local ambassador favorite

The New Children's Museum

200 W Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm (Tuesday and Wednesday closed)

$$

indoor-activities, fun-paid-activities, museums

Explore the newest and largest children's museum in San Diego where children can think and create while having fun!

Come visit the newest art installation called El Más Allá by Panca, an international artist born in Tijuana, Mexico. This art installation is located in the museum's lower level and it is made up of colorful murals, fun slides (including a 40-foot slide!!!), murals with unique characters, blocks and interesting geometric structures. 

Kids can also explore their artistic side by creating art with their hands at the Clay Studio and take their creations home. Next to the Clay Studio, kids can paint a vintage 1950s Dodge pickup truck. There are aprons available for kids and kids can wash their hands after working on these art projects using the sinks in this area.

Another fun and new activity at the museum is the rainbow stripped inflatable jumpy where kids can run and jump around. Also, there is an exhibit called Whammock! made up of nylon rope crocheted into a climbable structure. Kids can climb upwards by going from pocket to pocket. At this time, only 10 kids are allowed at a time in the Whammock! exhibit. Once kids get to the top, they have to figure out how to come down and find the correct pockets that will lead them to the exit. Make sure to bring socks for these types of activities.

At the sketch aquarium, kids have a chance to color shark or jellyfish pictures. Then, kids can scan their drawings and these will appear on the big screen. Kids love seeing their artwork and can follow it as it “swims” on the screen. 

For the little ones, there are two exhibits where they can play and interact with other kids. Wobbleland is a gigantic kitchen sink with lots of soft food sculptures. Kids can climb these sculptures, go under tunnels and crawl around the food. The other exhibit for little ones is called Tikitiko. This is a sensory space where kids can touch different textures and play with legos. 

Before you leave, make sure you check out the “outdoor experience”  located on the street in front of the museum. The street has been closed so kids can race on the street. Here you will find race cars, Apex Chariots, play cubes and pretending shops.

There is a museum store on the main level with lots of educational and fun toys. There is also a cafe with lots of healthy options and creative choices for kids. Parents can order food ahead by scanning a code. 

As you can see, there are so many exhibits, art installations and activities at this museum. This is a must-visit in San Diego if you have kids. Please remember that wearing a mask inside the museum is mandatory for anyone over the age of 2. 

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Thoughtfully captured by:
Jessica Navarro De Leon
Jessica is a wife and mom of two amazing kids, a boy and a girl. She was born in San Diego and raised in both San Diego and Tijuana. She graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. She completed her Master’s Degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies from Azusa Pacific University. Her career experience is in the hotel industry as well as event planning. She currently works at a high school as a community liaison. Jessica was a Ballet Folklorico dancer for more than 10 years and loves to learn about the Mexican culture and traditions. Jessica created “Mami on the go” to share fun and affordable trip ideas with other moms. She continues to create amazing memories with her family and would like to encourage more moms to create memories of their own. Her new passion is finding unique parks, playgrounds or any fun activities around San Diego.
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