Sesame Place San Diego vs Legoland Water Park
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Sesame Place San Diego | Legoland Water Park |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Sesame Place San Diego
- picnic areas
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Sesame Place San Diego
California
Sesame Place San Diego brings the beloved Sesame Street characters to life in a water park setting that's absolutely perfect for families with young kids. This park is all about the toddler and preschool crowd, with most attractions designed for children 12 and under. You'll find gentle water slides with Elmo and friends watching over everything, plus a massive splash area where Bert and Ernie pop up to surprise little ones with water sprays. The Cookie Monster-themed play structure is a hit with my kids every time we visit. What really sets this place apart is how thoughtfully designed everything is for short attention spans and even shorter legs. The water depths are shallow throughout most areas, so parents can actually relax a bit while kids explore safely. The lazy river here moves at a perfect pace for families floating together on tubes. Beyond the water attractions, you'll find dry rides and shows featuring the Sesame Street gang. Big Bird's Beach Bash show is worth timing your visit around, and the parade that winds through the park gets everyone dancing along. The food situation is typical theme park fare, but they do offer some healthier options for kids which I appreciate. Parking can get crazy busy during peak season, so I always recommend arriving right when they open. The park isn't huge, which works in your favor since little legs won't get as tired walking around. If you can swing it, rent a cabana for the day. Having a home…
Read the full Sesame Place San Diego guide →Legoland Water Park
California
Legoland Water Park in Carlsbad is the perfect complement to the main Legoland theme park, designed specifically for families with kids ages 2-12. This colorful water park brings the classic building brick experience to aquatic fun with a distinctly playful, non-intimidating vibe that puts nervous parents at ease. The Build-A-Raft River is the standout attraction here - you actually get to build your own raft from soft Lego-style pieces before floating down a gentle lazy river. It's genius because it combines the hands-on building experience kids love with water fun. The Duplo Splash Safari is perfect for toddlers, with small slides, water features, and shallow pools that let the littlest ones splash safely. For slightly older kids, the Joker Soaker is a massive water playground with tipping buckets, climbing structures, and moderate slides. Nothing here will terrify a 7-year-old, which is exactly the point. The Red Rush tube slides offer just enough thrill without being too intense, and the twin racing slides always create friendly competition between siblings. What makes this place special is how thoughtfully designed it is for families. The sight lines are excellent so you can watch multiple kids from one spot. The water is kept warmer than most parks, and there are plenty of shallow areas where parents can actually relax instead of constantly worrying. Arrive when it opens to grab prime seating - the shade structures fill up fast in San Diego sun. The cabanas are worth it if you're staying all day, especially with…
Read the full Legoland Water Park guide →