Family Fun
Seals at La Jolla
La Jolla Seals are near 928 C St, San Diego, CA 92101 (MAP LINK) La Jolla is a quick 36 minutes from Carlsbad. Originally conceived as a protected swimming area for children, the sea-walled cove began to fill with sand and eventually, sea lions and harbor seals. There is still ongoing debate over who is more entitled to this spot, …
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San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is a must do family adventure. Although San Diego may seem a bit far, in reality, it and the zoo, are only 36 minutes away from Carlsbad. The world renowned San Diego Zoo does not disappoint. It is a huge zoo that houses some of the most exotic and rare animals in the world. They have …
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SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego, which ranks 22nd among the top visited parks in the WORLD, drew 4.4 million visitors in 2012. A well deserved title as the park is impressive. It’s well worth the price of admission. Which is a hefty price at that. At the time of writing adult ticket prices are $84.00, and children 3-9 $78.00. If you foresee …
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San Diego Wild Animal Park
Doesn’t get much better than this place! The San Diego Wild Animal Park, located a short 30 minutes from Carlsbad, in the San Pasqual Valley area (MAP LINK) of San Diego California, near Escondido, is a awesome park filled with thousands of exotic wild animals. It’s also a very large park so bring your hiking shoes, and prepare the nap …
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Carlsbad Library Children’s Storytime
The Carlsbad Library provides great storytime programs for you and your child. Carlsbad has three Library locations to choose from. (1) Dove Library located at 1775 Dove Ln, Carlsbad, CA 92011 (2) Cole Library located at 1250 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (3) Library Learning Center located at 3368 Eureka Pl, Carlsbad, CA 92008. The Carlsbad Library has an …
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San Elijo Tree Lighting Ceremony
What a great way to bring in the Christmas holiday! San Elijo Tree Lighting Ceremony is located near 1200 Elfin Forest Rd E, Escondido, CA 92029 (MAP LINK) in the San Elijo town square – can’t miss it. The San Elijo Annual Tree lighting ceremony will be held this year on Friday, December 6th, 2013. The festive event is always …
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San Diego Natural History Museum
San Diego Natural History Museum is located in Balboa Park at 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (MAP LINK). The museum has tons of cool exhibits for your kids to marvel at. If your kids love dinosaurs (who doesn’t?!) then this family excursion will be a big hit with your children. There are tons of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, real …
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Visit Santa At Bressi Ranch Village Center
December 7, Saturday, 12 – 3pm Come see Santa at Bressi Ranch Village Center in Carlsbad on Saturday, December 7th, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm for free. Bring the kids and your camera and snap a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the courtyard area between Peet’s Coffee and Perfectly At Home. Bressi Ranch is a beautiful place to just …
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Swim At The Monroe Street Carlsbad Public Pool
Monroe Street Carlsbad Public Pool is open to the public and Carlsbad Residents get a discount with ID. The pool is located 3401 Monroe St, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (MAP LINK). We swim regularly, especially during the summer months, but usually at my parents pool, with our three children, and they have never needed swim lessons. Simply playing in the pool …
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Cold Stone Creamery in Carlsbad
Cold Stone Creamery, because your kids Deserve the best Ice Cream! If you ask your kids what they like to eat most in the world, the most popular answer is no doubt ice cream, with candy, pizza, and donuts taking a close second. At least that’s how the answers shape up in our home. Note, to all you health freaks …
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Duck Ponds Near Carlsbad
Big and small, everyone loves to feed ducks. Bring a loaf or two of stale bread and your good to go! Free fun for the whole family. There are two locations near Carlsbad to feed ducks that I know of. We have been to both to feed the ducks and both are in no shortage of ducks to feed. Buena …
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Legoland Water Park
As is the case with most water parks, if your child is younger (or shorter) than around 6 years old they are just SOL. As most of the park attractions only older kids can play on/in. But Carlsbad Legoland Water Park is tailor made for the younger child. Of course there are still height and age requirements for certain rides …
