Exciting Things to Do in San Diego at Night with Kids
Nikki Walsh
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, there are widespread closures to help slow the spread of Covid-19. We’re doing our best to keep all of our stories and calendar up to date.
Treat your little monkeys jumping on the bed to an after dark adventure! We’ve rounded up a bunch of things to do in San Diego at night with family, from drive in movies to stargazing! While several of the ideas below are temporarily unavailable due to Covid, read on to plan an evening out on the town with your little night owls.
Roll it out with the crew in the evening at Skateworld. Show your kids your favorite moves from when you were little. You'll find disco lights, great music and lots of laughs.
Whether you hit the lanes and enjoy the disco lights or you try a roll at cosmic bowling, the bowling alley at Kearney Mesa Bowl in San Diego and Bowlero in San Marcos are two fam faves for a little kid-friendly competition all while grabbing a bite to eat.
Bowlero 945 San Marcos Blvd. San Marcos, CA 92069 760-744-7000 Online: amf.com
Kearney Mesa Bowl 7585 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92111 858-279-1501 Online: kearnymesabowl.com
photo: Belmont Park
Belmont Park
Tag you're it! Little game players love tagging each other in the foggy darkness lit up with laser lights. Parents love the laser tag at Belmont Park where the laser vest must fit comfortably to play. Even more nighttime adventure awaits at this beachside carnival. Twirl around in the new ice cream cone-themed pods on the Tilt a Whirl or defy gravity and take a dive on Zero Gravity, the new space-themed ride.
Belmont Park 3146 Mission Blvd. San Diego, CA 92109 858-228-9283 Online: belmontpark.com
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 92118 Online: sandiego.org
San Elijo State Beach 2050 S Coast Hwy 101 Cardiff, CA 92007 Online: parks.ca.gov
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 snacks from the concession stand. Make sure everyone takes a nap because they often show double features!
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. And check out these top sites around the county, ideal for stargazing.
Click here for a list of all of our favorite spots to stargaze in San Diego.
San Diego Astronomy Association 619-645-8940 Online: sdaa.org
photo: San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Roar & Snore
Camping next to a rhinoceros? Brushing your teeth with a giraffe? Well, not quite, but the Safari Park does offer overnight excursions appropriate for all ages. Sleep in one of the park’s tents and enjoy after-hours tours of wildlife, camp activities, guided walks, dinner and breakfast the next 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 92027 760-747-8702 Online: sdzsafaripark.org