When the sun is blazing with all its force and the temperatures are soaring, finding ways to keep your toddler entertained and cool is not easy. When the heat is on, the usual outdoor fun in parks, playgrounds, and sandy beaches is not such a great idea because it can lead to overheating. 

Luckily a big and vibrant city like San Diego offers plenty of things to do on a hot day near you without melting in the scorching heat. From numerous indoor adventures to safe, healthy, and refreshing water-filled fun, there is no need to let the heat burn your plans. 

In today’s post, we explore ways to engage with your little ones without worrying about boredom or sunburns. So, pack plenty of water, fruit, and light snacks to recharge their batteries when they suffer a drop in energy, and it’s time to turn the sweltering day into a memorable adventure.

What to do with your kids on hot days?

While extremely hot days can be dangerous and it’s advisable to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, heatwaves can last for weeks, and keeping kids indoors for too long is not an option. Whether it’s splashing around in water, exploring air-conditioned museums, or getting creative indoors, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities that will help your little ones stay cool while still having a blast. Let’s now dive into some of the coolest hot day activities for kids that San Diego has to offer.

1. Dive into freshness at The Plunge

You’d be forgiven for thinking that finding refuge in water’s embrace is the best thing to do on a really hot day. However, the beachfront is a dangerous place to be during a heatwave so it’s highly recommended that you take your fun indoors. But what if we tell you there is a place that combines the best of both worlds? At The Plunge, you can engage in healthy and cooling splashing that we associate with the beach and the crisp atmosphere of an air-conditioned space.

The Plunge is a state-of-the-art indoor pool with a retractable roof and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that lets you enjoy the uplifting effects of a sunny day minus the heat and discomfort that come with excessive heat. located right on the beach, The Plunge lets you stay active and have fun with your toddler while looking at the ocean in a safe and cool environment.

2. Have an aquarium adventure

If you like the idea of combining air conditioning with water fun, another option is to head to Birch Aquarium at Scripps. While it won’t provide the health benefits that the swimming pool brings, it will keep your kids entertained. Kids can learn about marine life, including its fascinating residents like mighty sharks and rays and charismatic sea dragons and seahorses. 

3. Visit the New Children’s Museum

As an air-conditioned space packed with hands-on exhibits that are designed to spark toddlers’ creativity and keep their brains working. Toddlers are invited to paint, build, and climb on interactive structures, all while staying indoors and safe from boiling heat. The museum also offers workshops and storytelling sessions for those who want to take it slow and don’t feel like breaking a sweat.

4. Get chilled with the ice

Yes, you heard that right! Even on the hottest day, you can find cooling outdoor kid activities during a heatwave in San Diego. If your kids like to skate or you feel like they will enjoy giving it a try, you can check out the UTC Ice Sports Center or Kroc Center Ice Arena. Both offer an afternoon of chilly fun that might introduce them to sports they won’t normally try in sunny Southern California.

5. Escape into the world of books

If your toddler is more into laid-back activities and you’re looking for things to do on a hot day near you, a library is a great place to retreat from the heat. Many of San Diego’s libraries offer kids’ storytime, interactive learning activities, and craft sessions that will keep their brains working and sponging up the information in air-conditioned comfort.

6. Explore a Science Center

Another option for kids who like to learn but maybe don’t consider books as their favorite pastime, the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park is another great place to visit. It’s filled with interactive exhibits that are designed for the little ones, a planetarium that is sure to pique their interest, and an IMAX theater ready to inspire and transport them to far-away places.

7. Stay fresh in the dark

Speaking of theaters, one of the most family-friendly ways to stay cool indoors is to go see a film in one of San Diego’s movie theaters. Places like AMC, Regal, and Cinépolis run special summer matinee programs with kid-friendly motion pictures screened during the day. Some cinemas even offer discounted rates for daytime projections during the summer so be sure to explore your options.

8. Go for an evening beach walk

If you really want to hit the beach, you should definitely wait for sunset. While heatwaves make midday beach outings an unbearable health risk, evening walks by the ocean are a different story. Once the blazing sun says goodbye for the day, places like Coronado Beach, La Jolla Shores, and Mission Beach turn into perfect settings for a relaxed stroll and sandcastle building. All you have to do is bring some glow sticks and let the kids play in the sand and enjoy the cool air coming from the ocean.

What are the best hot day activities for kids in San Diego, CA?

Whether you’re looking for ways to cool down when it’s too hot for comfort, keep a senior away from scorching weather, or just want to escape the notorious San Diego heatwaves, The Plunge indoor swimming pool is the best place to visit. From inflatable obstacle courses for the little ones and a wooden dry sauna for the aching muscles and bones to an impressive fitness area and basketball hoop for people of all ages, it’s so much more than just a splash pad with lap swim lanes. 

With a snack shack, beach house servers, lounge areas, and all the swim equipment you need in one place, you can spend a day knowing that you have everything you need within reach. If you’re looking to keep your kids cool and having fun, it’s time to jump in at The Plunge!