Art installation: Whammock!
Photo credit: Philipp Scholz Rittermann
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New Children's Museum

4.5
·3k reviews·San Diego, United States

A vibrant, modern space where kids explore contemporary art through interactive installations, creative classes, and climbable sculptures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Art installation: Whammock!
Photo credit: Philipp Scholz Rittermann

New Children's Museum

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant, modern space where kids explore contemporary art through interactive installations, creative classes, and climbable sculptures.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"It's a great place for kids to explore and support local artists."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Art Installations

Interactive Art Installations

Throughout the museum

Engage with vibrant, tactile art designed for exploration and play. A feast for the senses!

The Disco Room

The Disco Room

Specific exhibit area

Groove to the beat in this colorful, shimmering space with a fun DJ table.

Water Play Area

Water Play Area

Dedicated exhibit zone

A refreshing and engaging spot for kids to splash and explore, a definite hit.

Climbable Sculptures

Climbable Sculptures

Various levels

Challenging and fun structures for kids to climb and conquer, fostering agility.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Weekdays are best to avoid overcrowding, especially on holiday weekends. Arrive early to enjoy popular exhibits before they get packed. Be aware that the museum can get warm, so plan accordingly.

Age Appropriateness & Exhibits

While interactive, some exhibits may be better suited for younger children (0-7). Older kids might find less stimulation. The web hammock is not recommended for very young children due to safety concerns.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, early afternoon
Why
Still manageable crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

New children’s Museum
200 W Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
The New Children’s Museum in downtown San Diego has interactive art, a giant climbable crochet structure, a sensory area for toddlers, and a brand-new art studio. Open every day this summer it’s perfect for families to get hands-on and creative together! 
Open 9 AM until 4 PM 7 days a week
Admission
Members
FREE
Children (under 1)
FREE
Ch...
@socalplaydaze
4.8K likes • 251.7K views

🚗 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:

The New Children’s Museum in San Diego is a must for all families! Great for all ages to enjoy and explore. #momlife #toddlermom #adayinmylife #kidsmuseum #thenewchildrensmuseum #sandiego #whattodoinsandiego #toddleractivities #12monthsold #babylearning
@jawpy
5.3K likes • 154.9K views
The New Children’s Museum and Gabby’s Dollhouse Meowseum Discovery Days-San Diego (200 W Island Ave, San Diego) 🎨This was our first visit to downtown San Diego’s children’s museum and it’s awesome! 🎨We were there for the Gabby’s Dollhouse meet and greet, but that was a one day event, today only, so I figured I’d focus on general things at the New Children’s Museum as it’s worth a visit! 🎨It’s ...
sandiegoplaydays
1.3K likes • 97.3K views

💧 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:

The New Children’s Museum in San Diego ✨ A fun place to take your kids when you are visiting California ! 💙 Address is 📍 200 W Island Ave San Diego, CA 92101 United States Check out their website for ticket information here ⬇️ thinkplaycreate.org #mommydiarytravels #momlife #momofsons #momofthree #kidsmuseum #familytime #ocmom #ocmomblog #momlifebelike #momvlog
rosyandchic
10.3K likes • 506.6K views

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

4.5
(3k reviews)

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

Interactive art installations
Themed rooms (disco, water)
Great for babies/toddlers

What People Dislike

Can get very warm
Less engaging for older kids

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to reach the museum, with designated drop-off points nearby. TikTok

Yes, several bus routes and the San Diego Trolley stop within walking distance of the museum, making it accessible via public transit. Instagram

For a weekday visit, arriving around 11:30 AM after the morning rush can be ideal. For weekend visits, aim for opening hours. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, but it's generally recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing. TikTok

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. Instagram

Opening hours can change seasonally. Always check the museum's official website for the current operating schedule before your visit. TikTok

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. Reddit

Keep an eye on their website or social media for potential discounts, family packages, or special event pricing. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum features highly interactive contemporary art installations, creative classes, climbable sculptures, and themed areas like a disco room and water play. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

Some visitors note that older children might find fewer stimulating exhibits compared to younger ones. However, the interactive nature can still be engaging. Reddit

While primarily for children, the contemporary art focus and unique installations can also be appreciated by adults. It's a space for shared discovery. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTok

Typically, outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum galleries. However, there might be designated areas for picnics or snacks. Instagram

Being in downtown San Diego, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries within walking distance, offering a wide variety of cuisines. Reddit

You'll find everything from casual quick bites to more upscale dining options, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, personal photography is allowed for non-commercial use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas. TikTok

The Disco Room with its vibrant colors and shimmering textures is a popular spot for photos. The climbable sculptures also offer dynamic shots. Reddit

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. Instagram

Avoid professional photography equipment or large setups without prior permission. Be respectful of the art and other guests. TikTok

Focus on capturing children interacting with the art, their expressions of wonder, and the vibrant colors and textures of the installations. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children (0-7)

The New Children's Museum is a fantastic spot for younger kids, with many interactive exhibits designed to engage their senses and motor skills. The water play area and disco room are often highlights. Reddit To maximize their enjoyment and ensure they can experience the more active installations, it's highly recommended to arrive right when the museum opens. Reddit This allows them to explore the climbable structures and other engaging exhibits before the crowds build up. Be mindful that the museum can get warm, so keep them hydrated. Reddit

👨‍👧‍👦 Families with Older Children (8+)

While the museum offers a unique contemporary art experience, some visitors note that older children might find the stimulation less engaging compared to younger age groups. Reddit However, the interactive nature of the art and the climbable sculptures can still provide a fun challenge. TikTok Encourage them to engage with the artist's intent behind each piece and explore the different textures and forms. The disco room is also a universally fun spot. Reddit

👶 Babies and Toddlers

This museum is surprisingly great for babies! They can enjoy the sensory experiences and even interact with older kids on some structures. Reddit Arriving first thing in the morning is key to letting your little one safely explore the 'big kid' areas before they get too crowded. Reddit There are dedicated spaces and exhibits that cater to their developmental stages, offering a rich environment for discovery. Remember to bring essentials and be prepared for potentially warm conditions. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Exhibits

The New Children's Museum is designed around contemporary art, offering a unique approach to children's engagement. Exhibits are often interactive, encouraging kids to touch, climb, and explore. While many find this approach refreshing, some reviews suggest that the 'art' aspect might be interpreted differently by some families, with one reviewer finding it 'creepy' rather than child-friendly. Reddit It's important to go in with an open mind, understanding that it's not a traditional children's museum with cartoon characters, but rather a space that uses art as a medium for learning and play. Reddit

Key areas that are consistently mentioned as hits include the water play area and the disco room with its DJ table. Reddit The climbable sculptures offer a physical challenge for active kids. TikTok However, some areas, like the space and dinosaur exhibits, are noted as potentially needing more content. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Reddit 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

Visitor comfort is a significant consideration when planning a trip to the New Children's Museum. A recurring point in reviews is the potential for the museum to become quite warm, with some guests reporting that the air conditioning was not working or inadequate during their visit, particularly on warmer days. Reddit This can make navigating the three-story building less comfortable, especially for younger children. Planning your visit for cooler times of the day or on less humid days might be advisable. TikTok

Practical amenities like hand sanitizer stations are readily available throughout the museum, which is a plus for hygiene-conscious families. Reddit 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. Reddit 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. Reddit

Parking is available on-site in an underground garage for $20, which is valid until 4 PM. Reddit 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.

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