Great Places to Take the Grandchildren: San Diego

With more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals representing 800-plus species and subspecies, the San Diego Zoo is one of the most diverse in America. The Polar Bear Plunge, which has reopened after a $1 million makeover. Aside from permanent polar residents Kalluk, Chinook, and Tatqiq, new features include a snow den you can burrow into (the snug space mimics where female bears birth their cubs); a helicopter used on actual Arctic explorations that invites climbers into the cockpit; and the Experience Wall, where zookeepers open the glass panels surrounding the bears' habitat, letting them sniff at visitors through wire mesh.

At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, lions lounge in the grasslands while rhinos and antelopes cool off in a nearby watering hole. You can see the best of African wildlife on this memorable safari adventure in a park that's home to more than 3,500 animals representing 429 species!

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a wildlife preserve that mimics the natural habitats of African and Asian animals. Its 33,000-square-foot Lion Camp even provides guests an opportunity to experience a face-to-face encounter with lions!

Sea World San Diego continues the wild theme of this Southern California city, allowing kids to have a Dolphin Interaction, Shark Encounter, splash along one of its many thrill rides, and of course take in one of the park's legendary sea mammal shows.  Two must-do rides include Journey to Atlantis, an exciting water ride through a lost city, and Manta, the park’s newest high-speed coaster that will twist and turn you through the world of the majestic Manta Ray!

The USS Midway Museum aircraft carrier, 972 feet and 74,000 tons of military muscle, has become a mainstay of San Diego and is absolutely worth the trip for the whole family. Located at the city’s Navy Pier, this museum takes guests back in time aboard the 20th century’s longest-serving aircraft carrier. Get a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of the 225,000 sailors that served aboard this “city at sea” from 1945 to 1992 in places as far away as the South China Sea.

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is a scientific complex, full of fascinating, hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages. It is also home to the world’s first IMAX Dome Theater, presenting the biggest films on earth! Stop by and try your hand at designing images with a sand pendulum, analyzing the vibrations of guitar strings, or just learning something new about our universe. Little ones will love Kid City, with its conveyor belts and cranes. Bonus: there's a free IMAX movie daily, included with admission!

Whale Watching! Approximately 20,000 Gray Whales pass through San Diego’s waters in their 10,000-mile annual, epic migration from the Bering Sea to Baja California. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, sea lions, and migrating birds as well!

These are just a few of the many activities that San Diego has to offer. There are many more places that children would enjoy seeing.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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