In
2170 Coronado Ave.
Online: southbaydrivein.com
6. Go Stargazing
What could be more magical than spending the evening gazing at stars with your little astronomers? There are plenty of opportunities for “star parties” with the San Diego Astronomy Association, which has an observation site in East County—although you’ll need your own equipment. Or, go out on your own! Check out these top sites in San Diego that are ideal for stargazing.
Tierra del Sol Observing Site
961 Tierra De Luna Rd.
Boulevard, CA
Online: sdaa.org
Related: The Best Campsites for Family Adventures
7. Have a Sleepover at the Zoo
Camping next to a rhinoceros? Brushing your teeth with a giraffe? Well, not quite, but the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park does offer overnight “Roar & Snore” excursions appropriate for all ages. Sleep in one of the park’s tents and enjoy after-hours tours of wildlife, camp activities, and guided walks, complete with dinner and breakfast the following morning. Who knows, you may even get to hear a lion roar, as the event title suggests!
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.
Escondido, CA
Online: sdzsafaripark.org
Additional reporting by Michelle Franklin & Beth Shea
