Sesame Place San Diego is a family theme park in Chula Vista, south of downtown, designed around the Sesame Street characters and aimed squarely at young children. It combines gentle rides and play areas with water slides and splash zones, and the characters appear throughout the day in shows, parades and meet-and-greets. It is a very different experience from the big-thrill parks nearby, with a pace and scale that suit toddlers, preschoolers and early-elementary children.
Where SeaWorld and LEGOLAND cover a wide age range, Sesame Place concentrates on the youngest visitors. Most rides are mild and sized for small riders, many of the play areas are built for climbing and splashing, and the water attractions range from shallow splash pads to slides for slightly braver children. Expect bright colors, familiar songs and plenty of opportunities to see favorite characters up close, which is the main draw for many families.
The day usually revolves around the character experiences. Parades and live shows run on a schedule posted at the entrance and in the park's app, and meet-and-greets give children a chance to hug a favorite furry friend and take a photo. Between shows, families move between the water play zones, the gentle rides and the interactive play structures. Because the park suits short attention spans, many visitors do a half day and leave before the afternoon heat and fatigue set in.
Practical planning matters more than ambition here. Bring swimsuits and a change of clothes even if you do not plan to spend all day in the water, because splash zones are hard for small children to resist. Look at the height guidelines for individual rides before you go, and plan the busiest attractions for the first hours after opening. Seasonal operating days and hours vary, and the water areas are not always open in cooler months, so check the calendar for the date you plan to visit.
What to expect
The experience
A theme park and water park for young children, with gentle rides, splash areas, play structures, parades, shows and character meet-and-greets.
Best time
Arrive at opening to get the shortest queues for rides and meet-and-greets. Summer weekends are the busiest; weekdays outside school holidays are calmer.
How long
Plan on three to six hours depending on your children's ages and stamina.
Tips
Bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen and a change of clothes. Check the show schedule when you arrive and build the day around it, and review the ride height guidance before you go so no one is disappointed at the gate.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with toddlers, preschoolers and young school-age children who love the Sesame Street characters.
- Families
- The whole park is designed for small children, with gentle rides, splash areas and shows pitched at their level.
- Couples
- Not a typical couples outing, though parents with young children will find it relaxed and easy.
- Pair with
- Combine with a quiet afternoon or an evening in Coronado or the Gaslamp Quarter, away from the crowds.
- Time needed
- Half a day for most families; a full day if your children love the water areas.
Good questions
Who is Sesame Place San Diego best for?+
Young children, roughly toddlers through early elementary age. Older children and teens may prefer the larger thrill parks.
Where is it?+
In Chula Vista, south of downtown San Diego, so allow a drive of roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Is there a water park?+
Yes. The park includes water slides and splash areas, so bring swimwear and a towel.
Can we meet the characters?+
Yes. Meet-and-greets, shows and parades are a major part of the day, and the schedule is posted when you arrive.
How long do we need?+
Most families spend half a day to a full day, depending on how much time the children spend in the water.
