photo: Frank McKenna via Unsplash
If your A/C bill has you breaking a sweat, we’ve got plenty of options outside the house for staying cool as the temps soar in San Diego. Venture out to one of our favorite ice cream shops, take a refreshing dip in a resort pool, have a blast at an indoor playground! Read on for the lowdown on the best places to chill out!
Photo: Thomas Hawk via Flickr
Bundle up like it’s winter and cool off while putting your coordination skills to the test at a local ice skating rink.
Take your baby or tot to venture beyond the living room baby gates and your big kids to blow off some steam at one of these entertaining, super fun indoor playgrounds for kids of all ages.
Experience movie-going in a whole new fashion at a Cinepolis Jr. theater where energetic kids can scale play structures before settling in to super cozy, kid-friendly seats to watch a film.
Looking for a bargain flick? Try one of these discount movie theaters to see summer blockbusters in a cool setting.
photo: Birch Aquarium
Visit Birch Aquarium’s newest exhibit Oddities: Hidden Heroes of the Scripps Collection and to watch a Kelp Forest dive show and ooh and aah at all of the amazing fish and sea creatures at this gem.
Kick back, relax and get pampered as you enjoy a mani/pedi with your mini-me at one of our fave kid-friendly nail salons.
Let your kids Om their way into a cool state of mind by taking a class at one of these kid-friendly yoga studios.
Peruse the shelves for a great summer read at one of these local indie bookstores with an inspired kids section.
Head to story time every weekday! We tell you where to hit up the best sessions from libraries to museums.
Learn something new at a free museum day. Here are 10 family-friendly museums and when you can visit them free of charge!
photo: Visit Carlsbad
Make way to the coast where temperatures are typically cooler than they are inland. Head for one of our favorite family-friendly beaches to catch a wave.
Kids climbing the walls at home? Channel their energy into a literal endeavor by taking them to scale some climbing walls that truly ‘rock.’
Or you could hone their skee ball playing arm at one of these awesome arcades.
Trampolines! Go carts! Inflatables! Batting cages! Yes––they’re all indoors!
photo: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
Sometimes the only remedy for a hot day is to just get soaked. Here are 11 of our fave places to splash around all over town.
Staycation at a gorgeous resort pool? Why yes, so glad you asked. See where you can get a day pass to live the high life.
Or dive in for a dip at one of the best public pools in San Diego. Here are our top picks.
Too hot to even swim outside? Take the plunge at an indoor swimming pool instead.
Photo: Jared Sluyter via Unsplash
What could be better than cooling down with a sweet frozen treat? We tell you where to score the best chill desserts from unicorn milkshakes to creamy, artisanal ice cream.
Step away from the stove and oven! Check out 32 restaurants where kids eat free, or say ole’ at one of our fave restaurants for taco Tuesday.
We’ve also found 15 places to sink your teeth into s’mores… no blazing campfire required.
As they say, if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen… and go have a family date night. (Okay, we added that last part). Here are some memorable family date night ideas in San Diego.
photo: Mint Studio
Strike up some serious fun at one of these 7 kid-friendly bowling alleys. Get the details on how kids can bowl free this summer at Tavern+Bowl.
Get their creative juices flowing at one of these 10 local art studios.
Pinkies up for afternoon tea time. Perhaps an iced tea? See where we love to pretend we’re royalty at 8 kid-friendly spots to enjoy high tea.
––Beth Shea
RELATED STORIES:
The Best Indoor Playgrounds for Kids of All Ages
Where to Scoop Up the Best Ice Cream and Frozen Treats in San Diego
The Best Free Museum Days for Families
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