Sesame Place San Diego

Ernie at Sesame Place San Diego

From the moment guests step inside Sesame Place, they’re transported to the world of Sesame Street, where friends from the screen become real-life playmates! Exploring the park feels like taking a stroll down a life-size replica of the show’s titular street.

As families walk through the park, they’ll have the chance to meet a wide cast of characters. Kids will love the chance to greet new additions to the cast such as Tango, Elmo’s recently adopted puppy, and neighbors like Rosita and Julia. Parents can have just as much fun spotting characters they grew up with, from the adventurous Grover to the ever-grumpy Oscar the Grouch.

Sesame Place is also full of rides and other family-friendly activities throughout the grounds. Carousels, kid-friendly thrill rides, and water slides are just a few of the rides in the park.

Check out some of the featured activities and things to do in the park below.

Character Meet-and-Greets

No visit to Sesame Place is complete without snapping a few photos of iconic characters! Take commemorative pictures of your child as they meet Elmo, The Count, Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Telly, Zoe, and more friends!

Meet-and-greets can happen anywhere in the park, so keep a lookout around every corner, or check the schedule on their app for more information about where each character can be found that day.

Eating Around the Park

Choose from various restaurants and snack stands sure to appeal to even the pickiest of kids. Sit-down eateries include Telly’s Trattoria, serving up slices of pizza, and Oscar’s Grouchy Grub, which features healthy options like salads and sandwiches.

In a rush to get back to the fun? Monster Snacks, Grover’s Grill, and Eats on the Street offer grab-and-go options for families on the move.

Character Dining

Step into the Sunny Day Café to dine alongside Elmo and his friends! This character dining experience lets families meet friendly faces while enjoying a buffet-style meal.

Sunny Day Café is an indoor restaurant with air conditioning that can seat up to 160 guests. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a birthday or another special occasion, or to simply elevate your visit from amazing to extraordinary.

Shopping

Pick up official Sesame Street merchandise as a souvenir of your trip to Sesame Place. Branded clothing, plushies, toys, games, and other themed items are available at Hooper’s Store in the Sesame Street neighborhood.

Sesame Souvenirs is a one-stop shop for any last-minute supplies, including sunscreen, flip flops, towels, and bathing suits. It’s located in the center of the park.

Kids can also trade pins and wearable accessories featuring Sesame Street characters at 123 Trade With Me.

Ride at Sesame Place San Diego

As a Sesame Street theme park, Sesame Place San Diego is a paradise for fans of the show, with plenty of fun activities and attractions for kids of all ages. Visit during seasonal events for extra activities and shows. These include Sesame Summer Splash and the Halloween Spooktacular.

In addition to live shows and rides, kids are invited to explore the neighborhood and get to know the beloved cast like never before.

Explore Sesame Street

Feel like a part of Sesame Street as you and your child walk through the neighborhood. This recreation of the iconic street includes landmarks like 123 Stoop, Abby Cadabby’s Garden, Big Bird’s Nest, and Hooper’s Store.

The neighborhood includes multiple interactive elements so kids can get hands-on with fun games and challenges. Rind Bert and Ernie’s doorbell, knock on Oscar’s trash can, and use the apartment intercom. There are always characters walking around too, so keep an eye out for Elmo and his friends!

Sesame Street Party Parade

Sesame Place holds an exhilarating daily parade right down main street! Kids can dance along to music from the show as they watch performers, costumed characters, and themed floats. It’s more than a parade - it’s a party!

Sesame Place is just one of many of San Diego’s best attractions for kids. For discounts on many of these attractions, plus lower rates on beach gear rentals, the Go City San Diego pass has you covered!

With other family-centric Chula Vista attractions like Living Coast Discovery Center and Speed Circuit: Race & Ropes Combo as part of the all-inclusive pass, parents won’t want to miss out on the deals and discounts all around San Diego!

Water Slide at Sesame Place San Diego

There are 18 different rides currently open at Sesame Place San Diego. Some are slower moving attractions ideal for the youngest members of the family, while others let kids experience their first thrill rides.

Rides are located in both the regular theme park and the water park.

Amusement Rides

Soar through the air on Abby’s Fairy Flight, ride Elmo's Rockin' Rockets into the atmosphere, or climb aboard the S. S. Duckie on Rub-A-Dub Sub. Each of Sesame Place’s amusement rides are themed around characters and segments of the show.

Looking for something more relaxing for younger kids? Try the Sunny Day Carousel, or visit a melody-themed playground at Rosita's Harmony Hills.

Other rides at Sesame Place include Cookie Climb, Sesame Street Soar & Spin, and Super Grover’s Box Car Derby.

Water Rides

Cool off during the summer with water park rides. Step into the wave pool at Big Bird's Beach, or climb around The Count's Splash Castle, a sprawling play structure with many interactive elements. There’s also Big Bird's Rambling River, where guests can float around the track in an inner tube.

Raft and slide rides at Sesame Place include 7 fun options:

• Bert’s Topsy Turvy Tunnel
• Honker Dinger Dash
• Cookie’s Monster Mixer
• Elmo’s Silly Sand Slides
• Oscar’s Rotten Rafts
• Snuffy’s Spaghetti Slides
• Ernie’s Twisty Turny Tunnels

Note that many water rides have minimum height requirements for riders.

Wondering “How to get to Sesame Street?” The park can be accessed via I-5, I-15, or I-8. Exit onto Interstate 805 South, then follow the Main St. exit toward Auto Park Drive. Head straight onto Heritage Road and turn right at Entertainment Circle, which will lead to the park entrance.

Paid parking is offered at on-site lots. Prices start at $30 per car for general parking and $50 per car for preferred parking, though Sesame Place Season Passes offer free or reduced parking rates.

Are Ticket Prices Cheaper for Children?

Pricing for admission to Sesame Place San Diego for kids and adults is the same. However, guests under 3 years old may visit for free with a paid parent ticket.

Can Tickets Be Canceled or Exchanged?

All tickets are nonrefundable. However, tickets can be changed to a different date if needed. To exchange tickets, call 619-943-ELMO between 9am and 6pm EST (6am and 3pm PDT).

Where Is the Visitor Center?

The Guest Services and Information counter is located to the left of the park entrance, right before Big Bird’s Beach.

What Other Kid-Friendly Attractions are in San Diego?

There are many kid-friendly attractions in San Diego and Sesame Place is on the list, check out our article about the Best Kid-Friendly Attractions in San Diego.