Encinitas is an outstanding place for families. Our strong sense of community and stunning coastline provide the perfect backdrop for making lasting memories with your children – especially the three-and-under crowd. There’s always something exciting for toddlers to explore here, from our picturesque parks to our sandy shores.
Let’s dive into the top five activities to do with your toddler in Encinitas.
1. Go tide pooling at Cardiff State Beach.
We know: the beach is an obvious choice. After all, Encinitas is synonymous with sun, sand, and ocean waves. But you can do more than sunbathe and build sandcastles with your toddler. At low tide, head on over to Cardiff State Beach, where Table Top reef provides easy-to-access tide pools. Park in the lot for a nominal fee and head south past Lifeguard Tower 10. Here you’ll find rocks teeming with marine life that tiny tots will find fascinating – like crabs, anemones, starfish, and more.
2. Spend the day at the Botanic Garden.
The San Diego Botanic Garden is 37 acres of green space in the middle of Encinitas – and a popular spot to bring toddlers. Home to the largest children’s garden on the West Coast, your toddler can spend hours climbing the massive treehouse, splashing in the mountain stream, and watching the miniature railroad chug along its tracks. Every Friday morning, they host a “Toddler Tales and Tunes” program – but don’t show up on Tuesdays, because they’re closed.
3. Commune with nature at San Elijo Lagoon.
If your little one craves more outdoor exploration, visit the Nature Center at San Elijo Lagoon. Take a leisurely stroll along their nine miles of hiking trails, where you’ll see native plants and animals like mule deer, sunflowers, and Great blue herons. Afterward, tour the interactive exhibits inside the Nature Center to learn more about what you’ve seen. On the first Sunday of each month, join them for Family Fun Day, where kids can meet the park rangers and experience up-close-and-personal animal encounters – all with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
4. Play around at Encinitas Community Park.
Toddlers love a good playground, and Encinitas Community Park has one of the best playgrounds around. There are so many fun play structures for your toddler to climb, swing, and slide on – and plenty of benches for tired parents to rest their weary feet. Its huge canopy provides more-than-adequate shade, making it a perfect outing even on a sunny day. Plus, you can pack lunch to enjoy on one of their many picnic tables.
5. Make learning fun at the Encinitas Library.
There’s plenty of indoor fun to be found for toddlers in our town at the Encinitas Library. Their huge children’s section is stocked full of board books and educational toys, and there are plenty of comfortable nooks to cuddle up and read with your little one. What’s more, they offer a plethora of events and activities for two- and three-year-olds – like story time with singing, dancing, and interactive educational fun. Check their online schedule for upcoming events that your toddler will enjoy.
Author: Allison Amini
Allison is the owner of Novel World Travel, a boutique travel agency located in Encinitas. An ASTA Verified Travel Advisor and CLIA Certified Cruise Counsellor, Allison helps her clients design personalized vacations – from relaxing long weekends to extended adventures across the globe. She’s been to thirty countries on five continents, but she’s proud to call Encinitas her home.
