Best San Diego Museums For Kids
Sunny San Diego is a family-friendly vacation destination where kidsand their parents can enjoy year-round activities and attractions. The citys world-class museums educate and entertain with hands-on exhibits, special events, and opportunities for family fun. Hereare a few of the most kid-friendly museums in San Diego. Most can be visited ata discount.
Getting To And Around San Diego
San Diego International Airport is the countrys busiest single-runway airport. Its efficient, but most global travelers arrive at Los Angeles International Airport. The airport is 3 miles from downtown, and there are great skyline views as you descend, so try to book a window seat.
Amtraks Pacific Surfliner route also stops at the Santa Fe Depot, and the city is well served by Greyhound buses and cruise ships.
Take the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System bus to downtown, within a couple of blocks of the Santa Fe Depot train station. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are both in good supply and cab rides downtown are between $15 and $30, depending on the neighborhood.
San Diego Museum Of Us
Housed in the historic California Building, with its soaring California Tower, the Museum of Us has been educating and entertaining visitors from around the world for more than 100 years. The museum offers a variety of unique, interactive exhibits that cover a vast range of human history and culture from beer to cannibalism to monsters. The museum also offers guided tours of the California Tower, where visitors can learn about the history of Balboa Park and San Diego while taking in sweeping, 360-degree views of San Diego from nearly 200 feet up.
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Japanese Friendship Garden Of San Diego
The Japanese Friendship Garden commemorates the connection between San Diego and its sister city of Yokohama, Japan. It offers visitors a wondrous experience through its bonsai exhibit, a moon-viewing deck, beautiful black pine trees, azaleas and ornamental plants such as camellias, magnolia, wisteria and cherry blossom trees.
San Diego Air And Space Museum
The San Diego Air and Space Museums stunning displays of real planes and space memorabilia makes this museum perfect for all ages.
Tweens and teens will like designing space station modules and seeing how they fit inside a replica of Charles Lindburgs plane. Being up close to dozens of huge planes from World War One replicas to modern fighter jets enthralls younger kids, too.
Plan at least 90 minutes for exploring the Air and Space Museum. Budget extra time for Space: Our Greatest Mission if visiting with tweens and teens. These interactive exhibits are incredibly engaging.
If little ones start getting antsy on a visit to the San Diego Air and Space Museum, take them to the Kids Aviation Action Hangar. Several interactive stations geared towards young kids keep them entertained.
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Bonus: The Secret Cat Garden
There are a few wild cats that live here and are taken care of by local employees on their own time before and after work and on their breaks. They’re organized to each take turns feeding them every day, but they don’t leave food out for very long so as not to attract other wild animals, so they usually stick around for about 20 minutes while the cats eat. Some cats need medical attention and they have a donation fund they use for vet bills, getting the cats spayed & neutered and vaccines, etc. They try to adopt the cats out if they can. There’s a group online for more info, but I’m not sure what it is right now. I’ll update this when I find out.
Birch Aquarium At Scripps
Location: La JollaAddress: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
Birch Aquarium at Scripps showcases the research of the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego through over 60 aquarium habitats, hands-on exhibits, an outdoor playground, and even a touch tide pool.
Go for a raised awareness of how our actions impact the environment, marvel at the over 3000 sea animals in residence, and learn about some of the equipment scientists use at sea.
Its a must for any budding oceanographer. Dont forget your camera as views from Tide Pool Plaza over La Jolla Shores Beach are breathtaking.
At-home resources: Birch Aquariums opportunities for virtual learning are far too long to list but check out its after school programs, virtual camps, educational crafts, or even watch the fish swim around thanks to the Kelp Cam.
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Centro Cultural De La Raza
This cultural arts center is dedicated to creating, promoting, preserving and raising awareness of Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous and Latino art and culture. Housed in a former water tower and painted with colorful murals, Centro features rotating exhibits and performances with theater, dance, music and film/video.
Museum Of Photographic Arts
As one of only three independent museums in the nation dedicated solely to the lens-based medium, the Museum of Photographic Arts aims to inspire, educate and engage through the innovative collection and presentation of photography, film and video. Exhibitions are presented in English and Spanish, with work from the museums archive as well as from contemporary artists. The museum also stores a permanent collection of nearly 9,000 images. The Edmund L. and Nancy Dubois Library strengthens the permanent collection with more than 24,000 items, all related to photography.
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Maritime Museum Of San Diego
Location: Downtown San DiegoAddress:1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Youll find one of the largest collections of historic sea vessels at this museum, which is worth adding to your itinerary if youre looking for things to do in San Diego with teens.
The collection includes fascinating exhibits showcasing maritime history, the fishing industry, and war on the seas, along with real frigates, swift boats, steam-powered vessels, and submarines.
There are even opportunities to ride aboard some of the museums ships through special tours a one of a kind experience. And its really neat to walk through the B-39 Soviet submarine .
Tip: See the and the USS Midway Museum on the same day as theyre only a short walk from each other.
At-home resources: Free videos and virtual lesson plans catered to grades 3-5 are available that focus on Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and the discovery of California.
