January Activities for Families and Kids in San Diego (2024)
January 2024 is here! Here are all the fun and kid-friendly events and seasonal happenings during the month of January in San Diego for those wild little ones.
Hello dads and young parents! January is here! For many, January may be synonymous with chilly weather, but here in San Diego, where the sky is always clear, the fun never takes a winter break. As a dad myself, I know the struggle of finding exciting and family-friendly activities to keep the kids entertained. Fear not, because I’ve compiled a list of fun and kid-friendly events and seasonal happening in San Diego this January for families and kids. Let’s dive in!
Grey Whale Watching Tour
Mon, Jan 1 – Wed, Jan 31, 2024
The best months to see grey whales in San Diego are during the winter months, between December to March, with peak sightings occurring in January and February. During this period, gray whales travel from their feeding grounds in Alaska to their breeding and calving areas in Baja California, Mexico. San Diego serves as a popular stopping point along their journey, providing ample opportunities for whale watching. Secure your spot on a whale-watching tour with one numerous tour companies in San Diego.
Old Town Trolley Tours at Old Town SAN Diego
Wed, Jan 3 – Sun, Jan 14, 2024
San Diego residents can ring in the new year with a free ride on Old Town Trolley Tours during locals month in January. As part of locals month, it’s free admission to all residents of San Diego County. Only one (1) booking per household. Due to high demand and limited availability, a maximum of 4 guests are allowed for one date only. There are a limited number of passes per day. Guests must request passes online, not at ticket booth. Visit https://www.trolleytours.com for more information
Paw Patrol Live! at San Diego Civic Theatre
Fri, Jan 5 – Sun, Jan 7, 2024
Experience the live show based on the popular animated children’s television series “Paw Patrol”, where a group of puppies, each with their own unique skills and personalities, work together on rescue missions to protect Adventure Bay using their teamwork and problem-solving skills. This live show brings the characters to the stage, providing an interactive and engaging experience for young audiences. Visit https://www.pawpatrollive.com for more information.
Poway Winter Festival at Poway Community Park
Fri, Jan 12 – Sat, Jan 13, 2024
Experience the magic and charm of winter. Build a snowman, sled down a snow hill, roast marshmallows a campfire, make silly faces in a free photo booth, or take a spin around the synthetic skate rink, there is something for everyone! Visit https://www.poway.org for more information.
Monster Jam at Snapdragon Stadium
Sat, Jan 13 – Sun, Jan 28, 2024
The most unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable motorsport experience for families and fans returns to San Diego for two adrenaline charged weekends. These events will showcase highly modified trucks, with oversized wheels and powerful engines, capable of performing spectacular stunts and feats. You will also experience various competitions such as racing, freestyle, and skill challenges, where drivers push their trucks to the limits in terms of speed, jumps, and maneuvers.Visit https://www.monsterjam.com for more information.
42nd Annual San Diego MLK Parade at Embarcadero
Sun, Jan 14, 2024
This parade is coordinated by the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the oldest African American fraternity in America, founded in 1906. The seven men who founded this organization at Cornell University in Ithaca New York recognized the need for a strong bond of Brotherhood among African descendants in this country. Dr. King was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. Join the community and help continue the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and support scholarship opportunities for the youth of San Diego. Visit https://www.sandiegoalphas.com/mlk-parade for more information.
Disney on Ice at Pechanga Arena
Thu, Jan 18 – Sun, Jan 21, 2024
This year, Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto! Step inside the magical adventures of Disney’s Frozen and Encanto as they are brought to life. The show will take you on Anna’s adventure to find Elsa. Olaf, Kristoff and Sven take you along as they encounter wintry conditions in a race to bring back summer. Then, enter the fantastical Madrigal family’s Casita amidst the beautiful mountains of Colombia. Join Mirabel on her journey to save her enchanted family home alongside her sisters, Isabela, and Luisa. Visit https://www.disneyonice.com/ for more information.
Jurassic Quest at Del Mar Fairgrounds
Fri, Jan 19 – Sun, Jan 21, 2024
Experience an immersive journey into the prehistoric world, where families and dinosaur enthusiasts can explore life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, marvel at realistic replicas, and participate in educational activities that bring the ancient creatures to life. In addition, the event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to discover different dinosaur species, learn about their habitats, and enjoy an entertaining and educational experience. Visit https://www.jurassicquest.com/ for more information.
Supercross at Snapdragon Stadium
Sat, Jan 20, 2024
This annual event, by Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, features high-intensity motorcycle racing with top riders competing in various classes. The tracks are custom-built and provide a thrilling and challenging course for the riders.Visit https://www.supercrosslive.com/tickets/san-diego-ca/jan-20-2024/ for more information.
Circus Vargas at Escondido
Fri, Jan 26 – Mon, Feb 12, 2024
Step right into the spectacle of a lifetime and experience the magic, thrills, and laughter at Circus Vargas. This event provides an immersive experience that includes aerial acrobatics, daring high-wire stunts, to hilarious comedy. The event is a two hour family friendly show. There is delicious food and drinks available and its fun for children of all ages. Visit https://tickets.circusvargas.com/ for more information.