San Diego Children's Discovery Museum
A vibrant museum in Escondido offering interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits for children to learn and play.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
San Diego Children's Discovery Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant museum in Escondido offering interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits for children to learn and play.
"Perfect for ages 2 to 8, this museum is packed with activities to explore and learn from."
✨ New Name, Same Fun!
The museum is now called the Children's Museum of Discovery, but the mission remains the same!
🎟️ Admission Details
Tickets are $14 for adults and children. Infants are free. EBT/SNAP/WIC discounts available in person.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Indoor Exhibits
Indoor Area
Engage in pretend play, explore physics, and learn about nature through hands-on displays.
Outdoor Discovery Zone
Outdoor Area
Dig for fossils, play with water tables, and explore a garden and obstacle course.
Toddler-Specific Play Area
Indoor Area
A safe, enclosed space designed for the youngest visitors (2 and under).
Sensory Friendly Hours
Various
Enjoy a more relaxed environment designed for children with autism and sensory sensitivities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key
Age Appropriateness & Activities
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ New Name, Same Fun!
The museum is now called the Children's Museum of Discovery, but the mission remains the same!
🎟️ Admission Details
Tickets are $14 for adults and children. Infants are free. EBT/SNAP/WIC discounts available in person.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of exploring, both indoors and out!
☀️ Outdoor Play Ready
Bring sunscreen and hats for the outdoor areas, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ New Name, Same Fun!
The museum is now called the Children's Museum of Discovery, but the mission remains the same!
🎟️ Admission Details
Tickets are $14 for adults and children. Infants are free. EBT/SNAP/WIC discounts available in person.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of exploring, both indoors and out!
☀️ Outdoor Play Ready
Bring sunscreen and hats for the outdoor areas, especially during warmer months.
📅 Check Daily Schedule
Participate in group-led activities and crafts for extra fun.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Ample free parking makes arrival and departure hassle-free.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum for its engaging, hands-on exhibits that are perfect for young children. The manageable size and dedicated toddler area are frequently highlighted as positives, making it a stress-free outing for families. While it's geared towards younger kids, some find it less engaging for older children.
"A really fun place for children. Perfect for ages 2 to 8, or maybe even a little older depending upon their attitude.
Not very large, but plenty of activities to explore and learn from. Most very young children are too young to grasp the science concepts at each station, but they will receive some didactic experience with the forces and grow in curiosity and understanding.
It has most stations that other regional discovery centers have, it’s just a much smaller facility - which is perfect for small children with short legs:-).
Reading nook
Aquarium
Outdoor xylophone
Outdoor stage
Wind tunnel
Large Lite brite
Nature exhibits
Magnet and Metal Ball drop
Plenty of building stations
Large low chalk board
Etc…
All my younger kids loved it.
Not for teens! Perfect for young children."
Klint Johnson
"My sister and I took our sons this afternoon, and it was so much fun! Our kids are 13 months and 22 months for reference. There was tons of activities, an area for just kiddos under 2 yrs old. A great outdoor space with many different sensory experiences. There was a bubbles experiment, awesome water table, fish tank. Tons of things to do there. Friendly staff. Highly recommend!"
Alyssa
"We love this place. Great for little kids. They have a lot packed into a small area, nice that it is very contained (your kids can't escape far). Gated area for babies as well. Nice outdoor space & water table. They also have daily "schedule" activities/crafts kids can participate in."
Emma Ramirez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 320 N Broadway, Escondido, California.
Driving is the most common method, with ample free parking available. Public transportation options may vary depending on your starting point in San Diego County.
Yes, the museum is generally stroller-friendly, with indoor and outdoor spaces designed for easy navigation.
Escondido offers various dining options and parks. The museum itself is a great place to spend several hours, so plan accordingly.
The drive from downtown San Diego to Escondido typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is $14 for both children and adults. Infants under 1 year old are free. Military discounts are also available.
The museum is typically open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sundays from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM. It is closed on Mondays.
