Birch Aquarium at Scripps is full of the wonders of the sea. Located in the Pacific Ocean community of La Jolla, 14 miles north of San Diego, the aquarium features a simulator ride in which participants can experience what it’s like to be a dolphin as it swims through the ocean, or a drop of water going through the cycle of life. The 13,000-gallon shark-reef exhibit and award-winning “Secrets of the Seahorse” exhibit are among the aquarium’s intriguing viewing opportunities. Family Days, held the third Saturday of each month, feature unique themes, enacted through stories and craft projects. February’s theme, SEAcret Admirers, includes a tunnel of love and a “will-you-be-mine” fish craft.

9. San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego ’s Gaslamp Quarter is the place to be for shopping and gallery hopping. The ambiance of this beautiful section of downtown can’t be beat. Victorian-era commercial buildings constructed between 1873 and 1930 offer a swank, sophisticated air, and when the sun dips to the horizon Victorian-style lamps flicker on to illuminate scores of top-notch restaurants and lively nightclubs. The entire Gaslamp Quarter will be one big party on Fat Tuesday, February 28 this year. The Bud Light Mardi Gras outdoor celebration is a block party with live bands, an action-packed parade and street treats. Joining in the fun, the district’s dining and drinking establishments will offer dinner and drink specials, contests, prizes and dancing.

8. Miramar Speed Circuit

If you love life in the fast lane, Miramar Speed Circuit, 16 miles north of San Diego, is the place for you. You’ll feel like Dale Earnhardt Jr. as you race down the indoor asphalt track in go-karts. The karts, which sport 6.5hp Honda engines, can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Children must be at least 48 inches tall (122 cm) to ride the junior karts. The track even has a pit. You’ll have the time of your life as you zoom along the 1/4-mile-long (402 m) course.

7. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Families with a future scientist in their midst should check out the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park, which boasts more than 100 interactive exhibits. “Enchanted Museum: Exploring the Science of Art,” February 4 through April 30, helps kids make the connection between science and art, and demonstrates how art is created. Fridays at the Fleet: Imaxed Out offers four different IMAX films for your viewing pleasure. New movies in February and March include Greece: Secrets of the Past, Everest and Volcanoes of the Deep. And your experience wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the center’s Virtual Zone and planetarium. In addition to being home to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park has 14 other major museums, performing arts venues and lovely gardens.

6. San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park

Hoping to teach your children about the diversity of wild animals and the importance of their conservation? A visit to the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, located 35 miles (56 km) north of downtown San Diego, is an invaluable experience. Visitors have the opportunity to view numerous animals, including many endangered species, in wide-open exhibit areas on rolling, oak-studded hills. Cheetah Run Safari, available weekends by reservations only, allows guests to visit a rustic camp where they can watch cheetahs chase after a mechanical rabbit lure at speeds of up to 60 mph (97 km/h). You’ll feel like you’ve embarked on a real-life African safari while aboard the Photo Caravan Safari, which allows visitors to get up close and personal with the animals. It’s one wild ride!

5. A Day at the Beach

A Day at the Beach! There’s just no better way to spend a day in San Diego, which has some of the best beaches in the world. Try packing a picnic lunch and heading off to Coronado Island, located a mere seven-minute ferry ride from downtown San Diego. Or check out Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Del Mar or north county beaches such as Encinitas and Carlsbad. The kids and you will have a blast soaking up the sun and swimming in the balmy waters. Check out www.a-zsandiegobeaches.com for a wide variety of sand-and-sun options.

4. Knott’s Soak City Water Park

For a day your children won’t soon forget, visit Knott’s Soak City Water Park, 10 miles south of San Diego. The newest of the water park’s 23 exciting water rides is Pacific Spin, which blasts participants through a 132-foot-long tunnel, then drops them 75 feet into a six-story funnel that culminates in a waterfall. Palisades Plunge and Beach Blaster are among other thrilling rides at Soak City. The park is open daily May 27 through September 4, then it’s weekends only through the rest of September.

3. San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, is world renowned for its diverse collection of animals housed in naturalistic exhibits. Last spring, the zoo opened the largest and most elaborate habitat ever: Monkey Trails and Forest Tales, which allows guests to trek through Asian and African forest environments to see some of the world’s most threatened wildlife, including the clouded leopard and the pygmy hippo. Among the highlights of this amazing place is the opportunity to view one of the newest members of the zoo, the female baby panda Su Lin, born August 2, 2005. With Su Lin’s birth, the zoo now has the largest population of giant pandas (four) outside of China.

2. Legoland

Let your kids’ imaginations run wild at Legoland, 36 miles north of San Diego, which features more than 50 rides, shows and attractions for children ages 2-12. The little ones will love drifting down Fairy Tale Brook on a magical leaf-boat ride through a village of favorite fairy-tale characters created entirely of Legos. Feel like a round of golf? Try out the park’s new 18-hole Wild Woods Golf course that features Lego forest creatures. Take your children for a spin on the Coastersaurus, a roller coaster that winds its way across Dino Island, or let their imaginations run wild with a ride on a robotic arm in Knight’s Tournament. With so many activities to try, you won’t know where to begin!

1. SeaWorld Adventure Park

Your trip to San Diego wouldn’t be complete without a splash from Shamu the killer whale at SeaWorld Adventure Park, San Diego’s most popular attraction. SeaWorld’s latest venture is the sea lion and otter show Clyde and Seamore in Deep, Deep Trouble, which opened last spring. The fun-filled adventure is based on a submarine voyage that’s mistaken for a “Love Boat” style cruise. The park, located on 189 acres, features 20,000 animals, including 16 species of marine mammals — such as the endangered Florida manatee — as well as interactive attractions, aquariums and rides. On Shipwreck Rapids, visitors are surrounded by waterfalls and pass through an “underground cavern” before a thrilling ride down rapids. SeaWorld is an absolute must-see for those traveling to San Diego.