Question for military families stationed in San Diego, especially with young children (Please, please read!)?

Question

My husband's new orders are going to be for San Diego (North Island). We have 2 small children, a 2 year old and a 4 month old. My question is is San Diego a family-friendly place for a young mom (I'm 23) and 2 young kids? What activities are there to do with little kids that are extremely cheap and/or free? Obviously it takes quite awhile to get base housing, and I'm afraid that we're going to be stuck in a concrete and iron apartment building on a city block with no where to go and that while my husband is out to sea I'm just going to be confined within the 4 walls of my apartment with my kids and that I'm never going to be able to get out on my own. I mean, is it pretty family friendly there, and are there any apartment complexes that aren't right in teh city or that have a place to go outside and play with my kids, go on walks, take them to, close to base, ect, ect? I'm really lost - any help is much appreciated! (please read below too, sorry this is so long).

Answer 1

There are a lot of interactive museums in balboa park which can be fun for kids. there are also a lot of public parks and other things you can go to for free.

Answer 2

My brother -in- law is stationed there and he has 3 kiddo's,his wife says it is pretty family friendly,but she lives on base,With it being a bigger city I'm sure there are LOTS of things to do that are child friendly,We are stationed at a VERY small base in OK and it sucks so bad there is nothing to do at all:)

http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors/Wha...

Answer 3

I sent you an e-mail but wasn't sure if there was enough room (characters allowed) to e-mail this response.  I talked to my best friend and she forwarded the question on to her sister so when she replies I'll let you know.  

Here's what my friend had to say though (she's an army wife, hence the reason for her last sentence):



AlI know is that there are PLENTY of places like that there.  Not really near base that I saw, though. She will prob have to move on the outskirts to get what she is wanting, but OMG it’s like the BEST place to live IMO, lots of women were walking around my sister’s neighborhood w/strollers, no traffic hardly ever, etc. and tons, I mean tons, of nice apts plus anywhere you live the beach is like 15 min MAX away!!! Can’t beat that.  And it’s free!

I fell in love w/San Diego all over again...esp the nice weather all the time!   Only thing is, this girl will prob not get that ‘small-town’ feel she’s wanting...but welcome to life as a military family. :)  Just when you like where you are, it’s time to pack up and move again. LOL.

Are you in Bellevue?  If so, I know exactly what you mean!!  My brother-in-law (husbands brother) just moved from there (to Lemoore now) and we used to visit him in Nebraska; it was a very good place for young children.  Good luck!