Kid Tested & Adult Approved Eateries

With a world-famous zoo, sunny beaches, and a toy-themed amusement park, it's no wonder families flock to San Diego (and these are just a few of the kid-orientated options our town has to offer!).  Sometimes it's hard to plan on where to go for a sit-down meal with a young brood that satisfies both young AND older taste buds. Here are a few of our favorites that are casual, offer delectable fare, and best of all, welcome rambunctious little ones. 

Corvette Diner is a popular retro food joint that promises not only a tasty meal but also a rockin' party every time you visit. Servers dress in '50s garb from head to toe (beehives and all) and will even occasionally break out in song and dance, encouraging audience participation.  Portions are generous and it's hard to choose between the yummy salads, every type of hot sandwich, or pastas.  Don't forget to order one of their old-fashioned fountain drinks (like an egg cream) or thick milkshakes in one of their creative flavors (like Banana Berry Bingo).  The kids will especially love the attached arcade that offers everything from classic skeeball to modern day guitar hero. Come hungry, and we suggest you make reservations for weekend evenings.

For a family-friendly California-take on the classic beer garden, head to Station Tavern. Indoor and outdoor picnic tables give it a laid back feel, while the sandbox and playground will keep the kids happy as you wait for your food.  The kids’ menu's prices start at $3.50 and they also have a great selection of local brews, which will keep any parent happy.  Known for delicious burgers and tater tots, you also don't want to miss the amazing garlic fries and The Yardbird (a free range chicken smothered in pepper jack cheese and house made barbecue sauce).   “Station” (as locals refer to it) opens at 11:00 a.m. and is closed on Mondays. 

Waypoint Public has an inventive menu (thanks to Executive Chef, and Top Chef contestant, Amanda Baumgarten) and a designated kids’ area complete with AstroTurf and a white picket fence.  Waypoint is known for its impressive beer selection (over 100 choices that are either on-tap or bottled), and most are locally brewed.   The staff not only know their drinks, but they are also great with kids.  It's hard to make a wrong choice with the impressive menu (think pub fare with inventive twists) but we highly recommend the “BLT Deviled Eggs” as a starter and the hearty and enormous "Waypoint Burger."  Call ahead to reserve a table next to the kids’ area. 

One of our favorite things about Beaumonts in La Jolla is that their kids’ menu offers small portions for tiny eaters ('Little Bowl of Fruit') and larger options for big kids with bigger appetites (chocolate chip pancakes with fruit).  The kids’ menu is also geared toward picky little eaters ('Oodles of Noodles are plain noodles with butter with Parmesan) as well as kids with healthy appetites ('Mini' house salads).  Adults are going to love the exotic flatbreads (Wild boar, anyone?), mouth-watering sides (goat cheese mashed potatoes, yes please!), and delicious entrees (the braised lamb shank with mint chimichurri is divine!).  This place is great for foodies and foodies-in-training.  

We've mentioned The Wave House in Belmont Park before, but as far as great food with a kid-friendly environment goes, this place is a clear winner.  Not only is the food great, but there's always some kind of thrilling entertainment thanks to the FlowBarrel wave machine located just steps from the tables. Sitting outdoors you have clear views of surfers braving the man-made waves, which will enthrall patrons both young and old.  Kids can nosh on fish and chips while grown-ups can enjoy the blackened cod sandwich, and everyone can share the nachos and truffle fries.  

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and this is the perfect time to pack up the whole family and book a home from Mission Bay Vacation Rentals.   Of course our housing options have lovely kitchens, but for those meals when you want a break from cooking, we've got you covered.  Picking a kid-friendly dining experience doesn't mean you have to sacrifice fine dining or a good time for everyone in the family.

Father's Day at Belmont Park

 Father’s Day is this weekend and for the ideal place to celebrate look no further than historic Belmont Park in Mission Bay.  The old-fashioned amusement park on the boardwalk has recently been renovated and added even more great attractions.  This weekend the park has tailored its activities towards things Dad and the whole family would enjoy.  We’ve crafted an itinerary for a long weekend that’s heavy on the fun and all about dad.

FRIDAY

On Friday, grab lunch at the California classic, Hot Dog on a Stick, for corn dogs made from all-turkey meat and the best fresh squeezed lemonade in town.  As your food settles, head towards Tiki Town Adventure Golf, an indoor and outdoor mini golf course.  From golf pros to beginners, you’ll have a great time on the 18-hole interactive course.

