Family Friendly Activities in National City

Looking for some family-friendly fun in National City? We’ve got you covered! Whether it’s a weekday, Saturday, or Sunday, read on for some local activities that your family can get up to.

Family House of Pancakes

You won’t have any trouble finding something to fill you up and get you ready for the day at Family House of Pancakes. With an extensive menu, they’re more than just a pancake house. Whether you go for a stack of pancakes, chicken and waffles, crepes, a burrito, or anything else, everyone is going to leave satisfied.

Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center

The Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center promotes healthy families and a healthy environment. They offer interactive indoor and outdoor classes where you can learn about nutrition through lessons, hands-on gardening, and cooking classes. Garden Explorers is just one of the many programs they offer, where 1st-6th graders can engage with nature through science.

Ice Cream

Finish your day off with ice cream at one of National City’s ice cream shops!

Niederfranks is known for their old-fashioned ice cream. They take pride in the fact that their practices for ice cream making are outdated because the results are delicious!

Creamistry makes their ice cream one scoop at a time using liquid nitrogen to instantly flash freeze each order. The result is unique, decadent ice cream!

Snow Pops offers a flavorsome selection of desserts, snowballs, and ice pops! There are over 150 flavors to mix and match, with 30 unique add ons to enhance your dessert.

Breakfast at Aunt Emma’s

Greet the weekend with brunch at Aunt Emma’s Pancakes. This family-owned restaurant has been in operation since 1959. Choose among 24 different flavors of pancakes. If you’re not feeling pancakes, try waffles, an omelette, or one of their south of the border specialties!

Stein Family Farm

Tour the Victorian farmhouse, see the 100-year-old barn, and meet the animals! The Stein Family Farm is the last remaining intact historical farm in National City. See some of the adorable fur friends and take a look at the farm on their Instagram. The farm is open to the public on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm — make sure you reserve your spot in advance on their website!

Steal and Escape

Put your family to the test in an escape room! With 60 minutes to solve puzzles and escape the room, you will work under pressure while having fun and building teamwork! The recommended age for Steal and Escape is 7 and up, with some escape rooms recommended for older ages. For more information on what escape rooms are currently available, visit their website!

Picnic

Pick up some take-out or pack a lunch to enjoy at the park!

Kimball Park, with its playground and frequent dog-walkers, is a great place to take the family! There’s plenty of space for kids to run around or relax in the sun!

Pepper Park has a playground, picnic tables, and a fishing pier! Right on the waterfront, you can enjoy the peaceful setting with your family.

AMC Theater Plaza Bonita

End your day at the AMC Plaza Bonita movie theater. Right next to the food court, any member of the family can find something to eat before the movie! Find showtimes here.