Best Easter Activities for Families in San Diego

Okay, so how could we not talk about chocolate first? This sugary treat seems to be enjoyed by kids mostly in egg form, and even more when they have to search high and low for it. San Diego is brimming with "eggciting" egg hunts so there are plenty of options for the family. And the best part is that most of these are free, so no need to worry about tickets. Here are a few honorable mentions:

The Mission Valley Center is hosting an Easter Market complete with local vendors and, you guessed it, an egg hunt for the kids. While they’re running around, why not browse the stalls or grab a refreshment? 

The Easter Egg Pluck will take place at Mesa Church in the lovely Serra Mesa neighbourhood. Free and welcome to all, this event also has face painting and a chance to grab a photo with the Easter Bunny themself.

And if you’re passing by Willie James Jones Ave, you’ll stumble upon their annual egg hunt complete with lunch, crafts and games - just don’t forget to bring your basket! 

These are free events in the city and are not included on a pass with Go City.

A chance to see some baby animals? Yes please. Often regarded as the best zoo in the world and the most visited zoo in the United States, San Diego Zoo is home to over 12,000 animals and more than 680 species and subspecies (we challenge you to try and see them all). 

It’s located right in Balboa Park and is a great way to spend a chunk of time with the family, with something for everyone. Of course you’ll see exciting animals like pandas, elephants, koalas, and even a komodo dragon. But the zoo also has extra activities like a play area to keep the kids entertained, gripping wildlife presentations, a 35-minute guided bus tour, plus loads more to see and do. 

Admission to the zoo is included in your pass (you’re welcome) which makes your travel life a whole lot easier - head straight to the entry turnstile and show your pass and your ID. And don’t forget to grab a free Giant Panda Timed Ticket when you enter for the best chance to see these black and white cuties.

We’d also strongly recommend checking out the rest of Balboa Park while you’re there. It’s a public park great for walking, or you can rent a bike to get around quicker. The park is a beautiful space with stunning nature and architecture, and springtime is the best time to witness the glory of the blooming flowers. Try to visit near golden hour if you can - you won’t want to miss the fab opportunity to snap a great pic to make everyone at home jealous.

Harvest some good vibes at Knott’s Berry Farm with the family this spring. At California’s first theme park, there’s plenty to do over an Easter weekend to ensure you have a “berry” good time.

Located in Buena Park, its humble beginnings date back to the 1920s as a berry farm owned by the Knotts. Then one day a man named Rudolph Boysen wondered what would happen if he crossed a blackberry with a raspberry and a loganberry. It was coined the boysenberry and turns out California couldn’t get enough of it. It was popularized by the Knotts and has since become a beloved symbol of California’s agricultural heritage. Crazy how things happen, right?

Spring is a great time to visit the park because of the annual Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. That’s right, the famous berry became so popular they made a whole month of celebrations dedicated to it. Indulge yourself in pies and jams (wine and beer for the grown-ups) and enjoy live music and fun activities that all ages can get stuck into. A great day out for parents and kids alike, why not grab yourself a pass and visit Knott’s Berry Farm?

Located along the San Diego waterfront, you’ll find a charming and walkable shopping and dining village. This is the perfect place to find those little trinkets and souvenirs to take back home and it also offers some stunning views of San Diego Bay (you won’t be able to resist taking a pic). 

If you’re looking for another free activity to do with the kids over Easter, then head down to Seaport Village for their annual Beach Bunny Kite Festival. Grab a photo with the Beach Bunny, enjoy a complimentary kite rental and gaze at all the kites soaring across the glistening water. Sounds like a great day out to us, so why not make it a reality this spring?

This is a free event in the city and is not included on a pass with Go City.

While you’re in the area and looking for more things to do, could we tempt you with a whale watching experience? Of course we could - who doesn’t want to see some whales (and maybe even a dolphin or sea lion)? During spring, a variety of whales are still migrating to warmer waters so there’s a good chance to catch sight of these magnificent creatures during March into early April.

Just a short walk up the waterfront you’ll find the harbor where you can flash your pass (if you’ve bought one with us) and hop on board a comfortable yacht to be taken out to sea. Enjoy four hours of whale watching and live commentary from the experienced captain and get a glimpse of the city and the bay’s wildlife from a new perspective.

This is unlikely in San Diego but you never know. If these outdoor activities are dampened by unexpected bad weather, there’s still plenty to do indoors. 

Balboa Park is home to a whopping 17 museums so there’s tons of knowledge right at your fingertips. Not necessarily Easter-related, but you may be able to spot a rabbit or two on display in the San Diego Natural History Museum.

Easter is all about eggs so why not explore the diversity of eggs in the ocean? There may not be an actual egg hunt event here so imagine your own one at Birch Aquarium at Scripps and see if you can spot some shark eggs, seahorse eggs, and even penguin eggs.

If all of this sightseeing is making you hungry, San Diego has many restaurants and eateries offering special Easter brunches for the whole family. Some may offer an egg hunt for the kids too so there’s a wide variety for whatever you’re looking for.

Brunches are hosted by venues in the city and are not included on a pass with Go City.