As a San Diego family photographer, I’m always on the lookout for places that let kids fully be kids. These are places they can laugh, run, splash, and connect with the characters they love most. Sesame Place San Diego is exactly that kind of place. It’s fun, colorful, and totally tailored to younger kids, and honestly, it brings out the child in all of us. If your kiddo lights up at the sight of Elmo or Cookie Monster, this will be your new go-to adventure.
2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Located in Chula Vista, Sesame Place San Diego is the first Sesame Street theme park on the West Coast. It’s fully licensed by Sesame Workshop. This means every inch of the park is filled with the sights, sounds, and characters kids know and love. It’s part dry amusement park, part water park. Additionally, it’s been certified as a Certified Autism Center, making it a thoughtfully inclusive space for all families.
The park has the kind of layout that works well for parents. Easy to navigate, stroller-friendly paths, and enough variety to keep your kids entertained without overwhelming them.
They created two main experiences rolled into one. The first offer the classic theme park attractions with rides, shows, and interactive character experiences. Second is a full water park complete with slides, splash pads, and a lazy river. The rides are age-appropriate for toddlers and younger children. So you don’t have to worry about tears from rides that are too intense.
You’ll find favorites like Super Grover’s Box Car Derby, Abby’s Fairy Flight, and the Sunny Day Carousel, along with character story times and parades that bring the whole park to life. Over in the water section, there are plenty of shallow zones and splashy spots that are ideal for younger kids, plus shaded seating for you to take a break. Everything feels intentional, welcoming, and designed to make a family day out feel as smooth as possible.
What sets Sesame Place apart is its focus on inclusivity and family-first fun. As a Certified Autism Center, the staff trains constantly to support sensory-sensitive children. The park offers quiet spaces, sensory guides, and ride accessibility info to help families plan their day with confidence.
They also host seasonal events throughout the year, like Elmo’s Springtacular, The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular, and a festive holiday celebration with lights and themed shows. These extra touches keep the park experience fresh even if you visit more than once a year, and honestly, your kids will ask to go back.
Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Sesame Place San Diego offers the kind of day where the joy is real, the energy is high, and your kids go to bed happy and exhausted. It’s the perfect mix of entertainment, water fun, and pure nostalgia and an easy win for parents wanting something special.
And if you’re living in this season of storybooks, puddle jumpers, and snuggly bedtime routines, I’d love to help you capture it. As a San Diego family photographer, I specialize in playful, relaxed sessions that reflect your family as you are right now. Let’s turn these early years into memories you’ll hold onto long after Elmo’s been replaced by something new.