Photo: Sesame Place San Diego
Photo: Roberto Garcia
Photo: Penny OnTheGoOC
Sesame Place San Diego
★4.0(5,446 reviews)$$$Water Park
🕑 Full day (5-7 hours)👶 Preschool through early elementary (2-8 years)🧡 Saved by 20 families
About
The only Sesame Street-themed park on the West Coast brings beloved characters to life through interactive shows, meet-and-greets, and over a dozen kid-friendly rides. The water park side features age-appropriate splash zones and slides, while dry rides include a gentle roller coaster, parade floats, and Elmo's cloud-chaser ride.
Highlights
- ✓Character meet-and-greets with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and the whole Sesame Street gang
- ✓Water play areas with multiple splash zones sized for different ages
- ✓Sesame Street parade featuring all favorite characters on colorful floats
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive 15 minutes before opening to catch the opening show and be first in line for character meet-and-greets before crowds build
- 2.Bring swim gear year-round - even in cooler months, kids will want to play in the water areas which have some heated sections
- 3.Download the park app before visiting to check wait times, show schedules, and character appearance locations in real-time
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays during the school year (September-May) or first thing at opening during summer; avoid peak summer weekends when waits are longest
What to Know
Food: Multiple dining locations with kid favorites like pizza, chicken tenders, and healthier options; outside food allowed in designated picnic areas · Parking: Paid parking lot ($30-35); arrives early as it fills quickly on weekends and summer days · Bathrooms: Family restrooms and nursing stations throughout the park; changing tables in all facilities · Strollers: Stroller-friendly pathways throughout; rentals available but bring your own for naptime flexibility with younger kids · Accessibility: Fully accessible with wheelchair rentals available; most attractions accommodate guests with disabilities
Seasonal Notes
Water attractions operate seasonally (typically April-October); Halloween Spooktacular in October features trick-or-treating and costume parades; winter holiday celebrations in November-December with special shows
Nearby Eats
Located in Chula Vista near the Otay Ranch Town Center mall with dozens of chain restaurants and fast-casual options within 5 minutes, perfect for dinner after a park day.
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