After a game of mini golf, you’ll want a snack, and right around the corner is Dole Whip, a frozen, whipped pineapple and vanilla dessert.  This refreshing treat is perfect for a hot day and not too heavy, so you’ll be ready for the next stop: the Big Dipper.  The star of Belmont Park, the Dipper is a famous wooden roller coaster and a landmark of Mission Beach.  Built in 1925 (this is the Dipper’s 90th anniversary!), this high speed ride has dips and turns and offers great views of the beach and bay when you’re at the highest peak.  

Continue the retro amusement park theme by stopping by the Liberty Carousel for a family-friendly ride, or plunge through the air on the Crazy Submarine or experience the swinging thrills of the Beach Blaster.  After all the spinning and twirling, you’ll be ready to take a seat and relax for a spell, so head over to the Wave House, home to a ten foot tall wave machine.  Watch surfers on the FlowBarrel wave simulator Hang 10 on artificial waves.  From 5pm to 8pm you can cheer on amateur flow boarders as they compete for a wildcard entry in to the US Open FlowBoarding event taking place the next day. 

At dinnertime, stroll over to Cannonball for incredible sushi and killer views.  They have the largest oceanfront rooftop in San Diego and a creative menu, all set in a pool-like seating arrangement.  Enjoy fried chicken bao buns and spicy octopus rolls while reclining on cushioned benches and finish the evening with kiwi cheesecake while keeping warm by the fire pit.  

SATURDAY 

Car enthusiasts and dad will love the 2nd Annual Car Show, held in the north parking lot from 9am to 3pm.  The first 100 dads who attend will receive a free Draft branded beer chalice!  After checking out classic cars, make your way to Draft for brunch and some brews.  Draft boasts 69 beers on tap and a wide variety of craft lagers.  And beer isn’t their only speciality, their decadent brunch menu offers strawberry shortcake biscuits, a French toast B.L.T., and a pistachio crusted salmon sandwich, to name a few. 

With cars still on the mind, steer towards the rides of Belmont park for a turn at Krazy Kars, Speedway, and Overdrive Bumper Kars.  Old-fashioned, automotive-themed fun that everyone will love. 

Head back to the WaveHouse to see the start of the US Open of FlowBoarding,which starts at 2pm.  Don’t miss your chance to meet the pros who will be signing posters and posing for photos with fans.  The WaveHouse also offers delicious food, so when you start to feel peckish, order up some sesame sriracha hummus, blackened cod sandwich or a strawberry salad.  At 6pm, live music will get you moving and  maybe give you a second wind.  

SUNDAY

After a couple days of watching the flow riders you’ll be ready for some adrenaline-packed activities, and the Zip Line is the perfect place to start.  Soar through the air and enjoy vistas of the ocean and Belmont Park.  Or, if you need an extra shot of heart-pounding adventure, then try the Leap of Faith, a free-falling bungee jump, that will make you feel free as a bird. 

For a hearty lunch, Belmonty’s is definitely for those with a heathy appetite.  Fill up on tasty burgers covered in gooey cheese, funnel cake and friend Oreos.  You’ll want to get your body moving after  lunch, and the Lazer Maze Challenge is where you should head.  Another newly added attraction, try to navigate your way through a timed course, without breaking the laser stream.  Once you have a taste for ducking and diving through lasers, naturally you’ll want to try your hand at Laser Tag, a Tron-themed, three-level course, where you compete with others in this futuristic version of tag.  

For those needing a sugary indulgence between meals, The Sweet Shoppe is your place.  Homemade fudge, candy apples and frozen bananas will satisfy your sweet tooth and tide you over until dinner.  

 If you aren’t afraid of heights, then the Sky Climb and Speedwall await.  The first is a new 30-foot tall climbing wall, with multiple ways to the top, depending on your skill-set.  Speedwall times your climb and you can compete as you race to the top.  If you still need one more shot of vertigo-challenging entertainment, the Sky Ropes is your best bet.  Once you’re secured in a harness, you can negotiate your way around this elevated rope course on roped bridges and beams.  

You’ve had brunch at Draft, but now its time for a return visit for an amazing dinner menu.   Considering they’re located right on the boardwalk, the people watching will be worth a return visit as well.  Feast on elegant comfort food like lobster fritters, Cuban torts, and to ensure a proper food coma: chocolate bread pudding with Reese’s ice cream.

MONDAY

The whole family will need a day to recover from the weekend and strolling along the bay or napping on Mission Beach will be the perfect way to repose and recharge.  At Mission Bay Vacation Rentals, we can’t think of a better way to spend a family-orientated weekend then staying local and enjoying quality time with loved ones.