free activities in Carlsbad?

[travelhome]

We will be in Carlsbad in week 52 with a 3 yr old and an 1 yr old, plus grandma. The plan is to relax and spend a lot of time in legoland. We do not plan to go to disney land, animal kingdom, seaworld, SD zoo etc. These are too costly and too far to Carlsbad since kids need to take nap around noon.

Is there any activity around local Carlsbad that are free or very cheap that kids would enjoy? For kids at this age, I'm hoping we can satisfy their need for parents attention without having to pay expensive admission fees.

 

[swift]

Where are you staying at? Grand Pacific Palisade Resort has some activities for the kids. You might want to reconsider the San Diego Zoo especially for that age. It is one of the best zoo's around. Bring a stroller and get an early start. When the kids start getting cranky if they won't fall asleep in their stroller go for a Scenic Drive http://www.sandiego.org/article_set/Visitors/11/338 and let them catch their nap while you are enjoying the sights.

Many of the museums are free on Tuesdays. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15053014/

 

[travelhome]

Thanks for the link and the ideas!

Is the ocean too cold around Christmas time? I'm talking about walking along the beach, not swimming. Would it be too windy and cold for the baby?

 

[Liz Wolf-Spada]

Usually nice around Christmas time. Bring jackets of course. GPP has playgrounds that are very nice for little ones and heated pools.
Liz

 

[mayson12]

One thing that might be kind of fun esp. for the 3-yr-old, is taking the Coaster train from Carlsbad to Oceanside Pier and have breakfast or lunch at the Ruby's Diner on the end of the pier. It's a quick train ride along the ocean, and kids under age 5 are free. Trains are always fun, but it's close enough so they won't get bored. Christmastime is usually pretty nice weather-wise (knock on wood), at least nice enough for parks and walks on the sand. Have a great time!

Sandy