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Carlsbad Flower Fields
The flower fields in Carlsbad are one of the main attractions that make our city the beautiful destination it is. For over sixty years now, the Carlsbad Flower Fields are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year during Spring from early March through early May. During Spring the flower fields are open to the public seven days …
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Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
Around the holidays there is no shortage of fun things to do in and around Carlsbad CA. One of those such things is the Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights . This year it is being held on December 14, 2013. The parade begins at 7:00pm and runs until about 9:00pm. The parade of lights is free to attend. The parade …
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The Christmas House
“The Christmas House” is located at 7607 Romeria St Carlsbad, CA 92009. There are many wonderful exhibits to see such as, an animated window display, swimming penguins, multiple dancing Santas, 15-ft hot air balloon, animals frolicking in the waterfall, three snow machines, and much much more. This is a wonderful local house to visit at Christmas time. It’s local and …
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Chuck E. Cheese’s
Technically located in Oceanside, it’s basically in north Carlsbad on Vista Way immediately north of the 78 freeway at… 2481 Vista Way Oceanside, CA, 92054 (760) 439-1444 Store Hours: Sun-Thur 9am-10pm Fri-Sat 9am-11pm Out of all the places we have taken the kids, they ask to go to Chuck E Cheese’s by far the most. The kids have a ball …
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The brand new “Alga Norte Community Park”
Alga Norte Community Park Google Maps link and address 6565 Alicante Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009 Alga Norte Community Park is on track to open in late December 2013 with a special community grand opening celebration planned for Saturday, Janurary 11th 2014. Alga Norte Community Park is a 32-acre park currently under construction at the corner of Poinsettia Lane and Alicante …
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Sweet Factory Candy Store
Sweet Factory Candy Store Is located in the Westfield Plaza Camino Real Mall. Parents often find themselves looking to do these extravagant family excursions for their kids in order to see their faces light up. But you know what is super simple and cheap and makes your kids just as happy? A trip to the candy store! No side trips. …
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Pine Tree Acres Christmas Tree Farm
At Pine Tree Acres Christmas Tree Farm you can bring your own saw (or they can provide one), find your perfect tree, and your family can cut down the Christmas tree of your choice, just like the olden days. We are definitely going back again this year. Approximately 50 minutes from Carlsbad, Pine Tree Acres is located at 620 W …
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Carlsbad Tree Lighting Ceremony
Here is the Google Map Dropped Pin location of the tree lighting near 300 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008. The annual Carlsbad Tree Lighting takes place Sunday, December 1, 2013, from 2pm – 5pm. I believe Santa comes riding in on a fire engine around 3pm – 4pm and the actual tree lighting takes place around 4:30pm – 5pm. …
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Goju Karate Center
Goju Karate Center offers a variety of Karate Classes for children and adults. They have been teaching Karate Classes and martial arts to the residents of Carlsbad since 1992. However, I would say they heavily weigh towards specializing in young children. We had our two oldest boys in their karate program for 4 years, and are about to sign up …
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Maverick Mat Rats
The Maverick Mat Rats is a youth wrestling program for children ages 5-11. The two head coaches are the coolest guys you could ever meet. Both are a perfect combination of patients and discipline. They are Joey Randall, and Tim Randall. In addition to, there are also other coaches to help out with all the kids (usually around 60 or …
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Moonlight Beach
Just a quick 10 minutes from Carlsbad, Moonlight Beach is located in Encinitas directly off Encinitas BLVD. Exit Encinitas BLVD and head south for three blocks or so until you hit the beach – that’s Moonlight Beach! There are two awesome playground/parks right next to the beach. A trifecta of fun! North County has plenty of above average beaches. As …
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Harvest Party at North Coast Calvary Chapel
The Harvest Party is put on each year near Halloween time at North Coast Calvary Chapel. This church has many activities open to the public each year and each time they go big. This is a very nice church with even nicer people. If you choose to attend the party or the church itself for that matter there is no …
