Category: Things to do with kids in California

World Championship Over-The-Line Tournament

The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) calls their raucous over-the-line tournament “one of the last pure Southern California traditions left untouched by commercialism.” Now that’s something you should take your grandchildren to see firsthand! The World Championship Over-The-Line Tournament is a sporting event meant for more mature fans, so don’t bring younger family members to this.

Contact number: (619) 688-0817

Location: Fiesta Island on Mission Bay, San Diego, CA 92109

Learn more here.

Ice Town

Westfield UTC is a pretty outdoor shopping mall that has everything you’ll need from major department stores to quaint boutiques. But the true excitement for you and your grandchildren will be Ice Town, the fabulous indoor ice rink. It’s a great place to rent some ice skates (figure or hockey style) and cool off on a hot, So Cal day.

Contact number: (858) 452-9110

Location: 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92122

Learn more here.

Comic Con International

Your heads will spin at the massiveness of this annual summer extravaganza (the largest of its kind) at the San Diego Convention Center. This event offers spectators the opportunity to see and do all things in the realm of comics, fantasy, science fiction, anime, manga, animation, toys, movies, gaming, collectible card games, television and more. Thousands of exhibitors set up shop here, giving you and your grandchildren the chance to explore and get hands-on access to a stunning array of products.

Contact number: (619) 491-2475

Location: 111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

Learn more here.

Boomers! — San Diego

An 18-hole miniature golf course, batting cages bumper boats, laser tag, go-carts, a mini theme park and a state-of-the-art game room certainly make Boomers a great stop for a fun-filled day with your family.

Contact number: (858) 560-4212

Location: 6999 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92111

Learn more here.

So Cal Helicopter Tour

This fun company offers an array of airborne adventures that vary by flying time (from 16 minutes to an hour). Whether you’d like to soar above the La Jolla coastline, check out San Diego’s inland or do what So Cal Helicopter calls “The Whole Enchilada,” there’s surely a tour just right for you. And if there’s not, you can reserve a “Custom Tour” where you tell them exactly what you want to see.

Contact number: (619) 980-1224

Location: Gillespie Airport, San Diego, CA 92123

Learn more here.

Hobby Central

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.

Starlight Theatre

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.