
New Children's Museum
A vibrant, modern space where kids explore contemporary art through interactive installations, creative classes, and climbable sculptures.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

New Children's Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, modern space where kids explore contemporary art through interactive installations, creative classes, and climbable sculptures.
"It's a great place for kids to explore and support local artists."

🚗 Parking Tip
Parking is $20 and valid until 4 PM. Allows reentry for exploring downtown. :car:
👶 Baby's First Visit
Arrive early for babies to enjoy 'big kid' structures before crowds. :baby:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Art Installations
Throughout the museum
Engage with vibrant, tactile art designed for exploration and play. A feast for the senses!

The Disco Room
Specific exhibit area
Groove to the beat in this colorful, shimmering space with a fun DJ table.

Water Play Area
Dedicated exhibit zone
A refreshing and engaging spot for kids to splash and explore, a definite hit.

Climbable Sculptures
Various levels
Challenging and fun structures for kids to climb and conquer, fostering agility.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Age Appropriateness & Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tip
Parking is $20 and valid until 4 PM. Allows reentry for exploring downtown. :car:
👶 Baby's First Visit
Arrive early for babies to enjoy 'big kid' structures before crowds. :baby:
💧 Stay Hydrated
The museum can get warm; bring water bottles or be prepared for the heat. :droplet:
🧼 Hand Sanitizer Available
Plenty of hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the museum. :soap:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tip
Parking is $20 and valid until 4 PM. Allows reentry for exploring downtown. :car:
👶 Baby's First Visit
Arrive early for babies to enjoy 'big kid' structures before crowds. :baby:
💧 Stay Hydrated
The museum can get warm; bring water bottles or be prepared for the heat. :droplet:
🧼 Hand Sanitizer Available
Plenty of hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the museum. :soap:
⏰ Time Your Visit
2.5 hours is often enough for tired kids. Plan for lunch outside if desired. :clock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the New Children's Museum to be a creative and interactive space, particularly for younger children. Highlights include the engaging art installations and fun themed rooms. However, some guests have noted that the museum can get uncomfortably warm, and the exhibits might be less stimulating for older children.
"This is a great place to take the kids. They many activities and obstacles for the children. We enjoyed ourselves. It did get a bit overcrowded but that may have been due to the holiday weekend.
The only downside is that the Air Conditioner was not working or they don't have an HVAC system. We went for labor weekend and it was very hot and humid. No A/C or good ventilation really sucks in a 3 story building."
Anthony Torres
"We visited this museum while visiting San Diego and were not disappointed. Like any other children's museum, the exhibits are highly interactive (even for babies). From varying shapes, colors, tactile experience, sounds and levels of agility - there was something for everyone. Each exhibit thoroughly explained details about the artist and its intended purpose/what it is geared to teach.
My 8 month old had a great time in every space - even just being around the older kids as they were able to climb more of the structures than her. We fully intend to make this a must-do any time we are in the area. If you have a fellow baby, I highly recommend arriving first thing to enjoy the "big kid" structures before it gets too packed before heading back to the infant-intended spaces.
Our favorite exhibit had to be the disco room with the DJ table. The colors, shimmering textures and interactive table really grasped our full attention."
Crystal Peralta
"Tip: parking is $20 and you can park until 4pm. Its underground and allows you to walk around downtown SD too because the museum allows for reentry as long as you keep your ticket for the day.
Overall: great place for kids to explore and support local artists.
We made a day trip to SD. Left Irvine at 10am on a weekday and got to the .museum by 11:30. Explored a bit and exited to grab lunch outside the museum. Post lunch we were back at the museum and left by 3:30 before it close and beat rush hr traffic"
Ben Hui
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in downtown San Diego. Public transportation options like buses and trolleys are available. Driving is also an option, with paid parking available on-site.
Yes, there is underground parking available for $20, valid until 4 PM. This parking also allows you to walk around downtown San Diego and re-enter the museum.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to reach the museum, with designated drop-off points nearby.
Yes, several bus routes and the San Diego Trolley stop within walking distance of the museum, making it accessible via public transit.
For a weekday visit, arriving around 11:30 AM after the morning rush can be ideal. For weekend visits, aim for opening hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but it's generally recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing.
It's often a good idea to book tickets online in advance, especially for weekends or holidays, to secure your spot and potentially save time.
Opening hours can change seasonally. Always check the museum's official website for the current operating schedule before your visit.
Yes, the museum typically allows re-entry for the day as long as you keep your ticket. This is great if you want to grab lunch outside.
Keep an eye on their website or social media for potential discounts, family packages, or special event pricing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features highly interactive contemporary art installations, creative classes, climbable sculptures, and themed areas like a disco room and water play.
Yes, there are exhibits designed for babies and toddlers, offering tactile experiences and safe spaces. Arriving early is recommended for them to enjoy more active areas.
Some visitors note that older children might find fewer stimulating exhibits compared to younger ones. However, the interactive nature can still be engaging.
While primarily for children, the contemporary art focus and unique installations can also be appreciated by adults. It's a space for shared discovery.
Reports indicate that the air conditioning may not be consistently functional or adequate, especially during warmer months, which can make the space feel hot and humid.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on on-site dining options can vary. It's best to check the museum's official website or call ahead to confirm if they have a cafe or food services.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum galleries. However, there might be designated areas for picnics or snacks.
Being in downtown San Diego, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries within walking distance, offering a wide variety of cuisines.
You'll find everything from casual quick bites to more upscale dining options, catering to diverse tastes and budgets.
Many visitors find it convenient to exit the museum for lunch and then re-enter using their ticket, especially if on-site dining is limited or if they want more options.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed for non-commercial use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.
The Disco Room with its vibrant colors and shimmering textures is a popular spot for photos. The climbable sculptures also offer dynamic shots.
Weekdays and mornings tend to be less crowded, offering more opportunities for unobstructed shots. Natural light can be good, but some exhibits are designed for specific lighting effects.
Avoid professional photography equipment or large setups without prior permission. Be respectful of the art and other guests.
Focus on capturing children interacting with the art, their expressions of wonder, and the vibrant colors and textures of the installations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children (0-7)
👨👧👦 Families with Older Children (8+)
👶 Babies and Toddlers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Exhibits
Key areas that are consistently mentioned as hits include the water play area and the disco room with its DJ table. The climbable sculptures offer a physical challenge for active kids. However, some areas, like the space and dinosaur exhibits, are noted as potentially needing more content. For families with very young children, arriving early is a strategic move to allow them to experience the more active exhibits before they become too crowded.
It's worth noting that the exhibits are described as 'very used, worn, abused' by one reviewer, but this did not detract from the overall experience for them. This suggests a high level of engagement and use, which is to be expected in a children's museum, but also highlights the need for ongoing maintenance and updates to keep the interactive elements in top condition.
Comfort and Practicalities
Practical amenities like hand sanitizer stations are readily available throughout the museum, which is a plus for hygiene-conscious families. When it comes to food, while the museum's own dining options might be limited or unconfirmed, its downtown San Diego location offers a plethora of nearby restaurants and cafes. Many visitors opt to leave the museum for lunch and then re-enter, a convenient option as the museum typically allows same-day re-entry with your ticket.
Parking is available on-site in an underground garage for $20, which is valid until 4 PM. This parking also offers the benefit of allowing you to explore the surrounding downtown area before or after your museum visit. For those using public transport, the museum is well-served by local bus routes and the San Diego Trolley.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit