San Diego with Kids

• What is the Museum of Us?
  • The Museum of Us in San Diego is a fascinating museum featuring five exciting permanent exhibits that explore global cultures and human history.
• What are the permanent exhibits at the Museum of Us?
  • The museum features:
    • Ancient Egypt – Includes pottery, jewelry, carvings, and even a child’s coffin.
    • Footsteps through Time – A vast collection spanning five galleries, showcasing human history.
    • Children’s Discovery Center – An interactive exhibit featuring an archeological field camp replica.
    • Kumeyaay – A dedicated exhibition on the 13 local and four Baja, Mexico bands of Native American culture and history.
    • The Maya Exhibition – A collection celebrating Maya culture from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, and Guatemala. Learn more on their Facebook page.
• What special attraction should visitors not miss?
  • Visitors should tour the California Tower for one of the best panoramic views of San Diego.
• Where is the Museum of Us located?
  • 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA, Phone: 619-239-2001

• What is The New Children’s Museum?
  • The New Children’s Museum is a hands-on, interactive museum located at the west end of downtown San Diego, where the Gaslamp Quarter and Marina District meet.
• What types of activities does the museum offer?
  • The museum provides hours of playtime for kids, featuring:
    • 13 art installations, including a 48-foot-long bridge with a smile mural.
    • A wall-size nature matching grid.
    • A Desert Derby landscape for interactive fun.
• Are there creative activities for different age groups?
  • Yes, the museum offers art studios designed for toddlers to older makers, providing fun, educational activities year-round.
• Does the museum have a gift shop?
  • Yes, a museum shop sells fun and educational gifts for children.
• Where can visitors eat at the museum?
  • The Bean Sprouts Café inside the museum offers tasty and healthy food options for families.
• What is located near the museum?
  • The museum is just steps from Children’s Park, which features fountains, a duck pond, and a shaded children’s playground.
• Where is The New Children’s Museum located?
  • 200 West Island Avenue, San Diego, CA, Phone: 619-233-8792

• What is the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum?
  • The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum showcases the world's largest collection of historical United States Marine Corps aircraft, featuring 48 historic aircraft used between World War II and the present day.
• Where is the museum located?
  • The museum is located at San Diego's Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and serves as one of the Marine Corps' premier command museums.
• What can visitors see at the museum?
  • Guests can explore:
    • The Aviation Gallery, showcasing aircraft on display.
    • Exhibits related to aviation art and military working dogs.
    • Eight galleries featuring artwork, uniforms, and artifacts from Marine operations spanning WWII to the present day.
• Are there any special events at the museum?
  • Yes, special events throughout the year include:
    • Open Cockpit Days – Family-friendly events allowing visitors to explore the interiors of aircraft.
    • Picnic With A Pilot – A unique experience where guests can enjoy lunch with Marine Corps aviators.
• Where is the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum located?
  • 4203 Anderson Ave, San Diego, CA 92145, Phone: 858-693-1723

• What is the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum?
  • The San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is an interactive museum located in Escondido, California, about an hour north of downtown San Diego. It offers hands-on exhibits and educational programs focusing on art, science, and world cultures.
• What exhibits are featured in the museum?
  • The museum has four main exhibits:
    • Children’s Discovery Garden – An outdoor, nature-based exhibit with interactive science activities.
    • Experiment – A hands-on space focused on math, science, technology, and engineering with fun experiments.
    • Imagine – Encourages creativity, artistic expression, and language development.
    • Explore – Focuses on history, social science, and world cultures.
• Does the museum have a gift shop?
  • Yes, the museum features a gift shop with fun and educational products for kids.
• Where is the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum located?
  • San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, 320 North Broadway, Escondido, CA, Phone: 760-233-7755

• What is the San Diego Natural History Museum?
  • The San Diego Natural History Museum is located in Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the United States.
• What is the museum’s signature permanent exhibition?
  • The museum’s signature permanent exhibition is Fossil Mysteries, an interactive, kid-friendly exhibit that explores big questions in ecology, evolution, extinction, and Earth processes.
• What can visitors learn at Fossil Mysteries?
  • Visitors can explore the evolution of prehistoric animals and learn how to identify microfossils through engaging dioramas, models, murals, and fossils.
• What are some other permanent exhibitions?
  • The museum features additional exhibitions, including:
    • Skulls – A collection of more than 200 skulls from around the world.
    • Water: A California Story – A fascinating exhibit on the importance of water and conservation efforts in California.
• Does the museum have temporary exhibitions?
  • Yes, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions on a variety of natural history topics.
• What is the Biodiversity Research Center of the Californias?
  • The museum is home to the Biodiversity Research Center of the Californias, which conducts important research on California’s diverse ecosystems.