While not always required, booking in advance can be a good idea, especially during peak times or special events. EBT/SNAP/WIC discounted tickets must be purchased in person.
Yes, military personnel and veterans receive discounted admission. EBT/SNAP/WIC recipients can also get discounted tickets when purchased in person.
Infants under 1 year old are free. There is also a dedicated, enclosed play area specifically for toddlers aged 2 and under.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum is ideal for children aged 2 to 8, with specific areas catering to toddlers under two.
Expect a variety of hands-on exhibits covering science, nature, imaginative play, and more, including indoor and outdoor areas.
Yes, the museum offers Sensory Friendly Hours on Sundays, providing a more inclusive and calm environment.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not allowed in the exhibit areas. There may be designated areas for snacks or a cafe. Check their specific policy.
During October, 'Kids Free San Diego' often includes the Children's Museum of Discovery, allowing children to enter for free with a paying adult.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography if it might disturb children or exhibits.
The outdoor play areas, the colorful indoor exhibits, and the dedicated toddler zone offer great photo opportunities.
Avoid taking photos of other visitors without their explicit consent. Some exhibits might have specific signage regarding photography.
Yes, your smartphone is perfect for capturing memories. Many visitors share their experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Focus on capturing the joy and engagement of children interacting with the exhibits. Candid shots often tell the best stories.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Parents will appreciate the contained nature of the museum, making it easier to keep an eye on active children. The mix of indoor and outdoor activities means there's always something new to discover, and the daily scheduled activities add an extra layer of engagement. Don't forget to check out the Sensory Friendly Hours if your child thrives in a calmer setting.
👶 Toddler Adventures (Ages 1-3)
Many exhibits, like the pretend play areas and the large Lite-Brite, are accessible and engaging for toddlers. The museum's manageable size means you can cover a lot of ground without exhausting your little one. Plus, the friendly staff are always on hand to assist.
Autism-Friendly Exploration
These sessions feature lower lighting, reduced noise, and fewer crowds, creating a more comfortable and accessible environment. Beyond the dedicated hours, the museum's general layout and the nature of its hands-on exhibits can be very engaging for children with autism. The predictable routines of scheduled activities and the ability to explore at their own pace can be beneficial. The welcoming and understanding staff further contribute to a positive experience for families.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Embracing Discovery: The Museum's Approach
The approach is rooted in the belief that children learn best by doing. Whether it's understanding basic physics principles through a wind tunnel, exploring the natural world in the garden, or engaging in imaginative play, each exhibit is a stepping stone for discovery. This philosophy is evident in the variety of stations, from building areas to pretend play scenarios, all designed to spark a child's natural inclination to explore and understand their surroundings.
This hands-on philosophy makes the museum a valuable resource for parents and educators alike, providing a fun and engaging environment where children can develop essential skills while having a blast. The museum's commitment to making learning accessible and enjoyable is a key reason for its popularity among families.
Sensory-Friendly Experiences for All
During these hours, the museum reduces sensory input by dimming lights, lowering sound levels, and minimizing crowds. This allows children who may be overwhelmed by typical museum environments to explore and engage at their own pace. The staff is trained to be particularly supportive during these sessions, ensuring a positive and comfortable experience for all visitors.
This initiative highlights the museum's dedication to serving the entire community. By offering these specialized hours, they ensure that the joy of discovery and learning is accessible to children of all abilities, making it a truly welcoming space for families.
A Blend of Indoor and Outdoor Adventures
+1The indoor area is packed with interactive exhibits that encourage imaginative play and learning. Visitors can find sections for pretend grocery shopping, understanding fluid dynamics, exploring financial literacy, and even learning about common insects. A particularly thoughtful addition is the enclosed and safe play area specifically designed for toddlers aged two and under, ensuring the youngest visitors have a secure space to explore.
The outdoor area expands the learning opportunities with engaging stations like sandboxes for fossil digging, water tables for 'gold mining,' a gardening section, an obstacle course, and even a pollination center. This outdoor extension allows children to connect with nature and engage in physical activity, making for a well-rounded and enriching visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit