Hobby Central is a treasure trove of planes, trains and automobiles. Whether you want to put something together, add to your collection or paint the perfect toy rocket, Hobby Central has it all. This place prides itself on being the largest hobby store in the county and they have garnered quite a fan base during their nine years of operation.
Contact number: (858) 693-0373
Location: 9705 Carroll Center Road, Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92126
Learn more here.
Billed as the largest air show in the U.S., the Miramar Air Show is a comprehensive and inspiring tribute to the service members of the U.S. military.
Contact number: (888) 435-9746
Location: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, CA 92145
Learn more here.
Perhaps the most interesting thing you and your grandchildren will find about attending a live performance at the outdoor Starlight Amphitheatre in Balboa Park is seeing what happens when a plane flies overhead. Due to the theatre’s proximity to the airport, planes pass by at least a few times during each performance. When they do, actors freeze, wait for the plane to pass, then pick up exactly where they left off. Such a laissez-faire attitude is a good indication of what kind of theatre this really is: while they are known for putting on great musicals during their annual summer season, they are also known for being an unstuffy and fun evening of live performance. This family-friendly venue even offers pre-show box dinners with kid’s meal options.
Contact number: (619) 232-7827
Location: 2005 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
Learn more here.
The San Diego Symphony hosts several musical series a year. The Symphony Concert Series, which runs from October-May, takes place mostly at Copley Symphony Hall but includes a few additional venues throughout the county.
Contact number: (619) 235-0804
Location: 1245 Seventh Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Learn more here.
The Old Globe is the place to see everything from Hamlet to Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. This Tony-award winning stage is one of the most renowned community theatres in the world, making it the premier arts institution of San Diego. The Globe produces 15 plays and musicals a year and is best known for their annual Shakespeare Festival.
Contact number: (619) 234-5623
Location: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Learn more here.
The oldest-running youth theatre in the U.S. has about thirteen offerings a year at their three locations (Balboa Park, La Jolla and Chula Vista). Your grandchildren will delight in seeing actors their own age performing kid-friendly fare (Peter Pan, Charlotte’s Web, The Stinky Cheese Man) and taking center stage! And if they get bit with the acting bug, classes and camps are available.
Contact number: (619) 239-1311
Location: 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101
Learn more here.
San Diego Opera is one of the top opera companies in the U.S. With well-known and new productions offered each year, you’re sure to find just the right production to share with your grandchildren as their first introduction to this extraordinary art form. Opening night, pre-opera and post-opera events are fun ways to make your special evening even more exciting. You can also take a backstage tour before a Friday evening performance.
Contact number: (619) 533-7000
Location: 1200 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Learn more here.
Keep Arts Tix in mind before you head out to a live performance. This discreet ticket booth, located on the corner of Broadway and Third Ave. at Broadway Circle, often sells half-price tickets to same day events. These discounted tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis so it’s best to be there when Arts Tix opens.
Contact number: (619) 497-5000
Location: 28 Horton Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
Learn more here.
Coronado’s Promenade Concert in the Park Series, running on Sundays from Memorial Day-Labor Day, offers up jazz, Big Band, pops, fifties classics and local community band performances at this cozy event. Musicians assemble in a gazebo that is smack dab in the middle of the park so just about any spot you choose for setting up camp is a good one.
Contact number: (619) 437-8788
Location: Spreckels Park 601 Orange Avenue, San Diego, CA 92118
Learn more here.
The San Diego Bay Ferry shuttles passengers (no cars) from the Broadway Pier in Downtown San Diego to the Ferry Landing Marketplace in Coronado (and vice-versa). The 15-minute ride is just long enough to make you feel like you’re getting away from it all. You and your grandchildren can challenge each other by seeing who can spot the most sea animals (there are plenty of seals hanging out on the buoys) from the bow.
Contact number: (619) 234-4111
Location: 1050 North Harbor Drive,San Diego, CA 92101
Learn more here.
