San Diego Adventure: The New Children’s Museum

San Diego is always a cool overnight or day trip for us. We decided to  skip the typical sites and instead went to The New Children’s Museum in downtown San Diego. We haven’t spent much time in the downtown area  so I wanted to do something artistic and local.

We parked at the facilities lot for $10. I didn’t want to take a chance on street parking since we’re not familiar with the area. Admission to The New Children’s Museum is $10 per family member  (children under 11 months free). We were greeted with chipping bird sounds, Trojan horses and an open lofty at the entrance. This museum offers 3  floors of exhibits. Bubble fountains, molding clay and wall climbing  allowing your kids to be kids!

I definitely feel that the museum is suited towards younger children. My daughter is 3 and she explored every nook and cranny. That being  said, I can see older children running out of things to do here.

This museum is a place for curious families to participate and play together. We spent a lot of time on the hand-operated chariots. My daughter figured out how to control the glider around the track. My husband  even jumped on for a ride. Another favorite was the Rain House. The Rain House was colorful with foam tiles that can be dissembled. My daughter had so  much fun here that we couldn’t get her to leave (embarrassing moment of the day). The museum also offers workshops and we participated in creating a kaleidoscope from scratch. The kaleidoscope was a neat souvenir  and my daughter wore it proudly for the rest of the day.

Participate in one of the many workshop at The New Children's Museum. Photo by That's IT Mommy.

I really tried to see things from my daughter’s perspective. There was jumpy house tube and she jumped in a  all the way to the “rainbow”! Ahhh, if I could only be a kid  again! Also, there are easel stations sets up throughout the museum. Sit and draw with the kids or paint the Volkswagen Beetle and get messy (don’t worry there are sinks to wash up with)!

My husband and I enjoyed the Museum of Animal Perspectives section located in the Animal Art Gallery. What kid doesn’t pretend to be animal at some point? Visitors get an up-close look at a badger in a hole or get to walk around down at an armadillos level. The Museum of Animal Perspectives (M.A.P.) is a virtual museum that collects and displays wildlife imagery that has been captured using remote sensor cameras in the animal’s natural habitat. The New Children’s Museum is part of M.A.P. satellite locations.  For more info go here:  www.sameasterson.com.

See an animal in their natural habitat! Photo by That's IT Mommy

We spent about 3+ hours total at the museum. My husband and I took our  time reading about the various artists while our daughter interacted with the artists’ creations. The wall of the rock climbing area is  designed with colorful masking tape!

The New Children’s Museum staff were laid back, cheerful and very helpful. Maps  are not available so feel free to stumble upon stuff or ask the for help. This hands-on museum is manageable for families with young  children. Get involved with your kids, play, create and smile. Visits  can be pricey so a membership is the way to go if you’re a local. I  heard that there are free Sundays but free usually means massive crowds.

Last, we saw a birthday party at the museum. The attendees looked like they were having a blast. Make sure you checkout the playground area across from The New Children’s Museum. We happened upon a event the featured a Drum circle, story telling and crafts for the kids. What a nice way to end our visit. Visit http://www.thinkplaycreate.org/calendar/ to find out more about their upcoming events and summer camp if you live in the area.

– Tee

THE NEW CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Hours: 9am–4pm
Open every day except Wednesday
Admission:
Adults and children $10
Children under one year FREE
Museum Members FREE (family membership begins at $75)
Seniors (65+) $5 Military (w/ ID) $5
MUSEUM INFORMATION: 619 233 8792
www.thinkplaycreate.org

* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy received admission into the museum free of charge in order to facilitate this review.
 This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service.
 The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.

*Images – please do not use our images without permission.

APEX Chariots. Photo by That's IT Mommy

Look out for tip cards throughout the museum. Photo By That's IT Mommy

Interior of the Rain House. Photo By That's IT Mommy.

Climbing in the Untying Space. Photo by That's IT Mommy.

Bubbles and bubbles! Photo By That's IT Mommy