lake compounce: Going to San Diego for a few days. Planning to go to the zoo, but I see there are dozens of gardens, museums, and attractions in Balboa Park. Recommendations from people who have been there and had a great time? (Family vacation, 7-year-old child.)|||Walk around and check out the fountain and gift shops. ALso check out the japanese garden , they have cool plants that you can rub the leaves and smell different scents. go here for more: http://www.balboapark.org/|||The Wild Animal Park (not in Balboa Park) is also worth a visit. There is a merry-go-round near the entrance to the zoo that a 7 year old would probably enjoy. Sunday is a good day to visit the park because of the free outdoor organ concert and the international cottages are open as well. For more details on the pipe organ concert: http://www.sandiego-romantics.com/balboa鈥?/a> To learn more about the international cottages which are open Sundays from noon to 5 visit: http://www.sandiego-romantics.com/Balboa鈥?/a>|||Watch out for all the dead squirrels. They city has been poisoning them in droves.|||well the zoo is great!! and im pretty sure all the musiums are free. you can just walk around balboa park.. its really nice. but if u wanna entertain a 7year old..just go to the zoo.|||With a 7 year old they probably won't be into some of the museums. However, there are several museums that would be very interested in. San Diego Railroad Museum Ruben H. Fleet Science Center & IMAX Natural History Museum San Diego Sports Hall of Fame Aerospace Museum San Diego Automotive Museum Remember if you are planning on going to more than a few museums you should look at getting the "Passport to Balboa Park". This gives you admission to 13 museums at a reduced rate of $35 adults/$19.00 or $59/$33 if you want to add the Zoo.|||My daughter, who is now 10 will tell you that the Space Theatre Science Center, the Natural History Museum, The Museum of Man, and the Model Railroad museum are best. The Art Museum the Aerospace Museum, and the Automobile museum are OK, and the Museum of San Deigo HIstory, The Timken (ancient art), The Mingei (folk art), and the Photographic museum are a bit slow. And she's never been to the Sports museum. Adult opinions may vary. There is something for all tastes. We have one of the best carousels in the world, about the last one with the "brass ring" game and kids are nuts for that.