Walk on the Wild Side

Now I would suggest bringing bug spray, water and perhaps a "zap gun" if you're going to walk during summer (think rattlesnakes) or anytime where there are reported "lion" spottings...but there are TONS of National Refuges" in San Diego that aren't as rugged as the moutains and have great wildlife.

check out - www.fws.gov to find what you're looking for.

The new pedestrian bridge on Lake Hodges is fun. The kids can't believe they're "walking over water" (well, until it dried up, that is).

Be a Swed (Swedish, that is)

Drop your kids off (if they're potty trained!) at the Ikea daycare - they have fun and you can shop or have a cup of coffee in silence for an hour.

Beach Parks

Always FREE, these are some of my favorite San Diego parks.
Coronado

• Spreckels Park: middle of the town
• Heritage Park: great view

La Jolla

• Children's Pool (Seal Beach) - FREE visiting of the seals (and since it's spring = their babies).
• La Jolla Cove, is a great small beach during the weekdays. I love it b/c Diego can't run too far. If you have older children and they are strong swimmers, put on a mask and/or snorkel and see some amazing fish, including the bright orange Girabaldi. PLUS, the 4th of July celebration there is awesome.
• Tide Pools
• LJ Shores: Playground, Grass & Beach

Solana Beach
Fletcher Cove: Playground separate from beach. Clean bathrooms. Walk downhill to the beach and my favorite part = you don't have to walk forever to get to the water. There is always parking during the week and not a ton of people. "Naked Cafe" is across the street - amazing all-natural food restaurant & reasonably priced. Take Loma Santa Fe Road West until it ends.

Encinitas
Moonlight Beach/Park: playground, beach, refreshment stand. very crowded on weekends.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=659

Point Loma
Tide Pools: http://www.nps.gov/cabr/naturescience/tidepools.htm
Bermuda Street Beach: no playground, tiny beach for a couple families when it's low-tide.

Coronado

Ride your bikes along the harbor then catch the ferry to Coronado for $2.50/each way.
http://www.sdhe.com/san-diego-bay-ferry.html

If you go on a Sunday you can enjoy live music from Frank Sinatra imitators as the sing near Peohe's. Pack a sack lunch and you're set or ride your bike across the street to Tartine and get a sandwich or pastry to go - yum! http://www.tartinecoronado.com/

and/or ride them to any of the amazing parks & beaches on the island. My two favorites are the Sprekels Park (off Orange & recently re-done - great place to throw a birthday bash) and Tidelands park (bayside). http://www.coronadochamber.com/visitor/parks.asp

Balboa Park

Every Tuesday a different MUSEUM is FREE! Here is the schedule for which ones are free.
http://www.balboapark.org/calendar/detail.php?EventID=370

Here is the link that describes the variety of museums and other discounts.
http://www.balboapark.org/just-for-kids/

Every Sunday you can visit the International Cottages from 12noon-4:00pm. Expose your children to a different culture. Food is free but a donation is accepted. Each week from March through October they feature a different country - live performances & music. Mark you calendars, Spain is October 11th! and you can bet we'll be there in Flameno and Torrero attire!
http://www.balboapark.org/in-the-park/detail.php?OrgID=36

Amusement Parks

• Check with your HR department, they often get coupons and you can save as much as $10/entrance on amusement parks and sometimes FREE entrances to museums & other seasonal attractions.
• Costco offers great promotions - the package might be the same price but you may get free parking or other perks.
• Grocery stores will promote Legoland & other local attractions from time/time, call them.