10 Family-Friendly Activities in San Diego

As we transition from a month of spooky fun into a season of giving, San Diego families won’t find themselves at a loss for things to do, as there are plenty of fun things to do in San Diego with kids this month!

Beachside Fall Fest at Belmont Park

When: Friday-Sunday all month, 5pm-close
Where: 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Cost: Free
Beachside Fall Fest continues this month at Belmont Park in Mission Beach. Every Friday through Sunday evening, families can get their fall-themed fun with games, contests, and live entertainment.
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas

When: November 10-December 29
Where: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Cost: Prices vary depending on seat selection
Back for its 22nd year at The Old Globe Theatre, the whimsical family-favorite musical “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” dazzles audiences for another season beginning on November 10. Celebrate the holidays as the grin is once again transformed into the snow-covered Whoville wonderland!
Christmas Arts, Crafts & Vintage Market

When: November 9 & 10, 9am-4pm
Where: 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, CA
Cost: Free Admission
Start your holiday shopping early at this spectacular bazaar at Bates Nut Farm in Escondido! Nearly 100 local artisans will be selling a variety of handmade crafts and fine art. Family activities include Snow Pony Rides, face painting and DIY crafts. Enjoy some great BBQ and the live music on the Bates Stage, too!
Veteran’s Day Weekend on the USS Midway

When: November 10-11
Where: USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Cost: Free
What better way to honor our veterans than celebrating Veteran’s Day weekend aboard the USS Midway? On November 10-11, the museum is free to veterans, and there will be live music, parade viewing, tasty food and drinks, a super fun KidsZone, giveaways and much more!
Rady Children’s Ice Rink

When: November 14-January 5th 10am-10pm, closed Thanksgiving Day
Where:ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Cost: $13 children / $15 adults
Beginning November 14, San Diegans can lace up their skates, grab a hot cocoa and head out for some classic wintertime fun the Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station. All proceeds benefit the Rady Children’s Hospital’s Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
10th Annual Doggie Street Festival

When: November 23, 9am-3pm
Where: NTC Park, Liberty Station, San Diego, 92106
Cost: Free Admission
This not-to-be-missed animal adopt-a-thon is a fun day for the whole family. And it’s not only dogs that are looking for their forever homes, but cats and parrots, too! There will be fantastic pet products and services for sale, yummy snacks, vet tips, guest speakers, a kids area, auction prizes and much more.
Mother Goose Parade

When: Sunday, November 24
Where: Main Street, between 1st and El Cajon Blvd, El Cajon
Cost: Free
Since 1947, the annual Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon has delighted families with the largest single-day event in San Diego County. This year’s parade on November 24 includes over 100 spectacular motorized floats from all across the U.S., sublime marching bands, special guests, talented performing artists, giant helium balloons, and of course, Santa Claus himself!
Encinitas 28th Annual Holiday Street Fair

When: November 24, 9am-4pm
Where: Coast Highway 101 between D and J Streets, Encinitas, CA 92024
Cost: Free
The Encinitas’ Holiday Street Fair takes up six blocks of the scenic South Coast Highway 101. Get a head start on your holiday shopping with over 450 booths of arts, handmade crafts, antiques and ethnic imports. There will also be children’s rides, a special dog zone, two stages of live entertainment and lots of delicious food and drink!
Oceanside Turkey Trot

When: November 28, 6-10am
Where: Start at Oceanside Civic Center, 330 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
Cost: $25 for kids, see website for lists of race types and prices
On Thanksgiving Day, get a head start on your calorie burn at the Oceanside Turkey Trot! Be sure to bring the whole family, as there will be races for everyone: a 10k run, 5K run/walk, 1 mile for kids or quarter-mile jaunt for tots. The trot has a fun costume contest, live entertainment on the course and finisher medals for all participants. All races finish on The Strand at adjacent the Oceanside Pier.
Liberty Station’s Tree Lighting

When: November 29, 4-9pm
Where: Liberty Station, North Promenade, 2875 Dewey Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Cost: Free
Celebrate the giving season at Liberty Station’s Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Festivities in the North Promenade on November 29. The holiday magic begins with a patient family of Rady Children’s Hospital lighting the towering 88-foot Norfolk pine tree from top to bottom. Enjoy a showing of The Grinch, Christmas carolers, pictures with Santa and so much more!