When Is The Best Time For Your Trip To San Diego
Temperatures hover around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit year round, so theres no bad time to visit the city. There are some overcast weeks, but March through May and September through November are ideal times to visit.
Summer is hot and sunny, of course, but crowds rise at the same time. The winter months see some rainfall, but theres still a charm to the place and freezing temperature are extremely rare. The spectacular San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is in December, where you can see dazzlingly adorned boats, and Julys San Diego Comic-Con International is a world-famous comic book convention.
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San Diego History Center
One of the oldest and largest historical organizations on the West Coast, the San Diego History Center is dedicated to the heritage of the region, and presents dynamic, engaging exhibitions that highlight what makes San Diego unique, as well as exploring the regions emerging role in the 21st century.
Botanical Building And Lily Pond
The Balboa Park Botanical Building and Lily Pond is one of San Diegos most photographed landmarks so tweens and teens will love a photo op here. Originally built in 1915 for the Panama California Exposition it continues to house beautiful tropical plants from around the world.
Our favorite exhibits inside the Botanical Building were the extensive array of colorful orchids and a kid friendly touch and smell herb garden. In this touch and smell garden you are encouraged to rub the leaves of plants between your fingers.
Rubbing the leaves releases the oils which are easily smelled. We were able to guess many of the herbs correctly, but were glad the pots were marked when we werent sure.
The Lily Pond in front of the Botanical Building has had several uses over the years. The pond served as a place for Naval rowing or swimming lessons for new sailors in World War I, a physical therapy pool for injured sailors in World War II, and from 1945 to 1949 was open to children for swimming and to adults for fly and bait casting before its current use as a lily pond.
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Balboa Park With Kids: Museums To Explore
Reuben H. Fleet Space Science Center
This is a great hands-on museum for children of all ages. The museum offers opportunities for children to interact with science while learning. A great permanent exhibit to check out while at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is the biology area. This exhibit allows children to explore the inside of their body and learn how different parts interact with each other. At the end of this exhibit make a quick turn to the right and you will find the Tinker lab! Here children get hands-on guidance on how to engineer a creation they can take home with them.
For the summer of 2017 an exciting exhibit is taking place called Game Masters. This exhibit is comprised of over 100 table top games. Children are invited to explore games both electronic and classic family favorites. Another great offering is the IMAX Theater where shows rotate seasonally. Check out the R.H. Fleet Science Center website to find movie times and pick out the best film for your family!
San Diego Natural History Museum
Museum of Man
The Museum of Man is located in the beautiful tower at the center of Balboa Park. Children are invited to explore the Adventure Kids in Egypt on the upper level of the museum. Kids can explore archeology and play dress up to get a first hand lesson on Egypt. For older children take the time to explore Monsters real life and imagined creatures are represented throughout the history of Man.
Air and Space Museum
Guide To Balboa Park Museums Free Tuesday
If youve lived in San Diego long enough youve probably have heard of the Balboa Park Museums Free Tuesday.
Residents Free Tuesdaysas the Balboa Park free Tuesday is properly calledare a set of rotating Tuesdays that allow residents of the City and County of San Diego, and active military personnel to visit Balboa Park museums for free.
Balboa Park Free Tuesdays can be a great way to take in a little arts, culture, and education on a budget. It can be a fun opportunity for grandparents to take their grandkids on an adventure or for anybody to hit multiple museums in a day and avoid paying admission at each one.
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Best Museums In San Diego For Kids
There are museums in San Diego for every interest, whether you have a passion for history, art, or nature. Most of them are family-friendly, but some really go above and beyond when it comes to exhibits and programming for children.
In this post, Ill share some of my favorite childrens museums in San Diego County that blend education with fun. The options include some traditional museums, as well as some hands-on discovery spaces specifically for younger learners.
Please check each museums calendar for opening hours and information before you go in todays changing world. Right now, all museums on this list are temporarily closed but they do have some pretty amazing virtual programming for kids, classrooms, scout programs, and even adults.
For when the time comes, hopefully, my suggestions will make your next family vacation to San Diego an amazing experience for the teens, tweens, kids, and toddlers in your crew.
You can save on tickets, tours, and hotels through my affiliations. If you make purchases through the links in this post, I may be compensated.
San Diego Attractions For Kids: Explore Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of the best places for families to visit in San Diego. There is a plethora of beautiful gardens, museums, cultural spots, theaters, playgrounds, and walking trails within the 1200-acre park. What really sets Balboa Park is all of the activities that are free and family-friendly the park is a great place to spend the day, the afternoon, or even a couple of days exploring if you have the time! Heres our list of some of the best family-friendly activities in Balboa Park for a fun family outing.
Free Activities in Balboa Park
If youre looking for free things to do in San Diego, Balboa Park has enough activities and events to keep you and your family busy for several days! All of the gardens, playgrounds, and walking trails are open to visitors every day, and some attractions are also free.
