5 Things to Do in San Diego with Your Kids Before You Deploy

The fall and winter seasons offer a lot of opportunities for fun, no matter where you live, but if you happen to call sunny San Diego home, the options are almost endless. If your deployment is looming, you certainly want to make the most of every moment with family. Take advantage of the perfect weather and the wealth of activities to make some lasting memories.

For kids of all ages and interests, fall in San Diego offers plenty of opportunities for fun. Add a few of these activities to your to-do list.

San Diego with Kids

Mother Goose Parade

Every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the Mother Goose Parade kicks off the holiday season. This parade is filled with floats — mostly with a nursery rhyme theme — but it also features specialty vehicles, animated clowns, marching bands, drill units, equestrian displays, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. In all, more than 100 parade entries make this an event worth watching to kick off the holiday season.

San Diego’s Global Winter Wonderland

You don’t have to leave San Diego to experience a multitude of cultures. At the Global Winter Wonderland, you get a taste of the holidays as they are celebrated around the world. The multicultural celebrations include carnival rides, international food, shopping, and exciting acrobatic acts.

From mid-November to early January, you can experience the holidays in a completely magical way. Large, handcrafted lanterns featuring international themes include landscapes of the Taj Mahal and Eiffel Tower, allowing you to enjoy a whirlwind trip around the globe in a single evening.

Skating by the Sea

Thanks to its warm temperatures, San Diego isn’t exactly the ice skating capital of the world, but you wouldn’t know it if you visit the Hotel del Coronado in winter. Beginning on Thanksgiving Day and running through New Year’s Day, this Skating by the Sea event gives you the chance to strap on some skates and skate around an ice rink surrounded by palm trees, holiday lights — and the beach.

Balboa Park December Nights

Now in its 40th year, this two-day event has become a can’t-miss holiday festival. In 2017, Balboa Park December Nights takes place on December 1 and December 2 with fun for the entire family that includes food from around the globe, holiday-themed entertainment, a Christmas ornament display, interactive kid-friendly science exhibits, music and dance performances, and other attractions. One visit is all it takes to understand why this free community festival draws more than 350,000 visitors in just two nights.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

For 46 years, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights has attracted crowds with its magical, seasonal display that is unlike any other. About 80 participants decorate their boats to match a theme (Arrrgh! A Pirate’s Theme for 2017), and more than 100,000 visitors head to the shores of San Diego Bay to see the spectacular results. This year, the parade is set for December 10 and December 17.

Exploring San Diego with your family creates warm memories and provides a great escape as you prepare for your deployment. To make your pending relocation even less stressful, CORT Furniture Rental can help you furnish your home away from home with ease.