Exploring the kid-friendly, new central library makes a fun day, but if books are the focus, a local branch will do

It takes a lot of planning and effort to go on a daylong excursion with children. You have to think about snacks to pack, where to park, how much money to budget and, above all, how much energy to muster to get through it all.

Sometimes the day goes beautifully and lifelong family memories are formed. But then there are the times you forget wet wipes, or a ride is shut down, and the day ends with everyone crying on the ride home, including you.

But with our new series called Mom-Tested, Mom-Approved, we’re here to help.

Every month, we’ll test popular San Diego attractions and activities from a parent’s perspective. The goal is to provide you with as much information to make the day as enjoyable as possible.

We begin by checking out downtown’s new San Diego Central Library. Adults love its architecture and art installations, its sweeping views from the eighth-floor reading room and its modern design.

But how kid-friendly is it? Let’s find out, rating it on a five-happy-face scale.


The library has underground parking that’s relatively easy to find. Just stay on Park Boulevard and follow the road (and the right turns) to the entrance. The first two hours are free with validation, though you’ll probably be there a lot longer. After two hours, the rate increases to $1.25 a minute for each 20 minutes (or part of 20 minutes) with a $21 daily maximum. Cash is currently the only form of payment accepted, so plan ahead.

After you park, there’s an elevator that leads right to the main lobby, cutting the chances of little ones wandering away, or stopping every few seconds to look at glitter specks on the sidewalk. There are also pay lots near the library with rates from $5 to $20.

Meltdown probability: Low


Main lobby

It’s pretty spectacular stepping out of the elevator and into the main lobby with its beautiful, book-shaped windows and buzzing ambience. Plan for some time to just marvel and explore the open space, especially if you’re bringing roaming toddlers.

Meltdown probability: Low to medium if you try to hurry past it.


Denny Sanford Children’s Library

The bright green, Dr. Seuss-themed children’s section is located on the first floor and is surprisingly clean. Sure, it’s a new facility, but there are lots of crumbs to be dropped and screens to touch, but there isn’t much evidence of it (yet).

Dozens of kid-sized tables and chairs are spread throughout the 9,100-square-foot facility and really invite children to settle in and read. There are also 27 child-size computers loaded up with age-appropriate games.

Because the area is so big, however, it doesn’t have the intimacy of a neighborhood library, and children can easily get lost or wander out. There’s also a lot of foot traffic, making it more stressful to let kids explore the bookshelves on their own.

Meltdown probability: Medium



There are rows and rows of books, and they’re divided into categories like picture books, early readers and chapter books. The picture books are plentiful, and there are some truly unique selections alongside old favorites.