On each Tuesday of the month, museums and attractions rotate to offer free admission to San Diego residents for Residents Free Tuesdays. The deal includes:
- The Museum of Man
- Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
- Japanese Friendship Garden
- Model Railroad Museum
Some of the museums also offer free admission to active duty military and their family or local college students . The Veterans Museum and Memorial offers free admission every day for active duty military. Each October during the Kids Free in San Diego event, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Reuben H. Fleet and other Park museums offer free admission to children as well.
Balboa Park Playgrounds
Balboa Park Gardens
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San Diego Children’s Museum
The San Diego Children’s Museum is housed in a modern, light-filled building in downtown.
There are endless opportunities for kids to explore creative, colorful exhibits at the San Diego Children’s Museum .
The San Diego Children’s Museum is located one block back from the waterfront, at 200 W. Island Ave, San Diego, CA, 92101. Check hours & admission.
It’s also within walking distance of the lovely Seaport Village with icecream shops, gifts, and waterfront dining, or a 5 minute drive to the San Diego Waterfront Park with a cool playground and wading pool.
5 best things to do at the San Diego Children’s Museum
1. Explore giant food sculptures in Wobbleland, or build sandcastles in the massive Sandbox Gallery.
2. Climb up a treehouse with a labyrinth of ropes, ladders and passageways in The Wonder Sound.
3. Push cars along a fun Desert Derby race car track, that winds along freeways and waterways.
4. Jump up and down on 160 pillow tires and 40 mattresses in the Mattress Room.
5. Hear the pitter patter of rain on the corrugated roof of the Rain House.
Know before you go
The San Diego Museum Of Art
Located in the heart of Balboa Park, the San Diego Museum of Art is known for its nationally renowned collections of Spanish and Italian old masters, South Asian paintings , and 19th- and 20th-century American paintings and sculptures. The museum regularly features major exhibitions from around the world, and is known for its commitment to technology that enhances the user experience. The museum also hosts an extensive year-round schedule of cultural and educational programs, including Culture & Cocktails, Film in the Garden, Art After Hours and the annual Bloom Bash.
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Make Your San Diego Memory
San Diegos tourist-friendly outlook and family-oriented options are backed up by world-class beaches, outdoor journeys, a thriving arts and cultural scene and the best Mexican cuisine this side of Tijuana. Make the most of the sunny climate and youll leave San Diego with a glowing, fresh outlook on life, along with cherished memories from a fun-filled trip.
Ethnobotany Children’s Peace Garden
This is near the Cultural de la Raza Building, south of the Fleet Science Center keep walking to the end of the Pepper Grove Playground, cross the grassy field and you’ll find this. It’s a very short and sometimes run-down garden. From my visit, there wasn’t must to see here, but hopefully they’ll tend to it this Spring and bring it back.
Bathrooms are very close by, but I can’t guarantee you’ll want to use them. Look for the bathrooms near the parking lot just past Pepper Grove Playground or head up to the Fleet to use the ones inside .
Just across Park Blvd. from the Fleet Science Center you’ll find this switch-back trail.
Not stroller-friendly
No bathrooms nearby, you’ll have to go at the Fleet or The Nat, back across the bridge.
Sometimes there are homeless that use this trail, but all the times I’ve been on it alone with my kids I’ve never seen any homeless on it. But keep that in mind because other parents have told me they don’t come here.
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Reuben H Fleet Science Center
The Fleet Science Center has over one hundred hands-on exhibits for curious kids and their parents. Kid City was designed for children up to five years of age and features a block corner for budding architects, the Little Learners Lab and its Young Explorer computer stations, a Fire Truck exhibit that teaches street safety, and the colorful and exciting Ball Wall that demonstrates the properties of physics.
Older kids will gravitate to the Studio X maker space where they can participate in regularly scheduled workshops orcreate something on their own using the studios tools and materials. The wholefamily will enjoy viewing IMAX films on the 76-foot wraparound movie screen inthe Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. The Fleet Science Center is in Balboa Park at 1875 El Prado.
What Is The Balboa Park Explorer Pass
Buying individual admission for Balboa Park attractions can break the bank. Thankfully the Balboa Park Explorer Pass makes visiting Balboa Park more affordable.
There are three different Balboa Park Explorer Pass options: a limited pass, a parkwide pass, and an annual pass. The Balboa Explorer Pass bundles admission to several Balboa Park museums and gardens for a flat fee.
The Balboa Park Limited Pass is valid for one day only and gets you into 4 attractions that day. Parkwide Passes provide access to all participating venues and are good for up to seven consecutive days. The Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass gives access to all 16 venues for a full 365 days with no blackout dates.
The Balboa Park Explorer Pass makes visiting multiple venues affordable and easy with the ability to scan passes right on your phone.
Its important to note the Balboa Explorer Pass excludes San Diego Zoo admission. You can buy tickets through our travel partner Get Away Today for a discount
Where Does The Balboa Park Explorer Pass Work?
- San Diego Art Institute
- Centro Cultural de la Raza
- San Diego Automotive Museum
- San Diego Air and Space Museum
- The San Diego Museum of Art
- San Diego History Center
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