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Carlsbad Tide Pools
Here is the direct map link to the Carlsbad Tide Pools. The Carlsbad Tide Pools are located near Shore Dr and Pacific Coast Highway (now Carlsbad BLVD). Park near Shore Dr and walk a block south, go down the stairs past the last house, and walk a block back up north. Make sure the tide is out or you will …
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Carlsbad Rail Trail
Kids love trains and kids love running, so why not put them together and go for a leisure family walk (you leisure they run lol) on the Carlsbad Rail Trail! The trains come by every 1/2 hour or so, so your kids are sure to see a speeding train close up (however from safely behind the bordering fence). The trail …
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Bowling
Kids love throwing balls! Add 10 pounds to it, 10 stationary objects to knockdown, cool new temporary shoes, slippery floors, and yummy food, and you have a hit for the whole family! There are 3 bowling alley’s in North County. Surf Bowl in Oceanside is the closest to Carlsbad. Surf Bowl is a fun bowling alley and entertainment center! We …
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Oceanside Harbor Village
Oceanside Harbor Village is a quick little hop and a skip away from Carlsbad – 5 or so minutes to be exact(ish). Located in the Oceanside Harbor, the Village is the group of businesses that offer everything from local gifts and apparel to a wide variety of restaurants and markets. The Oceanside Harbor is a part of history at over …
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Encinitas Botanic Garden – Garden of Lights
Christmas is coming! Our families favorite holiday for sure. One of the ways we have celebrated this magical time of year is by visiting the Encinitas Botanic Garden – Garden of Lights. Just a short 10 minutes from Carlsbad, the Botanic Garden is located at 230 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024. The Garden of Lights takes place during December …
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Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, is located in Elfin Forest, just past the new master plan community of San Elijo. Elfin Forest is where I grew up so maybe I’m a bit partial to hiking out that way. Just 20 short minutes from Carlsbad, the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve offers approximately 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, picnic areas, and scenic …
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Carlsbad Premium Outlets
Carlsbad Premium Outlets offer good family fun via, good shopping, good food, leisure walks, good site seeing, and good people watching. It’s a beautiful area nestled under the Carlsbad flower fields. Directly across the street there are many higher end restaurants with great food. If your searching for something to do in Carlsbad this is a simple go-to in order …
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Pet Store in the Westfield Plaza Camino Real Mall
Play at the Pet Store in Westfield Plaza Camino Real Mall. The pet store itself is called “California Pets”. The pet store is located in the Westfield Plaza Camino Real Mall, on the top floor, on the west side of the mall. Our kids have asked to go to this pet store countless times. They have multiple boxed in play …
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Oceanside Pier
The Oceanside Pier, located in Oceanside, Carlsbad’s closest neighbor, is a wooden pier 1,954 feet long. Oceanside Pier was first built in 1888. The original pier was destroyed by storms in 1890, and was rebuilt in 1893. At the foot of the pier is a Amphitheatre, which hosts numerous events throughout the year. Oceanside, and it’s beach folk, used to …
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Carlsbad 5000 Walk/Run Race
[jwplayer mediaid=”287″] The Carlsbad 5000 is held annually in late March. Southern California’s favorite 5K celebrates its 29th birthday on March 30, 2014. The 5k (AKA 3.1 miles) walk/run starts and ends in Carlsbad Village. Due to it’s mild climate and flat course, the Carlsbad 5K is one of the fastest races in the nation. In fact, 16 world records …
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Boomers Family Fun Center
Boomers Family Fun Center, located in Vista CA, at 1525 W Vista Way Vista, CA 92083, is only 6 or so minutes away from Carlsbad. Boomers has many fun activities which include, Go Karts, Bumper Boats, Miniature Golf, Laser Tag, Batting Cages, a large Arcade, tons of games with tickets for prizes, Kidopolis (a large climbing structure for the little …
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Carlsbad Village Fair
The Carlsbad Village Fair is the largest street fair in the nation. It’s held bi-annually in May and November. In its 40th year, the free event has grown to be so popular that it attracts people from all over California and also from other states. The next Carlsbad Village Street Fair will be held Sunday, May 4, 2014 from 8:00 …
