Playgrounds
20 parks with a playground, closest to downtown first.
- Poinsettia Park0.8 mi from downtown
- Aviara Community Park1 mi from downtown
- Laguna Riviera City Park1.9 mi from downtown
Family
Things to do in Carlsbad with kids
4 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.
Family-friendly ideas around Carlsbad, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.
Libraries
Story times, homework help and summer reading, free with a library card.
- Dove Library1775 Dove Lane
- Carlsbad City Library Learning Center3368 Eureka Place
- Georgina Cole Library1250 Carlsbad Village Drive
Picnic spots
Day-use areas for a family picnic.
- Indian Flats Campground40 mi northeast
- Cleveland National Forest43 mi southeast
- Bobcat Meadow Campground51 mi southeast
Wildlife and nature
Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.
- Cabrillo National Monument31 mi south
- San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge35 mi south
- Falcon Group38 mi north
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
6 things to do in Carlsbad, California
A local activity Short shared by Megan Across The Map.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
How to spend a perfect day in Carlsbad, California. Follow @esthercalifornia for more SD content.
A local activity Short shared by Esther | San Diego & Travel.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What is there to do in Carlsbad with kids?
Playgrounds (20), Libraries (3), Picnic spots (13), Wildlife and nature (19). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.
What can kids do in Carlsbad for free?
Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.
What can families do in Carlsbad when it rains or it’s hot?
Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.