Carlsbad with Kids: Where Fun, Sun & Adventure Collide 2025

With school holidays on the horizon, it’s time to begin planning your next family getaway! Check out our guide for where to stay and must-see attractions during your stay.

LEGOLAND Hotels

For the ultimate family-friendly stay, check in at one of LEGOLAND’s themed hotels. Beginning March 21, 2025, brand-new themed rooms at the LEGOLAND Hotel will be unveiled, featuring LEGO DUPLO, NINJAGO or Friends designs. Both the LEGOLAND and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel offer pools, play areas, nightly entertainment and dining options so that you can continue the fun after your park visit.


Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach

The Hilton Garden Inn offers a prime spot for beachside relaxation with easy access to top attractions. This hotel boasts a large, heated pool, common area with yard games and connecting room options so that you can keep the family together while enjoying some space. Since it’s within walking distance to the beach this hotel pick is the perfect place to recharge after a day of adventure.

The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa

For a luxurious stay without sacrificing distance to kid-friendly activities, The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is a great choice for families hoping to have a resort-like stay. Enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center as well as fantastic dining options on-site. Best of all, guests will have access to a private hotel entrance to LEGOLAND so that you can skip the long entry lines and dive straight into the excitement.

LEGOLAND California

No trip to Carlsbad is complete without a visit to LEGOLAND! With three theme parks, you’ll have never-ending entertainment. Plan your trip ahead of time and purchase your tickets online
to save! You’ll find single day, 2-day and annual passholder options, as well as options to upgrade your visit.

At LEGOLAND theme park you’ll find over 60 rides and plenty of attractions that are fun for the whole family. Be sure to explore their newest land, Dino Valley, to meet some prehistoric friends on adventurous rides and build some dino creations at the Dino Outpost play area. Summer visitors can look forward to the opening of reimagined driving school featuring new interactive features for young drivers!

Opening this March, LEGOLAND’s Water Park is the perfect place to splash into fun! Zoom down themed waterslides, build your own floating raft or have fun cooling down at one of the many splash pad zones. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to have an amazing time soaking up the sun and making family memories.

SEA LIFE Aquarium has more than 5,000 creatures for you to see and provides a world for interactive learning. Perfect for all ages, this indoor attraction lets you experience up close encounters with over 350 species including sharks, rays and seahorses. Make your visit extra special by joining in on one of the educational talks or feeding demonstrations to get to know the different habitats and animals at the aquarium.

Museum of Making Music

For music lovers, the Museum of Making Music is a must-visit. This interactive museum explores the rich history of music and allow guests to experiment with different instruments. Discovery the sounds of different eras and learn about how instruments are made and music is produced. Open Tuesday through Sunday this museum is a delight for music enthusiasts of any age!

Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Campus

Stop by the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Campus and meet their very friendly animal ambassadors! Open Tuesday through Sunday, the campus offers plenty of tactile and learning areas so that kids can learn about the history of the area as well as local plants and animals. The Discovery Campus is run by the nonprofit Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, and is a wonderful place to learn about and connect with nature.

Kids and Coffee

The recently opened, Kids and Coffee is a wonderland for indoor play. With over 12,000 square feet of play space, this nature-inspired indoor playground provides a variety of different play zones so that your little ones can have endless fun. Check out their massive ball pit, mini grocery store, sensory spaces and more! Open daily, be sure to book your play ahead of time as they require a reservation. There’s even a café onsite serving up specialty coffee and healthy food options for the whole family.

The Lullabar

The Lullabar is a haven for parents looking for a break while staying connected to their children. As a family-friendly space, you’ll find an adorable play zone as well as opportunities to take time for yourself and connect with the community. At The Lullabar, you’ll find hourly childcare with CPR Certified Childcare Professionals so that you can unwind with a cup of coffee, catch up on emails or visit their on-site nail salon for some pampering. There is also Open Gym
available daily, so that you can play with your child in a new space and meet other parents! Open from Monday to Saturday, you’re able to book your childcare or play time ahead of time to make your planning easier.

Outdoor Parks and Playgrounds

With an abundance of parks, Carlsbad is a fantastic spot for enjoying the beautiful Southern California weather. Pack a picnic and let the kids run free at some of our incredible playgrounds and open spaces. Check out our top picks for park recommendations and a complete list of the community parks and their amenities.

From thrilling theme park adventures to hands-on learning experiences and relaxing beachside retreats, Carlsbad has something for every family. Start planning your trip today!