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K1 Speed Carlsbad
K1 Speed Carlsbad is located at 6212 Corte Del Abeto, Carlsbad, CA 92011 off Palomar Airport RD just west of El Camino Real. The carts are fast and the track is large. With 20hp electric motors and maximum torque available from 0 rpm, the karts feature superb acceleration. Unlike gas-powered karts, which can easily bog in slow-speed corners and are …
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SEA LIFE Aquarium
SEA LIFE Aquarium is basically attached to LegoLand but considered separate. It is easily large and cool enough to be an excursion unto itself. Children of all ages will love this amazing sea life exhibit. From sharks, to exotic fish, to sea horses, the numerous fish tanks and exhibits will keep your kids entertained for some time. Near the end …
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Wave Water Park
The Wave Water Park located in Vista, CA right next to the Kirkorian Theatre is tons of fun. As far as water parks go it’s one of the smallest, but considering it’s local, you can’t beat it. Our family has played there three times in total I believe and the kids definitely don’t notice any difference from the LA bound …
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Carlsbad Lagoon
The Carlsbad Lagoon is located off Tamarack Ave in Carlsbad CA. The lagoon offers calm wave free salt water activities, and providers boat rentals, jet ski rentals, aqua cycle rentals, kayak and canoe rentals, paddle board rentals, and much more. We went wake boarding here a few months back with some friends. The family had a great day. I even …
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Take The Coaster To Zoomars In San Juan Capistrano
Take the Coaster up to Zoomars in San Juan Capistrano. Zoomars is a wonderful petting zoo. Kids love trains and kids love animals. Why not put them together in this fantastic family outing. Our family has made this trip twice via the Coaster and it is always a great fun time. Brought to you by Building Blocks Home Daycare in …
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Cinepolis La Costa
Cinepolis theatre located in La Costa, CA is great family fun. Just a quick 15 minutes from North Carlsbad. If you love movies and have never been you are in for an experience. It’s a bit pricey at $20 bucks a ticket but well worth every penny. If you have a large family that can get a little expensive. However, …
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Legoland
This would not be a very good blog about things to do in Carlsbad with out mentioning Legoland. We have been there countless times with our kids. LegoLand is hands down the best amusement park for small children. For the most part the entire park is specifically geared towards younger children. From the rides, to Sea Life, to the shows …
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Carlsbad Village Farmers Market
Carlsbad Village Farmers Market is a fun activity for the family. Located in the heart of Carlsbad village. Enjoy fresh organic produce, locally prepared foods, handmade crafts, and live entertainment. This great farmers market takes place every Wednesday from 3-7PM on State Street between Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand Avenue. This local market offers lots of fresh produce, meats, deserts, …
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Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch
The Bates Nut Farm is not directly in Carlsbad, but it’s a quick 30 minute drive. As long as you don’t mind dealing with a bit of a crowd it’s a great local family get away for the family. Bates Nut Farm is a relatively inexpensive outing with the kids and is not to be missed during Halloween time. If …
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Carlsbad Sea Wall Walk
Carlsbad Sea Wall Walk Free: The Carlsbad Seawall stretches for about a mile along Carlsbad Blvd, from Walnut Ave, near Carlsbad Village, to Tamarack Ave, near Carlsbad State Beach parking lot. The seawall features a concrete pathway with several access points both to the beach below and the street above. A great walk for young kids because they are contained …
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Hidden Canyon Park
Hidden Canyon Park Free: My kids call this the blue park. But either way they love it. It is by far one of the best parks in the Carlsbad area. There is a large play structure for the older kids and a smaller play structure for the younger ones. Plenty of open grassy areas and picnic tables. Because its somewhat …
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- Carlsbad Lagoon
- Elevation Burger
- Hidden Canyon Park
- Leo Carrillo Ranch
- Sea Wall
- Tumble Bus Gym
- Walk
- Westfield Plaza Camino Real Mall Santa
- Bates Nut Farm
- Carlsbad Strawberry Fields
- Pumpkin Patch
- Carlsbad
- California
- Cinepolis La Costa
- Movies
- Coaster
- Zoomars
- San Juan Capistrano
- LegoLand
- Batiquitos Lagoon
