Sesame Place Chula Vista Is Open Again and Ready for Spring and Summer Fun
Sesame Place San Diego in Chula Vista is officially open again, and it feels great to see the neighborhood’s beloved theme park welcoming families back through its gates. After switching to a seasonal schedule last fall, the park reopened its doors and is now running daily through April 5 before moving to a weekends-only schedule leading up to Memorial Day weekend.
I have a long personal history with this property. Long before it became Sesame Place Chula Vista, this spot was White Water Canyon, and I have so many fond memories of coming here with my family as a kid. It was one of those summer staples you looked forward to all year. The park later became Knott’s Soak City before eventually transforming into the Sesame Street-themed destination it is today. I have not actually visited since it became Sesame Place San Diego, but that is about to change. We have plans to take the family this year, and I am genuinely looking forward to seeing what the place has become.
A West Coast Original Right Here in Chula Vista
Sesame Place San Diego holds a unique spot in the Southern California theme park landscape. It is the only theme park on the entire West Coast built around the world of Sesame Street. That alone makes it a special destination for families in Chula Vista and throughout San Diego County. The park blends classic character experiences with rides, live shows, dining, and water attractions all wrapped in the warmth of a brand kids have grown up loving.
The Park Is Celebrating Its 4th Birthday
The timing of this reopening comes with something extra to celebrate. Sesame Place San Diego kicked off its 4th birthday celebration right alongside the spring reopening. In March, guests can enjoy photo meet-and-greets with Sesame Street characters in birthday attire, a free birthday treat, and a free themed headband, while supplies last. Guests with birthdays in March can also receive special shoutouts throughout the park. I would have never guessed they have been in the community for four years, kudos to them.
Rides, Shows, and Character Experiences
The park offers 18 themed rides and water attractions, along with a family-friendly roller coaster perfect for younger thrill-seekers. Right now, guests can enjoy all the dry rides and attractions while the water features prepare for their warmer-weather opening in May 2026.
Beyond the rides, Sesame Place Chula Vista is well known for its live entertainment lineup. The Sesame Street Party Parade marches through the park daily and is a crowd favorite for families with little ones. The outdoor theater hosts live character shows including “Welcome to Our Street,” where Elmo, Abby, Grover, Rosita, and Cookie Monster put on a show for new visitors. Storytime with Big Bird offers a quieter, interactive experience that younger children especially enjoy. Character meet-and-greets are available throughout the park so kids can snap photos with their favorites in person.
Water Attractions at Sesame Place Chula Vista
The water side of Sesame Place San Diego is impressive. The park features a 500,000-gallon wave pool called Big Bird’s Beach, which ranks among the largest wave pools in all of Southern California. Joining it in May will be a full lineup of water attractions, including The Count’s Splash Castle (a brand-new all-water play structure), Big Bird’s Rambling River lazy river, Elmo’s Silly Sand Slides, Honker Dinger Dash, Cookie’s Monster Mixer family raft ride, Snuffy’s Spaghetti Slides, and more.
If your family is planning a summer visit to Sesame Place Chula Vista, the water attractions alone make it worth the trip once the warmer months arrive.
Dining the Whole Family Will Enjoy
There are plenty of places to eat inside the park, with something for every appetite and age. Dine with Elmo and Friends at the Sunny Day Cafe is a standout experience, offering a buffet in a spacious, air-conditioned indoor restaurant seating up to 160 guests. Characters visit tables, there is singing and dancing, and you can book a spot for a birthday celebration or just a fun family lunch. Reservations are required, so plan ahead.
Other dining spots around the park include Grover’s Grill for burgers and chicken sandwiches, Telly’s Trattoria for pizza, Oscar’s Grouchy Grub for wraps and salads, Monster Snacks for quick bites and kid-friendly fare, and Eats on the Street for popcorn, hot dogs, and snacks on the go.
The All-Day Dining Deal is worth looking into if your group likes to graze. It allows guests to eat and drink throughout the day at participating locations for one flat price, with a 90-minute window between visits.
Ticket Options and Current Deals
Sesame Place San Diego is currently running a Spring Break sale with some solid savings worth knowing about.
Single-Day Tickets are available starting at $47.99, down from the regular price of $97.99. Any-Day Tickets start at $79.99 with savings of up to 15 percent. The Two-Day, Two-Park Ticket is a great deal for San Diego families, combining one day at Sesame Place San Diego and one day at SeaWorld San Diego for $99.99 total, which works out to about $50 per day.
Season passes are also available through the park’s website if your family plans to visit more than once this season.
A Neighborhood Gem Worth Visiting
For those of us in Chula Vista, having Sesame Place San Diego right here in our community is something to appreciate. It draws visitors from across the region, supports local jobs, and gives families a world-class destination without the long drive. Whether you are planning a birthday trip, a spring break outing, or a summer day at the water park, Sesame Place Chula Vista has a lot going for it this season.
The park is open now through the spring and into summer. Check the official Sesame Place San Diego website for current hours, ticketing, and reservation information before your visit.