Address: San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA, Phone: 619-232-3281

• What is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
  • The San Diego Zoo Safari Park spans more than 1,800 acres and is located 35 minutes north of downtown San Diego. Unlike a traditional zoo, it offers eight unique safari experiences.
• Where do the safaris begin?
  • All safaris begin at Safari Base Camp, located at the park’s entrance.
• What animal habitats can visitors explore?
  • The park features 13 animal habitats, including:
    • Elephant Valley
    • Asian Savannah
    • African Plains
    • Butterfly Jungle
• How does the park create an immersive experience?
  • The park is designed to be as close to a real wildlife environment as possible, allowing visitors to experience animals in expansive, naturalistic settings.
• What are the different ways to explore the park?
  • Visitors can explore the park by:
    • Segway tours
    • Walking trails
    • Free African tram rides
    • Zip-lining
    • Safari carts
    • Caravan adventures
    Some of these experiences are free, while others require paid admission.
• Where is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park located?
  • 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, Phone: 760-747-8702

• What is the San Diego Zoo?
  • The San Diego Zoo is an iconic urban zoo located next to Balboa Park near downtown San Diego. It spans 100 acres and features open-air exhibits designed to replicate natural habitats.
• How many animals are at the San Diego Zoo?
  • The zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals from 800 species, all housed in authentically recreated environments.
• How old is the San Diego Zoo?
  • The zoo recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, making it a San Diego icon in itself.
• What are the different ways to explore the zoo?
  • Visitors can experience the zoo in multiple ways:
    • Walking paths with a complimentary map.
    • Skyfari gondola lift, offering an aerial view of the zoo.
    • Guided tour on a double-decker bus for a narrated experience.
• How is the zoo organized?
  • The zoo is structured into ten different habitats, making navigation easy for visitors.
• What is the Nighttime Zoo?
  • Nighttime Zoo is a special experience available during the summer season, where visitors can explore the zoo after dark with unique performances and animal encounters.
• Where is the San Diego Zoo located?
  • 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA, Phone: 619-231-1515

• What is the San Diego Botanic Garden?
  • The San Diego Botanic Garden is a stunning botanic wonderland located in Encinitas, about 40 minutes north of San Diego. It spans 37 landscaped acres and features more than 5,000 plant species across 29 themed gardens.
• Has the garden received any awards?
  • Yes, the San Diego Botanic Garden has been recognized as a Top 10 North American Garden Tourism Award recipient.
• What activities are available for children?
  • The garden offers kid-friendly experiences, including:
    • Seeds of Wonder – A program for preschoolers with fun activities on Tuesdays through Thursdays.
    • Hamilton’s Children’s Garden – Featuring 13 interactive activities available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..
• Are there any special seasonal events?
  • Yes! In December, the garden is illuminated with 125,000 dazzling holiday lights, creating a festive and magical atmosphere.
• Does the garden have a shop?
  • Yes, there is a Garden Shop onsite, offering a variety of plants, gifts, and gardening supplies.
• Where is the San Diego Botanic Garden located?
  • 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA, Phone: 760-436-3036

• What is Dog Beach in Ocean Beach?
  • Dog Beach in Ocean Beach, California, is one of the country's first official off-leash dog beaches, allowing dogs to freely play on the sand and in the water.
• Where is Dog Beach located?
  • The beach is located at the corner of Voltaire Street and West Point Loma Boulevard in Ocean Beach, San Diego.
• What natural features define Dog Beach?
  • The beach is situated where the San Diego River meets the ocean, and a rock jetty separates it from the busy entrance to Mission Bay.
• Is there parking available?
  • Yes, there is a large parking lot as well as plenty of street parking available for visitors.
• Is Dog Beach a good spot for surfers?
  • Yes! Dog Beach is also known as a great surf spot for those looking to catch some waves.
• Are there facilities at Dog Beach?
  • Yes, visitors have access to showers and bathrooms for convenience.
• What are the operating hours?
  • The Original Dog Beach is open 24 hours a day, allowing for all-day fun with your furry friend.

Address: The Original Dog Beach, Ocean Beach Bike Path, San Diego, CA, Phone: 619-236-5555

• What is LEGOLAND California?
  • LEGOLAND California is a theme park located 30 minutes north of San Diego in Carlsbad, California. It features more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions designed for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.
• What is Miniland USA?
  • Miniland USA is one of the park’s most unique attractions, created from over 20 million LEGO bricks. It features detailed replicas of popular U.S. tourist destinations, as well as busts of historical figures and pop culture icons.
• Are there areas specifically for younger children?
  • Yes! Duplo Play Town and Duplo Village are dedicated play areas designed specifically for young children, offering interactive activities and rides.
• Does LEGOLAND have an aquarium?
  • Yes, SeaLife Aquarium is part of LEGOLAND and features more than 200 aquatic animals, offering an educational and entertaining experience for visitors.
• What is LEGOLAND Water Park?
  • LEGOLAND Water Park features a variety of water rides and attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.
• Is there a place to stay near LEGOLAND?
  • Yes, an adjacent resort is available for guests who want to extend their stay and enjoy even more LEGOLAND fun.

Address: LEGOLAND California, 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA, Phone: 888-690-5346