Instagram story viewer> @playdatesandpints> Posts

Sandra Page | Family-Friendly San Diego

@playdatesandpints

45.2K

followers

1974

following

Best things to do in San Diego w/ kids
Family events, play spots, guides + mom recs
Making family fun easier to plan
✉️ [email protected]

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

Pumpkin patch season is officially ON 🎃

We spent the morning at Carlsbad Strawberry Co. and honestly? This one’s a full outing, not just a “grab a pumpkin and go” stop.

Here’s what we did:
🚜 Raced tricycle tractors through the hay bale track
🦖 Hunted down over a dozen dinos in the Jurassic Fright
🌼 Ran wild through the marigold + sunflower fields
🐐 Said hi to the goats and bunnies
📸 Took approximately 400 photos (so many photo ops)
🎃 Picked the biggest pumpkins the girls could carry themselves

💸 THE REAL COST:
Admission is $20–25, then most activities are ticketed extras: corn maze $10, tractor ride $10, Jurassic Fright $8, sheep & goats $5, rabbits $5. It adds up fast with multiple kids, so decide on your “must-dos” before you go.

Worth it? For a classic fall morning with a little of everything, yes. Just budget for the extras.

📍 Carlsbad Strawberry Co., Carlsbad taken in San Diego, California by @playdatesandpints

22

2

5 hours ago

🦖 My tip: go during the day to see @jurassicfright with your little kids at @_carlsbadstrawberrycompany! My girls LOVED this $7 add on and it was far from scary right after school 😉 taken in San Diego, California by @playdatesandpints

44

6

2 days ago

I found the secret Julian apple picking spot where trees are actually full 😉

Comment 🍎 APPLE 🍎 your booking info! taken in Julian, California by @playdatesandpints

107

92

5 days ago

✈️ Miramar Air Show is THIS WEEKEND and here’s what you actually need to know before you pack up the kids 👇

It’s FREE. Admission, parking, all of it. You only pay if you want grandstand seats ($22+), and honestly, a blanket on the tarmac works just fine.

The real-talk tips:
🎒 Clear bags only, so leave the diaper backpack at home
🪪 Adults need ID to get in
👶 BRING THE STROLLER. It’s a lot of walking on hot concrete
🎧 Ear protection is non-negotiable. It is LOUD
⏰ The Blue Angels fly last, so pace yourselves (snacks + sunscreen = survival)

My girls’ favorite part? Honestly the static displays. Getting up close to the planes had them just as hyped as the flying 🛩️

📍 MCAS Miramar | Fri–Sun, 8am–5pm

Save this for the weekend and send it to the mom friend you’re dragging along 💙 taken in San Diego, California by @playdatesandpints

50

4

6 days ago

✈️ Miramar Air Show family upgrade, explained!

The Stars and Stripes Family Chalet is the air show’s family-focused ticket, and here’s what you get:

🇺🇸 Shaded AND outdoor seating (a lifesaver on that sunny flight line)
🎨 Kid activities throughout the day
🥤 Complimentary meals + drinks
🎟️ Official program, a few entertaining souvenirs
💰 These are PAID tickets! Check website for pricing changes by day

📅 Sept 25–27 at MCAS Miramar
💡 General admission, parking, and blanket seating are FREE, so the chalet is a comfort upgrade, not a must.

Worth it for little ones who need shade and a home base? Drop your questions below 👇 by @playdatesandpints

159

6

7 days ago

Monster Jam is rolling back into San Diego, and presale access is officially live TODAY (Sept. 15)!

If your family wants first pick of the best seats (or access to the Pit Party), use this presale code at checkout:

Code: AMP27X
📍 @snapdragonstadium

Make sure to send this to your mama crew for @monsterjam! taken in San Diego, California by @playdatesandpints

114

6

15 days ago

Packing school lunches just got 10x easier!

Finding a lunchbox snack that has the crunch of a chip, won’t melt in a warm backpack, and isn’t loaded with sugar is a constant struggle.

Our girls have been loving adding the @onlysnacks crunchy roasted edamame beans to their school lunches for easy added protein.

The best part? You don’t have to order them online anymore! They just launched in the snack aisle at @target 👀

#onlysnacks #theonlybean #ad taken in San Diego, California by @playdatesandpints

22

11

16 days ago

4 years old and already living her best life at GaylordPacific 🌊

Give this girl a water park and she becomes a completely different human. Zero fear, zero chill, 100% pure joy — and I got the whole little montage on camera so you don’t have to imagine it.

This is your sign that San Diego locals don’t need a flight to feel like they’re on vacation. The water park alone is worth the trip, and yes, she is already asking when we’re going back.

📍 Gaylord Pacific Resort

#GaylordPacific #SanDiegoWithKids #PlaydatesAndPints #LocalStaycation #ad taken in Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center by @playdatesandpints

54

14

17 days ago

Spent the afternoon checking out all the unlimited pass attractions at @officialboomersparks! ⛳️ 💦 #ad

If you’re looking for a North County day where kids can stay active between bumper boats, two full 18-hole mini golf courses, and an air co dituined arcade @boomersvista is a super easy win for all ages!

Parent tips:
💰best value: the unlimited attraction pass covers bumper boats, mini golf, and rides all day!
🧊 head inside for lunch and arcade time when it’s the hottest outside!
👶🏻 double check height requirements before making any promises to kids on which rides they can do! And be prepared to do some yourself 😉

Save this for your next family day! #boomers taken in Vista, California by @playdatesandpints

144

15

18 days ago

This weekend’s lineup is stacked! Here’s where to be Sept 12-13:

Saturday, 9/12
🎪 Ringling Bros
🥙 Cardiff Greek Fest
🏄 Ken Whalen Surf Challenge
🎬 Movies on the Beach at The Del

Sunday, 9/13 🌊
🎪 Ringling Bros
🎨 MCASD Play Day
🐕 Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon
🎉 Vista’s Fiestas Patrias

Save this for your weekend planning and tag a friend who needs a game plan! What’s on your list this weekend? 👇 taken in San Diego, California by @playdatesandpints

18

2

20 days ago

When it hits 95 in San Diego 🥵 🍦

Skip ordering individual cups and grab this epic treat at @solanafrosty! Massive portion of soft serve and FOUR scoops of ice cream, not to mention toppings 🤤

This saved our family outing during the heat wave, and now we have one more bucket for our next next day! taken in Solana Beach by @playdatesandpints

84

6

21 days ago

Beat the San Diego heat without spending a dime on AC guilt 🥵❄️

Rounded up 7 indoor play spots that are actually keeping it cool during the heat wave, because “let’s go outside” hits different when it’s 95°.

📍 Ninja Factory, Chula Vista: obstacle course energy, big kid approved
📍 Rise & Shine Play, Point Loma: pretend play heaven, super cute design
📍 Fun Box, Escondido: massive inflatable park, bring extra socks
📍 Candeeland, Carlsbad: slides for days, candy shop vibes
📍 Tiny Tiger, Mira Mesa: ball pit + trampoline combo, toddler favorite
📍 FUNbelievable, Lakeside: old school indoor playground, solid win
📍 Get Air, Poway: trampoline park with a full climbing tower

Save this for your next 100° day 🔥 Which one are you hitting first? taken in San Diego, California by @playdatesandpints

104

9

21 days ago